A Sad Day For United Methodists - Everywhere

Despite Ads Seeking Joy - Together - United Methodists Worldwide to 'split'

Apparently, they couldn't find joy together! FRIDAY, January 3, 2020, Nashville, TN - The United Methodist Church that I was once a proud part of, is now splitting - again! Irreconcilable differences over "Gay Marriage" and Ordination of #LGBT+ folks has caused a huge divide. The United Methodist Church is a mainline Protestant denomination and a major part of Methodism. In the 19th century, into the 20th, its main predecessor, the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a leader in evangelicalism. A new "Traditionalist Methodist" Church will evolve from the split. It will not be known simply as the "Methodist" church. It certainly will be 'united' doctrinally and dogmatically against those from which it came. It's been called an ongoing, ugly rift and irreconcilable differences led to the 'divorce' among the faithful. HISTORY The Church became known as United Methodist only in 1968 when the Methodist Episcopal Church merged then with the staunchly conservative Evangelical United Brethren Church. My family attended Summerfield UMC at Tulip and Dauphin Streets during the late 1970's to shortly after my marriage in the 80's and part of the early to mid-1990's. We watched the church slowly but surely turn more liberal-left as years went by. The present denomination founded in 1968 in Dallas, Texas, by union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, just celebrated 50 years in 2018. The"United" Methodist Church traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley in England, as well as the Great Awakening in the United States. Historically, the Methodist Church (Episcopal) was not without its controversies. "Methodism" had a history of being 2 separate distinct entities during the Civil War era over slavery. It was then The Methodist Episcopal Church and The Methodist Episcopal Church - South. The famed "Mason-Dixon Line" played an important role in this 'separate-but-equal' drama within the Ecclesiastical body of Christ. The "Church Militant" (the active, living church) was certainly, indeed 'militant' in its stance on race and slavery in the antebellum South. Today, as pews continue to remain unwarmed and church doors close, this 'new' branded church will lean far more Christian right than its liberal left leaning counterpart. At one point in the entire Kensington area of Philadelphia, the UMC was a force to be reckoned with. "Old Brick" Kensington UMC deep in "Fishtown" alongside I-95; Siloam UMC on Susquehanna Avenue, later merged into Summerfield UMC at Tulip and Dauphin Streets. El Mesias at Front St. and Allegheny Ave. (Formerly Providence UMC), Iglesia Del Barrio ("The Badlands" [Kip & Cambria]) (Formerly Mt. Pisgah UMC), St. Phillips (F and Tioga),Simpsom Memorial UMC on Kensington Avenue at Monmouth Street [closed, and sold, housed the drug needle exchange program "Prevention Point, until recently], and later Juniata Park UMC (now, Iglesia Metodista Unida Espiritu Santo /Holy Spirit UMC). What was known as The Kensington Area Ministry or "KAM" hosted community After School Programs through its denominational UMC Services known as BASES Bennett and Simpson Enrichment Services. As "White-flight' continued to empty churches and congregations aged and literally died - the UMC presence in the needier parts of the area were no more viable churches. The remaining bilingual/Latino/Hispanic churches part of the UMC were 'birthed' late in the church's history and then, only with pains. "Growing Pains" perhaps. The church nor the communities which they were in warmed quickly to the growing Latino/Puerto Rican populations. Iglesia Del Barrio was the first to become its own independent church - away from the United Methodist heirarchy and polity. This is a sad turn of events, for the United Methodist Church (the world's 3rd largest religious denomination, the largest Main-line Protestant denomination, but losing ground rapidly), and for Christianity and the Church Universal as a whole. Racism, and xenophobia should be last things to divide a church called "United" - any church for that matter! One is forced to beg the question WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?). 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 New King James Version (NKJV) 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not [a]imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Footnotes: [a] 2 Corinthians 5:19 reckoning New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. via Bible Gateway MORE... The split is scheduled to be voted on at the UMC Convention in Minneaplois, Minnesota in May 2020 it is expected to pass - unanimously, and other splits and separations are also expected as the LGBTQIA representation in the church continues to seek 'reconciliation' and compassion. Of course, like a divorce, the separation is not without monetary compensation by one side, to the other and a set-aside for future groups leaving the UMC. PHOTO CREDIT: United Methodist Communications Valley Forge, PA from the umc.org/joy website Content Copyright: Rev. Brother D. Michael Blackie, OSL ARGO-Liberty Communications ~ Philadelphia, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED EDITOR'S NOTE: For more on this Issue; SEE: Philadelphia Inquirer NEWS Section A (and A-6) Saturday, January 4, 2020 for local reaction and comments by Eastern PA UMC Bishop Peggy Johnson. - M Different edits of this article are also at: Facebook.com/Mencken1 and Nextdoor.com Feltonville and will appear in The Juniata News (Philadelphia) on Tuesday, 7 January 2020. DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here, on my Twitter account (@GoWestYoungMan1), or Facebook  are entirely mine, (DMB/Brother Michael) and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of the leadership or membership of #ONEFeltonville CCDC RCO, #OlneyNeighborsEmpowered and/or Feltonville Town Watch. When in Juniata News, my views do not represent the opinions of the newspaper.
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© D. Michael Blackie, Principal/Owner 2018 aka Brother Michael, OSL  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DMB Communications dba ARGO-Liberty Communications~Philadelphia, LLC

