This has been a very difficult week to be a United Methodist!  Our Bishop has been very clear that the churches in the Northern Illinois Conference (of which we are one) must continue to focus on the task of the church which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  We transform the world by showing God's love to ALL people.  I am working on a statement to share with you on Sunday as to where I feel we should focus as a congregation.

Interestingly enough this Sunday is called TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY, an experience recorded by the disciples where they observe a "radiant" transformation of Jesus. Certainly there needs to be some "changing" going on in a lot of places!!  But the question remains 'HOW WILL THEY KNOW".  If there has been a change, how will the world know that there has been a change. Will our words, our actions make a difference in the world?  How does that happen, when and where does it happen?

Let's see if we can come up with some answers together on Sunday.  Join us at 9:00 or 10:30 a.m..  ALL ARE WELCOME!

Responses:

"Get up - don't be afraid.  How will they know how we treat one another? We'll continue to practice radical hospitality.  We will be the way God wants us to be." - Anonymous 

"Transfiguration Sunday:  A reminder that there is something greater than us as we stumble around in our humanity.  God invites us to step outside these walls, where we receive encouragement, and share the message of Jesus by our actions." - Anonymous

"Following the Lord is to let our light shine in our community by loving our neighbors.  Radical hospitality [is] practiced in this church and [the church] will continue to be open to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation." - Anonymous