United Methodist Men

No.8. Develop Servant Leaders (Friends, Followers, Fishermen)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:01:53 GMT

Each youth organization that we work with has inherent “building blocks” that the local church can transform into effective ministry. For example, they ...

A view from Heaven

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:06:55 GMT

Channeled by Rich Peck

Hello –

I am one of the saints you temporary dwellers on earth celebrate each All Saints Day.

I thought I should channel a few thoughts to you.&...

P.R.A.Y. Religious Awards-7th Reason

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:05:15 GMT

The P.R.A.Y. Series is an age-appropriate study series that focuses on discipleship, family, and service. Young people are drawn closer to Christ and are invited to become better acquainted with their church and pastor. The P.R.A.Y. series is a Bi...

Scout Sunday

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:05 GMT

Scout Sunday (Feb.12) can be a memorable day for troops and groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, Big Brother Big Sisters) sponsored by and meeting in your church. It may also be a special day of recognition for parents, some of whom will be...

Mission-Reason No.6

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:23:29 GMT

A variety of mission opportunities are made available through the five civic youth-serving agencies. Camp Fire USA—through Gift of Giving, Teens in Action, and Extending Our Reach—educate and nurture children in projects that e...

Scouting as a Ministry-Reason No.5-UM Men

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:33:36 GMT

United Methodist Men

United Methodist Men’s groups have traditionally been the “standard bearers” of scouting and civic youth ministry. United Methodist Men’s...

Mom Has Gone Home

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:47:09 GMT

We had my mother's Celebration of Life Service on December 10. She was buried right next to my dad in Memorial Cemetery in Mongtomery, Alabama, her hometown. She has gone home.

But, more important than that, she has gone t...

Tebowing – A mixed blessing

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:12:32 GMT

As a native Coloradoan I have always cheered for the Broncos. This year is no exception.

I celebrate what Tim Tebow has done for the Broncos. I know he is not the best passer in the conference, but I also think he is better tha...

No. 4:Reasons to Consider Scouting as a Ministry-Co-educational

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:30:02 GMT

Some scouting programs exist for both girls and boys alike. Camp Fire USA (CFUSA) is coeducational for ages 1 to 21, while Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) Venturing division is for boys and girls ages 13 to 20. These programs are a great c...

Memories of December 7

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:34:22 GMT

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I was only seven years old at the time, but I still remember being told at school that the Japanese were coming to Colorado.

I think ...

Reason No.3-Intergenerational

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:44:06 GMT

Scouting and civic youth ministry offers opportunities for older adults as well as youth. Often congregational members become isolated from one another because we tend to spend time with people of similar age groups. Scouting offers older adults a...

Ten Reasons: No.2-Evangelism

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:50:40 GMT

Statistics indicate that of all the youth who join scouting through the church, 25 percent are United Methodists, 25 percent are members of other denominations or faiths, and 50 percent come from un-churched families. Reaching out to families that...

First of Ten Reasons to Consider Scouting a Ministry-Outreach

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:33:10 GMT

There are several reasons to consider scouting a ministry of the United Methodist Church-not just a program.

This is the first in a series of ten reasons to...

My spiritual father

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:51:26 GMT

Dr. Harvey Potthoff was my spiritual father.

My real father wasn’t much of a churchman, but he was a King James literalist. If you ever talked with him about the Bible –– which was never a frequent...

Rabbittown Boys

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:10:08 GMT

Yesterday I attended the funeral (for our family) of one my dad's cousins. Arnold Coppock was one of the last of what I call the 'Rabbittown (Al.) Boys' that included a lot of Coppock's. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalach...

Courageous Men

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:20:54 GMT

On Sept. 30th the Movie "Courageous" opens in theaters around the cou...

Take Charge

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:22:12 GMT

My wife, a pastor, frequently asks me how the sermon went the afternoon or evening of the Sunday she preaches. My answer is the usual, yet mundane, Good!

Some Sunday sermons just grab my attention more than others. Today was on...

Why I oppose prayer in the public school classroom

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:40:09 GMT

Some members of my Sunday school class spent their last session lamenting the absence of prayer in school.

Many members stated that the world would be a better place if prayer and teaching Christian doctrine and biblical educat...

Mothers are treasures to be adored

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:57:32 GMT

My mother has lived with my family for 23 years. That covers moves from three cities and two states, watching our youngest son go from first grade to being married. Her progeny includes seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. My mom is 87 ...

