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| April For Africa University |
| I am a firm believer in the importance of local missions. I dare say I have never been in a church that is so other oriented in its outreach. One can read the recent Easter Lover Offering brochure and again be reminded of the local involvement in which we invest ourselves. Ours is also a growing global church. Our great congregation is called on to help in this arena as well. David McLaurin is in Russia today working on our behalf with the Russian Methodist seminary where Dr. Sergei Nikolaev, a member here with his wife Deborah and their children for five years, is the newly inducted president. |
| The global United Methodist Church is experiencing unprecedented growth on the continent of Africa. We are fast approaching 4 million members in Africa. Some predict that in the next 10 years Africa could surpass the United States in the number of United Methodists. The needs in Africa are vast, yet health concerns and education are at the top of our list as a denomination. Our Conference has focused on a project that addresses both of these concerns. We are going to build a much needed health clinic on the campus of Africa University. |
| Africa University in Zimbabwe is the sole United Methodist institution of higher learning in Africa. It has been educating students from throughout the continent for the past 15 years, beginning with 40 undergraduates enrolled in agriculture and theology programs and growing to some 1300 students today, representing 25 African countries, enrolled in six undergraduate and five graduate fields of study. Bishop Alfred Norris's Africa University Initiative asks the North Texas Annual Conference to "make a witness" by participating in a conference goal of $1 million to provide a health clinic for the University. |
| As a part of this initiative, we here at Lovers Lane will make Africa University the focus for fasting and praying and giving during the month of April. There are several ways one can fast and those practices will be lifted up. Our family is going to do the Daniel fast which is basically eating fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and the hard part, no caffeine. We recently did this fast during Lent for 21 days and we will do it to focus our prayer life on Africa University. As a family we will be giving at least $10 a day during April as our gift to Africa University. Join us in doing what God will put on your heart and let’s make a great offering for this extremely worthy cause. |
| One of our sister congregations has pledged $100,000 and another has pledged $50,000. I wonder how much God will move us to give? My prayer is that it will be a radically generous gift. Remember on Sunday, April 27, we will have two African Bishops preaching and a luncheon co-hosted by our two African Fellowships. That evening we will host the Africa University choir in concert. What a month we have planned. |
| Grace and Peace, |
| Stan |
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| Grant Myers: The Need For Fasting |
| During the years that Jesus walked here on earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the Kingdom of God. These principles are now foreign in this modern world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern specifically addressed three duties of a Christian: Giving, Praying, and Fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…And when you pray…And when you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of a Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying. |
| Could we be missing one of our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? We want Lovers Lane United Methodist Church not only to be a church that gives and prays but one that also practices fasting. When all three – giving, praying, and fasting – are a part of your life, I believe that is when we are not only at our best but we will see amazing things happen in our lives! |
| Victories are not won in public; they are won in private. Jesus did not seem to pray as much in public as he did in private. Like Jesus, it is those private times we spend with our Heavenly Father that will bring forth a public demonstration of God’s power. The vital point I want you to see in Matthew 6 is that God delights in rewards. Furthermore, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced in your life, He says He will “reward you openly.” |
| Once you make that decision to fast, even if it’s just for a day, God sees the desire of your heart. He will provide you with the grace to endure and see the breakthroughs you need to come to pass. We only have one life to give God; let’s get control of our bodies and go for God with the best that we have! Please join us in this time of corporate fasting where we will be starting the Daniel Fast (eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread;.eat fruits and vegetables and drink only water). Our church is one that prays and gives. However, with the addition of fasting, we pray that God will take us to a place we have never dreamed of! |
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| Daniel Fast: Eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink only water. |
| SCRIPTURE REFRENCE FOR FASTING: |
| Matthew 6:16-18 |
| Matthew 9:14-15 |
| Luke 18: 9-14 |
| RELATION TO PRAYER AND READING OF THE WORD: |
| 1 Samuel 1:6-8; 17-18 |
| Nehemiah 1:4 |
| Daniel 9:3, 20 |
| Joel 2:12 |
| Luke 2:37 |
| Acts 10:30 |
| Acts 13:2 |
| 1 Corinthians 7:5 |
| CORPORATE FASTING: |
| 1 Samuel 7:5-6 |
| 2 Chronicles 20:34 |
| Ezra 8:21-23 |
| Nehemiah 9:1-3 |
| Joel 2:15-16 |
| Jonah 3:5-10 |
| Acts 27:33-37 |
| [REMEMBER] that is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58; Jeremiah 14:12; 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God richly bless you as you fast! |
| GRANT MYERS |
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| April 28: Trinity River Mission Golf Tournament |
| On April 28, the 19th Annual Trinity River Mission (TRM) Golf Tournament will be held at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco. Get your friends or classmates together and create a team or join the fun as an individual and we will add you to one of the foursomes. This is a scramble format on a wonderful golf course. Prizes and gifts will be awarded plus lunch and dinner are provided. If you are not a golfer but want to be supportive, consider being a sponsor at one of several levels. Call the TRM at 214.744.6774 to sign up or obtain one of the brochures in the information area of the church. The Tournament proceeds will benefit the Believe and Achieve College Scholarship program of TRM and will serve West Dallas youth. |
