tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91814028985140293662012-02-08T13:28:45.439-06:00Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-27643858631771462692012-02-08T13:28:00.000-06:002012-02-08T13:28:45.450-06:00

Most Americans love football and faith. Tim Tebow, Denver quarterback, has mixed the two and sparked quite some debate about the public expression of religion. One of the controversial points has been his wearing of scriptural reference on the eye black (marks under his eyes) such as John 3:16. The Barna Group did a recent survey to see if the typical American knew the significance of this

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-46840392001136222702012-02-04T16:35:00.000-06:002012-02-04T16:35:47.853-06:00

The beginning of each year our church gathers and talks about new goals for the new year. One goal we discussed was not necessarily new, but one we wanted to bring emphasis and intentionality to. This is the goal of invitation. Jesus calls us to “make disciples”. We are called to invite others into a relationship with Christ. There are a variety of ways in which we do this. At Milton UMC

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-85331714515018976972012-01-10T09:27:00.000-06:002012-01-10T09:27:15.047-06:00

Recently, I was invited to participate in the first Christian Cancer Support Group meeting of Milton – being held at the Gathering Place. I was asked to lead the opening prayer, give a brief message, and close our time together with prayer. I also volunteered to be available for any private prayer or counseling with individuals as needed. 15 poeple, who have been touched with cancer in some

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-50058212071540471452011-12-13T11:56:00.000-06:002011-12-13T11:56:54.773-06:00

I’d like to extend a special 'thank you' to the folks of Milton and especially the families on Chicago Street and High Street. Each Friday following Thanksgiving Day I hand deliver a personalized letter asking families to fill a grocery bag (which I provide thanks to Jason at the Piggly Wiggly) with non-perishable food and toiletry items. I deliver the letter to about 45-50 homes. In my

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-1559636152776674742011-12-13T11:46:00.000-06:002011-12-13T11:46:14.580-06:00

This Sunday we continue sharing the gifts God has blessed us with by opening The Gift of An Eraser. Do you remember playing those games as a child and someone would call out, ‘Do Over!’. We need a do over! And all the children, some grumbling but most eagerly accepting would do just that – do it over. Whatever was done incorrectly, whatever mistake had been made was erased. As if it had

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-81485310921784000452011-12-08T14:06:00.000-06:002011-12-08T14:06:34.764-06:00

I came across this suggestion for holiday spending in an email sent to me from Church of the Resurrection. I thought I’d share it with you, as many of us get ready to do our Christmas shopping (or find ourselves in the midst of our shopping!) • Create a budget before you start spending – The first step in smart holiday spending is to create a budget. List the areas in which you will spend

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-75343903270045734222011-12-08T14:03:00.000-06:002011-12-08T14:03:11.440-06:00

About two weeks ago I had to return a new laptop to HP – it did not work upon arrival. I had received a return authorization from HP and was to ship it via FedEx. While my time on the phone with HP (troubleshooting, on-hold, getting a new laptop ordered...) wasn’t the most enjoyable time I’ve ever had; I did have a wonderful experience with FedEx. I parked at the Plainfield office in

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-88948922455456568732011-11-25T12:33:00.000-06:002011-11-25T12:33:09.378-06:00

This last week I was privileged to participate in the GIFTS Men’s homeless shelter. We were at the Emmanuel Free Methodist church and on Tuesday around 6:00-6:30 pm I checked in for overnight duty. I knew several of the people of Emmanuel, who were there helping, and so made some reconnections with them – getting caught up on our respective ministries and daily life. I met two young men,

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-33972073717978676912011-11-09T14:22:00.000-06:002011-11-09T14:22:14.392-06:00

Every now and then I pause to thank God for the ministry he has led me to. Most days go by so quickly – they are filled with hurrying from one moment to the next (sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally) that I forget to thank God. How terrible is that! Yet, in the quiet moments when I pick up my Bible, reflect upon the ministries of the day, as well as the blessings of God, I am thankful

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-39187888755856616292011-10-26T14:53:00.001-05:002011-10-26T14:56:04.486-05:00

