e-Note from Martin - April 10 Issue

This week's e-note will cover the following subjects: Easter Update Thank You A Huge Tent Easter Update: Last weekend we welcomed over 5,600 people to our Easter worship services. Had spring break not hit during Easter, that number would have been even higher.

A special thanks to everyone who helped, from our ushers, greeters and Andrew Ministers, to our many musicians, to those of you who invited friends, and to our clergy staff for leading our worship services. Let us remember that the real story of Easter happens AFTER the Easter worship services are over. In 1 Corinthians 15, after Paul writes a long section on the resurrection, he concludes by saying, “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Easter, like Christmas, is an exciting time at BUMC. But the real work of Easter happens after the worship services are over, and we carry on the mission and ministry of the resurrected Lord in our own personal lives, and in the life of Christ’s church.

Thank You: I want to thank the congregation for your exceptional generosity. Let me share three concrete examples. First, in just a few weeks, you have given $70,646 to our Habitat for Humanity

build. Many people wondered if we could actually raise the full $70,000 goal. As you can see, we exceeded it. Thank you! Second, our weekly offerings have been excellent for the past several months. So far we are completely on track with our 2012 ministry needs, even slightly ahead. Thank you! Finally, over the past few years, we have offered our congregation the opportunity to “adopt” a student in our school in South Africa. This vibrant ministry allows us to provide education to over 300 young children, particularly those who come from disadvantaged circumstances. This year our goal was to “adopt” 122 children.

Due to the generosity of BUMC, for the first time ever, we have reached 100% of our goal, and even exceeded the goal. Between the scholarships and the Alternative Gift Market, we have contributed almost $60,000 this year to the school. God is truly at work through these gifts to offer hope and education. Thank you!

A Huge Tent: In previous e-notes, I’ve spoken about being a “big tent” church with great diversity, both theologically and politically. I think we need to change the language from “big tent” to “huge tent.” Two weeks ago, on the same day, I heard from six members of the congregation on various topics. One member wants our church to engage in direct evangelism to Muslims, helping convert them from what they consider to be the spiritual darkness of Islam to the light of Jesus Christ. Another member who participated in that same conversation said that evangelism to Muslims is inappropriate, that Muslims are also children of God, and that interfaith dialogue and mutual respect is the proper stance of the church on this subject. Later in the day, a member told me they were glad we have an upcoming event featuring a speaker who affirms that Christians should support the state of Israel. Another person told me they were offended by this upcoming event because the church should be supportive of the Palestinians. On the very same day (I’m not making this up!), I heard from a member who wants our worship services to be more contemporary. About an hour later, I heard from another member who wants our worship services to be more traditional.

At times, this “huge tent” diversity at BUMC drives me crazy! Yet

I love that people with different perspectives can belong to the same church. I love that we can “agree to disagree” on secondary issues, and still be united in our primary commitment to Christ and church. In a polarized society, the Church needs to model to others that people can civilly disagree on issues, and yet live and work together for the common good of all. So if you ever get upset that something is happening at BUMC that you don’t like, it’s very likely that something else is happening, perhaps on the very same day, that you do like. One good thing about pastoring a “huge tent” church like BUMC is that it’s never boring!

Finally, it was good to receive the following eight new members: Katherine Anderson, Harper Bonfe, Juliana Turner, and Ben, Jill, Cline, Turner and Macy Simmons. Welcome to our church family.

In Christ's Love and Service, Martin