Dear Members and Friends of the Dalton First United Methodist Church -

 

I give thanks to my God always as I remember you in my prayers.  I especially remember your service.  Together, we remember that the Lord said he came to serve, not to be served.  Your service to the Lord, your church, family, community, friends even the strangers in our midst is recognized and honored.  I give thanks to God for your service.

Two years ago Bishop Davis recommended a book, The Theology of John Wesley by Kenneth J. Collins (Abingdon Press).  As I read through the introduction, I came across, "...the flavor of Wesley's theology is actually embedded in...holiness and grace...an axial theme that...is indicative of Wesley's nearly lifelong theological project of articulating holiness and sola fide (faith alone)."  This is what is distinctive about Methodism, and what I love!  Most protestants only emphasize salvation by faith alone, but we Methodists emphasize the combination of that plus holy living.  In other words, you will know a person's faith by their works (read the book of James in the New Testament).  This is Wesley's emphasis on justifying grace (salvation by faith alone) and sanctifying grace (living a holy life). 

 

I love Wesleyan theology because I believe it is the most holistic, well balanced theology on the planet.  Is it perfect?  Absolutely not.  Are there things we don't understand about God yet?  Absolutely.  But, to me, it is the best expression of God's love, mercy and grace for us.  The emphasis on grace is a distinctive Wesleyan aspect that is lived out in our churches.  Many times over the years, I have had persons join the United Methodist Church because they indicate the worship leaves them with a feeling of grace and acceptance rather than judgment and exclusion. 

 

Live grace, my Sisters and Brothers! Live  grace! Live that God accepts us, as the hymn says, "Just As I Am." Then, when persons have found salvation through Jesus Christ as Lord, lead them in the way of the holy living by modeling that in our own lives as well as teaching Sunday school, Bible Studoes, Small Groups, casual conversations, etc!

 

Kathy and I are getting a little more settled every day.  Boxes are gone (unless you look in the garage).  Pictures are on the wall.  We have bought some more furniture and some rugs.  My dear sweet wife has lived 33 of our 36 years in church provided housing - the least I can do is let her purchase the furniture and rugs she wishes.  I am so deeply thankful we kissed on that bus so many years ago (I'll tell you that story in a sermon one day - it really is a great story).

By the way, we are having an open house at our parsonage (the Westcott House next to the church) on Sunday, December 13, 2:30pm to 5:00pm.  Hope you can come.  We are looking forward to showing you our beautiful home.

 
Neighborhood meetings are continuing and very powerful.  They are also including some hilarious moments as we get to know one another. 

 
Kathy's Mother, Doris Wilson, will have knee replacement surgery at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA this Thursday, October 15th.  The is her second one.  Please keep her Mother and family in your prayers.

 
The Finance Committee meets this week to look at the pledges after they are plugged into our historic giving formula.  Then we will have the budget figure for the 2010 year.  I'll keep you posted as soon as the Finance Committee releases the figures or maybe they have to go to Church Council first - you know I am still learning the Dalton system.  I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the process.

God bless.  See you Sunday!
 

In Christ,

Dr. Robin L Lindsey
Dalton First United Methodist Church
706-278-8494 (Office)

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