Central Woodward Updates

No Cause for Stumbling - A sermon for Pentecost 18B

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 18:45:31 +0000

We adults may forget at times that children might be watching us and listening to us. So, what are they seeing and hearing as they run around in our midst? What message is being conveyed? What stumbling blocks are being placed in their way?

Pastor’s Bible Study – Upcoming Series

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 20:44:40 +0000

Beginning on October 14th the Wednesday study group led by Pastor Bob will be exploring that question using Bernhard Anderson’s classic study The Unfolding Drama of the Bible.

Best Transit, Best Business Summit -- November 8

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:40:43 +0000

Join MCC, business's and more for the third major summit on November 8. We would like to have at least 10 CWCC members present to support transit and hear from the RTA about what the next steps will be. We'll be meeting at Congregation Shaarey Zedek (27375 Bell Road, Southfield, MI 48034). The time is 2:30 and you can RSVP your attendance.

Welcome the Children -- A Sermon for Pentecost 17B

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 19:38:12 +0000

As we work our way through this section of the Gospel of Mark we’ve heard Jesus give the call to discipleship, while also revealing that the path he has chosen leads not to glory but the cross. We’ve heard Jesus tell us that to be his disciples can be rather challenging. So, offering prayers to a cuddly Jesus might be a bit out of place! Of course, Jesus’ disciples didn’t quite understand his message. They kept thinking in terms of grandeur not suffering. They preferred Palm Sunday to Good Friday. They even argued among themselves about who was the greatest.

The Lesson Jesus Learned -- Sermon for Pentecost 15B

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 14:03:32 +0000

This morning we’ve heard two healing stories, both of which take place in Gentile regions, and it seems that Jesus needed to learn a lesson that would help define his ministry and ours. While I believe that Jesus’ message was one of grace, love, and inclusion, perhaps even Jesus needed to learn to value people who didn’t share his religious and ethnic background.

Dr. David Gushee -- 2015 Perry Gresham Lecturer

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 22:36:38 +0000

Dr. David P. Gushee is our 2015 Perry Gresham Lecturer, coming to be with us on October 2-4. One of the foremost Christian ethicists of our day, Dr. Gushee will be addressing the question of the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the church. Friday, October 2nd is designed for clergy and church leaders, at which time Dr. Gushee will share strategies and best practices for leading a congregation toward full inclusion. The cost is $50 and includes continuing education credits. On Saturday Dr. Gushee will offer a presentation for the broader community, sharing with participants the story of his journey toward a change of heart and mind on full inclusion. The cost is $15. Both days include lunch.

Marriage Equality Conversation -- June 24

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:47:04 +0000

The Elders would like to invite the congregation to participate in a moderated conversation focused on how we as a congregation will respond to both an expected change in the Michigan’s marriage laws regarding same-sex marriage and how that relates to the congregation’s commitment to being a truly welcoming congregation. This conversation will take place on Wednesday evening, June 24th and will run from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. The moderator for the evening will be the Rev. Dr. Kathyrn Thoresen. In addition, child care will be provided so that young families can participate.

Missional Dispatch -- June 2015

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:42:56 +0000

On June 9, 1985 I was ordained to the Christian ministry at Temple City Christian Church (California), which is where I had gone through my internship experience. My ordination came a day after my graduation from Fuller Theological Seminary. That was thirty years ago. It’s sometimes difficult to believe that it’s been thirty years, but then it’s hard to believe that I’ve been here seven years (July 1). When I was ordained thirty years ago, I believed that God was calling me to ministry, but I wasn’t sure it was to congregational ministry. Well, for the past seventeen years I’ve been engaged in ministry in local congregations, and God willing I will continue being engaged in congregational ministry for the foreseeable future.

We Are Children of God - A Sermon for Trinity Sunday -- Year B

Sun, 31 May 2015 19:39:04 +0000

When we think about family, is the church family? After all, Jesus said of his followers: “here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:34-35). If we’re part of Jesus’ family then does this family help form our identities?

30th Anniversary of Pastor Bob's Ordination -- June 21

Tue, 26 May 2015 15:04:26 +0000

Join Central Woodward Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in celebrating the Rev. Dr. Robert Cornwall's thirty years of ordained ministry, and seven years as Pastor of Central Woodward Christian Church on Sunday June 21st. Pastor Bob was ordained at Temple City Christian Church (California) on June 9, 1985. He began his ministry at Central Woodward on July 1, 2008.

As part of the celebration, The Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and college friend of Bob's will be the guest preacher. Glen is the pastor of Country Club Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City, MO. He is also a graduate of Northwest Christian University in Eugene, OR, where Bob and Glen started college together in the fall of 1976.

A reception follows the service. If you are not able to attend the worship service, please join us for the reception (approximately 11:45).

Interfaith Marriage Discussion -- May 20, 2015

Thu, 14 May 2015 21:56:52 +0000

CWCC is hosting an Interfaith Marriage Discussion on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:00 PM. This will be a moderated panel discussion, featuring Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish voices. This is open to the public.

