LIFE TOGETHER ON WEST MORRIS STREET
A weekly information and prayer journal by Pastor John Hay, Jr.

September 12, 2007

Contents
- For Diaper Christians
- Incarnating Christ
- Prayerful
- Gathering
- Centered in the Word
- Blessings

FOR DIAPER CHRISTIANS

TOO AT HOME IN THE CHURCH? Not all, but many "churched" believers are what I call "diaper Christians." That is, we've been in church since we were in diapers. Churchly things are second nature to us. We're more at home in the church world than the real world. Relatively early in life, we made a conscious decision-by fits and starts and across many formative years-to be Christian. That decision has positively formed us, to be sure, but we are a special challenge to Jesus and the church.

TROUBLING TENDENCIES Diaper Christians tend to have some troubling tendencies. We tend to take grace for granted. We tend to be complacent about things that disturb Jesus. We tend to be susceptible to spiritual pride. We tend to compare ourselves to others and take comfort that we are "not like that sinner over there." By assuming others know the ropes--rules, etiquette, norms, terms, behaviors, liturgies, etc.--of Christianity and the church as well as we do, we unwittingly tend to exclude or alienate interested seekers and new believers. The list goes on. In short, our second-nature familiarity with Christianity and the church can become a barrier to our own growth in Christlikeness and to others who earnestly seek to know Jesus.

CHOSEN & LOVED BY JESUS That's why it's worth observing the life of John. John's story is not about being saved out of the depths of all-too-obvious social sins. It is not about a zealous enemy who, like Paul, gets knocked down by a blinding light and makes a sudden U-turn for Jesus. John's story is about person who, with mixed motives but intuitive trust, readily responds to Jesus' invitation to "follow me." John is forever after fascinated by two basic realities: that (1) Jesus chooses him and that (2) God loves him and seeks him out--regardless of his shame and sinfulness.

A ROUGH-EDGED DISCIPLE John moves readily into "disciple mode," even gets to be in Jesus' inner circle. But John has some serious diaper Christian tendencies. He wants fire to rain down on a place that doesn't welcome Jesus. He rebukes an unsanctioned exorcist. He jockeys for advantaged places. But John gets beyond his small religion, wrong-headed rebukes, and his own clamoring for recognition in God's kingdom. How? By continuing to draw as close to Jesus as possible in a lifetime of discipleship.

HOW GOD CHANGES US I can identify with John, both in my early responses to the Gospel invitation and in my wrong-headed assertions about religion, defending Jesus, and seeking recognition in his church. Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it. I also identify with John in the manner God seems to be choosing to change me. It is not with bolts of lightning, "aha" moments, or great ministry breakthroughs. It is by inviting me nearer, drawing me closer, working intimately thru time to form my thoughts, understanding, perspectives, words, and actions into more of a reflection of his likeness than mine.

WHERE TO BEGIN Here's where we diaper Christians can begin: like John, let's return to the two most basic realities of our faith: we are chosen by Jesus and we are lavishly loved by Jesus. Don't let these become rearview-mirror afterthoughts. Keep them front and center in your awareness. Repeatedly remind yourself and others of these truths. As John did, contemplate often what it means to be chosen. How different religion based on a responding love is from religion that's always trying to prove one's love for God or constantly trying to win God's attention or approval.

BECOMING VITAL & VIBRANT Like John, diaper Christians' lives and understanding of faith are vitalized and made vibrant by virtue of close, constant contact with Jesus. There are no apparent epiphanies in which John's faith is changed. Instead, his life is transformed as he (1) stays close to Jesus, (2) listens carefully to Jesus, (3) contemplates all he observes, and (4) enacts with his own words and deeds what he observes. If we do not draw as close as possible to Jesus, we may never move beyond "second nature" Christianity. But if we draw ever closer to him, Jesus can transform us and touch others thru us in powerful ways.

MAKING PRACTICAL CONNECTIONS A remarkable thing happens thru John's life-long closeness with Jesus and reflection on his life: the heart of the Good News opens up to him in the most sensible, practical ways. More than any other Apostle, John helps us grasp the critical connection between God's love for us and our love for one another. Instead of faith becoming more complicated, irrelevant or otherworldly, it becomes profoundly simple and constructive for personal choices, difficult relationships, and needed social change.

DO WE HOLD THEY KEY? Diaper Christians hold a key to opening up the heart of Christianity for practical solutions for our world today. So, let us draw ever nearer to Jesus with earnest intention, heartfelt discipline, and intimate worship. Then, let our lives be turned inside out in reflection of the love he lavishes on us and offers to all.

INCARNATING CHRIST

AT HAND & ON THE HORIZON Please note the following updated and upcoming opportunities:
- Women's Bible Study - Tuesdays @ 6:30-8:30 pm
- Senior High Retreat @ Springhill Camp - Sept 14-16
- Renovare Discipleship Workshop - Sept 14-15
- College/Career Lunch Out - Sept 16 @ 12:30 pm
- All-Indy Youth Lock-in - Sept 28-29
- SCAMPS @ Kenninger Farm - Sept 29
- Mission Indy Rally - Sept 30, 6 pm @ Ritter Ave FMC
- One More Soul in Morning Worship - a 3-week outreach focus - September 30 - Oct 14
- Church Work Day - October 6 - Please plan to help!
- Indy Life Chain - Oct 7, 2:30-3:30 pm
- CLC+/Preteen "SuperStart" Retreat - Oct 19-20
- Wabash Children's Workers Training - Oct 19-20
- Wabash Conference Superintendent welcome - Oct 21

GULFPORT VISA TRIP Join our VISA Team to rebuild Katrina-destroyed homes in Gulfport, Mississippi. The date is: October 13-20. Interested teens or adults, please contact Tim Foddrill, who is leading this team.

