July 18-21 Mission Study asks United Methodists to “Sing Across the Walls!”
Christian educators, church school leaders, ministers, chairpersons and membership of local church mission or Global Ministries committees, leadership in the United Methodist Men, youth workers, adult Sunday School teachers—all have the same stereotypical view when the annual summer Christian Mission Education Event is held: “Oh, this is an event for the United Methodist Women.” It may be sponsored by the United Methodist Women but it focuses on topics or concerns that are church-wide and deserves attendance by more than just UMW members. Typically you can say two things about the yearly studies:
1. The topics chosen are generally much in the news in the years after a study is released. When you consider that the topics are chosen well in advance (several years) and time is spent in preparing, testing, and editing manuscripts, it is amazing how often the material is as current as the daily news.
2. The topics NEED to be discussed in every study or action venue offered by the church—adult and youth classes, committees, UMW circles, United Methodist Men, discussion groups through the week, home meetings—and there is generally enough good sermon material to keep clergy and lay ministers busy.
The 2007 church-wide Mission Education event will be held July 18-21 at the Scarritt-Bennett Center, 1008 19th Ave. So., Nashville, Tennessee. Three studies will be offered for day-time students, and one study will be offered for persons who can only attend in the evenings and on Saturday morning.
The over-all theme for the event is Sing Across the Walls! As people of faith who have a PURPOSE which we strive to fulfill, we have sung the songs of mission for over a century. Songs of justice, love, mercy, and freedom have changed so many situations of hopelessness. Lyrics to “Battle Hymn of the Republic” were written by Julia Ward Howe to resist slavery. Fanny Crosby wrote, “Rescue the Perishing” as she worked with the poor of New York City in the late 1900s and shaped the church’s understanding of mission. Martin Luther King led the people in singing “We Shall Overcome,” and now freedom movements throughout the world lean on that song of hope.
This year’s mission studies--Mission & Music, Israel and Palestine, and Globalization, present opportunities to continue the legacy of justice and freedom. We will struggle as we confront our feelings—joy for some of us as walls or barriers are going up in some parts of the world, or for others, sadness and despair as walls are being erected.
How do we sing across the walls? Walls isolate and separate for economic, social, political and/or religious purposes. What can a song do? Bring hope and give courage. The African American spiritual, “I’m gonna live so God can use me,” repeats after every verse, “Anywhere Lord, Anytime!”
We, too, are called to sing a sing of hope and freedom across walls. Jesus Christ sets us free to be whole persons. We sing for the freedom of all people, not just ourselves. We sing of the Good News that God loves everyone and invites the most unexpected people to the feast. We sing the songs of hope that have the power to bring down walls of hatred and injustice. Sing across the walls!
Rev. Patricia A. Clenden is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and has served congregations in the Holston, Tennessee, Memphis, and Alaska Missionary Conference . She received her bachelor degree in Music Education at the University of Tennessee and received a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Nancy Bearden Hudson received her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan College in Music and her Master’s degree in elementary education from Georgia College. She taught sixth grade for most of her 33+ years before retiring in 2003 and is a retired choir director of 20 plus years. She is president of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group of the UMW, and is a director of the Women’s Division of Global Ministries.
The only class taught in the evening session will be Music and Mission
Rev. Jesse Boyce is a clergyman with strong music credentials as a performer, director, producer, and song-writer. The Temptations scored a number one hit with Boyce’s, song “Firefly,” which earned Boyce his first platinum album, “A Song for You.”
Boyce is a North Carolina native, whose musical odyssey began with classical vocal training in his elementary and high school years, and expanded with the study of classical piano, electric bass, guitar, and drums. In addition to earning a bachelors degree in Theology and Christian Education from American Baptist College, he studied in Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Master of Divinity program in Homiletics and Memphis Theological Seminary. He is an alumni and graduate of Leadership Music Nashville with a Masters degree in Recording Industry and Community Leadership.
As an ordained minister of Jesus Christ, Boyce has served as pastor to the Mount Sinai Cumberland Presbyterian Church and as an adjunct professor of Christian Education and Dean of Chapel at American Baptist College, Nashville. He was the composer and performer of original music for two United Methodist Communications documentaries, “Who Is My Neighbor?” and “A Reason to Sing,” featuring Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover. He co-produced the “New Songs of Zion featuring Cynthia Wilson. He served as music director for the Africa University Benefit Concert featuring Cynthia Wilson at Carnegie Hall, New York. He produced the “Prayers From The House” CD for Ben Hill Mass Choir. He has served as Minister of Music at the Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church and currently serves at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN as Assistant Music Director.