ART FOR EVERYONE! At The Barnes Foundation...

#ArtForAll! #SeeingTheBarnes At The Barnes Foundation - The Barnes Foundation [Museum], In Philadelphia, is home to one of the world's greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings.

The Barnes now offering a greater number of art classes, at a lower cost. They also have 'need-based' scholarships to help make art accessible for everyone.*

The mission of the Barnes is to promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.

The collection's founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes, believed that art had the power to improve minds and transform lives. Our diverse educational programs are based on his teachings and one-of-a-kind collections—both his art holdings in Philadelphia and the rare trees, flowers, and other plants at the Barnes Arboretum.

The Barnes has received important support to establish the Violette de Mazia Scholarship Program and the Richard J. Wattenmaker Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are available for semester-long courses as well as individual short courses.

And so, of course, "The Barnes-de Mazia Certificate Program" is an Ongoing program. A college degree is not required, and a majority of our students with degrees have completed them in fields unrelated to the arts.

Students may finish the certificate program at their own pace: there is no deadline for completing it, and courses can be taken in any order. Students who take one course each semester can earn the certificate in two years, although some take several classes at once, completing the certificate sooner.

The Barnes Foundation is located in Center City Philadelphia; in the footprint of the former "Youth Study Center" (Juvenile Corrections Facility) - near thePhiladelphia Museum of Art

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*Individuals and Families may also acess the Barnes with your ACCESS Card! (ACCESS/EBT Card holders are Admitted FREE [with up to 3 guests] Otherwise, at all other times, youth 13-18 are $5 and Children under 12 are always FREE. There's no reason not to see The Barnes Collection and More! (y)

The Barnes Foundation




2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130

Call 215.278.7000 for information, log on or email: Info@BarnesFoundation.org Education@BarnesFoundation.org

The Barnes FoundationWelcomes visitors with Disabilities. Service Animals welcome. 

BARNESFOUNDATION.ORG

The Barnes Foundation

We're now offering a greater number of art classes, at a lower cost. We also have need-based scholarships to help make art accessible for everyone.

BEWARE - The Living, Not The Dead!

The Week of the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Thirtieth Tuesday in Regular (or, Ordinary) Time
Church/Liturgical Calendar
#TeachingTuesday, 29 October 2019
This is the Season after #Pentecost, approaching #Advent

Today's Topic: The Ancient Origins of #Halloween; 

Though, reading TODAY's Headlines, it DOES NOT have to "Halloween", All Hallows Eve, or Day of The Dead (Dia de la Muerta) for EVIL to be lurking - with or without a mask! 😟

(James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8 [5:7-9], Ephesians 6:12 [6:10-18] et al)

"It's not the dead that will get us", my late father always said, "It's the ones still living that will!" I think we can TESTIFY to that - every day! Amen?

