Preaching Justice In Light of The Entire Gospel

George Floyd International Memorial, Minneapolis, MN.

By Rev. Ryan K. Gephart, Peace with Justice Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference UMC and Preaching Justice Fellow with The Center for Faith and Justice 

At Conference Superintendent Lillian Smith’s Installation, a Haitian Choir that is part of a Haitian Church that meets at First UMC, Chambersburg, sang some beautiful anthems. The inspiring music was part of a Spirit-filled installation worship service. As the choir was introduced, a disturbing thought entered my mind that would not have even occurred to me months ago. I wondered, due to everything that has occurred in political discourse in American politics and especially in light of what has happened in Springfield, OH, if the Haitian community in Chambersburg was safe. I wondered if First UMC, Chambersburg has had any fallout from hosting our brothers and sisters in Christ from Haiti. I pray that these random thoughts have not occurred in real life. However, to even have these brief notions disturbed me. It reminded me that “othering” or scapegoating is alive and well in America. It reminded me that the experiences I have had being part of the Faith and Justice Preaching Fellowship these past months have only reinforced that much work, guided by the Holy Spirit, needs to be done to combat the recurring problem of blaming others (especially the marginalized and disenfranchised) for difficulties in society.

My fellowship cohort leader, Rev. Tyler Sit, was our main presenter on the first night of our in-person fellowship gathering in Minneapolis, MN. He relayed to us that, “empire has a way of making even new communities for marginalized communities turn into what it was not for; hence we need places where we encounter God with worship that has inner transformation and justice which has outer transformation (personal piety and social holiness).” Rev. Sit is the lead pastor at Northeast UMC “which celebrates and affirms the LGBTQ+ community. Many of their leaders, including their pastor, are queer. In affirming the LGBTQ+ community, they remember that God is love (1 John 4:7).” (from their website https://northeastumc.com/) Northeast UMC is one of the fastest growing churches in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Approximately 60% of their members identify as queer. “Northeast UMC strives to be an actively anti-racist community. Their Embodied Anti-Racism programming is a core part of following Jesus, who came to liberate the oppressed and set captives free (Luke 4:18). Northeast UMC loves the earth, and they strive to counteract climate change in both policy and practice. They converted their yard to a garden. They believe the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1-2).” (from their website https://northeastumc.com/) Northeast UMC is the embodiment of attracting people who are not seeking to make the great commission of making disciples for Jesus Christ into building their own chiefdom or empire. They, instead, build beloved Christ-following communities as a United Methodist Church. These communities are, as Rev. Sit states, seeking to bring people into inner transformation through worship and outer transformation through justice work. As their new community grows they seek to not forget that as people made up of historically marginalized groups, that they themselves will not turn into empire builders, but beloved community people following Christ.

As I reflect on my experience with the fellowship over the first two months of our work, I continue to ask the question: Does Great Commission theology as we practice it build the beloved community or are we empire building in the name of Jesus Christ? You see as Peter Choi one of the leaders of the Center for Faith and Justice stated in day two of our in-person fellowship, “Great Commission theology for American Christianity is a profitable business that makes for a great excuse for empire building, slogan making, and money making while it is actually killing us (church and clergy).” I worry that in the name of making disciples, we will stay silent when justice issues of “othering”/scapegoating come up. I also worry that great commission theology, that is based on the end of the Gospel from Matthew, does not and will not see making disciples through the lens of the entire Gospel of Matthew. A Gospel that includes the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Instead great commission theology, if not coupled with transformation and justice work (Sermon on the Mount teaching and theology), has and will be about American Church empire building. If new disciples are about being part of the transformation of the world to be more like the Sermon on the Mount, then we are part of God’s beloved community kingdom work. 

If church growth ends up being about personal empire building disguising itself as making disciples but really is about building power, then the results have and will be disastrous for the church. Not only will it be disastrous, it has and will make churches and clergy ill (see Duke clergy health studies) while actually not providing sustainable growth. Sustainable growth that reaches new generations must be authentic in places and churches that seek to be disciples who try to embody the Sermon on the Mount and beloved community principles through justice work. If it is not, then current and new generations will “turn the channel” on us. They will see us as trying to make a buck selling a product (American Christian empire building) instead of offering a way of life following Jesus.

