The Church of Oblong – Our Church, God’s Church (Church Part VIII)

Sermon Title: Our Church, God’s Church – God’s Letter To Us

Good News Statement: God Requires Us to be His Church

Preached: Sunday, March 03, 2024 at Dogwood Prairie UMC & Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NRSV): Revelation 2:1 – 3:22 Today’s scripture reading comes from the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation is filled with hope, beasts, seven trumpets, seven stars, seven lampstands, seven seals, seven churches, seven bowls, and a lot of symbolic imagery that gets people confused and at times a little scared, which is why Jesus tells John in the opening chapter, “Do not be afraid” (Revelation 1:17). When writing to the Seven Churches, we get a glimpse of what church we need to be—a church without fear but filled with love.. May the hearing and reading of this scripture add understanding and meaning to your life.

 

“We Are The Church” by Donald S. Marsh; and Richard K. Avery

Verse 1: The church is not a building,

the church is not a steeple,

the church is not a resting place,

the church is a people.

Verse 2: We’re many kinds of people,

with many kinds of faces,

all colors and all ages, too,

from all times and places.

Verse 3: Sometimes the church is marching,

sometimes it’s bravely burning,

sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding,

always it’s learning.

Verse 4: And when the people gather,

there’s singing and there’s praying,

there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,

all of it saying:

Refrain:

I am the church!

You are the church!

We are the church together!

All who follow Jesus,

all around the world!

Yes, we’re the church together

This is the Word of God for the People of God; And all God’s people said, “Thanks be to God.”

 

Introduction:

I invite you to think back to the start of the millennium, the year 2000. You are sitting at the Café in Harmon’s Drugstore or stopping at the gas station to fill-up your vehicle for the day when someone approaches you. This person is new in town but has heard through the grapevine that you attend church. This person tells you that they are interested in attending church with their family—their wife and two young children—but are unfamiliar with the area and the churches in town. So, they simply ask you a question, “How do you describe your church?”

This question catches you off guard. It’s not every day, since you live in a small town and everyone knows everyone, which someone asks you about your church. Studies have suggested that most people aren’t prepared to answer questions about their church or their faith because they often don’t take time, except on Sundays, to think about their church and faith. So, you ponder for moment; and you catch yourself thinking about the following questions: “Do I tell this person about the structure, the physical appearance of the church? Do I talk about the ministries and services and works of the church? Do I mention how many people are attending the church, and then break that number down into adults and youth? Do I dare talk about the pastor and the people that attend the church? Do I share with them what time service is and that we have Sunday School for all ages? What do I tell this person about my church?”

You ponder all these questions as they flood your mind. The person can tell that you are thinking about what to say so he just stands their patiently waiting. Then, all of sudden, you tell him that service starts at this time and where the church is located and nothing else. Departing from his presence, you realize that you didn’t answer his original question of “How do you describe your church?” So, you turn around to talk to him again but notice that he is already talking to another person, who so happens to be the pastor of another church in town. Fast forwarding twenty-four years to the present, that person still lives in town but attends the church of the pastor he talked to right after you left.

I ask you the question that the person asked you all those years ago: “How do you describe your church?” According to The United Methodist Book of Discipline 2016, the church—the “local church”—is described as follows: “The local church provides the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs. It is a community of true believers….It is the redemptive fellowship in  which the Word of God is preached…and the sacraments are duly administered….The church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world” (Section 1; para. 201).

The Book of Discipline continues as it describes the function of the local church: “The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world….The function of the local church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to help people to accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to live their daily lives in light of their relationship with God. Therefore, the local church is to minister to persons in the community where the church is located, to provide appropriate training and nurture to all, to cooperate in ministry with other local churches, to defend God’s creation and live as an ecologically responsible community, and to participate in the worldwide mission of the church” (Section 1; para. 202) which is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (Section 1; para. 120).

By means of definitions and functions, The Book of Discipline provides us with a definition of the church and a description of the functionality of the church that focuses on the believers of Jesus Christ sharing the good news with intentions of growing the Body of Christ on earth through ministry, mission, service, and works. Now the Bible has a condensed definition of the church. In the New Testament, church is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew word kahal of the Old Testament, and both words simply mean “assembly of the people”; specifically, “the called out ones.” Furthermore, research has shown that the word church also comes from the Greek word kuriakon which means “dedicated to the Lord.” The church is and ought to be the Body of Jesus Christ: meaning that the church is to strive every day to be like, act like, speak like, and to love like Jesus, to be dedicated to the Lord.”