In a career spanning three decades and multiple music genres, in one way or another—producer, song writer, performer-- Boyce has worked with some of the greats Peabo Bryson, Teddy Pendergrass, Bobby Jones and New Life, Little Richard, Clifton Davis, Duke Ellington, Shirley Caeser, Cannon Ball Aderly, the Osmond Brothers, the Commodores, Ben E. King, David Ruffin, Peaches and Herb, Albertina Walker, the Impressions, and Luther Vandross.
Geographic Mission Study: Israel and Palestine
Three sections to be taught by Bishop William Wesley Morris, Rev. Judy Hoffman, and Rev. Ray Newell.
This study will help the participants to learn about the history and complexities of relationships between Israel and Palestine. We will explore and understand the concepts of security and freedom that dominate the lives of these peoples. This study will challenge participants to move through tolerance and respect to achieve a just peace.
Bishop William Wesley Morris was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Theology and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University. He has a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Seminary, a Master of Arts with Distinction from Scarritt College, and a Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University.
Bishop Morris has been in service for Lord for over forty-seven years in a number of different capacities including local church pastor, District Superintendent for the Clarksville District and Murfreesboro District, and as both Associate Council Director and Conference Council Director for the Tennessee Annual Conference. He was consecrated Bishop on July 18, 1992 and served the Alabama-West Florida Episcopal Area from 1992-2000 and the Nashville Episcopal Area from 2000- 2004. Post retirement he was called back into service as the interim General Secretary, General Commission on United Methodist Men.
Judi Hoffman graduated from University of Denver with a B.A. in 1971 and from the Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Masters of Divinity in 1991. An ordained Elder in the Tennessee Conference, Judi has served Crossville First, West End, and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches, and is finishing her third year as pastor of one of the country's most unique congregations, Edgehill United Methodist Church. She has traveled to the Holy Land and has an intense interest in the history, culture, religion, and politics of Israel and Palestine. Wife and mother of two terrific teenagers, Judi loves antiquing and sharing a meal with friends.
Rev. Ray Newall was born in Mason City, Iowa, and received a B.A. degree from Morningside College. He came to Tennessee to attend Vanderbilt Divinity School and upon receiving his M.Div degree he pursued further graduate studies in Bible. Ray then went off to Ohio to teach religion and be chaplain at Mount Union College, a United Methodist shcool. Returning to Tennessee and the pastorate, he has continued to emphasize teaching as a major part of his ministry.
Rays interests, beside his love of dogs, include ancient history, religion, and the American Civil War. Ray brings a love for teaching and a great concern for issues involving the Holy Land to his course this year.
1. The topics chosen are generally much in the news in the years after a study is released. When you consider that the topics are chosen well in advance (several years) and time is spent in preparing, testing, and editing manuscripts, it is amazing how often the material is as current as the daily news.
2. The topics NEED to be discussed in every study or action venue offered by the church—adult and youth classes, committees, UMW circles, United Methodist Men, discussion groups through the week, home meetings—and there is generally enough good sermon material to keep clergy and lay ministers busy.
The 2007 church-wide Mission Education event will be held July 18-21 at the Scarritt-Bennett Center, 1008 19th Ave. So., Nashville, Tennessee. Three studies will be offered for day-time students, and one study will be offered for persons who can only attend in the evenings and on Saturday morning.
The over-all theme for the event is Sing Across the Walls! As people of faith who have a PURPOSE which we strive to fulfill, we have sung the songs of mission for over a century. Songs of justice, love, mercy, and freedom have changed so many situations of hopelessness. Lyrics to “Battle Hymn of the Republic” were written by Julia Ward Howe to resist slavery. Fanny Crosby wrote, “Rescue the Perishing” as she worked with the poor of New York City in the late 1900s and shaped the church’s understanding of mission. Martin Luther King led the people in singing “We Shall Overcome,” and now freedom movements throughout the world lean on that song of hope.
This year’s mission studies--Mission & Music, Israel and Palestine, and Globalization, present opportunities to continue the legacy of justice and freedom. We will struggle as we confront our feelings—joy for some of us as walls or barriers are going up in some parts of the world, or for others, sadness and despair as walls are being erected.
How do we sing across the walls? Walls isolate and separate for economic, social, political and/or religious purposes. What can a song do? Bring hope and give courage. The African American spiritual, “I’m gonna live so God can use me,” repeats after every verse, “Anywhere Lord, Anytime!”
