"Through the power of Christ, we are learning to live in simplicity, thankfulness, contentment and
generosity in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana."

(IF YOU CLICK ON A PICTURE, IT WILL GET BIGGER... AND EASIER TO VIEW.)

Friday, April 5, 2019

Join the 'I Dream a Church' Conversation on Zoom!

April 5, 2019


Dear beloved members of the Mountain Sky Conference,


The vote at General Conference has rocked the United Methodist world. In churches throughout our conference, I have heard much grief, pain, and anger as the church we've loved and supported – which also loved and supported us – was broken in St. Louis, possibly beyond repair. It feels to many as if the essentials of our United Methodist ethos have been voted out and the church no longer rests on its theological foundations.


What does this mean for you, your local church and our conference? What future are we being called to?


While it feels as if we are in a Good Friday period of mourning, God never leaves us in the tomb for long. Resurrection happens. Love bursts out of the tomb bringing God's promise of new life. What new life are we being called to?


We are in a liminal state as a church at this moment – between death and new life, between grief and joy, between despair and hope. Like any family, it is time for us to come together and share our perspectives – no matter where we are geographically or theologically – for it is in that place of Holy Conferencing that God speaks to us.

I invite you to a Zoom call on Easter Monday, April 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. MDT. During this time, we will learn where the denomination is at this historic moment. And then we will turn to one another and listen to how the Spirit has been speaking to each of us as we share our thoughts on the church's future. What do you dream for your church? What visions do you hold for its future in ministry and mission?


I hope you can join us for this session. Simply sign up online and you will receive login information for our session. Your voice is critical as we learn from one another and create a picture together of the future to which God calls us.


I look forward to our conversation.


Blessings,
Signature for Bishop Oliveto
Bishop Karen

No comments:

Post a Comment