Grace to you and peace in the name of Jesus Christ. I am reaching out to all of you after what was one of the more consequential General Conference days in our denomination’s history. After so much fighting and chaos in our denomination these last couple of years, it was incredible to witness unity and civility in a gathering that is usually full of contention and razor thin margins.

I invite you all to read our bishop’s reflections on the day: https://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2024/05/01/general-conference-decisions/

I want to assure you all that if you have any reservations or concerns or just want to process some of things you are hearing in the news or seeing on social media, my office is always open and it is a safe space for you to discern God’s will no matter what you are feeling.

To be clear, after this General Conference, NOTHING will be different about our mission and work here at PVUMC. We are still committed to studying scripture and wrestling with God’s Word. We are still committed to forming our hearts, minds, and souls into the image of Jesus Christ. We are still committed to serving the needs of our community with God’s loving kindness. I believe in a church that can not only hold space for people on all sides of the political/theological spectrum but is more whole and representative of the Kingdom of Heaven when it does.

This Sunday, will be a Communion Sunday. The Lord’s Table is an open table for anyone desiring right relationship with God and God’s people. It is not my table or your table or anyone else’s table, it is God’s table and all who gather there will find oneness in Jesus Christ. I look forward to sharing in that gift with all of you on Sunday morning.

You matter to me.

Pastor Steve