Reflections From General Conference

48 hours past the adjournment of the special called session of General Conference I wanted to share some thoughts.

The mood was somber. Tension grew. Pain was evident. Frustration and anger materialized.

At the end of the day the delegates voted down the One Church model, which would have removed all discriminatory language referring to homosexuality and given local churches the choice of hosting same sex marriages or not. Clergy would be given the choice to perform same sex marriages or not. Annual conferences would be given choices about ordaining self-avowed homosexuals. As with all these matters it is much more complex but that is the idea.

Later the conference affirmed the Traditional Model, which maintains the current position prohibiting same sex marriage and ordaining and appointing LGBTQ persons.

It was painful to witness LGBTQ persons suffer deep anguish at the outcome. My prayer is that we all commit to sharing the love of Christ with ALL.

At present the actions taken on the Traditional Plan are being reviewed by our Judicial Council. It could be two months before we know what actually was done. Such is the slow pace of action.

Much more took place but we can talk about that later when we can meet together. (Watch for an announcement. (EDITED TO NOTE: The Church Meeting will be held Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m.)

At this point I merely share my sense that PWC is most closely aligned with the principles of One Church. We are a diverse people with convictions across the spectrum. I am personally committed to pursuing a course of action that has the best interest of our church at heart. Certainly not everyone agrees and different opinions strengthen us.

The next months will give us an understanding of where we actually are. My hunch is we will be right where we were going into the conference.

This is an emotional time in the United Methodist Church, this is an emotional time in our own church. But the Holy Spirit is still able to comfort and empower his people.

I expect our church to continue to welcome all people, gay and straight, to know and claim the grace of God in Jesus Christ. I want our LGBTQ friends and family to know that many in our denomination grieve at the harm done. May forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation come.

For now we will all gather to worship, pray, fellowship, serve, and be the people of God. To the LGBTQ community we offer Christ.  We know that when we fail and fall short, Jesus never does. We continue to seek God’s best way forward.

Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening and still do church together.

Today we talked about the upcoming special called session of our United Methodist General Conference. We realize that we are deeply divided regarding LGBTQ issues. The hope is to find a way forward where we live together as United Methodists despite our differences.
Frankly, it is hard to vision 844 delegates from around the world who are deeply divided, find a way that will be acceptable to everyone.  People of good faith have arrived at different positions on issues.
But it has become obvious to me that it is possible for people who have very different opinions to love one another and serve together.
At Platte Woods Church we are Democrats and Republicans. We sit on the same row in worship. We are in classes together.  We cheer for MU and KU. We like K-State and Iowa State. We cheer for Missouri State and even Nebraska. I pointed out it would be so much better if everyone was a Baker person. But we are all different.
We know how to do church together. We agree on many things. We also disagree about a lot. But when someone comes home from the hospital and we sign up to bring meals, no one asks what their position on immigration is. We just love, serve, and care.
Maybe we can show the larger church that it is possible to hold very different opinions and strong convictions and still do church together. Maybe the church will find a way to show the world a better way.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I am sitting in our gathering space watching people enter the building for a special baptism service. We have a number of students in our confirmation class and some have not been baptized. Tonight is a special night. Young people will remember this experience all their lives. Their families will be grateful for God’s Grace. We invite members of our congregation to share in the moment.
I think about what we are getting ready for and I remember my own baptism. Pastor Louis Johnson baptized Jeff Lambert, Phillip Landers, Larry Kelly, and Steve Breon.
I remember. I watch others entering. Shortly we will celebrate baptism and professions of faith. Shortly we will join together and remember our baptism.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve