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FUMC Friends and Family,
In some form over the past nine months, we have been engaged in educational steps related to denominational matters regarding human sexuality. On May 8, our discernment subcommittee voted (6-5) to recommend to the Administrative Board, in the form of a motion, that our congregation begin what we have been calling “D” Discernment. Last night, our Administrative Board accepted the recommendation of the discernment subcommittee by voting (31-30) to move into the “Procedures and Processes for Churches Disaffiliating under ¶ 2553 of the Book of Discipline.” In keeping with the Book of Discipline and the process documents of our Annual Conference, I contacted our District Superintendent by email and phone to formally make known the decision of our Board. From this point on, these procedures and processes will be managed by the District Superintendent’s office. The complete document for these procedures and processes is available by clicking here.
For the next few months, I pray we all will commit to doing three things: stay in love with God, stay in love with the church, stay in love with your family. Moreover, summertime is upon us, and vacations are planned. VBS is approaching quickly. We have mission opportunities throughout the summer, too. So, my additional prayer is that you will use this season to heal, find respite, breathe, reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Take time to care for your soul, your mental health, your family, your Sunday school class, your neighbor, and people with whom you need to reengage. Our way forward is together. The past nine months have been trying on us all, but we can rise together in mission and ministry. I believe in us now more than ever. The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. That will never change, no matter how many challenges we face.
I leave you with a prayer from one of the pivotal figures in Church history—Eusebius of Caesarea, 4th century—and I hope you will save it somewhere for daily reflection in the coming months:
May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides.
May I never quarrel with those nearest me; and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly.
May I never devise evil against any man; if any devise evil against me, May I escape uninjured and without the need of hurting him.
May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good.
May I wish for all men's happiness and envy none.
May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me.
When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends.
May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another.
May I, to the extent of my power, give all needful help to my friends and to all who are in want.
May I never fail a friend in danger.
When visiting those in grief: may I be able, by gentle and healing words, to soften their pain.
May I respect myself. May I always tame that which rages within me.
May I accustom myself to be gentle and never be angry with people because of circumstances.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but know good men and follow in their footsteps, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God loves you. So do I.
With Joy,
Jay
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