The Son Shine News. A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church. Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ

Transcription

1 The Son Shine News A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church June 2016 Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.-psalm 133 Pastor s Message (Continued on Page 3) 1

2 Pastor s Message (pp 1,3 5) Table of Contents (p 2) Pastor s Schedule (p 2) Bishop Devadhar preaches at General Conference (pp 6 7) Imagine No Malaria celebration rocks the house at General Conference (pp 8 10) United Methodist Church Takes Historic Action Toward LGBT Equality (pp 11 13) Camp Mechuwana Programs (pp 14 16) Planned Giving (p 17) UMW (p 18) Help a Senior (p 19) Celebrating 175 years of ministry this year (p 20) NOW Committee & Prayer Chain (p 21) Holy Communion, Coffee Hour & Bible Study (p 22) A Month of Sundays (p 23) Just Saying and Ministry of Prayer (p 24) Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 25-26) Information Page (p 27) Pastor s messages are found in a red type on this page and the pages have a red border Pastor Jen s Schedule Sunday Worship & Meetings. Monday - Bible study and Bulletin preparation. Tuesday Post office, Church office, Bible study. Thursday Bulletin prep & Sermon prep. Friday Sermon writing. 2

3 (Continued from Page 1) Last night Kevin returned from the mailbox with the May/June 2016 issue of the Interpreter magazine. It is published by United Methodist Communications and reports on the missions, ministries, and news of our denomination. On the front of this month s issue in large bright red print is the word UNITED. I am not sure how many of you have been following the proceedings at this year s General Conference that has been convening in Portland Oregon. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church is the top legislative body of the global United Methodist Church and meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church wide programs. For those of you who have been listening or watching the live webcasts of the event, I don t need to tell you that much of the conversation and behavior has been anything but unifying. The topic of sexuality has brought great tension to every quadrennial gathering of Methodists since This year is no different. On Tuesday, May 17 th, when the 864 delegates from around the world gathered for a time of Holy Conferencing regarding nearly 100 pieces of legislation on the topic of homosexuality, the discussion of schism and separation seemed to be a real possibility. In the following paragraphs I will try to give you the context in which the General Conference is being played out. Some of this information I gleaned from the Conference website. The United Methodist Church is a global church therefore accepting a broad set of principles and theology is very complicated to say the least. Currently, just over half of the delegates to the General Conference are from the United States, where increasingly church members are becoming more accepting of gay marriage and ordination of clergy. However, the remaining number of delegates is from Africa, Asia, and Europe, and many of them are more conservative than those of us who reside in America. Of course, as we all know, not everyone in the United States can agree either. Also here at home, our denominational church is in decline when it comes to new members, where in the global south they are experiencing rapid growth. I have been part of the denomination since the year What I have observed at the local level, to some degree, is that members try to avoid confrontations that might arise over political and social issues by remaining silent. I believe we do so to avoid disrupting our worship experience as the local Body of Christ as well as trying to maintain relationships to do the work of the church in the local communities. (Continued on Page 4) 3

