Discernment Process for Disaffiliation
Saturday, October 29, 9AM
Your Attendance Is Important
9 a.m.—Noon
The United Methodist Church is going through an extreme transition, as many churches are trying to discern whether or not they want to continue to take part in the denomination’s structure and guidelines found in our covenant together in the Book of Discipline. Many churches, for a variety of reasons, have started to break away and form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church. At the last General Conference six years ago, guidelines to a process for disaffiliation were presented and approved, and many churches are choosing to move forward with disaffiliation for a variety of reasons. The virus interfered with the process in many ways. Our Conference in Eastern PA has offered churches the opportunity to have trained, informed pastors come in and make a presentation about the discernment process for disaffiliation. Having them come for an initial presentation does not obligate us to go forward with disaffiliation or the process of discernment.
Because we believe it wise to make informed decisions, the Ad Council Board voted to have the two pastors come and present information about what the process would be, then right after the presentation all the members of our church who are present, will vote whether or not to go further in hearing and understanding more about the discernment process of disaffiliation. It is not that the Ad Council is advising the church to disaffiliate; it is that we believe we want everyone to be as informed as we can be at this time. All church members are invited and encouraged to attend. We regret that this process is as limited as it is in time; it is what the Conference has offered and made available to us, and we want to make the most of what time and freedom we have, and not be passive, just allowing events to lead us.
Rev. Dori Newcomer and Rev. Mark Terry will make the presentation on Saturday, October 29 starting at 9AM. We do not expect the time to go beyond noon. There will be time for discussion after their presentation, and then time to vote as a congregation. Only members of the church will be able to vote. We urge you to join us in the gathering, and also in our prayers together, that we focus on listening and understanding God and one another. I encourage you to meet with me, Pastor Tim, with questions and/or concerns you may have.