The Current Week in Review
October 26, 2018
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Booker-Jones to retire Dec. 31, Russell stays on in Mississippi River District until June 30
Bishop Frank J. Beard announced Thursday that Rev. Dr. Rose Booker-Jones has requested retirement, effective Dec. 31, and that Rev. Roger Russell, who retired in June and has been interim district superintendent since July, will continue in his role until June 30, at which time a new superintendent will be named.
Booker-Jones, the current Mississippi River District Superintendent, is currently convalescing following complications from medical procedures this summer.
"Rev. Dr. Rose Booker-Jones has served the church with distinction. She is a dedicated leader that has worked tirelessly to promote the cause of Christ, Beard said.. "She is noted for being a woman of deep faith and of prayer."
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Bishop adds seventh General Conference briefing
A seventh meeting has been added by Bishop Frank J. Beard, discussing the three plans which have been offered as plans for A Way Forward with regard to the issues of human sexuality and unity.
Beard will host the seventh meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Rock Island Two Rivers UMC, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Persons may register on the same registration site as the other six sites.
The following dates have been confirmed:
- Sunday, Nov. 11 -- Edwardsville St. Johns UMC, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 12 -- Jacksonville Grace UMC, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 15 -- Marion First UMC, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 17 -- Chatsworth UMC, 10 a.m. to noon
- Sunday, Nov. 18 -- Peoria First UMC, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 19 -- Arthur UMC, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 20 -- Rock Island Two Rivers UMC, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Bishop Beard is asking that you register in advance as a courtesy to our venue host. We are wanting to have adequate seating for those wanting to attend. If you have already registered for another site and wish to switch locations,
contact Michele Willson
or
Paul Black
so that those changes may be noted.
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Judicial Council asked to rule on validity of plans
The United Methodist Church’s top court was urged during an oral hearing to rule in advance on the constitutionality of proposed legislation that will come before a special legislative session in February.
That discussion was part of the first of three hearings that opened the Oct. 23-26 meeting of the United Methodist Judicial Council.
The first hearing was on a request for a declaratory decision from the Council of Bishops on the constitutionality of the
three sets of legislative petitions
that form the report of the Commission on a Way Forward. That oral hearing took the entire morning.
The
special called session of General Conference
, set for Feb. 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, will consider the Way Forward report as The United Methodist Church tries to resolve the decades-old conflict over homosexuality that has worsened and threatens to break up the denomination.
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Cross Racial/Cross Cultural learning event
A cross racial/cross cultural learning event aimed at assisting churches which are in cross racial and cross cultural appointments will be held at Willow Hill UMC in East Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who should participate?
- Teams of persons from congregations/charges with cross-cultural appointments
- A team is the pastor and a minimum of three laypersons from each congregation
What will I learn?
- Explore our understanding of the meaning of culture
- Identify commonalities, difficulties, joys and celebrations of cultural diversity
- Inspiring, guided Bible Study
- Cultural assessment exercises
- Respectful communication guidelines
- Shared stories and community-building skills
- Grow in faith together
Registration is requested ahead of the event and participants will pay $10 at the door. Deadline is Nov. 6.
Rev, E. Michelle Ledder. Director of Program Ministries for the General Commission on Religion and Race, will be the facilitator.
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Eugene Peterson has died at the age of 85
Famed pastor, theologian and author of The Message Bible, Eugene Peterson has died at the age of 85.
His family released a statement, saying:
"During the previous days, it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven. We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. There may have even been a time or two when he accessed his Pentecostal roots and spoke in tongues as well.
"Among his final words were, “Let’s go.” And his joy: my, oh my; the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently. In such moments it’s best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. But if you have to say something say this: “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
"It feels fitting that his death came on a Monday, the day of the week he always honored as a Sabbath during his years as a pastor. After a lifetime of faithful service to the church—running the race with gusto—it is reassuring to know that Eugene has now entered into the fullness of the Kingdom of God and has been embraced by eternal Sabbath."
Peterson was one of the world’s most respected theologians and wrote more than 30 books about faith, the Bible, worship and theology.
He was 85 years old.
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Midwest Mission Distribution Center ships to Honduras
Another large shipment went out Thursday from Midwest Mission to Food For The Poor to help those in need and living in poverty in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Midwest Mission and its missionaries were able to provide:
- 20 Bikes
- 15 Treadle Sewing Machines
- 17 Electric Sewing Machines
- 67 Twin Mattresses
- 18 Shower Chairs
- 11 Toilet Seats/Chairs/Commodes
- 14 Toilet Risers
- 19,277 Adult Diapers
- 1,296 Poly Water Jugs
- 4,500 Water Bottles
- 2,550 Hospital Sheets
Value of Shipment: $74,682.50
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Applications open for Global Mission Fellows
The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is taking applications from young Christian adults who are interested in becoming Global Mission Fellows. Applicants must be ages 20 to 30 and commit to two years of service. Global Mission Fellows work to address the roots of injustice. Early-access deadline is Dec. 3.
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Participate in the young adult ministry survey
The Young Adult Committee of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church seeks to help connect young adults in local churches and faith communities to one another and the resources of the United Methodist Church to foster their spiritual journey, advocate for their leadership, and affirm their gifts. The Young Adult Committee also seeks to help local churches connect with young adults on their spiritual journey.
We need your input as we develop relationships and resources to help young adults (ages 18-35) on their spiritual journey. If you are a young adult, please take a moment to fill out this survey. Please share this survey with young adults you know. This survey is confidential and will take you no more than five minutes. There is an option to share your email and phone number to receive information from the committee about our work and ways to connect. Deadline is Nov. 5.
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The November issue of
The Current should be arriving any day. The cover story contains news leading up to the 2019 General Conference. One of the issues is that of "a gracious exit," hear both perspectives as Dr. Lovett Weems and Wesley Covenant Association President Keith Boyette offer their perspectives.
Click on the cover to the right to view the issue or to download it.
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United Methodist Center Contact Information
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USPS (U.S. Postal Service)
P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207
Office Phone: 217-529-2040
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UPS and FedEx deliveries only use the street address:
United Methodist Center
5900 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62711
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