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Foundation Presents
2008 McCormick Lectures |
| The Foundation of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church is pleased to present the 2008 James C. and Barbara McCormick Distinguished Speaker Forum on Sunday, May 4 and Monday. May 5. Our speaker this year is the noted humorist and international speaker, Linda Evans Shepherd. |
| Ms. Shepherd is a popular radio and television host, well known author of over twenty books, much sought-after speaker for Stepping Into Destiny Conferences and founder of Right to the Heart Ministry. She uses humor and drama to share refreshing encouragement as she teaches audiences how to walk hand-in-hand with the Lord. Ms. Shepherd’s topic for the McCormick Lectures is, Living Your Life as a Worship Experience. |
| On behalf of the Foundation Board of Directors, please accept our special invitation to join us for this lecture series and experience the following quote from Patsy Clairmont, Women of Faith, Keynote Speaker, “There is a bubbling up of Jesus-Joy that exudes from Linda that is absolutely contagious. I love her blend of humor and heart and I stand back amazed at her “go tell the world” determination.” |
| The Foundation is deeply indebted to Jim and Barbara McCormick for their generosity over the past twenty-two years. Through their generosity and vision, the church has had the opportunity to hear many exceptional and inspirational lay speakers. |
| The James C. & Barbara McCormick Distinguished Speaker Forum was created in 1986 to feature a lay-person of faith whose inspirational message makes a positive impact in our community and in our church. |
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| New Construction Underway Soon! |
| You’ve been hearing about the Hearing the CALL Capital Funding Mission for some time, and soon you’ll begin to see work in progress! The construction of Shipp Chapel and the Hospitality corridor are divided into two phases. Phase I begins in April, and will focus on the South (Visitor) Parking Lot. During this 2-month phase, new sidewalks, driveway changes, temporary entrances and walkways will be constructed.
When Phase I is completed, the South (Visitor) Parking Lot will reopen for the remaining construction projects. Phase 2 - construction of Shipp Chapel and the Hospitality corridor - begins in June, and the Parking Lot north of the Sanctuary will be restricted. More details, maps and updates will be coming your way soon. For questions, contact David McLaurin, 214.706.9527 or dmclaurin@llumc.org. |
| HeartStrings Ministry: Stories Shared |
| One of the strongest attributes of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church is its big heart -visitors and new members alike have commented on the welcoming spirit, friendly smiles, gentle care, support and compassion shown to one another and to those we touch through our outreach missions. The HeartStrings Ministry was initiated a few years ago in that same tradition. This ministry reaches those who are homebound, either because of health or another personal situation which keeps them from being as active in the life of the church as they used to be. |
| The objective of the HeartStrings Ministry is to pair a Visitor with a homebound member, creating a personal and spiritual connection. The framework of the ministry suggests making weekly phone calls and once-a-month home visits. These are guidelines, and each Visitor has flexibility to work out a routine that fits for him/her and the HeartStrings Friend. |
| What a privilege it is to get to know these members and share life with them! Stories from those who are actively participating include hearing about a childhood and early adulthood that inspire and motivate; learning about the earliest days of Lovers Lane UMC; sharing time in the backyard glider, identifying flowers and birds; watching an inning of Ranger baseball on TV - ice cream, too; career discussions; family holiday stories--and the list goes on! |
| These are dear and cherished members of our congregation, and serving them through the HeartStrings Ministry may be the "open door" that God is offering to you! Recruitment for the HeartStrings Ministry continues today; stop by the table on the Plaza to sign up and choose the Training Session you would like to attend, April 17 at 2pm or 7pm. For more information or if you want to say "YES" to this opportunity to serve, contact Frenda Bjornlie, 214.706.9525 or fbjornlie@llumc.org, or Janie Bowles, 214.361.8175. |
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| Plan Trips With Our Travel Ministry |
| The mission of the Lovers Lane UMC Travel Ministry, headed by Bob Womer is: |
| "The Lovers Lane UMC Travel Ministry provides members and their friends opportunities to become more knowledgeable about the history of the Christian faith and related historical events through travel that is informative, spiritual, and shared in fellowship with others." |
| Bob Womer has announced some of the trips that are scheduled through 2010. In 2008, we will have groups traveling to Scotland, Nova Scotia and France. In 2009, a trip to Egypt in January and a trip to the Holy Land in the Fall. In 2010 a trip to St. Petersburg and Scandanavia is planned in April and in September a group will go to Oberammergau and Eastern Europe. Additional trips will be announced soon. |
| For more details on these trips or to be added to the Travel Ministries mailing list, please contact Jeanelle Bandy, 972.235.5944 or robleeltd@sbcglobal.net. |
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| Strength In Weakness |
| For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in martial arts. This self defense/exercise technique that originated in the far east hundreds of years ago has been popularized most recently by Jackie Chan and of course in years past by people such as Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and even Elvis Presley. |
| People of all ages and from various backgrounds find Karate, Judo, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do and other versions of the martial arts to be helpful in building self-esteem and staying fit. |
