|
As you may know, this past Saturday a special called session of our Annual Conference approved the disaffiliation of 55 churches whose congregations and leadership requested to leave the denomination. More will have the opportunity to do so through this year; even one of our neighbor churches here in Jacksonville will be voting next week. And maybe it goes without saying, but: Saturday was rough. This season has been frustrating and disappointing and sad. Truth be told, these days I’m less upset about the churches that are leaving – if you don’t want to be United Methodist that’s okay with me – but about the ways many of them have gone about it. I won’t make this a laundry list of my frustrations (you’re welcome), but if someone could point out the places that Jesus said, “the ends justify the means” or “love only the neighbors you’re comfortable with” it might help my blood pressure. Bishop Tom Berlin opened Saturday’s session with a brief lament that his first experience presiding over the Annual Conference was around disaffiliation, but quickly moved to a celebration of our coming Annual Conference proper in June. It will be a session, he said, for those invested in the future of The United Methodist Church, for those joyful to be in this shared ministry. He spoke of the vitality, love, and courage necessary to be about the risky work of ministry. I’ve thought about that a lot since Saturday. The joy of ministry together, of our shared purpose even as we don’t always agree. I’ve thought about the opportunity those that remain will have to refocus, reform, and get to work. To strive for Christ to be our center and guide, to step out in faith, in courage, and in love… And I believe those of us that remain have a lot of forward to look forward to. I get a taste of that so often with SMC. When we’re together, I feel hope in who we are and where we’re going. There is vitality in our congregation, in its uniqueness, its diversity, its welcome of all. There is courage to love and risk and question and challenge and listen. For these, and so many other reasons, I’m thrilled to have been placed at San Marco Church for another year, because I believe our movement is one that is already headed forward in hope and love, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. My thanks to each of you for being a part of this amazing family, and for the privilege I have of being a part. Rev. Ben Richards
|