🔦 Halloween has been observed by many Christians since c.610 CE, and is a contraction of All Hallows’ Eve (Hallow meaning holy ones, or saints). This was followed by All Saints Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November. The three days are collectively known as 'Allhallowtide'. They are a time for honouring the saints and praying for recently departed souls who have yet to reach heaven. Despite this though, Halloween has much older origins and many of the customs today, go back much farther into history.
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Originally, "All Saints Day" was celebrated on 1 May. However, both the Celts and Germanic people commemorated the dead at the beginning of winter. So to make the festival appeal to pagans the date was aligned to Samhain from 1 November 835 CE at the behest of [Pope] Gregory IV. Samhain was the first and most important of the four quarter days in the medieval Gaelic calendar and was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. A kindred festival was celebrated by the Brittonic Celts, called Calan Gaeaf in Wales, Kalan Gwav in Cornwall and Kalan Goanv in Brittany, meaning “first day of Winter”. Both Samhain and Calan Gaeaf are mentioned in the earliest Irish and Welsh literature.

Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is seen as a liminal time, where the veil between the physical world and the Otherworld was lifted. This meant the Aos Sidhe, the Fae (spirits and fairies) could more easily visit this world and were active. The Aos Sidhe were ancient Celtic Gods, who were degraded by the (Ancient) early Christian church. Despite being replaced by other beliefs, the Aos Sidhe were both respected and feared. Known fairy dwellings (which still exist today) were approached with caution, with people praying for God’s protection. During Samhain, offerings of food and drink were left outside these dwellings, as an offering, to ensure that the Aos Sidhe protected both families and livestock during the bleak winter months.

Souls of the dead are believed to visit their former homes and places were set at the table to welcome them. In more recent centuries, household rituals and games were played intended to foretell one’s future, especially in regards to death and marriage. These included apple bobbing, nut roasting, scrying using objects such as crystals and mirrors, dream interpretation and others. Bonfires were lit, traditionally on the sacred hill of Tara in Ireland and then once the flames were seen other fires were lit. (Flames, smoke and ashes were all seen as having protective and cleansing powers).

Dressing in costume from door to door begging for appeasement goes back to the 16th century, but may have more ancient Celtic origins. It is believed that disguises and playing tricks helped hide you from malevolent spirits. The carved Jack O’Lantern pumpkin only dates from the 20th century and originally turnips or mangel wurzels were used.

Today, Halloween is more popular than ever, celebrated by both [secular] Christians and pagans. Many churches frown on the celebration altogether; some offer "Harvest Festival" events instead. Those who permit "Halloween" 'parties' insist that children [or adults] not dress as "Satan" (Devil), Witches, or "Ghosts" - some (Roman Catholic) Parishes insist that the costume MUST be a Saint or 'religious' figure.

Material Adapted from: Ancient Treasures email Newsletter
 Website 

REVIEW: Bible: CSB Christian Standard Bible (From Lifeway)

A Bible (Version) REVIEW: CSB Christian Standard Bible (From Lifeway) [Publishers to the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) via Broadman and Holman Publishing Group] (B&H)

The Ancient Faith Study Bible from LifeWay boasts of study notes and commentary from church fathers 'from the second through fifth centuries'; Those (select) Notes include Irenaeus of Lyons, Origen, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Augustine of Hippo, Athanasius of Alexandria, Jerome, the Cappadocian Fathers, and others. [I only found 1 'woman'; but, then again, it is based on the "Ancient Church" and "Church Fathers" who were entirely misogynist].

The CSB Translation is not my "First" choice. I now shuttle between NKJV, NASB, and ESV (in that order). The copious "Study Notes" are not like, say those in any of the typical Study Bible - ie: The "Life Application Study Bible" By Tyndale House Publishers or the John MacArthur (ESV) Study Bible (By Crossway).

These NOTES and "Commentary" are sporadic, and based upon writings, commentaries and even "Letters" among Church Fathers of old. I found it less than instructive; sometimes, distracting. The selected "Notes" made me want to go research for more by that writer/church father.

In this CSB Translation, [originally published by Broadman and Holman Publishing B&H Publishing Group (Printers to the Southern Baptist Convention) Owners of the CSB Translation Christian 'Standard' Bible -it was also called the "Holman CSB" re issued with very few changes]. Marketing technique? You’ll also find among the pages:

27 articles highlighting one each of the early church fathers on an essential "Doctrinal" Christian truth,
Biographies of 25 of the most influential ancient church fathers; and a category called
“Twisted Truth” call-outs describing where some ancient thinkers drifted from orthodoxy. But, since it was the 'Orthodoxy' of those days, unless seriously 'heretical'... it's 'guilty' of hamartia (Greek: "Missing The Mark").

