Alka's Angle

As many of you may know, COVID delayed General Conference -- the Quadrennial gathering of United Methodists where all denominational decisions are made. With COVID continuing to spread globally, there is a strong chance that the Conference, scheduled for August-September 2022, may be postponed again, which will leave the denomination in this state of indecision -- the biggest of which is if we can continue to be one denomination or separate amicably so each can fully live into their conviction of who God calls them to be.

Some of you may be very happy to know that we are planning to open the building for in-person hybrid worship starting Sunday, November 7th, which is also when Daylight Saving ends, so be mindful of the time change! If you plan to be at church for worship, remember to sign up. Here are some things to remember:

We have had our student interns for about a month and you have even heard one of them preach already. Lee will be preaching on October 31st. I know some of you have also had a chance to meet them one on one and some of you are also on Pip’s site team. If you have not yet made a direct connection with them, I invite you to do so -- their email addresses are in the bulletin, and in the columns they write for the e-news. Take some time to know them better, share with them a little about you; make them feel welcomed because it is hard to experience community virtually. Also, let Pip know what you thought of their message this past Sunday and do the same for Lee after they preach next week.

This Sunday, October 17th, is observed as Laity Sunday in the United Methodist Church. Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and neighbor. On this day we lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of love as exemplified by Jesus, and celebrate the gifts of leadership.

Earlier this week several of us from church attended a training offered by Officers Heath and Specht from the Chicago Police Department Place of Worship Safety Advisory Team (POWSAT). The program consisted of Greeter protocols as well as Active Threat information and situational awareness. Those who attended agreed that the information we received was very helpful.