June 22, 2015 Church Services 10:00am - Sanctuary Worship Celebraon Sunday - June 28, 2015 Fiſth Sunday Aſter Pentecost SERMON A Naon Drunk on Religion Rev. Kent H. Lile Pastor Kent’s Blog - http:littlerev.wordpress.com/ Email - [email protected]Phone # - (316) 683-4643 Webpage - www.collegehillumc.org College Hill United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation Wise in the Ways of the Spirit, Bold in the Ways of Justice, and Graceful in relationship with all Creation. ONE Service Sunday June 28th 10:00am in the Sanctuary with a mix of: Traditional Worship Art & Soul Contemporary the BODY July 4th Bash & Cookout in Fellowship Hall following the church service. COME JOIN US! ***************************** Nursery provided for children 3 years and younger. ********* July 4th Bash Hamburgers Hotdogs $1.00 Sides and Drink Free A Rock, a Gun, and Our Addiction to Violence A friend of mine walked in my office the other day and handed me a rock. She said she had had it for some time and wanted to share it with me. It has found a place on my small pondering table in my office along with a Tibetan singing bowl, small prayer mat from a Muslim friend, a weeping Buddha, a book of selected scriptures, communion chalice, prayer beads, and a stole from Guatemala. It is a simple rock, with a simple message. Engraved in the rock is the word, “Listen.” I placed it on the table in the midst of so many expressions of faith to remind me to listen, to listen to a variety of voices, to listen for the Spirit, to listen to the world, and to listen to my heart. This morning I am listening and it is difficult. This morning I am listening to a cry as I read of another senseless, violent act against innocents with a firearm borne out of racism, bigotry, and unbridled hatred. Listening to the cry rips my heart apart, brings tears to my eyes, and a welling anger within. I was raised by a father who loved to hunt, he and I spent hours together participating in various forms. I have, years ago, lost that desire to go hunting though I still own two guns, one is mine, and one was my fathers. I have fond memories of our time together walking fields, crawling up on ponds, or sitting in a blind. But that was hunting, and even though I no long participate in that activity the memories are good ones. I do not understand our country’s love affair with firearms, with tools of violence. I do not understand the desire to stockpile, buying more and more guns and ammunition. The idea that putting more guns on the street will make us safer, in my mind is simply ludicrous. I have written about this before on my blog, and I hesitated to do it again as I didn’t want to sound like a broken record, but, Lord have mercy how long does this have to go on? How many innocent lives do we have to lose before our addiction to violence, hatred, and weapons kills someone in our own family? When will we finally listen to the cries of our mothers and fathers, our grandfathers and grandmothers, our friends and families, how many children have to die before we admit we and our warped fascination with weapons designed to kill is the problem? When will we listen? There is rampant violence across our nation, rampant hatred, bigotry, and racism that continues to raise its ugly and evil head, and the continued passing of laws that allow for the purchase of guns without background checks, registration, and training is irresponsible, ignorant, and killing our friends and families, our children! Gun control is not the enemy! Guns in the hands of those who long for violent resolution are the enemy and we need sensible gun laws NOW! When will we finally say, ENOUGH?! When will we finally admit we have a problem? We are indeed….reaping what we are sow. (continued on page 4)
Transcript
June 22, 2015
Church Services
10:00am - Sanctuary Worship Celebration
Sunday - June 28, 2015 Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
SERMON A Nation Drunk on Religion Rev. Kent H. Little
Pastor Kent’s Blog - http:littlerev.wordpress.com/ Email - [email protected] Phone # - (316) 683-4643 Webpage - www.collegehillumc.org
College Hill
United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation
Wise in the Ways of the Spirit, Bold in the Ways of Justice, and Graceful in relationship
with all Creation.
ONE Service Sunday June 28th
10:00am in the Sanctuary with a mix of:
Traditional Worship Art & Soul Contemporary
the BODY
July 4th Bash & Cookout in Fellowship Hall
following the church service. COME JOIN US!