I began our time together by offering a few definitions of “the church” to help you really think about how you would answer someone when they asked you, “How do you describe your church?” For the past seven weeks, we have encountered seven churches that would answer that question differently: some good answers and some bad answers. But, now, is the time for us to answer that question as we take what we have learned from the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation and apply it to our church so that we can be the church of and for Jesus Christ; so that we can be a church composed of “called out ones” who are dedicated to the teaches of Jesus Christ; and so that we “exist for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.” Who are we as a church? And where are we going from here?

Body:

Several decades ago, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a movement took place within the United States. This movement challenged churches, beginning in the West Coast and then travelling eastward, to really think about who they were, what they were doing, and what Jesus needed them to do. Remember, last week, I asked you “WWJCD,” What Would Jesus’ Church Do? Before it subsided in the late 1980s, and after making its way to Europe, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand, it received the name “The Jesus Movement.”

“The Jesus Movement” left a legacy that included the formation of various denominations as wells as other Christian organizations, and it also influenced the development of both the contemporary Christian right and Christian left. It was foundational in several ongoing Christian cultural movements, including Jesus music, contemporary Christian music, and the development of Christian media as a radio and film industry. Larry Eskridge argues that The Jesus Movement “is one of the most significant American religious phenomena of the postwar period,” as stated in the Talbot School of Theology Magazine. The Magazine also quotes Ed Stetzer, who shared, “The Jesus Movement represents the Fourth Great Awakening in American religious life.” The Jesus Movement motivated and encouraged churches to think about who they are in a way that took into account those sitting in its pews and those not sitting in the its pews.

The Jesus Movement was more than a movement: it was a cultural shift that brings to life the words of Pastor Chuck Smith, played by Kelsey Grammer in the movie Jesus Revolution, “This place is yours.” How do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? Let’s revisit the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation to find out.

Movement One: Revisiting the Churches of Revelation

The first church we visited on our tour of the Seven Churches found in the Book of Revelation began at the Church of Ephesus. The Church of Ephesus needed to return to their first love: they needed to return to Jesus Christ—his teachings, parables, lessons, and mission. Without the love of Christ, they were unable to be the church of Christ and they were unable to fully do what Christ needed them to do. As a church, we need to always seek ways to return to the love of Jesus Christ because without it we are nothing but with it we are everything and more. Our missions, services, and works need to be structured on the love of Jesus Christ. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We seek what is missing: we return to the love of Jesus Christ. When you look around our church today, what is missing and who is missing?

Second, The Church of Smyrna, like many of us, experienced hardships but they did not give up. As a church we learn important lessons from the Church of Smyrna. First, we may not be the biggest church or the wealthiest church, but we are rich in faith; and from this faith God is helping us to be His church for his people. Second, the Devil is constantly trying to convert us, but the Devil is no match for God. As a church we will be tempted, we will be tried, and we will go through moments of tribulation and struggle, but we must remember that we are God’s church, followers of Christ’s words, and proclaimers of the Good News, and that the Devil can’t touch us when we put our trust in God. And third, we are overcomers! We are a church that has and plans to be here for many generations. We have been granted the “crown of life” because God knows what we are capable of doing. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We don’t give up on our faith: we keep our faith strong and true in the sight of Jesus Christ.

Third, when looking at the Church of Pergamum, when everything is boiled down, it teaches us today that the word of God is powerful and that it can help save a church. The word of God will break free. The word of God is living and active, according to the words of the author of Hebrews. The word of God will never be totally extinguished. The word of God will accomplish all it is meant to accomplish. The word of God is what will guide our church to do what God needs us to do in a world that is constantly trying to take us away from following the two greatest commandments: love the Lord our God and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. From the power of God’s word, we have the great honor to be the church God needs us to be. We have faith. We have love. And we have people who are committed to making our church a place and space where people want to worship and praise God. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We remember how powerful, life-saving, life-healing, and live-changing the word of God is.

Fourth, in the letter to the Church of Thyatira, Jesus describes his church. He says that his church has works; meaning that it always has work to do, something to think about, and an idea to share and pursue, and an obligation to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Then Jesus says his church has love: without love the church profits nothing, it can’t move mountains, it can’t grow, and it can’t be always moving (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Next Jesus says his church has faith: with faith, the word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) just like the church should be. Additionally, Jesus says his church undergoes works of ministry and service. A church should seek to find ways to be a church focused on ministry of service: gathering in groups, checking in with one another, creating ministries that involve the needs of the community and desires of the congregation, and try new things and pursue new ideas. Lastly, Jesus shares that his church has endurance and patience; essentially have trust in the Lord to work with him and not against him. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We become a church that remembers that the word of God is alive and active, and that from His word we are called to be a church of works, love, faith, ministry, service, and patience.

