Message
It has been a very long summer with so much happening across the UMC. Annual conferences, a church trial, new appointments, plans underway for restructuring across the denomination, and fall ministry event preparations. I had the privilege of speaking to a wonderful group of delegates at the Northwest Texas Annual Conference and am traveling this weekend to lead a women's retreat in upstate New York. It is a busy time. My family is also in the middle of a major downsize as we moved locally and still have most of our belongings in four POD containers in the driveway. Whew! It is only through the grace of God that He enables us to do far more than we could have ever accomplished on our own might. Preparations for General Conference 2012 have become a top priority for agencies and renewal groups across the UMC and your prayers and support are most needed and appreciated during this important time. RENEW is busy connecting with women, hearing their concerns, helping them with women's ministry, and advocating on their behalf. This newsletter contains important information on current issues we will be facing and how you can respond. I trust you will find it helpful. We continue to pray for the integrity of our denomination and the covenants that we believe are sacred to the future of United Methodism.
God bless you! |
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 |
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 Clergy and Laity Petition Bishops
A website (www.faithfulumc.com ) has been set up for clergy and laity to sign on to letter being sent to the Council of Bishops. As of today, almost 800 UM pastors and 1800 laity have signed the letter, which was originated by a group of 59 clergy from large member churches in the UMC. More than 40 of the clergy signatories pastor churches of over 5,000 members each.
The letter has been written to express grave concern over recent actions by ministerial leaders and annual conferences who have defied or pledged to violate the current covenants of the UMC found in our Book of Discipline which bans the performing of same-sex unions. According to the letters, the following actions have taken place which seriously threaten the unity and future of the UMC:
- 36 retired UM bishops have called on the UMC to reverse its long-standing position on the practice of homosexuality and same-sex "marriage;
- Over 900 UM clergy, in conferences across the US, have pledged to officiate at same-sex weddings;
- The North Illinois Annual Conference passed a resolution that clergy who disobey the Book of Discipline by performing same-sex unions will receive only a 24 hour suspension;
- In a recent church trial, a UM clergyperson received only a 20 day suspension and a written assignment in response to being found guilty of performing a "holy union" service; and
- Several annual conferences are enlisting clergy to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.
The letters outline critical consequences that could lead to anarchy and the eventual demise of our denomination if this "widespread ecclesiastical disobedience" is allowed to continue. With General Conference 2012 fast approaching (April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla.), inaction by the bishops will threaten any hope of respectful dialogue and "holy conferencing" at the quadrennial meeting of world-wide United Methodists. Your participation in this important initiative is encouraged. Please go to the website to read the letters and add your support. Also, forward the information to friends and colleagues. You may access the website HERE. According to an article written by the United Methodist News Service, the president of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Larry Goodpaster, confirmed the receipt of the letters and that the executive committee of the Council will review them and decide how to proceed before the fall meeting of the full council to be held Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. This UMNS article by Heather Hahn can be read HERE. |
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 Women's Division Update
As reported previously, the Women's Division is busy preparing for General Conference 2012 where they will seek to become a separate general agency within the UMC. As they structurally separate from the General Board of Global Ministries, many questions arise as to the effect this move will have on women's ministry within the church. Will their plan help or hinder the cause of official church acceptance for other women's ministry options within the denomination? RENEW will be following these developments closely.
Chart depicting proposed new structure of UMW HERE. The theological and political agenda of the Division remains the same--partisan, political activism and feminist teachings--offering little to more evangelical, conservative women within the UMC. My new article in Good News magazine explores this continued focus and can be read HERE. Articles in RESPONSE magazine and on the UMW website continue to reveal the liberal political and social justice agenda of the Women's Division. September 11th resources showed an emphasis on interfaith tolerance instead of American heartache over the tragedy. Their pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel agenda also remains evident as well.. During the 2011 National Seminar held in Birmingham, Alabama, the attendants participated in a pro-immigration rally against laws recently enacted to control illegal immigration in the state. Along with legislation to become their own agency, the Women's Division will be submitting these four resolutions: - Speaking Out for Compassion and Against Hate
- Criminalization of Communities of Color in the United States
- Seeking Peace in Afghanistan
- Caring for God's Creation
Some of the actions proposed in the resolutions ask for the church to convene conversations that "create sacred space" for dialog and prayer that address "issues of power and privilege without misusing their own"; to recognize international law in criminal justice and immigration policy; stop the "militarization" of poor communities of color by police and on the border; "enable people to work"; institute legalization programs for immigrants; create advocacy materials; mobilize congregations to challenge private prisons and detention centers; build alliances between citizen communities of color and new migrant communities; challenge police engagement in immigration enforcement; prompt and complete withdrawal of foreign troops in Afghanistan and immediate unilateral cease-fire; full investigations on drone bombing strikes in Afghanistan; to redirect war financial resources for social services; support alternative service education options for high school students besides military recruitment; and to advocate for the US to become a full party to a binding international climate change agreement under the auspices of the UN to combat the "300,000 deaths per year due to climate change". Full texts of the resolutions can be accessed HERE. |
 How Do You Know When You Are Called?
Women today are pulled in so many different directions that it is often difficult to know when God is calling us to a particular task. Sometimes it may seem like a small task, like praying for our friends and family. Sometimes it may be reaching out to a friend who is struggling and lonely. And sometimes...it may be something that we think we could never possibly do!
A recent article I read on women's ministry revealed some insights into this question that women are continually asking. The steps use the acronym HEART to answer...How can I determine my calling? - Humble your heart before the Lord. Humility is essential for a teachable, moldable heart. There must be a willingness to set aside your own agendas and surrender to God's plan for this particular moment in time.
- Examine your life experiences and current circumstances. God uses these to mold, train, and equip you for ministry. It is usually the most difficult trials that God later will use for His glory through you. When Jesus Christ is manifested through your struggles, heartaches, and spiritual victories....other lives can be transformed b witness.
- Apply your gifts, talents, and abilities. God will usually match your calling with your capabilities. Your joy and passion will usually be a good indication for where God is calling. Sometimes, He calls us outside our comfort zone, but He always equips us when He calls.
- Read, study, and pray God's Word. God will direct our steps and confirm our calling through His Word if we seek Him with our whole hearts.
- Trust in God's timing and in His answer. If you feel rushed, hurried, unorganized, anxious, or lack an inner peace...you are probably not in His will or it is not His timing. God's calling for you will always be perfectly orchestrated and timed to display His honor and glory...and never our own.
I pray you will open your HEART, use these valuable tools, and explore God's incredible calling for your own life....you will be blessed and be a blessing to others! From an article at www.womensministry.net . |
 RENEW recommends.....MAXIMUM FAITH
George Barna's new book explores the question of how does God transform people's lives? After a six year research study, Barna found that most American Christians take the "free gift" of salvation, but fail to pay the price that leads to a deep life transformation that enables them to truly "live like Jesus". He identifies barriers that keep many Christians from persevering and maximizing their connection with God such as commitment, repentance, activity, and spiritual community.
This book not only addresses personal transformation, but also explores how churches and ministries can apply these findings to evaluate their own fruitfulness and create a more transformational environment. A must read in this time of decreasing church attendance and membership loss.
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