Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Known as the “Great Commission”, these words become for all who follow Jesus our pathway of “discipleship”.
Notice the key components of the discipleship pathway: 1. “Go”- Leave that which is comfortable. 2. “Baptize” – Enter the flow of the Trinity, the incarnation of God’s love, where we are reminded we are a child of God, beloved by God. 3. “Teach” – What we’ve been commanded; what are we commanded? “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn. 13:34-35)
As Hyde Park Community/Over the Rhine Community United Methodist Church, one church, two locations, we strive to be a faith community on this “discipleship pathway”. Therefore, I take this opportunity to update you on three important happenings in our life together.
Samara United Methodist Church Visit. For over 25 years Hyde Park Community UMC has had a relationship with Samara UMC. Over the years teams from Samara and HPCUMC have visited the US and Russia. From July 24 – August 1st, six of our brothers and sisters from Samara will be with us. Details are in process, look for more information in the near future. Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 28, Pastor Natalia will preach followed by a meal in the refectory. Plan to join us for this wonderful time of fellowship and learning after church on July 28th.
HPCUMC Way Forward Listening Sessions. In this issue of News and Happenings you will find an article about the Listening Sessions our Way Forward Task Force will be holding. We need to hear from you as our beloved faith community charts a path forward, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Over The Rhine Community Church. The Servant Leadership Board has been in conversation with the Lead Team of OTRCC to determine the best path forward for fulfilling the Great Commission. As of July 1, Zak McIntyre, will no longer be with us as the pastor of OTRCC. The Servant Leadership Board will develop a time-line for the months ahead, and currently is in conversation with a clergy couple regarding the possibilities of bringing leadership to our second campus faith community.
HPCUMC fully embraces our partnership with God in God’s acts of new creation. There will be more information shared about the above in the days to come, until then if you would like to discuss any of the above please drop by my office.
Through Christ,
Pastor Doug