One of the most moving experiences of the in-person fellowship gathering was our visit to the George Floyd International Memorial. The visit was solemn and started at the “Say Their Names Cemetery.” Channel 5 ABC news KTSP described the cemetery in this fashion: “In an open green space off 37th Street in south Minneapolis, a unique memorial has appeared. It’s called the “Say Their Names” cemetery. Each of the 100 graves is inscribed with the name of an African American who was killed by law enforcement.” Since its inception in 2020, the cemetery has had to add more names of those who are victims (and this does not even come close to the countless victims we do and do not know of throughout American history). As we started the journey, I pondered the prophetic question of the Scriptures: How long O Lord must this continue? How long will the church say the right things and be present for a brief moment but then move on to business as usual? A business that cannot be about disciples who are disaffected by the world’s injustices. How will I be transformed to strive for more beloved community work in my life as I follow Christ?

Our journey continued around the area till we stopped at the convenience store named Cup Foods where George Floyd’s life was taken by Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis Police Officer. The experience, which was a pilgrimage, felt jarring. On the one hand, Faith and Justice Center had properly contacted local people/leaders and prepared for us not to be tourists but true pilgrims (much in the light of what the Susquehanna Conference has been doing). The sharing, the story-telling, the witnesses, and the poets leading and being with us allowed it to be a pilgrimage. On the other hand, we were still visiting the site where someone brutally lost their life. This felt disconcerting and left a “pit in my stomach.” One major learning of the pilgrimage time was about those who have been left behind in the years following George Floyd’s death and the protests in the aftermath. In the present, many of the community businesses and people who were witnesses to the crime have been struggling financially and mentally with little to no resources supporting them. Many groups made money for their causes off of what occurred, however, the local people and community have been left behind. Again, questions of transformative justice flood my soul and leave me struggling. The causes and movements that continued or were born out of what happened are mostly noble and important. Justice work has come about from those areas. Yet, why are the people living and working in that area abandoned?

Peter Choi, in his presentation, spoke to the fact that there are four endings to the Gospels. We do not have just Matthew’s Great Commission ending but also Luke’s call to stay until the Holy Spirit comes. We have John’s Gospel ending which calls us to follow the way of Christ. Mark’s ending which leaves us perplexed, afraid, and with hearts trembling. Peter Choi points out that to look at most American Christian mission statements, you would think there is only one ending to the story after Jesus’ resurrection. However, there are four endings to the Gospels. What would it look like for the community around George Floyd memorial square if Christians heard the Gospel ending from Luke that called people to stay? How would that community have benefitted if American Christians embraced a stay and work with the Holy Spirit attitude? How would the feeding my sheep/following Jesus ending to the Gospel of John have benefited the community in the area of George Floyd’s death?

None of these questions come with easy answers. I struggle with what my next steps in the work of faith and justice will be as I live out my call as a disciple of Jesus Christ. With that said, I think we need to examine if our Great Commission theology and mission statement truly embodies disciples who will be about transforming the world. Do we read the Gospel of Matthew’s ending through the lens of Jesus’ teachings (Sermon on the Mount of Matthew) or are we empire building, even if it is attempted empire building because we are afraid of our own demise? Do we need some more stay with the Holy Spirit, feed my sheep by following Christ, and even yes some fear and trembling theology and discussion to bring about healthy followers of Christ? I know I do!

The journey we are on following Christ as United Methodists is in a time of transition (you have probably heard that said before). I believe that all of Wesleyan theology and practices speaks to this time and can be our guide to being the church that welcomes new people as we follow Christ. If we embrace our heritage of acts of devotion, worship, compassion, and justice (works of piety and mercy in private and public ways); then we will not be about building an empire but following Christ. This is the call of the Church. And as its call, we are not told to just do the first three acts if the fourth is too hard and controversial. No, if justice is placed on the sidelines then the Church is not authentically living out its mission. It is not always easy to live out the Wesleyan Christian way of life but it is our call as United Methodists. In my first two months of fellowship learning, I am more affirmed in that calling. I continue to look forward to the ways I will be challenged by others in my cohort and in the entire preaching faith and justice community.

