The Connection Goes On

            During worship some weeks ago, we talked about the United Methodist connection. We are connected in many ways. We are able to do much more than any individual church could accomplish through our connection. Our Bishops and District Superintendents provide leadership to the connection. We organize through the conferences that keep us connected.

            During General Conference 2008 there were several things that stand out. You will be glad to know that the budget for the General Church will only rise by 2% per year. The mission statement for the United Methodist Church was changed in a way that augments its meaning. The statement has been “the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.” We will now add to the end of that statement “for the transformation of the world.” So that it will read, “the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

            In the last quadrennium and in the one to come there has been and will be a renewed focus on our call to be witnesses to God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. This awareness of our call to be witnesses has resulted in a change to our church membership vows. We will now promise to support our church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.

            With the completion of General Conference which was held in Fort Worth, we now look forward to the Annual Conference for Central Texas which will be held in Fort Worth. It will begin on June 1 with a worship service at First church Fort Worth. This opening service is always a high energy, spirit filled blessing. Anyone is welcome to be a part of that service or any of the services. As a matter of fact you can attend any or all of the business sessions of Annual Conference.