Living as Methodists in The Bible Belt

Reading Being Methodist in the Bible Belt was the first step in moving Blakemore UMC toward becoming a “Practicing” Congregation. Being Methodist in the Bible Belt gives the “what” of being Christian in The United Methodist tradition. If you read the book you know a little more about what United Methodists believe and why.

The next step is learning about how the people of The United Methodist Church live in the world as disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe living as Christians in the world is a relationship with the God revealed in Scripture and who became one of us in Jesus of Nazareth. Our relationship with God is like a friendship. If that relationship is going to grow and deepen, then it must be cared for and nurtured.

Friends spend time together. They regularly talk with each other, eat together, walk, listen, and care for one another. When friends do these basic “practices” they grow to know and trust each other.

God has given the Church some basic practices that help us grow in love and trust with God: prayer, reading and studying the Bible, worship, sharing with others in small groups, and serving our neighbors (especially the poor). These are the basic practices of Christian faith and life. They are how we spend time with and make ourselves available to God and God’s life-giving love.

On Wednesday evenings, April 6 through May 25, Steve Manskar will lead a study of Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists by Henry H. Knight, III. This is an opportunity to learn and practice the basics of Christian faith and life. The books are available at church this Wednesday, March 30.

Outline: April 6 Chapters 1 & 2 "A Hunger for God" & "Growing in Grace"
April 13 Chapters 3 & 4 Prayer & Scripture
April 20 Special Guest: Dr. Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources,
at the General Board of Discipleship
April 27 Chapter 5 Worship: Word & Table
May 4 Chapter 6 Renewal & Healing
May 11 Chapters 7 & 8 Christian Community & Christian Lifestyle
May 18 Chapter 9 Serving Our Neighbor
May 25 Chapter 10 Sharing Our Faith