Bishop's Dinner- Final Steps in Preparation

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:45:10 GMT

15. Thank yous to appropriate persons (the Bishop, sponsors, etc.).

16. Follow-up to the event – where the work begins. District and local churc...

Not much has changed since 1968

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:28:59 GMT

When the 2012 General Conference again addresses issues related to the "Worldwide nature of the church," it will not only re-plow ground softened by the 2008 General Conference, it will dig in the same ground as delegates to the 1968 Uni...

To the unknown layman

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:03:44 GMT

If you read John Wesley's journal about his Aldersgate experience, he says "one was reading" Martin Luther's Preface to Pauls letter to the Romans.

Meticulous John Weslely, who names people over and over aga...

Happy 4th of July week, Steps 12-14-Bishop's Dinner for Scouting

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:10:00 GMT

12.    Brief all presenters on program.

13.    Recruit and train (brief) table organizers.

14.    Covenant cards handed ...

Bishop's Dinners-Steps 9-11

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:38:12 GMT

9.   Do not charge participants (develop sponsor[s], other funding sources).

10.   Follow-up phone calls.

11.   Conci...

Bishop's Dinners-Steps 7 & 8

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:07:42 GMT

7. Send invitations to all churches (pastors, lay leaders) in a timely manner.

8. Youth ministers can be a key to ultimate success. Make sure ...

Keeping Faith

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:01:23 GMT

Greetings

During the last few weeks there has been a great deal of travel, as I find myself in the season of traveling to different events. Some are meetings of annual conferences, and those are wonderful. S...

Bishop's Dinner for Scouting - Steps 5& 6

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:12:47 GMT

District Superintendents must have ownership (meet one-on-one with each one and/or meet/present concept at Bishop’s cabinet meeting).

Conduct Bishop’s Dinner at a church facility (a local church, fellowsh...

Bishop's Dinner for Scouting-3rd in a Series

Fri, 27 May 2011 23:58:38 GMT

Plan your work and work your plan:

Organizing/Planning Committee (this is not a “one-man show”).

...

Two More Important Steps-Bishop's Dinners-continued

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:36:00 GMT

1. Plan the event in partnership with UMMen (president and/or key leadership of the district/conference).

2. Allow 3-6 months of planning in scheduling a Bishop’s Dinner.

...

Bishop's Dinners for Scouting - Plan Your Work...

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:37:22 GMT

Bishop's Dinners for Scouting are events that bring together pastors, youth ministers and laity along with staff and volunteers of youth agencies (Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters,Camp Fire and 4-H) for the purpose of promotin...

Shabby recruitment practices

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:36:05 GMT

If you are looking for ways to recruit quality leaders for your men’s organization, don’t look to Jesus as an example.

Jesus was not a very good judge of character.

He recruited Pe...

No Foolin'

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:20:24 GMT

Today is the proverbial April Fool's Day.Speaking of proverbial, what does the Book of Proverbs have to say about foolishness?

Well, it is much simpler to recognize a Fool for what he is not in lieu of what he is.

EMS Benefits

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:53:19 GMT

I received an email from Lew Weil, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference re: the benefits of an EMS membership. Please send us your thoughts, like Lew.

I received the goodies from GCUMM for renewing my EMS Membership today.&...

Expectations

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:37:28 GMT

The people were gathered on tip-toe of expectation . . . wondering. . .” – Luke 3:15

The University of Colorado (my alma mater) was disappointed when their basketball team did not mak...

A Cord of Three Strands

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:56:13 GMT

In 2009 I hosted a men’s conference where men were encouraged to make ...

Nonprofit class leads to new friends

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:08:51 GMT

Last week I taught a college class on Introduction to Nonprofit Management at Tennessee State University in Nashville, an HBCU (historically black college/university). I had a diverse class of twelve students ranging in age from 22-52, half female...

Summer training opportunity offered UMC Scout leaders

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:55:17 GMT

Local church, district and conference scouting coordinators, Scout leaders, clergy and youth leaders are encouraged to attend the July 10-16, 2011 United Methodist Scouters Workshop at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. Curr...

Nightmare on home street

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:51:14 GMT

I had a nightmare last night.

I died, and I was taking a final entrance exam with 20 other candidates.

After filling out several questionnaires, Jesus invited me to the front desk.

"...

Bishop’s Dinner for Scouting-1st in a series

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:00:56 GMT

What is it? An annual conference (or district) event intended to bring church pastors, youth ministers and lay leaders together with civic youth agency officials to share information and ultimately grow scouting in the local church.

