A new journey for Central UMC in Decatur began yesterday out at Delano City Park. We are now going to be focusing on life as a community. We will be using a Rick Warren edited book called Better Together: A Churchwide Spiritual Growth Campaign.

Today he encourages us to think about what it means to really learn how to love. He suggests that love that is easy might not really be love at all but rather infatuation or lust. I don't argue the differences but would question the statement he makes when he says, "Love is unatural for us." There are always exceptions to any rule regarding human behavior, but I think when a mother gives birth to a child, the natural order is to love that child. She doesn't have to learn how and it isn't unnatural. She might have to learn appropriate ways of expressing that love and she might have to learn how to best guide and instruct that child, but it starts with love.

Henri Nouwen reminds us of the difference between learning about love and living it.

"O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am impressed by my own spiritual insights. I probably know more about prayer, meditation, and contemplation than most Christians do. I have read many books about the Christian life, and have even written a few myself. Still, as impressed as I am, I am more impressed by the enormous abyss between my insights and my life." - From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Grace and Peace,

One Month to Live leaves us with the question, "Are you where you want to be spiritually, eternally?"

And now take a look at this:

"When a man gives up self, his past sins will no longer oppress him."

Where we want to be is most closely tied to where God ultimately needs us to be.

Sunday in the Park on Sunday, September 12! Come join us at Delano Park in Decatur, Alabama on Sunday at 10:00 for meaningful worship and a picnic lunch afterwards.

See you on Sunday!

We have been reading One Month to Live. What might we do differently? What kind of priorities should we have?

This week we learn about learning to live that kind of purpose filled life BEFORE learning that we only have one month to live.

Kerry and Chris Shook write, "If you only had one month to live, you could make some changes that would improve what you left behind. But how much better to know that you're contributing to your legacy every day over many months and years and that all you're working for will last for eternity. ... Our relationships are the only investment that can't be destroyed by a fire or national disaster or be lost in the stock market."

For what would you like to be remembered? How are you contributing to this goal right now?

Bring a friend to worship next week as we travel to Delano Park and Sunday in the Park! We gather at 10:00 and worship at 10:30. Bring a friend in blue jeans and don't forget a side dish for a picnic lunch afterwards!

Grace and Peace,

Came across an interesting passage in today's reading of One Month to Live.

"God never intended for us to be well rounded. He has gifted each of us uniquely, and no one has all the talent, no matter how it might appear. We're to focus on what we're good at and let go of what we're not good at. I am not a good singer - just ask anyone who knows me! I could spend all my time taking voice lessons and auditioning for American Idol, but I would only go from bad to lousy. Instead I've focused on the key areas in which God has gifted me, and I've tried to develop them. I'm always working at being a better writer and communicator. It's an insult to God when we focus on the gifts and passions we don't have and try to develop only our weak areas. Our greatest potential lies in the areas of our greatest strengths."

Wow. What do you think?

Grace and Peace,