Commentary: Thankful in Advance for Giving

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

As we approach the season of thanksgiving, many of us have much for which we can be grateful. God has blessed us beyond measure and “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). And, having received these blessings, we thank Him with our prayers of gratitude. But is it enough to thank God for what He has already provided?

Rick Warren, pastor and author, suggests that while it is absolutely right to be grateful, the true test of faith is to thank God in advance for the things He will provide. In his article, Faith Is Thanking God in Advance, Warren illustrates his point.

“If I handed you a check right now for a thousand dollars, would you wait until you cashed it to thank me? No! You’d thank me right now. But the money wouldn’t be yours until you actually cashed it, because that check is really a promise. When I gave you that check, you’d say, “Thank you, Rick.” You’d believe that I was credible and that I had enough money in the bank to cover that check for a thousand dollars.”

Using this approach to our faith, we recognize God for who He is and what He has already done. But Jesus says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” When we thank God in advance for all we need, we acknowledge His authority and can be assured He will do what He promises before we see it in our lives. It is the truest expression of gratitude and thanksgiving we can offer. 

However, our faith cannot end with the provision of blessings. It must be accompanied by action. We are called to be abundant in our work and give a testimony to the goodness of God. 

James 2:16, says “If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” 

Thank you for what you have done this year. Because the people of the Susquehanna Annual Conference support the Disaster response ministry, it can keep people “warm and well fed.” Your faithfulness allows volunteers to clean out a muddy basement, sort through debris, help restore a home after flooding, and give a testimony to God’s goodness. Our connection as United Methodists allows the ministry to confidently provide blessings to others in their time of need and ensures we can follow through.

I pray for your continued support of the Disaster Response Ministry. And I believe, through God, that your faithfulness will allow the ministry to continue to bless others through abundant works while being a caring, Christian presence.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Blog: susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com

Commentary: In the Master's Hands

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

I remember attending the Pennsylvania Farm Show a few years ago and viewing the butter sculpture on display in the Main Hall. I was always amazed at how much time and effort went into creating these dairy displays. The sculpture for the 2023 annual show took fourteen days to create and the sculptors spent that time creating their masterpiece in an enclosure cooled to a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees. It’s quite a contrast to the artists at outdoor festivals whom I’ve watched create ice or wood sculptures in a fraction of that time, in very different conditions, using some very rudimentary tools. In both instances, the result was a wonderful piece of art.

God works in much the same way. Sometimes it takes Him years to sculpt us into a masterpiece. He pulls away the layers slowly and methodically to give us our spiritual shape. Other times, He is very capable of transforming our lives overnight. The environments in which He finds us can be varied. Yet, like the sculptor, God knows exactly what His design plans are and creates us with purpose. In His time and through His effort, we are individually handcrafted and uniquely made.

And, Isaiah 64:8 reinforces this. “But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.”

As God works in us, we need to be open to His guiding and leading. And, like the clay used by the potter, we need to have some water…Living Water…to make us pliable and shape-able. We also need to be centered on the Master Potter’s wheel, spending time in scripture so we don’t start to wobble and crumble when life starts to turn. 

Did you know that, after the Farm Show is over, the butter from the sculptures is recycled…used for another purpose? These works of art, and others like them at fairs across the nation, are used to produce soap, animal feed, tires, and renewable energy. We, as God’s masterpieces, are transformed from our old lives into something new that is not intended to just sit on a pedestal. He created us for a purpose.

In her article “The Potter and the Clay – Bible Lessons on How God Molds Us,” Diane Shirlaw-Ferreira explains that God is a very skilled potter. “He took a shepherd boy and molded him into a King. He took a grumbling fisherman and molded him a leader of the Church. He took a Hebrew who was ‘dull of speech’ and molded him into the leader of a nation. And most of all, He molded Himself into human form, the form of an infant, a baby lying in hay in a manger; to set the captives free; to give us eternal salvation!”

