Peace to you.
This is the day that the Lord has made...
Some of you have already heard the news about the changes of the UMC's stance on human sexuality yesterday.
Currently, ordained UM pastors are not allowed to perform same-sex marriages, and "practicing" LGBTQ people also cannot become ordained pastors, according to the church's Book of Discipline. On May 1 General Conference voted to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy as well as prohibitions on its ministers from officiating at same-sex weddings. For more details, please read the UM News recap at this link.
You may wonder, "What are the implications of all this?" I too am asking this question. This Sunday (May 5) I will prepare a brief presentation on General Conference, followed by an informal Q & A session, after the service (@ Houlton). I will also put together some written materials for us to have a better understanding of what's happening in our denomination.
As I was mourning and grieving, concerned and conflicted, I found the message on the whiteboard of the pastor's study written by one of my children (picture above). It was like God speaking to me personally:
"Go out there and make disciples."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
May we be present with our feelings and emotions, but never give up doing good and making disciples. Christ is still and always the Head of the Church. And He knows what He is doing.
I commend us to keep encouraging one another, keep praying for one another, keep serving and reaching out to God's beloved.
The Lord be with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Victor
No comments:
Post a Comment