Insights from in and around the association

      UBA Voices      

Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Pastoreando a Tu Pastor

Octubre es el mes del pastor, Dios creó su cuerpo que es la iglesia para que Cristo mismo sea la cabeza (Efesios 1:22-23) así que, si todos somos cuerpo, necesitamos el ministerio particular los unos de los demás. (1 Corintios) 12:24-27) Aprende a pastorear tu pastor.

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October is Pastor Appreciation Month, God created his body, which is the church, so that Christ himself is the head (Ephesians 1: 22-23). If we are all members of the body, we need the ministry of one another, including your pastor (1 Corinthians 12: 24-27). Pastor your pastor!

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Christmas Already?!

The stores and online catalogs seem to think that October is the time to prepare for Christmas. Soon, shelves will be crowded with wreaths and glitzy tree ornaments. This used to annoy me quite a bit, but after a while, I finally realized that the stores are right—to some extent. October really is the time to begin getting ready for Christmas! In order to celebrate the Advent Season, church leadership must prepare even earlier. So, bring on the Christmas spirit! It's time to celebrate.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Pastor Appreciation Month—Why is it Important?

There was an old Isotoner Glove commercial featuring Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino saying the tagline, “Take care of the hands that take care of you.” Regardless of your church or staff size, take care of the people who feel God’s call on their life to lead and take care of you. From ministry interns to senior pastors, we need them at their best, because they often see us at our worst.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Social (Media) Resources for Reaching Your Neighbors

How do unchurched Millennials find community? Why, the Internet, of course! I've compiled a list of a few helpful resources for finding people and joining them in their everyday lives. I hope that you can use these as tools to share Christ with people where they are.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

What's Changing in Russia

Traveling to Russia 27 times over the course of 24 years comes with its benefits. You get to know the land, the culture, and many helpful things in doing ministry. Even more excitingly, though, you get to see how God is at work in and through the people. Of that, we have stories we have to tell!

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Don't Waste Your Hurricane

Ever feel like the ongoing task of disaster relief is too much for your church? It probably is, but Houston Responds provides a way for churches to be more—together. Come to the Disaster Response Summit October 11, 1-9 p.m. at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Get acquainted with Houston responds, hear what other churches are doing, and connect with potential partners in disaster recovery ministry. The Summit is free of charge. To register or find out more go to https://www.houstonresponds.org/summit.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Does Your False Self Preach a False Gospel?

We all have different masks—or false selves—we put on, versions of ourself we wish were true. These identities can range anywhere from helpful, to innocuous, to even detrimental to our spiritual health. Let’s take a moment to examine the dangerous false selves we present and how they might damage not only our walk with Christ but also our witness and community.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Simple Practices to Deepen Your Devotional Life

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has created us in his image with a mind, heart, soul, and five wonderful senses. God has created our entire being as a means to experience him more fully. Let’s explore a few of the methods that you can practice to make your time with God a richer experience.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Saber Perdonar

Las escrituras revelan a Dios como perdonador (Salmos 86:5 Tú, Señor, eres bueno y perdonador; grande es tu amor por todos los que te invocan.) La realidad es que nunca nos parecemos más a Dios que cuando perdonamos, pero qué difícil es para nosotros perdonar.

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Marie Burrus Marie Burrus

Engaging the Issue of Domestic Violence

I’ve never been a victim of domestic violence, but I have literally heard the cries of victims for help. Before joining the staff of UBA in 2005, I was the Volunteer Coordinator for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Like every person at The Bridge, part of my employee orientation was to listen to 30 minutes of 911 calls from people in the midst of domestic disturbances who were crying for help—some who were uttering their last words on Earth.

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