Sometimes events take place in our lives where we as Christians are left wondering – is God really out there? Where was God when the twin towers of 9/11 fell? Was God there when the holocaust was happening and millions of Jews were being murdered? Why didn’t God stop the death of the 200,000 people in Haiti’s earthquake last year? Was God watching over that little girl and protecting her

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-13833167590969211652011-10-06T11:30:00.000-05:002011-10-06T11:30:15.188-05:00

Last Wednesday I was invited to a community wide meeting held at our high school to discuss the problem of underage drinking. The discussion centered on the issue of teenage drinking and drug usage; the prevalence of it in our community (communities across the nation really); and the startling statistics associated with this. Speaking at the event was our Municipal Judge Kris Koeffler and Jo

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-79163433354545100512011-09-21T10:05:00.000-05:002011-09-21T10:05:29.378-05:00

Not too long ago I posted a comment about my Uncle Cal being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The family is pulling together to support and care for Cal (and his wife Chris). He's currently in stage one of Alzheimer's - as I understand this disease affects everyone differently, but the eventual result is death. Shortly after visiting my uncle, and posting my comments on his Alzheimer's, I read

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-52049773790913034292011-09-09T14:24:00.000-05:002011-09-09T14:24:10.161-05:00

Thursday afternoon I was home playing with Gracie before I had to go back to church for evening meetings. We were playing outside on a little slide one of our church members had given to us. Earlier I had taken the slide part off the plastic unit and had not yet put it back together. Gracie took the slide, leaned it up against the plastic stairs of the unit, and was playing until it fell

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-24514069099308171022011-09-03T12:27:00.000-05:002011-09-03T12:27:48.789-05:00

On almost any given day you would find some kind of trinket: a bauble, a stone, a feather, a glass bead... in my pocket, on my desk at home or the church office, in my bedroom, or in my car. These are items of little monetary value, but of great sentimental value. They are something my four year old daughter, Gracie has given to me. So often she will come up and hand me something to keep. It

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-74727107337291787872011-08-30T09:16:00.000-05:002011-08-30T09:16:38.015-05:00

My uncle Cal was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Some of you have dealt with this deadly affliction yourself - with your spouse, or mom or dad, or grandparent. And you understand how tragically this disease impacts the whole family. Uncle Cal has recently had to retire from work, because of this disease, and is currently at home with his wife. He served in the Marine Corp as a machine

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-84441478675737000072011-08-24T15:07:00.000-05:002011-08-24T15:07:44.272-05:00

Earlier this week I stopped by the Milton Family Restaurant for a late breakfast. As I sat in my booth, reading one of my books and eating a wonderful omelet, I listened to the chatter and laughter around me. I enjoy so very much listening to people in fellowship. Friends reuniting, family members gathering, people talking and sharing. As I came into the restaurant I walked by a table

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-56809949860072535162011-08-12T09:55:00.000-05:002011-08-12T09:55:53.694-05:00

A week or two ago I listened to a thunder and lightening storm roll in. I watched the lightening stream through the sky. I heard the thunder rumbling in the heavens. I felt the raindrops pelting down. And I wondered at the wonder of God’s might. Several weeks ago, as I drove through the Bad Lands in South Dakota, I wondered at the creative, majestic, might of God. And I was drawn to the

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-1581810861522794622011-07-01T13:59:00.000-05:002011-07-01T13:59:25.658-05:00

I was recently reminded of the parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:1-23, when my 3 year old daughter asked me about our roses (growing outside our back door). We have a small rose bush that gives 2-3 roses each summer. As we were coming into the house she asked me why one rose was blossoming and looking beautiful, and the other two were not. I said perhaps the one rose bud is getting

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-28155463819576117002011-06-07T16:27:00.004-05:002011-06-07T18:20:41.897-05:00

I recently completed a sermon series entitled, “Keeping It Green”. It was a short series – 3 weeks long. The overarching scripture verse supporting the series came from Genesis 2 “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. I have given you every

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-49999676324257940772011-05-20T11:27:00.000-05:002011-05-20T11:27:13.769-05:00

Perhaps you have heard the recent news that the end times are upon us? Harold Camping, founder of Family Radio, has been instrumental in proclaiming the end date (or Judgement Day) as May 21st, 2011. His date selection is based on the analysis of hundreds of biblical verses. Many have taken this as an opportunity to plan nothing beyond that date. I've read reports of some people leaving their

