Creative Ideas for Rural Churches #2: Pigskin Dinner

published on Monday, December 7, 2009 by admin

Hanging out in the pastor's office after preaching at our partner Thriving Rural Congregation at Hayesville First UMC, I noticed a football sitting on the shelf among all of the other church paraphernalia. "What's the story of the football?," I asked.

Rev. Kirk Hatherly proceeded to tell the story of how, earlier in the school year, the church had called up the local middle school with an offer it couldn't refuse. The church offered to prepare pregame meals in the fellowship hall for the school's football team, the Hayesville Yellow Jackets, before every home game.

The coach of the team accepted the offer eagerly. He told Kirk of how, with all of the cutbacks in education this year, the school had no funds to continue such events. The church's phone call was an answer to prayer.

And that is how, before every home game this past season, the 35 or so young men on the football team would meet at the church with their jerseys on to receive a home-cooked meal from a group of volunteers within the congregation.

Powered by the cooking of Hayesville First, the Yellow Jackets went undefeated at home this year.

Then, a few Sundays ago, the entire football team, 35 or so middle school boys (some of whom had never before been a part of any church), joined the Hayesville First congregation in worship. At the end of the service, as a token of their gratitude, the team presented a game ball to the pastor and to the church.

Touchdown!

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Rural Church Ministers to Sex Offenders

published on Friday, December 4, 2009 by admin

The National Public Radio program "All Things Considered" aired a story today about pastor Dick Witherow, who has opened a church and created a community in rural Palm Beach County, Florida, for a group of people whom he calls "modern day lepers": convicted sex offenders.

The church is located out in the wilderness in more ways than one. And yet the name of the isolated community where it is found is "Miracle Park."

Picture a rural church where most of the people making their way to the altar to receive communion are wearing ankle bracelets or electronic monitors on their belts.

Read or listen to this story, and be challenged again how scandalous the gospel of forgiveness is, and how radical and controversial is this thing called "church."

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Journey to Bethlehem

published on Friday, December 4, 2009 by admin

(One of our TRC Partner Churches, Tyro UMC in Lexington, will be holding a special event called “Journey to Bethlehem” over the next two nights. The description found below recently appeared in “The Dispatch” of Lexington.)

Let's take a trip. No need to pack a bag and pay those inflated charges at the airport to check your luggage. No need to find a sitter for your pet. No need to stop your mail or paper delivery for a few days.

Just find a few special friends, load up the car and take a special “Journey To Bethlehem.” And do it in the comfort of your own vehicle.

Once again the congregation of Tyro United Methodist Church will be your guide on an inspirational tour that has become a tradition marking the beginning of the Christmas season. Upon arriving, you will be greeted by the Census Taker and from that point you will be allowed to enter the holy city of Bethlehem. As you drive through the city, Roman soldiers will be on patrol as the citizens go about their daily tasks. You will experience the sights and sounds of this wondrous place as the people of Bethlehem come together 2,000 years ago to be counted and share with Joseph and Mary as they prepare for the arrival of baby Jesus. As you follow the Star, you will witness the proclamation of the good news to the shepherds and journey with the wise men as they make their way to the manger and the birth of the Christ child. Visitors will continue their trip onward to the portrayal of the Last Supper, the cross, the empty tomb and ascension. Eighteen scenes will be depicted in this working village.

With last year's guest list numbering more that 2,700, there is a need for a traffic flow pattern. All North and South bound traffic on N.C. Highway 150 in downtown Tyro will need to enter at Giles Road, then left on to Haywood Road and left on to Tyro School Road. You will then be directed to the church, where you will drive into the village. Visitors are encouraged to bring groups and church buses are welcome. This event will be held rain or shine and admission is free. The “Journey To Bethlehem” will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5-6. For more information, contact the church at 853-7459.

Don't miss this opportunity to begin Christmas inspired.

(By Linda Dougan, Correspondent
Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 5:00 a.m.)

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