December 2023 FFL

First Friday Letter The World Methodist Council

December 2023

Greetings from the General Secretary Dear Siblings in Christ, Greetings during this Advent Season when we focus on the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth as part of the nativity narrative. These towns have been occupied since the Six-Day War in 1967.

As I follow the unfolding Israel/Palestine war, the call for a ceasefire, and the prisoner swaps, I am forcefully reminded of the similarities of what happened in apartheid South Africa. In 1985, more than 8,000 children below the age of 18 were detained without access to lawyers or to their parents. Esme and I worked tirelessly in the Detainees Parents Support Committee to secure releases and offer financial and psychological support to families.

In 1987, I participated in the Free the Children Alliance, taking our campaign to major cities around the world. I testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, on children in detention in South Africa. Despite one child killed every ten minutes in Gaza, there has not been the same global outcry that there was against the apartheid regime in South Africa. The words of Nelson Mandela, who passed away ten years ago this month, ring loudly: “We know well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

The World Methodist Council for a long time has called on the governments of Israel and Palestine to comply with all United Nations Resolutions to cease violent acts and seek resolution through peaceful means. Father Elias Chacour (1994) and the Nassar family (2017) are recipients of the World Methodist Peace Award.

This issue shares the following stories of Mission work, What is Christmas?, and WMC Conference updates.

Methodists around the world are committed to working and praying for justice and peace in Israel/ Palestine. ‘Let us love not in words and speech but in faith and action.’ (1 John 3:18) May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and hope.

Shalom, Ivan Photo 136007839 © Kabayanmark | Dreamstime.com

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 1

Register to attend the Conference!

The 22nd World Methodist Conference of the WMC will be held 13-18 August 2024 in Gothenburg Sweden. Be part of this historic event. This is an opportunity for all Wesleyan, Methodist and Uniting Churches to come together. The WMC is the only place for all of John Wesley’s family to join at one table in a common bond.

Worship will feature world renowned speakers. Choose your program from the many academic sessions, seminars, meetings, receptions and tours as you complete the registration form. The exhibit hall will feature a variety of displays from around the world or you can choose to have a booth and pitch your own ideas.

Register NOW to receive the best attendee rate and hotel room choices. Join this worldwide celebration of cultures, music, and learn from people who will share their knowledge, allowing you new experiences.

Early Bird

Super Saver

Until January 31, 2024 February 1 June 15, 2024 Participants Except Youth Youth 35 and Under

June 16, 2024 Conference

$349

$449

$499

$99

$115

$135

Youth and Young Adult Application To Attend the 22nd World Methodist Conference 13-18 August, 2024 | Gothenburg, Sweden

The World Methodist Council (WMC) Conference, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, will bring together a dynamic and diverse group of young people, between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, from all over the world.

At the Conference, the Program will provide financial assistance to young people from different backgrounds, churches and regions. As a diverse community, stewards bring their faith, experiences and visions to a Wesleyan experience of togetherness and friendship.

Being part of this enriching experience will challenge you, foster your involvement and participation and it could change your life as you work along other people from around the world. The Youth and Young Adult Committee will be inWorld Methodist Council

Regular

volved in an on-site formation and work with Methodists from all over the world, representing the 134 member countries and 80 denominations of Methodists and Uniting Churches. More than 2,000 people representing a diversity of gender, age, laity and clergy will participate in the Conference.

Financing WMC will be responsible for lodging (approximately $1,000 US) paid directly to the hotel or lodging center. The participants travel expenses are to be paid by them and their church and organization as are some meals and incidental expenses. The purpose of this sum to be paid by the participant or his or her church is to strengthen the commitment of the participants and encourage ownership of the program and allow more youth and young adults to attend.

Download WMC Application Form

First Friday Letter page 2

Where is Christmas?!

The Christmas razzmatazz starts here (in Ireland) about the end of October, just as soon as all the Hallowe’en ‘stuff’ is out of the shop windows. Then appear lots of Santa Clauses, reindeer, chocolates – and the occasional star. It set me to thinking about how so often Jesus Christ, the child in the manger, needs actively to be sought in all of this – and how we proclaim his coming among us. This isn’t ‘X-mas’, it’s Christ-mas!

That first Christmas, he came as a small child whose parents were obliged by the then- occupying power to travel from their home town of Nazareth to Bethlehem in the interests of a national census. Was he born in time to numbered in the count – or was he not counted?

But he was known to be there – with travellers from the east alerting Herod to his presence in the town of David. And, as we know, the outcome of that was that Joseph was tasked by an angel to take the child and his mother along the busy trade route to safety in Egypt, no doubt hoping to be lost in the crowds on the road. This Christmas too, children are being taken safety in Egypt through the Rafah crossing, leaving many behind – and thousands of mothers ‘weeping for (their) children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.’ (Matthew 2.18b) Much in the story of the first Christmas resonates with situations this Christmas, and we must pray for those who are fearful, suffering, grieving - and waiting and praying for peace.

May there be glory to God in the highest and, on earth, peace to those on whom his favour rests... (Luke 2.14).

Here is part of a wonderful poem, ‘Everything Holds Together’, by the Anglican priest-poet, Malcolm Guite…

And shall I see the one through whom I am?

Shall I behold the one for whom I’m made, The light in light, the flame within the flame, Eikon tou theou, image of my God? He comes, a little child, to bless my sight, That I might come to him for life and light.