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-76464407562366943162011-05-04T11:20:00.004-05:002011-05-04T11:30:33.991-05:00

May God bless you today! It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining in my office window. The green plants on my sill are growing. I see the birds outside and I hear children's laughter in the room next to me (our preschool in full swing!). Today I am counting my blessings as I read about, think about, and pray for those who have been impacted by devestating tornadoes last week. Eighteen states

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-68519071574590028682011-05-04T11:16:00.005-05:002011-05-04T11:33:00.606-05:00

The news of Osama bin Laden’s death, perhaps much like the news of 911, is that which will leave many saying – I know exactly where I was when… For me, I was laying on the couch watching TV when my wife leaned around the computer screen and said to me, bin Laden is dead. Since hearing the news I have listened to commentary from CNN correspondents, congressmen and senators, and of course

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-42417279695243278122011-03-02T13:01:00.002-06:002011-03-02T13:03:32.658-06:00

Our culture, our society today, is one of busyness. We tend to rush from one task to another, from this errand to that, making a pick-up, dropping something off, shopping here or there and in one way or another generally rushing about. It seems we have taken it upon ourselves to fill every moment of our days with activities. Because of this we often miss out on the quiet solitude, and inner

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-36715989709975117602011-02-24T11:01:00.001-06:002011-02-24T11:02:41.642-06:00

For over well over a week now I have followed the news of Governor Scott Walker, the Republicans and the Unions “going at it” in terms of Walker’s proposal to cut the $137 million state budget deficit which is projected to top $3.6 billion by 2014. As a means of addressing the budget Walker moves that public employees pay into their retirement and help cover medical insurance costs.

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-44733046669753688712011-01-31T20:54:00.002-06:002011-02-03T10:23:55.021-06:00

I had a wonderful question posed to me following my prior blog posting. The question was essentially, do I really believe someone can have an eternal relationship, "be saved", and not be a follower or believer in Jesus Christ? This is my attempt to answer that question.As I've explored the world religions more in depth these last several weeks (more than ever before) I've come to learn there are

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-49981221874201593732011-01-26T15:35:00.005-06:002011-01-26T15:59:50.971-06:00

Throughout the month of January and much of February we are on a journey of exploring our world religions. Together, on Sunday mornings, we are looking at the world’s five major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. In the introduction of this series I ask the congregation four vital questions. 1) Why are there so many different religions?2) How should Christians view

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-26629376853727377962011-01-07T21:23:00.009-06:002011-01-09T07:57:26.118-06:00

Every now and then I pause, calmly consider my life, count my blessings, and admit to myself I need a new perspective. I sometimes feel in a rut, in the same ole routine and need to look at things differently. Mark Twain once wrote, "What, then, is the true Gospel of consistency? Change. Who is the really consistent man? The man who changes. Since change is the law of his being, he cannot be

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-74292068720196360562011-01-06T12:38:00.001-06:002011-01-06T12:54:36.449-06:00

Our world today, in some ways, is very different than it was only a generation or two ago. When I was young and growing up there was not a great diversity of faiths or religions surrounding me – I did not grow up with a mosque in town, a Muslim temple or Jewish synagogue; we did not have practicing Buddhists in my school – at least not that I knew of. I did not grow up knowing the difference

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-79114004788522381482010-12-23T10:20:00.004-06:002010-12-23T10:52:18.125-06:00

So often as I read through the stories of the Bible I am overwhelmed by the enormity of its stories. They are large, grandiose, big! From these opening words of Genesis a picture is formed in our minds of an immense, immeasurable vastness – it is dark and empty and quite frankly scary. And God is there – and God said let there be light – and we go from empty darkness to a light filled world and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-70020650945330769582010-12-16T08:56:00.004-06:002010-12-16T09:16:54.583-06:00

Last night I was invited to speak at a presentation and viewing for a 40 minute video entitled "Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case That Made History". The presentation was organized by Robert Alexander, a Milton HS graduate and co-chair for the Fair Wisconsin South Central Action Network. In conjunction with Robert, Brian Juchems, program director for Gay Strait Alliance Safe Schools

