Yesterday, in the midst of the hurricane, 43 brave souls came out to worship and feast together. We witnessed to our faith and discussed how God has called us to live the Kingdom in our daily lives. Following the service we gathered for corn, hot dogs and salad and continued our conversations. It was truly a great day!

During our service of witnessing we talked about how our beliefs affect our actions. As Christians we are not just a people of a particular doctrine, we are also a people of action. This conversation reminded me of something I recently read in The Progressive Christian:

“In other words, faith cannot simply be a set of principles or doctrines one adheres to in order to gain membership. It has to be a process, a journey of sorts. And this journey is experienced together in a community that knows one truly becomes a Christian after they act like one.”

~ Ben Gosden

In his article Gosden is referring specifically to those people we identify as "Generation Y." Gosden asserts that the Christians of Generation Y are drawn to churches that don't just give their faith lip service, but put their faith into action. He is essentially speaking about Christians who walk the walk, and don't just talk the talk.

So how are you walking the walk today? As a Faith community, do we put more (or equal) importance on belief and / or action? I think these are good questions to consider as we move deeper into the 21st Century. What do you think?

In our Faith UMC Mission Statement we affirm that part of our calling is to:

Share (witness) the Good News of Jesus Christ.

But what does it mean to witness? My Dictionary of Theological Terms defines witness as, "One who testifies of what is known to be true, especially in relation to the Christian gospel." That tells me that to witness is to speak what is true.

Sometimes we get intimidated by the word 'witness' because it evokes images of evangelical preachers, knocking on doors and handing our tracts. Yet, to witness is to simply tell the truth about what you know of Christ Jesus. We can do this in our families, with our friends, and at our churches.

This Sunday we will have an opportunity to witness to our faith as we share how we experience Jesus in the world. This will be the conclusion of our "Living the Kingdom" series. Where do you see Jesus as you go about your daily life? Did you experience Jesus presence during our Faith in Action Sunday last week? How is Jesus encouraging you to put your faith in action every day?

I would love to hear your answers to these questions on Sunday! There is no right or wrong to any of them. All you're invited to do is to tell your truth!

There was a lot of action during yesterday's Faith in Action Sunday! More than 50 people were involved in some way, either gardening, singing, cooking, note-writing or praying. We practiced (in an intentional way) being the church scattered. For a moment in time we did what Mike Slaughter encourages all congregations to do when he writes, "Quit worrying about how to get people into the church, but how to get the church into the world."

The Team that I joined with went to The Arbors to sing hymns with the residents, most of whom have Alzheimer's Disease or other memory difficulties. Some of the residents sang along, others smiled as we sang and others showed no visible reaction. Yet, when we took a break during our singing to visit with them, most of them lifted a hand to be held. Watching us touch and be touched by each other reminded me of Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

I would love to hear about what other groups experienced during Faith in Action Sunday. You are welcome to leave your reflections in the comments or bring them with you to share in church on Sunday when there will be a time to witness to our experiences of "living the Kingdom."

ACTION! Action is our word for this week! Over the next several days we will be making preparations and on Sunday we will be putting our faith into ACTION as part of our "Living the Kingdom" series. Folks will have several opportunities to enact their faith including cooking for the Salvation Army, singing hymns with residents of The Arbors, and writing notes of love and encouragement to those who live at Anderson Parkway. We also hope to have a more out-door, physical option ~ gardening, building ~ available. (More info on that soon!)

As James wrote in his Epistle, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." How are you putting your faith into ACTION?

Last week I was on vacation and spent several wonderful days at Empire Grove United Methodist Campmeeting Association for our annual gathering. Campmeeting is always a busy time filled with many activities for children and adults. The days start with Communion and Bible Study and end with Vesper Worship with many stops in between including swimming, softball, s'mores, crafts, and visits with old friends and new.

What I appreciated most about my time away was the change of pace. While I love my work and my life in South Burlington it is nice to get away and experience a different rhythm of life. Sometimes even a slight change can help us better recognize all the blessings we receive from God.

When I got back and returned to my 'normal' schedule, my morning devotions included this passage from the Gospel of Matthew that reminded me that even Jesus needed a change of pace occasionally to refocus and rejuvenate:

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he when up the mountain by himself to pray. Matthew 14:22-23

I find that taking time away, whether a week of vacation or an afternoon of bike riding or quiet reflection, makes me a better person and a better pastor. I hope that you have the chance to experience a change of pace, to notice the blessings God has shared with you, and to rejuvenate your soul to be the best you that God created you to be!