Sharon's Blog

A New Year's Message

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:39:00 GMT

General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins talks about her hopes for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2012. The video presentation is based on her letter to the church.

Download as: Windows Media | QuickTime

Tags: video,new year,hope

Lord, Teach Us To Pray

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT

The planning process for the 2013 General Assembly is ramping up, which got me thinking . . . Our Disciples mission is to be and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We’re a pragmatic, active people who partner easily with others to make life better for our neighbors. As a movement for wholeness, we extend God’s welcome to all at the Lord’s Table. We’re people who like to “do” as we extend welcome and seek wholeness.

Tags: prayer,pray,General Assembly,Luke

A Prayer for the New Year

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT

O God of infinite creativity . . .

At the beginning of this New Year – winter for so many – the rich brown earth is even now preparing to burst forth with a spring of possibilities and new life.

Though the human eye cannot see it, you continue to bless the earth with new beginnings.

We praise you!

Bless us with new beginnings, we pray.

Where we have lost sight of your Reign breaking in – even now at hand –
Renew our vision.

Where we have faltered in reaching out to our neighbor in love, missing the moment to extend a hand of wholeness,
Renew our courage.

Where we have allowed cynicism to dry our bones and sinews,
Renew our hope.

At this beginning of a New Year, dear God, our arms are still warm from cradling the Babe of Bethlehem.

Help us to keep that memory strong.

Strengthen our arms to welcome your many children into communities of love.

Prepare our hearts to burst forth with a spring of possibilities and new life.

Stir us to be and share your love with the same vulnerability, the same humble expectation that brought you into the world in person.

Help us, your church, your disciples, to be harbingers of your reign of justice and of peace fully emerged.

O God of infinite creativity, at the beginning of this New Year, we know that you are about to do a new thing. Help us to perceive it. And to join in.

In the name of Jesus, your greatest new beginning, we pray.
AMEN

Tags: prayer,new year,renewal,hope,courage,vision

A Word of Hope from a Partner

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:12:00 GMT

Through the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries, we Disciples partner with churches and church leaders around the world. One of those partners is Bishop Munib A. Younan, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. He lives in Jerusalem and currently serves as President of the Lutheran World Federation.

Tags: Bishop Munib A. Younan,Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries,Lutheran World Federation,hope,Christmas,birth

As veterans come home – now it’s our turn

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:28:00 GMT

US military involvement in Iraq has quietly come to an end, but the impact of this engagement will continue long in the lives of many. We are especially mindful of US military personnel who have served and those who are just returning home and their families. May we commit ourselves to their care.

Our Church has been present with our service personnel in combat, on military bases, and in hospitals through our military chaplains. These Disciples ministers volunteer to go unarmed even into the heat of combat, to offer ministry in the most extreme and dangerous circumstances imaginable. I pray for these servants who are among the most courageous and compassionate men and women on the face of the earth.

Tags: US,military,Iraq,moral injury,war,Advent

Video Blog: Gathering at the Table

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:55:00 GMT

Tags: video,Thanksgiving,table

Virtual lectionary group

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:47:00 GMT

Here are a few random beginning thoughts as I begin to work on a sermon from John 1:43-51.

The Twitter cartoon: Jesus under a tree with a young person, “No, not Twitter. Really – follow me. . . ”
Nathaniel’s “can anything good come . . .” the current skepticism re Christianity: hypocrisy, hateful, judgmental . . . landscape for mission in 21^st century
Phillip – issuing the invitation (as we have to – going out) but the invitation to see Jesus not the church – change from last century – again 21^st century landscape
Jesus – an Israelite in whom there is no deceit . . . – need for open conversation on tough matters?
What does the conversation between Nathaniel and Jesus in vv. 48-51 even mean?

What are your thoughts on this passage? Will you join me in a discussion on this passage?

Tags: lectionary,group,thoughts,discussion,John 1:43-51,Bible,lectionary group

Food for body and soul

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:48:00 GMT

The board chair of Bread for the World (Bread) came to see me yesterday. David Minor lives and works in Indianapolis – works full time as an advocate for people against hunger. What a story he has! Several years back he was already heavily involved in Bread, and was invited to take on another major task. A Ph.D. chemist working for Lilly, his wife questioned his taking on one more, big task. There are only so many hours in a day!

Tags: Bread for the World,Davd minor,food,hunger,food stamps,SNAP,Disciples Home Missions

Bible Ministry Exhibition of the Protestant Church in China

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:58:00 GMT

“Thy Word is Truth” is the theme of the exhibition. it will travel to four U.S, cities in the next months. The web site www.bibleinchina.org tells the story of the long history of Christianity in China and powerful ministry of Bible printing that is part of the Christian witness there today. Today I have the privilege of bringing greetings from Disciples at the Washington, D.C. opening of the exhibit.

Tags: “Thy Word is Truth”,Bible,printing,China,Bible Ministry Exhibition,Protestant Church in China,Washington D.C.

A prayer of remembrance and healing

chiggins@cm.disciples.org — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:43:00 GMT

Ever-present God,

We give you thanks that you are ever near.

Today as we remember those lost to us 10 years ago on that day we now call 9/11, we give thanks that you do not lose your own.

Memories come to us, O God - where we were; what loved one we needed to place. Horror at the brazenness of it; sorrow at the loss of life.

There is still so much we do not understand.

And yet we know that each one lost to us is found in your embrace. For this we praise you.

Other memories come: awe at the courage of first responders; the rallying cries of friendship from around the globe; our own love of this nation we call home; the desire of so many to connect in worshiping community with you.

Even now, dear God, may we continue to seek you - knowing that you are ever near. Strengthen us to be the evidence that you are near. Help us to build on the courage of that day; on the love and friendship and faith. Mold us into your ambassadors for healing and wholeness and hope.

Come near through us we pray in Jesus' name,

Amen.

Tags: 9/11,prayer,healing,remembrance