“The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ … The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: Thus says the LORD: If any of you could break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night would not come at their appointed time, only then could my covenant with my Servant David be broken, so that he would not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with my ministers the Levites. Just as the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will increase the offspring of my servant David, and the Levites who minister to me.” Jeremiah 33:14-16, 19-22
8.22.2015
“The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt – a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34
From Pastor Ed's Scripture Reading 8.21.2015
“Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD; speak to them all the words that I command you; do not hold back a word. It may be that they will listen, all of them, and will turn from their evil way, that I may change my mind about the disaster that I intend to bring on them because of their evil doings. You shall say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you will not listen to me, to walk I my law that I have set before you, and to heed the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently – though you have not heeded – then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.” Jeremiah 26:2-6
From Our Pastor’s Heart
First and foremost Cindy and I thank God for leading us to the Carnesville/Vanna Circuit! We are excited about the possibilities for ministry and mission in these places and expectant to see God in each of you.
We are so very thankful for the welcome received from both congregations and for your gracious patience with us as we went on vacation almost immediately after arriving and have taken so long to get moved in.
We are thankful to all for the expressions of welcome we have been showered with. Meals, food in the refrigerator, a bounteous breakfast at Vanna on our first Sunday and plenty of smiles, hugs and heart felt welcoming remarks as we joined with you.
We will be completely moved in and will begin in earnest becoming a part of the community full time by the end of July. Again, we are thankful and appreciative of your patience with us.
As we continue our journey with God let me share my thoughts on how we as part of a local outpost of the Body of Christ as a whole ought to act. These are general thoughts that apply to all local congregations regardless of size. My thoughts are shaped around this simple math equation: 25+2+1=28.
25 In Matthew 25:35-36 Jesus lays out some tasks for us to accomplish individually and as a group; “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” By doing these we are putting the Gospel in action and carrying out the Greatest Commandment, “You shall love the Lord your God with all our heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and the second greatest, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” As found in Matthew 22:37-39
+2 In Acts 2:41-47 we are told about the early church, “So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
+1 In Acts 1:8 Jesus lays out for us where we are to be in mission and ministry, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
=28 And in Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gives us the Great Commission, “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”
As your Pastor I challenge each of us to first put this equation in our minds, and our hearts, then second to be able to share this with anyone who asks and third and most importantly help me discover the ways we can put this equation into practice. Who are the specific people and where are the specific places we can be in mission and ministry. Who do we know that either doesn’t know Jesus at all, or has turned from Jesus that we can introduce/re-introduce to Him?
How can we be in mission and ministry in Vanna? In Carnesville? In Franklin and Hart County? In the Athens-Elberton District? In the North Georgia Annual Conference? In our country? And internationally? Where and to whom is God calling us to serve?
As members of the United Methodist Church we covenant with God and each other to serve God and the Church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. It is my prayer and my desire that we do so as individuals, as families, as communities and as a congregation in a manner pleasing and acceptable to God. I am here to serve God, to serve you and to join with you and lead you in mission and ministry.
Cindy and I expectantly anticipate our purposeful future with each of you. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
In His grip, Ed
Vanna News: May 2015
May 2015
Dear Vanna,
This is, perhaps, one of the mostdifficult tasks a pastor can face: writing a departure letter. Farewell, Aurevoir, Ciao, Sayonara, Auf wiedersehen, Adios … no matter how it is said,goodbyes can be tough. It is especially difficult when, in my mind’s eye, Ipicture your sweet faces peering at me from your “assigned” seats in thesanctuary!
When Jimand I arrived three years ago, many of you went out of your way to make us feelwelcomed. It was a gracious beginning to three grace-filled years. While they certainlyweren’t without challenges, both big and small (what three years of life ever are?!), they were years marked by change,blessedness, spiritual growth, and the goodness of God.
A whileback, I mentioned that I was reading Relaunch, a book on church leadership writtenby Dr. Mark Rutland. There is a great story in the book related to one of the manymoves his family endured due to his father’s long military career. Sometimesthey moved every year and, occasionally, more often than that!
Apparently, whenever they movedinto a new home, one of the first things his mother would do was make a flowerbed and plant colorful flowers. Mark witnessed this repeatedly and it botheredhim. Once, as they were settling into another new town and another rental home,he, yet again, watched his mother get down on her knees prepare the soil forflower bulbs. Annoyed by this, he asked, “Mother, why do you always do thiswhen you know that, in six months, wecould be gone?”
