Chardon United Methodist Church

First, I don’t like the “churchy” title of Lay Leader.  We have to think of another word.  Simply put, any congregation has the “ordained” leadership (that would be Pastor Dan), and has what are referred to as the “laity” (meaning, the rest of us in the church).  The Lay Leader functions as the designated non-ordained representative of the church membership/regular attendees.  The United Methodist Church requires Chardon UMC to designate one person among the non-ordained to serve as a “leader”.  As of July 1, that would be me.  So, until we find another term that is more understandable, let’s stick with “That Guy Named Matt”.

Second, major accolades/props are due Sally Bell, the out-going Lay Leader.  Sally was very faithful to Chardon UMC in her tenure as Lay Leader, and extremely faithful in mailing out birthday cards, anniversary cards, etc. to the membership.  This is not a gift that I share with Sally, so, I don’t think I will be continuing that tradition.

These are exciting times in the life of Chardon UMC.  As an example, plans are in the works to enhance the sanctuary worship space.  It is my goal, working with Dan and other leaders in the church, to attempt to make sure that everyone feels involved and a part of the process as we embrace these exciting times.

If you have not already done so, I would encourage EVERYONE to read Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase.  And, if you are reading this, EVERYONE includes you.  Dan has been preaching on the five practices, which are:

• Radical Hospitality
• Passionate Worship
• Intentional Faith Development
• Risk-Taking Mission and Service
• Extravagant Generosity

This is not a book that relates to just our church.  Bishop Hopkins and the Western Reserve District are using these five practices to evaluate how a congregation is maturing disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  This is not a “top-down” process, whereby Dan or other church committees say “thou shalt”.  Rather, it is something that swells upward from the membership.  For example, we have all taken that intentional step of belonging to this congregation.

Don’t we want others to experience what we have experienced?  Don’t we want to continue to provide opportunities for meaningful worship (whether it happens on Sunday, or Ash Wednesday, or whenever)?  Don’t we want to deepen the roots of our own spiritual faith?  If the answer is “Yes”, then this is a personal choice that each member makes.  It may not happen overnight, and it may happen too fast for some and too slow for others, but we must make it happen, one step at a time so that we embrace the five practices yet still recognize Chardon UMC as being “our church”.

In the coming months, there will be new opportunities for small groups to gather and explore these aspects of our faith life.  I encourage (expect is perhaps too strong, but does not miss the mark by much) each of us to participate in at least one of these small groups.  You may be surprised at what some of these small groups may do.  Don’t lock into an image of a group of people sitting around studying the Bible when you think “small group” (although some small groups may do just that).  Keep you eyes and ears open for a small group that interests you.  And, if you join a small group that you like, invite one other person you know to join.

I am looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and attending all worship settings (8:15, STRUCK, and 10:45).  I want to get to know everyone who calls Chardon UMC their church home (that way, I will know who our guests are, as well).  God has called us all – each and every one of us – to do great things.  Great things are achieved by small steps.  I encourage all of us to be ready to take even a small step toward making Chardon UMC a place where we are radically hospitable so that others want to experience passionate worship, make an intentional decision to deepen their faith, support and participate risk-taking mission and service opportunities, and where we celebrate the extravagant generosity of the Love of God through Jesus Christ.

Blessings and Peace be with you all in the name of Jesus Christ.
THAT GUY NAMED MATT (KNECHT)