The United Methodist Church's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton; Peter Cartwright Sermon delivered by Bishop Bard; Churches granted equalization members to the 2025 Annual Conference announced.
NOV 2024 | VOL. 29 • NO. 3
THE current Methodists respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton
5
NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE
Inside
River Ramblings THE WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD Many of you may be familiar with the work of
THIS ISSUE 1 News from the Episcopal Office 2 Announcements & Events 3 Christian Conversations
lost, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, making peace. I hope you will look this meditation up and ponder it during Advent. Yet I have been thinking about Thurman’s words as our election approaches. As I write we are still in the heat of the campaign season. Given what I am reading about some changing election laws and pending lawsuits about the election, I expect things could be messy and unclear in the days at once following election day. It will be a time for all of us to put on patience and love. Eventually, the election will be behind us, and I hear parallels to Thurman’s Christmas meditation. When the ballots have been counted, when the elections have been certified, when the oaths of office have been administered, the work for the common good begins. Work for the common good is not only the work of our political and governmental systems but is work belonging to us all. It is part of the work of the church which proclaims that God so loved the world… The world. We often personalize John 3:16, and that is proper. God loves each of us in Jesus and that is good news to be shared. Yet “the world” also means communities of people and how they live their lives together. The world includes the planet on which we live. God’s love is meant to be embodied in systems of governance by which people organize their lives together. God’s love for the earth is meant to influence how we care for the planet. Our political and governmental systems will never fully embody God’s love and justice. We are always waiting for a kingdom yet to come. That’s the danger with a Christian nationalism which
baptizes candidates or parties in a way that indicates they fully embody God’s love and
Howard Thurman (1899-1981). While I knew of his work before, during COVID I found myself bumping into it again and again. It was a serendipity of God’s grace. Thurman’s writings combined powerful insights into the inner spiritual journey with a prophetic call to engage the wider world in the quest for justice. Perhaps his best-known work is Jesus and the Disinherited , a book Martin Luther King, Jr. carried with him during the Montgomery bus boycott. Here is one of Thurman’s brief meditations which particularly caught my attention during the pandemic. “There must be always remaining in every [person]’s life some place for the singing of angels, some place for that which in itself is breathlessly beautiful and, by inherent prerogative, throws all the rest of life into a new and creative relatedness, something that gathers up in itself all the freshets of experience from drab and commonplace areas of living and glows in one bright white light of penetrating beauty and meaning – then passes…. Despite all the crassness of life, despite all the hardness of life, despite all the harsh discords of life, life is saved by the singing angels.” Thurman was a Black man in 20th century America. He knew hardness and harsh discord. His words rang true and touched me deeply during the hard days of the pandemic. Another of Thurman’s profound meditations is on the work of Christmas. I know, it seems I am a month early on this one. The brief meditation begins with “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone” and it continues for a few more lines about the ending of the birth story of Jesus. Thurman goes on to say that when the story is ended, “the work of Christmas begins,” and for Thurman the work includes finding the APPOINTMENTS In consultation with the IGRC Cabinet, Bishops David Bard and Kennetha Bigham-Tsai appoint the following: Steve Miller to Grayville: First, South District, 3/4 time, effective Oct. 1. Grayville: First is now a single-point charge with Browns closing. Ronald Johnson to Mount Moriah, South District, less than ¼ time, effective Oct. 1. Nixon Estioko to Vienna: First, South District, ½ time and Anna: First, South District, ½ time, effective Oct. 1. Sylvester Weatherall to Springfield: Kumler, Central District, ½ time, effective Sept. 1. Lori Van Horn to Pinckneyville: First-Nashville: Grace, South Districe, ¼ time, effective Oct. 1. This is an interim appointment. Change of status Jon Warren , discontinuation of appointment, West District, effective Nov. 1. He previously served as associate pastor at Christ UMC Quad Cities. Justin Iverson to Mascoutah: Bethel, Central District, ½ time, effective Oct. 1. This is a move from full-time to ½ time. James Lambert , discontinuation of appointment, South District, effective Oct. 1. He previously served Mount Moriah. Daniel Skelton to Dogwood Prairie-Seed Chapel, East District, effective June 10. He is now appointed as a provisional elder. Allen Williams to New Baden, Central District, ½ time, effective Sept. 1. Rev. Miller is now appointed as a part-time local pastor. Rocio Reyes Williams , discontinuation of appointment, South District, effective July 29. The Greater Maron Hispanic- Anglo Faith Community (Churros and Chocolate) has disbanded.
justice. Even if God’s love and justice are never fully embodied this side of God’s kingdom, we look to do what we can to make more real God’s love and justice. When the ballots have been counted, when the elections have been certified, when the oaths of office have been administered, the work for the common good begins. It is the work of feeding the hungry, healing the broken, rebuilding communities, creating peace, fostering justice, building more beloved community, recognizing our common humanity as created in the image of God, and encouraging each person to grow in love. It is work we engage in as followers of Jesus Christ who proclaim that God so loved the world. Before signing off this month, I want to note that November is a time for gratitude. Among the things for which I give thanks is each of you who are part of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Thank you for your faithful ministry for Jesus Christ. Thank you for welcoming Julie and me into your fellowship as a conference. The Work Continues on this River Rambling, Bishop David BISHOP David Alan Bard
4-5 Local Church News 6-7 Historical Messenger 8-9 Hurricane Helene & Milton Response 10-14 Apportionments / Global Church News 15-16 Conference News T H E current NOV 2024 | VOL. 29 • NO. 3
Photos courtesy of Pekin First UMC The ROCHouse ministry of Pekin First UMC began construction of a duplex which will be used as a part the church’s housing ministry. 4
Photo courtesy of Mike Crawford Six United Methodist churches in Bloomington-Normal and ISU MERGE Wesley Foundation banded together this fall to lead a “Kindness Campaign” throughout our community.
5 Photo courtesy Peoria University UMC Peoria University UMC is making a concerted effort to pinpoint and address some of the needs in its community as it seeks to live out Matthew 25:35-36.
The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The IGRC, or The UMC . Communications Team Leader: Paul E. Black Team members: Kim Halusan, Michele Willson Send materials to: P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 thecurrent@igrc.org , website www.igrc.org Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Current , Illinois Great Rivers Conference, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207
Photos by Liz Winders, Iowa Annual Conference The Illinois Great Rivers Conference welcomed its new episcopal leaders in a Service of Celebration Sept. 28 at Normal Calvary UMC. Pictured are Bishops Kennetha Bigham-Tsai and David Bard as they are introduced to the audience (Installation 1). Following the service, many extended their personal greetings including Conference Lay Leader Lorene King (Installation 2).
DEATHS
Judy L. Daughenbaugh , 90, wife of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Howard L. Daughenbaugh, Jr., died Oct. 12 in Peoria. Together with her husband, the Daughenbaughs served 40 years of active ministry, retiring in 1998, as Superintendent of the Springfield (later
Ricky J. True , 70, surviving spouse of the Rev. Alice Faye True, died Oct. 14 in Richview. Mr. True was an over-the-road truck driver. The Trues were married for 35 years prior to her death Sept. 23, 2014. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www.
DVD studies: #121036 Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story (4 sessions) #108079 Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation (4 sessions) #105100 Experiencing Christmas: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent (4 sessions) #116117 Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist (4 sessions) #101111 Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent (4 sessions) #108077 Heart That Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch (4 sessions) #101109 All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas (4 sessions) #112125 Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent (4 sessions) #109065 Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas (4 sessions) #118069 Redemption of Scrooge (4 sessions) UMRC Advent DVD studies available to borrow from the UMRC! Items can be sent to your church or home address and can be requested from the online catalog: www.igrc.org/umrc or by email: umrc@igrc.org No rental fee – the only cost to churches is return postage. UNITED MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER
Sangamon River District). Rev. Daughenbaugh then served eight years as Assistant to Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, retiring a second time in 2006. For a complete obituary, visit: https://calvertmemorial.com/ obituaries/judith-l-daughenbaugh Condolences may be sent to Rev. Howard L. Daughenbaugh, Jr., 1301 W Jefferson St, Apt. 29A, Morton, IL 61550-1359. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. William Minor , 77, died Oct. 4, at his home in Jackson, Mo.
campagnafuneralhomes.com/obituary/ricky-true Condolences may be sent to his wife, Bobbie Vaughn-True, 47 N. Hickory St., Richview, IL 62877-1965.
L. Duane Yockey , 76, a former lay member to annual conference and member of Normal First UMC, died Oct. 13 at his home.
The UMRC is located at Kumler Outreach Ministries, a ministry of the Kumler United Methodist Church in Springfield. The new mailing address is: Kumler Outreach Ministries, Attn: United Media Resource Center 303 E North Grand Ave, Springfield IL 62702-3822 Questions, comments? Contact us at umrc@igrc.org
Mr. Yockey was a member of the IGRC Council on Finance and Administration and a former chair of the IGRC Board of Trustees. For a complete obituary, visit: https://calvertmemorial.com/ obituaries/l-duane-yockey Condolences may be sent to his wife, Carolyn Yockey, 508 Normal Ave., Normal, IL 61761-2413.
Rev. Minor served 32 years of active ministry in the former Southern Illinois and later, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, retiring in 2012 from Anna. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www.
If you are interested in volunteering at the UMRC during weekday hours, please call 217-523-2269 and ask for Sharon Brown or leave a message including your name and church name.
crainsonline.com/obituaries/William-Minor-11/#!/Obituary Condolences may be sent to his wife, Willene Minor, 192 Pleasant Lake Ct., Jackson, MO 63755-6864.
THE CURRENT | NOVEMBER 2024 | 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
C H R I S T I AN CONVERSATIONS
Reflections on Christian nationalism
Being vehicles of God’s love and grace in a divided world
Location: Zoom (Final gathering in-per- son, January 2025) Register for the study and receive the Zoom link by visiting: https://igrc-reg. brtapp.com/OurHeartsAreStrangleLuke- warmBookStudy Meeting Schedule Oct. 23: Introductions, Community / Covenant Agreements, Setting the Tone Oct. 30: Chapters 1-2 (Introduction and John Wesley and the Institution of Slavery) Nov. 13: Chapters 3-4 (Methodists Struggle with Slavery and From Civil War to the Jim Crow Church) Dec. 4: Chapters 5-6 (Methodists and the Civil Rights Era, Parts One and Two) Dec. 18: Chapters 7-8 (The Contemporary Struggle against White Supremacy, Parts One and Two) January (TBD): Final in-person gathering over lunch at a church, discussing practical steps toward measurable goal Baby Fold's Festival of Trees Nov. 21-23 NORMAL – The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees is central Illinois' premier holiday extravaganza to kick-off the holidays and bless local children Nov. 21-23! At the Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive in Bloomington, you can expect a gorgeous display of Christmas trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations, holiday center- pieces and more! Buy your tickets online by visiting: https:// www.festoftrees.org or they may be pur- chased at the Interstate Center. You can also call The Baby Fold at (309) 451-7202. Santa Claus will be on-site every day to delight the children and each will enjoy a take-home holiday craft bag. Stroll through Gingerbread Village and take in the alluring scent of gingerbread and ic- ing from over 100 charming creations! Sip on hot cocoa while admiring an Enchant- ed Forest filled with one of the largest displays of Christmas trees around! Visit the coffee, cookie, and bake shops for a tasty treat! Bring the family out for a delicious meal and live holiday entertainment during our Avanti's Family Night! And don't forget to place your best bids on over 600 hand- crafted holiday decorations in an online auction that blesses local children served by The Baby Fold! Faith in Place offering community grants CHICAGO – Does your church care about climate change? Do you want to improve
the look and feel of your property? Con- sider planting trees with a Faith in Place Tree Canopy and Workforce Community Grant. Faith in Place will distribute 65 to 85 grants, each up to $30,000, to community organizations and Houses of Worship within environmental justice communities across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. These grants are intended for planting and maintaining trees on their properties over a four-year period. Find out more by visiting: https://www. faithinplace.org/tree-canopy-community- grant NCJ grant process open CHICAGO – The North Central Jurisdic- tion Mission Council has opened its grant procress through Nov. 15. Apply for an NCJ grant by visiting: https:// www.ncjumc.org/mission-council-grant- process-2/ Mission council has decided to not have multi-year grants, only a single year for 2025. The application process is con- tained in only one application and is available for event or ministry grants that will benefit the entire North Central Juris- diction. Application deadline is Nov. 15. Awards will be announced in December. Church and Society Grant Award process open WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Meth- odist Board of Church and Society is accepting applications for the 2024 grant funding cycle. Grants are awarded to #UMC congregations and groups through Peace with Justice, the Ethnic Local Church and Human Relations Day grants. The deadline to submit grant applications is Oct. 31. Read more by visiting: https://www. umcjustice.org/latest/church-and-society- announces-2024-online-grant-award-pro- cess-is-now-open-2782 IGRC Peace with Justice grants SPRINGFIELD – How would you work for justice in your community if you only had the money? Peace with Justice grants are available to IGRC UMC congregations and agencies to begin programs, plan events, and host activities that celebrate the purpose and objectives of the UMC Board of Church and Society, specifically civil and human rights, economic justice, environmental justice, health and wholeness, peace with justice, and women and children. Funding for the IGRC Peace with Justice Grant is generated by the local churches and Annual Conferences from the Peace with Justice offering taken on Peace with Justice Sunday in June which “witnesses to God’s demands for a faithful, just, dis- armed, and secure world.” Visit https://www.igrc.org/peacewithjustice for a Peace with Justice Grant application. Grant applications are reviewed in April, July and October. Email Christina Krost (christina.krost@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
Bishop Kennetha to hold Advent Study online You're invited to Migration, Immigration and Beloved Community
Applications sought from churches, candidates for 2025 Intern Program SPRINGFIELD – Applications are now open for the 2025 IGRC Intern Program. Prospective interns, mentors, and host church representatives are welcome to visit www.igrc.org/interns for all the details and application links. Priority deadline is Jan.15, and the final deadline is March 3. Connecting Neighbors training SPRINGFIELD – A Connecting Neighbors disaster response training is set for Nov. 12 and will take place online from 1 to 5 p.m. Contact Sheron Monroe at smonroe50@ yahoo.com for more information. Questions or additional details can be provided by emailing mission@igrc.org SPRINGFIELD – All societies are being impacted by global migration, which is surging because of oppression, climate change, and conflict. We know that those who choose to move are in search of survival and a better life. Yet, tragically, immigrants in the U.S. are being demonized, causing some to fear for their safety. Join us this Advent for a three-week videoconference study focused on global migration, immigration, and beloved community. We will engage the Bible and our Social Principles as we think and pray about our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. Join Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai and
Preachers' Aid hosting workshop SPRINGFIELD – Golden Bridges, a se- nior moving management agency from Quincy, is partnering with Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund to lead a work- shop, Safe at Home, 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at the United Methodist Center. There is no cost for the workshop but registration is requested by calling: 1-888- 922-6368, ext. 6. Online Book Study SPRINGFIELD – In this book study, we will explore Our Hearts Were Strangely Luke- warm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy by John Elford. The book study will be fa- cilitated by IGRC Coordinator of Missions and Outreach Curt Franklin. Study Details Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Iowa and Illinois Methodists on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Central. Register for the Advent Study at: https://us06web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZUpd-urrzsrHddvJ0W _ A0lwzHCoOAAL43dK We will learn about the Great Migration, the largest internal migration in U.S. history. During the Great Migration, more than six million African Americans moved from the South to northern, midwestern, and western states to escape racial terror and oppression. This study will present that history through poetry by some of our greatest American poets and through the artwork of acclaimed African American artist Jacob Lawrence.
BY BISHOP KENNETHA BIGHAM-TSAI
What is happening? Why? Christian nationalism is on the rise in the United States and has become a political force in our country. But what is it, and why should United Methodists be concerned about its growing influence? Perhaps we should start with what it is not. It is not simply a conservative Christian faith. And though Christian nationalism is ascendent amongst evangelicals, [1] people who identify as evangelical are not automatically Christian nationalists. I grew up in a Baptist Church that was theologically conservative. One of my most meaningful faith experiences, when my heart was “strangely warmed,” happened in an evangelical African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. At that church, we described ourselves as evangelical because we believed in the outreaching love of Jesus that compelled us to share our faith with others. My faith experience was deeply felt and personal as I came to know Jesus, not just in my head, but in my heart. I wanted to share that love. For me, that was what evangelical meant—sharing the love of Jesus. That is true for many who describe themselves as evangelical. Christian nationalism is something entirely different. It is a political ideology focused on dominance and power. For instance, Christian nationalists believe that the United States, as a nation, has been divinely appointed to bring about God’s plan. This suggests that, in God’s eyes, our nation is privileged above other nations. Christian nationalists also demand that the United States be a distinctly Christian nation, and that Christians dominate our civic and national life. Such a position marginalizes other faith traditions, by suggesting that someone who is Jewish American, for instance, has a marginal place in the life of our nation or that an American who is Muslim cannot love and serve our country as equally as anyone else. Such beliefs tend toward xenophobia, antisemitism, and other forms of exclusion. Indeed, a Public Religion Research Institute study showed that Christian nationalist adherents score higher than the general American public on scales of antisemitism. Christian nationalists also score higher on anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-Black racism scales. [2] Even more problematic, Christian nationalism is taking ever more radicalized and extreme forms, posing significant threats to our democracy and radicalizing people toward violence. Movements such as the “New Apostolic Reformation” and ideologies such as the “Seven Mountains Mandate” are radicalizing people with ever more violent rhetoric. According to The Atlantic, a Christian nationalist speaker, representing the “New Apostolic Reformation,” shouted alarming words to a throng of 2000 people at a rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “We are going to prepare for war,” he said. “I’m not on the Earth to be blessed; I’m on the Earth to be armed and dangerous.” [3] Such sentiments are becoming far too common. A 2023 PRRI study found that those who adhere to Christian nationalist beliefs support political violence by a factor of seven times greater than those who reject such beliefs. [4] This is why the recent statement by the United Methodist Council of Bishops speaks so forcefully against such movements. It says, We strongly denounce political violence, which severs community bonds and supplants the rule of law. We equally denounce authoritarianism and secular and
Christian nationalism, which foster centralization and abuse of power, accompanied by racism, xenophobia, tribalism, and misogyny. Nationalism is a political ideology that defies God’s love by pitting the interests of one group of people against others. Christian nationalism demands laws, culture, and public policies be based on a distorted interpretation of the Gospel that elevates power and control over love. These ideologies are in direct contradiction to our Christian faith because our “love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and the renewal of life in the world,” (Our Doctrinal Heritage, United Methodist Book of Discipline, p. 53). [5] In many ways, Christian nationalism is not Christian as we have come to know our faith, because it stands in direct contradiction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the example of Christ. In Christian nationalist thought and rhetoric, the cross becomes a weapon of exclusion, rather than a sign of sacrifice. Jesus becomes the leader of an army against “those people” rather than the suffering servant for all. What does Scripture and our United Methodist tradition say? When asked about the very essence of the Christian life, Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands,” (Matthew 22: 37-40). As United Methodist Christians, we must center love. If it is not loving, then it is not of God. If it is not about building beloved community, then it is not the essential work of the Church. As John Wesley noted in his writings about Christian perfection our aim should be to love. Wesley modeled his ideas about perfect love in 1 Corinthians 13. Such love is not after power or dominance over others. Such love is patient and kind and centers itself in truth, (cf. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7). The Bible also makes clear that gaining power for power’s sake or winning at all costs is not what defines Christian discipleship. When Satan offered Jesus power and dominion, Jesus answered, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him,” (Matthew 4: 10). As disciples of Jesus, we are not called to dominate others. We are called to serve and love God and others as Jesus did. Christian nationalism is the antithesis of Jesus’ life and example. What should we look for? Pay attention to suggestions that the United States is and should be an exclusively Christian nation. This is religious supremacy. It is not the Christian faith. The Gospel calls us to love, not to power and dominion. Pay attention when you hear nationalistic calls to patriotism that suggest that only American Christians can be patriots. Our U.S. Constitution protects freedom of religion for all Americans. Honoring our Constitution and our democratic form of government is one of the most patriotic things we can do. Christian nationalism is a form of authoritarianism that is a threat to religious freedom and our democracy. Be wary of language that frames our current political divisions as a “holy war.” Such language tends to demonize others, including immigrants, LGBTQ people, election workers, government officials,
“elites,” etc. “Holy war” language is often rooted in Old Testament texts that have been misinterpreted in the past to justify atrocities. The use of such language today is often associated with calls for violence. Pay attention when Christianity becomes wedded to a particular political movement and begins to be utilized primarily for the benefit of that movement. Christians should certainly be involved in civic life. However, the melding of Christianity with a political ideology for the sake of political power should concern us. What we can do? Plan Bible Studies. Learn and teach the Bible, especially the Gospels. Find high quality, preferably United Methodist, studies. Study the life of Jesus. Learn about Christian nationalism and efforts to resist it. If you want to learn more, read The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement that is Threatening Our Democracy, by Matthew Taylor. The Episcopal Church also has recently released a resource. It is entitled, The Crisis of Christian Nationalism: Report from the House of Bishops Theology Committee. You can find that resource here. The United Methodist Council of Bishops is developing a resource about authoritarianism, Christian nationalism and political violence that should be out in early 2025. Also, check out this article in Axios about Christian leaders resisting Christian nationalism. Learn about Beloved Community. This term was popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Find resources that highlight King’s work on “Beloved Community” and non-violence. Get involved. Pray for election workers and for our democracy. Find ways to promote and support our democratic institutions. Stand up for democracy and religious liberty. Vote. Meditate on Scripture and pray. Spend the next week meditating on Matthew 4:8-10 or on Philippians 2. Based on these passages, what is God calling you to do? Please pray with me: Loving God, help us to love. Help us to spread love. Help us to be prophetic witnesses to the love that is at the center of the life and witness of our savior Jesus Christ. In his name we pray, Amen. [1] A recent Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) study found a link between Christian nationalist beliefs and evangelical identity. “Support for Christian Nationalism in All 50 States,” Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), PRRI Staff, 2/28/24, p. 3, 18-20, https:// www.prri.org/research/support-for-christian-nationalism- in-all-50-states/ [2] Public Religion Research Institute, “A Christian Nation? Understanding the Threat of Christian Nationalism to American Democracy and Culture,” PRRI Staff, 2/28/23, p. 17-21. [3] “The Christian Radicals Are Coming: The movement that fueled January 6 is revving up again,” by Stephanie McCrummen, The Atlantic, 10/1/24, https://www.theatlantic. com/politics/archive/2024/10/eau-claire-tent-revival/680097/ [4] Public Religion Research Institute, “A Christian Nation? Understanding the Threat of Christian Nationalism to American Democracy and Culture,” PRRI Staff, 2/28/23, p. 27. [5] https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/ umcbishops-denounce-political-violence-18654125
2 | NOVEMBER 2024 | THE CURRENT
THE CURRENT | NOVEMBER 2024 | 3
LOCAL CHURCH NEWS
LOCAL CHURCH NEWS
Bloomington-Normal churches lead Kindness Campaign
HARRISBURG FIRST HOSTS FIRST CARING FOR KIDS TRIVIA NIGHT
BLOOMINGTON – Election Season doesn’t always bring out the best in people. But BloNo UM’s (Bloomington-Normal United Methodists) have an important reminder: Do Unto Others as You’d Have Done Unto You. In other words, Be Kind! Inspired by the work of Resurrection: A United Methodist Church in Leawood Kansas, the six United Methodist Churches and ISU MERGE Wesley Foundation have banded together this fall to lead a “Kindness Campaign” throughout our community. Pastors and lay people from Calvary, Hope, Morningstar, Normal First, West Olive Faith, Wesley UMC’s and ISU MERGE have been handing out T-shirts, yard signs, stickers, daily devotions, small group studies and other items to their own members and throughout the community, at several local events. • Our table at the Saturday Farmers’ Market brought visitors and information-seekers from all around Bloomington-Normal to learn more about the campaign. • A “Kindness Rally” at the Old Capitol featured PEORIA – Caring for those in need is a fundamental tenet of our Christian faith. At University UMC, there has been a concerted effort to pinpoint and address some of the needs we have made note of, as presented in Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those in need. It reminds us that when we care for others who are hungry, thirsty, without shelter, in need of clothing, sick, or imprisoned, we are ultimately caring for Christ Himself. It highlights the need for compassion and practical acts of service in our daily interactions with others. MISSION Peoria Neighborhood House Every 11 weeks, University UMC volunteers prepare and serve 75-80 Sunday Meals at noon, at Peoria’s Neighborhood House. Neighborhood House is a non- profit established in 1876 that provides literacy, financial, career and food services from the cradle to the grave. A coalition of churches and other community organizations alternate each week to cook for residents who may be facing “food insecurity”. Meals are lovingly prepared on Sunday morning in UUMC's kitchen, placed in food warmers, and transported to Neighborhood House, located 4.5 miles from UUMC on Peoria’s near southside. Desserts are made and donated by additional church members. Once the group arrives, the food warmers are unloaded and placed on a steam table. Servers assemble to pray before serving food and the holy spirit to families and individuals who reside nearby. UUMC began the service to the residents in 2014. As part of the Missions Committee, chaired by Barbara Gurtler, this ministry activity and Snack Packs, are coordinated by Missions member Renee’ Kilduski. Snack Packs Like so many other churches, University UMC also provides snack packs for school children. C. T. Vivian Elementary School receives 265 snack packs, weekly, throughout the school year. Assorted items include an entree, a dry cereal or similar type food, and hot chocolate during winter months.
testimonies by United Methodists (and members of First Christian), ages 7-70, about the kind of world we hope to live in, and the ways we commit to showing acts of kindness between now and the national elections. Over 200 people attended, wearing “Do Unto Others” t-shirts, cheering for peace, welcoming local elected officials and candidates, and closing the rally by marching together to the Bloomington Election Commission to pray over the workers, volunteers, officials and voters. • Normal First UMC hosted an Election Decisions Seminar to help people think about the interplay of Facts and Emotions in their election decision- making. • Bloomington Wesley UMC held a potluck and Missions Fair, giving people opportunities to participate in a variety of service projects while learning about outreach ministries. • First Christian hosted an information session about Up to 20 volunteers gather faithfully on Sunday mornings, prior to worship service, to assemble the items; they are delivered by Friday, in time for the weekend. It is funded by the Missions Committee, donations, and in Partnership with Midwest Food Bank of Peoria. This ministry has been active since January 2016. At Christmas time, UWF collects hats, scarves, mittens and socks, to distribute to the children at C.T. Vivian. OUTREACH Care Bags This outreach activity was initiated on Maundy Thursday “care bags” to serve others. Members hand out these bags to some of the homeless individuals they often encounter on community streets. Fifty bags were assembled that evening. Useful hygiene items and snacks are placed into gallon- sized, ziplock bags. The contents included travel-size tooth paste/toothbrush, apple sauce, small bottle of water, mixed nuts for variety, bars of protein-rich snack bars, face or body wipes, hand sanitizer wipes, cups of various fruits and a spoon. This activity has already been repeated a couple months later. Not only does it give individuals the opportunity to help those in need, but those also participating bond with one another as bags are put together, assembly-line style. Each bag is labeled, “Because We Care – University United Methodist Church”. Recipients are surprised and grateful when they receive one of the bags. Outreach Committee Chair Jayne Ferguson and various other committee members take turns in coordinating this ongoing activity. Drive Thru/ Walk Thru Prayer Kickoff for this quarterly activity was on Good Friday (March 31) this year. So far, dozens of adults and youth have been prayed for, while remaining in their vehicles, or on bicycles, as they enter or depart the residential area around the church; as well as the sidewalk pedestrians. This neighborhood prayer team consists of Lorene King (member of Outreach); retired pastor Von Waggoner; and member Susie Brown, both members of the Congregational Care Ministry Team. 2024. Our pastor, Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce, created the Maundy Thursday worship service focusing on Jesus being the servant for all. As a significant part of the worship, those present created
HFUMC has provided this resource for more than 18 years, and it is one of their largest missions. Caring for Kids provides food on weekends, holidays, and summer months for students who are food insecure in the Harrisburg school district. Five schools are provided more than 1,400 food bags each month. The average cost to operate this mission is $4,500 per month. Generous donations from Harrisburg First United Methodist Church and it congregates, individuals, businesses, and organizations have assured Caring for Kids’ longevity.
BY KAREN HENDERSON Caring for Kids Director, Harrisburg First UMC HARRISBURG – Many questions were being asked Sept. 14 at Harrisburg First UMC. Most would agree they were trivial. Caring for Kids held its first ever Trivia Night fundraiser with more than 75 persons attending. Many had correct answers, a few incorrect answers but the Holy Spirit had the real answer with more than $12,000 raised for the Caring for Kids mission. $6,000 was raised that night and a benefactor’s trust matched the donations.
Photos courtesy of Harrisburg First UMC
Caring for Kids is operated totally with volunteer help. Each month during the school year volunteers from nearly every church in the Harrisburg community come together at HFUMC to prepare the food bags for delivery to the schools each week. This work is only made possible due to the collaboration with administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Harrisburg Unit 3.
Photo courtesy of Bloomington Normal UMC
Listening Circles, a project designed to help people really listen to one another without judgment or fear.
The logo for the Kindness Campaign was produced by Resurrection UMC in Kansas, and shows a heart combining the “political” colors of red and blue, into a cooperative purple foundation reading, “Do Unto Others.” For more information about the Kindness Campaign, go to www.campaignforkindness.com . Peoria University develops numerous ways to reach its community BY LORENE KING IGRC Lay Leader and Peoria University Congregational Care Chair
Pekin First builds duplex in latest part of its housing ministry BY VALERIE MOEHLE, Pekin First UMC
what would take place at Providence Place. But God had a different plan. As the church walked along side the trailer owners, God unfolded opportunities to release them from the circumstances they found themselves in and by the end of January 2022, the church owned all the trailers and had removed them. And now the next step is unfolding at Providence Place – the duplex that will be raised in September – an opportunity to serve more people and transform more lives for Christ by providing safe and affordable housing and a path forward to a transformed life with the love and support of a whole congregation – and a community – walking alongside them with love, prayer, tangible support and encouragement where they need it most. “The approach of the ROCHouse ministry to truly transform the lives of people one household at a time is inspiring. With the Providence Place build, the church is tripling its ability to make a difference through this ministry,” said Rev. Mike Crawford, North District Superintendent. City leaders agree. “Pekin First has proven to be a community partner to many and in many ways,” Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Chamber of Commerce. “This construction project will bring about a place that offers hope and light to those it will house. Their dedicated team is truly to be commended and encouraged as they progress through this project.” “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been found on rock.” — Matt. 7: 24-25 For additional information contact: Valerie Moehle, 309- 267-0253; vmoehle@moehlelaw.com
PEKIN – The ROCHouse ministry of Pekin First UMC has begun construction of a duplex at 1307 N. Fifth St. in Pekin. The duplex, called “Providence Place” is designed for families and will be used as a part of the ROCHouse transformational housing ministry that transforms lives for Christ through a ministry with families in transition by providing housing, spiritual guidance, and other support as identified by each family together with the ministry team. From Sept. 16-29, a volunteer team from World Mission Builders, together with volunteers from the church and the community were on site to frame up the duplex – much like an old fashioned barn raising. World Mission Builders brought in volunteers from many different states who were hosted in local homes and shared common meals provided by Pekin First UMC, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Grace UMC, Congregational United Church of Christ, First United Presbyterian Church and others. Other significant support is being provided by Standard Heating and Cooling, Benassi Roofing and Adult and Teen Challenge. "Pekin First UMC believes that Jesus meant it when he said, 'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).' They live out their faith by serving the community, specifically those most in need. The ROCHouse Ministry, Providence Place, and Charis Place represent this heart for mission and service here in Pekin. I'm honored to be their pastor,” said Rev. Sean Peters, pastor of Pekin First UMC. More than 10 years ago, Pekin First received a generous gift that empowered the congregation to think more boldly about what God was calling it into. From the visioning around that gift emerged a ministry idea that the church
Prayers might focus on the individual’s immediate destination, their life goals, or events happening in their lives that cause immediate concern, i.e. general safety, success stories, weekend leisure activities, family/friend deaths, drug addiction (usage and recovery), etc. Persons also receive a pocket prayer card. Dedicated members of the Trustees support this ministry by positioning yard signs and the banner to promote the
Photos courtesy of Pekin First UMC
must move outside of its building and into the community in order to serve, share and be the Gospel of Christ. From the seeds of that first generous gift emerged the idea of ROC – Reaching our Community – Ministries. Fast forward about 10 years and another generous gift – the gift of brick home next door to Providence Place, propelled the church to embrace that idea more fully into the ROCHouse transformational housing ministry. As volunteers readied the home (now named Charis Place) for the first family, they were drawn to the property next door which housed a small trailer park with five older trailers in various states of disrepair – including two that were uninhabited and uninhabitable. And God went to work – on the hearts of the volunteers and others – drawing the church into a vision to expand the ROCHouse ministry. Pekin First received the gift of Charis Place in May 2021 and by mid-September of that year had purchased the trailer park and called it Providence Place – because the church saw God’s unexpected providence in the unfolding of this opportunity. The church expected to be a landlord to the trailer owners for several years while it planned out
event to the public. The final quarterly prayer date of 2024 will be in October. Prayer Request Mailbox A Prayer Request Mailbox was dedicated on May 5, near the patio area during the annual outdoor service on the rear side of the church. The purpose was to offer solace and support to the many pedestrians who pass through our church grounds, daily. Most passersby are youth, but there are many adults who walk through church grounds as a shortcut; all may partake of having a place to rest on one of
several permanent benches on the bricked patio, but also knowing that they can be uplifted in prayer by the entire church. Names from the Prayer Requests are given to the church administrative assistant to publish in the weekly, e-mailed prayer requests. The mailbox is monitored weekly by rotating members of the Outreach Committee. Annual Neighborhood Ice Cream Social In the month of August, Outreach member Jan Deissler coordinated an Ice Cream Social which featured a variety of ice cream, cakes, and pies on a sunny, Sunday afternoon. Area residents were notified by yard signs strategically posted around the surrounding neighborhood by the chairperson. The most exciting part of the event was a member of UUMC going to each home in the broader neighborhood and inviting persons. Residents began coming forth to join in the fun. Persons of all ages were served. In this case, all caution on nutrition and caloric content was suspended for two hours. Faithful Friends Prayer Team for C.T. Vivian Primary School Staff Coordinated by Cari Borland, UUMC’s long-term partnership with this school engages a number of UUMC members who commit to uplifting and encouraging teachers and staff as prayer partners. The mission of Faithful Friends is “To be disciples of Jesus Christ who
United Methodists unite to keep Peoria students warm this winter BY ALETHA WEATHERALL, Pastor, Peoria Forrest Hill UMC PEORIA – In a heartwarming display of unity and compassion, United Methodist churches in the Peoria area have come together to address a pressing need in the community. Two months ago, Patricia Oshaughnessy from the Peoria School District reached out to Forrest Hill UMC, seeking assistance in keeping the children of Von Steuben Middle School warm during the winter months. Von Steuben, one of the oldest school buildings in Peoria, is known for being drafty, and many of the students arrive without proper winter clothing, leaving them cold throughout the day. Understanding the magnitude of the need, Forrest Hill UMC quickly realized that this project was bigger than one church could manage alone. They reached out to their fellow United Methodist congregations in the area, and the response was nothing short of extraordinary. The generosity and kindness of the United Methodist family shone through as churches across the region partnered to provide muchneeded winter gear for the children. “We are better together,” said the Pastor, Aletha Weatherall of Forrest Hill UMC. “This project shows that, as United Methodists, we continue to live out our mission
ABBOTT SPEAKS AT NATIONAL FACILITY CONFERENCE CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Champaign Faith UMC Director of Church Administration, Doug the title of his presentation was: What to Consider when Building or Upgrading Your Church Facility Using Green Initiatives. Champaign Faith UMC has the distinction of being the first church facility in Illinois and the first building in Champaign-
Abbott, was one of the speakers at the CFX National Church Facility Conference, Oct. 21-23, in Chattanooga Tenn. The conference drew participants from around the country and incorporates a church building conference, facility stewardship conference, tech arts conference and church safety conference in the three-day event. Abbott presented at the church building and facility stewardship conferences and
Urbana to be awarded LEED certification for their 2006 addition. Since that time Faith has continued to utilize green initiatives in its facility. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” and is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council. CFX Conference information can be found by visiting its website: https:// churchfacilitiesexpo.com/
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ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS CONFERENCE VOLUME 56, NUMBER 4 • OCT-DEC 2024
movements attributed to the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we would agree that our faith is meant to be heart-felt. It is also to be a faith that is deeply thoughtful. While Cartwright could be critical of “Eastern education,” he often promoted education and took some pride in his own course of study. “William M’Kendree, afterward
In April 1739, John Wesley decided to break with the custom and tradition of his time and preach in the open fields. “At four in the afternoon, I submitted to be more vile and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three thousand people.” Dr. Ashley Boggan from the General Commission on Archives and History is encouraging us to re-capture our mission through creative and loving “vile-tality.” “If we want to be vital again, if we want to reach young people in new ways, if we want to pivot and reclaim, revive, and renew our sense Wesleyan mission in this world – perhaps we first need to submit to be more vile.” (Council of Bishops, May 2023) Driven by love we are also moved to engage the broad social issues of our day. Peter Cartwright moved to Illinois, in part, to be in a place free from slavery. But he felt called to do more. “I very freely entered the lists to oppose slavery in this way, and without any fore-thought of mind, went into the agitated waters of political strife…. I cannot see the impropriety of canvassing for political office on Christian principles.” ( Autobiography 119, 120). Cartwright spoke out strongly when the issue of slavery was before General Conference. “I hold myself to be an unflinching conservative Methodist preacher. I know that slavery is evil, and a great evil.” ( Autobiography 196). How might our faith today lead us to speak about war and peace, healthy democracy, economic inequality and opportunity, health care, education? Friends, this is the 200th anniversary of this church named for Peter Cartwright. Peter Cartwright was not a rich man, but he sought to live the richest kind of life in God’s grace. He lived and taught the Wesleyan way of following Jesus, a way marked by copious grace and decisions for it, by growth in grace and PETER CARTWRIGHT CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
IF I WERE A RICH MAN… Peter Cartwright: a man of few things but rich in soul
bishop, but then my presiding elder, directed me to a proper course of reading and study. He selected books for me, both literary and theological; and every quarterly visit he made, he examined into my progress” ( Autobiography , 33). Cartwright had a reputation for being suspicious of education, but a reputation he wanted to distance himself from. “Some have accused me of being an enemy of education; well, now, I don’t mean to boast, but I have given more to educational institutions and colleges than any man in the State of Illinois, than any man that is called a Methodist preacher” ( Fifty Years , 214). He freely engaged in intellectual debate, sometimes rather
(Editor’s note: The following first appeared in the April 1997 issue of Methodist History, a publication of the General Commission on Archives and History. It is reprinted with permission.) Text: Mark 10:17-31
of the frontier,” and “the hero Illinois” (Norwood, 151). Cartwright transferred to the Illinois Conference in the year of its founding, 1824. One of his reasons for leaving the Kentucky Conference was “to get entirely clear of the evil of slavery” ( Autobiography , 112). I have enjoyed getting to know Cartwright through his Autobiography and his book Fifty Years as a Presiding Elder . To be sure, there are things about Peter Cartwright that are not worth emulating. He was open to engaging in physical altercations. He could be pointedly argumentative. His attitudes toward Native Americans in most ways reflected his time. He could be stubborn and stuck. He once wrote, “I am a good old Methodist preacher, and am fully opposed to all innovation” (Norwood, The Story of American Methodism , 240). Friends at Peter Cartwright, don’t be a Peter Cartwright in that way, opposed to all innovation. But we should emulate Peter Cartwright in this, in his lifting up of the Wesleyan way of following Jesus. Cartwright understood that there was true richness to life, true richness of soul, in this Wesleyan way of following Jesus. While there are any number of ways to describe the Wesleyan way, I want to describe it in four dimensions. Grace and the importance of decision. Our Book of Discipline discusses basic Christian affirmations which we share with all Christians such as “faith in the mystery of salvation in and through Jesus Christ”; “that God’s redemptive love is realized in human life by the activity of the Holy Spirit”; that “the reign of God is both a present and future reality”; “the authority of Scripture in matters of faith”; “and the sober realization that the church is in need of continual reformation and renewal.” (¶102). We share these affirmations with all Christians. The Book of Discipline goes on to delineate distinctive Wesleyan emphases, and the first is “grace pervades our understanding to Christian faith and life. By grace we mean the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.” (¶102). I prefer to say that grace breaks the calculus of deserving, but that is another sermon. Methodist theologian David Field in his helpful book Our Purpose is Love writes: “God’s mission begins with grace. Our ability to love fully and completely is restored through God’s grace.” (p. 20) We believe that God’s grace is poured freely into and onto human life. It is pervasive, and powerful, but its power is in persuasion. God’s grace touches our lives before we are even aware of it. God loves us before we know it, and grace always seeks to find its way into our awareness so we can turn toward this God of grace. God’s grace is persuasive and invitational, welcoming our “yes.” That’s decision, and making decisions to live a grace-filled, loving existence was at the heart of Peter Cartwright’s ministry. He preached and prayed and traveled to help bring people to a saving awareness of grace, something to which we have to say “yes.” Grace and deciding for grace are essential parts of the Wesleyan way. Growth. But we do not decide for grace and love just once. Grace not only brings us to that place where we say “yes” to God, but carries us forward to continued “yes-es.” The Book of Discipline (¶102): “We hold that the wonder of God’s acceptance and pardon does not end God’s saving work; which continues to nurture our growth in grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to increase in the knowledge and love of God and in love for our neighbor.” John Wesley preached and taught about growth in grace, “sanctification,” which he also referred to as “Christian perfection” - a difficult phrase for us. But here is what Wesley meant. “By perfection I mean the humble, gentle, patient love of God and neighbor, ruling our habits, attitudes, words and actions” (John Wesley, January 27, 1767; updated by Steve Manskar). David Field puts it well: “Because of God’s love for us, God desires to see our hearts transformed in holiness and new birth” (Field, 19). And for Wesley, love is at the heart of holiness. Warm heart, keen mind . The Wesleyan way of following Jesus, to which Peter Cartwright was dedicated, is an experiential faith, a faith of the warm heart. Most of us are familiar with John Wesley’s account of his experience on Aldersgate Street, where he felt his “heart strangely warmed.” Reading some of Cartwright’s descriptions of camp meetings we would be uncomfortable with some of the weeping and wailing and involuntary physical
Good morning friends. I am Bishop David Bard and I greet you in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the peace and power of the Holy Spirit. I am delighted to be with you this morning. This is my first Sunday sermon as one of your bishops here in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and I cannot think of a more auspicious place or occasion to preach. I am thrilled to be with you to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church. You may be wondering why I chose the particular text I chose for this morning. It is a good question.
unkindly. “Calvinism in the United States is only kept alive in its expiring agonies by a few silly mortals who have long purses and are influenced by the prejudices of education” ( Fifty Years , 128). I can understand why some considered him an enemy of education. The Wesleyan tradition encourages a warm heart and a keen mind. We want to cultivate a thoughtful faith. In an August 17, 1760, letter to a preacher named John Premboth, Wesley wrote: What has exceedingly hurt you in time past, nay, and I fear to this day, is want of reading…. Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yourself any longer. A thoughtful faith. In describing the theological task which is ours as Wesleyan Christians, our Book of Discipline reads: Our theological explorations seek to give expression to the mysterious reality of God’s presence, peace and power in the world. By so doing, we attempt to articulate more clearly our understanding of the divine-human encounter and are thereby more fully prepared to participate in God’s work in the world. (¶105). A thoughtful faith. We would not speak as rudely as Peter Cartwright about other streams of Christian thought. We are open to wisdom from other streams of the Christian tradition. Yet even today, in seeking a thoughtful faith, we will have occasion to call out versions of Christian faith which seem to us deeply deficient and potentially harmful. The Council of Bishops recently released a pastoral letter, Beloved Community – An Antidote to Extremism . “We strongly denounce political violence, which severs community bonds and supplants the rule of law. We equally denounce authoritarianism and secular and Christian nationalism which foster centralization and abuse of power, accompanied by racism, xenophobia, tribalism, and misogyny…. Christian nationalism demands laws, culture, and public policies be based on a distorted interpretation of the Gospel that elevates power and control over love.” As New Testament scholar and Anglican bishop N. T. Wright and his co- author Michael Bird write: “Christian nationalism is a danger to Christians and non-Christians alike…. It acclaims God’s love of power rather than the power of God’s love…. We should resist Christian nationalism as giving a Christian façade to nakedly political, ethnocentric and impious adventures.” ( Jesus and the Powers , 129, 134). A thoughtful faith. Mission and Social Responsibility.
When I am asked to preach, I typically begin thinking about the sermon using the ecumenical lectionary, that three-year cycle of Scripture readings used in many mainline churches, though perhaps less so in United Methodist Churches today compared to a few years ago. I read the texts to see if something strikes me that might be fitting for the occasion. The reading from Mark’s gospel is the lectionary reading for this week and I thought I could work with it. That may be even more puzzling to you! The story is familiar. Jesus is setting out and a man runs up to him with a burning question. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds, in part, “You know the commandments….” To which the man replies, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing: go and sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. The story is followed by a challenging word from Jesus. “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God…. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle that for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” So maybe I made the wrong choice! Peter Cartwright was not a rich man, but his life and work pose the question that emerges in this story – what kind of life do you want to live? What kind of life do you want to live? A popular answer in our society is a life of wealth and taste.
We are a bit like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Oh, Lord, you made many, many poor people I realize, of course, it's no shame to be poor But it's no great honor either So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune? If I were a rich man Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum All day long, I'd biddy biddy bum If I were a wealthy man I wouldn't have to work hard Ya ba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dibba dum Lord, who made the lion and the lamb
The Wesleyan way of following Jesus has always been missional. The circuit riders like Peter Cartwright were passionate about bringing faith to new places and establishing classes and churches for Christian growth. David Field: “God has a mission in the world, and love is at the heart of that mission…. The core of Wesley’s understanding of Christianity is that God transforms human beings so that their lives become permeated by love for God and neighbor.” ( Our Purpose is Love , 19, 51). This love drives us to do good, to make a difference in the world, to seek justice, peace and reconciliation. It drives us in new and sometimes uncomfortable directions.
You decreed I should be what I am Would it spoil some vast eternal plan If I were a wealthy man?
Success, a worthwhile life, often has dollar signs attached in our society. Peter Cartwright was not a wealthy man, but he knew another kind of richness in his life. In a reflection he offered at the celebration of his fifty years of appointment as a presiding elder during the Illinois Annual Conference session of 1869 held in Lincoln, Cartwright said, “I thank God this day that I have had a religion that has paid me as I went along” ( Fifty Years , 210). For Peter Cartwright, the Jesus way, understood in the Wesleyan way, was true richness of life. He did not want his life, nor the lives of others to be, in the words of the hymn, “rich in things and poor in soul.” Peter Cartwright, after whom this church whose anniversary we mark today is named, was a memorable character. He was a towering figure in Illinois Methodism. Forty-five of his 50 years as a presiding elder were spent in Illinois. Cartwright was described in a classic history of American Methodism as a “lion
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