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The United Methodist Church of Burlington
Volume 27, Issue 1
January, 2016
INNER CLOTHING
A Sermon Based on Colossians 3:12-17
by Pastor Scott Hannon Sharing God’s Love
Christian Ed. News
2
3
Footprints News
Volunteer Schedule
4
5
Events Calendar
Give Christmas Away
6
7
Baby Shower
Council Minutes
8
9
Sermon
10-11
8
Inside:
JOIN US
SUNDAYS!
8:15 am Worship
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:30 am Hospitality
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against some-one. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
One of my brother ‘n laws says he is not a clothes horse. Just in case you
do not know what a clothes-horse is: It is “a person whose chief interest and
pleasure is dressing fashionably.” Admittedly, I am not a clothes horse, either.
But I do try to wear colors that match. However, last Sunday, I walked out to the
kitchen with a pair of brown trousers and a blue sport coat. Carol told me that
brown and blue do not go well together. I thought those trousers were gray. I
have got to turn the lights on in the bedroom when I get dressed.
I doubt if the Apostle Paul was a clothes-horse. Yet in our scripture les-
son above, he makes a fashion statement. He says to wear the following items of
clothing: compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. But of course, you do
not put on those items. Instead you put them into your self, making them part of
your character. Continues on page 10
“Sharing God’s
Love with
Coffey County
and the World”
BUMC VISION, MISSION AND GOALS
REMAIN VITAL IN 2016
Vision: Sharing God’s love with Coffey County and the world.
Mission: to ignite a Christ-centered passion through serving and caring for others
Goals: Increase Communication
Encourage Relationships and Christian Growth
Mission – Outreach to the Community and World.
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BUMC…..SHARING GOD’S LOVE This section is devoted to sharing
examples of our congregation acting on our
mission of “Sharing God’s Love with Coffey
County and the World.” If you want to recog-
nize someone for sharing God’s love with you or
others, please email the church office at lmas-
ters@ umcburlington.org for its possible inclu-
sion in the newsletter. The deadline for submit-
ting newsletter information is the twentieth of each month.
You Are Invited!
Call for a Visit!
Get to know
Pastor Scott better!
He would like to hear
from you.
If you would like a
visit, please call him (913-522-
0098) or call the church office
(364-2181) to set a time you are
available. He can visit your
home or you can meet at the
church.
Join us Sundays at 8:15 am
or 10:30 am worship!
Messages will be based on the
following scriptures:
Jan. 3: Eph. 3:1-12
Jan. 10: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Jan. 17: 1 Cor. 12:1-11
Jan. 24: 1 Cor. 12:12-31
Jan. 31: 1 Cor. 13:1-13
Scriptures for
January’s
Sermons
Shelly Thorp and Sherry Fejfar created beautiful new Christmas
decorations for BUMC, adding to their decoration gifts from last year.
Their donations of time, talent, and the gorgeous decorations were enjoyed
by all who visited and worshiped at BUMC his season. Thank you!
Thank you to all who helped dress the church for Christmas, and to
those who un-decorated. Johnny and Dawn Freeman spent extra time co-
ordinating and tackling the project. Thank you to the Witness Committee
for providing lunch following the decorating project.
Many, many BUMC family and friends were involved in the Giv-
ing Christmas Away program. Please see a summary on page 7 of how
BUMC shared God’s love through this annual project.
Judy Stukey offers a part of her morning each Monday to count the
offering plate’s bills and coins with Luella Masters. This routine is part of
a process to ensure the security of the cash along with double-checking the
accuracy of the deposit. The identifiable portion of the offering (including
checks) is not included in the weekly co-counting to maintain discretion in
giving. Becky Reeves and Barb Merry secure the offering in bags follow-
ing worship services each Sunday. Thank you to all who give their time to
maintain security in collecting money and maintain privacy.
Christmas Eve service required extra volunteers sharing their time
on this special evening. Thank you to special music providers Wayne
Kirchner and Kari Gales. Sheree Damashek is generous to share her talent
through all occasions. Communion Stewards along with Pastor Scott were
Richard and Susan Croll, Alan and Dianne Barrett, Judy Stukey, Amy and
Carie Collins. Austin Croll was videographer, and the Crolls and Barretts
were greeters. Thank you to all!
E-Mail
Devotions
Available
Devotions from Pastor Scott
are available through email.
