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Revised Article From Nancy
Here is the FULL article that Nancy wrote for the Newsletter.
I am so sorry that somehow I cut off the beginning of her article.
Enjoy!!!!
Patti Gridley
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This coming Monday, January 16th, is the national observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Let us give thanks for this courageous follower of Jesus who promoted justice for all with non-violence.
On August 28, 1963, Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C.
Today, I offer my "I Have a Dream" article.
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I have a dream today. I have a dream...
--That the name of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in inviting ways in all the churches and communities that comprise the Mountain View District.
--That grace, peace, joy, understanding and the love of Christ will be shown
by all United Methodists on the Mountain View District, inside AND outside the walls of the church buildings.
--That children, youth, adults, and families together will come intentionally, expectantly, and joyously to transcendent, relevant, excellent worship each Sunday.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
--That people of all ages, all walks of life, all socio-economic status, and sexual orientations will be attracted to Christ and the Church by the people of the Mountain View District.
--That people will be hungry for the Gospel and participate not only in excellent, transcendent worship, but also in excellent, transcendent Sunday School and Bible study opportunities.
--That parents will keep the baptismal vows made for their children and that members keep their baptismal and membership vows.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
--That people will come to know and freely use their spiritual gifts and their talents for the glory of God - both inside and outside the church, district, and conference.
--That congregation members will intentionally do the hard work of disagreeing in Christian love, and to work out their differences with each other and their pastors with open and honest communication.
--That people with differing opinions can share and speak to one another openly, honestly, and without fear.
--That those attending the churches of the Mountain View District would intentionally know their neighbors who live near the church and to learn and meet the unumet needs in the neighborhood that God is calling them to meet.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
--That more families attend worship together, and that worship will be a priority and not an afterthought.
--That each congregation will be a Spirit-filled, powerful, praying congregation, growing in spiritual depth and in number.
--That the vision of those whose goal is keeping the doors of the building open would have their vision expanded to what is the best plan forward to expand the Kingdom of God.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
That the world will know we are Christians by our love - and grace -and radical hospitality
--That the unchurched will be attracted to Christ by our witness as we live out our faith in Jesus Christ 7 days a week.
--That reaching out beyond the walls of the church building with the love of Christ will not be a scary proposition, but a natural way to live out our faith.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
--That the church will be a place of healing.
--That the church will the safest place in the world to cry.
--That what breaks Christ's heart will break our hearts, and that what gives Christ joy will give us joy.
I have a dream... I have a dream...
--That the Body of Christ will be the Body of Christ at its best.
I have a dream...
With You in the Journey,
Nancy
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Rev. Nancy Adams
District Superintendent
Patti Gridley
Administrative Assistant
65 East First St., Corning, NY 14830
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Upper New York Annual Conference Contact Information
Upper New York Conference
of The United Methodist Church
324 University Ave., 3rd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 424-7878
Toll-Free (855) 424-7878
Fax (315) 478-4869
The Resource Center Links
Resource Center Newsletter for January 2017:
Click Here
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