Good morning…
Yesterday morning, I received a copy of the heartfelt letter Rev. Bill Britt sent to congregants from nearby Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Here are some of the highlights.
- General Conference of the United Methodist Church has ended. In the last hour of the final session, delegates approved the “Traditional Plan” – the General Conference has upheld its prohibition of gay weddings officiated by United Methodist clergy or taking place in United Methodist churches as well as the prohibition of ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.
- Delegates also approved a plan providing a way for congregations that are not in agreement with the policies of the United Methodist Church to leave the denomination. What this means remains to be seen.
- Delegates referred the approved plan to the Judicial Council (the denomination’s “Supreme Court”) for a declaratory decision on its constitutionality. We will know after the Judicial Council meets in late April.
- Our church consists of members who probably are heartened by this news and others who are heartbroken. “If you are a Democrat or Republican, you are welcome here. If you are black or white, you are welcome here. If you are religious, not religious, or spiritual-but-not-religious, you are welcome here. If you are gay or straight, you are welcome here. All are welcome at the table at Peachtree Road!”
- Whenever there is conflict in the church, it is uncomfortable and even very painful. Oftentimes our first inclination is to run from the conflict. However, it is my experience that, in the midst of the conflict and pain, we are not alone, and oftentimes that is when God’s best work is done. Now is the time for us to seek God more earnestly and to draw even closer to one another.
In the afternoon, I received the thoughtful letter sent to Northside United Methodist Church members by our head pastor Dr. Bill Burch. Here are some of the highlights.
- This past week the United Methodist Church held a called General Conference to discuss the topic of human sexuality.
- After four days of debate, a proposal entitled the Modified Traditional Plan was approved by a vote of 438 to 384 (53% to 47%). It reinforces the current language of The Book of Discipline about sexuality and will go into effect January 2020.
- However, the plan has been referred to the Judicial Council which serves as the denomination’s Supreme Court. It is possible that parts of the plan will be disallowed as unconstitutional. The Judicial Council meets April 23-25 and further updates will be provided.
- In the aftermath of an emotional General Conference, many are hurting. Regardless of our diverse personal opinions, Scriptural interpretations, and theological convictions, let us treat one another with loving kindness.
- The first part of the Northside Mission Statement is also our theme for the year: There’s a Place for You. There is a place for all of us in the kingdom of God, the body of Jesus Christ, and Northside Church. What unites us is so much greater than anything that might divide us.
- Let us continue to live and serve together as God’s people at Northside Church: “One body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
I admire these two Methodist pastors, each named Bill, who are seeking God diligently as they shepherd their large, diverse church families. Dawning in our differences, the Holy Spirit of God seems to be saying through these two faithful leaders:
- All are welcome at the table. There is a place for all of us in the kingdom of God, the body of Jesus Christ.
- In the midst of the conflict and pain, we are not alone, and oftentimes that is when God’s best work is done.
- Regardless of our diverse personal opinions, Scriptural interpretations, and theological convictions, let us treat one another with loving kindness. What unites us is so much greater than anything that might divide us.
- Now is the time for us to seek God more earnestly and to draw even closer to one another. Let us continue to live and serve together as God’s people, empowered by “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:15-21, NIV).
…Sue…