*****************************Nursery provided for children
3 years and younger. *********
July 4th Bash Hamburgers
Hotdogs $1.00
Sides and Drink Free
A Rock, a Gun, and Our Addiction to Violence
A friend of mine walked in my office the other day and handed me a rock. She said she had had it for some time and wanted to share it with me. It has found a place on my small pondering table in my office along with a Tibetan singing bowl, small prayer mat from a Muslim friend, a weeping Buddha, a book of selected scriptures, communion chalice, prayer beads, and a stole from Guatemala. It is a simple rock,
with a simple message. Engraved in the rock is the word, “Listen.” I placed it on the table in the midst of so many expressions of faith to remind me to listen, to listen to a variety of voices, to listen for the Spirit, to listen to the world, and to listen to my heart. This morning I am listening and it is difficult. This morning I am listening to a cry as I read of another senseless, violent act against innocents with a firearm borne out of racism, bigotry, and unbridled hatred. Listening to the cry rips my heart apart, brings tears to my eyes, and a welling anger within. I was raised by a father who loved to hunt, he and I spent hours together participating in various forms. I have, years ago, lost that desire to go hunting though I still own two guns, one is mine, and one was my fathers. I have fond memories of our time together walking fields, crawling up on ponds, or sitting in a blind. But that was hunting, and even though I no long participate in that activity the memories are good ones. I do not understand our country’s love affair with firearms, with tools of violence. I do not understand the desire to stockpile, buying more and more guns and ammunition. The idea that putting more guns on the street will make us safer, in my mind is simply ludicrous. I have written about this before on my blog, and I hesitated to do it again as I didn’t want to sound like a broken record, but, Lord have mercy how long does this have to go on? How many innocent lives do we have to lose before our addiction to violence, hatred, and weapons kills someone in our own family? When will we finally listen to the cries of our mothers and fathers, our grandfathers and grandmothers, our friends and families, how many children have to die before we admit we and our warped fascination with weapons designed to kill is the problem? When will we listen? There is rampant violence across our nation, rampant hatred, bigotry, and racism that continues to raise its ugly and evil head, and the continued passing of laws that allow for the purchase of guns without background checks, registration, and training is irresponsible, ignorant, and killing our friends and families, our children! Gun control is not the enemy! Guns in the hands of those who long for violent resolution are the enemy and we need sensible gun laws NOW! When will we finally say, ENOUGH?! When will we finally admit we have a problem? We are indeed….reaping what we are sow.
Andover, KS Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner and conversation! For more
information contact Janice Rich, 265-4879
Our Sympathy… Goes out to John & Gerry ReQua and family in the
death of Gerry’s brother, Herb Hartley of Osage City, KS.
************************* The words “Thank You” do not do justice to how Meredith and I feel. Without your prayers, cards, visits, calls and concerns, I would not be at home and improving each day. For that, all we can say is Thank You.
Thank You, Bill & Meredith Means *****************
From Missions Welcome to our new members on the Missions Committee, Bob and Nancy Eyers. Thank you to the congregation for the wonderful collection of clothing items for Brookside UMC Thrift Store. The Committee filled 7 boxes of clothing and 1 box of shoes then the Viceroy class members took them to the store. The store workers wait each month for items from College Hill because they are so popular with the customers. Thank you to all who share and who help! We also received a Thank You from McCurdy Missions for our donations of Campbell Soup labels and Box Tops for Education squares. They are excited to report their new van will be coming soon and they are grateful for our help. Thanks, CHUM!
Christmas In July & Doormats Coming soon we will line the hallways with sacks for you to take and fill for the Christmas in July collection to be taken to Cookson Hills Mission. We will also be taking orders for those wonderful doormats made from recycled rubber tires in various colors. Look for these items on Sunday, June 28th.
************** Help Needed We are thankful for all the work Norma Smith put into our beautiful Trinity Garden and other smaller garden areas. She worked long and hard trying to make them easy to maintain and self-sustaining but they still need our helping hands at times. Efforts are being coordinated to help manage and care for the beautiful gardens at CHUM. Please contact: Ella Rogers-Hungria for more info @ 316-518-3552 or [email protected] 10:40 Worship All are welcome and we enjoy having families during this worship service. There is a short Time for Children with Pastor Kent at the beginning of the service. A 3rd table will be set up in the back to provide more area for families. Children 4 years and over can go to Children’s Center during this time or stay at the service.
June 21, 2015
Attendance 254
Total Budget Giving $5,347.00
Be the Change… Ending Domestic Violence Saturday, September 26 Did you know… A study of young adolescents who recently were exposed to violence at home was one of the most significant predicators of a teen’s use of subsequent violence at school or in the community. Children and teenagers may be aggressive as they struggle to feel in control of things instead of helpless.
Upcoming Events for Chum ON THE GO!
Sunday, Julne 28 4th of July Bash & Picnic
10:00am Sanctuary - Worship 11:15am Fellowship Hall - BBQ
Thursday, July 2
Pub Theology 6:30pm @ River City Brewery
150 N. Mosley in Old Town
Thursday, July 9 3rd Hamburger Dive Crawl 6:30pm at a new location
Snoops @ 2301 E. Mt. Vernon on Mt. Vernon Street
Between I-135 and Hillside
Friday, July 17 Family Night Movie Movie: Paper Planes
6:30pm in Fellowship Hall Also a paper airplane contest!
A fun evening for the entire family so please plan to join us!
Thursday, July 23
Final Hamburger Dive Crawl Location to be announced
6:30pm
Friday, July 24 Best Wine’s Under $15 Tasting
7:00pm - Cost $20.00
Church Building Closed The building will be closed on
AGAPE, Rm. 201/COMMUNICATORS, Rm. 301 - 20 of us joined
together on 2nd floor in the Agape classroom for a lively discussion on the
parable of the Leaven. John Brewer presented two opposite interpretations.
