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Mar 1 2017

Photo by flattop341 (CC BY 2.0)

Last week I wrote about the idea of a “crystallization of discontent” where the realization that lots of annoying things are all linked together prompts you to take action. The opposite can also happen. You can experience a “crystallization of contentment.”

In a crystallization of contentment you gain an unexpected insight that a bunch of little positive things in your life are not merely disconnected events but the tapestry of a good life.

I’ve come to believe that the “good life” doesn’t look as flashy as our culture may portray it. Long-time married couples consistently tell me that a good marriage consists less of grand romantic gestures and more of small, daily kindnesses. Psychology articles I read say that when it comes to money, happiness reaches its maximum not with a fortune but with enough to provide necessities and a little more.

At a clergy retreat last week I got unexpectedly handed a microphone and asked to tell the group, “What’s the best thing about serving at First United Methodist Church Richardson?” The first thing that came to my mind and out of my mouth was “the people.” And it’s so true. We have an awesome location, facilities and more, but the best thing is you, who consistently bring little (and sometimes big) blessings into my life. “Little” calls, text messages, meals, prayers, and various ways of lending a hand bless me with a life that’s not particularly grand or flashy but simply and joyfully good.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” Constant prayer connects us with God, who will help us hold fast to what is good and let go of the rest, find something for which to give thanks in every circumstance, and end up rejoicing. That scripture provides a guide to experiencing a crystallization of contentment.

Have a great weekend!
Rich

Rich Rindfuss
Access Pastor
First United Methodist Church Richardson

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Mar 1 2017

I arrived in Dallas in March of 2013, new country, new people, new church. Besides my fiancé, I knew no one. We started regularly attending the evening contemporary service, Access, and it wasn’t long before I was introduced to others close to our age, making me feel welcome. We were invited to join up with the small group lead by these now new friends, and again, they went out of their way to make sure that I didn’t feel alone in a new world.

Fast forward a few years and I have come to call Access my home. I was invited to join the band, take part in events and planning the future of the worship service I call my own. There is something different about a church community that cares more about branching outside of their immediate community, and this is one of the main reasons that keeps me coming back. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings, but I know that whatever it does, I will be there! If you are looking for a church that lives outside of Sunday, Access is the place for you

Andy Rhodes, FUMCR member and ACCESS attendee

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Mar 1 2017

“Some people see life like an ocean. They go where the current takes them. Other people see life like a ball of clay in their hands – something to be held and shaped and molded.” WaitButWhy blogger, Tim Urban, began a recent post with those statements and used stick-figure drawings to illustrate the pros and cons of each approach. He concluded, “The question isn’t whether life is better lived as an ocean or a ball of clay. It’s about when is the right, and the wrong time for each one.”

The Serenity Prayer seeks God’s help in responding to that question:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

I’ve had some ocean/clay decisions to make this past week as I learned that the completion of our new facilities at church would be delayed until January 29th. On one hand I wanted to reshape this unexpected future. On the other hand, I knew I didn’t have any control over key factors like construction worker availability.

Some prayer and conversations with our wonderful church staff helped me quickly see ways that I could positively respond to this unexpected future even if I couldn’t change it. I could choose to surrender to God my worries over things I couldn’t control. I could choose to look for new positive opportunities that the change will create. I could give thanks for evidence along the way of God working for good in all things (Romans 8:28). I’m very blessed to work with such spiritually mature teammates!

This delay is no more than just that. Our mission remains, the work God is doing for our community through Access remains, and our new worship space is still coming! Until then we’ll continue to connect with God and each other for the sake of our community at various events including the following:

• This Sunday, October 9th, at 11:00 a.m. – Eric and Rich will help lead traditional worship and preach. Wear your Access t-shirt if you have one!

• Sunday, October 16th, at 2:30 p.m. – Access worship in the Fleming Rehearsal Hall followed by Cowboys tailgate. Be sure to bring food to donate to NETWORK, and if you have a recipe, enter the chili cook-off! More details here.

• Sunday, October 23rd, Noon-2:00 p.m. – Launch Summit with lunch, worship, and the Access staff learning from and brainstorming with you around how to make our spiritual opportunities and resources the best they can be. Also, bring candy for our Access-sponsored trunk at this year’s Trunk or Treat!

You can get text message event reminders by texting schedule to 88202, and we keep an updated event list at http://www.accessfumcr.com/access-events/

Whatever unexpected changes come at you now or in the future, I encourage you to pray the Serenity Prayer. It helps me, and I believe it will help you as you discern whether to respond like life is an ocean or like it’s a ball of clay.

In Christ,
Rich

Rich Rindfuss
Access Pastor
First United Methodist Church Richardson