The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church of Pasadena, California, United States Paper (Saturday, April 9, 2016) - In the news...
Circled Around a Fire and Confirmed by the Rain
It was 9:15 p.m. on Saturday night with the fire circle ablaze at Lazy W Ranch. There were 111 confirmands and adult leaders from 13 churches and five districts eagerly awaiting the message from Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño. The music – a three-part mash-up round of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “This Train is Bound for Glory” – had everyone’s spirits high. The theme was renewal of baptism and being a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. And then it rained.
These are moments that spiritual leaders live for: to let the real experience fuel the meaning. Some were nervous about getting wet or if the bishop was OK preaching in the rain. Yet the Holy Spirit came down and a life-changing memory was etched in our hearts.
“It felt like my hands were tingly as the drops falling from the heavens caught my skin,” wrote Todd Potter (15), a 10th grade confirmand from First UMC Redondo Beach. “Originally, they were going to use the water pitcher to re-baptize people, but when the rain began to fall before Bishop Carcaño started her sermon, they decided to use the rain instead. That was how we reaffirmed our baptisms with the water falling from the stars.”
This was the first annual Bishop’s Confirmation Retreat held March 4-6 at Lazy W. The theme was our conference vision – “Inspiring the World”. Worship, small group discussions and activities centered around the three concepts of INSPIRATION, PASSIONATE FOLLOWING OF JESUS, and SHARING GOD’S LIFE-GIVING LOVE WITH ALL. And that happened!
“Maybe it was the lack of Wi-Fi or the fact we were put into groups with people we would never have met had we not gone on this retreat,” wrote Potter, “but I felt myself and the people around me see God clearer through the people we met along the way.”
These are moments that spiritual leaders live for: to let the real experience fuel the meaning. Some were nervous about getting wet or if the bishop was OK preaching in the rain. Yet the Holy Spirit came down and a life-changing memory was etched in our hearts.
“It felt like my hands were tingly as the drops falling from the heavens caught my skin,” wrote Todd Potter (15), a 10th grade confirmand from First UMC Redondo Beach. “Originally, they were going to use the water pitcher to re-baptize people, but when the rain began to fall before Bishop Carcaño started her sermon, they decided to use the rain instead. That was how we reaffirmed our baptisms with the water falling from the stars.”
This was the first annual Bishop’s Confirmation Retreat held March 4-6 at Lazy W. The theme was our conference vision – “Inspiring the World”. Worship, small group discussions and activities centered around the three concepts of INSPIRATION, PASSIONATE FOLLOWING OF JESUS, and SHARING GOD’S LIFE-GIVING LOVE WITH ALL. And that happened!
“Maybe it was the lack of Wi-Fi or the fact we were put into groups with people we would never have met had we not gone on this retreat,” wrote Potter, “but I felt myself and the people around me see God clearer through the people we met along the way.”
The program model involved putting the confirmands in eight small groups of similar age for discussion and activities, mixing them with folk from different churches. Then on Sunday, the church groups gathered together to share personal mission statements and create a poster to visualize how they will go back to their communities and live the vision.
Potter wrote, “I really liked how accepting everyone was and that the sense of unity between the different churches was infectious. Constant handshakes paired with an exchange of names. A smile and laughter as people got to know each other just an iota better. Then the occasional hug, saying the things words can’t begin to describe.”
Bishop Carcaño’s concluding message on Sunday morning powerfully emphasized God’s call to share love with all. One-by-one church confirmation classes shared their covenants to go back home and live out the vision that they had come to know at the retreat.
“After the final worship together, we passed the peace of Christ,” Potter reported. “The newfound urgency of hugs, once people realized they were leaving the friends they made that weekend, was breathtaking. I saw the swapping of phone numbers and words of encouragement being exchanged, but then as quickly as it began we were driving out of the wilderness to spread God’s life-giving love to the world.”[by Rev. David Berkey, Director of Camp and Retreat Operations and Ministries] US Postal Service Unveils Bishop Richard Allen Stamp at Thousand Oaks UMC
Potter wrote, “I really liked how accepting everyone was and that the sense of unity between the different churches was infectious. Constant handshakes paired with an exchange of names. A smile and laughter as people got to know each other just an iota better. Then the occasional hug, saying the things words can’t begin to describe.”