No class June 28 since there is only one service at 10am with the meal
following. Happy Birthday to Shea Murphy and Happy Anniversary to his
parents, Scott & Marieke.
ARCHITECTS, Rm. B1 – Happy Father’s Day! A day which has given
everyone the opportunity to honor their fathers. It was a wonderful idea for
the entire country to have such a holiday like we have for mothers. Our
hymn was “Faith of Our Fathers”, a long known hymn. The news this week
has been absolutely horrible! Mankind has turned beyond words to Evil
Ways. Prayers go out to LaVerne for her recovery and for Doris. All of our
members need our thoughts & concern. Enid gave us lots to think about
from Psalms and we had a big discussion. No class Sunday since we are
having one service at 10:00am. We can read the Psalms at home so we can
study it in solitude.
BUILDERS, Rm. 305 - We will not have class Sunday, June 28. For the
following Sunday, July 5, read chapters 4-5 of Pastrix. Our class party is
Friday evening at the Peter’s home at 6:00pm. Bring a covered dish. Keep
Paul Allen in your prayers. Also prayers for Royce who had surgery.
CONTEMPORARY STUDIES, Rm. B5/7 - This Sunday was a Happy Father's Day with 21 in attendance. Faith and Reason Video on "Is There Really A Devil?" with Dr. Elaine Pagels and Dr. Craig Evans. Tabletalk focused on our beliefs about the devil and evil. We are reminded of no class Sunday, June 28, due to Independence Celebration with a One Service Sunday at 10:00am and cookout served in Fellowship Hall after the service.
DOUBLE CIRCLE, Rm. B4 - Lee called our meeting together for a group
of 13. Betty shared she had visited with both Sue Grist and Edith Marr. Thank
you, Betty! Wenona, we hope your back is healing. We miss you and pray for
your good health. Robin accompanied us as we sang “This Is My Father’s
World.” Devotions were by Don and Candy about Father’s Day. Brian’s
lesson on Amos 6 was very inspiring. Studying shame and experiencing
redirection is something we should all ponder. Bill we missed you! Hope you
can make it Sunday.
TRAVELING COMPANIONS, Chapel @ 11:00am - Join us for
discussion on spiritual development and personal growth.
VICEROY, Rm. B3 - NO class Sunday, June 28. We welcomed some new visitors to our study, "Jerusalem from David to Jesus" led by Gary Harms. We will continue the study on Sunday, July 5.
June 28 Backyard Movie @ 8:00pm
551 N. Terrace Drive Bring a snack to share.
Movie will begin about 8:30pm and finish about 10:30pm.
Parents are welcome!
UPCOMING CALENDAR
July 5 Video Scavenger Hunt 2:30 - 4:30pm
July 11 No UMY
July 11 - 19 High School Mission Trip - Chicago
July 19 No UMY
July 26 Mystery Trip 1:00 - 7:00pm Cost of $25.00
August 2 Road Rally
2:30 - 4:30pm @ church
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS NOTES
Vacation Bible School This summer VBS will be held from July 27 - 31. It is for children from ages 3 years - 5th grade. Registration forms are now in the church office as well as online. There is no cost for VBS.
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PAID Permit 583 Wichita, KS
Address Service Requested
(continued from page 1) We live in a culture and society that is ever polarized. We live in a culture and society that would rather sensationalize and demonize with sound bites than really sit and listen. Hatred, racism, bigotry, vitriol language and action are served up on a daily basis. We have lost the art of listening and understanding. We have lost the art of compassion and humility. We have lost the art of responding and engaging respectfully. It seems we would rather secure the right to own a gun than feed the hungry children in our schools and neighborhoods. We would rather secure the right to cry religious discrimination than find common ground with those of differing faith tradition. We would rather deny the right to adequate health care and coverage than make sure the most vulnerable in our society are cared for. We would rather make sure we can burn our fuels than find ways to care for our planet. We are losing our souls to greed, hatred, violence, bigotry, and racism. We have sold our souls to the highest bidders of lobbyists, politicians, and corporate money. This morning I find myself stunned once again at our lack of compassion and common sense. We have become our own worst enemy. Bowing at the altar of the gun lobbies, and until we stand and admit we have a problem not just with humankind, but with guns, there will be more such incidents like this most recent tragedy in Charleston. So I write and I sit with my rock, my faith in a God who is weeping once again, the Spirit within who calls me to listen, …listen… and cry out, “How long O Lord, how long?” Not much longer I pray. May the One who holds us all be most profoundly present in Charleston this day and in the coming days as well as with all those who suffer at the hands of senseless violence. May it be soon…May it be soon!
