Memorial United Methodist Church

A message from Pastor Joe Agne

The pastor and people of Memorial are in the midst of a unique conversation, called, “Trying to scratch the congregation where it itches.” This three-month series of sermons is based on the assumption that a lot of preaching scratches mostly where the pastor itches, ignoring what keeps the attention of the congregation.

Here’s how it is working. Members and friends of Memorial are submitting questions to Pastor Joe. He is sorting through these questions, and, using the lectionary as a base, deciding when to address each question. More questions can be sent using email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or by sending/bringing them to the church. If all the questions are not addressed by the end of November, they will be saved for the period after Christmas when a whole new series of sermons, based on the questions of the congregation, will be started. These new questions will be gathered on Christmas Eve, hoping, especially, to garner the interests of those who come among us when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Here are the questions addressed to date:

* “What is this predestination thing? I feel like I am on a life path. Did I choose this path or was it chosen for me?”
* “How come we don’t hear much about God’s judgment anymore? If God judges us do we have any hope?”
* “Does God suffer? If so, does God’s suffering change God?”
* Rev. Gil Caldwell will be preaching on Sept. 30 in response to the question: “Why are people of faith so fearful?”

There are a number of questions coming up: “Is there a theological reason for not preaching from the pulpit?” “Does God condone or allow torture? If so – why?” “Do faith and politics mix? If so, should they be mixed in sermons?” And two questions from children: “Does a baby change after being baptized? And "Why did Noah only take two people on the ark? Why didn't all the people go on the boat?”
In the midst of this series, I am enjoying preaching more than ever. It is rejuvenating for me. Please send more questions, I want to know what is itching you. All of the sermons are available from the church office or in the bulletin on the morning they are preached or on the Memorial web site.

The next step after each sermon is really important – How does the congregation respond? Let me hear from you. This will keep the conversation going.