Bishop Carcaño’s concluding message on Sunday morning powerfully emphasized God’s call to share love with all. One-by-one church confirmation classes shared their covenants to go back home and live out the vision that they had come to know at the retreat.
“After the final worship together, we passed the peace of Christ,” Potter reported. “The newfound urgency of hugs, once people realized they were leaving the friends they made that weekend, was breathtaking. I saw the swapping of phone numbers and words of encouragement being exchanged, but then as quickly as it began we were driving out of the wilderness to spread God’s life-giving love to the world.”[by Rev. David Berkey, Director of Camp and Retreat Operations and Ministries] US Postal Service Unveils Bishop Richard Allen Stamp at Thousand Oaks UMC
On February 27, 2016, the United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks hosted the unveiling of a United States Postal Service Black Heritage Stamp honoring Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
According to the USPS, “The stamp is the 39th in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series, which began in 1978 with a stamp honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman. It coincides with the 200th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, considered one of the most important institutions in African American life, and Allen’s election and consecration as A.M.E.’s first bishop.”
THE DOZIER SINGERS WITH THE USPS RICHARD ALLEN BLACK HERITAGE FOREVER STAMP
Every year, the United States Postal Service issues a commemorative postage stamp highlighting the achievements of African Americans. When it was decided that Bishop Allen would be honored this year, Larry Dozier, the current President of the Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Men who also happens to have been a USPS employee, invited the USPS to hold the special event at the church. The unveiling became part of a concert featuring the Dozier Singers Family and Friends (DSF), an African American group that sings Gospel music.
Dozier thought, “Why not have this event at a predominantly Caucasian church such as Thousand Oaks UMC? What a great opportunity to bring together Black History and the ministries of The United Methodist Church.”
Bill Williams, who serves as President of Thousand Oaks UMC’s United Methodist Men, was excited about the relationship-building, “The choir of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that came from Oxnard and our own are planning to exchange choirs soon! And, of course, we were happy to see our brothers and sisters from Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church where Rev. Garth Gilliam is the Pastor.”
Of course, the story of the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is one that brings to light the racism that was present in the mother church of The AME and UMC: The Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was one of two black persons who were present at the “Christmas Conference” of 1784 in Baltimore which marked the founding of the Methodist Church in America. Yet, neither of them were allowed a vote at the Conference and Allen was only allowed to lead worship services that were held early in the morning.
Later on, Allen would move to Philadelphia to be a preacher at St. George Methodist Episcopal Church. There, he would not only be, once again, restricted to leading only early morning worship services, but the black worshippers would be physically separated from whites to another part of the building. Allen was ordained in 1799 by Francis Asbury as the first black minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1816, Allen and four other ministers formed the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
“Like any church, the UMC is not perfect. This stamp both gives a reason for us to celebrate the abolition of slavery, and the role we played in creating a society where all are considered equal, as well as to be confessional regarding our shortcomings and sins,” says Rev. Steve Peralta of Thousand Oaks UMC. “We gather together to work on being the church. We meet together to grow together as brothers and sisters who bear God’s image and deserve respect, grace, and dignity.”
Photo courtesy of Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UMNS
Bishop Rodolfo Juan, center, with the Rev. Rubynell Estrella, pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Manila, lead a candlelight prayer service at Central for farmers caught in a violent protest at the Spottswood United Methodist Church.
United Methodist church sheltering farmers in Philippines
UPDATES with bishop harrassed by Gladys Mangiduyos and Kathy L. Gilbert, MANILA, Philippines (UMNS)
A United Methodist Church compound is giving sanctuary to 4,000 farmers and indigenous people after a protest for food relief turned deadly on April 1.
Three protesters were killed and more than 100 injured when security forces fired on the crowd blocking a major highway. Protesters poured into the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center for refuge and the compound is now surrounded by police. Police conducted a search of those at the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center on April 2 but no guns were found.
More than 100 people joined the vigil in front of the Central United Methodist Church on April 3, to pray for farmers and Lumads who were asking for rice and protesting treatment from the government. Photo courtesy of Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UMNS.
Manila Area United Methodist Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan condemned the search and threats to Davao Episcopal Area Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco in an April 6 statement.
Juan said Francisco is "being threatened and harrassed for harboring 'illegal protesters.' " He called on United Methodists everywhere to support the farmers and uphold them in prayer.
