July/August
I spend Wednesday mornings on the Courthouse Square, smack-dab in the middle of the Farmers’ Market. Lots of people walk by, some take notice of my Pastor with Coffee sign and smile, some stop for a minute and say hello, a few sit down in the empty chair and talk for a while. I’ve prayed for grandkids, for upcoming medical appointments, and for individuals figuring out what comes next in life. I get updated on what’s going on in town and often hear historical data on days gone by in Delhi. I’m always happy to talk theology, but it’s not what most people want to talk about. Being on the Square is fun, and the welcome and respect I receive from people there reminds me that the presence of the church in general, and of United Ministry in particular, is appreciated in the community. I’m not there just because I like people, though I do like people; I’m there because I want the church to be known as a welcoming community, available to anyone and everyone. United Ministry will have a presence – a table with cookies and brochures and friendly faces to talk to – at Fair on the Square for two of the four Fridays in July. The men’s breakfast gathers at the Diner on Wednesday mornings at 10. All of these are opportunities to let the world know that the people of God here at 1 Church St., Delhi, seek to be witnesses of Christ’s love for the world. We have a great church – you know that at least as well as I know that. But there are lots of people who don’t quite know what the church is all about – it’s a cool place, sure. But is it weird? Scary? Boring? Too hard? We’re not really any of those things, but the way people will know that is through you, through your loving, laughing, caring presence in the world. And they won’t know that’s Jesus in you if you’re embarrassed to talk about it. You don’t need to opine on the specifics of atonement or on eschatology. But a word or two about the peace or joy you felt in worship last Sunday, or an invitation to a friend to join you at the Outdoor service in August could be just what our next new member, whoever he or she is, needs to hear. Don’t be shy. You are the witnesses who will make someone feel like this would be a good place to be part of.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cathy
June 2024
Rick and I drove to Charlotte, North Carolina at the end of April to be present at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. General Conference occurs every four years (or eight when there’s a pandemic) and it gathers United Methodists from all over the globe to make decisions about how the church will witness to the gospel and to the love of Christ for the next four years. Important decisions were made; love was proclaimed; justice was embraced; joy was experienced. The most significant decisions made were identified as 3 “R”s.
- Removal. Language was eliminated from the Book of Discipline and from the Social Principles of the UMC that said, “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” That untruth, and rules based on that untruth, have been taken out of our guiding rules and regulations. This decision is historic. It was wonderful to be part of the gathered fellowship celebrating the decision!
- Regionalization. The General Conference voted to re-organize the United Methodist Church to enable churches in the United States to make decisions about some aspects of our work with regard to our own ministry and mission, which may be different from the ministry and mission of other churches in other places. The decision on regionalization is a change in the by-laws of the UMC and has to be ratified by a vote across Annual Conferences over the next quadrennium.
- Revised Social Principles. The Board of Church and Society presented the General Conference with a fully updated revision of the Social Principles. They were slightly amended and then passed with enthusiasm. The Social Principles had not been significantly updated since 1976. The new document has a lot to say about creation care, about the ethics of global capitalism and commerce, about how we live together as families, neighbors, and the human family. It will be available in printed final form in January 2025.
Thanks for supporting me as an observer at General Conference. It was so good to be part of this new day and new hope for the United Methodist Church.
Back on the home front, I aim to print a few copies of my sermon each Sunday for those who are interested. I can email copies out, too; just send me a request at revcathy@gmail.com.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cathy