His mother replied, “It doesn’tmatter how long we’re here. I want to make sure that the flowerbeds are betterwhen we leave than when we arrived!” I really appreciate her attitude and hervision. She knew that, when they moved out, someone else would move in. In herown small way, she wanted to bless the incoming family by planting beautifulflowers they would enjoy.
I find this story meaningful because, like militaryfamilies, clergy families move more often than most. I believe pastors shouldwork with members to leave the “church flowerbeds” in great shape, planted withbulbs that will produce beautiful flowers intended to bring glory and honor toGod. Some of the bulbs will bloom early. Others will bloom only after that particularpastor is long gone. Whether the bulbs bloom early or late doesn’t reallymatter. In the end, it is never about the ones who plant the bulbs. It isalways about the One who created the bulbs and causes them to grow.
As I consider my imminent departure from Vanna, 1 Corinthians3:6-9 takes on new meaning: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave thegrowth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, butonly God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have acommon purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. Forwe are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
While I am sad to say goodbye to Vanna, I takeheart in the knowledge that, together, we have planted and watered for theKingdom of God. Now, I will simply trust God to cause the bulbs to bloom and grow.
Even as I have been writing this,God has lifted up a song in my heart, filled me with praise, and put great joyin my spirit. I will share with you the song I keep hearing the Holy Spiritsing, because I know it is for you as much as it is for me. It is called Hymn of Promise and is found on page 707in the United Methodist Hymnal (ofcourse!). Since this is the last letter I will write, please humor me as Ishare all of the words to this beautiful song.
Inthe bulb, there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hiddenpromise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’sa spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone cansee.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the pastwill come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season,something God alone can see.
Inour end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there isbelieving; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, avictory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Only God knows the future he has planned for Vannaand for Jim and me. Surely, it will be revealed in the right season, in God’sperfect timing. Until then, I will pray for Rev. Ed Dickens, the pastor whocomes after me. I will trust and believe that the flowerbeds we planted andwatered together will, by God’s grace, grow into a “victory garden” ofincredible beauty. And, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for allowingme the great privilege and honor of being Vanna’s pastor.
Blessings now and forevermore,
Rev. Dr. Lacey Bowcock
Vanna News: March 2015
Hello, good folks at Vanna,
As you know, right now, we are in the season of Lent. I was looking through my resources and came across the following questions. As I read them, I felt compelled to slow down and consider my answer to each question. Honest answers require thoughtful self-examination, which can be a meaningful exercise during our Lenten journey.
I thought some of you might also appreciate this list. So, I am posting it for you to use during this season of reflection and repentance. May God bless you, the Holy Spirit guide you, and Christ embrace you as you examine your heart and offer God whatever you find hidden there.
Shalom,
Lacey
The following are questions John Wesley suggested Methodists use to guide them through the season of Lent:
(1) Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am a better person than I really am?
(2) Am I honest in all my acts of words, or do I exaggerate?
(3) Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
(4) Can I be trusted?
(5) Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
(6) Did the Bible live in me today?
(7) Am I enjoying prayer?
(8) When did I last speak to somebody else with the object of trying to win that person for Christ?
(9) Do I pray about the money I spend?
(10) Do I disobey God in anything?
(11) Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscious is uneasy?
(12) Am I defeated in any part of my life?
(13) Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
(14) Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially the Pharisees who despised the publican?
(15) Is there anybody who I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
(16) Is Christ real to me?
Vanna News: February 2015
Please join me for the Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 on February 18th.
Hello faithful folks at Vanna!
Jim and I are just about to walk out the door for the flight to Israel. Our first stop, however, is Newark, NJ, which is currently in the midst of a winter storm. Our first flight was cancelled due to snow and sleet. Now, we have been assigned to a different flight and, hopefully, by this time tomorrow we will be in Bethlehem.
I am grateful for the opportunity to see Israel with my husband, but this past week has been something to deal with! What are the chances of never having the flu before and getting it one week before an international trip? That, along with the subsequent upper respiratory infection and having a hand still recovering from surgery has made circumstances difficult. Through it all, though, God has been reminding me of his generous heart. How great is the Father's love for us! (1 John 3:1) We serve a God who gives, and gives, and gives. "For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) His generosity toward me has been overwhelming at times, as I am sure it has been toward you as well.
