RECAP – COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR – Wednesday, March 16, 2022

 

This past Sunday we held the first in a series of forum discussions.  We began the conversation on the primary issue which has been dividing churches for many years now.  Some churches have already split, and some have created a style of organization which allows them to leave and form another denomination.  In our church that is not so easy as we are a connectional church which means are all connected.  We do not have the independence to go our own way.  Every four years the General Conference is held. The last official conference was held in 2016 but has been postponed due to covid and it was recently announced that it has been postponed until 2024.  This is creating several problems as it has been 8 years since we have had a conference and the issues dividing us have not been addressed.  So, this announcement last week has created an unacceptable condition for many in our church who have been wanting to create a second denomination.  Essentially the split of the United Methodist Church will mean that our church will not be as it was. There are those that have been planning a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church which may be declared soon.  The details of this split have not yet been worked out. That will create a lot of uncertainty throughout the UMC.  Our discussion in our forum have been centered on this topic and what it will mean to our own church here in Sturgeon Bay. The continuation of this discussion will be on March 27 at 9:00 AM before Worship.

 

We have two announcements regarding programs that have begun again now that Covid cases are declining.  Sunday School has started again on Sundays at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall.  You are encouraged to have your children join this group and you are welcome to include any of their friends to come along.   It is important that all children learn the stories of Jesus and know how much they are loved by God.  Additionally, the Sunday Morning bus ride program has started again.  If you are in assisted living or unable to easily get a ride to church, please contact the church office at 920-743-3241 so we can make arrangements to pick you up.

 

Pastor Dave wanted to address the war in Ukraine.  All of us are seeing images that brings sadness to our hearts.  Recently he has witnessed anger towards people of Russian decent or who speak with a Russian accent.  This is unacceptable behavior, and it saddens him greatly.  The decisions that the Russian leadership are making right now are not the fault of the Russian people.  As Christians we are called by Christ to pray for peace and not be side takers in matters of this kind.  When we see in our news that often rulers play god to maintain or gain power, it does not help to lash out in anger.  Jesus is wants us to love each other as ourselves because to Jesus we are all the same.  Pastor Dave feels that peace is the only way, and he prays that this situation does not escalate to other countries.  Jesus once said to the apostle Peter when he wanted to defend the Lord and drew his sword, “put away your sword as those who live by the sword will die by the sword”.   If you feel called to help and would like to make a donation to the refugees we are collecting for UMCOR. Please make your donation out to Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church with a memo note :  Advance #982450-Ukraine.  UMCOR can always be trusted to get the funds directly to care for those suffering from this war.

 

Until next time, have a blessed day.

 

ONLINE SERVICE TIMES

 

Service Recordings Are Available Sunday Late Afternoon

 

Service Recordings will be delayed One Week for the Following:

  • WDOR Radio 93.9 FM or 910 AM 9:30 AM Sunday Mornings
  • Public Access TV on Channel 989 Wednesdays at 8 and 5 PM and again on Sundays at noon and 3 PM

 

Submitted by Lorna Magliaro, Adm. Assistant