Dear Aldersgate Family,
As you likely know, we have been discussing and praying for the special called session of General Conference for the United Methodist Church. This week, nearly 900 delegates and many others from all over the world gathered in St. Louis to decide our denominations policy regarding same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. Here is some information and my own thoughts from the conference:
- The majority of the delegates voted in favor of the Traditional Plan which retains the current position that affirms all people are of sacred worth but the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and so no self-avowed practicing homosexual may be ordained for ministry in the United Methodist Church. There are some who celebrate this decision and others who are deeply hurt by it.
- It will take some time to fully understand the full impact of the decisions made at General Conference. In the meantime I ask that you pray for the United Methodist Church.
- The Aldersgate Church Council will be meeting this Sunday, March 3rd at 1:00 PM to debrief and discuss the actions of the General Conference this week. The Church Council has been praying about and discussing the conference for a couple of years now and will continue that discussion this Sunday. As always, Church Council meetings at Aldersgate are open to anyone and we welcome your presence this Sunday so that you can hear more about this week’s conference, join in on the discussion, and ask any questions you may have.
- Please be praying for our Church. As always, we will continue to preach the Gospel, connect others to Jesus, love everyone and impact the world! We will continue to make disciples by being found people who find people, growing people who grow together, saved people who serve others and grateful people who give generously!
Ryan Smallwood
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