Our journey into the Lenten Dark Wood has invited us to reflect on how the experience of things, we would avoid if we could, might have gifts to offer. What new perspective might we see when considering things like the pandemic, the diminishing positive influence faith has in culture, or declining church attendance?
How might we find the opportunity, the gift, the opening, this moment offers?--just 40+ days from GC, when 20% of US congregations have disaffiliated, when budgets and worship attendance have decreased? What might the urgency of this time offer us in noticing the values we hold most dear? How do these trying times refocus us on the inclusive, gospel good news we want to proclaim?
Understanding that the "Leviathan of the big denomination and an obsession with growing and being the biggest has had its day." (as church historian and scholar Tom Frank wrote), how can we build something new together? How can we be grateful for the good the UMC has offered for 51 years through some turbulent times and work together to envision something leaner but also more international, more regional, more collaborative, and more diverse?
That's the work of the Love Your Neighbor Coalition -- representing 15+ UM-related caucus groups working together for justice and to assure the UMC is fully open to the presence, love and grace of God offered to all people. We commit to love each other and stay in relationship. You can financially support their work by clicking the button below.
Thanks,
Pastor Kelly
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