Fifth, the Church of Sardis gave us a halftime speech. As a church, we need to wake-up: we need to share our ideas, share our concerns, be proactive on the field instead of shouting out commands from the sidelines, we need to get involved, and we need to listen to Jesus Christ so that we can become overcomers and find victory in him. We have all been caught being lazy. We have all been caught being complacent and avoiding change. We have all been caught neglecting our spiritual warm-up. We all have been caught blaming others rather than taking ownership in our mistakes and misunderstandings. And we have all been caught being overconfident and choosing not to listen to those around us. The time has come to wake up. The time has come to no longer be spiritually lazy. The time has come to find ways to really be the church that God needs us to be. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We play every minute of every game with Christ by our side, devote our faith to Jesus, and commit our love to the works of Christ before, during, and after the game.

Sixth, the Church of Philadelphia is the church we want to be. Jesus saw no faults in this church, only love and compassion and commitment. We have love, but our love should continuously increase. We have compassion for others, but our compassion must increase. We have unity, but that unity must continue to grow stronger. We have many servants involved in good works, but there is a need for many more. Proverbs 3:3-4 asserts, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? We become a church that lives out and practices Christ’s love in all that we do, in all that we say, and in all that we share.

The seventh and final church: the Church of Laodicea. As a church, we have to make decisions and we must not remain “lukewarm” as Jesus tells Laodicea. As a church, it is our duty to make decisions that better the life of each congregant member, that caters to the needs in the community, and finds ways to share and live out the good news. As a church, it is not our duty to be lukewarm, but to be on fire for Christ. To overcome the moments of being lukewarm in our church and life, we must allow Jesus to counsel us and to give us advice. We must pray, read and study the scriptures, listen to each other, communicate with each other, be involved in the church together, find ways to put our ideas into action, and to open the door when Jesus knocks. So, how do we continue to make this place our place and the place of and for Jesus Christ? As a church we must find ways to not be lukewarm but to find ways to be the church that Jesus needs us to be which means making decisions by which make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. “The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people….Yes, we are the church together.”

Movement Two: Standing in our Church

So now that we have reviewed the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation and have been reminded what it takes to be the church of and for Jesus Christ, there is one church that we still need to look at. There is no eighth church and there is no eighth letter given to John in the Book of Revelation; however, the eighth church is implied. The eighth church is our church, and Jesus wants to write us a letter. I wonder what Jesus would put in his letter to us?

As you ponder that question, I invite you to listen to the follow words:

DOGWOOD PRAIRIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Rondel Lee Boyd

“Church historians indicate that in 1857 or there about, the first group of worshipers gathered in the Dogwood School building, which was a log building. Apparently some of the first families, charter members had first worshiped with the old Prairie Church—now since closed—located about two miles east of the Dogwood Prairie present site.

Both Dogwood and Prairie Churches were served by pastors from the Robinson Illinois Circuit. They later became part of the Oblong Circuit, which included Dogwood, Prairie, and Kirk Chapel. Several years later, perhaps as many as eight or ten years of meeting in the school building, the first church building was built. Early records show that it was built on the north side of the road.

The present Church building was started in 1907, and was completed in 1908.[1] Then the present Church was remodeled in 1945-1946: these remodels included moving the podium from the northeast corner to the south side of the sanctuary and the addition of wiring for electricity which came in late 1946. In 1997-1998, the east side addition was added giving two classrooms, an office for the Pastor, and additional seating. The youth building was built in 1950-1951.[2] In 1958-1959, the Parsonage was purchased from the Ohio Oil Company, moved from one half mile south of the Church to the present location. A third bedroom, utility room, and one car garage was added at the same time.

Other appendages include: In 2003, Pastor’s office is finished in the church and Seed Chapel came on the charge. In 2004, new siding and two porches were added to the Youth Building. In 2004, the single car garage was built. In 2004, 2 stained glass windows were installed. In 2005, the leasing of the new parking lot and a new sound system was installed. In 2007, 3 stained glass windows on the west side were installed. In 2019, the sanctuary was remodeled and painted. And in 2022 and 2023, the north entrance was remodeled, a storage building was purchased, a new piano was bought, and playground equipment was donated to the church.

Movement Three: “This Place Is Yours”

Over the years, Dogwood Prairie United Methodist Church has evolved, changed, adapted, welcomed many people, and continues to have visions for the future. Throughout the years, those at Dogwood Prairie have made this church their church: a place of love, friendship, family, community, laughter, smiles, faith, commitment to Christ, gatherings, and a place where people want to worship. Throughout the years, Dogwood Prairie has faced challenges, trials, and tribulations, and has struggled, but from those challenges and setbacks the church became a people—a people determined to keep the doors of their church opened for generations to come.

