Pastor Chris' Letter March 2019


Dear Trinity,
I have had a lot of trouble writing my letter this month. It has been hard as the world seems to be filled with uncertainty. There is uncertainty in my family as we prepare to move, on top of the normal issues of everyday life. There is uncertainty as I look to a new appointment but also wish to finish strong.  Hovering over all of these issues has been the Special General Conference.  As I write this letter, the final worship is happening as the Special General Conference comes to a close. The delegates voted by a small majority (54 votes—or 6% of the vote) to accept an amended version of the Traditional Plan that strengthens the churches stance against homosexuality. But what this vote will amount to is yet to be seen. This is because this plan was deemed unconstitutional by the Judicial Council (the UMC’s Supreme Court) before amendments, and it is unsure whether any of the plan or its changes will stand.
No matter what your beliefs or hopes on these issues, what was on display for the world was not the best side of the United Methodist Church. There were protests and arrests made, accusations of bribery, and a lack of decorum and grace on many sides. So in all of this what, do we do? We need to be the church. We look at the harm that this platform (despite our individual beliefs) has caused to the ministry of Jesus Christ. I still hold firm to the words of our discipline—all people are of sacred worth (meaning God loves all of us). It is our job as the church to continue to share this good news that the world is hurting for.
A great way for us to begin is to take a look at ourselves and ask God how we (not the delegates of General Conference) can show the good news of Jesus Christ in our words and our actions. In the church year, this comes at a perfect time. March 6th begins the season of Lent in the church. Lent is a season of reflection in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hope you will join us as we begin this journey of reflection at our Ash Wednesday service on March 6th at 6:30pm. This will begin our time of reflection as we remember our humanity and, with it, our need for God.
This will also kick off a new teaching series called “Walking with Jesus.” This series will continue to follow the ministry of Jesus Christ as detailed in the gospel of Luke. This a great opportunity for us all to remember (no matter what comes of this conference) what discipleship is all about—following Jesus. I invite you to join me (especially if you feel uncertain about tomorrow) as we walk this journey of reflection together. I will continue to look and pray for God in the uncertainty of my life, my family, this church, and the United Methodist Church and I hope you will join me on this journey.


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