Ministers Musings
Just this past week, the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church shared a Guiding Vision for the church, a new statement of current understanding of who we are called to be.
“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
The video introducing this vision includes these words of explanation:
“Let’s briefly explore what this vision means in action:
Love Boldly: We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life.
Serve Joyfully: With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable, offering care and compassion with joy.
Lead Courageously: And, following Jesus’ example, we resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
In this new season, God is calling United Methodists to embody this vision as we form and grow disciples, develop Christ-like leaders, as we stand in solidarity with the poor and the most vulnerable, and seek health and wholeness for all people and creation.”
On Mother’s Day we will use an Affirmation of Faith in worship that was newly approved and endorsed by the Susquehanna Presbytery (that’s our local Presbytery).
Much of what we do and say as The United Ministry is based on old, old words – words of scripture, proclaimed by the prophets, declared by Jesus, explained by gospel writers and authors of letters to old, old churches. New words, new thoughts, new commitments are a welcome addition to our language and to our witness to God’s grace. Our shared belonging to both the United Methodist and the Presbyterian traditions brings us in contact with a wealth of wisdom and vision for the days that are to come. Thanks be to God for fellow disciples willing to put their hope and their faith into new words for us to embrace for our ministry in 2025 and beyond.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cathy
