Pastor’s Pen
In the middle of June, Emma, Judy O’Brien, and I headed over to Helena for Annual Conference. These opening moments were precious. It was the first time our Annual Conference had met in person since the start of the pandemic—it was the first time Emma and I could join our Mountain Sky Fellowship and it was Judy’s first conference. We experienced the baptism of a clergy’s child and were reminded of our own. We sang with voices loud and hands outstretched. Despite all the challenges that the past years have held, we found unity in Spirit and hopes renewed.
Before new presentations, the worship team sang a simple but special song. “We believe something good is about to happen. We believe something good is about to happen. Something good is on the way.” After singing these words, we heard stories of change and transformation from flourishing ministries in urban centers to rural renewal. We heard of ministries that turned their “zeroes”—meaning no new members, no baptisms—into growth. Bishop Karen introduced an initiative in our conference through the collaborative help of members of the cabinet. It come be summed up in one word: belong. The bishop shined a vision of a church that welcomed, appreciated, and celebrated its diversity. A conference of churches where we all share in common the unconditional love of Jesus. We are once again embracing the “big tent” attitude at the core of Methodism. Our differences make us stronger. Our disagreements make us wiser. The divisions that exist in Methodism will not drive us to our end but give us newfound energy to fulfill our mission.
The ordination class of 2022 is leading the way. Despite being excluded amongst other Christians, churches, and conferences, our churches, conference, and leaders have become a safe haven for people to pursue their call. I found my heart wrenching as a candidate for ordination told their story of leaving the Great Plains conference for fear of discrimination because they were gay. I listened as they described their longing for a place to utilize their gifts and follow their call. I rejoiced as they were welcomed into their home in the Mountain Sky Conference. While we might not always agree, acceptance and love are the cornerstones of true inclusion. The table of God has a place for all. I found myself shedding tears of joy, as a candidate for ordination shared that her struggles to fit in, to feel a part of the group. She told of the freedom she found when she received a diagnosis that was on the autism spectrum. Quoting Greta Thunberg, she described autism as a superpower that will help her serve the church. In our differences, we will learn and grow as we seek to understand one another. In our differences we gain a greater picture of God who is infinitely larger than us. Indeed, as we welcome a diverse class of ordinands, we see that as a church we are not united by looking or thinking the same things, but under the Lordship of Jesus whose power was made perfect in weakness. In our unity, we are more powerful than we know and can truly create change in the world for God’s glory. In a word, the table at Corvallis UMC and in the Mountain Sky Conference is open. Something good is on the way.
One such initiative that we can participate in is called “A Table For All.” The Table For All Recovery Project was created to plan for our future as we anticipate the needs of existing faith communities throughout our conference in these challenging times. In our work of creating A Table For All, the Congregational Vitality Committee of the MSC will work with congregations who:
· have experienced discontinuous, often traumatic, loss
· have evidence of imminent need
· commit to remaining part of the Mountain Sky Conference
· are willing to engage in a process of discernment and exploration
Offering support over a three to five-year period on an application basis, the Table For All Recovery Project will work with selected congregations to assess their needs for vitality, equipping each church with unique resources tailored to their congregation. Examples of support might include identifying and training lay and clergy leaders, providing grants for a new location, and assessing current resources to see how we can adjust to be relevant. This initiative seeks to help the most vulnerable churches in our conference reach and fulfill the mission of God in their area. I am working with our Missions Committee to partner with this great initiative and see the ways in which our church can partner with other church planting initiatives.
I am excited for the work that our church family is doing in our communities, neighborhoods, and in our conference. Our holy work is making a profound difference. Our tables are open to all. These are tables whose seats are set for all. These are tables where we can be ourselves and cherish the image of God in those to our left and right. These are tables where all are welcome and belong. Indeed, each time we create spaces of welcoming and belonging we do so in remembrance of Jesus who lived, died, and rose again for our sake.