If you are currently not
receiving them but you would
like to, please share your email
address with the church office
([email protected] ).
If you are receiving email
devotions and would rather not,
please notify the church
office as well.
MEN’S BREAKFAST MEETINGS
MOVE TO 7 AM
The BUMC men’s breakfast meeting is the second Friday of each
month. January’s meeting is Friday the 9th at 7 am. Previously gathering
an hour earlier, the group hopes the new 7 am start will enable more
participants to attend.
All men are invited. A cooking rotation changes monthly. This
month Bob Culbertson’s team is providing breakfast.
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
by Director Adrienne Fleming
SHARING
GOD’S LOVE
by
Council Chair
Carie Collins As most of you already
know our vision statement is
“Sharing God’s love with
Coffey County and the World”.
It is pretty easy to share God’s
love with our community, but
how do we make a difference in
our World?
The United Methodist
Church helps guide us by
designating six “Special Giving
Sundays”. These offerings
allow us to offer refuge in times
of disaster, promote peace and
justice, provide scholarships
and student loans, teach skills to
encourage self-sufficiency and
share the love of Jesus Christ
with God’s people everywhere.
The Six Sundays in 2016
are:
Human Relations Day - January
17; One Great Hour of Sharing-
March 16; Native American
Ministries -April 10; Peace with
Justice - May 22; World Com-
munion Sunday -October 2;
United Methodist Student Day -
November 27.
Our church would like to
challenge each family to donate
at least $1 for each giving Sun-
day. Just think what a differ-
ence you could make in some-
one’s life and be sharing God’s
love with our world!!
To learn more about these
Special Sundays go to
www.umc.org/how-we-serve/
special-sundays.
Greetings and Happy 2016!
At the start of a new year, I love to sit down and review the many
blessings the Lord afforded me over the past year. Life can be all too hec-
tic, and somehow counting my blessings always helps me to put things in
perspective. I also love to make goals for the New Year. Below is a list of
BUMC’s small group offerings. I hope you will consider joining one of
them in fellowship!
Preschool – 5th Grade One Room Sunday School: Bob and Carol
Culbertson teach this class at 9:30 am. The Deep Blue Sunday School
Curriculum is used to bring stories of the Bible to life. Class members
enjoy a short video introducing the message for the day, crafts, games, and
special conversations with Indy the Dog!
6th Grade – Senior High: Richard and Susan Croll lead this youth
class in the youth room at the far end of the classroom hallway at 9:15 am.
They use puppets to explore and express the meaning of scriptures as well
as create presentations to share with the congregation.
Adult Sunday School: Adults meet each Sunday and enjoy lively
discussion in the BUMC library at 9:15 am. Currently, they are complet-
ing Adam Hamilton’s The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul.
If you have a study you are interested in doing, please bring your idea to
this class!
Lunch Hour Study: This group meets in the BUMC Library every
Monday from noon to 1 pm. They are studying Max Lucado’s Life Les-
sons: The Book of James. Bring your lunch and enjoy this fun group and
lively discussion! The next study will be Lucado’s study of Acts.
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: This group meets at 10 am
every Thursday in BUMC’s Garst Hall. The group is working their way
through the book of Genesis.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast: All men are invited to join this int-
ergenerational group! They meet at 7 am every second Friday of the
month in Garst Hall. The men are split into groups and take turns cooking.
This is a wonderful way for men to form Christ-centered relationships that
help grow their faith. Speakers are sometimes invited to share a message.
Footprints (6th grade through Seniors): BUMC’s youth group
meets each Sunday evening at 5:30 pm for dinner and discussion. At
BUMC, our goal is to lead our teenagers to personal dynamic relationships
to God that they carry throughout their lives. This happens when teenagers
know AND live out the foundational truths of their faith. Richard and
Susan Croll lead this exciting group.
I pray you will make a small group at BUMC part of your New
Year! If you don’t see a topic or time that appeals to you, do not hesitate
to let me know! May peace and joy surround you and yours!
In His love,
Adrienne
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Christ's love to you all!
With the start of a new year, comes the start of a renewed commit-
ment to our Lord and Savior! Our last topic of last year and our first of this
year both centered on just that, our commitment to our fellow man and our
commitment to Jesus. How about you? Have you evaluated your commit-
ment to God lately?
