February 1, 2017
To the Saints of the Iowa Annual Conference,
Grace and peace on this first day of February! After five months here in Iowa, I am not only feeling incredibly blessed, but I want to share my heart with you on a regular basis. On the first day of each month, I will be sending an email that shares important information about events in the Iowa Annual Conference and around the UM Connection, as well as what’s happening in my life as a United Methodist bishop.
January at a Glance
I spent much of January meeting with various individuals and groups in Iowa, as I continue to get to know the conference.
- I preached at Des Moines, First and Cedar Rapid's St. Paul’s.
- I spent an afternoon and evening with the Simpson College Religious Life Community.
- I met with the College of Bishops for four days last week.
- I visited Matthew 25, a vibrant social service agency in Cedar Rapids.
As you receive this, the appointive cabinet and I are working on appointment-making at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha.
Immigration
United Methodists and people of faith around the world are expressing support for those who may be facing deportation or refused admission into the United States in light of a recent executive order of President Trump. I, along with other faith leaders across Iowa, have signed a Statement in Support of Immigrants, Refugees, and Muslims.
The statement begins, “As faith leaders from across Iowa, we are committed to Love Our Neighbors both near and far. We stand with the immigrants and refugees already in this land as well as those yet to come. We walk alongside people who practice beliefs different than our own, particularly our Muslim friends and neighbors, honoring all faith traditions and protecting religious freedom, for it is the bedrock of our nation and from which all benefit.”
Bishop Bruce Ough, President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, issued this statement.
Lenten Bible Study
During the upcoming Lenten season, I will be leading a noontime Bible study at the Iowa Conference Center. We will be studying Rob Fuquay’s book, The God We Can Know; Exploring the I Am Sayings of Jesus. Classes will be held from noon to 12:50 p.m. on March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29, and April 5.
We invite you to join us at the conference center. It will also be live-streamed on the conference website. If you don’t live close enough, please join us online. You may order the study book at the Upper Room or on Amazon. Additional information will be posted on the website as it becomes available.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
From January 9-18, 2018, my husband Gary and I will be leading a ten-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land through Educational Opportunities. If you have never had the opportunity to travel to the land of Jesus, maybe this is the time! Please check out the brochure. If you have any questions, contact Len and Diane Eberhart: Lendiane92@gmail.com or call them at 641-236-4990/641-990-3861. We invite you and your friends to join us for this once in a lifetime experience, which will transform your faith and your life!
Update on The Commission on a Way Forward
The 34-member Commission, which is charged with bridging our divisions around human sexuality in The United Methodist Church and finding a way to remain united, held its first meeting from January 23-26 in Atlanta. You can read an update on the meeting here.
Peacemaking Circles
A great need in our world today is for all of us to model healthy relationships by learning how to talk with each other with honesty and grace. In the Iowa Annual Conference, we are going to offer a new way of engaging in conversation about difficult issues through the use of Peace-Making Circles.
Peace-Making Circles create a safe space where we can gain skills for dealing with conflict at a low level, whether in a church, family, or work environment. We’ll be using Peace-Making Circles at our 2017 Iowa Annual Conference. More to come!
Annual Conference
The Iowa Annual Conference will be here before you know it! Our theme this year is “Creating Difference Makers.” We will be challenging everyone, even children, to become a difference maker in the next year.
Our guest speaker is Rev. Faith Fowler, founder and Executive Director of Cass Community Social Services in Detroit, Michigan. In 2016, Fowler received Detroit’s Shining Light Award for being a difference maker in the city. She was also named to the Women’s Hall of Fame in Michigan. You won’t want to miss her presentation and workshop.
In addition, retired Bishop Deb Kiesey will preach at the Retirement service, and Rev. Brian Milford, new President and CEO of the United Methodist Publishing House, will preach at the Memorial service. I will be preaching at the Ordering of Ministry service.
Leading from the Heart
Please check out my weekly blog, Leading from the Heart. To have the essays emailed directly to you, please subscribe here. I welcome your responses to what I write!
Have a wonderful month of February!
Blessings,
Bishop Laurie
