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Prepping for Annual Conference: A Mountain Sky Area Book Study With the Bishop

5/15/2017

4 Comments

 
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Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism by Wil Cantrell
  • May 23 at 8 p.m.: A conversation with the author
  • May 30 at 8 p.m.: A conversation with one another

I want to invite you to join me in a book study as we prepare for Annual Conference. These days we are living in as United Methodists haven’t been easy. We find ourselves on pins and needles as we wonder if The United Methodist Church will turn into the Untied Methodist Church when the special session of General Conference occurs in February 2019. At that time, the delegates will receive a report from the Commission on a Way Forward presenting their proposal for how we can live together in the face of our differences regarding human sexuality.

In many ways, we have been ground zero for these discussions and deliberations. The Mountain Sky Area has had a long history of wrestling together over matters related to ministry and homosexuality. The conversations haven’t always been easy, but they have been important as we seek to understand God’s Word for our day and place.

The Mountain Sky Area cabinet and I have been reading Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism by Wil Cantrell. Rev. Cantrell writes as one who loves The United Methodist Church. He provides a historical overview of how we got to where we are today, but then, more importantly, provides a framework of how our theological strengths can help us through this time, if we choose it.

With a commitment to humility and truly hearing one another, Cantrell reminds us of the essentials within our Wesleyan heritage. He doesn’t provide an easy answer for the conflict and reminds us that depending on how we decide to move forward, we may choose untied instead of united, but Cantrell helps us have gracefilled conversations with one another, even in the face of our differences.

Rev. Cantrell will join us for a Zoom conversation on May 23 at 8 p.m. To join this hour-long conversation: https://zoom.us/j/149451109

The following week on May 30 at 8 p.m., we will continue the conversation.

Please read the book before joining the conversation! The book is available on Amazon and is a very engaging, quick read.

Blessings,
Bishop Karen Oliveto

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4 Comments
Lynn Price
5/19/2017 06:37:59 am

As a new United Methodist, I am uncertain from a comment in the book: what does it say about our theology in the article of religion? When I became a member, did I sign up to believe every word is literally true.?

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lynn price
5/21/2017 02:40:24 pm

I have read the Articles of Religion now. I am a member, and I know I signed up for the mission of the UMC, and supporting the UMC. But I do not recall that I was required to commit to a specific personal theology. As a former Baptist, that is a little too hierarchical for me! My theology keeps growing, which I am experiencing as exciting and helpful, and real: Jesus in my heart, God's call to love with all of myself and for my neighbor! I got a hint that the Book recognizes that the UMC theology also has not been static. I don't want to be a trouble maker, but is it possible to talk about the historical Bible and textual criticism without losing our spiritual faith? I would not talk this way with someone for whom it might be a stumbling block, but I don't like hiding my questions. I am open in our class study in our small group in our church in a considerate way, but i do not know if there is a rule about what i am allowed to believe as a UMC member.I know this may seem a little off topic, but it was raised in Cantrell's book. thanks!

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K. T. Gregg
5/26/2017 11:10:01 pm

I enjoy Bible studies and agree with Lynn. I live by the Bible and know that leaders are held to a higher standard. I will not be joining this study due to the life style of the leader.

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Vera Roth
6/5/2017 07:44:37 pm


Thank you, Kelly Addy, for the beautiful banner.

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    Bishop Karen Oliveto is the voice and visioning leader of 400 churches in the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church.

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