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| Did You Ever Wonder?Perhaps it's the fact that my oldest daughter turns 18 this month, or perhaps it's my just-completed trip to Las Vegas, that is motivating me to want to review the answers to some questions nobody may be asking about the practices and principles of the United Methodist Church.Q: Why does the United Methodist Church serve grape juice for Holy Communion, and not wine? A: We use grape juice to express our solidarity with, and support of, those who are recovering from alcohol addiction. For such persons, even a sip of wine at communion could be detrimental. The United Methodist Church has a history of being concerned about the personal and social consequences of alcohol use. The UMC does not “forbid” its members to drink, but alcohol is NEVER served or permitted on church premises. Q: What is the United Methodist position on gambling? A: Gambling in any form is understood to be destructive of the social fabric of a healthy community. John Wesley, our founder, believed in the value of hard work, careful saving, and generous giving. United Methodists trust in God, and not in “luck,” for their future security. The United Methodist Church is so convinced that gambling is counter to Christian values that it will not even use raffles as a form of fund-raising. Q: Does the United Methodist Church care what we eat, smoke, or otherwise ingest into our bodies? A: Yes. Our bodies are a gift to us from God so that we might enjoy and serve God in the world. Our goal, for our own sakes and for the sake of others, should be to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. Thus, exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are recommended, while smoking and substance abuse are clearly discouraged. We grieve for those who have fallen into addiction and other destructive behaviors; we extend our prayers for healing, and our practical encouragement and support toward change and recovery. Q: Are there actual United Methodists who never drink, gamble, smoke, or use drugs? A: Yes. Look around the church some Sunday morning, and you will see several. You might not be able to recognize who among the crowd meets this criteria, because they make a point not to be “holier than thou.” However, they are living proof that it is possible to live rewarding and adventurous lives without resorting to "amusements" that have so much potential for harm. Okay, lecture over. So what, you may now ask, was I doing in Las Vegas anyway? Here is my full report for the approximately 40 hours I was there, I: a) required a hot bath and good night's sleep to recover from the excruciatingly long bus ride; b) saw a wonderful exhibit of Monet's paintings, on loan from the Boston Museum of Fine Art; c) watched four soccer games in the pouring rain (Lizz in two, Christina in two); d) required a hot bath, ROOM SERVICE, and a good night's sleep to recover from the aforementioned games; and, e) watched yet another soccer game, this time in gale force winds. Happy birthday, Lizz, and healthy living to all in 2005! May Christ Jesus be our guide in all things. Pastor April |
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