Our Footprints will be walking over to the Christian Church on Janu-
ary 17th for what has become an annual concert for the area churches. Last
year saw a few youth from Neodesha and several from Bartlesville journey
up Highway 75 to see what's happening in Coffey County. This year should
be no different with a wonderful praise and worship time followed by a brief
lesson. Cloverton will be headlining this year's event. It starts with dinner at
our church and then off to the Christian Church for the 6:30 start time. I be-
lieve the evening concludes between 8:30 and 9 PM. Keep in mind, there is no school the following Monday,
so that is why the concert is set for this date.
In the event you recall our group going to the OneEvent, we aren't going to make it this year. It is in
Grand Island, Nebraska, again, but it is scheduled for the end of January instead of the beginning. The prob-
lem with this is ball games for the kids and schedules for the adults. We are sorry to have to miss this awe-
some conference event, but we aren't going to miss the snow and ice of Nebraska in the winter.
Our next event will actually be in February: our annual Sweet Heart Dinner on Valen-
tine's Day following the late service! The menu has been set: choice of brisket or marinated
chicken breast, cheesy bacon ranch potatoes, seasoned green beans, dinner roll, tossed greens
and baked New York style cheesecake. Look for the sign-up sheet to be circulated in the near
future to help with the number of meals we make. While reservations aren't required, please
help a footie out and sign up! Similar to years past, we will have a free will donation, but keep
in mind we are spending about $7 per person on this dinner, so please give generously!
Several of you have asked about the numbers we have attending these days. It depends on what is go-
ing on with the kids, but we average about 20,
and range anywhere from 16 to 25. Some
people have donated money to feed the gang,
others have cooked things like chili, burgers,
enchiladas, tacos and crock pot casseroles.
The kids aren't too picky about what they eat
as long as it doesn't have too many veggies in
it (especially peas and peppers). If you are
interested in fixing dinner for us, talk to one
of us and we'll help you decide on what you'd
like to do.
Thank you for all your prayers and
support for all of us, we appreciate all of our
church family!
God bless!
Richard and Susan
FOOTPRINTS YOUTH NEWS
by Youth Director Richard Croll
BUMC Footprints
The youth group meets
Sundays at 5:30 pm at the
church. The youth room is
located on the top floor at the
north end of the hallway.
Sixth graders through
twelfth graders are invited to
enjoy dinner, fellowship, a
lesson, activities, and many
special events.
The youth provided fun and lively musical entertainment following the
Christmas program. They are pictured here at their annual Christmas party.
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JANUARY WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS
January 10 8:15 Service Worship Leader: Diane Williams
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Diane Williams
10:30 Service Worship Leader: Harold Stubby
Video: Nik Alfers
Scripture: Zoe Caldwell
Ushers: The Hudson Family
Acolytes: Brenden and Aiden Alfers
Child. Church: Dianne Barrett
Children’s Message: Oggie, Susan Croll
Nursery: Isaac Caldwell
Hospitality: Geneva and Terry Bussard
January 17 8:15 Service Worship Leader: Carie Collins
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Carie Collins
10:30 Service Worship Leader: Johnny Freeman
Video: Liz Caldwell
Scripture: Joyce Hopkins
Ushers: Needed
Acolytes: Josie and Sage Fejfar
Child. Church: Kathy Gales
Children’s Message: Carol Culbertson
Nursery: Zoe Caldwell
Hospitality: The Greg Hudson Family
January 24 8:15 Service Worship Leader: Judy Stukey
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Judy Stukey
10:30 Service Worship Leader: Bob Culbertson
Video: Austin Croll
Scripture: Judy Rhodes
Ushers: Terry and Geneva Bussard
Acolytes: Shalonn Wright and Drue Thorp
Child. Church: Tina Decker
Children’s Message: Elizabeth Hudson
Nursery: Kaitlyn Caldwell
Hospitality: Harold and Jolene Stubby
We Need, Appreciate
BUMC Volunteers If you are unable to serve on the day
scheduled, please feel free to trade with
another person and let the church office
know (364-2181 or lmasters@ umcburling-
ton.org). Reminders are emailed weekly.
If you see an area of ministry in
which you are interested, please let us
know. We appreciate your ideas and your
time. Let us support you in using your
gifts and talents at BUMC as we serve and
worship together.