PRAYERFUL

PRAY FOR BREAKTHROUGH With thanksgiving, pray for encouragement, wisdom and spiritual breakthrough:
-- God's centering, empowering, breakthrough presence amid your daily challenges and choices.
-- For eyes to see friends, neighbors, and loved ones-"one more soul"-in light of God's saving desire…and then to bear grace to them in practical and prophetic ways.
-- The Fryman family in Rwanda for a year of VISA service. Stay up-to-date via their blog: http://frymans.blogspot.com.
-- Matt & Susan Strange and family in Taiwan, serving in educational ministry to missionary families. See their latest photos and stories: http://www.dropshots.com/strangem#
-- Pray daily for our Free Methodist missionaries: Dr. Joel & Janette Miller (Mexico), David & Sheryl Yardy (Asia), Kay Stotts (Chile), and Michael & Maria Long (Greece) Check current prayer requests online at: www.fmwm.org.
-- For Lisa Miller and all CLC guides and volunteers as CLC gets underway this evening.
-- God's guidance and revival in and through WEMO.

PRAY FOR HEALING Pray God's healing touch and answers for the following requested concerns:
-- Vance Robbins, 94, is doing well at home. Pray strength for Viola, also.
-- Grace for Joe Black at Lakeview; also for Phyllis who attends to him every day.
-- Pray for Don Fuggett as he is being treated at Community North.
-- Ruth Ann Kelly underwent surgery at St. Vincent North on Tuesday.
-- Ralph & Gayle Foster's granddaughter Barbara Streeter has been diagnosed with breast cancer; please pray for healing.

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST All men are invited each Wednesday @ 6:15 am in Ellis Hall. Food, fellowship & prayer. Donations support Dr. Wes Duewel's ministry.

SCAMPS PRAYER & SHARE All adults 55+ are invited to a monthly prayer meeting. Jim & Pat Strange host it in their home on Tuesday, October 2 @ 7:00 pm.

GATHERING

COFFEEHOUSE Hosted by Anna Shepherd and Pastor Mike Conkle, Coffeehouse is a weekly gathering and opportunity for Christian conversation for adults each Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 pm, East End. All welcome!

SCAMPS DOWN ON THE FARM The next big SCAMPS event will take seniors "down on the farm," the Kenninger Farm, that is. Mark Saturday, Sept. 29 on your calendar.

YOUTH GATHERINGS COMING UP All youth and parents please mark these dates and times:
- The Underground - Each Wednesday evening at 1062 S. Pershing, 6:15-8:00 pm, youth are invited. Event includes free time, music, worship and snacks.
- Youth Bible Quizzing - The new season has begun! Meet Sundays @ 4:30 pm under the guidance of Candi Morgan. All youth can be involved!
- Sr. High Fall Retreat at Spring Hill Camp - Sept 14-16 @ Spring Hill Camp. Outstanding music, teaching, and recreation. Contact Georgia ASAP!
- All-Indy Youth Lock-in - Sept 28 (8:35 pm) to Sept 29 (6:00 am); $25 per student. Games, food, recreation all night!

PRE-TEEN "SUPERSTART" RETREAT. 5th & 6th graders have a great retreat opportunity Oct 9-10. "SuperStart" is hosted in Brownsburg especially for pre-teens. Friday-night lodging has been donated. $33 per student will be offset with an upcoming car wash. Informational flyers will be shared with students this Sunday.

WEMO HERITAGE DAY - November 18 - Invite friends of WEMO from the past and all around for this day of homecoming; Rev. Don Riggs preaching, special music, & a pitch-in dinner in the Lower Level.

CENTERED IN THE WORD

STEVE STRANGE BIBLE STUDY Steve Strange has resumed the Sunday evening Bible Study @ 5:00 pm. The focus is now Exodus. This study meets weekly in the Chapel Conference Room. It's open to everyone and you can join in at any time. Steve is an insightful teacher, committed to teach the Bible a chapter at a time.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY - Each Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm thru November 13, in the Chapel. "Living Beyond Yourself: The Fruit of the Spirit," a Beth Moore study. Join in!

RENOVARE CONFERENCE This outstanding discipleship conference featuring Dr. Richard J. Foster (author of Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living Water) is Sept 14 (evening) -15 (daytime) @ 1st Nazarene (Post Road & I-70). It's still not too late to register online. Go to: www.pathway-church.org/renovare.htm. Even if you can't attend, please explore the Renovare website at: www.renovare.org.

BLESSINGS

THANKS FOR HOUSING NEW PASTORS A note from Beth Kilgore, Starting Strong Housing Coordinator: "Once again West Morris Street came thru great for volunteering their homes for the Starting Strong Conference for New Pastors. Due to the very small group attending this year, some of our volunteer hosts were not needed. Thank you for your graciousness in extending your homes. Just because you may not have been needed this year, please volunteer again next year! We never know when we ask how many homes we'll need and we anticipate a larger group next year. Thank you for your hospitality!"

A BENEDICTION May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

West Morris Street Free Methodist Church
2302 West Morris Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46221
John Hay, Jr., Senior Pastor
Phone: 317.632.8311
Office e-mail: wmsfmc@juno.com
Website: www.westmorrisfm.org

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