Wednesday Evening - Charles Wesley Celebration
The congregation rose to sing Charles Wesley's "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above." Charles was born Dec. 18, 1707, four years after John, the 18th child of Samuel and Susanna. He was premature and experienced "moderate health." He was preoccupied with his health and documented his periods of ill health. While a teenager, Charles participated in a scholarly challenge in Greek grammar that went on for eight weeks. Charles triumphed and won a spot at Oxford. Susanna home schooled the children and prepared them for scholarly pursuits. Charles moved to Georgia. People perceived Charles as opinionated and condescending. He always wore wool clothes and didn't like the southern climates. Upon his return to England he joined his youngest sister. She told Charles she believed God created a work of grace in the human heart. In May 1738, Charles wrote in his journal that the spirit of God chased away his own disbelief and he wrote hymns reflecting his spiritual enlightenment. John was also struggling with his self-confidence after his visit to the United States. Three days after Charles had his spiritual awakening, John experienced his own.
Charles and John trained lay leaders. Charles was in charge of teaching Christian theology and wrote hymns to solidify the gospel message of Christ. The congregation rose to sing some of these hymns together, including "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "O Love Divine," "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise," "Rejoice the Lord is King," "Come Sinners to the Gospel Feast," and "O For a Heart to Praise My God." When Charles was 40 he fell in love with 21-year-old Sarah Gwynne. Her parents were concerned because Charles' salary didn't amount to much. After a letter from John, Sarah's parents consented to the wedding. A honeymoon followed during which Charles preached every day. The had eight children, five of whom died in childhood. Following the Revolutionary War, John ordained lay ministers to go to America to minister to the colonies. In 1787, five months before he died, he went to Bristol to preach for what turned out to be the last time. He died March 29, 1788. The celebration ended with the congregation singing "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Side note: This year, May 2007, there was a tercentenary celebration, to celebrate 300 years since the birth of Charles Wesley on the May 24, known to all Methodists as 'Wesley Day,' and many celebrations were held throughout England. In particular, in the Village of Epworth, North Lincolnshire, at the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, there was a flower festival, May 26-28, with some of the most astounding flower arrangements, representing some of Charles Wesley’s hymns, from ‘O for a thousand tongs to sing,’ to ‘And can it be,’ to ‘O for a Trumpet Voice,’ the name of the flower festival. Following the Wesley celebration, a "Nothing But Nets," video showed how easy it is to eradicate malaria. The Virginia Conference has already received $26,000 received for the campaign. Martha Stokes, conference Director of Lay Life and Work, Disabilities, and Older Adult Ministries, presented the bishop with the "official Nothing But Nets basketball." A video was shown that talked about the crisis of AIDS in Zimbabwe and the orphans the disease is leaving behind. Just $1 can help save the lives of children. The conference is supporting the Global AIDS Fund through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. A video showing the ministry of the Retired Clergy Housing Corp. were shown. The agency helps retired clergy find affordable housing. Many ministers do not have property when they retire. Both lay and clergy contribute to this ministry. The ministry is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Bidding War Breaks Out During Conference for Nothing But Nets Giving Click here to listen to listen to all the excitement generated during the bidding!
Jim Ullian approached a microphone and said he was going to offer $1,000 but was outbid by Cabinet. "But here's my check for $500." The bishop offered kisses. The small Refuge United Methodist gave $450. The youth delegation gave $100. Kendall Carter presented the money and received his kiss. The bishop said, "Alan Reifsnyder reminded me we have a bunch of retired Cabinet members out there." Larry Tingle said Bon Air Church in Richmond will raise $3,000 amd Trinity will raise $2,000. Section 26 of the Civic Center said they would donate some money. A member from Scott Memorial Church, Barbara St. Jean, said the money she was given for her hotels and meals will be donated. "When the Holy Spirit breaks out it's kind of hard to control," Bishop Kammerer said. Lynne Hundley, Cottage Place Church, said, "Looks to me like we're ready for an altar call. Why don't we pass the bucket and let people put the money in." The bishop said, "Shirley Cauffman reminded me that there are district lay leaders out there, too." Another member offered to give the reimbursement he would receive from conference and match it... about $800. The frenzy continued. The bishop remarked, "I think I need the conference treasurer up here."
Young Jin Cho Arlington District, pledges $10,000. Clarence Brown, Norfolk District matches Arlington District's $15,000. Steve Hundley, Roanoke District will donate $16,000. Marc Brown, Richmond District, ups it to $17,000. The bishop said, "I'm having hot flashes." An estimated tally at the evening counted $23,120 in cash and over $80,000 in pledges. The story will continue... |