Imagine yourself as a lump of clay, sitting on the table, and allowing God to transform you—making you into His masterpiece. What is He preparing you for? Is it a children’s ministry in your church? Are you being shaped to share your musical talents during worship? Or, maybe you are being sculpted to be a caring, Christian presence in someone’s life as they recover from a disaster in their life. Whatever it is, remember, you are God’s masterpiece. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). Your heart, body, and mind were formed and shaped into something He can use for His glory. And, you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) to accomplish His plan in your daily life.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog

Commentary: Sitting at the Crossroads of Life

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Have you ever found yourself sitting at a crossroad in life, wondering what to do? You know you can’t just sit there. You need to make a decision. Does your life’s path require you to continue in the direction you are traveling? Maybe you need a clear change in your circumstances and need to consider turning left or right. Or, are you so far away from your starting point, that returning to the familiar might be the best option. These crossroads in life can take many forms and cause us to struggle. Fear, sadness, anger and grief begin to creep into our lives. And, when these emotions begin to take over, we to lose sight of our destination or the path to it.

Margaret Benefiel states In her book, Crisis Leadership, that it is at this point we should “sit still long enough and be quiet” and allow God to do amazing things around us. Resist the urge to forge ahead under the assumption that the road we are on must lead us somewhere. Instead of “leaning forward into anxious action,” she suggests we lean back into God. Perhaps this suggestion is akin to pulling off at a roadside rest stop and stretching our legs or reclining our seat and resting our eyes.

Psalm 46 tells us to do this exact thing. “Be still and know that I am God.” Commentary explains this doesn’t mean we should just stop and never move. It urges us to temporarily stop to recognize the situation in which we find ourselves and understand that we serve a great God who is capable of directing us if we only place our focus on Him.

Benefiel refers to this temporary pause in our travels as liminal space. She suggests this space is a “holding environment for gestation” where you can spend time between the old and new, searching for the right pathway or passage to travel. While there, Benefiel encourages that we spend our time observing the bigger picture, diving deeper into prayer, and discerning what direction we should go from that crossroads. Being in this space allows us to rejuvenate ourselves and develop an alertness that can keep us from missing opportunities.

Have you ever been so absorbed in the music playing in your car or the conversation you are having with a passenger, that you miss your turn or exit? In life, we sometimes get so wrapped up in what’s happening around us, we lose sight of where we should be going. And, it is at these times Benefiel says we should be alert and open to where God might be leading us. Look for those whom He is using to guide our path. Be aware of the unexpected signs that will send us from this crossroad back on to the path we need to travel to find our way.

For those of you who are like me, it may be an uncomfortable situation in which to be. We plan and organize the trip. We make sure every detail has been addressed. Of course, we know life can send us detours that prolong our ability to arrive at the planned destination. Benefiel relates that, in these detours, it can be advantageous to follow the advice of Winston Churchill who said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Use the seemingly bad situation to find opportunity. Perhaps it is an opportunity to take the country road instead of the major highway. You might find this new path on which you are traveling will be filled with stunning views that provide you with a fresh perspective.

Whatever crossroads you may find yourself sitting in, know that God is already miles ahead of you clearing the path. Whether you are in a season of change such as changing jobs, experiencing an empty nest, or contemplating retirement, understand He is with you. Find comfort in the expression of Psalm 46, that God has promised to be with us and be our “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” if we just pull over and let Him.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator 

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Fulfilling the Law by Putting Love into Action

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

On Palm Sunday, I listened as the pastor shared a message focused on the reality that how you treat others will have an eternal impact for us and those with whom we interact. During his sermon, he posed a few questions to the congregation. Who is the person you most admire? Who is that person who has left a lasting mark on your life? Is there someone who has invested time in you and made you feel valued? Who was there for you at just the right time to make a difference?

He went on to explain that no matter who each person in the congregation identified, there were similarities in the reasons they were chosen. When someone takes the time to intentionally lift us up, they are humbly showing and sharing compassion while living and loving like Jesus. In addition to taking a personal interest in us, they are allowing Jesus to use them and to be seen in and through them. And, while we benefit from their actions, their reason for becoming involved is to honor Jesus through the use of their gifts and talents.