We, too, are called to sing a sing of hope and freedom across walls. Jesus Christ sets us free to be whole persons. We sing for the freedom of all people, not just ourselves. We sing of the Good News that God loves everyone and invites the most unexpected people to the feast. We sing the songs of hope that have the power to bring down walls of hatred and injustice. Sing across the walls!
Let our song be:
I’m gonna live so God can use me
I’m gonna work so God can use me
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
I’m gonna live so God can use me
I’m gonna work so God can use me
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, Antime!
Spiritual Growth Mission Study: “God’s Mission, God’s Song”
Three sections during the day taught by Rev. James C. Clardy, Jr., Rev. Patricia A. Clendenen, and Nancy Bearden Hudson. One section in the evening to be taught by Rev. Jesse Boyce.
John Wesley gave instructions on how to sing. Therein he directs, “Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but life up your voice with strength.”
When we sing the songs of mission we can do no less. Joyce Sohl’s book God’s Mission, God’s Song, reminds us of the passion brought to mission work by our fore bearers and expressed in the hymns of then and now. Mission hymns bring out all of our feelings—sadness for the state of the world—conviction to follow Jesus as he ministered to the poor and sick—joy in experiencing the reconciliation and freedom of salvation from death—and so much more. We express our theology of mission through our prayers, our works and our songs.
Today, the sounds of mission hymns take on the rhythms and languages of peoples around the world. God’s love is alive and singing in Africa, Latin America, Asia and North America—and all over the world. The spiritual growth study on the theme, “Music and Mission,” will bring us to our feet to sing, “Here I Am Lord! Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.” (“Here I Am, Lord!” ©Dan Schutte, 1981, 1983).
Spiritual Growth Mission Study: “God’s Mission, God’s Song”
Three sections during the day taught by Rev. James C. Clardy, Jr., Rev. Patricia A. Clendenen, and Nancy Bearden Hudson. One section in the evening to be taught by Rev. Jesse Boyce.
John Wesley gave instructions on how to sing. Therein he directs, “Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but life up your voice with strength.”
When we sing the songs of mission we can do no less. Joyce Sohl’s book God’s Mission, God’s Song, reminds us of the passion brought to mission work by our fore bearers and expressed in the hymns of then and now. Mission hymns bring out all of our feelings—sadness for the state of the world—conviction to follow Jesus as he ministered to the poor and sick—joy in experiencing the reconciliation and freedom of salvation from death—and so much more. We express our theology of mission through our prayers, our works and our songs.
Today, the sounds of mission hymns take on the rhythms and languages of peoples around the world. God’s love is alive and singing in Africa, Latin America, Asia and North America—and all over the world. The spiritual growth study on the theme, “Music and Mission,” will bring us to our feet to sing, “Here I Am Lord! Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.” (“Here I Am, Lord!” ©Dan Schutte, 1981, 1983).
Rev. James C. Clardy, Jr. Clardy retired in June 2006, after forty-two years in active ministry. He now resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and serves as Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Rev. Patricia A. Clenden is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and has served congregations in the Holston, Tennessee, Memphis, and Alaska Missionary Conference . She received her bachelor degree in Music Education at the University of Tennessee and received a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Nancy Bearden Hudson received her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan College in Music and her Master’s degree in elementary education from Georgia College. She taught sixth grade for most of her 33+ years before retiring in 2003 and is a retired choir director of 20 plus years. She is president of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group of the UMW, and is a director of the Women’s Division of Global Ministries.
The only class taught in the evening session will be Music and Mission
Rev. Jesse Boyce is a clergyman with strong music credentials as a performer, director, producer, and song-writer. The Temptations scored a number one hit with Boyce’s, song “Firefly,” which earned Boyce his first platinum album, “A Song for You.”Boyce is a North Carolina native, whose musical odyssey began with classical vocal training in his elementary and high school years, and expanded with the study of classical piano, electric bass, guitar, and drums. In addition to earning a bachelors degree in Theology and Christian Education from American Baptist College, he studied in Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Master of Divinity program in Homiletics and Memphis Theological Seminary. He is an alumni and graduate of Leadership Music Nashville with a Masters degree in Recording Industry and Community Leadership.
