The Online Newsletter for Foundry United Methodist Church

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October 2007

In This Issue
The Pastoral Corner: Learning from Castles in the Sand In The Potter's Hands: Listening to God & Neighborhood House Meetings Setting a Course for Small Group Ministry Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference ESL Program Seeks Help! Foundry Participates in Adams Morgan Day Christian Education: Why Liberal and Conservative Christians Don't Think Alike Standing Up for Darfur Concert Call for Special Charge Conference: October 16th Announcing a New Opportunity: Mustard Seed Mission World Communion Sunday Remembering my Baptism Baptisms at Foundry Bible Sunday Epiphany 2007 Sermon Series Now Available on CD Come and Get It! Fall Family Fellowship	Foundry's Home Page Calendar Upcoming Events Upcoming Sermons

The Pastoral Corner: "Learning from Castles in the Sand"
by Dee Lowman

I recently spent some time on the beach in Maine . While not the warm and balmy water of the more southerly located coastlines, Maine has incredible beaches. This vacation I had one goal: to read the latest Harry Potter book without too much interruption. My family cooperated and left Aunt Dee alone in her beach chair to relax in the sun and read my book. I was more than happy to play cards and kickball later, but when I was on the beach, I was reading.

But I must admit that I peeked over my book in delight as the three children created their sandcastle – to them an essential part of the beach experience. One of them was clearly in charge of the operation, with the other two running to fill buckets with water or sand on her direction. In the end, they created a perfectly wonderful castle, complete with moats of water and a flag or feather on every minaret. They called it their “ Cross Castle ” because the carefully placed buckets of sand created a cross shape on the beach. Aunt Dee, the “Aunt Pastor,” was very proud. They talked about how great it was that they had chosen to build the castle so far away from the water because it would last. My niece Emily, the general contractor on the project, said, “This is great. People will walk by and see the castle in the shape of a cross and remember Jesus.” Again, another proud moment.

But alas, the castle did not last. When we were cleaning up and getting ready to head back to the beach house, the kids spontaneously decided to knock over the castle with its many towers, saving only the flags and the feathers. At first I was shocked – what about my little evangelists? Where had they gone? Emily, seeing my mild discomfort, said, “Don’t worry Aunt Dee, we’ll make another one.”

It really is true – we can make more castles. Day by day, moment by moment, we can create new environments and situations that declare who Jesus is for us. We can make opportunities to share what we know about God’s love and the life that Jesus calls us all to live. What worked once may very well work again, or we may decide to “knock down that castle” to make room for another way to help people know who God is.

In Foundry’s history, the church has offered many structures and forms for programming and ministry. Some of those have been quite successful and some have been more short term. Since my arrival more than a year ago, I have heard a very strong desire for the church to provide more meaningful ways for people to connect with one another and learn more about their relationship with God.

In October, we will begin a series of learning opportunities toward the goal of growing and enhancing our small group ministry here at Foundry. It’s called “Setting a Course for Small Group Ministry.” We are looking for new ways to help us all feel connected to one another and God through new small groups. Whether you are already involved with a small group or want to know more about small group ministry here at Foundry, please come to a kick-off event on Sunday, October 14 th following the 11am service.

For more information, please contact Josiane Blackman at josianeb@ewstokes.org or Sharon Gehrman at georgegehrman@comcast.net .