New England Annual Conference, 2019, Day Two

The day began with Elaine Heath's reflections on ministry that is incarnate in neighborhoods and local communities.  With that in mind we worshiped:  remembering the saints we lost this year, gathering at table, and (later in the day) ordaining and consecrating our new and future elders and deacons.  At the ordination service, the Bishop reminded us that we may well be a church in exile in the months to come, and that the chaos we're living in is part of God remaking the church to be in solidarity with those who are hurting. 

We took some tough actions, adopting a lean budget, even while considering making it even leaner.  We reduced our districts from 9 to 7, the details of which will be worked out over the year to come.  And we closed half a dozen churches, and celebrated their ministry, including Grace UMC, Bangor; and the Damariscotta UMC.  Our elections of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences are nearly done, with significant youth involvement.  Our statistician reminded us that vitality can be found in all corners of our Conference, as can challenges as well. 

The session did not end until nearly midnight, but our fellowship was experienced in good-natured sharing in hallways and in crowded elevators.   Though the decisions are difficult and the resources few, we continue to embrace ministry in our changing communities with neighbors who are struggling.  The joyful faces of our new deacons and elders reminded me that our New England church is worth fighting for, whether we decide to "right the ship" or "launch the life boats."  Our inclusive vision, hammered out in nearly every vote today, can be a blessing to so many who long to be welcomed home.  Several times we noted the dwindling numbers of youth delegates compared with 20, 30, 40 years ago, and I assume a lot of them are waiting and watching for our denomination to welcome all in love.  That is certainly the message the drew me to this church and this ministry 40 years ago, and I believe those ideas continue to have power.  So may it be. 

New England Annual Conference, 2019, Day One

The work of the New England Annual Conference continues today with action on resolutions about or going to the next General Conference.  Some of the most important work we do every four years is to choose our representatives to the Global body that meets again in May of 2020 (the 2019 special session of General Conference to deal with issues of sexuality was an addition to the "every four years cycle").  New England sends 3 clergy and 3 lay delegates to General Conference.  Our three clergy delegates were chosen yesterday (all of whom identify as "queer" in some way).  I'm clear that they were not chosen for their sexual identities, but because they are well known and respected for their knowledge and skills with Church Polity and Advocacy for an inclusive church, but it is an additional blessing that they will bring a deep awareness of the harm the church is causing to members of our community (as well as those we have excluded from our community). 

Our lay delegates are Bonnie Marden, who is very gifted in the ways of all things UMC, and Amanda Bonnette-Kim, who is among our youngest members.  The third is yet to be chosen.  Today we will continue voting to select an equal number of additional people to represent us at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, which is the body that chooses Bishops for the 4 years to come.  I also attended the Methodist Federation for Social Action luncheon yesterday, and heard the wonderful devotional sermon brought by one of our newly commissioned ministry candidates who may be the first openly gay commissioned pastor in our history. 

Today begins with Bible Study with the amazing Elaine Heath, and then on to continued challenging questions about our way forward.  The music and worship are stunning as always, and it feels good to walk this difficult moment in our history with the great-great (etc) grandchildren of John Wesley. 

Began the day with the  "Crackers and Juice" podcast interview with Steve Harper, author of Holy Love.  It was helpful to hear his reflections on the differences between Orthodoxy (based on the creeds) and "Doctrine-ism", the belief that only particular expressions of Creedal truth are acceptable to God.  It was a helpful way of understanding how Orthodoxy has gone off the tracks to land us in our current crisis.  Worth a listen if you're a podcast-type person....