Dear Susanna,
My friend and I watched "The Jesus Revolution" on Netflix recently and really enjoyed watching the birth of the Jesus movement in the midst of the hippie movement. Neither of us knew anything about it, so it was enlightening. It brought up a question, though. There is a scene in the show where an older congregation, much like our own, has to decide whether to welcome in these hippie Jesus folks or push them away. A few of them left, but many were able to embrace this new look at Christianity. We have talked about it; how do you think our church would respond?
Maxie Moviefan
Dear Moviefan,
I had not seen the movie yet, so I had to check it out. And for the record, it is a very worthwhile movie and does a great job sharing about the phenomenal growth and change in the Calvary Christian Church. It also shares some of the honest doubts, fears, and pride that often harm Christian movements. Your question, though, is about where would the YMC would land in a similar situation. My hope is that we would open our hearts and doors to God's word and the Holy Spirit's leading. That becomes an individual response. So I am bouncing it back to you, what would you do? We must continually seek God's word and direction in all that we do. We cannot let the actions of the past keep us from needed and sometimes uncomfortable change. So many churches around the country have failed to embrace needed change, whatever it may be, and have willed themselves to irrelevancy. Prayer, examination of the scripture, and time alone with God are the recommended way to solve this problem; and most other problems, for that matter.
Love and Prayers,
Susanna
Dear Susanna,
I love the YMC newsletter, and look forward to it each month. I have one little complaint, though. The sealers that hold the paper copy together have been changed, and I can't get them off without tearing up the newsletter. Can you go back to the old ones?
Sticky Fingers
Dear Sticky,
Thanks for the input. That is one of those things we don't know unless someone tells us. Thank you! These stickers actually work better than the smaller ones we used to use because they firmly hold the newsletter in place and they don't get caught in the machine at the post office. We are nearing the end of the roll, so hang tight for another month or two and use a knife, letter opener, or scissors to cut through the sealer. Thank you for your patience.
Love & Prayers,
Susanna
Dear Susanna,
When Pastor Linda preached a few weeks ago she mentioned three things we need to keep in mind before we post on social media. I have a few friends that need to hear it! Their posts are sometimes so disrespectful. And to be honest, I need to keep those as a checkpoint for myself, too. Can you share what those three things are?
Fran FB
Dear FB,
I sure can. Pastor Linda's advice for social media is: 1.) Is it true? 2.) Is it necessary? 3.) Is it kind? If it does not meet all three of those qualifications, you don't need to post it. Excellent advice! The only thing I might add is to lift it in prayer. Seek God's wisdom on what you say. Many of your social media friends know that you are a Christian. We need to always consider how our postings reflect our faith.
Love & Prayers,
Susanna
"Dear Susanna" is a feature of the YMC monthly newsletter. Susanna Wesley never preached a sermon, published a book, or founded a church, yet Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism. The example of faith and religious reverence she set for her children John and Charles inspired them to become powerful spiritual leaders, and to launch the Methodist movement.