As an ordained minister of Jesus Christ, Boyce has served as pastor to the Mount Sinai Cumberland Presbyterian Church and as an adjunct professor of Christian Education and Dean of Chapel at American Baptist College, Nashville. He was the composer and performer of original music for two United Methodist Communications documentaries, “Who Is My Neighbor?” and “A Reason to Sing,” featuring Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover. He co-produced the “New Songs of Zion featuring Cynthia Wilson. He served as music director for the Africa University Benefit Concert featuring Cynthia Wilson at Carnegie Hall, New York. He produced the “Prayers From The House” CD for Ben Hill Mass Choir. He has served as Minister of Music at the Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church and currently serves at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN as Assistant Music Director.
In a career spanning three decades and multiple music genres, in one way or another—producer, song writer, performer-- Boyce has worked with some of the greats Peabo Bryson, Teddy Pendergrass, Bobby Jones and New Life, Little Richard, Clifton Davis, Duke Ellington, Shirley Caeser, Cannon Ball Aderly, the Osmond Brothers, the Commodores, Ben E. King, David Ruffin, Peaches and Herb, Albertina Walker, the Impressions, and Luther Vandross.
Geographic Mission Study: Israel and Palestine
Three sections to be taught by Bishop William Wesley Morris, Rev. Judy Hoffman, and Rev. Ray Newell.
This study will help the participants to learn about the history and complexities of relationships between Israel and Palestine. We will explore and understand the concepts of security and freedom that dominate the lives of these peoples. This study will challenge participants to move through tolerance and respect to achieve a just peace.
Bishop William Wesley Morris was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Theology and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University. He has a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Seminary, a Master of Arts with Distinction from Scarritt College, and a Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University.Bishop Morris has been in service for Lord for over forty-seven years in a number of different capacities including local church pastor, District Superintendent for the Clarksville District and Murfreesboro District, and as both Associate Council Director and Conference Council Director for the Tennessee Annual Conference. He was consecrated Bishop on July 18, 1992 and served the Alabama-West Florida Episcopal Area from 1992-2000 and the Nashville Episcopal Area from 2000- 2004. Post retirement he was called back into service as the interim General Secretary, General Commission on United Methodist Men.
Judi Hoffman graduated from University of Denver with a B.A. in 1971 and from the Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Masters of Divinity in 1991. An ordained Elder in the Tennessee Conference, Judi has served Crossville First, West End, and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches, and is finishing her third year as pastor of one of the country's most unique congregations, Edgehill United Methodist Church. She has traveled to the Holy Land and has an intense interest in the history, culture, religion, and politics of Israel and Palestine. Wife and mother of two terrific teenagers, Judi loves antiquing and sharing a meal with friends.
Rev. Ray Newall was born in Mason City, Iowa, and received a B.A. degree from Morningside College. He came to Tennessee to attend Vanderbilt Divinity School and upon receiving his M.Div degree he pursued further graduate studies in Bible. Ray then went off to Ohio to teach religion and be chaplain at Mount Union College, a United Methodist shcool. Returning to Tennessee and the pastorate, he has continued to emphasize teaching as a major part of his ministry. Rays interests, beside his love of dogs, include ancient history, religion, and the American Civil War. Ray brings a love for teaching and a great concern for issues involving the Holy Land to his course this year.
At heart he is a storyteller with an intense interest in the biblical story. His congregation at City Road United Methodist Church has seen him preach the biblical message through various biblical characters -- in full biblical costume.
General Interest Mission Study: Globalization: Its Impact in Our Lives
One section taught by Rev. Howard Reynolds
“The United Methodist Church, as the covenant community committed to God’s justice, must work toward a just global economy.” General Conference Resolution 206: Economic Justice for a New Millennium.
Throughout the history of the Schools of Christian Missions, United Methodists have turned their attention to issues of the economy, thus, continuing the church’s public witness for economic justice. Today, in this time of globalization—when what occurs in one part of the world, whether it concerns wealth, poverty, abundance, and scarcity, affects people in many other parts—it is appropriate that as United Methodists, we once again focus on this issue.
Where and how do the economic policies of globalization touch the lives of ordinary people ? If United Methodists are to “manifest the gospel values in the economic order,” as a General Conference Resolutions maintains, then we need a better understanding of how and where contemporary issues of economic justice touch our lives, and of how and where our decisions for responsible actions can be made.