| I recently heard about a ten-year-old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. So he took lessons from an old Japanese Judo master and he was doing pretty well. But after three months of training, the master had only taught him one move and it was the same move. It was complicated and complex. |
| Finally the young boy said, “Sensei…” (which means teacher) “Sensei, should I be learning more moves?” And the teacher replied, “This is the only move you will ever need to know.” The boy didn’t quite understand, but he trusted and believed the teacher so he dutifully kept on training and became better and better. Several months later the Sensei took his young student with only one arm to a Judo tournament. Amazingly, the boy won his first two matches. The third match proved to be a bit more difficult, but after some time the opponent became impatient and charged him. It was then that the boy used his one move….and he won the match! |
| Amazed by his success, the boy reached the finals. Now the opponent was bigger, stronger and more experienced than any of the others with whom he had competed. For awhile the boy appeared to be completely overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time out, and was about to stop the match when the Sensei intervened and said, “No, let him continue.” The match was resumed. Then the opponent, big, strong and tough made a critical mistake. He dropped his guard and instantly the boy used his one and only move and pinned him. He won the match and the tournament. He was the new champion. |
| On the way home, the boy and the Sensei reviewed every move and every match. Finally, the boy asked, “Teacher, how did I win the tournament with only one arm and one move?” “You won for two reasons,” the Sensei said. “First, the one move that I taught you is the most difficult throw in all of Judo and you have mastered it. The second reason is there is only one defense against that move, and that’s for your opponent to grab your left arm.” |
| You see the boy’s weakness was his strength. The Bible reminds us, “God gives power to the faint and weary, and to them who have no might, God increases strength and makes it abound.” Whatever struggle or weakness you are dealing with today… remember that you and God are more than capable of facing it together. Receive the strength of the Lord in your life, now and always. |
| Stephen Lowell Swisher |
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| Pastor Swisher's Quote For The Week: |
| “The T.E.A.M. Rule: Together Everyone Achieves More ... If there is Total Effort from All Members” |
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| Stewards Corner: Brenda Maddox |
| Thoughts of Easter Sunday still lingered with me! This week I have enjoyed seeing all the crosses in yards announcing, He is Risen. It makes me wonder what those who don’t know Jesus think as they drive by those same signs. They also reminded me of a time when I did not have a personal relationship with Him. I was a believer but something was lacking. |
| For years, it was easy for me to say that God had sent His Son into the world to die for the sins of the world. I believed that, but I had never really believed that He died for me personally. With God’s help, I finally accepted and believed that Christ died for me. Yes, me. The reality that God loved me so much that He sent his Son into the world and that his Son was willing to die for my sins at times is still overwhelming. So, when we sing about a risen Lord, I can’t help but think of the sacrifice that He made for me. |
| There are so many in the world like me that need a personal relationship with our risen Lord. It has truly changed my view of life in so many ways and I am grateful for the change. I am also grateful to be a member of a church called Lovers Lane that demonstrates love everyday. It confirms to me that God’s love is plentiful and with His help and guidance, we as a congregation can take love to the world. Peace, hope and love to each of you. |
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| Kalaba Chali: What Africa University Means To Me |
| Africa University is a United Methodist-Related Institution with an ecumenical and pan-African spirit. Currently Africa University has students enrolled in six Faculties (Agriculture, Theology, Management, Education, Health Sciences and Social Sciences) and in the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance. |
| There are two major things happening presently in Africa. On one hand civil wars, sicknesses and poverty continue to ravage the continent; on the other hand there is a rapid growth of Christianity. This reminds me that the continent of Africa does not only send out a message of hopelessness, but also a message that there is HOPE through Christ. The Church is the agent to bring about this hope. Through Africa University, the United Methodist Church creates an environment where young and old, women and men, regardless of their backgrounds, begin to put their efforts together to overcome challenges that the continent of Africa faces. |
| Africa University not only equips students with quality education, but also offers them a Christ-like approach to using that education. Through helping Africa University, we are making a difference in many African communities. Graduates of Africa University take with them a unique gift to their respective communities. They receive appropriate skills to address African issues. In addition, they learn to appreciate that every human being embodies the image of Christ and should be treated accordingly. |
| I am grateful to God to have had the opportunity to learn at Africa University. Sometimes, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church campus reminds me of the Africa University campus. It is not just about the diversity that characterizes Lovers Lane UMC and Africa University, but that the message is sent out. At Africa University students leave their books and assignments to go spend time with orphans at Old Mutare Mission. At Lovers Lane UMC volunteers leave their busy schedules and disregard the traffic challenges during rush hours in order to visit with our friends who are in prisons. |
| These two places, Lover’s Lane UMC and Africa University, continue to renew my hope and faith in what Christ has come to do in the world. May God continue to bless Africa University and Lovers Lane UMC as we strive to listen to God’s calling and respond to that calling through our service to those in need. |
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