Singing with Aaron Burr
I feel like Aaron Burr in Hamilton singing, “I wanna be in the room where it happens.” But I won’t be in the room when the Florida Annual Conference gathers today.
A persistent lung infection and some possible neurological symptoms landed me in the hospital for testing to confirm what I don’t have. It’s the wise thing to do, whether I like it or not! So, I’ll be looking in on the Conference by live-stream rather than being there in person.
I haven’t missed a session of the Florida Annual Conference since I walked into Branscomb Auditorium for the first time in 1970. What happens at Conference is not always exciting. Sometimes it’s downright tedious. It’s about what Wesley called “the connection.” It’s about reconnecting with the people with whom we share our lives and ministry from year to year. It’s about the work we share and the ways we serve between Conferences. Every Annual Conference begins with Charles Wesley’s hymn:
And are we yet alive,
and see each other’s face?
Glory and thanks to Jesus give
for his almighty grace!
What troubles have we seen,
what mighty conflicts past,
fightings without, and fears within,
since we assembled last!
Yet out of all the Lord
hath brought us by his love;
and still he doth his help afford,
and hides our life above.
Let us take up the cross
till we the crown obtain,
and gladly reckon all things loss
so we may Jesus gain.
This year, however, what happens at Annual Conferences across the country will help set the direction for the future of The United Methodist Church.
Our Clergy Session will determine if we include LGBTQ candidates in the process that leads toward ordination. The Conference will approve disaffiliation for congregations and clergy who want to leave us “for reasons of conscience regarding the ordination or marriage of self- avowed practicing homosexuals.” (People have other “excuses,” but that’s the only “reason” the Book of Discipline allows.)
I know many of these churches. I’ve known some of these pastors since they were kids at the youth camp. They are good people and I respect their convictions. I’m past being angry about the tactics some folks have used along the way and am simply sad that it has come to this. I’m appalled by the resources of time, energy, talent and money that have been squandered in this process instead of being used to make God’s love real in the world around us. I agree it’s time to move on.
Is God In Control?
I’ve heard people say, “Don’t worry, God’s got this. God is in control.” It’s another version of the Reformed theology that is so pervasive in our culture these days. But I’m in the Wesleyan theological tradition and I don’t buy it. Moreover, when I face up to the world as we experience it, I can’t believe it.
I’m certain God is at work in human history and in our lives to accomplish God’s life-giving, redemptive purpose. I believe God’s Kingdom will come and God’s will be done on earth as in Heaven. (Revelation 21) But I also know God has given us amazing, often disturbing freedom. It means God’s does’t always get what God wants. Everything that happens is not God’s will. Everything in our world is not aligned with God’s purpose.
I don’t believe the division of the church is God’s purpose for “the people called Methodist.” We’ve been here before, most notably in 1844 when the Methodists in America divided over slavery. I don’t understand why equally faithful people who read the same scripture and pray for the same Spirit to guide them come to very different convictions. I just know we do. That’s just how much freedom God has given us.
In the same way, I don’t believe God is “in control” of the war in Ukraine, the destruction of our environment, or the political polarization in America. In fact, I believe the things we do with our freedom often break the heart of God.
On a personal level, not everything that happens in our lives is the direct will or purpose of God. Somethings just happen because we are human beings. I don’t think it was God’s idea for me to be writing from the hospital instead of catching up with long-time friends or participating in debates at Conference. It just happens! (I recommend Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved ) and No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler.)
God’s Got This!
I’ve always been grateful for a pastoral mentor who said although God is not the author of all things, God can use any thing for our good and God’s glory. I’m grateful for the assurance that in all the unexpected disruptions of our lives and our plans, “the steadfast love of the Lord is forever.”
I concluded a conversation with a long-time colleague who is leaving us by saying that one day we will all be together in heaven and the best we will be able to say will be, “Lord, we were being as faithful as we knew how it be.”
Grace and peace,
Jim
Jim Harnish 
As always…you provide us with the best perspective.
Thanks! You went through something much for disruptive than this with Keith!
Well said jim
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Jim:
Hope you feel better!! And good post!!
Mark P. Buell
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law
Buell & Elligett, P.A.
4936 W Bay Way Place
Tampa, Florida 33629
Telephone: (813) 857-8430
Email: Buell@belawtampa.comBuell@belawtampa.com
Thanks! Looks like this will break my years of perfect attendance. I remember celebrating your father for a huge number of years. Just one of the ways I hoped to be like him.