Romans 12 urges us to humbly offer ourselves in service to the body of Christ, embracing our confidence in Him as we come to the table and put our love into action. In her commentary, Elizabeth Shively clarifies this concept by saying, “let your love be heartfelt; be eager to show each other honor; be set on fire by the Spirit;...literally ‘participate in’ — the needs of the saints, and pursue hospitality….True love is fervent, relentless, and practical.”

In my video message (youtube.com/watch?v=4vudf6JQDEc) on UMCOR Sunday in March, I highlighted the fact that there is a table prepared for us during our times of need. Everyone is welcome at this table. Some are present because they are hungry, thirsty, or need clothing. Others are there because they have been called to serve. It is because of the goodness and merciful acts of those who are called that this table is plentiful.

In 2022, the congregations of the Susquehanna Annual Conference came to that table and generously gave $523,435 directly to Advances that supported the mission and ministry of UMCOR. Through that financial giving, victims of disasters were being fed and clothed. As a result of your acts of service, homes were being repaired. By putting your love into action, hope was being restored and people you did not know were able to see and experience Jesus and the love He has for them.

My pastor concluded his sermon by asking…Is there anyone in your life who needs to know they are loved? Who in your life needs to feel valued or cared for? Who needs you to be there for them in their time of need? As we move through 2023 and beyond, continue to be present at the table. Allow the Holy Spirit to light a fire in your heart and use the gifts you have been given to humbly serve those in need, whatever that need may be. Follow the calling of Romans 13 to fulfill the law by loving your neighbor. And, do so with confidence, knowing that it is holy and pleasing to God and the eternal impact will be far greater than any earthly benefits.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Commentary: Have You Heard the Bells…and the Message?

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

Last month, my wife and I took the opportunity to go on a date. We decided to take in a movie entitled “I Heard the Bells.” The storyline chronicled how poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came to write the poem that eventually turned in to a popular Christmas carol. After seeing the movie, I was intrigued by the portrayal of Longfellow’s life, decided to do a little research, and familiarize myself with his writings. The result of that exploration revealed that, while he was considered the most popular poet of that time, Longfellow also lived a real and relatable life.

Without giving away the entire story line, he lived a simple yet very happy life. He experienced family struggles, grief and healing. He was drawn into the conflict created by a charged political and social climate. He grappled with keeping promises and addressing teen rebellion. Longfellow was a widower and single father after tragic circumstances took his second wife, whom he described as the inspiration for his poetry and his life. His faith wavered. His hope for the future was lost.

Over the past few years, we have experienced much of the same. The pandemic turned our world upside down. Social distancing forced many to abandon the sense of community we previously enjoyed. We became distant from our neighbors, friends, and church community. Our ministry and mission suffered.

In the early morning hours of December 25, 1863, while still wrestling with his hopelessness and grief, Longfellow heard the bells of the local church ringing. Justin Taylor, executive vice president for book publishing and publisher for books at Crossway Publishing, explained in his blog that Longfellow heard these bells and “the singing of ‘peace on earth’ (Luke 2:14), but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook” (Taylor, 2014). Longfellow recognized this contrast in his own life and in our nation and began to pen the words of the poem that eventually became the Christmas carol: words that lead the reader or listener to understand that peace and hope can be found despite the despair surrounding us.

Last month, we celebrated the birth of our Savior. And, Scripture tells us He came as the Prince of Peace. The angels sang about it. His ministry was filled with the message of peace. Scripture tells us, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). And, when Jesus arose from the dead, He spoke of it saying, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). 

In 1838, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow also wrote the poem, “A Psalm of Life,” in which he encourages readers to make the best of their life. It speaks of having a purpose despite the messiness around us and ends with a call to action. 

