August Newsletter Article

Summer has been very busy here at First Methodist Hallsville, and I hope that you are finding some time to relax and renew before the school year begins again. Just wanted to remind you about a few things, so that you can be connected to what we are doing here at the church.
First, I hope that you have looked at the new website. It has a great amount of information and resources to keep you connected with what is going on, including sermons, announcement bulletins, and study guides. If you have someone who you would like to come to church, send them the link to the website (fumchallsville.org) and let them see and hear first hand what we have to offer as a church.
Second, we have started a new Adult Sunday School class, a multigenerational class. It still doesn’t have a name, but have seen 18 people come and be a part of the group. If you are looking to be a part of something new, come to room 101, we would love for you to join us. Also, we will begin a second new Adult Sunday School class in the middle of August for those who are in their 20’s and 30’s, and there will be Sunday night and Wednesday night small groups forming in the near future. The goal is for our church is to have everyone in a group so that we all can grow in Christ.
Finally, we are having another town hall meeting on Sunday, August 8 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary, where the Ministry Planning Team will come forward with recommendations for meeting our mission “Connect. Grow. Serve.” We will also come forward with a recommendation for a new church organizational structure. We will need you present to hear and share with us. This is an exciting time, and I hope that you will join us as we begin to fully live out our mission as a church.

My Favorite Sermon Podcasts

When I was doing research on my Doctor of Ministry degree from Brite Divinty School (TCU), I began to listen to different podcast of preachers throughout the country who were progressive in nature. Over the years I have subscribed to 5-7 of them to find out what others are doing in preaching and worship as well as having a source of spiritual exhortation for my own life. I thought that in this post that I would share with you my favorites, why they are my favorites, and maybe learn from you some of yours and why you listen to them. Here are mine in no particualr order:

Mike Slaugher - Ginghamsburg Church (http://www.ginghamsburg.org/)

Missional. It has been a joy to listen to Mike over the years, and to see how his focus has moved from church growth to missional living. His strong mission focus is inspirational to say the least and his self-proclaimed gift of "irritation" has moved not only Ginghamsburg but also the entire United Methodist denomination.

Adam Hamilton - Church of the Resurrection (http://www.cor.org/)

Preparation. You can tell how much he studies his subject, taking it and transforming it into a teaching that moves both head and heart.

Mike Householder - Lutheran Church of Hope (http://www.hopewdm.org/)

Entertaning. Also studies his subject, and has great energy. Have not found a boring moment in his teaching yet.

Rob Bell - Mars Hill Bible Church (http://www.marshill.org/)

Inspiring. Finds the very hidden truths in scripture and opens up a whole new world. I also like his self-description of preaching as "guerilla theatre." As an added bonus, he is now co-teaching with Shane Hipps at the church.

Jim Jackson - Chapelwood United Methodist Church (http://www.chapelwood.org/)

Art. I marvel at how he crafts his sermon. Also, his vunerabilty in the pulpit should be an example to all who dare to preach.

So which ones do you listen to, and why?