Wabash & New South Connection No. 3

‌ Superintendent's Notes Greetings Wabash and New South Conferences. One of the podcasts I listen to on a regular basis is Nateland. If you haven't heard of it, Nateland is a comedy podcast created by Nate Bargatze. Nate is by far my favorite modern comedian. He and two other comedians spend an hour talking about nothing. Its worth a listen.

For several weeks, they have been arguing over the intro to the show. They are split between opening the show with "Hello Folks" or "Let's Go Folks". Nate is passionate about using "Let's Go Folks" as the opener, and since it is his show, he will likely have his way. His main reason for using "Let's Go Folks" is so that listeners of Nateland can identify each other in public. He is convinced that "Hello Folks" is too generic and non-listeners of Nateland would naturally respond to "Hello Folks" and the joke would be lost on them. But if a Nateland listener shouts "Let's Go" in public another Nateland listener can shout "Folks" and the two would have a moment of connection. The idea of common language used to identify a group is a compelling conversation. It is fun to be "in the know" and to feel included by knowing the inside language. Often when I am vacationing with my wife's family, they will pass a person wearing an Ohio State shirt and they will shout "O...H..." and inevitably the other person will shout back "I...O...". I wont' tell you what I want to shout at that moment. It feels great to belong. I wonder what our FM chant would be? "The FM"... "Way"? Or "B.T."..."Roberts". I am just spitballing here. At the very least the insider language for the Free Methodist would include all of our acronyms: MEG, MAC, EPP, CLC, CYC...

On a broader scale, what is the insider language for those of us who are followers of Jesus? In the early church, hidden places of worship were often identified by the use of the ICTHUS fish. ICTHUS as you may know, is the Greek acronym for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior". It also so happens to spell out the Greek word for "fish". So this symbol and phrase became a way for a persecuted people to recognize other followers of Jesus and where they were gathering. The very purpose of this insider symbol was to remain hidden. But there is insider language that outsiders recognize. In fact, Jesus told us what the recognizable language of his followers would be: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 The importance of self giving love to other followers of Jesus cannot be overemphasized. Jesus told his disciples that this type of love would be the defining characteristic of his followers. Not an addition or an appendage but the main thing. My prayer for all of our churches is that the Love of Jesus would be THE definable language we all speak. For the insider language of love draws outsiders to be insiders and insiders to focus outward. May they know we are Christians by our love! Superintendent John R. Lane

According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company. Current bumper-sticker and business-card uses of the fish hearken back to this practice. — Christianity Today, Elesha Coffman, "Ask The Expert"

Free Webinar - Seven Systems Every Church Needs

Church Fuel is offering on a free webinar on Thursday, July 15th at 2 EST. Church Fuel is a helpful coaching organization for local churches and pastors. They often hold free webinars as well as have tons of helpful content. Check them out.

History and Polity of the Free Methodist Church Class

Northeastern Seminary is offering a 15 week online class for History and Polity of the Free Methodist Church. Students can audit the class for $150 or they can take the class for graduate credit for an additional cost. Students will be expected to participate in occasional evening zoom sessions throughout the semester. Anyone interested may register for the class as a visiting student at the following link:  NES Visiting Student Classes

Elevate: Aspire to New Heights Free Methodist Chaplains Association Professional Development Training August 24-27, 2021 Keynote Speaker:  Bishop Keith Cowart Morning training sessions: Moral Injury and Post Traumatic Growth in Frontline Healthcare Burnout and Balance Pandemic Reflection, Lamenting and Gratitude Glen Eyrie Conference Center 3820 N 30th St Colorado Springs, CO 80904 For the safety of each guest, we will follow the COVID guidelines for Colorado and Glen Eyrie Registration Fee: $75 per person Transportation to/from PDT is the chaplain's responsibility.  Consider travel insurance options. July Chaplains Newsletter Link

Quotes from The Earnest Christian - B.T. Roberts A Help to Self-Examination Question 1 - Did I rise this morning with a grateful sense of the goodness of God? Question 2 - Did I offer myself anew to him in consecration? Question 3 - Did I do it thoughtfully, as in the presence of duty? Question 4 - Has the reading of the Scripture profited me? Question 5 - Have I been firm and resolute in doing my duty? Question 6 - Has no part of my time run to waste? Question 7 - Have I governed my thoughts well? Question 8 - Have I indulged no wrong tempers or dispositions? Question 9 - Have I improved opportunities for doing or getting good? Question 10 - Have I been strong in faith toward God? Question 11 - Have I seen the goodness of God in little things which have a tendency to disquiet me? Question 12 - Have I been resigned to the will of God, as indicated in His providences? Question 13 - Have I been much in prayer? Question 14 - Has my life corresponded with my profession? Question 15 - Have I held sweet communion with my Saviour? Question 16 - Have I met and overcome temptation? Question 17 - Have I knowingly done anything to grieve another? Question 18 - Have I broken any of my "Rules"? Question 19 - Do I close this day with gratitude to God, and a consciousness of His favor and approbation? Question 20 - Do I feel a firm unwavering confidence in God as my Father and my God? Volume 1, April, 1860, Number 4.

Reminder: Pastors - we have a private Facebook Group for prayer and discussion if you want to join. Here is the link to request to join: Pastors Group

Contacts Wabash/New South Superintendent: John Lane superJohnrlane@gmail.com or newsouthsuper@gmail.com New South New South Assistant Superintendent - Daryl Diddle New South Administrator - Charlie Fiskeaux New South Financial Consultant - Patti McPeake Eagle Ridge Retreat Center Admin Manager- Scott Clark Wabash Wabash Office Manager/MEG Coordinator - Judy Kinnick Wabash Business Manager - Jody Belton African Immigrant Ministries Director- Isaac Bujambi Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center Director- John Lancaster Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center Reservations- Renita Joles

Calendar July 19th-25th - Wabash Family Camp: Wabash Family Camp Brochure September 22-24- New Room Conference March 10-12, 2022- Wesleyan Holiness Women's Clergy Conference

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