St Charles United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
 

Tim Lawson is a life-long United Methodist who grew up, along with his wife, Beverly, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Metairie.  Tim and Beverly will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in August and are the parents of two grown children, Katie and James.

Tim was ordained in 1974 and has served as a pastor in the “piney woods” of north Louisiana, in small towns, in suburbia, and in cities (A listing is offered below.).  In the mid-1980s, he served as pastor of the Luling-St. John Charge.  In the summer of 1986, after the closure of St. John UMC in New Sarpy, Tim went door-to-door in Ormond Plantation inviting persons to come to the first worship service of what is now St. Charles United Methodist Church.

Regarding education:  Tim and Beverly were graduated from East Jefferson and Riverdale High Schools respectively.  Both received their undergraduate degrees from LSU.  Tim completed his Master of Theology degree at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Tim has been leading Disciple Bible Study groups (and the Disciple “spin-offs”) for 20 years.  He revels in the new discoveries which happen in every session.

Tim has also been team leader for several Volunteers in Mission events – in Arkansas, England, Mexico, and New Mexico.  He has also been involved with the Appalachian Service Project, Harvest of Hope, Saint Charles Social Concerns Committee, Louisiana Interchurch Conference, Bread for the World, and church/interfaith federations in various communities.

Tim has been chairperson of our Annual Conference’s:  Board of Church and Society, Committee on Rules, and Commission on Religion and Race.  He is currently a member of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration.

 

February  2012
Many of us are familiar with The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) which begin Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Read Chapters 5-7 for “the rest of the story.). Perhaps you remember some of them? Several come to my mind immediately: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”; “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Some interpreters have called them the “Be Attitudes”.
 
Recently, a friend shared a heartfelt concern with me about what he described as a threat to religious liberty. My friend was adamant that the church should mobilize in opposition to that threat and indicated that he was considering acts of civil disobedience in response.
 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pastor well-versed in the teachings of Jesus, developed a standard for those who would participate in acts of civil disobedience (sit-ins, marches, etc.). His “Pledge” standards are still a wonderful, contemporary extension of Jesus’ Beatitudes and the moral imperatives of the Sermon on the Mount (in 1963, he referred to them as “Ten Commandments”). Consider these mandates as they apply to our personal lives, our life together as the church, and our life as citizens:
 
1.     Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2.     Remember always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory.
3.     Walk and Talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
4.     Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5.     Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6.     Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7.     Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8.     Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9.     Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.
 
Jesus calls us to new life – life “marked” by an attitude of transcendent blessing. Dr. King translated his convictions into a summons to follow in the footsteps of Jesus – even when (especially when!) we face the profoundly difficult challenges of life.
 
Dr. King’s “Pledge Card” invited participants to sign their names below this statement: “I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.” I hope that Jesus and Martin will lead you to “sign” your name and to embrace the “Be Attitudes” of life in Christ.
 
 
 
 
Ash Wednesday Services
 
Two special services will be offered on Ash Wednesday, February 22: a brief Order of Worship for the Imposition of Ashes at 7:00 am (immediately following our Iron Men meeting); and a fuller Order of Worship for the Imposition of Ashes and the Sacrament of Holy Communion at 6:15 pm (after our Fellowship Meal and before our Studies and Choir Rehearsal). Plan to participate in these opportunities to begin the Season of Lent with a heart attuned to God – and to the life, love, witness, and work of Christ. Is there someone you need to invite!?!