Dear friends of Hyde Park Community,
A lot has happened since I was with you in worship last!
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the General Conference of the UMC in Charlotte, North Carolina as a reserve delegate. It was a historic conference in which many items of justice that have previously caused much contention were passed in a spirit of unity even within difference.
This spirit of Christian conferencing was the kind John Wesley hoped for.
Besides the many votes that move the church toward justice and inclusion of all, two additional highlights that I found extremely inspiring were the sermon that Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area preached during which he suggested we “stop quarreling and start counting our blessings” because we as the UMC have so many of them, and the moment when in the midst of a long debate over how to define marriage, a delegate from Zimbabwe rose to make an amendment which passed, allowing for different understandings and definitions of marriage across cultures.
There is a long and significant list of items that were approved. You can find them on our church website or by looking at Resourceumc.org and umnews.org. As many have said, we left General Conference as a new church, filled with joyful hope and focused on the mission of Jesus.
This does not mean that everyone is happy. There are many across our UM connection who have fears about these changes, who have received confusing information, or have not been able to reconcile a more inclusive approach with their understanding and practice of faith. If you or someone you know would like resources to help understand and process these changes, please reach out.
I was thankful to make it back from General Conference in time to participate in Church Beyond the Walls as we hosted the Hospitality Zone in Hyde Park Square for the Flying Pig Marathon. Thank you to so many who joined us in cheering and singing for the runners as well as sharing snacks, cowbells, tattoos and encouraging signs with the crowds.
This Sunday brings us to realize that the season of Eastertide we have been celebrating is nearly over. We have reached day 40, the same number of days that we practiced our Lenten discipline. On that day that we know as The Ascension of the Lord, the disciples witness the last of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. He gives them instructions with a promise and then ascends to be with God.
And then they wait, for an unknown period of time, and contemplate what this gift that Jesus promises he will send might be like.
This Sunday we’ll consider what they might have experienced during this time of waiting and contemplating. We will also celebrate our graduates and give thanks for those who have been mothers to us.
I am so glad to celebrate and give thanks with you!
Peace,
Pastor Suzanne