What’s Happening in the UMC — March 8 Update

logo_big

A Grace Filled Response

As General Conference approaches, there will be media and news reports about the United Methodist Church.  As you know, sensational stories sell – whether they are true or not.  I encourage you during this time to avoid the roller coaster of sensationalism that may come.  We at Asbury UMC are a church whose mission and ministry in this world remains constant no matter what form the larger body takes.

In order to foster the grace we as Christians proclaim, let’s pay attention to our reactions and participation is spreading goodness and charity.  Here are a few tips from Cindy Gregorson the Director of Connectional Ministries in the Minnesota UMC conference office.

“As people of faith we are called to be repairers of the breach. Instead of simply calling it out, are there tangible things we can do to foster a better world? I have more wonderings than answers on that one, but here are a couple of practices I am trying to be mindful of in these days:

  • Don’t feed the beast of a viral world. Don’t re-post what I am uncertain is true, or I know is incendiary.  
  • Be genuinely curious. Listen and learn one another’s stories. Ask questions instead of making assumptions.
  • Tell the stories of what is going right in our world, where trust and compassion and justice are shining through.”

Finally, please continue to lift up the General Conference, all of the delegates and our delegates in particular in the coming weeks and months in prayer.  We ask God’s Spirit of love and grace to guide us all.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Katherine

To view information on the Minnesota Annual Conference: Who We Are please click here.

To view information on a Comparison of Plan Proposals to General Conference 2020 please click here.