Living into the Connection

In the United Methodist Church, we talk quite a bit about our connection-  we testify about being part of a wider faith network that does considerable work in the world.  This is undoubtable true-  we can claim partial credit for relief work in Japan, for a growing church in the Congo, and for peace and justice efforts in the halls of Congress.  While the connection is strong in terms of financial and material support, it often breaks down at the personal level.  While we may know a few Methodists who go to other churches, we rarely form deep and lasting relationships with members of other churches or with other congregations.  Thus, when a church like Brooklyn Memorial or Broadway United Methodist closes, it can seem like a distant event that has nothing to do with us.  In reality, however, it weakens our entire connection and hampers our ability to effectively engage in ministry.  

Over the last couple months, I have been dreaming with a few other pastors and churches on the westside about how we can rekindle these relationships.  Each of our Methodist’s churches have unique gifts and abilities that could help to strengthen our individual congregations if we could just collaborate.  For instance, if we want to engage in transformative ministry on the near westside of Cleveland, we could draw from the skills and abilities of Pearl Rd. UMC in helping to guide our efforts.  If we want to build up our youth program, we could draw from Simpson UMC’s exciting efforts at building a vital program despite being a small member church. 

On Monday, May 2nd, we will have a unique opportunity to explore engaging in collaborative ministries.  At 7:00, Methodists from across the district will be gathering from 7:00-8:30 at Nehemiah mission to get to know each other and explore the unique gifts our churches can contribute to building up the work of Jesus on the Westside of Cleveland.  It is my sincere desire that many of you will join me in exploring just how we can engage in more vital ministry together with our Methodist brothers and sisters.  As part of this process, I ask all who are interested to stay for a brief meeting after church on May 1st as we identify our own gifts and dreams.  Together, we can live out Christ’s calling to transform our church and our world!