January 3 8:15 Service Worship Leader: Carie Collins
Video: Amy Collins / Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Jane Griffith
10:30 Service Worship Leader: Mark Petterson
Video: Weston Fleming
Scripture: Mark Petterson
Ushers: Ron and Paula Bruce
Acolytes: Hayden and Hannah Sides
Child. Church: Tina Decker
Children’s Message: Pastor Scott Hannon
Nursery: Teela Burrell
Hospitality: Dawn and Johnny Freeman
January 31 8:15 Service Worship Leader: Roger Cole
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Bev Yokum
10:30 Service Worship Leader: Cindy Joy
Video: Weston Fleming
Scripture: Kaitlyn Caldwell
Ushers: Needed
Acolytes: Elijah Caldwell and Kenny Glenn
Child. Church: Dianne Barrett
Children’s Message: Luella Masters
Nursery: Bremden Alfers
Hospitality: Needed
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BUMC, YOU GAVE CHRISTMAS AWAY!
Throughout Advent BUMC “gave Christmas away” in many ways to fulfill the vision of sharing God’s
love with Coffey County and the world. Let’s extend our giving attitude into 2016!
Christmas cards were written to many homebound and distant
friends to remind them that they remain in BUMC’s hearts.
Through Socks and Undies Sundays BUMC collected new socks
and underclothes to benefit the elementary school’s clothes closet
and God’s Storehouse. Socks and undies are the least-often donated
clothing items for clothing closets. This year 213 pairs of socks and 131
undies were collected. Check out the accompanying chart to compare to
past years’ collections. We appreciate Toni Allen for organizing, displaying,
sorting, and delivering this great collection.
Twenty-two goody plates were organized and delivered to home-
bound friends. Thank you to so many who baked, plated, and visited
recipients, and delivered the plates. Pictured at right are a few of the
volunteers who plated the fruit, cookies, cupcakes, and candies, and organ-
ized them for delivery.
Thirty carolers caravanned to carol following 10:30 service on Sun-
day, Dec. 20. The singers (pictured below) visited The Meadows
and Life Care Center to share God’s love through traditional Christ-
mas songs.
Twenty-one households were adopted through ECKAN’s Adopt-a-Family
program. Income-qualifying individuals apply for adoption at the ECKAN
center, and BUMC volunteers are matched with families needing help with Christmas
gifts. The generosity of BUMC in this program is unmatched. One couple has devel-
oped a tradition of adopting three families each Christmas rather than exchanging gifts
with one another. Other families involve their children in helping choose gifts for
other children. God’s love is shared in a wonderful variety of ways.
Jolene Stubby organized and wrote a Christmas program including the chil-
dren, youth, and choir. The Christmas story and music were shared along with
refreshments provided by volunteers and served by the Christian Ed. Commit-
tee. Thank you to all who gave Christmas away in special, intentional ways!
Year Total Socks Undies
2015 335 213 131
2014 379 226 153
2013 349 159 190
2012 470 298 172
2011 362 225 137
Carolersat the Life Care Center included: Rita Beard, Heather and Kaitlyn Borden, Jolene Stubby, Glenda Jones, Bob Culbertson,
Jane Griffith, Brian Masters, David Douglass, Kathy Gales, Carol Culbertson, Becky Reeves, Glenda Combes, Mark Petterson,
Carol Hannon, Thomas Hudson and Richard Croll, Greg Hudson, Weston Fleming, Thyra Davis, Adrienne Fleming, Theresa Pryor,
Joan Murphy, Susan Croll, Sue Rodgers, Jay Atkin, Mark Murphy, Pastor Scott Hannon, and Luella Masters.
Volunteers organize and plate the goodies
to be delivered the week of December 13.
Special visitors greeted kids
in an entertaining event after
the program.
