Knowing that the UMC is BIG is actually a comfort. I’m not out here on an island.
Having attended (not for long) a much more autonomous church, it was a little off putting for me to think that this small group could minister with little oversight.
What I need to do:
Study the Book of Discipline and the Book of Resolutions, so I can have a deeper knowledge of the structure of the denomination, pay more attention to the position the UMC takes on issues, and find a way to work into advocacy for those in need.
I need to keep my eyes open more—to see how the church is moving in the Spirit toward God’s will…and keep myself plugged in to the Source.
I have been overwhelmed this week by how really big and wide and high our denomination is. It is so easy to get bogged down and only concentrating on what is in front of us. It helps to realize that United Methodists every where are involved as we are Making disciples, training, teaching and meeting the needs of a hurting world that is on our doorsteps. What a blessing to be a part of this world wide body.
I agree with you and Rick; although sometimes I do make fun of having to call a committee for everything, in connection makes this denomination special.
sjatkosays
The connectional work of God became tangible this week as I worked on my ministry project. I was able to find on the conference web site the tech person and have a phone conversation about my project. It was an affirming conversation. I was then directed to another person on the conference communication team. She found my project acceptable (at least at this beginning phase) and will take it to her working group for consideration. I have asked for suggestions and practical guidance for implementation. All the things that I can not do on my own, by either my talents, knowledge nor dreams. So, without the conference connection, my project cannot be implemented; and without the connections, my project just stays at the local church level. I am grateful and amazed at how God moves among us. Sue Ann
I am glad your project is going well and that people along the way are helpful. That is truely a blessing.
Mary McLeodsays
Sounds exciting!
rmorrisonsays
Sue Ann, it seems that your project is well on the road to acceptance. I will be interested in hearing your presentation on April 6 when we share our projects with the DS folk, and possibly the Bishop. Exciting! Blessings. Dick
Mary McLeodsays
Module 4 Week 1 Saturday
I will do three things differently as a result of our learning this week:
◦ I will make visiting other UM churches a bigger priority than I have previously. And possibly take a friend!
◦ I will spend more time reading to understand the BOD
◦ I will continue to network, as they say, and create relationships through serving with people other than people in my church that are UM. For example, keeping up with you guys once our program is over and hopefully serving on a Conference committee, which would be a great learning experience in connectionalism.
I, too, want to take on your To Do/ Will Do list! Thank you, Mary! Sue Ann
Lusi Radfordsays
I like your plans, Mary. I do hope we can all keep up with each other after this is over.
rmorrisonsays
Mary, I agree that we must try to keep our cohort team together once we finish the program. We should try to meet at least one time per year, if not twice. Perhaps we carve out a luncheon at Annual Conference each year going forward to sit and find out what others are doing with the CLM status. Just a thought. Thanks Mary and Blessings. Dick
rmorrisonsays
I very quickly agree with what Rick wrote, in that we are reminded that God is at work all over the world through all Christian denominations, including our beloved United Methodist Church. That is the very essence and definition of the phrase that “The United Methodist Church is a connectional church” – starting with the local church to affiliated Methodist churches in countries all over the world. I also have a very strong take away relating to the words of Bishop Carder wherein he says that connection in our denomination is “a living organism” and that our “connectionism” should be considered also as a “missional strategy” which in my mind means a worldwide missional strategy of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of this world. Blessings. Dick
The idea of a living organism is much more appealing, Dick, than an institution. I think institutions can spend too many resources on protecting itself where as a living organism wants to grow and stay healthy. Thank you for bringing that forward. Sue Ann
Rick Stanfordsays
This week has been a wonderful reminder that God is at work all over the world. Not only through other denominations, but clearly the UMC. What a blessing to be a part of this cohort and to being sharing this part of our journey and season together.
Lisa Odonnell says
Knowing that the UMC is BIG is actually a comfort. I’m not out here on an island.
Having attended (not for long) a much more autonomous church, it was a little off putting for me to think that this small group could minister with little oversight.
What I need to do:
Study the Book of Discipline and the Book of Resolutions, so I can have a deeper knowledge of the structure of the denomination, pay more attention to the position the UMC takes on issues, and find a way to work into advocacy for those in need.
I need to keep my eyes open more—to see how the church is moving in the Spirit toward God’s will…and keep myself plugged in to the Source.
Lusi Radford says
I have been overwhelmed this week by how really big and wide and high our denomination is. It is so easy to get bogged down and only concentrating on what is in front of us. It helps to realize that United Methodists every where are involved as we are Making disciples, training, teaching and meeting the needs of a hurting world that is on our doorsteps. What a blessing to be a part of this world wide body.
Mary McLeod says
I agree with you and Rick; although sometimes I do make fun of having to call a committee for everything, in connection makes this denomination special.
sjatko says
The connectional work of God became tangible this week as I worked on my ministry project. I was able to find on the conference web site the tech person and have a phone conversation about my project. It was an affirming conversation. I was then directed to another person on the conference communication team. She found my project acceptable (at least at this beginning phase) and will take it to her working group for consideration. I have asked for suggestions and practical guidance for implementation. All the things that I can not do on my own, by either my talents, knowledge nor dreams. So, without the conference connection, my project cannot be implemented; and without the connections, my project just stays at the local church level. I am grateful and amazed at how God moves among us. Sue Ann
Lusi Radford says
I am glad your project is going well and that people along the way are helpful. That is truely a blessing.
Mary McLeod says
Sounds exciting!
rmorrison says
Sue Ann, it seems that your project is well on the road to acceptance. I will be interested in hearing your presentation on April 6 when we share our projects with the DS folk, and possibly the Bishop. Exciting! Blessings. Dick
Mary McLeod says
Module 4 Week 1 Saturday
I will do three things differently as a result of our learning this week:
◦ I will make visiting other UM churches a bigger priority than I have previously. And possibly take a friend!
◦ I will spend more time reading to understand the BOD
◦ I will continue to network, as they say, and create relationships through serving with people other than people in my church that are UM. For example, keeping up with you guys once our program is over and hopefully serving on a Conference committee, which would be a great learning experience in connectionalism.
sjatko says
I, too, want to take on your To Do/ Will Do list! Thank you, Mary! Sue Ann
Lusi Radford says
I like your plans, Mary. I do hope we can all keep up with each other after this is over.
rmorrison says
Mary, I agree that we must try to keep our cohort team together once we finish the program. We should try to meet at least one time per year, if not twice. Perhaps we carve out a luncheon at Annual Conference each year going forward to sit and find out what others are doing with the CLM status. Just a thought. Thanks Mary and Blessings. Dick
rmorrison says
I very quickly agree with what Rick wrote, in that we are reminded that God is at work all over the world through all Christian denominations, including our beloved United Methodist Church. That is the very essence and definition of the phrase that “The United Methodist Church is a connectional church” – starting with the local church to affiliated Methodist churches in countries all over the world. I also have a very strong take away relating to the words of Bishop Carder wherein he says that connection in our denomination is “a living organism” and that our “connectionism” should be considered also as a “missional strategy” which in my mind means a worldwide missional strategy of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of this world. Blessings. Dick
sjatko says
The idea of a living organism is much more appealing, Dick, than an institution. I think institutions can spend too many resources on protecting itself where as a living organism wants to grow and stay healthy. Thank you for bringing that forward. Sue Ann
Rick Stanford says
This week has been a wonderful reminder that God is at work all over the world. Not only through other denominations, but clearly the UMC. What a blessing to be a part of this cohort and to being sharing this part of our journey and season together.