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From the Pastor

Dear Friends at Mouzon UMC            

In my service as an Interim Minister, I’m enjoying the fact that Staff Parish Relations Committees and congregational reflection groups are apparently more “open” to ask me pointed questions.  This is a real treat because I believe this kind of engagement enables us to eventually work even closer in ministry than any reticence could elicit from pastor-parish partnerships.  Whatever the reasons, relationships seldom grow except in the warm light of caring honesty carefully couched in respect for another’s personhood and worth as a child of God.  Stated very negatively, the day of demeaning paternalism is dead—thank God!  While there are other manifestations of this kind of culture, this one has been the most prominent. 

One of the most exciting queries occurred back in December of 2008 while I was being interviewed by the Staff Parish Relations Committee of the St. Stephen United Methodist Church.  We had exchanged the important information of introducing each to the other.  I had received from them vital information about beginning my relationship as senior minister for the church.  Then the chair asked the committee members if they had questions for me.  The questions began, as most would expect, in the “normal” range.  Then one committee member began to explore what he referred to as “your intolerance”, asking “Tom, can you share with us your chief intolerance?” 

My immediate response was silence as I searched for as honest an answer as was within my capability.  This was not a small question!  I suggest that you, the reader, think about your own answer.  I began, calling the questioner by name, “While I might struggle to discover other intolerances, I believe there’s only one that really “bugs” me.  I am intolerant of intolerance.”  The meeting continued with other questions and well wishes.  We concluded our time with prayer for an effective and fruitful ministry together and went home. 

As I drove the short distance to my home, that question and answer kept bouncing around in my head.  This mental activity continued for several days.  It “comes to me” off and on.  I hope it always will.

In truth, intolerance is a creation of the dark spirits of this world and any other.  It prevents relationship.  It shouts in a menacing fashion, “ I want my way.”  It even declares “Don’t bother me with the facts.  My mind is made up”.  It can destroy the smallest connection and spoil the success of the greatest of nations.  There are seemingly no limits to its destructive power.

And, Yes, it can cause even the most effective Church to alter its course away from the passionate pursuit of the Gospel’s strongest principles. Among other Christian brothers and sisters, it can create the attitude that “My church is better than your church.”  It is insidious enough to penetrate the strongest defenses.  Our lives can become whole without it.  Little progress can be made if it’s damaging poison takes control of our destiny.  Enter, stage right, the argument that integrity and principle are vital to the life of all!  My response is a strong “yes.”  This is indeed very true and critically important to who we are and whose we are.  These must be upheld.  Yet, ever present in the life of all whose core is genuinely such, there is always the threat of beginning to believe that “I’m right and you’re wrong.”   

My point in all this?  God calls each of us to be all that we can be.  God calls us also to work and witness in relationship so that others can respond in this same way.  It isn’t easy to practice tolerance.  It is necessary as we embrace the faith that makes it all possible. 

 

                                             --Tom Sigmon

           

 

 

     

        

Welcome!

Who We Are

Located about four miles south of downtown Charlotte, Mouzon United Methodist Church is nestled on the corner of Selwyn Avenue and Woodlawn Road.

An urban church in a neighborhood setting, the 490-member congregation is a diverse mix of all ages and stages. Mouzon offers a welcoming and encouraging environment for personal and spiritual growth.

Dedicated to supporting local service organizations and global mission projects through hands-on involvement, as well as funding, Mouzon reaches out with the love of Christ to serve both the needs of Charlotte and our world community.

Come Visit Us

Please come worship and serve God with us. We're sure you'll find us to be a warm and welcoming faith family. We invite you to participate in any of our ministries and activities. Please contact us for more information.

To see a photo collage of our people and ministries, click the star.

MOUZON GUIDELINES:  

In the event of dangerous inclement weather, the following is Mouzon's emergency communications plan:

                *   Postings will be made on WSOC-TV

                *   Emails will be sent to those of you who have this electronic mail.

                *   Volunteers will attempt to contact others by telephone.

                *   Our church website will post pertinent information.

Your safety is important to us.  We will make every attempt to provide opportunities to worship and to learn unless we are forced to make decisions related to safety under extreme conditions.  Also, we ask that you remember the importance of your presence as a part of our faith community and your gifts on a regular and consistent basis.

 


What's in a Name?
Many people ask about the name "Mouzon" (pronounced moo-zon). The church, formed in 1945, was named in honor of Bishop Edwin D. Mouzon, who served the Western North Carolina Conference and was known for his involvement in and support of Christian mission ministries.

Where We Are
Click here for a map to our church.

 The Touch of the Master’s Hand

Was battered and scarred, and the auctioneerThought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin, But he held it up with a smile.  “What am I  biddin’, good folks?” he cried.

“Who’ll start the biddin’ for me?”

“A dollar? A dollar.  Then two? Only two? Two dollars and who’ll make it three?”

Three dollars once.  Three dollars twice! Going for three...but no.

From the room far back, a gray haired man came forward and picked up the bow.

Then wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loosened strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet, as the caroling angels sing. 

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, in a voice that was quiet and low, Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?” And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars?! And who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand once, three thousand twice, and going and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, “We don’t quite understand.

What changed its worth?” Swift came the reply, “The touch of the master’s hand.”

And many a man with  life out of tune, and battered and scarred by sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd much  like the old violin.

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on.

He’s going once, and going twice, he’s going and almost gone.

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never quite understands,

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought by the touch of the Master’s hand. (Author unknown)

 

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