How do we give appropriate thanks and praise to a gracious God who keeps giving us what we do not deserve and covers our sin so that we don't get what we do deserve? Perhaps the best way is by cultivating a generous, gracious spirit ourselves. As we move toward Lent, I am reminded that people just like you and me hurt Jesus tremendously, even to the point of death. Yet, he still found it in heart to pray (from the cross no less!), "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) As we creep toward Easter, we must first make our way past the cross and the tomb. This segment of the "Resurrection Road" journey strikes me as being the right place to lay down old grudges, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and resentments.
In this month when we celebrate love and Valentine's Day, will you join me in intentionally cultivating a more loving, forgiving, generous spirit? Then, maybe when we get to Easter Sunday, the heavenly host will look upon us all and say, "Wow! They are just like their father!"
Shalom,Lacey
Vanna News: January 2015
Welcoming a New Year
As we welcome a new year, many of us at Vanna UMC are dealing with new circumstances, new realities, new challenges. 2014 was filled with a multitude of changes. No doubt, 2015 will be, too. The totality of each year is nothing more than an ongoing series of beginnings and endings. Seasons come and go. Projects come and go. People come and go. Thankfully, the changing nature of church life is tempered by the presence of a Savior who is unchanging.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. No matter how many changes take place in 2015, we hold the hand and abide in the heart of an unchanging God. We trust in his love and faithfulness. We garner strength from knowing that his eye is always upon his children, his Spirit is always at work in the world, that his word endures and his promises never fail. While I'm not big on making new year's resolutions, Jonathan Edwards, the famous philosopher-preacher, once published two resolutions that are just as relevant today as they were in the 1700's. Edwards wrote, "Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will." As the new year unfolds, it is my prayer that we will all live fully for God in 2015. As we abide in him, God's grace will empower us to give sincere thanks for 2014 and prepare us to gratefully receive all that 2015 holds.
Blessings to all and Happy New Year!
Lacey
Vanna News: December 2014
Reminder: Please don't forget to come to our "Community Christmas Program" this Friday, Dec. 5th at 7pm!
Happy New Year! HappyAdvent! Merry Christmas!
It may sound strange to hear me say, "Happy New Year!" when it is December. However, each year, Advent marks the start of a new Christian Year. It is a time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of our Messiah. Advent means "coming." We spend the days of Advent in expectation and preparation for Christ's arrival. We wait, watch, and wonder. For many centuries, Christians have observed this time of expectation before celebrating the birth of Christ at Christmas. Advent proclaims the revelation of God's love as expressed in Christ's birth in a humble stable, his sacrificial death on the cross, and his victorious resurrection. It points to the hope of Christ's coming again as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we enjoy the beautiful decorations used during the Advent and Christmas seasons, Christians should remember that most of the decorations make a statement about the identity of Jesus Christ. Following are some of the most common decorations used and a description of how they serve as a sign or reminder of our Savior.
(1) The Christmas Tree - An evergreen tree glittering with lights and ornaments has become a powerful symbol of Christmas. There are several legends about the origin of the Christmas tree. Some believe the first Christmas tree was used in the medieval German Paradise Plays. The plays were held outdoors and portrayed the creation of humankind. The tree in the play, called the Tree of Life, was a fir tree decorated with apples. Later, other ornaments such as paper flowers were hung upon the tree. The great reformer, Martin Luther,was perhaps the first to use a lighted tree. The story is told that, one Christmas Eve, Martin Luther wandered outdoors and became enraptured with the beauty of the starry sky. Its loveliness led him to reflect on the glory of the first Christmas and the angels that appeared to announce it in Bethlehem's radiant skies. Wishing to share his sense of enchantment with his family, he cut down an evergreen tree in the forest. He dragged it home, still glistening with snow. He placed candles upon it to represent the glorious, starry sky he had seen. The use of a candle-lighted tree began to spread throughout Europe. Eventually, Christians came to regard a tree as the central ornament of Christmas. In the first chapter of the gospel of John, we read that, in Jesus “was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, we string lights all over our Christmas trees. Wherever you see a lighted Christmas tree, let it bring to mind the One who brings light to our darkness, healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive Him.
