The Abundant Life: Where Has It Gone?

In the last several weeks I’ve encountered several people, some here in the community, whose lives are miserable. Much of their misery is caused by well-intentioned people in their lives who seem to think they know better “what’s good for them.”

A long time ago I learned that there are only three roles to choose from when in a relationship. One can assume the role of a child. One can assume the role of a parent. Or, one can assume the role of an adult.

Healthy relationships are adult-adult relationships.

Sadly, I am discovering that a ton of people prefer the parent role. Apparently it is easier and simpler for the many “bullies” out there to “parent” the whole world, imposing their notions on everyone. They would rather not listen to, reason with, or accept as true and valid anyone else’s idea, understanding, or preference.

I guess the parent role works pretty well for the “ones who think they know best.” But their bullying is misery for everyone else around, especially their family.

I have never met a grown up who appreciates the indignity of being treated as a child. I have never met a bully who is, even in the least little bit, ever satisfied.

Jesus came to break that chain of violence and oppression. At the beginning of his ministry, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, he says,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives … to set at liberty those who are oppressed … "

I truly believe that if God could hate, he would hate bullies the most. Why? Because the misery bullies inflict sucks the ever-lasting life out of the souls of God’s beloved ones. Whereas Jesus, speaking of himself as the good shepherd, says,

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

God gives life. The Gospel of John tells us that. Ezekiel 34 explains that God stands over against oppressors and bullies. Be assured of that.

May the oppressed reach out to Jesus, and receive him.
May those who live in misery find freedom to stand in the power of Jesus, and live.

Upcoming Events for the Week of Oct. 25

Oct. 27 - Parable Bible Study at 6:15 pm at HCUMC; Oct 27 Zaccheus and King in Far Country
(19:2-8) and Nov 3 – 3 Disciples, Friends at Midnight, Poem (9:57-62; 11:5-13; 18:2-
8)

Oct. 28 - Quilting at 1 pm at LeRoy church
Finance Meeting at 6:30 pm at HCUMC

Oct. 29 - Elder/Lay Leader class at 10 am at HCUMC; Oct 29 chapter 4 and Nov 5 chapter 5
Al Anon Group at 7:30 pm at HCUMC Library

Oct. 31 - Trustees meeting at 10 am at HCUMC

Nov. 1 - Youth Group sponsored soup/salad luncheon following church at HCUMC, fundraiser
Youth group meeting at 6:30 pm at HCUMC
Breakfast at LeRoy at 8 am

Nov. 4 - Parish council meeting at 7:30 pm at HCUMC

Nov. 7 - It is Ingathering Time again when we bring goods to share with those in need around
the world. This year we are assembling Birthing Kits to be used by mid-wives in
underdeveloped countries. These and all other kits should be at the Humeston church
before services next Sunday. Money donations to help with overseas shipping costs are
appreciated as well.

The actual Ingathering is on Sat Nov 7th at the Methodist Church in Greenfield. All
welcome.

Nov. 8 - UTP Pot luck at HCUMC at 12 pm

Upcoming Events for the Week of Oct. 18

Oct. 20 - PWP at LeRoy at 2 pm, everyone is welcome to come.
Parables Bible Study at 6:15 pm at HCUMC, Oct 20 Parable of Sower, Parable of
Builder (8:4-8, 6:46-49) and Oct 27 Zaccheus and King in Far Country (19:2-8)

Oct. 21 - TUF Team meeting at 3:30 pm - 5 pm

Oct. 22 - Elder/Lay Leader Class at 10 am at HCUMC, Oct 22 chapter 3 and Oct 29 chapter 4.
Nominations meeting at 6:30 pm at HCUMC
Al Anon meeting at 7:30 pm at HCUMC library

Oct. 24 - Sewing Class offered by the Grassroots Galary, taking place at HCUMC fellwoship hall

Oct. 25 - Helping Hands meeting following church service at HCUMC
Youth Group meeting at 6:30 pm at HCUMC

Upcoming Events for the Week of Oct. 11

Oct. 13 - Parables Bible Study at 6:15 pm at HCUMC

Oct. 14 - UMW at 2 pm at HCUMC
Ad Council meeting at 7:15 pm at HCUMC

Oct. 15 - Elder/Lay Leader Class at 10 am at HCUMC
Al Anon grou at 7:30 pm at HCUMC Library

Coming up at on the last Sunday, Oct. 25, a Helping Hands meeting following church service at HCUMC.

Upcoming Events for the Week of Oct. 4

Oct. 5 - HCUMC reserved, Jan Lohner, PEO Meeting

Oct. 6 - Parable Bible Study at 6:15 pm at HCUMC;
Oct 6, The Rich Fool (12:13-21) and Oct 13, The Great Banquet (14:15-24).

Oct. 7 - TUF Team meeting from 3:30-5 pm at HCUMC
Parish Council at 7:30 pm at HCUMC

Oct. 8 - Elder/Lay Leader Class at 10 am at HCUMC; Oct 8, chapter 2; Oct 15, chapter 3
Al Anon meeting at 7:30 pm at HCUMC

Oct. 11 - Infant Baptistm at HCUMC, Loralie Grace Webb, daughter of Joanna & Roger Webb
UTP Pot Luck at LeRoy at 12 pm.