4 (Continued from Page 3) Tuning in to General Conference over the past 10 days I can say this is not how it is at General Conference. Here delegates have been speaking (yelling?) into microphones on the floor of the conference where it is translated into several different languages. The disagreements have been charged with emotion and personal confrontations have taken place. At times it has been total chaos. Protestors stood on the sidelines and in the entryways with duct tape over their mouths. Many lay on their stomachs with their hands and feet tied behind their backs as the larger Body began to worship with the opening hymn: Blessed Be the Tie that Binds. This was very startling. As I took in these differing opinions, many being expressed in pain, anguish, and anger, I truly wondered what the future would look like for us as a global church. This is definitely a historic moment in the life of The United Methodist Church. I spent Tuesday afternoon trying to figure out how I was going to explain to you what was going on at General Conference and the uncertain future that seemed to lie ahead for our denomination. Yet, by evening s end on Tuesday, it seemed that a split along ideological and theological lines had been avoided-at LEAST FOR NOW. There is a deep yearning for our church, to remain together-despite the chasms of difference. On Tuesday, above the fray on the conference floor, the bishops called for unity. The delegates of the General Conference returned the request by asking with great directness for the bishops to provide stronger leadership. (AMEN!!) The bishops then went into a private session to discuss and develop a plan. When they returned later that evening they proposed that instead of the Gen. Conference voting on each of the more than 100 resolutions about homosexuality separately they made the recommendation that our denomination work together to create new global structures for the church as well as a new edition of the Book of Discipline (the BOD constitutes the law and doctrine of The UMC and originated with the church founder, John Wesley) that will maintain and nurture unity in our ever increasing diverse denomination. They suggested that a special commission representing all sides of the issue be created. They will begin work immediately and if a plan is developed before 2020 when the next General Conference is scheduled to be held, a special conference will be called to hear the proposals. After much debate that went late into the evening, this proposal was accepted. A commission will be formed in the near future. Perhaps some of you are wondering why we should try to stay together. Many of my colleagues believe that perhaps it is time that the church breaks apart along our theological and ideological lines. In many ways, I hope this does not happen. Our tradition speaks of being united in Christ and as one theologian puts it well, This unity is not something we achieve but something we receive as a gift from God. (Continued on Page 5) 4

5 (Continued from Page 4) Connectionalism is in our very DNA. We have a history of building on the relationships we establish with one another. In the beginning of its inception here in America, our denomination was built up by itinerate preachers who rode circuits. These circuits were relationships established between small churches across New England to the pioneer wagons as the frontier was being settled. Wherever the pioneers went a Methodist preacher could be found. This connection allowed small churches to believe that together they could accomplish far more than if they tried to be in mission and ministry by themselves. And I think our history thus far has proven this belief to be true. Now more than ever we need to focus on all the good we can do together rather than allow our differences to separate us. When I opened the May/June issue of the Interpreter, I was reminded of all the things we have to celebrate as a denomination. Many of these were also lifted up in praise to God at General Conference. New congregations are being planted across the globe. We are working as One Body to eradicate malaria in the developing world. We are drilling wells, establishing health clinics in poverty stricken areas and rural villages in Africa. Not to forget all the local churches here at home who, just like The Unity United Methodist Church, are striving to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God s light and love in their own local communities. I believe with all my heart that the landmark decisions made by the 2016 General Conference should not be feared or cause anxiety. I believe it is an invitation for all of us to be in prayer for the future of our church. It is an invitation for all of us to search our hearts and souls with great earnest. It is an invitation for us to ask ourselves what do the phrases: abundant grace, forgiveness, unconditional love, and LORD of all really mean to us personally. When have you experienced these in your own faith journey? How did receiving these gifts change your spiritual nature? Did it change you? Have you taken some things for granted? What does it truly mean to love your neighbor as yourself? And if you cast someone to the sidelines as being a sinner are you prepared to think of yourself so perfected in faith to be able to cast the first stone? (Continued on page 6) 5

6 (Continued from page 5) To sit with these questions in earnest will not be easy. Faith is not for the faint of heart. But we are a community whose vision statement is to Welcome one another where we are as we are with abundant hospitality. In the years ahead we will certainly be tested on this statement of faith it will be interesting to see how we witness as the local Body of Christ to this claim. May God be with us in the journey ahead. Pastor Jen 6

7 Bishop Devadhar preaches at General Conference In his sermon Saturday, May 14, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, used the familiar story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) to urge General Conference delegates to find a new epiphany by listening to each other s perspectives and, most importantly, by listening to God. Bishop Devadhar, who leads the New England Conference, told those gathered for a morning worship service with the theme Going with Courage, how important it is to be brave enough to listen if we are to arrive at the right place: The wise men were not clever enough to find the manger without the erudition of the biblical scholars of the Herodian court, he said, but they were willing to listen and discern to arrive at their intended destination. They were, however, wise enough to listen to the voice of God and not return to the insecure king with the news of their having found the Messiah. "As long as we follow the way that God is leading, we know God's reign will surely come." (Continued on Page 8) 7

