Thursday, February 28, 2019

Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln... #GC2019


Beloveds,

I’m not going to mince words. What happened on the floor of The UMC’s 2019 Special Session of the General Conference (GC2019) was not Christian conferencing. It was an ugly live-streamed political battle that has now been reported on by nearly all the major news outlets in the USA as well as a number of international news networks. There are United Methodists all over the globe who love their church who are grieving deeply today. Within my network of friends, I have already received a prayer request for a young adult who attempted to end their life after being devastated by the results of GC2019. 

I write to you today as someone who does not take what has happened lightly. And so I say that if you need to take some time to grieve, take it. Grant yourself permission to grieve deeply, for we only grieve things that are precious to us. And while you grieve, know that you are not alone. Know that the church you love hasn’t gone anywhere. The church is the people, and the community who loved and affirmed last week is still the community who loves and affirms today.     

Often when I would debrief with my late father about a difficult situation, he would respond, “Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”*  And so, I thought it may be encouraging to share with you that, in other ways, General Conference was wonderful. 

GC2019 was a gathering of passionate pastors and social activists who have refused to give up their claim to the name United Methodist. For me, it felt like I was in the show This is Your Life. During this compressed window of time, I reconnected with so many old friends—many I hadn’t seen in over a decade— from nearly every chapter of my journey as a United Methodist. It was as if the Spirit was running a defrag program on my life’s narrative as well as introducing me to new friends with whom I plan to work closely in the coming years. 

That is to say, kindred spirits spent this week at GC2019 getting uber-networked (UM connectionalism!) and making plans for our future together. Each evening we prayed, sang, and studied scriptures as a family. These sacred gatherings were beautiful. My cup overflowed with the reassurance that the church I had mourned losing was indeed still alive, and there was still a place for me in it.  

My siblings, there is a place for you too in this community. 

As we prepare to begin this time of Lent, let us lament; let us confess; let us pray, and let us remember that we worship a God of new life and resurrection. Easter is coming.

Amen.     




*For my friends outside the USA: this is an old joke referencing the assassination of President Lincoln while he was at the theater.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Pastoral Letter from The UMC's General Conference 2019


Sisters and brothers in Christ,

It has been a rough few days for United Methodists who believe that God's great love not simply includes but calls all of God's children to fully participate in all that God is doing in this world. And thus yesterday I did something I'd never done before. I got up at 6am to slip in a swim in the hotel pool. I knew that I needed to start the day at optimal mental health because it was going to be a long emotionally intense day, and indeed it was.  

I went back to the pool this morning, but this time I immediately dove down—down to the bottom of the deep end, staying as long as I possibly could.  Seeking solace, I fully immersed myself in the waters.  And there in the abyss a song began floating through my mind. Not just any song, but Three Little Birds, a song whose words are found in the first book my father bought my daughter. 

"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', “This is my message to you-ou-ou:"


At the bottom of a swimming pool I worshiped with an opening hymn by Bob Marley and a recessional of Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin (because, of course that is what my subconscious’ playlist popped out next).

My beloved sisters and brothers, don’t worry about a thing. Be happy. Not a happiness that ignores the realities of this world or the very real pain it inflicts, but a happiness that defiantly stares into the face of those who marginalize you and says “You have no power over me. You don’t get to take away my joy.” A happiness that boldly prophesies that, in the end, every little thing is going to be alright. And as my father loved to say, “If it ain’t alright, it isn’t the end.”

Much love from The UMC’s General Conference 2019








Friday, February 15, 2019

Coming to Boston in April

Friends in the Boston area-

I'll be speaking at two events near you the first week in April.  I encourage you to sign-up for the UMC's North Eastern Jurisdiction's (a collaboration of UMCOR and UMVIM) Mission Academy April 1st-4th.  I'll be Monday's keynoter and will be leading a couple workshops there throughout the week. 

On April 2nd, you can find me at Boston University (see flyer below). 

Hope to see you soon!

Taylor