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-26552841812896915702010-12-12T18:59:00.010-06:002010-12-12T19:49:43.759-06:00

This Sunday morning I cancelled our worship services due to inclement weather - snow, ice, blowing and freezing temps gave cause to question as to whether we should hold services or not. Better sense prevailed when I received call after call (I had made it to the church office myself) from ushers, advent candle lighters and readers, and our Sunday School director saying they were snowed in and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-34467270775259283672010-12-08T10:16:00.009-06:002010-12-08T11:53:56.052-06:00

Recently Adam Hamilton asked a question of his Facebook friends: "What are the five most important qualities of pastoral leaders that create or lead vibrant, alive churches?" He received 55+ responses and then followed up with another question: "What is the one thing that could strengthen current and future pastoral leaders in the UMC that would have the greatest possible impact on reversing the

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-26238720248572770502010-12-03T09:48:00.004-06:002010-12-03T10:37:22.773-06:00

Mother Teresa has often been quoted for saying that God doesn't desire us to do great things, but to do little things with great love. How true this is. For the third year in a row I have held my annual Chicago Street Milton Food Pantry Drive and have again met great success with it. Let me preface this all by saying - I am not writing this article to say hey! look at me and what I'm doing! But

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-17150434886954276722010-11-30T21:03:00.002-06:002010-11-30T21:22:48.886-06:00

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am doing a series utilizing the framework of a classic story, the Christmas Carol, to undergird the scriptural message of Advent. Dickens', A Christmas Carol, helps to put into perspective how our lives are shaped by "Christmas Past" to "Christmas Present" and for the "Christmas Future".This evening I was completing a funeral sermon for tomorrow. The service

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-8383504025907843742010-11-26T21:32:00.002-06:002010-11-26T21:44:12.298-06:00

Advent season is already upon us and quite likely sooner than we expected! It kind of snuck up on us. Our first Sunday of Advent is November 28th. Advent is the time of expectation, anticipation, and coming - which means we anticipate, expect and celebrate the coming of the birth of Jesus Christ. This Advent I want to look at three seasons or times which should receive our attention. The

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-58771667934727855082010-11-26T21:17:00.003-06:002010-11-26T21:30:47.837-06:00

It has been such a while since posting, that I thought I would start with this one - Black Friday shopping. The apprehension and anxiety leading to trepidation is always highest just before Friday - around 4:00am. News articles, blogs, websites... all talk about the crowds and difficulty in shopping the day after Thanksgiving. This year I thought I would give it a try - see what the hype is all

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-2982526231926021772010-08-27T10:56:00.003-05:002010-08-27T11:12:16.194-05:00

Last night as I drove home, pulling into my driveway, I saw a man walking his dog down our street. Seeing him brought back memories to me. I stopped at the head of my drive way and got out of the car - retrieving the empty garbage cans on the corner of my front lawn. As the man came abreast of my house I said to him - "a beautiful night for a walk". He looked at me and said, "Excellent night.

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-86641467365494189932010-08-10T11:35:00.004-05:002010-08-11T09:37:02.467-05:00

Recently our Milton Police department installed a brilliant red drop off box in front of the police station labeled, Drug Drop-Off. I had the pleasure of watching as they installed the box and then spoke with the police department about the box. The Milton Police department is the first agency in Rock County to offer this permanent, 24-hour, prescription drug drop-off. It is a mailbox-style drop

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-7730677680225155982010-08-07T11:12:00.001-05:002010-08-07T11:14:02.805-05:00

If you’ve followed the Christian news at all recently, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Anne Rice’s declaration to stop following Christianity, while still being a follower of Christ. Anne is the best selling author of the Vampire Chronicles and recently wrote the book, Of Love and Evil. Ten years ago Anne made headlines in declaring her return to her Catholic heritage and moving from atheist to

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-2594742992023550432010-05-20T09:20:00.003-05:002010-05-20T20:38:47.542-05:00

Of all the Ten Commandments, God committed the most words to the 5th. In the KJV, it reads like this: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-38291464873552660762010-05-18T11:08:00.002-05:002010-05-18T11:15:04.442-05:00

