"IF IT BE, GIVE ME THY HAND."



Sunflower Fields Almost Ready to Harvest

     Every Sunday is different in Lower Brule, and this mystery is part of the pleasure of our going each week. Different people drop in for services, and we might not see someone for many weeks or months, and that person will come again when we are not expecting him. On the other hand, someone we have never seen in church will sometimes show up. Sometimes, not so often, no one will show up on Sunday mornings; and Ray and I have chosen a book to read and study together when that happens.

    This morning was one of those rare mornings, and we studied A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology, authored by J. Kenneth Grider. We chose this book together, as we were wanting to

'brush up' on the theology that we have embraced in our lives. We have noted in the last several years, especially, that many ideas are touted as 'theology' and 'doctrine,' and we are left scratching our heads. This book has a clear and in-depth study of the history and facets of Wesleyan-Holiness Theology. I'll only briefly share a few gleanings so far in this book if you will allow me-1) experience

2) its existential interest, and 3) its catholicity.

   1) This theology emphasizes an experience of a relationship with God even more than a framework of specific thought: The Apostle's Creed does not read, "I believe that," but, "I believe in God the Father," etc. (Grider, p. 29).

   2) Wesleyan-Holiness theology is interested in the existing human situation. It is interested in life situations of individual persons. It is interested in truth, therefore, as a way of life lived according to God's will...in goodness as consisting of acts that produce a fulfilling life in ourselves and others. ...It is content to live with what is rationally muddy. It is content to let God change our anxiety-producing situations or help us live victoriously in the midst of such situations (Grider, p. 30).

   3) In discussing the differences in opinion and thought-including differences in theology and doctrine- John Wesley wrote: For God's sake, if it be possible to avoid it, let us not provoke one another to wrath."  In Wesley's Works 8, "The Character of a Methodist," he poses the question: 'What is a Methodist?' after which he writes a four page definition of such without suggesting one doctrine as the mark of a Methodist. Wesley finishes this subject with this statement: Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no further question. If it be, give me thy hand. (Wesley, "The Character of a Methodist," in Works 8, p 340-347; quoted in Grider, p. 34).




"If it be, Give me thy hand."

   I am hoping I have not bored you, but I especially love the thought that we can enjoy the fellowship of anyone whose heart beats to the love of God and the love of others. I appreciate my friends who are willing to reach their hands across a table and grasp mine and pray for a specific need in my life, as I do for them; or who, in the midst of other business, promise to remember a need of mine in prayer as I promise the same to them.

    We were happy to offer our hand of love to several childen who came to Sunday School this afternoon. They are an exuberant lot, though today was a little subdued. School has begun, and they feel a bit 'down,' perhaps, that summer freedom is curtailed. They complained a little about going back to school, but I'm sure they will survive. :)



The kids decorated their own cookies to take home with them. :)

   Thank you for offering your hand in love and fellowship as you share the work in Lower Brule. Please reach across the table (so to speak), and offer prayer for the people of Lower Brule. Thank you, and God Bless You!!

CULTURE

Field of Sunflowers

   I suppose one of my very most favorite things to do in life is to watch and study people: Any people, anywhere. Ray, Esther, and I were waiting at O'Hare Airport in Chicago for Esther's flight to Florida, and I found it a most interesting vantage point to study people. We played a quiet game in which we would name in a low voice to each other our guess of each passing person's vocation. It was intriguing. Culture is another interest of mine. I love to study the culture of many countries and places; and, for that reason, I love to talk to a large cross-section of people-country people, city people, people from the west, people from the east, and people who did not originate in the USA.      

   Today was a treat of culture, as we drove around the little village of Lower Brule and observed the many people who were engaging in many different activities. The little village was pulsing and busy with many, many people. I hope you enjoy the pictures we shot as we drove around to the many activities.

Parade

Collecting candy from the parade route

Pow-Wow

Pow-Wow Tepees

Rodeo and horse auction

Rides

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule as you continue to pray for it, and may your heart burn within you as you walk and talk with the Master this week.