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Make Disciples of Jesus Christ |
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SE District News |
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State of the District ReportThis has been an interesting and eventful year in the Southeast District. We are in the midst of change. With the redistricting we will see new churches becoming part of this district and we will be saying goodbye to churches that have been a part of our district for many years. All the districts are realizing these changes. The good news is that we are becoming more open to doing conference wide events rather that just focusing on ourselves. We have a lot to learn and share from other churches throughout the conference.
I heard a number of success stories around the district.
There are a number of churches that have seen renewal. · Weaver UMC has grown in attendance from 5 to 38 people on Sunday morning. They have two Sunday School classes. · Alden UMC voted not to close last year. Attendance at Alden has almost doubled since the time of their vote. Alden also has two Church School classes. · Morristown Peace UMC had its first Vacation Bible School in several years. They placed an advertisement in the local paper and opened up VBS to the community. Morristown had 30 children for their first VBS. · Christ UMC received four new members through confession of faith. While receiving four new members may not seem like a lot. Less than half of our UM churches received any new members through confession of faith. Most come from transfer and confirmation.
A number of our churches have tried new worship services. · Cherry Grove UMC had a cowboy worship. · Christ UMC has an Emergent worship service. · Homer UMC had an Opera worship service. · A number of our churches have held “The Blessings of the Animals service.”
I was most impressed and moved with the way churches came together to help with the flood in our district. I have heard countless stories of churches and pastors going out of their way to help people and other churches reclaim their lives and homes. I know that our United Methodist churches have committed physical, financial, and spiritual resources to the recovery project. I know that people are well cared for as we recover together.
In short, things are going well in the Southeast District. We have pastors and churches willing to try new things and willing to be bold with playful experimentation. Trying something new is always a test of faith.
Blessings,
Mike Wuehler
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January 2008 |
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Published monthly for the leadership of the United Methodist Churches in the SE District |