Jesus the Liberator -- Salvation Sermon Series #2

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:35:14 +0000

The core biblical story is about salvation, and one way of thinking about salvation is to use the word liberation, a word that fits with the message of Jesus, which we’ve heard proclaimed by Luke. Gustavo Gutierrez is a Peruvian theologian who became dismayed with the church he served that always seemed to side with the powerful people in society rather than standing with the poor and the oppressed, which was what he believed Jesus would do. So when he read the Exodus story and the Gospels, what he found was a word of liberation. He discovered a very profound truth, which is that “salvation is not something other worldly, in regard to which the present life is only a test” [A Theology of Liberation, p. 151].

Regional Transit Listening Event -- April 29

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:51:31 +0000

Central Woodward in partnership with Northminster Presbyterian Church and the Metro Coalition of Congregations will host a listening session with Regional Transit Authority CEO Michael Ford on April 29th at 7 pm. All are invited.

Unfinished Story? -- Sermon for Easter Sunday 2015

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 17:55:51 +0000

Each of the four gospels tells the Easter story in its own way. You may have a favorite. Many like the story of Mary Magdalene running into Jesus in the garden. She’s not sure who this man is at first, but then Jesus reveals himself to her and sends her off to tell the rest of the disciples that he’s alive (John 20:1-21). Mark doesn’t tell the story quite like that. He takes us to an empty tomb, where a group of women encounter an angelic messenger. The messenger gives directions, but we don’t see Jesus. The body is missing, and the three women who visit the tomb are alarmed, terrified, and afraid. It appears that Jesus is alive, but we have to take that on faith.

Cross of Glory -- Sermon for Lent 5B

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:49:11 +0000

I know that Palm Sunday is a week away, but according to the lectionary Jesus is already in Jerusalem. The world is behind him, and the cross lies before him. In that moment, Jesus declares: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Yes, according to John, this is the hour for which Jesus came into the world. It’s not that Jesus is excited about what lies before him. He confesses that his soul is troubled. He would like for this hour to pass him by, but he’s already crossed the threshold. There is only one way to go and that is forward toward the cross of glory.

2nd Annual Festival of Faith April 18, 2015

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 18:07:57 +0000

Now is the time to plan to attend the 2nd Annual Festival of Faith on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lansing.

Path of Salvation -- Sermon for Lent 4B

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:49:38 +0000

In John 3, Jesus invites us to believe and in believing receive eternal life. These ideas are taken up in the concept of salvation. So, what do we mean by the words and concepts? What do they have to do with our lives?

Holy Week Services

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:39:00 +0000

In preparation for Holy Week March 29 - April 5th, the following are the planned services to be offered at Central Woodward Christian Church:

Sunday, March 29 - Palm Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 2    - Maunday Thursday
                                   Soup Supper                  6:00 p.m.
                                   Worship Service            7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3        - Troy Community Good Friday Service 1:00 PM
                                  First United Methodist Church - Troy
                                  6363 Livernois, Troy 48098
Sunday, April 5      - Easter Services
                                    Sunrise Service at the Cross   8:30 a.m.
                                    Breakfast                        9:00 a.m.
                                    Worship Service            10:30 a.m.

Please take a few moments in the coming days to plan your attendance.

Recapturing the Selma Spirit -- Community Event

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:25:33 +0000

Decision Time -- Sermon for Lent 2B

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 18:54:49 +0000

We started our Lenten journey last Sunday with Mark’s brief introduction to the beginnings of Jesus’s ministry. We watched as Jesus was ordained at his baptism, received his orientation in the wilderness, and then returned to Galilee to start preaching the good news of God’s kingdom. That story has moved along quite a bit in our reading today from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus has had some success as a preacher and as a healer. He’s gathered a group of disciples, healed the sick and the injured, fed the multitudes, and he has caught the attention of the people. If Twitter existed back then, news of his exploits would be trending.

The Realm of God Draws Near -- Sermon for Lent 1B

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 19:54:44 +0000

Each Sunday we pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What does this request of God mean? What is this heavenly reality that we seek to experience here on earth? After his baptism and sojourn in the wilderness, Jesus went into Galilee preaching the good news that God’s realm was near at hand? What does Jesus’ preaching mission have to do with you and me? How is this good news?

Missional Dispatch -- December

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:29:47 +0000

As I write this dispatch the first real snow of the season has been falling. This must be a sign that Advent and Christmas are upon us. This is a busy season for all. It’s easy to get distracted from the message of the season, which is that God has come into our midst to bring new life and new hope to our lives. Many of the themes of the season are drawn from the sections of Isaiah that offer a word of hope to a people living in exile. God is heard promising deliverance. Broken lives will be restored to wholeness.

We Who Believe In Freedom . . .” Pastoral Letter from Reconciliation Ministries

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:31:18 +0000

The outcome of the grand jury verdict to not indict police officer Darren Wilson in the killing of an unarmed 18 year-old African American male was met with sadness, anger and despair by many. Some of these emotions expressed themselves in unaccountable rage that resulted in property destruction and theft. Rage is justified. Violence and looting is not. The parents of Michael Brown urged protesters to engage in a non-violent response to the decision. Protestor across the country, obliged their request.