The contemporary music group, Casting Crowns, wrote a hit song a number of years ago that asks some powerful, poignant questions. If We Are The Body contains such questions as: “… if we are the body, why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going? Why is his love not showing them there is a way?”The

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-62051477377473227722010-05-07T11:46:00.001-05:002010-05-07T11:48:17.575-05:00

Today I wanted to share one of the ways Brenda and I give outside our local community. I felt prompted to do so when I was standing at the refrigerator the other morning, looking at the many faces children gazing back at me. When you look at our refrigerator you will see faces of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends (mostly young and some older). There is no real order to the pictures – they are

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-72561260553390546242010-05-06T13:09:00.002-05:002010-05-06T13:11:53.906-05:00

The contemporary music group, Casting Crowns, wrote a hit song a number of years ago that asks some powerful, poignant questions. If We Are The Body contains such questions as: “… if we are the body, why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going? Why is his love not showing them there is a way?”

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-14495580162108024192010-05-06T10:14:00.002-05:002010-05-06T10:20:23.349-05:00

May 6th is our National Prayer Day. Perhaps you have heard some news or seen rumors that President Obama has canceled National Prayer Day. This is decidedly false. President Obama supports our day of prayer and recognizes the necessity of it. In fact he wrote this in support last year:Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-1902322497333855152010-04-19T20:47:00.002-05:002010-04-19T20:50:48.155-05:00

Now we come to the fourth and final part of our “Discipleship” series. One of the things that made Jesus such a worthy preacher – besides his divine nature – was that he often spoke in such a way that people connected to what he was saying. He used vivid imagery to paint a picture of the message he was giving and the imagery he used was one of both the time and place. When he described himself

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-9651534477204855042010-04-12T13:19:00.002-05:002010-04-12T13:23:34.311-05:00

Two articles precede this one: Love One Another and Abide In My Word. This is the third part of a four part series discussing Jesus’ call to discipleship. My intent in this series is to better understand who Jesus is in our lives. When we begin to understand who Jesus is in our lives I believe we begin to make some changes in the way we think and the way we do things – which is precisely

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-67880063508008696502010-03-25T10:06:00.000-05:002010-03-25T10:07:31.505-05:00

A while back I mentioned the passing of my dear friend Bailey. Bailey, a Chessie-Chocolate lab, was my constant companion for the last 10 years or so. Putting him to sleep was a very difficult thing. Now, as spring is upon us, my spirits are soaring once again. The sun has a way of lifting our spirits, especially with the warmer temperatures coming our way. It’s with great pleasure I

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-90762688307600601812010-01-04T19:42:00.003-06:002010-01-04T19:48:19.896-06:00

In my last article I looked at Jesus’ command to love one another even as he has loved us. Today we look at John 8:31-32 which states, “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” Truth is a word that is often considered paradoxical at best. It is a word both

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-85551705863802555102009-12-22T14:15:00.001-06:002009-12-22T14:22:12.281-06:00

This Advent I spent time learning more about who Jesus is through the commands he gives to us as his disciples. There are four times in our gospels where Jesus says – if you are to be my disciples, you will do this. Today I want to look at his words from John 13:34-35. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-53727434472069443482009-10-16T22:24:00.000-05:002009-10-16T22:27:34.017-05:00

I read an article a day or two ago about the burning of a 15-year old boy. He was set on fire by five of his classmates ranging in age from 13-15. The young victim has 65% of his body burned – all over $40 owed for a video game. When Michael – the victim – didn’t pay up, the boy whom Michael owed the money tried to steal Michael’s dad’s $500 mountain bike. Michael’s father called the police

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-24630922493736825572009-10-06T10:07:00.003-05:002009-10-06T10:49:33.729-05:00

Only a couple of weeks have passed since my dear friend Bailey was put to sleep. Bailey was my ten year old Chessie-Chocolate Lab mix. Many of you have expressed your condolences in one form or another - cards, calls, talking in the hallways of our church. And I thank you for your kind words.It's amazing how special we find our pets - our friends - to be as we learn about their personalities,

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-30725055493412553742009-10-01T15:00:00.003-05:002009-10-01T15:18:02.975-05:00

I recently had shoulder surgery - last week as a matter of fact. During my invalid time I reflected on all the things I was no longer able to do. I hadn't realized how hampered I would be without the use of my right arm. Simple things like getting dressed, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, reading a book, lifting a gallon of milk, opening the fridge door - all things I might use my right

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-84023963726567454552009-08-23T11:14:00.002-05:002009-08-23T11:29:39.148-05:00

There has been a recent rash of criticism in the news towards Scotland for their release of terrorist al Megrahi. This terrorist was responsible for killing 270 people in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. He was holding a lifetime prison sentence for this attrocious act of murder, but was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He has a very short time to live.

