Our United Methodist denomination sets itself apart from other Christian denominations in part around this idea of connectionalism. We want to be intentionally “connected” with United Methodist Christians worldwide in the sharing of God’s grace for the transformation of the world through teaching, preaching, mission and service. Our expanse around the world strengthens in some areas (Korea and So. Africa) it continues to shrink in other areas (Continental U.S.) due, in part, to how people across the globe narrow their view and interpretation of our Wesleyan Quadrilateral as our model of discipleship. Simply put, we are challenged to our faith through a four-pronged lens: Reason, Experience, Scripture, and Tradition (acronym REST) Additionally, we express our faithful living (discipleship) along a spectrum, that albeit vast, aligns us along the same continuum as we strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our connection begins locally in Wisconsin through the assigned “circuit” groups, into which churches are placed geographically. Clergy are then appointed to both local congregations and the circuit in addition to the community where these entities are located. Andy and I are appointed to Milwaukee: Bay View, and to Circuit 33 in addition to the Bay View community to bless, teach, preach and serve among you. For us, it is a mutually celebrated gift to offer ourselves, as a team, in your midst. And we are blessed as much by each other as we are by ALL of you as we share ministry, together.
Our Annual Conferences are grouped in Jurisdictions. WI is in the North Central Jurisdiction. Globally, our connection gathers once every four years in a General Conference held in various locations, the next being in Portland, OR in 2016.
The beauty in the concept of connectionalism is our shared support as we minister to the needs of the poor, those in crisis, children and wherever there is injustice or oppression.
Support comes through the many special offerings we take throughout the year, through the voluntary support of missionaries working around the world, through the supplies collections we take for local and regional outreach ministries, and through the welcome we extend to ALL people.
All of this is exciting and yet overwhelming at the same time. As we strive to be faithful to the care and stewardship of our own little corner of the connection here in Bay View, we can easily lose our ability to see or to care for our greater call to connect with our brothers and sisters around the world.
It is challenging to balance the demands of all of the levels of the church and the areas of need, for sure. It is also, by God’s grace, that we are abundantly blessed to share our time, talent, treasure, witness and willingness to serve in whatever way God calls us.
These Sundays after Easter invite us to share with energy and hope about the many ways God calls ALL of us to share our gifts as “church” in this place. Pray with me that we will be energized with the range of possibilities rather than paralyzed by the fear of too much to do.
We serve a mighty and ALL-loving God, dear friends!
Let it be so, for you and for me, together in this place!
Peace to each of you,
Pastor Kelly