Note from Pastor Jana The theme of Annual Conference this year was Come to the Table. One of the pieces I took away from that theme is that we have to be willing to come to the table, not only to sit, but to share and grow. It is not enough to just come to the table, but we have to be willing to participate. As we have seen the hurt happening in the denomination, we have witnessed what can happen when people are not willing to come to the table. We forget how powerful the table truly is. We come to the table to feast - to be fed (spiritually and physically) - to share in community - to hear stories and get to know one another. Bishop Merrill shared an incredible and powerful episcopal address. She spoke about connection and the importance of building relationships. Bishop Merrill shared that people have spoken horrible things about the United Methodist Church. We have been told many things that are not true. She shared “that those are not the voices that we need to listen to. God Bless the people who use those voices and may God bless their Ministry. I say that sincerely but they do not speak the truth about the United Methodists of the state of Arkansas. Those words do not speak who we are. They will not give us life. No. We are standing on Holy Ground today. Many of you have heard me say that if you're still here, you are here for a reason.” There has been a lot of rough seasons for the church - pandemic, division, etc. You have stayed in the church. You have not given up on coming because you are here for a reason. So, let us gather around the table and share the body of Christ with all we encounter. In Christ, Pastor Jana
3 Publizr Home