The 2008 Cooperative School of Christian Mission is well underway. In fact, it’s almost over! Tomorrow will be the last session, followed by a worship service presided over by Bishop Jeremiah Park.

I have been here, at Western Connecticut State University, where the school is being held, since Wednesday. I am teaching the course of Israel and Palestine. This is my first time teaching at the School of Mission.

The program is sponsored by United Methodist Women, who select three topics for exploration at the schools, held by Annual Conferences across the denomination. In addition to the Israel/Palestine study, courses are being offered on Native Americans and on basic Christian beliefs.

As I reflect on my experience, I have been most grateful for my class. I focused my time on preparing for the class and researching answers to questions they raised that I didn’t know the answers to right off. In short: I learned more than anyone. Though I was rather ignorant of the situation in Israel and Palestine prior to this experience, I feel as though I have gained a basic understanding of the many sensitive issues and the complex history that frame the current situation. I plan to share some of what I have learned with those of you in my congregation sometime in the near future.

If you are interested in exploring the School of Mission, here are some informative links:

2008 Cooperative School of Christian Mission
Israel/Palestine Study
Native American Study
I Believe in Jesus Study

Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

I mentioned last week that I don’t garden. And one of the main reasons that I don’t garden is weeds. For one thing, I’m not really sure what a weed is. I mean a weed is a perfectly healthy plant, often growing nice and green and strong, but for one reason or another it is not a desirable plant. In fact, one rather old dictionary I consulted included this note: “The word ‘weed’ has no definite application to any particular plant, or species of plants. Whatever plants grow among corn or grass, in hedges, or elsewhere, and are useless to man, injurious to crops or unsightly or out of place, are denominated weeds.”

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On Sunday, July 13 approximately 100 of us celebrated our staff and the new appointment year for our pastor, as well as our entire church family, with a special service on the front lawn. We were outside not only because it was a beautiful summer day, but also as a reminder that Christ calls us to move outside among our neighbors rather than remain inside our own walls. During the service we honored our Pastor, Bryan Hooper, our Custodian, Ivan Reyes, our Music Director/Organist, Nancy Robbins, and our Church Secretary, Stephanie Vivier…. Following the service, we enjoyed a wonderful potluck picnic for church members, friends and passersby. The event was well attended and will likely be repeated in the future.

Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

I have not spent a lot of time gardening. I have always just found it easier to go to the grocery story. But I do know a few people who love to garden – some of them are here with us today – and I’ve even observed and helped a few people work in their gardens. And one thing I’ve noticed is that people are very intentional about where they plant their seeds. If they want the plant to grow healthy, they begin by preparing the soil. If the soil is good, then the plant has a much greater chance to succeed. If the soil is bad, the plant has no chance. So first, they make sure they have good soil to work with. Then, they find the right place, so that the plants are not too close together, and then they find the right depth, so the plant can have roots, and push through the earth up to the sun. Finally, they plant the seed.

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Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, began to regularly meet with some of his friends at Oxford in order to pray and study the Bible, some of the other Oxford students took notice. The strange group that Wesley formed seemed backward and square to some of the students, and so they verbally assaulted Wesley and his friends with taunts. The Holy Club, they sarcastically called them. Bible moths, and Bible bigots, were other names. And because they met with such regularity and such consistency, they were even mockingly called Methodists.

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On July 11 we will celebrate our staff and the new appointment year, as well as our entire church family, with a special worship service on our front lawn to be followed by an all-church picnic. If you are able, please bring lawn chairs or blankets for your seating. We will provide limited seating for those who need chairs. Also, if possible, bring your favorite picnic food for after the service. Refrigerator storage will be available before worship begins in our kitchen. If your last name begins with A-F, please bring a dessert; G-N bring salad; and O-Z bring a main dish. Bring enough food for 8 to share!!