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Thank You for Sharing Your Poinsettias
Dedications included: Dan and Linda Allen for Loved Ones and Military Members;
Kathi Bahr and Family for Oscar & Louise Zscheile & Loved Ones; Steve & Verla Bar-
tholomew for Don & Delores Bartholomew; Rita Beard for Loved Ones; Heather, Kaitlyn
& Sophia Borden for Miguel, Esteban & Isabella; Ron & Paula Bruce for Loved Ones;
Richard Croll family for Jim & Verna Croll; Jerilyn Curtiss for Mom & Dad; Dalby Girls
for “Papa” Ike Dalby; Shirley Daniel for Glen, Thelma & RD Anderson & for Jerry
Daniel; Sherry Fejfar & family for Jim Leach & Grandpa Ellis & for Dennis & Mabel
Blohm; Kathy Gales & family for Larry Gales; Richard, Tina, Misty & Ross Gilbert for
Harold Scharff & for Raymond & LaVonnabelle Gilbert; Jane Hartley for Nella Hartley &
for Herb Hartley; Steve & Joyce Hopkins for Art Hopkins, Charles & Alma Renfro; Glenda Jones for Don
Jones & for Scott Jones; Stan & Linda Luke for Loved Ones; Mary Logan for Marion Logan & Florence
McCaul; Brother Kyle, Mother & Terry Olde (Sis) for Kirk Manwaring; Gene & Barbara Merry for Loved
Ones; Mark & Joan Murphy for Parents & for Grandparents; Ron Pearson family for Loved Ones; Theresa
CW Pryor for Charley, Charles, Charleen & Chyanne Shope; Brian, Brady & Brett Rand for Lori Rand; Glenn
& Karen Reeves for Loved Ones; Forrest & Judy Rhodes for Loved Ones; Forrest & Sylvia Robrahn for
Loved Ones; Elmarie Scharff for Harold Scharff; Bill & Sharon Shoup for Melvin & Mildred Schif; Bernice
Sucec for Mary Zant, Elizabeth Sucec; Nancy Thompson for Judd Thompson; Joan White for James W.
White, Sr.; Lila Zscheile & Family for Carl Zscheile & for Merle & Bill Ray, Robert Ray.
HOW DO YOU WANT
TO SERVE?
A SHOWER & BRUNCH
will celebrate
Wes & Adrienne Fleming’s
New Bundle of Joy!
Saturday, January 30
10:30 am
Garst Fellowship Hall
All Women are Invited!
Hosted by Monday Bible Study Group
With the start of 2016, there are lots of
opportunities to make resolutions or commit-
ments. How do you want to serve Christ? How
do you want to serve with your BUMC family?
If you feel led to serve on a committee,
please visit with Pastor Scott or a Lay Leader-
ship Committee member. Several committees
are open for membership. The Finance
Committee is especially in need of interested
participants.
If you feel led to share hospitality, please
sign up on the coffee and cookies schedule
posted on the church office window.
Ushers and greeters are needed for the
new year. This schedule is also posted on the
church office window.
The funeral luncheon committee list will
be posted in the next newsletter, but helpers are
always welcome. If you have never done this or
if you would like to be placed on a different
quarter’s committee, please contact the church
office.
There are countless ways to serve. Let us
know if you would like to discuss opportunities!
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DECEMBER COUNCIL MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carie Collins December 9 at 7:10 pm
Members present Carie Collins, Pastor Scott Hannon, Roger Cole, Harold Stubby, John Freeman, Dawn Free-
man, Luella Masters, Becky Reeves, David Douglass, Gary Simmons, and Terry Bussard.
Pastor Scott opened the meeting with a prayer.
The minutes of the 11/12/15 Special Church Council meeting and the Church Conference Meeting of
11/15/15 were approved. The motion was made by David Douglass and seconded by Johnny Freeman. The
motion passed.
Finance-Becky presented the November financial report. There was a gain of $8,346.79 for the month.
All the apportionments have been paid.
Karen Kaufman sent notes to Carie in regard to the Finance Committee. She thanked all those that
helped with the finance campaign. It was very successful with a 45% increase in commitment cards being
completed.
Witness Committee-Dawn Freeman. She stated that there was going to be one Christmas Eve Service
at 6:00 PM. The Christmas Program is this Sunday. Christmas Caroling will be December 20. The com-
mittee is considering a change in the worship schedule. The consideration is to have Sunday school at the
same time as the second worship service and possibly moving the second service to 9:30 AM. There will be
additional discussion will be held before bringing a proposal to the council.
Staff Parish Relations-Terry Bussard. It was reported that the committee completed the year end
evaluation of Pastor Scott.
David Douglass stated that he is researching a problem with the church’s e-mail. Some e-mail is not
arriving at the church.
Trustees-Gary Simmons The inspection of the parsonage has been completed. The church will need to
consider addressing the replacement of the roof. There is ongoing research to soundproofing the kitchen and
at this point a solution has not been found. The lawn mower has been serviced and is ready for winter.
There was then a discussion about a planning session that would be held to address the direction of the
church. A possibility of a large meeting for brainstorming was discussed and then follow up for a smaller
group of perhaps 10 people. The main two questions that should be addressed by the congregation are (1)
What do you want the church to be and (2) What are you willing to do to get there?
A date of Saturday, January 16, the time will be 9 AM to Noon, was suggested for the meeting.
The goals of the church were set forth at the annual conference.
Carie mentioned several improvements that have been made to help meet the church's goals.
Foundation-John Freeman. John stated that the Foundation has voted to support the Meals on Wheels
program with a $500 donation.
Events of the church were mentioned, the Christmas Program, the Christmas Eve Service and Christ-
mas Caroling.
Other business. Judy Stukey has talked to Carie about Michael and Dianne Myers who need some
help. Mr. Myers has cancer and Mrs. Myers works at Hoovers. They have problems with the foundation of
their home, which as collapsed on the furnace. The furnace does not work now and the home has no heat.
There was mention of a fundraiser for them to assist them with some of their expenses.
There may be a meeting scheduled in January to discuss the change in the worship schedule.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting, by Luella Masters.
Respectfully,
Roger Cole
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Inner Clothing, Continued from Page 1
I love it when others show me compassion and kindness. They
extend a helping hand when I have fallen. They reach out to me when I am
in need. They tell I am loved, when I feel I am not. They build me up when
life has broken me. They demonstrate the love of Jesus to me.
Unfortunately, compassion and kindness are missing from our
nation’s dialogue. Instead of being compassionate and kind, we are
encouraged to be distrustful of persons who are different from us. But
fortunately, we have things that challenge our assumptions about those
persons. One such thing was a devotion for November 18, which appeared
in the Upper Room.
“After a very long flight, I emerged from the Paris metro car feeling weary. I struggled with the two
large pieces of luggage I had brought with me.
An escalator surely must be nearby, I thought.
“But as I turned the corner, I sighed and dropped my bags. The escalator was out of service. Rush
hour was just beginning and hundreds of Parisians passed me by, hurrying to their destinations, never even
noticing, or perhaps irritated, that I had stopped in their path. Suddenly I felt someone reaching for the bag on
my right. When I realized the woman was reaching not to steal my bag but to carry it for me, I grabbed the
other bag and together we made the trek.
“My good Samaritan was a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab. When we reached the tree-lined
avenue outside the metro station, she left my bag and proceeded on her way. All I could do was yell,
“Shukran!” the Arabic word for “thank you.”
“This woman saw my need and met it. Her action reminded me that no matter who we are, where we
come from, or the basis of our faith, in the end we are all God’s children. Her kindness inspired me to show
hospitality to friends and strangers alike.” We have famous people who teach us to be compassionate and kind. One such person is Abraham
Lincoln, who is perhaps the most beloved of all our presidents. While not perfect, he set a grand example for
us to emulate. But not everyone appreciated the example he set. For example, he “was criticized for speaking
of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the
Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, ‘I destroy my
enemies when I make them my friends.’”
“Once in October 1862, Mr. Lincoln visited a hospital where Confederate soldiers wounded from the
Battle of Antietam. He asked a soldier whose leg had been amputated, ‘Would you shake hands with me if I
were to tell you who I am.’ When the Confederate said yes, Mr. Lincoln told him: ‘I am Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States.’ The eyes of both men filled with tears.
“A Confederate colonel recalled being visited by the President: ‘He halted beside my bed and held out
his hand. I was lying on my back, my knees drawn up, my hands folded across my breast. Looking him in the
face, as he stood with extended hand, 'Mr. President,' I said, 'do you know to whom you offer your hand?' 'I do
not,' he replied. 'Well,' said I, 'you offer it to a Confederate colonel who has fought you as hard as he could for
four years.' 'Well,' said he, 'I hope a Confederate colonel will not refuse me his hand.' 'No, sir,' I replied, 'I will
not,' and I clasped his hand in both of mine.”
In verse 13 of our scripture lesson, the Apostle Paul tells us to,
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends
you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Each
one of us has faults, although we are far more likely to notice someone
else’s faults. Recognizing that each one of us has faults, we are called to
forgive anyone who offends us. To make that clear, Paul tells us that
since the Lord forgave us, we must forgive others.
