July-August 2005 - Tower - Page 2
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Church and Society
Russell Fox, Captain
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"Virginia is for Lovers" - A slogan, which we see daily, on: television, billboards, newspapers, books, cars, trucks, buildings, and road signs. We are proud of this slogan and we probably use it in conversation.
Another slogan making the rounds the past few years is, "Virginia, second to Texas." In case you have not heard or seen this one, I will explain its meaning. Texas is the only state to execute more prisoners than Virginia. Does this statement cause you any discomfort?
Capital Punishment / Death Penalty is a controversial and divisive issue. The Methodist Church has opposed Capital Punishment since 1956. Numerous General Conference and Annual Conferences have adopted many resolutions in opposition to the death penalty. Although the resolutions have been very specific on what needs to be done at the district and local church level, action needs to occur in a number of areas.
The Peninsula District Office sponsored a workshop "Capital Punishment, A Faith-based Study" on May 21, 2005 at St. Luke's UMC. First Church had four attendees out of the 23 total attendees. Dr. Hunter Mabry, a retired Virginia Conference Minister was the workshop leader.
Perhaps you have questions or concerns such as:
· What is the history of the death penalty?
· What does the Bible say about Capital Punishment?
· What do we learn from the history of Christianity?
· Do authorities use the death penalty as their ultimate tool of social control?
· What does the United Methodist Church Discipline say about the death penalty?
· What can we do as individuals or as a church to bring about change?
These questions and issues will be addressed in our Fellowship Hall beginning on Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 9:30 A.M. I will be leading a study on Capital Punishment. The study will use material from "Capital Punishment, A Faith-based Study," written by Dr. Hunter Mabry; the Bible; the United Methodist Church Discipline; and information and data from several Internet sources. The study is open-ended and will last from one to four Sundays in August. All are invited to attend and provide input, listen, and communicate in the name of Christianity.
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The Church Tower is published monthly (except August) by First United Methodist Church, 10246 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601, (757)595-0383, Church Web Site, Editor:Gerry Beale Turner,gerry@fumc-nnva.org, Webmaster: Bob McKitrick, rwmkfm@cox.net Pastor: John T. LeGault Jr., jlegault@acninc.net, Deadline for copy: The 15th of each month. The Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. |
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: July-August 11, 2005