8 (Continued from page 7) Because the Magi heeded the message from God, Bishop Devadhar said, they were able to bring an epiphany, a new perspective. And the bishop asked: Friends, what about us? Are we ready to go, with courage, to the places where God is leading us? And to be, he asked, a fully inclusive church? May this week be one of soul searching for all of us, he said. May we, as Easter people, listen to God fearlessly, and embrace God s intended path to enable us to lead the church to a new epiphany with the faith and courage of the Pentecost people. He urged General Conference to look to Jesus. We are not here to use the Bible selectively to fulfill our selfish goals and agendas, the bishop said, but to look at the ministry and mission of Jesus, and ask the question, with our Wesleyan DNA: Will the 2016 General Conference go down in history declaring that we have offered Christ to the world? Bishop Devadhar spoke of biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann, who, in a 2002 sermon titled 39 Missing by Nine Miles, pointed out that the calculations of the wise men were off by nine miles. The bishop went on to say that he hopes General Conference will not stray off course. Together I pray that we will discern the best route. If we choose to go our own way, we may find ourselves off course by nine miles but if we truly listen to one another and strive to learn from one another, we may correct our course and really find Jesus, Bishop Devadhar said. Furthermore, if we listen for the voice of God, extraordinary things will happen. Bishop Devadhar encouraged everyone at General Conference to spend the weekend in intense prayer and meaningful reflection. Saying the decisions are in the hands of the 864 delegates, the bishop expressed his hope that: when we leave this place on May 20, we can each say to God, I have been faithful in this Holy Conferencing. I have reflected upon all the views presented to me from a global perspective, including my own local perspective. Yet, when I punched my vote, I listened to You, Lord, and You only! 8

9 Imagine No Malaria celebration rocks the house By Crystal Caviness and Barbara Dunlap-Berg May 18, 2016 PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) Our God is able! Celebrating the success of the Imagine No Malaria initiative, launched in 2008, speakers, singers and dancers offered even more for United Methodists attending General Conference 2016 to imagine Abundant Health: Our Promise to Children. Health is the ultimate design of God for humanity, said Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Imagine No Malaria chair. Health and wholeness have been a hope for Methodists since John Wesley got on a horse in 18thcentury England to preach about the love of God and the meaning of faith in Jesus Christ. What began with the bite of a mosquito has transformed into a faith-driven global health movement. Together, we have imagined No Malaria. Now let us imagine abundant health. (continued on page 10) 9

10 (Continued from page 9) The 12-minute celebration was a collaboration between United Methodist Communications and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. It featured a highlights video of the grassroots campaign that has engaged donors of all ages, showcased the impact of the initiative on the continent of Africa and debuted Able, a song commissioned by Imagine No Malaria as a gift to United Methodists across the globe. Jeremy Rosado, a Top 12 contestant on American Idol, performed the song for more than 1,000 people attending the event. The song is available as a free download at Amazon Music and the Imagine No Malaria website, as well as on YouTube. 'Abundant Health: Our Promise to Children' Noting that worldwide 6 million children die every year from preventable diseases, the report introduced the next step an effort to reach a million children with lifesaving and health-promoting measures by the next time General Conference convenes in Building on the success of Imagine No Malaria, the Abundant Health program seeks to engage at least 10,000 U.S. churches in programs that encourage promoting physical activities, healthy diet and nutrition, education for tobacco- and drug-free living and mental health education. We've imagined no malaria; now let us imagine abundant health, said Thomas Kemper, Global Ministries top executive. Dr. Olusimbo Ige, executive director of General Ministries Global Health program, said a lack of abundant health is not only when you are sick. It can also mean that your potential for good health is not fully realized. We want to connect with every child in every place, and we are calling on every church and every individual to join us in this effort. Abundant Health is being coordinated by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, with the goal of reaching 1 million children with life-saving interventions by It will initially focus on Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Mozambique and Nigeria, Ige said later. She also expressed concern about the United States, where she said childhood obesity has more than doubled in the last 30 years. We are calling on the church to engage here in the U.S. and also to support the global effort to reach children internationally, she said. Joining church leadership onstage was Christoph Benn, director of external relations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva. In 2010, the Global Fund and Imagine No Malaria joined forces in the fight against malaria. Today, The United Methodist Church is one of the most significant non-government donors to the Global Fund and is unique within the global community of faith-based organizations. To date, the people of The United Methodist Church have raised more than $68 million to end malaria deaths in sub-saharan Africa, where one child dies from malaria every two minutes. The Imagine No Malaria campaign aims to raise $75 million to address the impact of malaria in Africa through prevention, treatment, communication and education. (Continued on page 11) 10

