February, 2021
NOTE: This month’s Cross Beams lead article is long. I hope and pray that you will set aside some time to read it carefully, as it communicates our focus for this year, our personal faith development (discipleship) in 2021.
OUR FAITH DEVELOPMENT/DISCIPLESHIP IN 2021
Jesus… gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day
after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 - The Message) Faith development (discipleship) does not just happen. And, spiritual growth and discipleship cannot be handed down. Each of us must be intentional about seeking out a “first-hand faith.”+
During the month of January, we have looked at the difficulties of change in the Christian life. Through
understanding procrastination, sanctification, and the power of cultivating spiritual habits, we have explored the life-giving process of change in the Christian life.
On January 10, we examined change as a part of life; noting that it will either bring us closer to God or take us farther away from God. Our goal, then, is that we must take responsibility to follow God in every season of life. On January 17, we noted that the Christian life is about changing to reflect more of Jesus through the process of sanctification (or spiritual growth). Our aim, then, is that we need to allow our lives to be changed to reflect Jesus, more and more, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
On January 24, we focused on how change can be hindered when we put off responsibilities for another time. Our objective, then, is that we will not allow procrastination to hinder our growth.
On January 31, our emphasis will be on cultivating spiritual habits that fuel change and spiritual growth. Our intent is that we will cultivate habits that bring spiritual change.
I am calling each one of us to commit, now, to the spiritual habits that will help you and me take that next faithful step in our Faith Development (Discipleship). No matter where we are on the journey, there always is room to grow. I pray that you will join me in committing to take time to review the Faith
Development/Discipleship Pathway for Cedarville UMC (below), which was designed to help us along the path of spiritual growth.
On February 17, which is Ash Wednesday, we enter the season of Lent. Lent is a time to focus on our spiritual walk with Christ and seek to go deeper in our faith. In an earlier online survey of the congregation, participants shared that they struggle with their efforts to move forward on their faith journey.
The Faith Development/Discipleship Pathway for Cedarville UMC chart provides descriptions of various phases of the faith journey (discipleship). There is no right or wrong place to be. Each of us is where we are. The point is to prayerfully and honestly understand where we are and then prayerfully decide in what area of faith development (discipleship) we most need or want to focus in order to take our next faithful step in our Christian growth. The chart is designed with four areas of Faith Development/Discipleship down the left column – Worship - Connection/Relationships - Spiritual Disciplines – Generosity & Service. (The final area on the bottom of the chart, is the ultimate focus, becoming more and more Christ-like.)
Across the top of the chart, you will find general headings for the various stages of the faith journey – Searching – Exploring – Beginning – Growing - Maturing. Just beneath those headings, you will find
descriptions of each stage for each of the four areas Faith Development. Most likely, you are in different stages for the various areas of the Christian walk (Worship, Connection/Relationships, Spiritual Disciplines, and Generosity/ Service.)
You can find this basic Faith Development/Discipleship Pathway chart below and on our website. There is also an expanded Faith Development/Discipleship Pathwaychart with many options for next steps to take in your faith journey. Once you have determined an area for growth (down left column) and your stage in the faith journey (descriptions across the rows), follow down the column in that section of the chart and view the options for the next steps in your growth. Then, prayerfully select one of the options to put into practice in your own life and faith over the next six months.
Again, I am inviting each of you to commit to determining one specific area of your spiritual walk where you sense a need or a desire to grow. (Your worship life; connection/relationships; spiritual disciplines; or
generosity & service.) Commit to focusing on that area of faith development for the next six months. Look at the descriptions across the top of the chart to find which best describes your current stage of faith development in the area you have chosen to focus on for the next six months. Look down that column at the various
opportunities/options to focus on your personal growth. Commit to taking that next faithful step in your journey of spiritual growth.
In the next week, you will receive a Survey Monkey that is designed to help you think about, and respond to, where you are in the various areas of Faith Development/Discipleship (from just beginning the journey to ‘walking on water’ – i.e., I live my life in all areas just as Jesus lived). Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. It is COMPLETELY anonymous. It will be used to assess the congregation-wide journey. You will also receive a copy of the survey through email (or postal mail) so that you can keep track of where you are now, and where you are six months from now. You will also receive a copy of a Faith Journey Commitment checklist that will enable you to track your efforts each week.
If you have questions about the Faith Development (Discipleship) Pathway and how to use it, please contact Deb Kauffman at debkauffman1@gmail.com or 610-659-2002, Dale Sharrock at dalesharrock@hotmail.com, Frank Cebular at webedancing@yahoo.com or 610-970-7725, or Pastor Sherry at sherry@cedarvilleumc.org.
The goal of the Christian life and faith is to become more like Jesus Christ and to follow him in the mission and ministry of bringing about the reign and realm of God. May we each commit to intentionally focusing on our own faith development/discipleship over these next six months and beyond.
