A Moment for Mission
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.” —Psalm 25:10, NRSVUE
Bishop David Wilson, the denomination’s first Native American bishop, encouraged General Conference delegates to consider the people who inspired their faith in the past while considering how decisions today can inspire United Methodists far into the future.
Wilson, who often shares the way Indigenous cultures look far into the future as they consider decisions, closed with a story from the six tribes that make up the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in the northeastern United States.
When major decisions must be made, Wilson said, care and attention go into not only thinking about the ramifications for the present or even a year later. Instead, thought is given to what the results of a decision could be to people living seven generations down the road.
“You heard that correctly: the next seven generations,” Wilson said. “What would that look like if we made plans, looking ahead seven generations and how these decisions affect all people? Can you imagine how that would impact this denomination and, most importantly, this world?”
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Fund pays for bishops’ salaries, office and travel expenses and pension and health benefit coverage. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Episcopal Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
Children’s Message
Show the children a shepherd figurine from a nativity set or another symbol that represents leadership.
In The United Methodist Church, a bishop is a leader chosen to serve and guide the church community. They are like shepherds who care for and watch over the people of the church. Just as a shepherd guides and protects their sheep, bishops lead and care for the pastors and congregations in their area, called a “conference.”
The United Methodist Church is organized into different groups called conferences. Think of them like big teams of churches in specific areas. Each conference has its own bishop. So, just like a team has a coach to lead and guide them, a conference has a bishop to provide leadership and support.
Our bishop’s name is <NAME>. S/he provides spiritual guidance, ordains and appoints pastors, make important decisions and supports and encourages pastors and church members in our ministries. United Methodist bishops are like shepherds who care for us and help us grow closer to God. We thank God for the gift of bishops and especially pray for Bishop NAME as s/he leads and guides us in our faith journey.
Prayer
Prayer for your bishop:
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of the faithful,
look with favor on your servant Name,
whom your Church has appointed bishop
and chief pastor of the Name, Area.
Grant that, by word and example,
he/she may assist those among whom he/she is placed,
so that he/she and the people entrusted to his/her care
may fulfill the promises that they have made this day;
grow together in unity, love, and service;
and at last attain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Copyright: A Service Celebrating the Assignment of a Bishop to an Area. Copyright © 1992 UMPH.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
Gracious God, in this season of anticipation, we offer our gifts with hopeful hearts. As we prepare for the fullness of your kingdom, may these offerings be a sign of our readiness and desire to live attentively. Use them to bring justice, righteousness and joy to our world. Surprise us with your presence and help us to look up, to pay attention and to embrace the hope you bring. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen. (Luke 21:25-36)
Newsletter Nugget
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.” —Psalm 25:10, NRSVUE
At the conclusion of the General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., the Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church has committed to vigorously supporting the delegates from around the world who have overwhelmingly passed legislation regarding the regionalization of our worldwide church.
COB president Bishop Tracy S. Malone said she was thrilled at the passage of regionalization at the General Conference. “We are a beautiful, diverse, international worldwide church and regionalization is a reflection of what that looks like. This gives us a sense of autonomy, while still keeping us connected missionally, still keeping us as one body, a “people called United Methodist,” she said.
Regionalization will allow missional contexts worldwide the freedom to adapt worship, music, membership, administrative practices and evangelism strategies. However, it will not alter doctrinal standards, core beliefs, Social Principles or the Ministry of All Christians. The Trinity, the Word of God, the Resurrection, and other essential aspects of our faith will remain unchanged.
Over the next two years, the Council of Bishops will:
offer resources and opportunities for conversations about regionalization and its necessary amendments,
vigorously support the passage of needed amendments through teaching and preaching, and
prohibit the spread of misinformation about regionalization by United Methodists or external church and political entities.
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Fund pays for bishops’ salaries, office and travel expenses and pension and health benefit coverage. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Episcopal Fund apportionment at 100 percent.