11 (Continued from page 10) Speakers, on video, shared their stories. My daughter and my wife died from malaria, said Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda of Democratic Republic of Congo. I lost my father to malaria, added Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala of Mozambique. I have seen too many of our family suffer because of malaria, said the Rev. Gary Henderson, executive director of Imagine No Malaria at United Methodist Communications. Waving colorful streamers, brightly clad dancers wove through the plenary hall aisles as Rosado led an energized congregation to take a stand and show the world what we believe in. Can you believe it? he asked. We ve seen malaria deaths cut in half. We ve seen a stronger church as we ve worked together. We ve seen lives transformed because God is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine! Today has been an incredible celebration of what God has done through the unified effort of the people of The United Methodist Church, said Bickerton. Imagine No Malaria has been successful because of how it energized people who got excited about saving people s lives. And today, we rejoiced in that success and the people who have made it possible. Better together In a press briefing, Benn said the partnership with The United Methodist Church has been such a model for partnerships with faith organizations. The church has become recognized by other major partners, working in settings with leaders from government, the U.N. and the private sector. This has now inspired other faith communities, he said. Ideally, I would like to see an ecumenical network on these issues, he added. Henderson said Imagine No Malaria has been an effort of the whole church and is evidence of how we re better together. We dreamed a really big dream, he said, and the dream became possible because many hands came together. 11

12 NEWS FROM GENERAL CONFERENCE 2016: United Methodist Church Takes Historic Action Toward LGBT Equality The United Methodist Church (UMC) took a major step toward a possible reorganization on Wednesday, creating a commission to decide whether the largest American mainline Christian denomination should restructure so it can ordain LGBT people and allow pastors to officiate same-sex marriages. The announcement came as thousands of Methodists gathered in Portland, Oregon for the UMC s General Conference, an event held every four years where leaders debate and vote on matters of church governance. This year the most anticipated topic of discussion has been LGBT issues a massive point of contention for the church, whose official Book of Discipline currently condemns homosexuality and prohibits the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals. More than 100 overtures regarding sexuality were proposed for the conference, but pro-lgbt activists say everything ground to a halt when news broke that bishops have been meeting for months to discern whether the church should find a new structure or even potentially a schism to grant bishops the ability to institute LGBT-friendly policies within their areas of responsibility. Bishops initially denied that they had met on the topic, but introduced a measure on Wednesday morning that would create a commission to decide whether to restructure the church and usher in various levels of LGBT equality. (Continued on Page 13) 12

