April 13, 2022 Weekly Update
I traveled to Billings last week for a gathering of clergy and lay people of Montana with our Bishop, Karen Oliveto. The 3 day event was filled with meals, a special guest speaker Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, worship, workshops, and a tour of Rocky Mountain College. But the big takeaway – I think for everyone present – was that it was just nice to be together! To see each other’s faces, give a quick hug, meet new faces, and give one another encouragement was life giving. Being face to face was a reminder that the pandemic has been hard, and relationships really matter!
I was able to see and learn about three creative ministries that are blessing the lives of people in Montana and around our conference. Teams assembled UMCOR Fire Buckets to put into storage for the next time wildfires strike communities in our conference. I learned about the Rainbow Café at Grace UMC in Billings that is gathering together LGBTQ+ youth and their parents to support one another and cultivate a more affirming and inclusive community. I met the founder and pastor of an online church call Crossfire Faith and Gaming that brings together online gamers to reduce isolation and create genuine communion. Relationships matter, and these ministries help foster and care for relationships.
During this Holy Week, I’m reminded that our worship on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday helps foster our relationship with God, and with one another. We experience the betrayal, the suffering, the isolation, and fear of Jesus and his disciples. We are reminded of the power that God has over death – it does not have the final say! When we worship together this week, we are strengthening our faith in our life-giving God and cultivating loving relationships with one another that reflect that God’s love into the world.
Join us for worship this week because our relationships – with God and one another – truly matter.
Wishing you a holy week,
Pastor Jared
