Table Talks at Temple

This Sunday, February 17, when you sit down at your table for lunch you will find a few questions to discuss. It's time for each of us, if we have not already, and all of us, to be pondering and praying about the "Way Forward" for the United Methodist Church. As the church chooses its next direction at the special session of the General Conference (Feb.23-26, 2019) we will need to make some decisions for our church and how we will choose to live out the Gospel in light of whatever decision is made. I know where I stand. Temple made a decision in 1994 (?) to become a Reconciling Congregation, which means that we have decided to be a church that welcomes all people and want the outside world to know it. We have chosen to be a safe and loving place for members of the LGBTQ community. We are intentional about the inclusion of all people into the ministries of this church, and advocate for full inclusion into the United Methodist Church.

Are we all of one mind? I honestly don't know. But I do know this. John Wesley said, "We don't have to think alike to love alike." That statement gives me hope that we can remain one in Christ even if we are not of one mind on this issue. I'm asking you to pray - for the UMC, for Temple, and for yourself and your Temple brothers and sisters as we move into a new place as a denomination.