That vision statement is a clear way of reflecting our denominational mission statement, “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” On the framework of that vision statement, the life of an annual conference will be formed. Attached to that framework are the lengthwise warp fabrics and the crosswise weft fabrics. The warp fabrics provide the foundation. They hold in place the weft fabrics that develop the color and pattern of the tapestry. So, let’s consider: What are the warp fabrics that form the foundation of our being woven together? We can observe some of the warp threads in the scripture lessons of Acts 2:37–47, Romans 12:1–2, and Mark 8:34–38. They are the foundation on which the vision is formed into visible reality. CHANGING DIRECTION
The first warp thread comes to us from the Acts of the Apostles, and is repeated across the loom in different hues in the gospel and epistle lessons. That first warp fabric is Peter’s strong, “Repent,” which he proclaims at the conclusion of his sermon on that first Pentecost day. The crowd had just asked him, “Brothers, what should we do?” (Acts 2:37–38). To repent, we know from our scriptural studies, means to turn around and go in a different direction. Peter knew what it meant to repent after he had denied knowing Jesus. Otherwise, he could not have stood before that crowd with such conviction. The people to whom Peter was preaching understood that word ‘repent.’ They had heard it from the prophets who had confronted kings and others who’d gone their own way rather than following God’s ways.
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Repentance means recognizing that we have not always followed God’s guidance, that we have desired to go our own ways, that it is easier to do the known and familiar rather than to go in directions for which there is no map. Such repentance means being willing to give up the known and the comfortable in order to gain that which is lasting and more significant. Peter says, “Repent.” In Mark 8:34– 38, Jesus says to Peter, the disciples, and the crowds: “Those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” The writer of Mark’s gospel has placed this important warp thread after Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ. Immediately after that
Repentance means recognizing that we have not always followed God’s guidance. . . . Such repentance means being willing to give up the known and the comfortable in order to gain that which is lasting and more significant.
confession, Jesus stated that his ministry was going in a new direction. The early parts of Mark’s gospel show Jesus focusing on preaching, teaching, and healing. But now, in this central eighth chapter, Jesus is moving toward the direction of challenging the empires of his day, both religious and political. Such a change of direction would require the sacrifice of his life. Those who would believe in him and would take a new direction could also expect suffering and sacrifice. Peter challenged Jesus, thinking that such a new direction, especially requiring