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According to an Arabian proverb, “A friend is one to whom one may pour
out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing
that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth
keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
That’s why it’s so important to have Christian friends. We can share the
good and bad, confident that our friends won’t judge us as a result.
Instead, true friends celebrate our successes and encourage us during
disappointments.
Jamieson Memorial United
Methodist
Church
219
Fifth Street, Post office
Box 5,
Clarksville,
VA
23927
E-mail Address: JamiesonMemorialUMC@verizon.net
Web Site: JamiesonMemorialUMC.org
434-374-8050
 On
Monday, June 23, Betty called me at the office to tell me that George
Carlin had died of heart failure at the age of 71. Later, Cassie called
to tell me the same thing.
Many of
you will know who George Carlin was. He was considered the dean of
countercultural comics, with much of his humor laced with drug
references (he had his own problems with marijuana and cocaine, finally
being hospitalized a few years ago for an addiction to red wine and
Vicadin) and plenty of foul language. In fact, his greatest legacy will
probably be his routine entitled “The Seven Words You Can Never Say on
Television.” Even more than 35 years after he first recorded that
routine, you still can’t say any of those words on network TV, although
cable TV is much more lenient.
When I was
in junior high and high school, I used to memorize his records. Some of
my friends memorized Cheech and Chong or Richard Pryor, but I was
devoted to George Carlin. I loved the way he played with words,
challenging the way I understood the English language. He opened my mind
and made me think. And his use of vulgar words was more than a cheap way
to get laughs (the most common reason to use those words). It was a
challenge: Why is this word considered dirty, but not that word? Why is
a word dirty if you use it one way, but not if you use it another way
(Jesus rode an ass into Jerusalem, and Peter denied him three times
before the cock crowed, for instance)?
We saw
George in concert in Richmond many years ago. He was always developing
new material, so while some of his act was familiar, some was very
fresh. All of it was hilarious. And, I may be the only pastor you know
who has corresponded with George Carlin, and has two autographed glossy
8x10s (Cassie has one, too).
Carlin
hated religion. His third and final book of essays and musings was
entitled When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? He was
always criticizing various things about organized religion and the
Christian Church in particular. I often had to wince and move on when he
did that, but he had the power of a prophet, someone God might consider
the loyal opposition. At least he was passionate about religion,
although his passion was angry. But, he is an example of someone we
within the Church need to listen to, because he has a perspective that
we don’t. Just because he’s angry at the Church doesn’t mean he’s 100%
wrong about it. God uses people like George to speak to the Church.
So, when
Cassie comes home on Saturday, in anticipation of our trip to Michigan,
we’ll probably light a candle in George’s memory, and maybe recite those
Seven Words, which I’ve never forgotten. And we’ll leave him in God’s
hands. And God, having a very inclusive sense of humor, has probably
already welcomed the prodigal home. I certainly pray that He has.
Peace and Prayers,
Walt
REPORT FROM ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ROANOKE JUNE 15-18, 2008
Since our lay delegate could not attend Conference this year due
to work related issues, I find myself responsible for reporting to you
about the 226th session of the Virginia Annual Conference. As
an aside, Dr. George Lightner was attending his 74th
consecutive Conference. That makes my 29 consecutive Conferences seem
kind of insignificant.
About 4,000 delegates from around the state converged on the
Roanoke Civic Center to hear reports, discuss important issues, worship
and celebrate together.
In addition, we collected over 38,000
health kits, school kits, sewing kits, layettes, flood buckets and
bedding. Along with that, $74,920 was donated, bringing the total value
to over half a million dollars.
Volunteers bagged over 40,000 pounds
of sweet potatoes for the Society of St. Andrew, which will distribute
them to nine regional service agencies. This is the 25th
anniversary of SoSA, which has saved over 395 million pounds of food
through its Potato Project.
The most important action of the
Conference was the adoption of the “All Things New” plan to plant 250
new churches in the next 30 years, plus aid in revitalizing existing
churches. What may impact Jamieson the most is the formation of a
Five Talent Academy, where clergy and laity would be trained in the
areas of radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith
development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant
generosity. Grants will be available to churches that want to find ways
to bring these five talents to fruition. If the churches of the Virginia
Conference decide to take this seriously, 250 churches in 30 years will
seem a very modest goal.
I attended four optional sessions on
youth and young adult ministry. Both of these groups of young people are
looking for authentic faith and fellowship. And, evidently, food.
Something to think about…
Reports about Conference will appear
in our Sunday Advocate, and can be studied at our Conference website:
www.vaumc.org. You’ll have to look at one of these places for a final
report on the Conference Offering, which totaled a little over $222,000
as of Tuesday night. The goal was $300,000. I’m sure more money is
coming in, so keep an eye out for the final total.
Peace and Prayers,
Walt
July 21-25, 2008 at the Clarksville Baptist Church
Children's sessions will be held 8:30-11:30 am. Adult classes will be
held at 7 in the evenings and taught by our very own Walt Westbrook.
Contact Michelle Gibson 374-0062, if you want to volunteer or for any
questions. Registration forms will be in Jamieson's Church office for
completion. This year's VBS is having a beach theme complete with pink
flamingos.....don't miss the fun.
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