Last Sunday, May 21st, the members of LeValley United Methodist Church who were present, held a straw poll vote (definition-an unofficial ballot conducted as a test of opinion) on the issue of remaining a United Methodist Church or disaffiliating and becoming a Global Methodist Church.
The traditional, orthodox, United Methodists and the more liberal, progressive members of the denomination have been at odds over social issues for many years, but the debate came to a head during and following COVID when the worldwide General Conference was postponed twice. Therefore, the opportunity for an amicable split by vote of the delegates did not happen.
LGBTQIA+ marriage and clergy are the high points in the schism. But these issues are just "symptoms” for deeper differences in views on justice, theology, and scriptural authority.
My opinion that LeValley is, and always has been, a more traditional, orthodox congregation was affirmed when the ballots were counted on Sunday and over 75% voted to join the new Global Methodist Church.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH?
The Global Methodist Church launched on May 1, 2022. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, proclaimed, “The world is my parish.” Ever since, the people called Methodist have committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people all around the world. In that spirit, faithful Methodists prayed and worked to discern God’s will for a new church rooted in Scripture and the historic and life-giving teachings of the Christian faith. Given that those called to this new denomination are from many countries, speak many languages, and yet share one faith, the name “the Global Methodist Church” seemed fully appropriate. It simultaneously states who we are and who we aspire to be: faithful Christians in the Methodist tradition dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people all around the world.
The Global Methodist Church’s logo brings together in its three circles the one God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – who alone we worship. The circles intersect at the center of the cross of Jesus Christ, the symbol of our deliverance from our slavery to sin and fear of death. The outer circumference of the rings represents the globe. As a whole, the logo communicates God’s sending of the church into the world. The sky-blue color reminds us that even though Global Methodists live all around the world, they are all united together in God’s great creation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Last Sunday’s vote was unofficial. Now, a Church Conference has to be scheduled with the District Superintendent to officially vote for or against disaffiliation. There will be a second vote taken, most likely at the same Church Conference, as to where does LeValley go from here. We unofficially voted for the Global Methodist Church last Sunday. The Global Church is most closely aligned to the historical doctrine of the United Methodist Church. Other Wesleyan denominations could be a possibility, but they may invoke ideals much different than those we are used to. As it was with the straw poll, only members will be allowed to vote.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
On Sunday,, June 25th, I would like to invite anyone who is not yet a member of LeValley or Berlin Center, who is interested in joining by affirmation of faith and/or baptism, to meet with me after worship (10:00 at Berlin Center and noon at LeValley). We will briefly discuss what it means to affirm one’s faith in the Christian Church and in our individual congregations. I will also answer any questions you might have. A service of membership will be scheduled at each church following these brief meetings, hopefully on Sunday, July 30th, if that works for everyone.
I am optimistic about the future of both LeValley and Berlin Center Churches. Both congregations believe in the mission of the Global Methodist Church to worship passionately, love extravagantly, and to witness boldly.
Philippians 4:13(NIV)-I can do all this through him who gives me strength. We can and we will if it is God’s will for us.
Should you have any questions for me, by door is always open and my phone is always on.
Blessings,
Pastor Nancy
