FALL 2010


THE WEST ViRGiniA UniTED METHODiST • www.wvumc.org Attending to the Fall Season


Bishop Ernest S. Lyght


I like the fall season, prob- ably because it is the season accompanied by the brilliant colors of fall. T ere is a fresh- ness that comes about, and that fragrance signals the re- ality of new things. Generally speaking, Sunday


church attendance begins to improve. Hopefully, there will be signs of new vitality in our congregations as we start the fall season in anticipation of Christmas and the birth of Je- sus Christ. T e fall season is transfor-


mational. Tree leaves change color, then fall to the ground. Squirrels gather acorns in preparation for the winter season. Lawns shiſt into a dormant state, waiting for the warmth of the next spring season. Children prepare to study and learn at school, an- ticipating the fun which will attend the next summer va- cation. Such transformations help to bring new vitality in each situation. Will your congregation be


characterized by transforma- tion and vitality in this com- ing fall season, or, will it sim- ply be “business as usual?” One way to trigger new signs


of vitality in our congrega- tions is to give serious atten- tion to our General Rules set forth by John Wesley, Meth- odism’s founding father. T ese three simple rules are


(1) Do no harm. (2) Do Good. (3) Attend to the ordinances of God [“Stay in love with God.”]. When a congregation learns these rules, and puts them into practice, there will be transfor- mation in that place. A congregation could begin


to study the General Rules in small groups. It is important to know the rules before trying to live by them. T e Administra- tive Council might be a good place to begin these conversa- tions about their meaning.


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T e purpose in having con-


versation about the Rules is to probe a deeper under- standing and explore their practical application. T e Pastor-Parish Relations Committee might talk about the matter of doing no harm as it pertains to working with lay employees. T e Board of Trustees might consider how the work of the trustees can be conducted in such a man- ner that no harm is done to groups that utilize the church facility. T ese kinds of con- versations can yield positive results for the congregation’s ministries. A congregation can begin to


live by the fi rst rule, “do no harm,” by asking questions about potential harm before making decisions or tak- ing an action. An individual member can begin to live by the fi rst rule by giving con- sideration to the harm one’s thoughts, words, and actions


might cause. What good things can a


congregation engage in? In considering good, first think about the possible harm that might result from the perspective of the potential recipient of the good. Will our actions help transform a community, family, or indi- vidual? This difficult ques- tion requires a lot of prayer and discernment, and may require consultation with others, perhaps the recipient of our missional activities. T e matter of attending to


the ordinances of God, or staying in touch with God, is a primary consideration for the pilgrim disciple. In grappling with the questions of potential harm and doing good, we need the sure foun- dation of Christ, the solid rock. T e local church is the arena where opportunities are off ered to worship God in meaningful ways; study the


scripture in depth; develop a personal prayer life; cel- ebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion with frequency; as well as engaging in other practices that will help one to stay in love with God.


T ink about it! Now, let’s do something about it.


Bishop Lyght is an active blogger. Read his posts at lyghthouse. wordpress.com.


COMING UP...


Join Bishop Lyght May 15, 2011 for the inaugural Bishop’s Biker Rally (BBR) at Dunbar United Methodist Church. Ride a Harley? Bring it. Don’t ride? Bring yourself! “We encourage each of you to invite riders who do not at-


tend church ride with you,” Rev. Okey Harless said, “What a great way to get a person to church!” T e event will feature t-shirts, music, games, food, a bike


show, door prizes and more. All proceeds will go to di- saster relief in the West Virginia Conference. Groups or individuals can sponsor the rally for $100. Bishop Lyght will also off er a “blessing of the bikes.” T e event is from 1 to 4 PM, but you’re welcome to attend


worship at 10:45 AM. For more information or to help recruit riders in your


district, contact Rev. Harless at okeyharless@suddenlink- mail.com, or at 1401 Myers Ave, Dunbar, WV 25064.


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