Continues on next page.
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Inner Clothing, Continued from Page 10
Emphasizing the need to forgive others is the Lord’s Prayer, wherein we pray: “And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The implication is: If we do not forgive others, God
will not forgive us. However, I think God can and does forgive us, even if we do not forgive others. Here is
why: God’s forgiveness is not conditional on what we do or do not do. God’s forgiveness is offered according
to God’s own terms. So according to David Timms, who wrote the book Living the Lord’s Prayer, the implica-
tion that God cannot forgive us if we do not forgive others is meant to be a hyperbole. It is meant to get our
attention. To explain why we should forgive others, he says, “How dare we beg for grace with no intention of
extending that same grace to others. How impudent of us to plead for forgiveness while harboring bitterness
and resentment against others.” Not forgiving others while seeking forgiveness is hypocritical, but does not
make us unforgivable.
In verse 14 of our scripture lesson, Paul introduces another piece of clothing: Love, which holds the
other items together. As to how, think about it this way: If I love you, I will be compassionate by being willing
to suffer with you. If I love you, I will be kind to you by treating you like I want to be treated. If I love you, I
will be humble by allowing you to be the star. If I love you, I will be gentle by having a deliberate kindness in
my relationship with you. If I love you, I will be patient by accepting God's pace of developing your relation-
ship with him. If I love you, I will hold our relationship together by being compassionate, kind, humble, gen-
tle, and patient.
It’s an old but beautiful story. A young boy walks into a pet shop to buy a puppy. The owner shows
him what he has. The boy looks over each one carefully and finally makes his pick, one with a misshapen leg.
The owner says, “Son, you don’t want that one. He can’t even stand well. He’ll never be able to run or fetch
anything. Pick another.” The boy hikes up one pant leg revealing a prosthetic leg and replies, “Nope. This is
the one for me. I know what it’s like not to be able to run or play. I’ll really be able to help him.”
Whenever I hear from people who appreciate what we do for them, I get warm and fuzzy feelings. As
to what I have heard, I have heard many compliments about our volunteering at the school and God's Store-
house. It is great being the pastor of a congregation that loves people in meaningful ways.
People appreciate a church that reaches out to help without expecting anything in return. I think people
appreciate a church like that because they recognize Jesus in such a church. You see, Jesus healed, taught, and
fed persons without expecting anything in return. He did not even expect loyalty. Some of the persons he
helped betrayed him. I like to think he knew this beforehand and still helped them out.
It is the “no strings attached” type of ministry that draws me to Jesus. I just think people should be
helped because they need help. Sure, some people take advantage of getting help with no strings attached. So
what? If a few of them, even just one, sees Jesus when they receive help, it is worth being taken advantage of.
That is why it is so helpful to be as humble as possible. Why? Through being humble, we are less concerned
about people taking advantage of us.
Each day as you get dressed, do not just pay attention to the clothing you put on your body. Also pay
attention to the clothing you put on your inside. Imagine yourself dressing yourself on the inside with compas-
sion, kindness, humility, and patience.
If you are less able than others to be compassionate, kind, humble, and patient, perhaps Jesus has you
on a different path of spiritual development than others are on. It is said that Jesus offers things to us when we
are ready to receive them. So when Jesus knows you are ready, you will receive them. But make sure you
cooperate with Jesus in his plan for you to become more like him.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/clothes%20horse
http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2015-11-18
http://odb.org/2012/07/26/changing-enemies-into-friends/
http://mrlincolnandfriends.org/inside.asp?pageID=26&subjectID=1
Ibid. (Kindle Locations 1149-1150)
Fuquay, Rob (2014-10-03). The God We Can Know: Exploring the "I Am" Sayings of Jesus (Kindle
Locations 212-217). Upper Room Books. Kindle Edition.
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Vo l u me 2 7 , I s s ue 1 Address Service Requested
Presorted
U. S. Postage Paid
Burlington KS
Permit No #55
Burlington United Methodist Church
207 South 6th Street
Burlington, KS 66839
Pastor Scott Hannon
Phone: 620-364-2181
Office Hours: 8-Noon Weekdays
BUMC
Saturday, Jan. 16, 9 am to Noon
Burlington Library Conference Room
Come help plan strategies for effective ministry at BUMC.
Refreshments will be provided.
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