On the journey of life and faith with you! Pastor Sherry
+ “A ‘firsthand’ faith or personal relationship with Christ must be pursued … ‘you’ must desire it, seek it, and own it!” (John Reinhart)
FAITH DEVELOPMENT/DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY
AT CEDARVILLE UMC
COME SEARCHING FOR MEANING COME EXPLORING CHRIST’S WAY GROW BEGINNING NEW LIFE IN CHRIST GROW GROWING OUR WALK INCHRIST SHARE MATURING ALL OUR LIFE IN CHRISTWORSHIP Searching for
something more Attend worship sporadically Begin to worship regularly, becoming more aware of God each day
Attend worship regularly and begin to recognize daily moments of worship Begin to worship God every day, wherever I am; plan to invite others to worship CONNECTION/ RELATIONSHIPS Searching for community Beginning to feel drawn to the church and its warm acceptance Move from receiving gracious hospitality to offering it to others in everyday life
Look to love, accept and relate to others in the same way the church and God have welcomed me
Seek to build relationships with others and share with them the life and community that I’ve found in God SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Wonder about the Bible and ways you can experience God
Feel drawn to God’s story of love and begin to explore scripture Begin to pray and read scripture regularly; being open to God Moving towards exploring faith development/discipleship journey; drawn closer to God on a daily basis
Enjoy and practice spiritual disciplines, and show others how to use them and
GENEROSITY & SERVICE Wonder if there is more to life Begin to give occasionally in worship and try a service project at church. See other people make a difference in the lives of others and seek to be a part of that. Begin to give regularly of money, time, and talents; understand Christ’s invitation to serve and discover how God has gifted me to do this
Try tithing my resources, time, and talent to God through the ministries of the church, exploring ways to use my gifts, talents, and passions
Tithe and occasionally give beyond when led by God; begin to restructure life and resources to join Jesus in mission to others CHRIST – LIKE+ +Shift 2.0 by Dr. Phil Maynard Seeking to make sense of life. Asking questions: What gives my life purpose, joy, fulfillment? Seek to fulfill these needs in many different ways. Exploring the life of Jesus; have not yet committed to following Jesus. Exploring by reading the Bible and attending my first Bible study. Accept the call to follow Jesus; growing to understand and put my newfound faith into practice and commit to the church; excited about my faith and seek to become like Jesus. Eager to be identified as Christian and going public with my faith. Begin to apply the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. More willing to take responsibility for my deepening relationship with Jesus. Look to Jesus to help me live my life.
Partner with God and invite others to explore the life and teachings of Jesus. Moving toward complete surrender of my life to Jesus. I realize that the role of a disciple is to help make other disciples and live life with that focus.
SEARCHING EXPLORING BEGINNING GROWING MATURING
Mission First!
Mission First…A Vision Come True!
I stopped at Mission First last week to drop off some things and spent some time walking around to see all that was
going
on. When I entered the Community Room, I noticed the many tables filled with food and other necessary supplies. There were a couple volunteers working to put boxes together to be dropped off at the hotels where the guests were staying. Later that week volunteers would deliver these much-needed resources to the guests at the hotels. The day that I was there, which was very cold, I stopped by the kitchen and saw one of the volunteers making coffee to distribute to the people that had gathered out front to wait to enter the clothing
ministry which only serves one guest at a time because of CDC restrictions.
I am always impressed when I get to see the clothing ministry which seems to expand each time I visit it. Things arranged so neat and organized that it reminds me of a department store. When I went in, there was a gentleman checking out and the volunteer at the door was talking with him to see if there was anything else he needed from the nice supply of personal items available by the door. As she packed his bag for him, you could not help but notice the kindness and respect offered to him. As I watched this, I saw a rack of coats being taken outside for anyone who was needing one on that very cold day.
So, what I saw was people being the hands and feet of Jesus. We use that phrase a lot, but I find no other way to better describe this faithful band of servants, under the direction of Mission First Director, Clare Schilling, even during a pandemic, ministering to the people of Pottstown. Armed with masks and good hearts, they continue to meet the needs of so many during this time.
All this is happening because two churches decided to step out in faith to care for a community that so desperately needed help. And it continues because of generous donations of food, clothing, money and faithful servants. We know this is a difficult time for most people to think about volunteering, but we are hoping that once everyone gets their vaccine, people may feel more
comfortable being a part of this very important mission. We thank everyone for their support and look to a day where we once again can greet people with a handshake or a hug. But, for now, remember, we are smiling behind our masks!
Mission First - Working Hard to Keep Our Community Warm and Fed!
February will be a busy time at Mission First! During the coldest (and thankfully shortest) month, we are working hard to keep our community warm and fed. We are excited to restart our sandwich program this month. Our volunteers have allowed Mission First to continue to feed people at the Wednesday night meals, and Ministries at Main Street is currently housing 19 homeless who have no other access to shelter.
