June 2018 NY/CT DISTRICT REV. ELIZABETH J. OTT, SUPERINTENDENT KAREN YOSTPILLE, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 20 SOUNDVIEW AVE WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 PHONE: 914-615-2233 NYCTDISTRICT@NYAC- UMC.COM NY/CT CONNECTOR PATTI COHEN-HECHT, EDITOR UMCCONNECTOR@GMAIL.COM For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints of the light. (Colossians 1:9-12) WHO WIL LEAD THEM? WESLEY CONSIDERS A TRIP TO AMERICA! Part XVIII in a series on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism By the end of 1768, mail was fairly flying across the Atlantic from new Methodists in America to John Wesley in England and back again. Wesley s journal entries in 1770 show that, by now, he was strongly considering a visit with friends in Philadelphia and New York who were begging him to come and help them organize the growing movement. Wesley, searching for God s guidance in this matter, had decided that he would let Whitefield continue to lead and encourage the young preachers in America. However, the death of Whitefield in early 1771, left the less experienced preachers in America without support. Joseph Pilmore, who had converted more than 200 to Methodism in less than one year, also began to appeal regularly for additional preachers (saying there was work enough for two preachers at a time in each place). However, Pilmore indicated a growing controversy within American and British Methodism while writing to a friend in England, saying, The chief problem is lack of ordination and adding, I believe we shall be obliged to procure it by some means or another. (Continued on page 2) 1
(continued from page 1) While Wesley continued to appeal to his own preachers to go to America, there were other Methodist preachers who were emerging from the newly organized Societies. One, Captain Thomas Webb of New York, was retired from the military because of an injury that required him to wear an eye patch. Webb, who sparked tremendous growth to the New York Societies, regularly preached in full regimental regalia with his sword resting across the pulpit! Finally, at the 1771 Conference, five preachers came forward and volunteered to go. Of these, Wesley chose two, Richard Wright and Francis Asbury. Both of these preachers were young, in their midtwenties, and had one and four years experience preaching, respectively. The Conference minutes for that year state there were four preachers in America with a membership of five hundred. Methodism had spread to the colonies and was now being nurtured and supported in the British connection. Wesley could turn his energies to other matters calling for attention. In 1770 and again in 1771 he found himself pressured by Calvinists within Methodism who were led by their patron, Lady Huntingdon who was once a great admirer of Wesley. This group was interested in reopening the movement to a theology based in predestination and accused Wesley of retreating on some of his earlier teachings. More alarming, they challenged his interpretation of Grace and of the meaning of Works. This matter took much of Wesley s attention during this period, while at the same time he was confronted by Mary Bosanquet who urged him to rethink his position on women preachers. Next Time: Should Women Preach? And More Work to Do. Peace, Betsy Cornerstone Community Church, a United Methodist Church in Norwalk, CT, is hoping to augment its hand bell set for use in worship services. If any church has a set it no longer needs or uses, they would be an appreciative recipient of it. You can contact the church office at office@come2cornerstone.org or Nancy Kenworthy at nlkroot@sbcglobal.net. 2
BISHOP on the NY/CT DISTRICT Bishop Bickerton s Day on the NY/CT District! Bishop Thomas Bickerton and his wife Sally joined us on the New York/Connecticut District on Sunday, June 3 rd. Over 100 people gathered at Drew United Methodist Church in Carmel, New York where we enjoyed a message from our Bishop and a light meal. Bishop Bickerton began by discussing where we are as a denomination, focusing on both our realities and our opportunities. He went on to provide insight into our Annual Conference s Mission, Vision and Core Values, which are included below. He also gave an update on the Way Forward Commission and the recommendations it will send to the 2019 Special General Conference. Our day ended with a brief question and answer session, and an opportunity for the Bishop to mingle informally with the group. We appreciate the Bishop taking the time from his busy schedule to be present with us. Thanks so much to Drew United Methodist Church and its congregation for hosting this event. New York Annual Conference Mission/Vision/Core Values 2018 Mission We strive to share God s love by creating safe places where all are accepted and welcomed, connecting the needs of people to the presence of God, and transforming the world through Christ. Vision We see strong leaders who develop vital congregations that eagerly make new disciples, actively nurture existing disciples, and passionately advocate for the needs and concerns of all people. Core Values The values that drive us are deep love for God and unconditional love for all people. We value collaboration and partnerships that demonstrate God s love to a world that divides and alienates. We value relationships that foster accountability, excellence, and an ability to engage in open, honest, and respectful conversations. We value the hope that we have in Christ that, when discovered, brings us a unity of purpose, a joy that enlivens our spirit, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Approved by the Connectional Ministries Vision Team, January 2018) 3