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-37267997863859408442009-08-20T11:56:00.002-05:002009-08-20T12:01:44.447-05:00

I don’t believe there are many in this world who start out their lives with a destination of poverty, abuse, homelessness, a life of crime, or addiction in mind. In fact when you ask the question of any child, ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’? You receive an answer like: I want to be a fireman when I grow up. I want to be a football star. I want to be a ballerina… or as they get a

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-82652925915355807832009-07-31T17:40:00.002-05:002009-07-31T17:55:42.980-05:00

This week I am attending the School of Congregational Development held in Evanston IL. This is an annual teaching conference hosted by the United Methodist Annual Conference designed to help church leaders learn new ways to grow congregations, launch new churches, think outside the box and develop quality leaders who will help take the church to new levels. Overall the conference has been

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-56470923858889011712009-07-27T13:36:00.003-05:002009-07-27T13:59:13.239-05:00

I’m currently reading through the Bible cover to cover. Each time I read through the Bible something blessedly new comes to my attention. This time, as I read through the book of Leviticus, what caught my attention was not a particular verse, but rather the title of the book itself. What does Leviticus mean?The opening word of Leviticus in Hebrew is wayyiqra’, which means “and he called” or "The

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-44966057684071114242009-07-06T10:13:00.001-05:002009-07-06T10:15:25.461-05:00

Lift A Prayer To GodOne of my favorite television shows, 7th Heaven, features a pastor of a non-denominational church in the fictional town of Glen Oak, CA. The Reverend Eric Camden, his wife Annie, and their seven children experience a multitude of issues throughout their church and community. The dilemmas dealt with on each show run the gambit from alcoholism and drug usage to infidelity and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-1052400075845804902009-05-16T15:10:00.001-05:002009-05-16T15:13:24.571-05:00

During the month of February I read several news articles reporting on the celebration of one of the world’s most noted naturalists. Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who brought to the world the theories of evolution, is being remembered this month on the 200th anniversary of his birth. As I’ve read these articles I’ve been reminded of the “culture wars” over the issue of human origin and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-8288143843873609132009-05-16T15:05:00.002-05:002009-05-16T15:08:15.100-05:00

In Part I and II of In His Steps, I introduced a book written by Charles M. Sheldon. Throughout the novel a question is asked by those who strive to reshape their lives according to how Jesus would respond in a given situation. For one year certain members from the mythical First Church of Raymond are committed to asking themselves, “What would Jesus do?” as a guide to their daily lives. Their

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-27085444042959668242009-03-22T17:28:00.003-05:002009-03-22T17:33:13.555-05:00

With In His Steps – Part I, I introduced you to a book written by Charles M. Sheldon. In the book Pastor Henry Maxwell asks his congregation to live each day and to make each decision according to a question, “What would Jesus do?” Fifty people of his congregation accept this challenge while the majority of the congregation does not. The action of these folks cause more than some angst within

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-7185549111093391542009-03-09T16:06:00.002-05:002009-03-09T16:10:42.562-05:00

Every now and then we come across a book that leaves an impression upon us. Perhaps it is one of those books designated as “the next great American novel”. The book might resonate with our lives, speak to our heart, call us to something better or simply touch us in a very special way and remind us to reflect on our lives. Certainly the Bible falls into that category, but at the moment I’m

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-83359151333834536442009-02-13T13:45:00.002-06:002009-02-13T14:21:21.080-06:00

I recently completed the book, the Lemon Tree written by Sandy Tolan. This is a wonderful read which sheds some light on the Israeli-Arab-Palestinian issue that has long been in the news. As I mentioned in my last blog I wanted to do some research to learn more about why Hamas has been attacking Israel. While I a far from knowing all the issues the book did a wonderful job describing the

