October 1, 2017
Grace and peace! In my September email to the conference, I encouraged you to pray for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, donate to disaster relief, put together cleaning buckets and hygiene kits, and volunteer when the time is right. Never could I have imagined that in the next thirty days, we would experience the devastating effects of wildfires in the western USA, two earthquakes in Mexico, deadly mudslides in Sierra Leone, and the destruction of Hurricane Irma in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
I am especially grieved by the dire situation in Puerto Rico, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Thank you for your prayers and your generosity in helping those whose lives are threatened by the massive infrastructure damage to the island.
If you feel led to donate, here are the giving links.
World Communion Sunday – October 1
One of my favorite Sundays of the year is World Communion Sunday, which is this Sunday, October 1. Knowing that Christians around the globe are celebrating the sacrament of holy communion as a sign of our oneness in Christ gives me great hope for the world. We also encourage United Methodist churches to take a special offering on World Communion Sunday. One half of the proceeds from the offering is for World Communion Sunday Scholars and is administered by the General Board of Global Ministries. The remaining one half will be used for the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program, which are administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Advent Book Study by Rev. Katie Dawson
Our own Katie Dawson, pastor of Immanuel UMC in Des Moines, has published an Advent devotional book called All Earth is Waiting; Good News for God’s Creation at Advent. The heart of the book is that we all have a responsibility to care for this earth in preparation for Christ’s return. You can hear Katie talk about her book here.
Earth is Waiting will be a wonderful Advent Study. Every chapter includes reflection questions and a brief prayer as well as Advent candle lighting liturgies and worship suggestions. You can purchase the book through Cokesbury.
Meeting of the Orders
On Tuesday and Wednesday, October 3 and 4, the Order of Elders, the Order of Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will be meeting at Collegiate UMC in Ames. Fred Van Liew, an attorney, mediator, and facilitator, will be leading us in using Peacemaking Circles to respond to the challenges we all face in our churches, especially in regard to the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
College of Bishops Mission Trip to South Korea
My husband Gary and I will be joining eighteen other clergy and laity from the North Central Jurisdiction on a Mission Pilgrimage to South Korea from October 17-26. Seven active and retired bishops will a part of the group as well as Dr. Heecheon Jeon, our Central District Superintendent. We will be hosted by Bu-Pyong Methodist Church in the suburban area of Incheon.
This cultural and spiritual exploration of Korea will not only strengthen our friendship and collaboration with the Korean Methodist Church, but it will also be a spiritually transforming experience.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Conference, who has organized this pilgrimage has written, “We ask your prayers for peace on the Korean Peninsula in such a tense and difficult time. We are keenly aware of the need for solidarity with the Korean people. This pilgrimage will support and enhance our connection between United Methodists in Korea and the American community. We also pray that we may be an instrument of God’s grace to the Korean-speaking clergy serving in your midst.”
May God’s grace fill you with joy in this month of changing seasons and prompt you to reach out to those in need of hope and peace. Be a difference maker!
Bishop Laurie
