Since providing the attached report to our January 2023 Church Council on my opinion of the status of the UMC, I have had the opportunity to meet with several small groups. In these small gatherings, I have used a powerpoint slide show to summarize my thoughts and provide information regarding the "splintering of our denomination." I bring this up today, so that anyone that would like this information might receive it. Several links to additional resources are included which should help answer the questions you may have at this time.
To quote the Bishop and Cabinet of the Rio Texas Annual Conference: "We represent a wide array of theological perspectives and value different voices at the table. We believe that there is and that there will be progressives, conservatives, centrists, traditionalists, and modern perspectives in our churches; and we believe that is a strength. While we may not agree on every detail or conclusion regarding our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, we are all committed to serve God in The United Methodist Church. We feel called to the Rio Texas Conference and its future; a future where we will no longer argue about human sexuality, but rather engage in holy conversations and healthy dialogue that seeks justice and dignity for everyone."
As we move forward as United Methodists in the Rio Texas Conference, I will provide more information to the church council and to the congregation in the form of reports, sermon comments, and small group presentations. In May of this year, we will present a five week sermon series emphasizing the central themes and emphasis areas of our disciple-making as a United Methodist Church.
Moving forward with Christ,
Pastor Paul
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