Note:  Suzanne Davis is the associate pastor at New Haven and sometimes writes an article for this spot and gives Shannon a rest.

He is in Israel for two weeks at the moment.    

Suzanne Sez. . .

Two big events occurred this last week in the United Methodist Church, one locally at New Haven.  Shannon left on Thursday for two weeks in Israel.  He went with a group of  ministers, all alumni of Candler School of Theology.  They will tour many parts of   Israel and the Palestine area, returning with lots of stories to share.  Truly a trip of a life time!  Our blessings go with him.

     The second big event,  the General Conference of the United Methodist Church began last Wednesday in Fort Worth Texas.      It occurs every 4 years.  Many issues will be brought up and discussed, some which will affect us at the local church level. Our prayers are with all who are attending.

     Last Sunday evening we had a wonderful event with our “Turn Off -Week“. Lots of good food, games and fellowship were enjoyed.    The three classes were great.  Dr. Michael Taylor turned everyone on to healthy nutrition and vitamins.  Did you know that peanuts are not really a good thing to eat?  Linda Jaeger got everyone excited about how you can take care of yourself by tweaking some of your everyday activities into a healthy life style.

      In Tonya Ford’s class we experienced ways we can tune into God in our every day life.  As Shannon shared last week in his Spire column our growing edge at New Haven has been and continues to be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. He said we need to find ways to become more intentional in growing spiritually ourselves, deepen our personal devotional life and help others see the awesome benefits of the life lived with God.

      Tonya had several worship centers set up with very simple  activities that brought us into a connection with God.  These were intended for children but they were powerful for us as adults as well. One of the most meaningful for me was “Sour Words”.   I had just had some mis-communication with my 13 year old grand daughter and was feeling some discomfort and sadness because of it.  At the worship center were these words from Ephesians:  “Don’t use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”  Tonya gave us a reflection to ponder about how words can hurt our spirits. Think about the sour effects of harsh words that hurt other people’s feelings. Then the action was to take a piece of sour candy which was there.   As you chew the candy ask God to forgive you for using unkind words. Ask God to help you guard your mouth so that everything you say is true, kind and necessary.

      I read the above and pondered the encounter with my grand daughter, I did not use unkind words but we did have to deal with an awkward situation.  Communication was difficult!  I put the sour candy in my mouth and chewed.  It was sour, but the more  I chewed, it slowly became sweeter.  I felt God’s forgiving love and understanding surrounding me.

     Each center was very simple yet powerful as it led us into reflections of our every day life and ways to feel God’s presence and forgiveness.  Our days get so busy we find it hard to pause for even a moment and allow God spirit to enter. May each of us become aware of being more intentional.  Prayer and walking intentionally with God can become a lifestyle.