We are continuing our sandwich program to provide an essential grab and go meal when other resources are not available. Right now, sandwiches are being served on Tuesdays and Fridays for anyone who could use a quick meal. Donations of sandwich supplies are always welcome.
Feeding our neighbors takes a lot of work, and Mission First is very grateful for all the donations of food and time. Right now, our biggest needs are breakfast items. Things like cereal bars, Jump Start Express packs and other breakfast items are urgently requested. We also continue to use canned goods and non-perishable items for lunch and dinner. Our clothing closet doesn’t need anything right now, but blanket donations are always welcome.
Mission First couldn’t function without its volunteers, and our Lockers of Love program will allow another few people to join the Mission First family. Clare is looking for 1 or 2 people to oversee the lockers from 9-10 in the morning and 3-4 at night so that people may use the lockers safely. If you’re interested, call Clare at 610-326-0560.
Wanted: EBay Guru
In order to raise more money for Mission First, we are looking for someone who is proficient in using EBay and would be willing to post, and sell, higher end items donated by member of the congregation.Many people have collected boxes of items they no longer want/need, but are unwilling to donate them to the Bazaar for Attic Treasures because they are too valuable to be sold for just a dollar or two. However, they might be willing to have them sold on EBay as a donation for Mission First. If you are familiar with, and are experienced in using EBay, contact Sheila Hardin or Sue Meloy. We will not collect any items until a willing volunteer is found to operate this part of the project.
to invite you to join us on Wednesday nights for Kidz Sparkz of Faith at 7:00 pm. We are having so much fun. Come and watch a skit and lively discussion based on the story we present.
We have also started up a children and Families Facebook page! So, if you miss us on Wednesday night, you can watch a recording when it is convenient for you. We have been very busy handing out treat blessings. We “Booed” our families for Halloween, we were Thankful for Thanksgiving, and we were gifted for Christmas. We are working on our Valentine treat bags now. Over the holidays we had a reading of the birth of Jesus, a cookie-spectacular story of the journey to see Christ’s birth, and the telling of the birth of Christ from the perspective of Joseph, Mary, the Innkeeper, King Harod, and the Magi. We are getting our Valentine treats ready and planning our Easter Festivities. We will be sending out invitations for children to participate in some of the upcoming events. So, be on the lookout for announcements and emails in the coming weeks!
Check us out on
Valentine’s Project for
Veterans sponsored by
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I’m inviting students and residents of our community to participate in a Valentines for Veterans project by making cards for veteran neighbors, thanking them for their service. Especially during this
pandemic, we’ve seen extraordinary acts of
kindnesses in the Pennsylvania Sixth. I hope you’ll join me in this small gesture to remind the brave Americans who’ve served our country that we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifices.
We will deliver the cards in the days before Valentin’s Day to the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Those who wish to participate may drop off or mail your card to our West Chester office anytime between now and Friday, February 12 – we recommend you mail no later than February 5.
District Office
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and cards as my husband and I recovered from Covid. We were thankful to have had very mild symptoms and are doing fine now. But, during that time, to receive cards, emails and calls was very encouraging and uplifting. We thank you again for your prayers and support, as we continue to pray for all those who are struggling with this disease.
Pastor Pat and John
Thanks so much to “Our Friends at Cedarville” for the lovely card, box of “yummy” candy and the Advent Bag.
We appreciate being remembered during these difficult times. God Bless you all and have a happy, healthy New Year.
Ott & Nancy Airey
Some former and present members of Cedarville’s Thursday Night Small Group Bible Study surprised Gordy Lantz with a drive-by parade to celebrate his Retirement on 1/8/2021. Chocolate chip cookies (his favorite) and a gift certificate for tennis goodies (more time for tennis now and with his grandchildren) made for a safe and fun celebration on a sunny Saturday. Well- wishers included: Laura G., Lorne & Suzy K., Mary V. & Dot, Sherryl L.., Patti M., Daryl & Clete M., Vicki M., Dale S., Joanne M., Carole H., Joan C., Frank & Cindy C., Sue A., May S., and Carol M. This is a testament that Small Group study forms community, powerful bonds and lasting friendships.
Walter Mouse
Devotional
Ephesians 4:30…the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed…Bill just opened a new jar of coffee. Once he cut through the seal, he was able to get the coffee inside. The seal’s job was to protect the coffee from tampering. Christians, likewise, are sealed—by the Holy Spirit. That’s partly to identify us as His (as a king used to seal documents with his signet ring), and partly to prevent tampering. This doesn’t say that bad stuff will totally avoid us here on earth. It means that our place in eternity is guaranteed,
regardless of what happens in this life.