(2) Evergreen Garlands - The most striking and the most universal feature of Christmas is the use of evergreens in churches and homes. Among ancient Romans evergreens were an emblem of peace, joy, and victory. The early Christians placed them in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home. Evergreens never change color. They are always green, always alive, even in the midst of winter. They symbolize the unchanging nature of our God and remind us of the everlasting life that is ours through Christ Jesus.
(3) The Door Wreath - Isaiah tells us that there will be no end to the reign of the Messiah. During this season, many hang evergreen wreaths on their doors. These wreaths are shaped like a circle, which has no end, to signify that the eternal reign of Jesus Christ will never end.
(4) The Cedar Branch - In ancient times, the cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality and was used for purification. The cedar branch is a symbol of Christ and of the kind of power he wielded: not the power of might, but the power of transformation. As we contemplate his call to justice and peace, we seek to purify our hearts and "renew a right spirit within us." Cedar branches remind us of Christ, who reigns as King forever and whose coming, in justice and righteousness, will purify our hearts.
(5) Holly & Ivy - Isaiah 53:1-6 tells of the sufferings of Jesus, who saved us from our sins by his death on the cross. It also reminds us that, by his resurrection, he saved us from the grip of death. In ancient times, the holly and the ivy were considered signs of Christ’s passion. Their prickly leaves suggested the crown of thorns, the red berries remind us of our Savior’s blood, and the bitter barks reminds us of the drink offered to Jesus on the cross. As we decorate with holly and ivy, we rejoice in the coming of Jesus, our Savior.
(6) Advent Candle Wreath - The candles in the Advent wreath are arranged in a circle to remind us of the continuous power of God. It also reminds us that God is the Alpha and Omega, without beginning or end. We light one candle each Sunday for the four consecutive Sundays preceding Christmas. The colors of the five candles are significant. The three blue or purple candles symbolize hope, love, and peace. The royal color reminds us that Christ comes from the royal line of David. He is the King of Kings as well as the Prince of Peace.The pink candle is the candle of joy. We light this candle on the last Sunday of the Advent season, the Sunday before Christmas. The large white candle in the center is called the Christ candle. It symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. We light this candle on Christmas Eve and/or the first Sunday after Christmas.
(7) The Nativity - Luke 2:1-7 tells us that, as a newborn babe, Jesus was placed in a manger. This was a sign of his humble birth. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with displaying the first nativity about 800 years ago. It was a time when few people had access to books and, therefore, many people were illiterate. For people who could not read, the nativity was an effective way to tell the story of the birth of Christ. The nativity scenes we see this season remind us that Jesus was born, lived, and served in humility of spirit. We, likewise, are to humbly serve one another. In short, the season of Advent makes inn-keepers out of all of us, asking each of us to make room for the arrival of Christ our King.
As we decorate for this special time of year, may each decoration we use remind us to make more room for Jesus in our hearts, our lives, and our homes. Happy New Year, Happy Advent & Merry Christmas!
Lacey
Vanna News: November 2014
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is an appropriate time to pause and consider the many blessings given to us by a gracious God. The opening verse of Psalm 107 tells us to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever.” During the past few months, the Lord has given me many opportunities to rejoice and give thanks for each of you. In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to share ten reasons God has given me to rejoice over Vanna UMC. I give thanks and praise to God for:
1) our members who faithfully use their gifts to serve others in a multitude of ways
2) all of the tangible and intangible resources entrusted to us that can be used to bless others
3) students who consistently attend Sunday school classes and diligently study God’s word
4) the beautiful collection of unique personalities present in every worship service
5) ministry leaders committed to fostering unity, communication, cooperation, and collaboration
6) the honor and privilege of baptizing Tami Renner
7) everyone who is involved with Vanna’s first community Christmas program
8) the loving, kind, and generous people who are making travel to Israel possible for me and Jim
9) the joy of watching Vanna’s children grow both physically and spiritually
10) folks who have said they are considering being baptized and/or joining the church
These are just a few of the things that compel me to give thanks for Vanna. My list contains simple but solid evidence of God’s goodness. The following is a sweet prayer of thanks written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Thanksgiving For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.
How do you see or sense God’s goodness at Vanna? I challenge each of you to come up with your own list of reasons for giving thanks to God for what he is doing at Vanna UMC. As we practice offering thanks to God, he may surprise us by increasing our ability to see and sense his goodness in our midst.
With thanksgiving for you, Lacey