This week, Bishop Ward talks about the upcoming event, Walking Across The Road: Creating Community and Building Faith Through Relationships.
Friends in Christ hear the good news from Luke Chapter 12, beginning with verse 32; “do not be afraid, little flock, because God delights in giving you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never wear out.”
This wonderful text from Luke points us to an event unfolding in our midst, on Saturday, September 21. It’s called simply, “Walking Across the Road,” and we invite you to come and share with other United Methodist mission leaders from the North Carolina Conference, as we explore ways to “Walk Across the Road,” and to extend the love of Christ to all people.
We’ll be led in this day by 2 dynamic mission leaders, George Howard, and Norma Martinez from the General Board of Global Ministries, and by a team from the Church of All People. George Howard was among the founders of the Church for All People in Columbus, OH. It was a vision of United Methodist people there, a free store was established and you’ll hear the story, the remarkable story of the free store.
As the free store was established, those who gathered there, suggested, “Let’s start a church here,” and the Church for All People was born. The Church for All People has claimed the entire neighborhood in Columbus and have made a covenant, one by one, to restore every home in the community, so that the community will be redeemed through the Good News of Jesus Christ.
There’ll also be breakout sessions, including a breakout session for young people in mission. It will be led by one of our commissioned young adults in ministry. I hope you will make plans to attend.
The focus, target group for this event are our mission strategy teams in the eight districts, mission leaders in local churches, youth and young adults who are on fire for Christ mission, any of you who would like to celebrate, learn, and grow as Gods’ missioners are encouraged to be present. It’ll be a great day. I look forward to seeing you there.