Grace United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,
Sometime ago, I was listening to CNN news and heard a report concerning the changing world of China. The reporter was interviewing young people at a shopping mall in Beijing. He pointed out that there were many people Christmas shopping for the first time as part of a new movement toward celebrating Christmas as it is in much of the Western world. The reporter also pointed out that under former Communist regimes the holiday had been banned, but with changes in the party and improved relationships with the West, Christmas was becoming a big occasion in China.

As a person who loves Christmas, it is hard for me to imagine a society that does not celebrate this joyous holiday. Yet not many years ago this joy was banned by law from many Christians in the West, as well. It was the church itself that banned the celebration during the tenure of Oliver Cromwell. His Puritan party passed legislation outlawing Christmas. In England there would be no more lavish and raucous celebration or commercial exploitation. There would be no more Christmas, period. The people were outraged resulting in rioting in the streets. Secret Christmas celebrations broke out all over England. Cromwell retaliated by having Parliament decree penalties of imprisonment for anyone caught celebrating the holiday. Each year, by order of Parliament, town criers went through the streets a few days before Christmas, reminding people that “Christmas and all other superstitious festivals” should not be observed and businesses should remain open. There were to be no displays of Christmas decorations.

During the year 1647 popular riots broke out in various places demanding the legalization of Christmas. The puritan government stood firm and proceeded to break up Christmas celebrations by force of arms. People were arrested and, in many instances, jailed. Even with strong popular resistance, the Puritans refused to alter their policies or compromise their principles. They simply went down in defeat in the next elections.  The Puritans were ousted from power and Christmas was once again celebrated.  How fortunate we are that we live in a land that allows us religious freedom. How great it has been to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, again. May the joy and hope of Christmas live in your hearts all year and may we keep the spirit of CHRISTmas with us always.

In Christ’s love,
Tom

Dear Friends,
Last Saturday I attended a historic 16th century fur-trade re-enactment at Fort Massac in Metropolis, Illinois. While I was at the show I ran into a nice fellow about my age named Tim that works and is a friend of my oldest son. As Tim was taking change out of his pocket to make a purchase from one of the venders at the show I noticed he had three
small crosses in his change. Each one was made from metal and each one was well worn.

When I commented on them he casually stated they reminded him who was really in charge. The cross is such a powerful symbol of the Christian faith. When I read this short illustration on the Cross and Discipleship I thought how important it is not just to carry the symbols of the faith but also to live it in our lives.

Setting a cross on top of a church may be fine but it is not discipleship.
Putting a cross on the altar is a worthy sign but it is not discipleship.
Wearing one on a chain might seem enough but it is not discipleship.
Getting it tattooed over one’s heart might be tough but it is not discipleship.
Singing about the old rugged cross may feel okay but it is not discipleship.
Preaching about the cross can point the way, but it is not discipleship.
Weeping on Good Friday may seem devout, but it is not discipleship.
Whipping your own back till blood flows out is not discipleship.
Following the Christ, not counting the cost, old bridges burning, listening and learning, setting your face, trusting sheer grace, on the steep track, not looking back, loving and forgiving, dying while living: here is discipleship.

I am thankful that Tim is not just a cross bearer but also a Disciple, and that he is my son’s friend. May we bear more than the name Christian, may we truthfully be called Disciples.
In Christ’s love,
Tom

We are excited to offer this great new communication tool for our members and friends.  Come back soon to hear about all the great things we have to offer.

Sunday
9:00 a.m.   Sanctuary worship designed to provide a comprehensive inclusion of choral, hand bell, ensemble and drama elements.  This service incorporate forms which are largely accepted in mainstream currents of United Methodist worship. 

10:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. – Sunday School:  A time of studying the Word in small groups and Sunday School Classes 

11:15 a.m.  – Journey Worship:   An inviting and informal contemporary worship service that is inclusive of people with little or no church background.  Worship takes place in Fellowship Hall.