As local/global citizens we will look for opportunities to be the change that we want to see using the tools like solidarity, fair trade and human rights to build global community in our own communities and around the world. “It is time we manifest gospel values in the economic order. It is after all our calling.” (General Conference Resolution 208)
Howard Reynolds will be leading the only section of the Globalization mission study, Reynolds, a retired Elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, was born and grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga, from Denison University in Granville, OH with a history degree and Yale Divinity School with a Master of Divinity. From 1961-2002 he pastored seven congregations in the Kentucky Conference. He also participated in a pastoral exchange with a British pastor in Spennymoor, England, and he and wife Dee have attended two World Methodist Conferences—in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Brighton, England. In 1980 he was a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate. Presently he is Chair of the Conference Committee on Mission Personnel and Finance Chair on the Board of the Kentucky UM Homes for Children and Youth. He is also a member of the Kentucky East Africa Connection to Uganda and Kenya.
Children’s Study and Youth Study
Esther Sims is the lead teacher for children assisted by Lynda F. Kilby as the children study From Palestine to Seattle, Becoming Neighbors and Friends.
This year the youth, under the direction of Gwen Sales and Terry Guertin, will look at the Spiritual Growth study on Music and Mission. A text has been prepared especially for the youth.
Individuals, UMW units, and districts are encouraged to provide scholarships for youth and children to attend this year’s event.
Cost and Registration
The cost for full-time participation (includes room Thursday/Friday, all meals Thursday lunch thru Saturday breakfast), $155.00 for adults; $115.00 for youth; and children $75.00. Commuters pay $80.00 adult, $60.00 youth, $45.00 for children. Meals are separate. The Evening Class has an adult registration fee of $80.
For registration forms or information contact Robbie Hooper, Dean, 1611 Greenway Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615- 898-0287; e-mail Robbie@ptsllc.com. You can also download a registration form by CLICKING on the following website address: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/tnconfumw/SOM%20Registration.pdf
General Interest Mission Study: Globalization: Its Impact in Our Lives
One section taught by Rev. Howard Reynolds
“The United Methodist Church, as the covenant community committed to God’s justice, must work toward a just global economy.” General Conference Resolution 206: Economic Justice for a New Millennium.
Throughout the history of the Schools of Christian Missions, United Methodists have turned their attention to issues of the economy, thus, continuing the church’s public witness for economic justice. Today, in this time of globalization—when what occurs in one part of the world, whether it concerns wealth, poverty, abundance, and scarcity, affects people in many other parts—it is appropriate that as United Methodists, we once again focus on this issue.
Where and how do the economic policies of globalization touch the lives of ordinary people ? If United Methodists are to “manifest the gospel values in the economic order,” as a General Conference Resolutions maintains, then we need a better understanding of how and where contemporary issues of economic justice touch our lives, and of how and where our decisions for responsible actions can be made.
As local/global citizens we will look for opportunities to be the change that we want to see using the tools like solidarity, fair trade and human rights to build global community in our own communities and around the world. “It is time we manifest gospel values in the economic order. It is after all our calling.” (General Conference Resolution 208)
Howard Reynolds will be leading the only section of the Globalization mission study, Reynolds, a retired Elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, was born and grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga, from Denison University in Granville, OH with a history degree and Yale Divinity School with a Master of Divinity. From 1961-2002 he pastored seven congregations in the Kentucky Conference. He also participated in a pastoral exchange with a British pastor in Spennymoor, England, and he and wife Dee have attended two World Methodist Conferences—in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Brighton, England. In 1980 he was a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate. Presently he is Chair of the Conference Committee on Mission Personnel and Finance Chair on the Board of the Kentucky UM Homes for Children and Youth. He is also a member of the Kentucky East Africa Connection to Uganda and Kenya.
Children’s Study and Youth Study
Esther Sims is the lead teacher for children assisted by Lynda F. Kilby as the children study From Palestine to Seattle, Becoming Neighbors and Friends.
This year the youth, under the direction of Gwen Sales and Terry Guertin, will look at the Spiritual Growth study on Music and Mission. A text has been prepared especially for the youth.
Individuals, UMW units, and districts are encouraged to provide scholarships for youth and children to attend this year’s event.
Cost and Registration
The cost for full-time participation (includes room Thursday/Friday, all meals Thursday lunch thru Saturday breakfast), $155.00 for adults; $115.00 for youth; and children $75.00. Commuters pay $80.00 adult, $60.00 youth, $45.00 for children. Meals are separate. The Evening Class has an adult registration fee of $80.
For registration forms or information contact Robbie Hooper, Dean, 1611 Greenway Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615- 898-0287; e-mail Robbie@ptsllc.com. You can also download a registration form by CLICKING on the following website address: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/tnconfumw/SOM%20Registration.pdf