13 (Continued from page 12) The motion would table all other votes regarding sexuality at the conference, but empower the commission to call a special emergency conference whenever it reached a decision something that has never happened in UMC history. On Wednesday evening after a lengthy and contentious back-and-forth regarding parliamentary procedure the conference voted 428 to 405 to adopt the measure. [This] is just a beginning, but it signals hope to an end of church trials, to celebrating all marriages, to accepting the gifts of our LGBTQ candidates for ministry, clergy and lay employees. Supporters of equality were unsure of how to interpret the vote, which maintains the status quo but opens the potential for dramatic change in the coming years. This historic action by the Council of Bishops (COB) represents a significant institutional shift in the direction of inclusion and equality, read a statement from Matt Berryman, Executive Director of Methodist LGBT advocacy group Reconciling Ministries Network. It is just a beginning, but it signals hope to an end of church trials, to celebrating all marriages, to accepting the gifts of our LGBTQ candidates for ministry, clergy and lay employees. This is the first time the COB has put their collective voice around the urgent cries for change and acceptance, he added. We applaud their efforts knowing that the real work lies ahead. We call on the Council to act quickly and deliberately and to lead the church as promised. Today, we commit to hold the COB accountable for finally bringing justice to The United Methodist Church. UMC members have spent years wrangling over whether to allow bishops to ordain LGBT people and give pastors the ability to officiate same-sex marriages, with the debate typically hinging on a demographic question: According to the Public Religion Research Institute, a notable majority of American Methodists support same-sex marriage, but they are often outvoted by a coalition of domestic conservatives and representatives from UMC churches outside the United States. But this year a groundswell of pro-lgbt activism sprung up ahead of General Conference, with left-leaning Methodists calling for the church to embrace same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly bisexual, transgender, lesbian, and gay people. Last week, a group of more than 100 UMC clergy came out as LGBT, inspired by an earlier effort in New York where 15 ministers did the same. Since then, 28 current and retired UMC bishops published a letter supporting the out clergy members, and a group of more than 500 LGBT clergy from other denominations most hailing from groups such as the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Episcopal Church, which already ordain and marry LGBT people published a letter in solidarity with their UMC brethren. Meanwhile, more than 2,300 UMC clergy members have signed a letter declaring they will not comply with the Book of Discipline s dismissal of sexuality, vowing to ordain people regardless of their sexual preference and refuse to replace LGBT ministers who are removed from pulpits. Signers also (Continued on Page 14) 13

14 (Continued From Page 13) said they would not participate in trials of colleagues who are brought up on charges simply for being publicly LGBT a tactic some progressive bishops have used for several years. The convention center has also been awash with on-the-ground activism organized by pro-lgbt groups such as the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. Ministers stood outside the conference doors on Monday as voting delegates entered, their hands tied with rainbow stoles as they sang the hymn Blessed Be the Tie That Binds ; a day later, several of the 111 out clergy members also lined up next to both conference center entrances, brandishing the stoles of people who were reportedly denied ordination because of their sexuality; others placed rainbow colored duct tape over their mouths to imply they were being silenced at General Conference; and another group performed an unofficial ordination service for Sue Laurie, a longtime LGBT activist and out lesbian. Among the activists was Jarell Wilson, a Methodist seminary student who was also one of the 111 ministers who came out last week. I needed to do this, Wilson said, referring to his activism and his decision to publicly identify as LGBT. This is a part of being a minister with integrity. Ministry is best done when there is honesty. I knew that I had to tell people who I was before I could minister to them. Wilson and others welcomed the new commission, but were concerned about who would serve on it. I m satisfied with the idea, but I am hesitant until I see who is invited to participate in this, Wilson said. 14