Speaking of generations, the next generation of our church shared with me why the love this church. They love this church because their siblings are here, because their cousins are here, because their parents and grandparents are here, because they enjoy Sunday School here, because they enjoy the Children’s messages, because they get to sing songs, because they get to color, because they get to play with tractors, and because they feel loved. Dogwood Prairie is more than a church to them: it is a place that loves them and sees them and cares for them and supports them. What are we going to do today so that our church will be here for them tomorrow?

From just listening to the history of our church, it is evident that our church wants to continue to be here for generations to come. As a matter of fact when the Pastor Parish Relations Committee was asked, “What could be celebrated over the past twelve months?”, they shared: Parsonage Bathroom was remodeled, Playground installed, Received four new members, supported the community and local food pantry, committees are meeting more frequently, the church coming together to better our finances, and continual improvements being made within the church. Our church is still growing and improving because of you—because each of you see the love, hope, and faith that this church has to offer! And now the Pastor Parish Relations Committee has put a challenge before our church, and that challenge is this, “How do we continue to grow our church?”

From 1857 to 2024, approximately 167 years, this church has been a place where people choose, every Sunday, to attend and worship. Why? Because they feel as if they are part of a family; because they witness the love and faith of Christ; and because they see a church that lives in the present but plans for the future. Those who walk through our doors see the face of Christ on all of us and realize that this, this is where they are meant to be. What kind of church are we today? What kind of church do we want to be for tomorrow? What do you think Jesus would write in a letter to Dogwood Prairie United Methodist Church? Remember, this is your place, but God’s creation.

Conclusion: What Comes Next?[3]

Our church has grown and improved throughout the decades. Just look around: see the people here, notice the people that aren’t here that should be here, remember the faces that have left a legacy for this church to follow, and notice what it looks like, what has changed and been improved. People often ask, “How many people did you have in church on Sunday?” During ordination meetings, the pastors present are asked, “What is your average attendance?” In both situations, a number is typically given; but wouldn’t it be nice, wouldn’t it be wonderful, a blessed assurance, to answer both those questions with the following answer, “It was standing room only?!” We should certainly make that our prayer: to be a church where there is standing room only. To be church that people want to attend, that people want to worship at, and that people want to call their home.

Returning to that moment twenty-fours ago, after hearing this message about what kind of church Jesus is calling us to be, I pray that today when someone asks you “How do you describe your church?”, you not only provide them with when and where we worship but that you tell them that we are a church actively living out the Word of God and sharing the love of Christ in all that we do, in all that we say, and in all that we pray. I pray that you describe a church that fills your heart with warmth and peace. I pray that you describe a church that makes you smile. I pray that you describe a church that fills your spirit with excitement. I pray that you describe a church that has a history, a present, and a future. I pray that you describe a church that has returned to the love of Christ, that is rich in faith, that focuses on the powerful and healing word of God, that wants to be doing work, acts of service, and creating ministries, that seeks redemption and understanding, that makes decisions with Christ in our heart, that loves unconditionally, and that carries with them that they are a family no matter what. I pray that you describe your church. I pray that you describe Dogwood Prairie United Methodist Church.

This is your place, but it has been gifted to you by God. What comes next? Who are was as a church today? Who are we going to be tomorrow and for years to come? If God were to write our church a letter, what would it say? How would God describe our church? Let it be so…

 

Holy Communion: Jesus had a vision of his church when he gathered…

Benediction:

The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not resting place, the church is the people. The Church of Jesus Christ is you, so how are you going to make sure that we become the church that Jesus needs us to be? May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit go forth finding ways to be the church Jesus knows we can be. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen.

 

 

[1] Frank Cary a long time active member, along with his wife Pearl, shared with this writer that the first church building after setting unused for a few years was sold and moved to a HISTORY OF THE DOGWOOD METHODIST CHURCH By Rondel Lee Boyd ABOUT US neighboring land owner and farmer by the name of Stewart, believed to be Frank Stewart, and was used for hay and grain storage. It stood there on that site for approximately ninety years. The location of that was approximately one mile northeast as a crow flies from the present Church.

[2] …with lumber from an unused power house owned by The OHIO Oil Company, used for subsiding and decking, also used pipe made into trusses donated by the oil company, plus donated labor by the church members.

[3] WWJCD (What would Jesus’ Church Do?) We are the Gospel: we are the word of God, active and alive…