Monday's thoughts

"Faith for the Fun of It"

Sermon: February 8Th

Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. Every now and then we need to take a look at what is so serious in the area of faith that we forget to have fun with it.

In the process of weeding out books for the church book sale (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), I discovered a bulletin that celebrated a historic moment in my home church's past. It was the 100Th anniversary of Wesley Church in Morgantown, West Virginia at its present location. Actually, the church is much older than that.

In the notation of important moments in the history of that church it was pointed out that Francis Asbury designated the region as the "Redstone Circuit" and John Cooper and Samuel Breeze were the "Circuit Riders" in 1784.

In 1785 Francis Asbury "preached and baptized" in Morgantown and at Colonel Martin's farm.

in 1786 600 persons heard Bishop Asbury on a "great day" in Morgantown.

In 1788 Bishop Asbury preached to a "lifeless, disorderly people, here but reported a "fine new chapel" at Colonel Martin's, apparently the first Methodist structure in Monongalia County.

1792 Bishop Asbury spoke on the interest in academic life that existed in the Morgantown congregation.

There are two things I appreciated about the heritage that was the church that confirmed my faith and that sent me to seminary and supported me when I was ordained.
1. I think it is not a bad thing for a church to be viewed as "disorderly" by those who are trying to move it into an attitude of conformity.
2. I think it is a great thing for a church to be noted for its intellectual life by the hierarchy of the church. It's good for that to be noticed and appreciated.

Faith for the fun of it is both disorderly and intellectual.
How would you define "fun in faith" and how important is it?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster