BISHOP CHAMNESS WRITES

Today I received a letter from Bishop Chamness in answer to my protesting the UMC policy of having pastors not contacting their former churches. I had included a copy of an email from Rev. Friend explaining how she was harassed by a pastor in her first church appoinment, but has cooperated with her current former pastor. The Bishop commented favorably on her email and he believes our church will be well served by Rev. Friend. I still hope that the Council of Bishops will alter their policy to encourage pastors to practice love for one another and feel free to join any church they wish when they retire and for former pastors to cooperate to serve every church member. I still contend Thou Shalt love each other trumps any Thou Shalt Not.

Our annual conference starts this week and most all annual conferences will be held this month. Pray for our pastors and our lay member, Carol Bennett and pray for all the Bishops who make policy for our church.