I compared and contrasted about 100 verses (including "Standards" like John 3:16, John 3:3-8, Acts 1:8, 2:42, Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 25, 26, John 17, and OT: Jonah, Chapters of Jeremiah, Isaiah (53), Psalms, Proverbs, and the "Birth of Jesus accounts of all 3 synoptic gospels. I am not certain it's 'different' enough, or any clearer for a 'newly' "Born Again" Christian, or one young in the faith. [for a list of verses and Chapters I compared, and "Articles" I found particularly helpful, email me direct at: DMBCommunications(at) Gmail(dot) com].

For me; the Ancient Faith Study Bible is a good 'shelf reference', research/resource, teaching (comparison), "Church History" Courses text, and proof-text (with the notes). But, for the every day Christian - 'student'... and not particularly a scholar of church history, religion, doctrine, Christology or Theology it's a 'weighty' (literally) volume.

Lifeway, B&H generously sent me the Leather Touch as a REVIEW COPY. It does hold a place of significance on my Bible Resources shelf at the growing library of ONEChurch D.O.C Philadelphia.

I can RECOMMEND it for serious students of the Word and seekers of "Ancient" Truths from Scripture, based upon the Early Church (Which we MUST remember was, in fact, the Roman - and therefore - Roman Catholic Church. [Although this Bible contains ONLY the 66 Books we, as Protestant, Post-Reformation followers of Jesus know and 'accept' as "Canon"]. Also making this a good reference to compare the Ancient Faith and Church Fathers on Canon and Doctrine(s).

I appreciate the "grace" of this Gift, and the opportunity to provide a REVIEW and RECOMMENDATION. However, I do not think you will find it to your liking if you're a "KJV-1611" or regular-every-day-KJV'er. Sorry. It also will not pass muster with the likes of John Mac Arthur, and beware some "Fundamentalists" who are calling it down-right 'heretical' in itself.

Lastly, the product link provided is what I received. Again, If you're not seriously into Biblical scholarship and Study; the advancement of and liturgical and sacramental or monastic scholarship - but, 'curious' - buy a reasonably less expensive version of the Bible. The Amazon.com "Look Inside" feature on amazon.com/books is a good way to "Preview" or make your own review.

The long-and-the-short of it is this: I RECOMMEND this as a "Scholarly" Bible. I enjoy it. I like many of the Articles and "Call-outs". I am seriously a student-scholar and teacher. I DO NOT Recommend this Bible, again, as your every-day-Sunday-Church-going Bible. It's a great, albeit costly, in some versions, Bible Study tool. It's up to you which tools you want in your toolbox. That's why there are power drills and saws and screwdrivers, and that's also why there are still 'hand tools' - for those of us who do it 'the old fashioned way'.

Choose your 'tool', (Or, "Weapon") [based upon Ephesians 6:12]

Brother Michael, OSL
The Order of Saint Luke
Founder-Teacher
ONEChurch D.O.C Philadelphia

Advancing Liturgical and Sacramental Scholarship. ✝️

FOOTNOTE: I WILL use this CSB Version/Translation for Open Air Preaching, and #StreetEvangelism #Outreach (as opposed to KJV, or NASB especially) once I resume "Public Square" Reading and exposition atFeltonville War Memorial Rising Sun and Wyoming Avenues C'mon out and give it a 'hearing'. STAY TUNED... - M

Product Provided By Lifeway/B&H (Tan/Leather Touch)

YouTube Product Demo by Lifeway


Original facebook post content 26 October 2019 (EDITED 10-30-2019)
Brother Michael OSL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Pre REVIEW Announcement: Bible Review (Crossway/ESV)

SPOLIER ALERT: Teaser, Pre-REVIEW/RECOMMENDATION
New Release ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible:

Crossway Books and Bibles (Copyright Owner of the (ESV) English Standard Version Bible) have graciously agreed to permit me to REVIEW their "Newly Released" "ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible: Christ in All of Scripture, Grace for All of Life" [Hardcover, casebound, paper dust jacket, xxx + 2057 pp and Maps].
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The ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible is designed to help readers see Christ in all of Scripture, and grace for all of life. I believe that advances scholarship of two, possibly three of Martin Luther's #Reformation The Five Solae: (Depending upon the reading and YOUR "Interpretation" of them, according to his own discourse on understanding Scripture).
1.Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): [The Bible alone is our highest authority.] 2 Timothy 3:16 et al; inter alia,
2. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): [We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ], Hebrews 11:11, Romans 10:17, I Corinthians 2:5, inter alia; And, ...
3. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): [We are saved by the grace of God alone], Ephesians 2:8-9, inter alia. (ESV, of course!)