<...

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:56:25 GMT

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is Camp Fire USA’s call to action asking adults to write letters of love, encouragement and inspiration to the children of America. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day invites adults to tell children, our most pre...

Scout Sunday

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:24:59 GMT

Proverbs 20:11: Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

Jesus had a special love for children. Scout Sunday, February 13, is a wonderful time to recognize children and youth for compas...

John Dieken

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 09:52:28 GMT

Just a few days ago I learned that John Dieken was called home by the Lord.John was a former annual conference scouting coordinator for the...

Deployed

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:53:33 GMT

When I hung up the phone after a lengthy conversation with Gil Hanke, I scratched my head wrinkled my brow and mumbled the words..."what in the world is a deployed staff member"? Interestingly enough, I find myself attempting t...

Not Alone!

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:48:52 GMT

Who’s Got Your Back?

While on a recent trip I received a series of emails & texts from a couple buddies of mine. There was nothing surprising about that since we often communicate during the week.

Four New Circuit Riders

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:13:13 GMT

Having just returned from a staff retreat, I am excited about the future of United Methodist Men.Four new Circuit Riders (deployed staff) have joined our ranks.Mark,Mark,Greg and Neil will bring, in their uniquely different way, Christ's mess...

The UMC Gains in BSA Membership

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:41:56 GMT

The UMC is the second largest charter organization (sponsor) of the Boy Scouts of America. For the second straight year we enjoyed growth in total youth membership.Although marginal, these gains offset several years of declining membership for us ...

Support summer chaplaincy programs-20th and final in a series

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:50:55 GMT

Support summer chaplaincy programs · Be sure the Scout council plans for a Scout Chaplain as part of the camp staff (BSA). · Provide adequate funding for a Scout Chaplain. · Provide scholarship for Scout Chaplain to at...

Support and encourage local Scout councils in their efforts to adhere to the basic religious principles of Scouting

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:28:58 GMT

• Celebrate the religious heritage of Scouting

• Emphasize the importance of the 12th point of the Scout Law – &...

Duty to God-18th in a series

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:45:37 GMT

Plan an interdenominational or interfaith retreat: · Promote religious emblems programs (P.R.A.Y. Awards) for all religious groups. · Stress belief in God as essential for all.

...

Support observance of Scout Sunday

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:06:43 GMT

· Encourage unit members and leaders to wear uniforms to Sunday School and worship services. · Encourage use of Scouts as ushers, acolytes, readers, worship leaders, choir, etc.

...

Support recognition of the ministry of Scouting in the local church-16th

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:07:53 GMT

• Recognize youth who participate in ministry with the Good Samaritan Award.
• Include unit leaders in Christian Education Sunday observances.
&...

Recognition-15th in a series

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:07:17 GMT

Encourage annual recognition for United Methodist youth who have earned a religious emblem: · A local church may do it on Scout Sunday (second Sunday in February [Boy Scouts] or second Sunday in March [Girl Scouts]). · A clu...

Funding assistance-14th in a series

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:29:36 GMT

Fund scholarships to help Scouts attend summer camps, high adventure base treks, national and world jamborees, and other events.

...

Support Scouting Ministry in the UMC Financially-13th part in series

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:19:39 GMT

• Give individual gifts: become a Legacy Builder ($120 + annually) or join the newly created Circuit Riders Society ($1,500 + annually).

• ...

Provide scholarships-12th in a series

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:53:15 GMT

Provide scholarships or grants for persons to attend United Methodist Workshops on Scouting Ministry.

· It will cost $470 plus travel expenses in 2010 for each participant to attend t...

Recognize adult, youth and units/clubs in your local church

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:27:24 GMT

Nominate worthy candidates for the Cross and Flame (adult-local church, 3 years of service) Torch Award (adult-district/conference, 4 years of service), or Silver Torch (adult-national/international) or Good Samaritan Award (youth). Charter and re-charter...

Support Training Initiatives-10th in a series

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:27:09 GMT

...

UMM Financial Support-9th in a series

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:22:46 GMT

Financially support an annual United Methodist workshop on Scouting ministry at one of the BSA’s high adventure bases: Philmont Training Center, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base or the Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reser...

Travel joys

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:04:06 GMT

Well my last blog entry was a promise to do better... that didn't work! I will tell you that I have been very busy and in the middle of a 5 week travel blitz. I am on the way home from a week long trip that has taken me to...

Encourage Scouting units to plan service projects that...8th in a series

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:20:47 GMT