Something Fresh
REV. JONATHAN BROWN
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“Do not try to call them back to where they were, and do not try to call them to where you are, as beautiful that place might seem to you. You must have the courage to go with them to a place that neither you nor they have been before.”
− Vincent J. Donovan, “Christianity Rediscovered”
The first Sunday I preached at Foundry, we sang my favorite hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story.” It sums up what draws me to Christianity: the stories. I love the story of Jesus Christ. I love to tell it, ruminate on it, discuss it, and try and emulate it even if I often miss the mark. I see religion as a communal response to the story.
The Gospel stories lay the foundation for our beliefs about how to live. I am drawn to Mark and John, currently Mark’s sixth chapter, which reads:
“Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.“
Here, Jesus takes a two-pronged approach to building community. Jesus does draw people to himself, surrounding himself with students and friends. However, that is not his only approach. Here, he is sending the disciples out to be with people. He does not ask them to return with those they find, to uproot the people to whom he is sending them. He simply instructs them to be present with the communities they find.
As Methodists, we believe the grace of God is transforming the hearts of every single human, even those who do not recognize it. No matter where we go, God is present with the people we meet. As we return from our pandemic-caused dispersion, we often look around and ask, “Why isn’t Jane here?” “Why hasn’t John come back?” Maybe, like Jesus, we should take a second approach as we build community back, asking “Where is Jane?” and “How can I find John?”
Early in the current century, the British Methodist Church gave rise to the Fresh Expression movement, which focuses on this second prong, asking “How do we get out there to be with the people? How do we create church in new places?” The answer is to tap the passions and talents of church folk and send them into communities that celebrate those passions, forming new groups like Kayak Church, Skateboarding Church, and Tattoo Church.
So, in closing, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What talents and interests have I never thought about bringing to church? Can Christ use these to connect to a new community?” And let me know your answers. I’m sure you will get some.
God bless,
Pastor Jonathan
Associate Pastor and Director of Discipleship Ministries
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Kaylon (center) with her daughter Harper and husband Jonathan, along with Pastor K.C. (right), Harper’s godfather Charles (far left) and baptism sponsor Maya (far right).
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September is a special month for me. Both my daughter and I were born in this month, so the turn of the calendar page, August to September, is a new beginning, prompting me to reflect on the past year. Another trip around the sun. What did I learn? How did I grow?
At Foundry, I’ve learned a lot. One year ago, we were preparing to re-open after the pandemic kept us from gathering at 16th and P for almost two years. I had never attended an in-person worship service at Foundry. I had no idea what to expect.
That first Sunday in September, taking part in Communion, hearing the music, and seeing happy tears in more than a few eyes — I got it. What I had always hoped was true: despite being away for so long, this community never lost touch, lost hope, or lost its groove.
I’ve learned to be at peace with imperfection. Foundry is a place where I am accepted and appreciated for all that I am, hot sauce habit to silly jokes. And our leadership, especially Pastor Ginger, has taught me how to fail forward. To try new things — big, exciting, hard things — and to be ok with not knocking it out of the park on the first try. To just keep swinging.
Finally, I’ve learned the power — and love — of this community. As a member of the team working on our Congregational Engagement Survey, I am blown away by how many talented (and busy) people want to lend their time and gifts to further our mission. From making sandwiches, to teaching classes, to decorating our building, Foundry people pour their love into this place.
On the day of our daughter’s baptism, I felt this love when I heard our congregation promise to “surround Harper with a community of love and forgiveness,” I knew it was true and I was deeply grateful.
Whether today or your next birthday, I encourage you to think of all the beautiful ways you’ve grown this past year — as a human, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and a friend to yourself and others.
And I thank every single one of you for helping me grow in so many ways during this trip around the sun.
With gratitude,
Kaylon Rutledge
Director of Digital Engagement
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Foundry Forward
SEPTEMBER 2022 ACTION ITEMS
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Friday–Sunday, September 2–4
Family Camp
Join us at West River United Methodist Camp for rest, recreation and fun. All are invited — single, couple, parent, non-parent, grandparent, or friend! Accommodations are air conditioned and include bathrooms. Bring sleeping bag, towel, toiletries, and a snack to share. Six meals are included. Learn more at foundryumc.org/family-camp.
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Sunday, September 4
MOSAIC: Piecing It Together
Today, we begin a new sermon series, MOSAIC. Creating community is a kind of “mixed media” art. We each bring our unique selves into the mix; together we shape and reshape the community that is Foundry. We each have a place in the whole, and without who we are and what we bring, the vision is incomplete. Join us to explore how you can be part of the beautiful work of art that is Foundry. Today’s sermon texts are Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; and Luke 14:25-33. We ponder “How Much Does This Piece Cost?” Are we talking about your piece?
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Saturday, September 10
Parenting a Liberated Child
Save the date for this parenting seminar, led by Rebecca Stevens-Walter, an intergenerational worship consultant and theologian. Our program (in person and available virtually) will last from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with lunch included. Learn more at foundryumc.org/liberated.
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Pre-Cana Marital Retreat
Couples planning to marry are invited to attend a virtual Pre-Cana marital retreat today from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will receive helpful expertise in the areas of finance, personality, relationship, and counseling. The cost is $250 per couple, and will be offered online only (via Zoom). Learn more and register at foundryumc.org/pre-cana.
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Sunday, September 11
Family Ministries Kickoff
Today, Sunday School returns between services at 10 a.m. for children ages pre-K through middle school; Children’s Worship returns during both services; and our rising third graders will receive their Bibles! Child care is available from 8:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for children four and younger.
Our sermon, “Missing Pieces” is drawn from two New Testament passages: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10. We’ll ask ourselves the question, “Are we focused only on the people right next to us who are familiar, or are we looking at a bigger picture, and noticing the gaps?”
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Wednesdays, Sept. 14–May 31,2023
Study the Bible, Become a Disciple
This month, we begin a 34-week study that provides an overview of the entire Bible, taught by Rev. Jonathan Brown. Divided equally between Old and New Testaments, it emphasizes the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. The class will meet in person and via Zoom from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. each Wednesday evening with holiday breaks. For more information and to register, go to foundryumc.org/disciple1.
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Sunday, September 18
Shrewd and Faithful Care
Today we continue exploring the Foundry mosaic, looking carefully and thoughtfully at each piece. Drawing on the passages we find in Jeremiah 8:18-19 and Luke 16:1-13, we ask “Are we shrewd in the ways we care for the bounty we’ve been given in one another and in this community of faith? Are we attentive to what is needed in ‘this age’? Are we squandering anything? Are we serving something other than God’s call for us? Are we caring for one another?”
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Sunday, September 25
Why It Matters
As we celebrate Reconciling Sunday, our sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-13 and Luke 16:19- 31. We work hard to create a healthy, beautiful, inclusive community because there are those who are on the outside of care and grace and love — in the church and in the world. We can’t do all the good work we do in our families and workplaces if we don’t get the fuel and guidance we need.
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Tuesday, September 27
Foundry Board Meeting
Foundry’s Board convenes its monthly meeting at 7 pm. If you are interested in attending, use this Zoom link.
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Join our new Church Center Directory!
As you may have heard, Foundry is leaving our current directory, hosted by Adjace, and moving to a platform that you are likely already familiar with: Church Center. This transition will allow for a more user-friendly, streamlined process for both joining and accessing the directory. Including your contact information in the directory is optional, and you will be able to select which details you’d like to include — things like address, email, birthday, etc. Learn more, including how to join and access the Church Center directory at foundryumc.org/directory.
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For more information on the events above and other upcoming events at Foundry, go to foundryumc.org/events.
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