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Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and  sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.  
(Hebrews 12: 1-2)
 
On Sunday, November 5th, we commemorated the saints who have joined the church triumphant this year. We give God thanks for the cloud of witnesses that spoke hope and encouragement to our lives.  We are reminded of how good and faithful God is, and how God continues to speak words of love, justice, and peace all along the journey.
 
Last week at the district-wide church conference we heard from the Rev. Jeffrey Campbell, of Discipleship Ministries. He encouraged those gathered to go back to our Wesleyan tradition of meeting people where they are: on the ballpark, in the café’s, etc.  We must go where the people are, and be Christ to all the world. My hope is that we would not work harder but work smarter. For those of us who attended the Tri-district retreat , the district-wide church conference, and for those who will attend the Laity Convocation on November 11th, 2017,  the message is consistent:  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:16a)
 
Our challenge is to live out that mandate. I encourage us to spend time in small groups, or geographic clusters. Begin to develop a process that your congregation can embrace. Leading change is never easy, but it is necessary. Commit yourselves to a time of prayer and fasting. The Holy Spirit will direct your path. We are living in desperate times. We have not been called to save the denomination. We are called to save the lost and the least of them. It is time for us to live into our calling and be the leaders we were created to be. Leading change requires a continuous  encounter with the Holy Spirit.  John Kotter’s Leading Change (1996) is an excellent resource. As we open ourselves to the process a clear vision for the future will emerge. There is a certain level of vulnerability that is required for this type of journey. Let us take a fresh look at our gifts and equip the community to embrace the vision.
 
Last week the cabinet visited the other side of our annual conference. We were in the Catskills, where we saw  raging rivers, and mountainous beauty. I was reminded of the days when I went white water rafting on the Delaware River Gap. White water rafting can be a great adventure if you  are prepared. It  is not the same as guiding a sailboat or a kayak.  Having experience in sailing is not enough. One needs a specific set of tools for rafting. One needs the  right kind of oars, life jacket, a guide with an emergency kit, throw line, water and snacks. There are changes in the rivers’ flow the guide will be prepared to navigate. A specific set of skills is needed for a safe journey. So it is for us, we need to be well skilled in connecting with the Holy Spirit, building relationships and charting the path forward.
If we are leading toward  effective change, we must sharpen our skill set, and create room for the Holy Spirit to transform us and our communities. The hymn writer said it well:
 
“Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, move the faithful spirits at the call divine; gifts in different measure, hearts of one accord, manifold the service , one the sure reward.” (By Frederick Lucian Hosmer, UM Hymnal, #555)

In faith,
 

Denise Smartt Sears
 
 
UPCOMING DATES:
 

  • Laity Convocation Saturday, November 11, 2017 8:30 am-3:30 pm, Stamford Hilton
  • General Church’s week of prayer for “A Way Forward”.  The Metropolitan District online prayer will convene at 6:00 am Monday, November 13- Friday November 17, 2017. All clergy and laity are encouraged to join the call. Dial in Number: 712.775.7031; Meeting ID: 530.530.014
  • VIM Volunteers in Mission Training Saturday, December 2, 2017, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm NYAC Conference Center registration: www.nyac.com
  • District Advent Worship Sunday, December 3, 2017 3:00pm, Church of the Village
  • Bishop Bickerton’s Day on the District Monday, December 11, 2017 6:30 pm. Christ Church NYC registration: www.nyac.com
  • 2018 Bishop’s Convocation Tuesday, January 9- Thursday, January 11, 2018, For clergy and families
  • Lay Leadership Training Day- Saturday, January 20, 2018 9:30 am- 2:00 pm, New Rochelle UMC.
 

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.