Daily Feast: Meditations from Feasting on the Word, Year A (Review)

Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:47:53 +0000

There are a myriad of devotional texts that will guide you through the year, bringing insight and inspiration. Among these many choices is a series of books that are based on the lectionary commentary series, Feasting on the Word.http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=pondonafaitjo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0664237134This series, published by series of lectionary commentaries From Westminster John Knox Press and edited by David Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor has proven to be quite beneficial, bringing together commentary from four perspectives -- theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical. Daily Feast, now available for Year A of the lectionary cycle, brings the insights of this series to the devotional reader.

A Sabbatical Journey Ends

Sat, 30 Nov 2013 14:37:22 +0000

On September 1, Cheryl and I attended worship at Rochester Church of Christ. Thus began a three month sabbatical journey that I have entitled “Reclaiming a Founding Vision.” Tomorrow morning I’ll be “back to work” at Central Woodward Christian Church. I return rested and ready to take up the calling of serving as pastor of Central Woodward, along with my other responsibilities in the church and community. I’ve been fortunate to have this opportunity, provided by the church, an opportunity that I encourage colleagues to take up themselves

A Word to the Church from Rev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:16:31 +0000

I write to share a word with all Disciples congregations following an important vote at the 2013 Orlando General Assembly. In these days following assembly,my heart is prayerful; my spirit hopeful; and my love for our church is strong. Surely, God has given Disciples a blessing and a mission for wholeness,welcoming all to the Lord's Table of reconciliation and love.

The General Assembly and its Word to the Church -- A Reflection

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:38:56 +0000

I've returned home from the General Assembly in Orlando. We left a little early (Wednesday evening flight). It was good to be together as Church in Orlando. I always connecting with new friends and reconnecting with old friends. I got to spend time with classmates from Northwest Christian College (now University), including the new Moderator of the General Church -- +Glen Miles. I watched with joy and with pride as my classmate and friend of many years preached opening night. As I was reminded -- we are now among the Grown Ups. It is our time to take our place among the leaders. I'll be praying for Glen and for Sharon Watkins and the other leaders of the Church.

Lord Teach Us to Pray -- Reflections for the Disciples of Christ General Assembly

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 14:58:31 +0000

Once again my denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be gathering for its biennial General Assembly. We're gathering in Orlando, FL, with an estimated crowd of about 4500 people from across the nation and the world. We'll gather for worship, for educational events, for fellowship, and for business. Yes, one aspect of our time together will be business sessions where we hear reports from agencies and constituency groups, along with the General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins. We'll vote on some rather mundane items of business and some rather controversial items as well. There is a resolution supporting immigration reform and one that calls for our churches to be welcoming and gracious, especially to persons whose sexual orientation is other than heterosexual. The latter appears to be rather divisive. I'm praying that we can deal with the question of welcome in a way that is gracious. From what I've seen so far, the rhetoric is anything but gracious -- but more about that in a later post.

Becoming a People of Grace and Welcome to All

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:22:51 +0000

When my denomination -- the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -- gathers for its General Assembly a month from now, we will have before us a Sense of the Assembly Resolution that speaks to the current debate over inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Persons. Our churches are not of one mind. In fact, in many of our congregations there is more than one view on this topic. Indeed, our culture is in the middle of a major transition on the topic as well. We await with somewhat bated breath for a Supreme Court ruling that could in principle invalidate all legal prohibitions to marriage equality. We'll have to wait to see how the Court decides these increasingly important questions. In the mean time, what about the church?

Into this conversation some in the church have offered this resolution to get the conversation moving once again (we've been in a holding pattern for more than a decade). GA-1327 is a Sense of the Assembly resolution, which is not an official ruling or test of fellowship, but a word to the local churches, the Regions and the various dimensions of the General Church where the Assembly stands on the issue. There will be vigorous debate and there will be opposition. My expectation is that the resolution, will pass, but by no means will it be unanimous.

Like most resolutions of this type, there are a number of Whereas clauses that you can read for yourself, but I want to provide here the manner in which the issue would be resolved:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the General Assembly meeting in Orlando, Florida, July 13-17, 2013, calls upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to recognize itself as striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children though differing in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly calls upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to affirm the faith, baptism and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that neither is grounds for exclusion from fellowship or service within the church, but we celebrate that all are part of God’s good creation; and

FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED that the General Assembly calls upon all expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as a people of grace and welcome, to acknowledge their support for the welcome of and hospitality to all.

The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) offers a brief but helpful word of wisdom concerning this resolution, helping us understand why it is important that we pass it. I invite you to watch and offer your thoughts:

Missional Dispatch for April 2013

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:38:45 +0000

The April edition of my Missional Dispatches, featuring updates on the fall Sabbatical.