15 Continued on page 21 15

16 Continued from page 20 16

17 17

18 18

19 The United Methodist Women met on Wednesday, May 4, in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 P.M. Those attending: Helen Gillette, Madeline Stevenson, Vera McCormick, Jackie McCormick, Wendy Magnan, Christie Saunders, Bette Curtis, and Joan Bradstreet. Jackie McCormick, this month s chairperson, called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with our Purpose, followed by our breath prayer and UMW pledge. Her mediation was a reading For Mothers A Gift of Love. An opening prayer was offered. Joys were expressed. Under communications, Joan circulated the March issue of the MidMaine Mission Messenger for discussion. The previous minutes were read and accepted. Vera gave us an up-to-date checking account balance. An additional miscellaneous expense of $25 for the Unity Finals Survival Pack, for EmmaLee Goldwaite, was issued. The $18 packs for Farmington: Seth, Sidney, Donna Chason.with one more pack for Bo Curtis had already been deducted. Our prayer chain was lifted up. OLD BUSINESS: Jackie thanked last month s chairperson, Wendy, and the hostesses, Vera & Joan. Report on ongoing missions: UMCOR health kits for conference NEW BUSINESS: We agreed to pay the postage for the military boxes. Though we are few in number, we decided to have our Spring Fling Luncheon at the China Dinah on June 1 st. Vera & Bette are chairing this fun event. We discussed our upcoming bake sale on Saturday, May 7th, with Jackie and Bette assigned to this event. Arlo & Joan will help set-up tables. Helen gave the upcoming birthdays. Our benediction was recited and the meeting was adjourned. Vera and Joan served cake and ice cream for refreshments. In lieu of a speaker, a Bible Numbers Quiz was played. A fun time was had by all! Respectfully submitted: Joan Bradstreet, Recording Secretary 19

20 Christian Ministry in the same location for 175 years Our church is celebrating 175 years of ministry this year. Expect to see banners, of various sizes, highlighting this celebration throughout the year. The NOW committee has sent a Thank You Box to some of our service members overseas in May Other activities are in the works and will be announced regularly. Please suggest your ideas to an NOW committee member. 20

21 NOW Nuture Outreach Witness Common Responsibilities of Nurture, Outreach and Witness Ministry Teams and Project Groups Understand the overall goals of the congregation and relate the goals to specific projects and programs so that the goals are extended into and beyond the congregation. To accomplish the goals of the congregation, short-term teams may form and disband throughout the year to implement specific ministries. Explore and build networks with existing organizations, people, and resources in the congregation and community to fulfill the mission of the church. Sometimes it s not easy to stand up and speak out our personal prayer needs. If you have a prayer request, we will keep your needs in our prayers each day for the week following your request. Also, if you need has been answered, we would love to hear and rejoice with you in prayers of thankfulness. OPTIONS: Turning in a prayer card (found in the back of the sanctuary) during our Worship Service Contact Helen Gillette, our Prayer Chain Leader, at Contact our secure online site for our Christian community Companions in Christ, The Way of PRAYER ( Our church believes in the power and importance of prayer: Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 21

22 Holy Communion Holy Communion, or the Lord s Supper, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. United Methodists practice an open table. We do not exclude people based on age or religious tradition. We receive Holy Communion by intinction, the method whereby the bread is given and then the cup is offered. The bread is then dipped in the juice and both elements are received at the same time. Our Sunday Morning Worship is followed by a coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall, where many gather for friendly conversation over a cup of coffee. Adults and children of all ages catch up with each other and to welcome visitors. Fellowship is an integral part of our Christian Life and the weekly coffee hour is a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with fellow parishioners. Special thanks to all who are volunteering to contribute to our Fellowship Time after worship. Tuesday at 9:30 AM 22

23 Month of Sundays June 5, 2016 (Third Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Lectionary Reader OPEN Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Communion Steward Bette Curtis Fellowship Host Joyce Chase June 12, 2016 (Fourth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Lectionary Reader OPEN Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN June 19, 2016 (Fifth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Lectionary Reader OPEN Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN June 26, 2016 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Lectionary Reader OPEN Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN 23