You ARE like him-the highest compliment I could give you. He (and especially my mother) were very happy with how you saved HPUMC, and the direction you guided it. I donât mean to be unchristian, but I have thought more than once that Pickett and Rohrer would likely have led HPUMC to depart the United Methodist Church if they were in charge todayâ¦.Get well!!
Mark P. Buell
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law
Buell & Elligett, P.A.
4936 W Bay Way Place
Tampa, Florida 33629
Telephone: (813) 857-8430
Email: Buell@belawtampa.comBuell@belawtampa.com
Thanks! I agree and am grateful.
Jim, don’t expect you to remember us. We met at Southern Lights in January. We’re neighbors of Gil and Struby Thelen.
Sorry to know you’re writing from hospital, we send prayers and good wishes that you feel God’s presence in your recovery and through the pain you Methodists are enduring.
Thank you for your pastoral words today. I need reminders of how serious a responsibility we have in living the freedom we’re given in this life.
Godspeed, ed and madeline brewton
Sent from my iPad
Ed: Thanks for the delightful connection at Epworth and for your encouragement.
Praying you’re on the mend soon!
Carol
Carol Albritton LeBus 813/380-0142 carollebus@gmail.com
Your voice and your spirit will be greatly missed, no doubt.
Thanks for this, Jim. It comes at the right time as a reminder of “God’s will”.
I hope you are out the the hospital soon and they find nothing major. I miss you and Martha, please tell her hello.
Hi Jim,
Loved reading your words today and am praying for your quick recovery.
Please give my love to Marsha.
Fondly,
Nancy Silverfield
Know that I will be praying for your recovery and health. As Jimmy Buffett said the other day, getting old is not for sissies… I was having coffee with a pastor friend this week, and reflected on your and my tennis days together back when we were younger!
It is profoundly sad and disappointing that the UMC has reached this point. I was “born” a Methodist. You know much of my story. But, make no mistake about it, the reason for this denominational divorce is most assuredly not just because of disagreements over LBGTQI+ issues. Ordination of gay clergy and affirmation of same-sex marriage are simply symptoms. What is dividing us is the radically different theologies traditionalists and progressives hold. And, for progressives, your theology continues to change because you believe that God is revealing new perspective to you. We are speaking different languages now. We read the same scripture and disagree about what it says.. Not just regarding LBGTQI+ issues, but throughout.
These are not “excuses” Jim. This is reality. An oft-repeated statement from Traditionalists is that “We aren’t leaving the UMC, it left us.” That is true. And the UMC did the denomination no favors when the BOD language regarding same-sex marriage and gay clergy was not changed, while those pastors and others in denominational leadership who chose to ignore the BOD throughout the years, were rarely subjected to discipline or censure. That has resulted in a great deal of confusion and animosity.
So, it would appear to be time for both Traditionalists and Progressives to part, with love, respect, and grace among us all.
Jeff Greenway produced a video for his church, which speaks to all of this more eloquently than I have. https://subsplash.com/reynoldsburgunitedmethodistchurch/media/mi/+gq597gd
Jim, praying for you and your health.
I think Dave hit the nail on the head perfectly. I didn’t leave the United Methodist Church either, it left me and I do miss the church that I grew up with. I wonder what John Wesley would think of how the church has changed.
By the way, I had the opportunity several years ago to her Shankleton’s great niece speak in Vermont. I continue to be fascinated by the Endurance story. I just finished reading The Pioneers by David McCollough – you might enjoy that book.
Thank you, Jim. Prayers continue for improved health and peace.
Judie
Very good, Jim, and get well soon! The world needs your input!
Oh, Jim! I can feel your frustration and disappointment due to the timing of this hospital visit. You, of all people need to be there! But you always have your pen (aka computer) to be a voice of reason.
Your assessment of the division in the Methodist Church unfortunately applies to our country as well. Heart-wrenching!
Please know I’ve bumped you up to VIP status on my ever-increasing prayer list.
Love and peace to you and Martha,
Jeannine
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I had planned to attend AC but I had a semi-annual doctor’s appointment I needed to make today so wasn’t able to swing it. Sounds like you might have some medical issue. If so hope you will get along well. In any case appreciated your perspectives. Some of what is happening in our denomination is very frustrating and sad to me but I haven’t been pushed out yet. At this stage I appreciate retirement services and memorial services at AC but also enjoy seeing old friends some of whom may be leaving for GMC soon Also encouraging to see men and women who have pastored or mentored or both grow in their ministries and lives of devotion to Christ and His Church.
Dear Brother Jim,
We are so sorry you are in the hospital and also sorry that you will not be attending Annual Conference (for the first time since 1970) in person. Especially at this unhappy time in the UMC connection, the decision-makers at the FLUMC could benefit greatly from your wise counsel and loving spirit.
I agree completely with your views concerning the degree of control our triune God exercises over our decisions and actions.
Praying for your speedy recovery to good health.
Sending our love to you and Martha, Tom
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Thanks for today’s post. Praying for a speedy recovery.
Amen and amen!
As always thank you for your words and insights. I was able to get out of the hospital and go to conference, I cried last year and I cried this year for completely different reasons, I believe your words helped make this year different. Get well my friend.
Thanks for being there and for your kind words. Matt Horan was texting me the play-by-play, so I celebrated from a distance. Grateful for any way I am able to support the new generation of leaders for the church! Take good care of yourself.
Your insight is always so helpful. Thank you. Even tho’ I know you’re in Good Hands, I’m send you prayers for strength and healing.🙏✝️ Gray
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Hello, Jim,
Well said! Sending petitions for healing. Shalom.
Carleen
Thank you so much for this. I
Jim I am sorry that you will not be at Annual Conference. I pray that your doctors will get the information that you need to heal and that continue to follow their advice. My best to Martha and if there is anything I can do for you and your family just ask. I attended last night’s Clergy Session and felt the joy and sadness that filled the Auditorium. I am not sure anyone was completely happy, but there was a strong sense of hope in my heart. I felt we had finally arrived the point where we could pursue our Church’s future together. Magrey did a magnificent job presenting a theological reason for moving forward and the Conference did just that. On a personal note I stayed for the entire session, came home and slept till noon with an understanding I will try to attend tomorrow’s Ordination Service. We will see what my body dictates. Live stream is a poor substitute for being present, but… Have a blessed day and get well. SHALOM, Tom Mc
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Tom: Thanks of your concern and for your faithful commitment. I agree that livestream is a very poor substitute for being there. While I understand why Clergy Session was not live-streamed, I had a couple friends texting me the play-by-play. I agree that Magrey was beautiful and am grateful for the decision. Clearly, a new generation of leaders is stepping up to lead us into the future. Be well! Jim
Jim,
Your words are always insightful, encouraging and hopeful. Prayers and good thoughts for rest and healing…
Blessings,
Flossie Adams
Thanks for always being an insightful, encouraging and hopeful person to me!
Wow! Thank you, Jim! Prayers for your recovery ❤️🩹 I KNOW that God’s healing is at work in you (because it always is, isn’t it?) I’m been reading Kate Bowler’s book — good recommendation!! Thank you for being an instrument of grace and peace. I wish that for you right now.
Thank you for sharing your story of your current medical condition. May you find answers to your concerns in order to know how to cope with them. Knowledge is, indeed, power when it comes to medical issues. Many of us share your puzzlement and questions you have so eloquently expressed regarding the issues facing the United Methodist Church. Know that many of us are with you in desiring acceptance and inclusion of all of our brothers & sisters. We love the United Methodist Church for its world wide ministries and its desire to bring justice and mercy and equality to all peoples everywhere. Clyde Boyer
Jim, I pray for a quick resolution of your health problems. I think I can understand your great desire to be at conference in person and connecting with your colleagues. So many issues divide us these days…it makes me very sad. People are given God’s free will .God may not like the path we choose, but perhaps that person or group will gain new knowledge or insight or even a change of heart. If we could all just tap down the anger and hate that would be a great blessing. Sometimes I have to put down an article or book to just re-center myself…where I stand and what I really believe. I have no where near an answer for our country or world and just pray that through God the wisest among us will eventually be heard the loudest. Keep writing and God bless.
You hit the arrow on the head. I have been pondering this thought for several weeks. During disappointment (blaming others), (feeling sorry for myself), (comparing my blessings with others.). LORD, renew a right spirit within me. Thank you Jim. I get it.