“Let us then be up and doing,/ With a heart for any fate;/ Still achieving, still pursuing,/ Learn to labor and to wait.” (Longfellow, 1838)

We have heard the bells ringing and the carolers singing. We have been assured there is peace in knowing and following Jesus. As you begin the New Year, let this message fill your heart. Return to your mission and ministry. And, being commissioned, go out and take action to spread the message that: 

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:/ ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;/ The Wrong shall fail,/ The Right prevail,/ With peace on earth, good-will to men.’” (Longfellow, Christmas Bells, 1863)

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Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog: susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Commentary: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

By Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

A few weeks ago, I was struggling. Facing health- related issues and problems at work, I was looking forward to a weekend camping trip. It was going to be a great opportunity to put those troubles and concerns behind me, if only for a few days. I packed the camper Friday morning and started my weekend, intending to meet my wife when she finished working that evening. I was 30 minutes into my trip when I felt the camper bounce and sway. And, before I knew it, I was sitting along the side of the road. 

The camper had sustained a flat tire. As I got out of my truck to inspect it, I saw rubber from the tire lying on the road, accompanied by torn air conditioning duct work and plywood. My heart sank. Approaching the back of the camper, I found the tire had shredded and had ripped away portions of the weather barrier and subflooring. The wire that reinforced the duct work was tightly wrapped around the axle of the camper. At that point, it became obvious that my relaxing weekend was over. I left the camper on the side of the road, called my wife to inform her that our plans had changed, and returned home to figure out my next steps.

I spent that evening removing the wire from the axle, with the help of my oldest son and some of his friends. I towed the camper to the garage and made arrangements to get an estimate for repairs. We made the best of the remainder of that Saturday. I was carrying the burdens of my health and work issues, along with my concerns about the camper as we walked in to the sanctuary Sunday morning. The service began and the praise team started singing.

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.”

The band played. The voices of the congregation filled the room. And try as I may to prepare my heart and mind for worship, I could not stop thinking about the problems I was facing. Then, as the chorus rang out, I heard a voice. It was soft but distinct. I listened closely and the words of the chorus became extremely clear.

“Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

I turned around to see a blonde-headed boy, not more than six or seven years old, with a big smile and singing with conviction. The words I heard were reassuring. Everything I needed would be provided, including solutions to all my problems. Just be faithful. As everyone continued to sing, I felt the burdens I had been carrying being lifted. I took a deep breath and joined in the last verse. 

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote the words of this poem based on Lamentations 3:22-23, which eventually became the well-known hymn: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

While it may seem strange to find comfort in a book of the Bible filled with expressions of grief or sorrow, we can be assured by these verses that God will be faithful, no matter what. He knows what we are going through. His presence provides all the hope, joy and strength we need to successfully confront our challenges. And, eventually we can take pleasure in the blessings He provides as we move through them.

When the world around us seems noisy and stress-filled and our lives look as messy as a shredded camper tire, take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the enduring peace and blessings He has provided.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp
Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

The Power to Make a Change!

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

“If you walked by a house fully engulfed in flames and you could hear people screaming, would you keep walking? If a car crashed in front of you, would you drive by it? If a child was about to cross a busy street without looking, would you stay quiet? Well, it’s not a fire, or a crash, or a busy street, but people ARE dying and our health-care workers are drowning, and they are seeing things they will never forget….”

These words were shared by a friend on social media a few months ago. Like many of us, she has been frustrated with the pandemic, a lack of concern for those who are suffering, and the declining support for the decision-makers attempting to guide us. 

My friend went on to share that “we have the power to change the outcome, to lessen the burden. We can be part of the solution.” 

As I read her post, my thoughts turned to a cold day in October when I met with some residents of Knoxville (Williamsport District). That meeting was born out of frustration. Flooding had affected this community in August and, because there was no disaster declaration, it was difficult for them to get the assistance they needed. As I listened to their stories and pleas for help, I couldn’t help but think about their suffering. Most were without heat, their furnaces ruined. Some had mold growing in their basements. I could see the suffering in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they shared their circumstances. Colder weather was coming and snow was in the forecast. Without help, they would spend the winter without heat.

As I left that community, I knew something had to be done. After making some phone calls and sending some emails, I was able to arrange some help. With help from an UMCOR Solidarity Grant, our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams and VOAD partners went to work. And, by Christmas, the majority of the needs had been addressed.

Recently, I received a text from one of the families thanking me. As a result of the “help your group has given to our family after the flood it is slowly looking like a house again.” 