Juan led a candlelight ceremony on April 3 to pray for the farmers and Lumads, an indigenous people of the Philippines. More than 100 people joined the vigil in front of the Central United Methodist Church.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence committed against our poor and helpless farmers," Juan said in his statement, recalling that Jesus fed the hungry and provided food and healing for those in need. "They are asking that they be allowed to live by being provided with the most basic of human needs — food. What was given to them were bullets and violence. Some of them met their untimely death. Jesus would have been very angry with these evil doings done against the least, the last and the lost."
He also deplored the intrustion of armed personnel into the church compound and the threats to Francisco.
"We stand on our grounds that the church is a sanctuary for the most vulnerable and those in need of a refugee," Juan said.
Bishops Francisco, Juan and Pedro M. Torio Jr. jointly issued a pastoral letter immediately after the protest turned violent.
"It is never a sin when poor farmers demand food but it is a sin to deny them food,” said Francisco.
The farmers staged the protest on March 30 to draw attention to their communities and to demand assistance from the government.
According to news reports, the police fired on the crowd April 1. In addition to the number killed and injured, at least 89 people, including children, are reported missing.
"In solidarity with the Lumad farmers in Mindanao, this prayer and candle lighting is an expression of our support to them being in the midst of strife and harassment," said Floyd Castro, a layman from St. Mark United Methodist Church.
“I am here to join and help the people who are harassed. They need help. We from Manila episcopal area and Philippines Conference will help in any way we can,” said the Rev. Maximo Gabriel, district superintendent from Southwest Metro Manila.
Frederick Vargas and his wife, Agnes Reganit-Vargas, both United Methodist young adults, were at the candle lighting to pray for the farmers who are asking for rice — “fruits of their labor,” Vargas said. “But what they got in return was violence.”
Calling for peace
The California-Pacific Conference Taskforce Philippines also issued a statement condemning the violence against the farmers and the harrassment of Bishop Bishop Francisco.
"As United Methodists, we demand that the sanctuary of our United Methodist churches be protected, that the police and military allow the wounded farmers to seek much-needed medical treatmen, that the human rights of all be protected," said Joy Prim, chair of the task force.
A statement from the Promotion of Church Peoples Rights, a Filipino ecumenical human rights organization which includes The United Methodist Church, said:
"Our nation faces a severe moral crisis — the cries of the people for food have been answered with hurled stones and life-destroying bullets! When the hunger of the poor brings violent responses from those in leadership, these leaders are not fit to govern.
“As they have lived for decades with inadequate access to basic needs and services, drought conditions are literally unbearable. Their cries should have yielded rice for them to bring to their hunger-plagued families; but rather than sustenance, they were razed by bullets and pummeled with stones.”
United Methodist leaders around the world are adding their voices to those of their brothers and sisters in the Philippines.
Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said people are praying for a peaceful resolution.
“We ask God to bless you with strength, wisdom and the incarnate love of God in Christ as you respond to this challenge of Christian faith and witness in Mindanao,” Kemper said.
United Methodist Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, president of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and episcopal leader of the Desert Southwest Conference, said he was praying for a peaceful resolution.
“I am in prayer for the farmers and their families who face violence and hunger,” Hoshibata said.
In a statement read during the April 3 service, the Philippines United Methodist Board of Church and Society condemned the dispersing and shooting of the farmers.
"We condemn in the strongest terms the inhumane curtailment of the rights of the farmers to air their grievances.”
According to news reports, 5,000 farmers from eight municipalities of North Cotabato province assembled March 30 along the Quezon Boulevard, blocking the national highway. They were demanding rice from part of the calamity fund administered by the government for those facing starvation from the drought which has plagued the area since November.
United Methodist leaders have decried the violence against the Lumads, an indigenous people who have been the victims of genocide and human rights violations, for the past several months.
The Lumads, who are from the southern Philippines, have been caught in the middle of combat between government soldiers and paramilitary rebels. Reports have surfaced of entire communities of Lumads being displaced.
In the current situation, medical and food assistance is being provided by individuals, churches and organizations with the help of United Methodists.
"Let's be watchful, let us continue to stand firm and pray seeking God's protection, will, purpose. May we all be united in calling for peace," said Juan.
Mangiduyos is a correspondent for United Methodist News Service. Gilbert is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. https://youtu.be/lDpL8h6C_kY
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDpL8h6C_kY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
View on YouTube | Download Video
60 Days of Prayer for 2016 General Conference
United Methodists everywhere can be part of the denomination's General Conference in 2016, even if they will not be present in Portland, Oregon for the meeting. All are asked to offer 60 Days of Prayer, which would include time before, during and after the church has its most important gathering. The Rev. Tom Albin, Dean of The Upper Room, explains why all United Methodists should join the 60-day effort.
Read full transcript.
Transcript: 60 Days of Prayer for 2016 General Conference
View full video.
Transcript:
(Locator: Portland, OR)
Jan Nelson: “There’s no way we could do it without prayer.”
Yvette Moore: “I am praying that God’s gonna meet us there.”
Jean Hawxhurst: "I’m praying that what we hold in common is Christ and that Christ will be what keeps us together."
The Rev. Tom Albin, Upper Room Ministries: “Regardless of whether you feel connected to the political and decision-making process, our denomination will only be as healthy as the prayer life of all of our people.”
The Rev. Tom Albin and his team from the Upper Room want to create an “atmosphere of prayer” around the 2016 United Methodist General Conference.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “In Kenya, and Kansas, and Connecticut, in any church, you’ll know the Scripture text, the theme and the main points.”
The Upper Room's 60 Days of Prayer guide, available free online in several languages, offers daily devotions and prayers for the days before, during, and after General Conference.
(The Rev. Tom Albin leads prayer bead workshop) “We’re actually praying with our hands.”
Every delegate will also receive a set of wooden Protestant prayer beads designed for 2016 in Portland.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “This is the Northwest, we're Earth people, hiking people. It needs to be woodsy. The unique thing is the medallion that has a picture of the Cross and Flame and a picture of a mountain goat because the theme is ‘Therefore go,’ and part of the worship is to go and find the lost sheep. The flame represents the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist merger in ‘68.”
Volunteers all over the world will string the beads, and pray over each set that goes to General Conference.
(The Rev. Tom Albin leads prayer bead workshop) “Think a little bit about who it is who’s going to receive it.”
In Tampa in 2012, handmade prayer mantles wrapped each delegate and church leader.
(Marcia McFee leads worship service in 2012) “People from all five jurisdictions in the U.S. worked on these.”
At General Conference, long days of discussion weigh on those setting the church’s course for the future.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “There are formal prayer services in the worship. But there are times when people just need to get away to a prayerful space after a difficult debate.”
A prayer room offers spiritual respite without leaving the venue. Ardis Letey designed this year’s space.
Ardis Letey, Prayer Room Designer: “There’ll be a fountain, remember your baptism. And another one with sand as a medium for prayer.’
Four spiritual directors will be available all the hours that the 2016 conference is underway, and coordinators are looking for experienced and objective prayer partners.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “Can you pray honestly with any person on any perspective? There’s a big difference between a prayer volunteer and a prayer lobbyist who’s already decided God’s will.”
General Conference can be a time of controversy and change. Albin says talking to other denominations has led him to believe that prayer is an essential element of the legislative process, before, during, and after.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “Many of their churches weren’t ready for the change. And they didn’t do anything to help them after the change was decided to understand, interpret, pray together. I’m hopeful that we United Methodists can be intentional about our life together before, during and after the United Methodist General Conference.”
Tag:
United Methodists can make their own Protestant prayer beads like the ones given to each delegate at General Conference 2016. Kits with all the materials and the special 2016 medallions are available for purchase. Church members are encouraged to keep a set of prayer beads to use daily and to give a second set to a pastor, district superintendent or other lay leader or clergy member.
View more at umc.org/videos
Read the Terms of Use
Learn more about the 2016 General Conference.
Kits with all the materials and the special 2016 medallions are available for purchase. Church members are encouraged to keep a set of prayer beads to use daily and to give a second set to a pastor, district superintendent or other lay leader or clergy member.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Fran Walsh, 615-742-5458.
This video was first posted on March 30, 2016.
According to the USPS, “The stamp is the 39th in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series, which began in 1978 with a stamp honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman. It coincides with the 200th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, considered one of the most important institutions in African American life, and Allen’s election and consecration as A.M.E.’s first bishop.”
THE DOZIER SINGERS WITH THE USPS RICHARD ALLEN BLACK HERITAGE FOREVER STAMP
Every year, the United States Postal Service issues a commemorative postage stamp highlighting the achievements of African Americans. When it was decided that Bishop Allen would be honored this year, Larry Dozier, the current President of the Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Men who also happens to have been a USPS employee, invited the USPS to hold the special event at the church. The unveiling became part of a concert featuring the Dozier Singers Family and Friends (DSF), an African American group that sings Gospel music.
Dozier thought, “Why not have this event at a predominantly Caucasian church such as Thousand Oaks UMC? What a great opportunity to bring together Black History and the ministries of The United Methodist Church.”
Bill Williams, who serves as President of Thousand Oaks UMC’s United Methodist Men, was excited about the relationship-building, “The choir of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that came from Oxnard and our own are planning to exchange choirs soon! And, of course, we were happy to see our brothers and sisters from Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church where Rev. Garth Gilliam is the Pastor.”
Of course, the story of the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is one that brings to light the racism that was present in the mother church of The AME and UMC: The Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was one of two black persons who were present at the “Christmas Conference” of 1784 in Baltimore which marked the founding of the Methodist Church in America. Yet, neither of them were allowed a vote at the Conference and Allen was only allowed to lead worship services that were held early in the morning.
Later on, Allen would move to Philadelphia to be a preacher at St. George Methodist Episcopal Church. There, he would not only be, once again, restricted to leading only early morning worship services, but the black worshippers would be physically separated from whites to another part of the building. Allen was ordained in 1799 by Francis Asbury as the first black minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1816, Allen and four other ministers formed the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
“Like any church, the UMC is not perfect. This stamp both gives a reason for us to celebrate the abolition of slavery, and the role we played in creating a society where all are considered equal, as well as to be confessional regarding our shortcomings and sins,” says Rev. Steve Peralta of Thousand Oaks UMC. “We gather together to work on being the church. We meet together to grow together as brothers and sisters who bear God’s image and deserve respect, grace, and dignity.”
Photo courtesy of Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UMNS
Bishop Rodolfo Juan, center, with the Rev. Rubynell Estrella, pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Manila, lead a candlelight prayer service at Central for farmers caught in a violent protest at the Spottswood United Methodist Church.
United Methodist church sheltering farmers in Philippines
UPDATES with bishop harrassed by Gladys Mangiduyos and Kathy L. Gilbert, MANILA, Philippines (UMNS)
A United Methodist Church compound is giving sanctuary to 4,000 farmers and indigenous people after a protest for food relief turned deadly on April 1.
Three protesters were killed and more than 100 injured when security forces fired on the crowd blocking a major highway. Protesters poured into the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center for refuge and the compound is now surrounded by police. Police conducted a search of those at the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center on April 2 but no guns were found.
More than 100 people joined the vigil in front of the Central United Methodist Church on April 3, to pray for farmers and Lumads who were asking for rice and protesting treatment from the government. Photo courtesy of Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UMNS.
Manila Area United Methodist Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan condemned the search and threats to Davao Episcopal Area Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco in an April 6 statement.
Juan said Francisco is "being threatened and harrassed for harboring 'illegal protesters.' " He called on United Methodists everywhere to support the farmers and uphold them in prayer.
Juan led a candlelight ceremony on April 3 to pray for the farmers and Lumads, an indigenous people of the Philippines. More than 100 people joined the vigil in front of the Central United Methodist Church.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence committed against our poor and helpless farmers," Juan said in his statement, recalling that Jesus fed the hungry and provided food and healing for those in need. "They are asking that they be allowed to live by being provided with the most basic of human needs — food. What was given to them were bullets and violence. Some of them met their untimely death. Jesus would have been very angry with these evil doings done against the least, the last and the lost."
He also deplored the intrustion of armed personnel into the church compound and the threats to Francisco.
"We stand on our grounds that the church is a sanctuary for the most vulnerable and those in need of a refugee," Juan said.
Bishops Francisco, Juan and Pedro M. Torio Jr. jointly issued a pastoral letter immediately after the protest turned violent.
"It is never a sin when poor farmers demand food but it is a sin to deny them food,” said Francisco.
The farmers staged the protest on March 30 to draw attention to their communities and to demand assistance from the government.
According to news reports, the police fired on the crowd April 1. In addition to the number killed and injured, at least 89 people, including children, are reported missing.
"In solidarity with the Lumad farmers in Mindanao, this prayer and candle lighting is an expression of our support to them being in the midst of strife and harassment," said Floyd Castro, a layman from St. Mark United Methodist Church.
“I am here to join and help the people who are harassed. They need help. We from Manila episcopal area and Philippines Conference will help in any way we can,” said the Rev. Maximo Gabriel, district superintendent from Southwest Metro Manila.
Frederick Vargas and his wife, Agnes Reganit-Vargas, both United Methodist young adults, were at the candle lighting to pray for the farmers who are asking for rice — “fruits of their labor,” Vargas said. “But what they got in return was violence.”
Calling for peace
The California-Pacific Conference Taskforce Philippines also issued a statement condemning the violence against the farmers and the harrassment of Bishop Bishop Francisco.
"As United Methodists, we demand that the sanctuary of our United Methodist churches be protected, that the police and military allow the wounded farmers to seek much-needed medical treatmen, that the human rights of all be protected," said Joy Prim, chair of the task force.
A statement from the Promotion of Church Peoples Rights, a Filipino ecumenical human rights organization which includes The United Methodist Church, said:
"Our nation faces a severe moral crisis — the cries of the people for food have been answered with hurled stones and life-destroying bullets! When the hunger of the poor brings violent responses from those in leadership, these leaders are not fit to govern.
“As they have lived for decades with inadequate access to basic needs and services, drought conditions are literally unbearable. Their cries should have yielded rice for them to bring to their hunger-plagued families; but rather than sustenance, they were razed by bullets and pummeled with stones.”
United Methodist leaders around the world are adding their voices to those of their brothers and sisters in the Philippines.
Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said people are praying for a peaceful resolution.
“We ask God to bless you with strength, wisdom and the incarnate love of God in Christ as you respond to this challenge of Christian faith and witness in Mindanao,” Kemper said.
United Methodist Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, president of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and episcopal leader of the Desert Southwest Conference, said he was praying for a peaceful resolution.
“I am in prayer for the farmers and their families who face violence and hunger,” Hoshibata said.
In a statement read during the April 3 service, the Philippines United Methodist Board of Church and Society condemned the dispersing and shooting of the farmers.
"We condemn in the strongest terms the inhumane curtailment of the rights of the farmers to air their grievances.”
According to news reports, 5,000 farmers from eight municipalities of North Cotabato province assembled March 30 along the Quezon Boulevard, blocking the national highway. They were demanding rice from part of the calamity fund administered by the government for those facing starvation from the drought which has plagued the area since November.
United Methodist leaders have decried the violence against the Lumads, an indigenous people who have been the victims of genocide and human rights violations, for the past several months.
The Lumads, who are from the southern Philippines, have been caught in the middle of combat between government soldiers and paramilitary rebels. Reports have surfaced of entire communities of Lumads being displaced.
In the current situation, medical and food assistance is being provided by individuals, churches and organizations with the help of United Methodists.
"Let's be watchful, let us continue to stand firm and pray seeking God's protection, will, purpose. May we all be united in calling for peace," said Juan.
Mangiduyos is a correspondent for United Methodist News Service. Gilbert is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. https://youtu.be/lDpL8h6C_kY
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDpL8h6C_kY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
View on YouTube | Download Video
60 Days of Prayer for 2016 General Conference
United Methodists everywhere can be part of the denomination's General Conference in 2016, even if they will not be present in Portland, Oregon for the meeting. All are asked to offer 60 Days of Prayer, which would include time before, during and after the church has its most important gathering. The Rev. Tom Albin, Dean of The Upper Room, explains why all United Methodists should join the 60-day effort.
Read full transcript.
Transcript: 60 Days of Prayer for 2016 General Conference
View full video.
Transcript:
(Locator: Portland, OR)
Jan Nelson: “There’s no way we could do it without prayer.”
Yvette Moore: “I am praying that God’s gonna meet us there.”
Jean Hawxhurst: "I’m praying that what we hold in common is Christ and that Christ will be what keeps us together."
The Rev. Tom Albin, Upper Room Ministries: “Regardless of whether you feel connected to the political and decision-making process, our denomination will only be as healthy as the prayer life of all of our people.”
The Rev. Tom Albin and his team from the Upper Room want to create an “atmosphere of prayer” around the 2016 United Methodist General Conference.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “In Kenya, and Kansas, and Connecticut, in any church, you’ll know the Scripture text, the theme and the main points.”
The Upper Room's 60 Days of Prayer guide, available free online in several languages, offers daily devotions and prayers for the days before, during, and after General Conference.
(The Rev. Tom Albin leads prayer bead workshop) “We’re actually praying with our hands.”
Every delegate will also receive a set of wooden Protestant prayer beads designed for 2016 in Portland.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “This is the Northwest, we're Earth people, hiking people. It needs to be woodsy. The unique thing is the medallion that has a picture of the Cross and Flame and a picture of a mountain goat because the theme is ‘Therefore go,’ and part of the worship is to go and find the lost sheep. The flame represents the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist merger in ‘68.”
Volunteers all over the world will string the beads, and pray over each set that goes to General Conference.
(The Rev. Tom Albin leads prayer bead workshop) “Think a little bit about who it is who’s going to receive it.”
In Tampa in 2012, handmade prayer mantles wrapped each delegate and church leader.
(Marcia McFee leads worship service in 2012) “People from all five jurisdictions in the U.S. worked on these.”
At General Conference, long days of discussion weigh on those setting the church’s course for the future.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “There are formal prayer services in the worship. But there are times when people just need to get away to a prayerful space after a difficult debate.”
A prayer room offers spiritual respite without leaving the venue. Ardis Letey designed this year’s space.
Ardis Letey, Prayer Room Designer: “There’ll be a fountain, remember your baptism. And another one with sand as a medium for prayer.’
Four spiritual directors will be available all the hours that the 2016 conference is underway, and coordinators are looking for experienced and objective prayer partners.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “Can you pray honestly with any person on any perspective? There’s a big difference between a prayer volunteer and a prayer lobbyist who’s already decided God’s will.”
General Conference can be a time of controversy and change. Albin says talking to other denominations has led him to believe that prayer is an essential element of the legislative process, before, during, and after.
The Rev. Tom Albin: “Many of their churches weren’t ready for the change. And they didn’t do anything to help them after the change was decided to understand, interpret, pray together. I’m hopeful that we United Methodists can be intentional about our life together before, during and after the United Methodist General Conference.”
Tag:
United Methodists can make their own Protestant prayer beads like the ones given to each delegate at General Conference 2016. Kits with all the materials and the special 2016 medallions are available for purchase. Church members are encouraged to keep a set of prayer beads to use daily and to give a second set to a pastor, district superintendent or other lay leader or clergy member.
View more at umc.org/videos
Read the Terms of Use
Learn more about the 2016 General Conference.
Kits with all the materials and the special 2016 medallions are available for purchase. Church members are encouraged to keep a set of prayer beads to use daily and to give a second set to a pastor, district superintendent or other lay leader or clergy member.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Fran Walsh, 615-742-5458.
This video was first posted on March 30, 2016.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7GHyagsIXBk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Letter from Lestor Dornon (Nepal)
Lestor Dornon is a General Board of Global Ministries Missionary in Nepal.
“A huge praise – The blockade with India finally came to an end in mid-February!
Not all the issues have been resolved, but supplies have been coming slowly into the country over the past few weeks…”
http://www.calpacumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/37144271_newslettermar20161.pdf
Share
Tweet
Pin
Forward
Inspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...
110 South Euclid Avenue
“A huge praise – The blockade with India finally came to an end in mid-February!
Not all the issues have been resolved, but supplies have been coming slowly into the country over the past few weeks…”
http://www.calpacumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/37144271_newslettermar20161.pdf
More than three months have gone speeding by since our last letter. I’m really not sure where that time has gone. But – we have had lots of blessings along the way!
A huge praise – The blockade with India finally came to an end in mid-February! Not all the issues have been resolved, but supplies have been coming slowly into the country over the past few weeks. However, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is still very little difference for “ordinary” people. Supplies of cooking gas, petrol for vehicles, diesel fuel, and medicines are still hard to come by. The black market (which was really the only thing that gained by the
blockade) is still holding on to things in hopes of making more money. Thanks for your prayers that this stronghold can be broken and people can once again get the supplies needed to live!
It’s now been almost a year since the earthquakes in Nepal – and still the government hasn’t started distributing money for people to rebuild their homes. Some have given up and left their villages to go elsewhere. Others have used their own savings or other money to build again – but in doing that, they are probably going to lose out on govt money. As the monsoon once again draws near, it is very distressing to know that this hasn’t been sorted out. More prayers
needed, please. Here are a couple of photos of Laxmi (our gardener) and her house being rebuilt.
This was paid for by gifts from missionaries and friends from around the world. I hope you can see the wonderful hot-wired sound system used by the builders…
Another reason for thankfulness here is that the United Mission to Nepal property issue (which was waiting in the supreme court for many months) was finally heard by the judges who ruled in favor of UMN! This means that hopefully the ownership of the property where UMN has been located for over 61 years in the Kathmandu valley can be finally resolved, and the property can remain in UMN hands rather than become gov't property. There are still lots of hoops to jump
through, but this was a major reason to celebrate!
So – to play a bit of “catch up” – in December, some highlights were
being able to be with Hannah in KTM for her musical production – and
even to be part of her choir there.
Also, Debbie helped direct the kids here in Tansen in a musical
called “The Tiniest Christmas Star” which was lots of fun and well received by the parents. It brought back lots of memories of shows we did when our own kids were small!!
Hannah was away in UK over Christmas, visiting Nathan (her boyfriend). She came back engaged to Nathan! We are so pleased for them – even though it means a long and mostly separated engagement…
Because our children were not with us for Christmas, we were pleased to welcome Kristin Ottosson who stayed with us for 5 – 6 weeks! Kristin’s family had been here in Tansen with us previously, and we were so happy to get to know her as the wonderful young woman she has become. She is a gifted artist, and not only painted the most amazing corn hole boards (Les’s Christmas gift from me) but also has done murals around the hospital, and paintings for the rooms at the
guest house. (Yes – corn hole has now been officially introduced into Nepal!)
This is one of the paintings Kristin did for the guest house, and a
picture of Kristin and me in our Christmas day finery!
In February, I (along with one other adult) was invited to a very
special Valentine’s day tea party (by 3 lovely young ladies who are in the mission school here). They even provided gluten free goodies
for me – and we drank our tea and had a fun time together! (Chloe –
the one who planned all this – told her mother that she was not
invited – she had to sit in the kitchen to eat like in Downton Abbey!)
HA!
We enjoyed a long weekend in Chitwan together with Hannah. We didn’t do any “program” – just enjoyed walks, time to sit and chat and drink tea, and resting. We did get some amazing rhino time – with one “friendly” guy who kept showing up right at the end of the hotel’s garden! The staff said he is a “badmas” rhino (naughty) because at night he comes into the garden and eats their carrots
and radishes!
There was a wonderful Didi-Bahini gathering at church – with a guest speaker from KTM (whose daughter is in Hannah’s home room at KISC!) I was asked to plan a game time – so I taught the ladies an American play party (like a dance that you sing yourself while dancing.) The words are simple and rather nonsense-like, so I put them into Nepali. I think this will be my great spiritual impact this year – all the ladies left singing the little tune and talking about wanting to do it again!
We finally got some much needed rain the first couple weeks of March. Our total accumulation was just about an inch – but it cleaned the air and gave us the best views of the year! Please do
continue to pray for the need for rain and water for Tansen. The hospital is still getting by mostly on water driven in by tankers.
Speaking of water – the new water tank (and on top, the re-built tennis court) is now finished! When full, this will hold about a million liters of water – it’s the biggest tank in Nepal! Now we just need the rains to fill all these tanks! (And we are pleased to note that Les is staying well and uninjured so far in 2016!)
Well – lots of news to share. And we didn’t even talk about the hospital and how busy Les has continued to be with the work there. We’ve had some wonderful stories of healing and recovery – some of which I’ll be sharing on the blog in the coming months.
https://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com/
Thanks for your prayers and your support. All our U.S. friends have been in our prayers for the presidential elections! Much love to you all.
- Share this Paper:
ShareTweetPinForward- Please enable images on your email to view the Paper properly. To suggest a story for Conference Communications, use theCommunications Action Form. Priority is given to connectional stories.
Inspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...
- Our mailing address is:
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
---------------------
---------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment