Moment for Mission
Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. — Joel 2:27
This past July, 15 new bishops were elected from the Northeastern, Southeastern, North Central, South Central and Western jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church.
The ministry of the bishops in each of the jurisdictions and in the annual conferences involves gifts of administration, oversight and casting a vision that will inspire their congregations to take seriously the call to make disciples for the transformation of the world. Bishops also are charged with shepherding the flocks and maintaining the unity of the church.
This summer, the Southeastern Jurisdiction elected its first African-American female bishop, the Rev. Sharma Lewis of the North Georgia Conference. Lewis was one of seven women elected as bishops in The United Methodist Church this summer. The work of Lewis and all the bishops will continue to be of vital importance as The United Methodist Church navigates how the church will meet the world in the midst of a complicated cultural climate, both inside and outside its walls.
Many of these bishops began their new appointments on Sept. 1, leaving churches they have served for years, sometimes changing locations altogether to serve congregations in another capacity. Our giving of our apportionments to the Episcopal Fund provide the support necessary to allow our bishops to do the important work of guiding the church in service and mission to the world.
Offertory Prayer
God, we thank you for those who have heard your call to lead your people. We pray that they may have ears to hear your voice, eyes to see where you are moving, and wisdom as they shepherd their flocks. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost / in Kingdomtide - Holy God, we rejoice in your goodness. There is no one like you! You have restored us to right relationship with you. You send your Spirit and abundant blessings in our lives. It is an honor to contribute to the wonders you are doing through the mission of this church. In gratitude, we return a portion of your bounty to us. May you uplift people in our community and the world through the presence of Christ your Son. Amen. (Joel 2:23-32)
Newsletter Nugget
In July, The United Methodist Church elected 15 new bishops in elections held during jurisdictional conferences across the United States. Of those, seven were women, including the Rev. LaTrelle Miller Easterling, an elder from the Northeastern Jurisdiction. Bishop Easterling is passionate about working with those on the margins and is a champion for justice. Easterling and most of the new bishops began their appointments on Sept. 1.
The work of the bishops is an incredible undertaking as they shepherd a large flock and set the vision for their congregations of making disciples for the transformation of the world. They also are charged with preserving the unity of The United Methodist Church. These responsibilities are even more important in moments such as this, when the cultural climate, outside and sometimes inside our own churches, is complicated and politically charged. Our generous giving to our apportionments allows the Episcopal Fund to support our bishops and the work that they do.