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-2354379142211084612009-01-23T23:18:00.002-06:002009-01-23T23:22:11.151-06:00

I’ve been following, admittedly with some trepidation, the happenings between Israel and Gaza. I have wondered greatly at the cause and reason for the bombings, the killings, the wantonness and seemingly unreasonable behavior between the Hamas and the Israelites. Why would a small group of people in a non-descript strip of a war-torn land lob bombs over “the wall” at a nation that could quite

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-37157593898681182992009-01-09T10:46:00.001-06:002009-01-09T10:49:52.835-06:00

Growing up as a Catholic we had regular confession time where I would go into the confessional box – confess my sins to the priest – receive my penance of Hail Mary’s and Our Fathers and then continue with my life. As a young boy there were only so many things I could say that I was doing wrong – I was fighting with my brothers (an every day occurrence sometimes), I was disobeying my parents (

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-74533200570600894132008-12-21T19:33:00.000-06:002008-12-21T19:37:37.316-06:00

There are many favored and treasured Christmas stories we have listened to in our years of growing up and growing older. Some of these stories we have read in books such as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; some of these we have seen on the big screen such as Jimmy Stewart’s It’s a Wonderful Life; many of these we have watched on television. One of my favorite Christmas stories that I try to watch

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-91428118334812506562008-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:002008-12-13T09:06:48.129-06:00

Last year, around this time, I spent a couple of hours with a man who is on a 5-year bicycle journey across the states raising the awareness of a POW in the Iraq war. He came into my office shedding many layers of clothing and then spent an hour or so telling me his story. In the end I asked how I could be of help to him, resulting in my taking him to the Comfort Inn and putting him up for two

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-40389938867077610532008-12-03T15:42:00.001-06:002008-12-03T15:47:56.160-06:00

As president of the Greater Milton Ministry Association I will be meeting with the local pastors and district school superintendent in just a few days. I'll lead the time of prayer and open the discussion with a focus on the economic situation and how it affects the families in our communities. Let me share with you the devotion and prayer I have written for this meeting. I believe with my

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-60749343598193812592008-11-10T10:09:00.000-06:002008-11-10T10:12:05.987-06:00

This last year I committed, along with several of my congregation, to read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelations three chapters a day and on Sunday five chapters. This morning, in my daily reading my attention was caught by the words of Jesus Christ written in Matthew chapter six. Verses twenty-five through thirty-four share a comforting message of needing not to worry. “Therefore I

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-75504669057270131852008-11-07T10:12:00.000-06:002008-11-07T10:15:38.299-06:00

It’s Tuesday evening and I’m following the presidential and other national and local political races on the one television channel we have – Channel 27 WKOW and ABC. My family and I are at a relatively remote cottage off Curtis Lake in Marquette County. We are on a brief vacation – gratitude of our neighbor and church member who loaned us the use of their family cottage. The remoteness is

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-42656334339919246592008-10-31T22:11:00.000-05:002008-10-31T22:13:07.047-05:00

Sometimes those in ministry may fall into the trap of believing their function – their role as pastor and preacher – is quite special and separate from others. They read the Scripture, study about God from the Bible as well as other books, and they tell other people what they do not know. They are to preach the Word and the congregation is to listen. So who are the experts in spiritual and

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-50057267716625425532008-10-12T15:51:00.000-05:002008-10-12T15:53:15.232-05:00

In recent Wisconsin GOP rallies Obama has been taking a heated pounding from the rally-ers to the extent of what I would call unreasonable. KDKA.com reports, “Some in the audience are making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of “traitor,” “terrorist,” “treason,” “liar,” and even “off with his head” have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181402898514029366.post-89715091462654589992008-10-03T10:03:00.000-05:002008-10-03T10:06:08.924-05:00

I recently read a reflection from Abbie Jane Wells who wrote, “Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “sent forth his Son”. This raised an interesting perspective I had not thought of before. Before I share that angle with you let us look at the scriptural text that tells us of the coming birth of Jesus.

Patrick Schultzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370003974738391697noreply@blogger.com0