Remarks of the Conference Minister at Annual Meeting (updated)

"For just such a time as this..."

This single verse, out of context and at first glance, reveals a theme of possibility and hope. However, a deeper look at the full passage reveals themes of tension and worry, and of fear about yet another pogrom. By looking at the tension between fear and hope, I think we finally might arrive at a theme of holy discernment, and ultimately a call to action.

I am struck by cousin Mordecai's words to Esther about the impending doom for the Jewish people: "For if you insist on remaining silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether it was not for such a time as this that you came into royalty?"

Certainly Esther feels the tension, not communally, at first, but in a singularly unique way: 'It is a risk to my life to approach the king unbidden.'

Finally, as this drama plays out, there is solidarity. Even in the face of all that is trying and difficult and fearful, there is discernment and resolve seen in Esther's eventual response: "Go assemble all the Jews present in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat and do not drink for three days, night and day, and I and my maids will fast as well. Then I will go in to the king, though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

I need to let you know that I feel this tension within the Michigan Conference - albeit at a much, much smaller level. When I visit some places in the state, I hear echoes of Mordecai's words. 'Our churches are struggling, our communities are suffering, and the transition at the Conference level means that we have often felt alone in our mission and ministry.' This, I can imagine, feels like our 21st century post- Christendom version of Esther.

When I survey the last five years at the Conference office, I see reduction in staff and funding: the loss of a fund developer, of an Associate Conference Minister's position, of two Office Assistants, and remaining staff working twice as hard to complete the same amount of work. There is year after year of decline in Our Church's Wider Mission. I feel the pressure of these dynamics and Mordecai's pronouncement - 'relief and deliverance may come from elsewhere, but this is the time, and this is the place - let's get going.' I wonder, is he speaking to me?

At the same time, I feel Esther's dilemma. There are many powers that be, and one must tread carefully through the politics of any given situation. As a total outsider to Michigan, I can feel her isolation and her need to stay within the boundaries of proper decorum until the time is right - until she is bidden by the powers.

And yet, and yet, I am coming to believe that it is the solidarity created by Esther's call for fasting - that creates the spiritual fortitude needed to carry on.  Continue Reading

Remarks of the Conference Minister at Annual Meeting (updated) 

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