Tag: Leadership

GOD’S CHOICE & JOSEPH’S FAITH

What will you do to build a healthier spirit in these 12 days of Christmas? Join this YMCA devotion series about Jesus changing hearts and lives!

Click on the link to get started on Day 1 of 12!

“When we find ourselves in complicated and controversial situations where we lead and serve, we can be distracted by worldly conditions. But we may also be like Joseph and go early and often to God in faith and prayer.”

Chosen By God: Becoming Christ’s Holy Presents for the World // How can we be more like Jesus, whom God gave to the world to love, care and serve sacrificially? // Revisit with us 12 stories of the Lord transforming people in the Holy Land, inspired by experiences YMCA leaders recently had there. //From this we learn ways to put Christian principles into practice through Jesus “the living Stone” who handcrafts us into precious gifts of peace for all.

[an YMCA onPrinciple Devotion Series – inspired by 1Peter 2:4-5]

Written by Steve Tarver, CEO & President YMCA of Greater Louisville, Kentucky

Looking back to my travels through the rocky hills of Judea to Bethlehem, I wonder what it was like for Joseph and Mary to be somewhere out there, nearing the end of their exhausting trip. 

Unmarried, a controversial pregnancy, forced by the government to go back where their family came from, poor, alone, uncertain, maybe even scared – Mary and Joseph approached Bethlehem amidst complicated legal and moral questions.

What in the world is one to do? What would you have done if you were Joseph?

Joseph faced unwanted dilemmas: logistically – where would they stay; personally – how will he care for Mary and their soon to be born son, Jesus; ethical – what happens when the town finds out we’re not married; religious – is this what God is calling us to do? 

Where does faith fit in? I’ve faced many unwanted dilemmas in my life and career with the YMCA, not always being sure where to go for guidance and how faith fits into the complicated situation.

What did Joseph do? Did he panic or abandon those under his care in fear of what others might think of him?

If Joseph had bailed on the situation, no one would have likely even blinked given the cultural values at the time – though, for Mary, it could have had deadly consequences.

From a worldly lens, it must have seemed counter to every natural tendency he had at that time.

Only looking through the lens of faith does this have any semblance of rationality whatsoever.

Joseph received clarity based on an angel’s visit to him in a dream; he had the patience and mindfulness to listen and believe.

He chose to walk alongside pregnant Mary in love.

Accepting the clarity of the message from God, Joseph was able to serve as a righteous man.

Joseph faced unwanted dilemmas because of God’s call on his life, the magnitude of which was overwhelming, but he chose to prayerfully listen and be patient, to believe God, and walk in faith.

When we find ourselves in complicated and controversial situations where we lead and serve, we can be distracted by worldly conditions.

But we may also be like Joseph and go early and often to God in faith and prayer.

May we have the patience to seek God first in our dilemmas and, through faith, find righteousness.

modern City of Bethlehem, and the hills of the Judaean Wilderness

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Gospel according to Matthew‬, 1:20-21‬ ‭NIV

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GOD’S NEWS & ZECHARIAH’S “YES”

How can the Spirit of Christmas live on in you? Let this YMCA devotion series encourage you in the days to come!

“The greatest gifts in my life come through obedience to God’s call upon me, and the greatest blessings come when I trust the Father to make me who he wants me to be: holy and present.”

[Day 2 of 12 – YMCA onPrinciple Devotion Series – inspired by 1Peter 2:4-5]

Chosen By God: Becoming Christ’s Holy Presents for the World // How can we be more like Jesus, whom God gave to the world to love, care and serve sacrificially? // Revisit with us 12 stories of the Lord transforming people in the Holy Land, inspired by experiences YMCA leaders recently had there. //From this we learn ways to put Christian principles into practice through Jesus “the living Stone” who handcrafts us into precious gifts of peace for all.

Written by Eric Ellsworth, CEO/COO YMCA of the Cayman Islands

“How could this be?”

Imagine Zechariah, a good man, and Israelite priest, going about his duties in the temple when an angel startled him with an unbelievable message: your wife will bear a son in her old age. 

Instead of rejoicing at this good news, Zechariah could only doubt it. 

What would you have said? Imagine Zechariah leaving the temple, stumbling along the stone-paved street, headed home, stunned and in disbelief.

I remember walking along that old street while in Jerusalem, and now I try to put myself in Zechariah’s sandals – trying to make sense of an unbelievable message – from an angel, regarding your wife who is past child-bearing years, about a son who will prepare Israel for the presence of the Lord. 

Lord help us in our disbelief! 

What does this look like in our lives?

For my work in the YMCA, we often have opportunities or promptings to help people or create transformational programs that “put Christian principles into practice.” 

Too many times, though, we answer the call with, “I am too busy,” “where will the money come from,” or “my boss won’t approve.” 

Any number of objections or doubts can come and cause us to miss the peace and joy of simply saying “yes” to God. 