Although, if we are "Lutheran" Christians in our faith expression, I'm sure you'll relate this to applying to all of the Five Solae, or Five Solas. So, I hope our friends in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America especially those who Worship Him at Tabor Lutheran Church Philadelphia in our own community will pay close attention to my upcoming review! ;-) [Jane Marston]

Stay Tuned HERE for that REVIEW and/or RECOMMENDATION. COMING SOON.
(Some Reviews Cross-Posted at: My facebook page )

From the not-for-profit-ministry of Crossway Books and Bibles: "The English Standard Version (ESV) is an "essentially literal" translation of the Bible in contemporary English. The ESV is adapted from the Revised Standard Version (RSV) [1952 and 1971]. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes "word-for-word" accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning.

[1] Suited for personal reading, public worship, in-depth study, and Scripture memorization, the ESV is available in more than 200 print editions on Crossway.org and FREE digitally via mobile apps or online through ESV.org.

Since its publication in 2001, the ESV Bible has gained wide acceptance and is used by church leaders, numerous denominations and organizations, and millions of individuals around the world. [2]

Based upon its Translation of The National Council of Churches of Christ (RSV) Translation(s) of 1952 and 1971, I'd think it would be well received byThe United Methodist Church (Circa 1968) which was using NRSV (New) RSV in my history, 1977, 79, 89-94.
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[1] [2] Public Worship/Reading: Along with the "Ancient Faith Study Bible" (CSB) By LifeWay I will often PUBLICLY Read from this ESV Bible atFeltonville War Memorial Rising Sun and Wyoming Avenues in the near future. #StreetEvangelism #Outreach in the Public Square. Many of our younger Christians; "Millennials" in particular use and prefer the ESV Bible. Though not my go-to version of choice, I aver to the hearer/listener(seeker) in the Congregation or audience.
(Romans 10:14, 15 [14-17] ESV via Bible Gateway 📖✝️

 

Crossway ESV-Gospel-Transformation-Study-Bible (Hardcover/Casebound/Paper Dust Jacket)

Opinions expressed in this or any REVIEW or Commentary are solely those of the Author of the Review and not necessarily those of Gospel House, ONE Church-Philadelphia and/or any other entity. The author asserts his moral right as the sole creator and Copyright owner of this work.

Link to Original Facebook Post: October 26, 2019 (EDITED 10-30-2019)
Copyright Brother Michael OSL
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ARGO-Liberty Communications~Philadelphia, LLC
(Gospel House) Phila.,  PA  19120 3941 32 CR 004

CREED = "Credo": "I Believe... The Apostles' Creed...

THE ANCIENT CREED OF MANY FAITH EXPRESSIONS; Named 'for' The Apostles, ... Not written by them.
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The Week of the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
The Thirtieth Monday in Ordinary (or, Regular) Time
This is the Season After #Pentecost Approaching #Advent
#MonasticMonday, 28 October 2019

#ApostlesCreed - This "Ancient" Creed (surpassed only by the Athenasian Creed) was a foundational 'credo' of First Church Christians... 'The Early Church' and 'Church Fathers'. (The later Nicene Creed is a stndard of the Roman Catholic faith expression and often used at Service of Word and Table [#Communion The Lord's Supper #Eucharist] in Main-line Denominational churches such as The United Methodist Church.

Here, R. Albert Mohler, (Controversial President of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and SBC Seminary expounds and exegetes the ages old Creed of our Faith.

From Lifeway.com [B&H Publishing Group] Mohler's Study on The Apotles' Creed, with Foreword by John MacArthur (Grace to You)

"The Apostles' Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits"

- Shared by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the Apostles' Creed is perhaps the most compelling and formidable statement of Christian doctrine the world has ever known. But do we know what it really means—and how it applies to us today?

https://www.lifeway.com/…/pro…/the-apostles-creed-P006210605