As I shared in the January issue of the Susquehanna LINK, your generosity allowed the Disaster Response Ministry to support this work, share in their burden, and make a difference.

This month, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday (March 27). And, communities around the Annual Conference, across the nation, and worldwide continue to suffer from hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. Your support on this special Sunday allows UMCOR to train Conference Disaster Response Coordinators like me, certify Early Response Teams, keep the office lights on, and maintain its promise that 100% of any financial support to a specific UMCOR project will go towards that project and not administrative cost.

Your sustaining gifts on UMCOR Sunday and throughout the year lays the foundation for UMCOR to equip local churches, annual conferences and nonprofit organizations to be in mission with their communities, respond to those left most vulnerable during these challenging times, and share God’s love with communities everywhere.

To be part of the solution, make a change, and share the burdens of other, support UMCOR Sunday by giving during your congregational offering time. Financial contributions can be collected and submitted through the Conference Treasurer’s Remittance Report in Section A and mailed to the Conference Office. Checks should be made payable to the Susquehanna Conference, with the UMCOR Sunday designation in the memo. To support the ongoing work of UMCOR, please include the appropriate Advance:  UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 901670); or, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 982450). If you wish to allow UMCOR to determine where to use the funds, the offering can be designated “Where Most Needed” (Advance #999895).

For individual giving, these same options are available and can be accomplished online by CLICKING HERE: www.umcmission.org/umcor/give/how-to-give#Your_Gift

The Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response Ministry Advance (Advance # 8055) provides another opportunity to support disaster response. Funds designated to this Advance will support response, relief, and recovery efforts within the Conference as well as support Conference teams when they mobilize to other areas.

For more information about UMCOR, visit www.umcmission.org/umcor. To learn more about the Conference Disaster Response Ministry, visit www.susmb.org/ and click on the Disaster Response tab; or follow on Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse and on Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator
717-766-7441, ext. 3402
drc@susumc.org

I Love a Parade!

Fire trucks. Marching bands. Floats. And, candy, lots of candy. These are some of the childhood images that come to mind when I think of a parade. I remember how exciting it was to grab a grocery bag, sit on the side of the road, and gather all the sweets thrown my way. As I got older, I remember marching with the Scouts and decorating our high school class floats every year for the homecoming parade. When I joined the military, I spent the summer of 1986 learning the precision and detail that marching required. Those skills became very useful because we marched everywhere. Thirty five years later, I still get excited about a parade. I stand a little taller when I hear the heavy beat of a drum. I get chills at the sound of a firm, booming cadence being called. The sound of a group moving in sync is music to my ears. And, when the drum major raises that baton, my excitement grows because I know what is coming next. The air will be filled with the harmonious sounds of a band performing.

In Joshua 6, we learn that God used a parade to provide victory in battle. After crossing the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, the Israelites faced a formidable enemy in the highly fortified city of Jericho. They had no real weapons of significance to make the task of overtaking the city any easier. And, Joshua had to wonder if it was even possible to achieve such a feat. God met him and provided the plan for success. 

Joshua followed God’s instructions and the people paraded around the city once each day for six days, while carrying trumpets of rams’ horns. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times and the priests blew the trumpets. And, when they made a long blast, everyone shouted and the wall around Jericho fell. The stronghold on the city was destroyed and the Israelites were victorious.

While God destroyed the city walls, there is so much more to be learned from the Jericho parade. God goes before us in all situations, working on our behalf, to claim victory. He promises to be with us just like he was with them. His message was, and still is, “I will not leave your or forsake you. Be strong and courageous...Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go... Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5-9, ESV).

Today, we face our own battles. We wrestle with personal circumstances that seem to take hold of our lives. Publicly, we are fighting a pandemic, struggling to overcome racism, and arguing over human rights. Like Joshua, we may wonder how to achieve triumph over these apparent strongholds. The Battle of Jericho can provide a reminder that victory is possible if we remain faithful and obedient to God. As the weather turns warmer, take some time to “parade” around your community. Pray for your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are talented enough to play an instrument, take it with you. Make a joyful noise. And, share in the excitement of knowing God is already there, will help us overcome our problems, and destroy the walls of sin, sickness, injustice, and hate in our lives.