We often hear God’s voice in our hearts through His Holy Spirit, but we quickly move to the practical, earthly realities rather than rejoicing and obeying the whispers of the Spirit.

Like Zechariah, when we hear God’s good news, we too can learn to say “yes” – for God desires that we grow closer and closer in relationship with Him through our obedience and faith.

The greatest gifts in my life come through obedience to God’s call upon me, and the greatest blessings come when I trust the Father to make me who he wants me to be: holy and present.

This is God’s plan: to follow Him- let Him Lead- to Be His!! 

Would you pray with me?

Dear Lord, thank you for your free gift of forgiveness when we doubt you. Please help us believe your messages to us and answer your call to sacrificial service. Bring us to full obedience through your power and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Stone-paved street alongside the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”‬‬

Gospel according to Luke‬, 1:18-20‬ ‭NIV
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Legacy of a YMCA Volunteer Chaplain: Bishop Paul Hirschy

I asked Vanessa from the Huntington Y to share a few words about her experience with Paul; she helps support Christian Emphasis in her YMCA, and this included supporting Bishop Hirschy in his volunteer chaplain ministry there.

Today was the funeral of our highly respected and beloved denominational leader Bishop Paul Hirschy.

A quiet leader, thoughtful, patient, faithful to the Lord and fruitful in his Christian ministry.

For me as a pastor and son of a pastor in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Paul was an ever present leader in my life – his unfailing warm-hearted kindness, generous smile and genuine attentiveness always made me feel welcome and included.

His ministry extended beyond his term as bishop, in the many years since then he served the local church providing pastoral care to members in need.

When I left the local church ministry for work in the YMCA as a pastor, my new tasks included connecting with local clergy who felt called to volunteer on the Y as a chaplain.

Imagine my delight when I discover Bishop Paul doing just that in the Huntington YMCA! How blessed that Y is to have a chaplain like Paul, and what a legacy for our UB ministers to have one of our own loving, caring and serving in the community with such a big heart and patient spirit.

May we have more pastors like Paul, more volunteer chaplains like him to strengthen the presence of Christ in our Y.

I asked Vanessa from the Huntington Y to share a few words about her experience with Paul; she helps support Christian Emphasis in her YMCA, and this included supporting Bishop Hirschy in his volunteer chaplain ministry there.

Here is Vanessa’s loving remembrance:

“His name was Paul Hirschy.

Former Bishop Paul E. Hirschy, 75, passed away December 1, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.

Paul was a faithful chaplain at the YMCA of Huntington County.

He would set aside a couple hours a week to invest in the lives of community members. He was full of God’s grace and shined ever so bright even in the darkest of days.

Paul would walk into the front doors of the YMCA and spread his contagious smile to the ladies at the front desk.

Then, he would turn the corner to record his time and place his VOLUNTEER name tag on.

Paul was the epitome of a volunteer.

He showed up, he served, he loved, and cared for all that stepped into his path.

Paul would usually find his way to the table.

The table where gentlemen and ladies would gather for a cup of morning joe and reminisce about the good ole days.

Eventually the relationships grew to move the discussion from the good ole days to the current not so good days of health scares and lost loved ones.

Paul never skipped a beat to listen and turn their attention to Jesus in prayer or through that light he so proudly presented.

The YMCA brought Paul on to serve our members, which he did well, not knowing the impact he would have on them as a leadership staff.

It did not matter the season for Paul, whether dark or bright, he always inquired how he could pray for us as a staff.

We knew whatever Paul was saying to Jesus was going to be heard and answered ten-fold.

Paul seemed to have a seat right next to our Heavenly Father even when his body was still on earth.

Paul cared for God’s people and inspired each of us every week.

After months of chemo, Paul came in to serve the YMCA not knowing how much longer he had.

Even in this time, Paul focused on us, he had faith and knew God’s plan was best and his peaceful presence said it all.

Paul was the most gentle, Christ centered man I know.

I have no doubt he is sitting by God as I write this and worshiping with his whole spirit; without pain, without suffering.

May our memories of Paul always be a place to visit his tender heart and produce a smile of joy upon our faces.”

Written by Vanessa Macias-Hannie, Director of Healthy Living at the Parkview Huntington Family YMCA, Indiana

More about Paul…

Paul graduated from Huntington University in 1968, and that year began ten years of pastoral ministry–initially in Convoy, Ohio, followed by nine years at Park UB church in Bluffton, Ind.

He managed the denominational printshop 1978-1981, and then was elected by General Conference to the first of five terms as Director of Church Services at the UB national office.

In 2001, Paul was elected bishop of the US National Conference. He served in that role until 2005.

He worked the next seven years as a development officer at Huntington University, and since 2012 has been associate pastor at College Park UB church in Huntington.

On October 1, 2021, Huntington University awarded Paul the Distinguished Alumni Citation, which recognizes exceptional service over an extended period of time. “Service” is, indeed, what Paul is most known for—a man with a true servant’s heart.

from UBCentral.org