***The time has finally arrived. The GRAND RE-OPENING of the New Church is on May 20th. Go to the Grand Re-opening webpage for more information.
We will also continue to post additional updates on our community Facebook page.
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| Words from our Pastor:
Anyone that knows me very well at all will know that I have two favorite scriptures. They are - the Great Banquet from the 14th Chapter of Luke and the Great Judgment from the 25th capter of Matthew. I have pretty much based my entire ministry around these two texts. Because of that, I feel God has blessed my ministry.
Modern evangelicalism has put so much emphasis on Christian conversion and left to the foreground living the Christian life. Luke 14 and Matthew 25 keep us in a state of tension. Of course, any journey needs a beginning. Accepting Christ and becoming a follower of "The Way" is crucial. What would an adult who was born look like having never grown up? I assume diapers and a bottle wouldn't go over to well in your work place.
Therefore, the call to discipleship is crucial. As one grows up in Christ, they begin to realize that being born again is a daily event. That Christ not only requires that we call his name but that we live the radical life style he adopted. To me this includes a radical inclusiveness. The banquet of Luke 14 has the owner of the house saying to go and bring in anyone from anywhere. (My paraphase) What would the table look like if we brought in anyone from anywhere? Actually it would be a social nightmare for most of us, wouldn't it? Rich next to poor, black next to white, old next to young, Prince next to pauper, socially acceptable next to socially unacceptable etc...The possiblities for table are endless. That is what St. Elmo looks like on Sunday morning. All who respond to the call are welcome at the table.
Matthew 25 holds us responsible as we respond to that call. I was hungry, naked, thirsty, sick, stranger, in prision, etc.. and you helped meet my need. Those who don't are destined to a life of misery. It tells us to care for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is a call to missions. Christ did not call followers of "The Way" to come and sit in the pew. He said "Come follow me". If we are to be followers of Christ we MUST have concern for our neighbor. St. Elmo UMC takes seriously the call to welcoming people of all kinds and then teaching them what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ in serving the least of these.
Shalom,
Rev. Dr. Mark Dowell
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News & Information:
*** We will need help as we move into our new church building. We will be having workdays every Wednesday at 5:30pm and every Saturday at 9:00am unitl we move into the new facility on May 20th. Come lend a helping hand.
***The Easter Egg Hunt was a great deal of fun. To see pictures go to the Egg Hunt Webpage.
*** We had a fantastic Song Service entitled "Until the Whole World Hears". To see videos and pictures go to the Special Service webpage.
***To see pictures on the progress of our new church building, go to the Pictures of Progress webpage.
***Please check out Upcoming Events for information on our activities.
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| Seeking His Purpose |
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Other Important Updates:
*Having updated contact information of our membership is important during a time when communication is so very important. Please click the new MEMBERSHIP page to complete the form.
*Anyone seeking to donate funds to St. Elmo United Methodist Church should send those donations to:
Rev. Mike Hubble
District Superintendent
Chattanooga District of the United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 80353
4315 Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, TN 37414
*Click HERE to send general requests or inquiries.
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CHURCH HOME DESTROYED
Candace M Esparza
Patrick's Page
Chattanooga Times and Free Press
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