Our Stewardship MILE - (E)
Walking in Faith means living a life that imitates Jesus. This is not an easy or simple call but it is a way of life that brings peace, justice, and wholeness into the world. Jesus puts it another way when He directs us to pray, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.
This prayer is not meant to be passive. It is not a petition to God without a willingness to act. When we pray this prayer, we are committing ourselves to walk in faith and to participate in God’s Kingdom coming, in God’s will being done.
Our Bishop has articulated some focuses for the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area towards living out our faith using the acronym MILE. Ministry That Matters. Inhabit Our Communities (or Itineracy and Location), Lay Empowerment, and Eliminating Racism.
The E in the MILE, Eliminating Racism, might seem oddly specific. Ministry That Matters can be broad and wide. While the Bishop has asked that we specifically focus on health and housing, even those categories give us a wide breadth of ministry options. I and L also offer room for broad interpretation, each church able to discern how to live those out in their own context. But E, Eliminating Racism, is a specific focus that every church in the Greater Northwest Area is encouraged to embrace. Bishop Cedrick calls this important work that needs to be done so that our ministry has integrity. I would take this one step farther.
Where there is racism, the Kingdom of God is not fully known here on earth. When we pray, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done, we are praying that the world will reflect God’s purposes and will. God loves ALL people and finds ALL people worthy. ALL people are created in the image of God. Until that reality is reflected here on earth, we will be waiting to see the fullness of God’s Kingdom.
Eliminating Racism might sound challenging, and it is. But Bishop Cedrick assures us that this is a journey we will take together, with no shame or blame. Rather, this will be a journey towards self-reflection, growth, and love of all God’s people.
Let’s join together and walk in faith!
This prayer is not meant to be passive. It is not a petition to God without a willingness to act. When we pray this prayer, we are committing ourselves to walk in faith and to participate in God’s Kingdom coming, in God’s will being done.
Our Bishop has articulated some focuses for the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area towards living out our faith using the acronym MILE. Ministry That Matters. Inhabit Our Communities (or Itineracy and Location), Lay Empowerment, and Eliminating Racism.
The E in the MILE, Eliminating Racism, might seem oddly specific. Ministry That Matters can be broad and wide. While the Bishop has asked that we specifically focus on health and housing, even those categories give us a wide breadth of ministry options. I and L also offer room for broad interpretation, each church able to discern how to live those out in their own context. But E, Eliminating Racism, is a specific focus that every church in the Greater Northwest Area is encouraged to embrace. Bishop Cedrick calls this important work that needs to be done so that our ministry has integrity. I would take this one step farther.
Where there is racism, the Kingdom of God is not fully known here on earth. When we pray, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done, we are praying that the world will reflect God’s purposes and will. God loves ALL people and finds ALL people worthy. ALL people are created in the image of God. Until that reality is reflected here on earth, we will be waiting to see the fullness of God’s Kingdom.
Eliminating Racism might sound challenging, and it is. But Bishop Cedrick assures us that this is a journey we will take together, with no shame or blame. Rather, this will be a journey towards self-reflection, growth, and love of all God’s people.
Let’s join together and walk in faith!
Recent
Archive
2024
January
LAST Call for Directory UpdatesPutting Christmas Decorations AwayKnowing Our CallHelp Support One of Our FamiliesAnti-Racist Film Club UpdateA Message from Pastor AlexaMORE Winter Affinity NightsYouth Group Silent AuctionAn Exciting Staff AnnouncementFOWIA Valentine Card SaleUWIF Wants Your HelpThurston County Bus BuddiesAnti-Racist Film Club This MonthGreen Bag Sunday ReturnsWe Want to Hear From YOU
February
Lunch With the PastorValentines Day Party | Kids Night OutWant to See the Rainiers This Summer?LAST Chance to Get Your Valentines CardsGeneral Conference FAQsInterfaith Works Wants YOUR HelpAffinity Night Meal Sign-upsSchool Break Bags For KidsThe Parish Collective ConferenceShelton UMC Anti-Racism Accountability GroupUWIF Timely TopicsRadicle Methodism Bible StudyLet's Scarf Bomb the ChurchFaithful & Inclusive ClassMemorial for Rev. Paul BeemanHousewarming for ShawnnaUWIF Chocolate EggsCalling for CookiesThe UWIF Rummage SaleDo You Need a Washer or Dryer?How You Can Help Madison SchoolAnti-Racist Film Club - March EventsDo You Like Bowling?
March
Tumwater UMC Softball TeamDinner With the PastorUWIF Rummage Sale - This WeekendSome Potentially Helpful Tax InformationLAST Week to Order Fudge EggsHealth Ministry TeamHow to Order Easter FlowersScarf Bombing on HiatusGreen Bag SundayThe FINAL Affinity Night in LentEaster EGG-stravaganzaHoly Week Worship ScheduleEarth Day CelebrationFUMCO Gleaners
April
2023
January
A Message From the Greater NW JurisdictionRainbow Fellowship GatheringUnited Women in Faith Upcoming EventsWomen's Book Club THIS FridayPhotos for the Church DirectoryA Message From Our New BishopAffinity Nights Are Almost Here!An Update From Our OPOP TeamOur New Choir: Common GroundChanges in Green Food Bag CollectionLent at Home Worship BoxesValentine & Greeting Card SaleA Lenten Study with Pastor Heather
February
March
Order Your Chocolate Easter Eggs from the UWIFA Notice for Parents, Guardians, and CaregiversOur New Logo!Attention FUMCO Gleaners!Caregivers Support GroupSupport Our Youth's Confirmation JourneyPhotos for the Church Directory - LAST CHANCESign Up for the Easter VigilCollege Care PackagesWant to be a Childcare Worker?How to Order Easter FlowersGreenbag Sunday is Here Again!
Categories
no categories
No Comments