NY/CT DISTRICT CONFERENCE And a good time was had by all! It was a beautiful, but cool day for the New York/Connecticut District Annual Conference on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church. Pastor Michael Barry and his congregation graciously hosted approximately 75 people, including youth and children. The conference included music led by the band, Visions of Praise with other singers and musicians joining in. Everyone enjoyed a delicious barbeque with burgers and dogs and many wonderful side dishes. District Superintendent Betsy Ott spoke and then led the nominating and voting process for the District Committees. Lay speakers received their certificates and Chan Gillham was presented with a gift of appreciation acknowledging her many years in service to the district. Many thanks to the Stevens Memorial congregation for their excellent job at hosting this event. They are an efficient group who made this look so easy (looks can be deceiving)! Many thanks to Jen Harmer and the District Council on Ministries (DCOM) for their leadership and planning throughout the year which culminated in the nominations for the district. Also, thank you to all of the committees and chairs who worked conscientiously throughout the year. For those members who are finishing their time on various committees, we are grateful for your faithfulness. For those who are beginning to serve on a district committee, we thank you for your willingness to serve and look forward to working with you. If you would like to receive a copy of the District Conference Booklet, please email Karen at NYCTDistrict@nyac-umc.com to request one. 4
NY/CT DISTRICT CONFERENCE NY/CT DISTRICT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 5
CONFIRMATION EVENTS AT OUR LOCAL CHURCHES Pound Ridge Community Church The 2018 Confirmation Class: Tommy Heaton, Bryce Heaton, Charlie Goggin, Jackson Lawrence, and Luke Long worked hard to prepare for their Confirmation held on May 20, 2018. The class made a public profession of faith, and became members of their church family. United Methodist Church of Darien On Sunday, May 20, Veronica Ayen and Kate Wolters were confirmed as members of the United Methodist Church of Darien. They had completed two years of study along with 60 hours of community service. Congratulations to the Confirmands! 6
EVENTS AT OUR LOCAL CHURCHES The United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak "Breakfast Run" (cooking breakfast for the homeless in NYC) on May 7 in NYC. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you say to them, Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? James 2:14-16 Such an amazing day of faith in action was held on in May. Sixteen youth and twelve adults headed to New York City and brought food, new shirts and socks, and self care items to their brothers and sisters in need. Breakfast was cooked on griddles by the teens. Backpacks, water bottles and fruit were shared with approximately 55 special guests at our assigned street corner. (Many thanks to the members of the congregation who donated items!) Let s keep these people in our prayers. 7
INTERIM EDITOR NEEDED Have you ever dreamt of being a New York Times editor? Now could be the time to test your skills! We are looking for someone to step into the volunteer position as Editor of The NY/CT Connector newsletter. Our current Editor, Patti Cohen-Hecht, needs to take a leave for a few months, and we are looking for someone to continue producing the newsletter in her absence. Patti currently uses Microsoft Publisher to produce our newsletter, but we are open to other options. Please contact Karen at the District Office (NYCTDistrict@nyac-umc.com) to volunteer for this important communications position. Each month you have an opportunity to share a highlight of an event that just happened or announce an upcoming event to your fellow United Methodist Churches. This newsletter is named THE NY-CT CONNECTOR, because it is meant to connect our local church communities to each other. However, it will only be truly a connector if we all participate in sharing your good news and events. Please send your information by the 15th of each month for publication in the following month's newsletter. The new e-mail address is : umcconnector@gmail.com 8
The Newspaper of The New York Conference of The United Methodist Church For the Latest Version of THE VISION CLICK HERE http://www.nyac.com/vision REV. ELIZABETH J. OTT, SUPERTENDENT KAREN YOSTPILLE, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 20 SOUNDVIEW AVE WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 PHONE: 914-615-2233 EMAIL: NYCTDISTRICT@NYAC-UMC.COM JUNE 2018 NY/CT CONNECTOR editor: patti cohen-hecht umcconnector@gmail.com DEADLINE FOR THE JULY CONNECTOR IS FRIDAY, JUNE 29. 9