Author: cegr76

I am a United Methodist pastor in Vancouver, Washington. All views here are my own, unless otherwise noted.
Orchards, Uncategorized

The Church in a Strike

Dear Church, What shall we as Christians think and do regarding the ongoing controversies between teachers and their employing school districts? I offer these principles and practices for your consideration. Principles Traditionally United Methodists favor strong public schools and the rights of people to bargain collectively. Specifically, we have adopted the following social principles and resolutions. We believe that every person has the right to … Continue reading The Church in a Strike

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Uncategorized

This Week in Ministry

Sunday 6/24 Left PNWAC18 early to make it back for the dedication of Project Transformation interns. Missed a moving floor address by Rachel Byers (38:00). Thanking God for the powers of the internet to see what I missed. Monday 6/25 Welcomed a new season of Project Transformation to Orchards UMC. We had increasing attendance all week. The interns performed well. I’m glad to open this … Continue reading This Week in Ministry

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DON’T SOUR

At Order of Elders, we were invited to share a word or phrase that epitomizes our calling. I couldn’t think of a scripture. But I eventually fell to a piece of advice given to me by the right person at the right time. I was accepted to seminary when I came across an opportunity to apply for a program with the World Council of Churches. … Continue reading DON’T SOUR

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Immeasurable Loss

Turn in Your Pre-Conference Journal to page… Is there a statistic anywhere of LGBTQ+ clergy who have fled the UMC for other denominations or other fields of service? I suspect not. I further suspect that there is no accounting for the LGBTQ+ laity we have lost to other denominations as a result of the ongoing consternation over including LGBTQ+ people in the denomination. I ask … Continue reading Immeasurable Loss

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This Week in Ministry

Sunday 5/20 Had an okay worship: preached on Pentecost with a German + audience participation rendering of the scripture. Lots of people away. Welcomed Jennifer Beeks (Family Community Resource Center Director at Orchards Elementary School) to speak at our potluck. Shared about her work and the kids that will be coming to us through Project Transformation. I am amazed at the work FCRCs do and … Continue reading This Week in Ministry

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Council of St. Louis?

or What the Council of Jerusalem can tell us about General Conference 2019. Introduction After Easter, I’ve been exploring Acts with my congregation. The concept was ‘let’s see what people did with the news that Jesus rose from the dead’. The second understanding was that Pentecost gave the Holy Spirit-the fiery courage to take the gospel to all the world, but the resurrection of Jesus … Continue reading Council of St. Louis?

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