Ne w s l e t te r fo r t h e UB C P r i m e ti m e M i ni s t ry
July / August 2015
What About Your Grown Kids? by Dr. Milton Redeker
Inside this issue: Leadership Principles 2 Upcoming Events
3
Road Trips
5
Birthdays
6
On This Day in History…
July 30, 1965 Pres. Johnson signs Medicare into law. Stars ‘N’ Stripes “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Prov. 17:22 July 1 First United Methodist July 21 Friendswood Health Care July 25 Village on the Park July 27 First United Methodist August 18 Gulf Health Care Center August 20 Brookdale/Clear Lake For information, call Marilyn Browne 281-303-0141
Somehow, between learning how to ride bikes, memorizing multiplication tables, and perfecting their skills on the piano—getting married or earning a degree or buying their own home—God got pushed way down your children’s list of priorities. In fact, disciplines like prayer, church attendance, tithing, serving, and serious Bible study got lost in the shuffle. There are certainly exceptions to this second-generation fallout, but that’s the tragedy— they are exceptions. Ever wonder why? Is this some kind of unique, twenty-first century, postmodern malady. You know better. Even a cursory reading of Scripture reveals the sobering truth back in biblical times, parents’ hearts were broken by the fallout of kids leaving their faith. A few examples come to mind: Adam and Eve, Isaac and Rebekah, Eli, David, and Solomon. The list continues to the present day. Some of you who read these words could add your name to those in biblical times. Truth be told, you have to admit that you could never leave your inheritance to your son(s) and daughter(s) due to their lifestyles, which stand in stark contrast to yours. It breaks your heart. There are at least three ways parents can help children keep their faith. First, model personal responsibility. Ours is an era where passing the buck is an art form. Second, emphasize the “erosion principle.” Evil is not only getting progressively worse in our culture but also more cleverly disguised. Third, take time. Take time not just to eat together or work together around the house or do homework together or go to the athletic games together. Take time to sit and quietly talk together. Take time to play together, and don’t forget to relax and laugh together. Of course, even the best parenting is no guarantee that your children will walk with God. They make their own choices and sometimes those are devastating...just as we parents have made ours. Pray for your children and grandchildren every day. Then with anticipation, just watch God work. Why? Because we never know at what point the Lord may open their eyes. Though second generation fallout is both ancient and common today...it can be minimized and we parents will have grown spiritually through that process. New and healthy habits can be formed. So start today.
UBC Primetime Newsletter
Page 2
Leadership Principles From WBS Study In Nehemiah
By Dr. Milton Redeker
The following leadership principles apply to all of us. Nehemiah’s example offers these so we can immediately apply them to our sphere of influence. Principle Number One: a passion for the project. Passion includes vision, enthusiasm, drive, determination, and creativity. People with passion can grasp the big picture without becoming enmeshed in or preoccupied with all the details. Nehemiah could hardly sleep as he imagined himself accomplishing God’s objective. His passion was off the chart. Principle Number Two: includes an ability to motivate others. Getting along well with others is a crucial part of leadership. This would include such skills as verbalizing ideas, dreams and concerns; articulating goals succinctly and simply; and demonstrating grace with a heavy dose of enthusiasm and encouragement. Leaders who motivate always inspire others to do their best. They quickly affirm and remember to give credit where credit is due. Nehemiah was strong in all those qualities. Principle Number Three: is having an unswerving confidence in God. Nehemiah’s journal is filled with prayers—silent ones, short ones, specific ones. He never failed to remind the people of the Lord’s presence and protection. Leaders who are authentic will consistently turn others’ attention to the true Source of strength—the One who can accomplish the impossible. Their faith is contagious. While they may occasionally doubt their own ability, they do not doubt God’s invincible commitment to His work. Principle Number Four: Resilience and patience through opposition mark the fourth principle. Nehemiah endured it all: sarcasm, suspicion, gossip, mockery, threats, anonymous notes, false accusations—you name it. Sound familiar? None of it moved Nehemiah. No leader can survive if he or she cannot remain patient and resilient through criticism. It is important to be firm in purpose without becoming cranky, vengeful, or mean-spirited. Principle Number Five: to adopt this is a practical, balanced grip on reality. While the good leader may have dreams and ideas, he or she doesn’t live in a dream world of ideals. The actual facts—the hard pieces of evidence—are in clear focus. Nehemiah told the workers who were rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall to stay at their jobs. He, at the same time, wisely stationed others to protect the wall from attack. Smart. Discerning. Tough. He acted without overreacting. Good leaders maintain that needed balance between staying positive and keeping aware of the negative. Principle Number Six: a willingness to work hard and remain unselfish. Most Christian leaders have at least one thing in common: diligence. They also know the value of calling it a day. (Diligence and workaholism are not synonyms.) Because of his hard work, Nehemiah was appointed to be “governor of Judah” (Nehemiah 5:14), even before the wall was rebuilt. He accepted his appointment humbly, refusing special treatment and willingly sacrificing for the good of the people. Nehemiah could have led a clinic on servant leadership. Continued on next page
Primetime Council Members Dr. Milton Redeker, Director of Senior Adult Ministries Paula Cook, Secretary Marilyn Browne, Stars-n-Stripes Director Dr. Larry Higgs, Historian Bill and Chelette Baker, Music Coordinators
Brenda Sessums, Decorator Martha Monroe, Trip Coordinator Walt & Judy Guy, Website Coordinators
If you have any suggestions for programs or personnel, please contact one of our Primetime Council Members.
UBC Primetime Newsletter
Page 3
Leadership Principles From WBS Study In Nehemiah, continued Principle Number Seven: leaders must have the discipline to finish the job. Good leaders are finishers. They know how to concentrate on essentials without allowing perfectionistic details to block the path. And when the task is finished, good leaders celebrate....they have fun! In Nehemiah’s case, they had a blast walking on the wall, marching and dancing, shouting and singing. What a grand and glorious party! Christian leaders with character continue to be in demand. Ezekiel recorded God’s search for leaders who would “stand in the gap in the wall.” He found no one. God’s search continues today—Christians who get things done for God’s glory, standing strong on rock-solid principles of leadership.
Dinner Dates August 6
September 3
“Rescue the Perishing”
“To God Be the Glory”
Entertainment: Buddy Griffin of Sagemont Church in Houston
Entertainment: pianist/soloist, Beverly Terrell of Second Baptist Church of Houston
Senior Adult Revival “Until Then” September 20-23
Page 4
UBC Primetime Newsletter
MEMORIES, CHANGES, DEPENDENCE AND DREAMS
By Dr. Milton Redeker
These have a way of washing across one’s mind, like the surf upon the shore, when anniversaries come. Funny ones. All of them dripping with nostalgia. An anniversary reminds you. “Don’t ever forget the memories. They are imperishable.” I suppose the most significant change I’ve experienced is in the realm of sensitivity. I have learned to read between the lines, to hear feelings that are never spoken, to see anguish or anger, fun or fear, and confusion or compassion in a face that communicates what the tongue may not declare. What an authority I thought I was many years ago. Every member of my family, every friend, every co-worker, and every neighbor has been used to temper my intensity. The change from an opinionated dogmatist to an open-minded learner has been significant. That process, by the way, is still taking place. I have plowed through life like a train—bullish, intimidating, and selfish. The cracks have begun to show. Can’t hide them any longer. The Lord has showed me the value of sharing my hurts and admitting my need. Of saying things like...”I’m wrong....I’m really sorry.” And even being up front and declaring how very much I depend on all of the above to help me hang in there. Dreams are what you anticipate. Some times they are little things, like working in the garden together, dropping a few seeds and seeing the sprouts, and then the fruit. Or praying together about our children and asking God to grab the heart and soften the spirit. As that dream happens, a smile comes across our faces. Occasionally the dream is a big thing— calling for sustained prayer for the return of a prodigal or endurance through the long illness of a child. Occasionally, the dream calls for sustained sacrifice, mutually shared. Like getting through school. Or getting out of debt. When the reality finally occurs, no words can describe the pleasure of that long embrace, that kiss of profound accomplishment. Think of the dreams you have weathered. They are intimate accomplishments. They are a beautiful combination of memories, changes, dependence, and dreams. Rebekah and I had no idea what threatening storms lay ahead of us or what unspeakable joys would weld us together when we married in Arlington, Texas. We married on my birthday “so I would never forget the wedding anniversary.” I am a grateful minister. I give God thanks for His magnificent plan and the tremendous honor to proclaim His truth around this great-big world.
UBC Primetime Newsletter
Page 5
Primetimer Road Trips! Save the dates….
October 6-7
October 30-31
Bush Presidential Library & Amon Carter Museum
Senior Adult Retreat to Danbury Lodge
Primetimers going to Hemi Hideout on August 13! Seven miles west of the outskirts of Houston lay a great hidden treasure, the Hemi Hideout in Pattison, Texas. It’s a 21,700 sq. ft. Amish-inspired structure made from Douglas Fir timber harvested from sustainable forests. The heavy timber framed, scissor-arches masterpiece is secured with oak dowels, eliminating the need for bolts, nails, or glue. It’s the largest of its type in Texas. Inside the building is a privately owned collection of Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars of the 1960’s and early 70’s; over 600 vintage porcelain and neon signs that date back as far as the early 1900’s; a 1950’s style diner, soda fountain and state-of-the-art kitchen. The owner of this dream-come-true collection is John Hovas, who will give us a tour of his Hideout. Our original trip date was August 28, but the Hideout tour is by appointment only, and Mr. Hovas gave us the date of Thursday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. The admission is free plus ice cream, bottled water, and sodas are available for guests. After the tour, we will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the area. Our bus will leave UBC at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13. A sign-up sheet is available on the PT bulletin board.
16106 Middlebrook Drive Houston, TX 77059 Phone: 281-488-8517 Fax: 281-488-6748 Email:
[email protected]
We are on the Web! www.ubc.org/primetimers/
Happy Birthday to YOU! July 1- Richard Jennings 1- Coleen Penrose 3 - Rod Dobson 3 - Wally Long 6 - Saeng Sananikone 7- Joseph Trahan 10 - Pat Rochelle 11 - Thomas Moore 13 - Sharon Dobson 16 - Wes Brenton 16 - Ron Shillcutt 23 - Merlyn Brown
July / August 2015 Primetime Newsletter
23 - Jesse Lopez 24 - George Richeson 25 - Larry Ward 26 - Yolanda Lonsford 27 - Jim Vinson 29 - Al Welch 30 - Harvey Barber 30 - Mary Ann Howard 31 - Betty Wall
August 1- Theda Kimmel 7- JoNell Barrett 9- Ann Hammond 14- Dick Westbrook 16- Dick Cliffe 16- Judy Cobb 17- Al Bowman 17- Jeanine Lawrence 18- David Brown 18- Joan Davis
20- John Hammond 20- Travis Pike 21- Linda Bushell 22- Phil Covington 23- Madeline Turley 23- Susie Welch 25- Linda Goerland 28- Shirley Cook 28- Diane Orr 30- Ronny Wood
