February 19, 2025 Midweek News
Most of us are in a position of consuming media and news updates on a daily basis in a highly fractured and polarized political climate. For some of you, I know that changes to our institutions, harm being done to local federal employees, and other local and national headlines are worrisome and depressing. Plus, eggs are like $8-15/dozen!
Our UMC Western Jurisdiction bishops have put together a pastoral message to United Methodists to give us guidance and hope during this season of our lives. I invite you to read this introduction, and then watch the 4 minute video by clicking the link below. This video features our new bishop, Kristin Stoneking.
“Jesus calls every generation to wholehearted discipleship: opening our hearts to the people we encounter daily; practicing compassion with our families and neighbors; honoring the dignity and worth of all people near and far; recognizing the systems that destroy human lives through poverty, war and exclusion; and advocating justice and care in our churches, communities and social structures. God calls us further to be stewards of creation, caring for the skies and waters, soil and plants, and all beings.” – from the preamble to United Methodist Social Principles
From our Bishops:
“Like all of you, your Western Jurisdiction bishops have been paying attention to the stories in our national news feeds that showcase, above all, how deeply fractured our country is right now. Like you, we’ve felt Anxious. Sad. Angry. Numb.
As Unitd Methodists, we turn to scripture, to our Social Principles, and our own lived experiences to inform how we are called to put love into action in this season of our country’s history.
Your Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops humbly offers this video for you to watch or show in your local ministry setting as we seek to reclaim the narrative of love, justice and mercy for a time such as this.
As you embody what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in this time, you are encouraged to keep sharing the stories that highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.”