As we continue in this Lenten journey of slowing down, so we can find time to meet or reconnect with our ‘unhurried God,’ there is so much happening around us that catches our attention and demands a response. I will touch on many recent events but invite you to not get overwhelmed by them, but hold them in your prayers and offer them to God in a way that you are guided to a way you can respond to one or more of them.
As many of you know of the recent meeting of United Methodists and the results from it, but in these last few days so much more has come to surface about the unethical means that have been used by some to manipulate the outcomes. This adds to the on-going unrest among those who call themselves Methodists and are harmed by the institution. We want to stop finding this cruelty in the church. And, I agree -- and so do the leaders of our Northern Illinois Conference. I want you to know, that our conference staff is in the process of revising the apportionment formula in a way that will help churches continue to support the ‘mission’ aspect of our denomination with out feeding its continued unChristian behavior. Our Bishop has called a meeting of the clergy this week, where we will know about what that might mean for churches. The cabinet and Bishop have also written an open letter to the queer clergy of our conference, and have committed to, “not seek information about a candidate or clergy, or anyone under appointment, related to their sexual orientation, gender expression or partnered status that would be intimidating or discriminatory. In order to fulfill our values and to do good and not harm, we will be open to such information and will hold it with respect and care.” An example that we can celebrate as Broadway family is the recommendation, by the board of ordained ministry, of Rev. M Barclay to be ordained as a deacon in our connection.
On a different note, but speaking of the many things that call our attention, is the recent attack on the Muslim community in New Zealand, where 50 were killed and 50 wounded but many more -- both in New Zealand and outside, are traumatized.
The last piece that has been on my heart is the plane crash of the Ethiopian Aircraft where all loves were lost and again -- the pain that it causes to the families of the passengers and crew members, but also the question it raises of the safety measures that are/are not in place as these aircrafts are manufactured.
As I said, I hope we will not be overwhelmed by them, but will bring them to God and invite God to guide our response/s to these situations! Let us continue to work towards slowing down, so we can hear God, so we can stay focused on what God is calling us to do and to be, so we can continue to be the church where the love of God is lived out and the welcome of Jesus is proclaimed! And remember, I am always your partner in justice!
