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Today, nearly 2,000 United Methodists are gathering in downtown Dayton at the Convention Center for our 2023 West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. This three-day gathering, held each year at the beginning of June, is a tradition that goes back to the beginning of Methodism. During the 19th century, Methodists gathered for camp meetings and Chautauquas in the summer. During these times there would be great singing, wonderful music, tremendous times of fellowship and opportunities to learn, grow, and serve. They were like extended revivals – nourishing the mind and the heart, deepening friendships, and challenging people to live their faith. Our annual conference this week is similar. There is inspiring preaching, Bible studies, worship, and fellowship. We will hear reports on the state of the United Methodist churches in Ohio, reports from our missionaries and the various ministries supported by our churches. Last night we celebrated with those retiring and tomorrow we will celebrate with those being ordained and commissioned. Today we will debate legislation and will vote upon budgets and conference priorities for the next year.
As Methodists, we offer a unique witness that addresses the needs of a broken world. Our future is not in our structure, but in our witness. To “uphold the unity of the church” is not a call to maintain the organizational and bureaucratic structure of the institution at all costs. True unity is achieved in our common belief in Jesus Christ, our faithfulness to Scripture, our dependence on the Holy Spirit, our willingness to abide by covenant together and our pursuit of our common mission. As leaders, we must cast a clear vision and direction that renews our commitment to making disciples. Please pray for us as we guide the church into the future.
Finally, you won’t want to miss worship at Ginghamsburg Church this Sunday, June 4! This weekend we continue our series, “Life in the Slow Lane.” Once again, I will be preaching at the Tipp City campus and Pastor Karl will be preaching at The Fort McKinley campus. Our focus will be on the fourth commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. The gift of Sabbath is intended by God to help us live joyful, creative and beautiful lives connected with others and with God. It is God’s antidote to being tired, busy or burned out. In Genesis chapter 2 we read, "And on the seventh day, God rested." If there is anything we can take from the Creator of the universe, it's a proper observation of the Sabbath. This Sunday we will do a deep dive into Scripture. I hope you will join us in-person or online this weekend as we consider God’s way to the good life!
Thank you, Ginghamsburg Church, for giving me the opportunity to serve as your senior pastor. Please know I am cheering for you. Be encouraged!
Dennis
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