24 JUST SAYING This is a new series with some questions we can ask ourselves about our interaction with our Vision Statements. No reply is needed, just think about your answers. This month s topic is from RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE ; Reaching out to meet needs within our community and beyond Our Strategic Goal here is to see the community, determine its needs and provide for them in the ways that we can. The risk, as I see it, is to suggest some new service or new way to provide a service to the community. Anything new makes most people feel uneasy. I was unsure about my first day in college, getting married and going into the army. Survived them all. Lets get behind the Strategic Goals that we approved and take a chance on doing something new. Just saying. The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: the family of Olive & Pete Tinker, Jack Vera s grandson, Kip & Kathy Bagley, Bethany Collins, Liz Sullivan and family, Helen and Max Gillette, Liz Sullivan and family, Nancy Henry, Rita Andrews, Sharon Shaw, Tammy Shaw, Tonya Hubbard, Olive and Carl Braley and son David, Charlene & Paul LaBrie, Charlene s nephew - David, Wendy s grandchildren Emily and Carter, her sisters Nancy, Bonnie, Cindy, Sarah; Evelyn Wilbur & family, Laura Blake, Connie Reynolds, Jane Glen, Christie Paul & Phaedera, Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson, Roger & Marie Barber, Dottie and Bruce Jansen, Seth Reed, the children & parents-of our Sunday school program, Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2016 and The Unity community. See Pastor Jen to add your prayer concerns here or to change status of those listed. If you or a family member goes to a hospital and you need pastoral care, please contact Pastor Jen. In the event of a pastoral emergency and Pastor Jen is not available, please contact, Joan Bradstreet at

25 1. RADICAL HOSPITALITY FINAL STRATEGIC GOALS (SG) SG #1: Being intentional about inviting the unchurched into our faith community SG #2: Being intentional in church the GSTS in offering sincere greeting to welcome people to worship as they are, where they are. God loves you as you are. SG #3: Being intentional about offering a safe, friendly, pleasant facility/grounds in which people can gather, learn and worship. 2. PASSIONATE WORSHIP SG #1: Being intentional about connecting people to God through a meaningful worship experience SG #2: Being intentional about exploring various ways of inviting church members/outside groups to share their gifts in worship. 3. INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT SG #1: To be diligent in offering opportunities for each individual of our faith community to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge and love of God. 4a. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **THE CHURCH SG #1: Discerning God s call to step out beyond our comfort zones to meet the needs of our community. 4b. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP SG #1: Discern intentional ways in which to offer God s love and grace to our local community through the ministry of the Good Steward Thrift Shop. SG #2: Intentionally providing more opportunities for volunteers to share in God s love and grace by serving at the Good Steward Thrift Shop. 5. EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY SG #1: Intentionally seeking opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people beyond our walls through congregational support and outreach. SG #2: Intentionally cultivating a spirit of generous giving within the congregation throughout the year. SG#3: Intentionally teach, preach, and practice that generous giving is a spiritual discipline. 25

26 The Leadership Team has completed their work in discerning the church s new mission and vision statements. This has come after months of prayerful meetings in which the congregational responses to survey questions were considered. Below are the mission and vision statements along with the strategic goals formulated out of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations material. All were approved by the Administrative Committee on Sunday, July 19, Thanks to all who participated. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS: Unity Union Church Mission Statement: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Unity Union United Methodist Church Vision Statement: As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God s light and love. In order to live out our vision we covenant to practice: RADICAL HOSPITALITY Welcoming one another as we are with the love of God PASSIONATE WORSHIP Connecting to God through authentic and engaging worship INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT Growing together in the grace and love of Jesus Christ RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE Reaching out to meet needs within our community and beyond EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Cultivating a spirit of generous giving of our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness for the Glory of God. 26

27 Information Page Unity United Methodist Church 13 Depot St. PO Box 146 Unity, Maine Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Reed; or Lay Leader: Christie Saunders; Council Chair: Wendy Magnan; Trustee Chair: Barry McCormick; Worship Service 10 AM Sunday Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday Please Like the Unity United Methodist Church in Facebook Check out our Church WEBSITE at articles to: or Contact us at final Would you call a lazy baby kangaroo a pouch potato?. 27