Every blessing for this season of Advent – and for Christmas and 2024!

Give a present that will be remembered: A Tour WMC Pre-Conference Tours 10-Day Sweden & Norway Tour | 03 – 12 August 2024 8-Day Norway Tour | 05 – 12 August 2024

WMC Post-Conference Tours/Cruise SilverSea Cruise & Tour | 18 – 26 August 2024 Escorted by Bill Haire, Travelink Managing Partner 10-Day Sweden & Norway Tour | 18 – 27 August 2024 8-Day Norway Tour | 19 – 26 August 2024 World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 3

Global Mission Fellows Program Call for Applications!

The Global Mission Fellows Applications are OPEN NOW! Global Mission Fellows are young adults ages 20-30 who spend 2 years living and working with a local community on issues of social injustice. If you or a young person in your life are passionate about alleviating suffering in the world and looking for a way to put your faith into action, consider applying for the Global Mission Fellows program at umcmission.org/ gmfapply International applications close January 17th 2024! Conversational English is a requirement for the GMF Program.

Peace Award Deadline Nears Nominate someone who exemplifies Courage, Creativity, and Consistency for the World Methodist Peace Award. Applications must be submitted by 28 February.

The nominee should show courage in regard to physical danger or putting personal interest at risk.

Creativity should include opening new initiatives and attracting others in working for the cause of peace. Consistency is judged by effort over a period of time and intensity, despite setbacks.

Here is the link to read the full criteria: http://worldmethodistcouncil.org/whatwedo/worldmethodist-peace-award/

World Methodist Council

The recipient receives a medallion, citation and US $1000 which is symbolic of the larger recognition achieved in working for peace, justice and reconciliation. The awardee is included in the World Methodist Council Peace award booklet and their photo is hung on the wall of the World Methodist Council Headquarters with other recipients of this prestigious award.

Go to www.worldmethodistcouncil.org and click on the “About the WM Peace Award” tab on the left side of the homepage and complete the online application. Please send all nomination forms to Bishop Ivan Abrahams at info@worldmethodistcouncil.org.

First Friday Letter page 4

Palestinian Christians Seek Solidarity Our Christian colleagues in Bethlehem tell us that this Advent and Christmas in Bethlehem the lights that normally adorn the birth place of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have been killed in the current conflict. The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have noted that the traditional festive services in the Holy Land will be somber in nature due to the ongoing war.

The second candle on the Advent Ring represents peace, and in some traditions is known as the ‘Bethlehem candle’. This Advent, we invite Methodist churches across the world to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ and not to light the Advent Candle on the second Sunday in Advent (10 December) and on subsequent Sundays.

The Old Testament lectionary reading for 10 December starts with the words “Comfort, comfort my people says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). As such, it seems appropriate that we take this opportunity to think about Bethlehem, all those who have been killed and all those who are seeking comfort as they mourn.

This unlit candle will serve as a constant reminder that we stand in solidarity with all who are suffering in the Holy Land.

The usual Advent liturgies can still be read, but we suggest including a short addition, given below, to underline why this ‘peace’ candle will remain unlit.

On Christmas Day we invite you to take a photo of your Advent Ring with the second candle unlit and send to office@mlojerusalem.org. The staff at the Methodist Liaison Office will forward your pictures to local church communities in the Holy Land so our sisters and brothers in Christ can see that we stand in solidarity with them over the festive season.

For further information contact the Methodist Liaison Office, Jerusalem Office Manager: office@mlojerusalem.org Revd Jane Eesley: jeesley@umcmission.org Revd David Hardman: hardmand@methodistchurch.org.uk Additional Advent Liturgy for the Second Sunday in Advent As we prepare ourselves to welcome the birth of the Prince of Peace, we hear the festive lights that normally shine bright in Bethlehem will not be lit this year in memory of those killed in the recent violence.

To stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ, and all who mourn this Christmas, we will leave our second Advent candle unlit during Advent and Christmas.

Possible additional Advent Liturgy for remaining Advent services We remind ourselves that this year one candle remains unlit, as the Christmas lights in Bethlehem remain unlit, in memory of those killed in the current conflict in the Holy Land.

Story submitted by the Methodist Liaison Office, Jerusalem

Photo 22334717 | Advent © Szirtesi | Dreamstime.com

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 5

Advent Season 2023: Praying with Migrants Leaders from various Methodist- and United/ Uniting Churches around the globe gathered in Manila, Philippines September 4-7,2023.

Amongst other things listed in their statement https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/2023/09/18/astatement-of-the-second-consultation-on-migration-of-the-world-methodist-council/ they committed themselves “to maintain intentional prayer, scriptural reflection, and conversation regarding migration”. Rev Jack Amick, UMCOR Global Migration Director, offers the poem (on the right) According to UNHCR, 108.4 million people are forcibly displaced. All have a story to tell, full of hope and pain. All are created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity. The Advent season is a time to recognize Christ, the migrant messiah, in those who are often overlooked, exploited, and excluded.

Let us keep eyes, ears, and hearts open and welcome our migrant siblings, realizing that we all are no longer strangers and aliens, but co-members in God’s household (Ephesians 2:19).

Migrant Messiah I am a wandering wonderer, Who will not rest until I rest in God. I am a prophetic passerby, The homeless whisperer whose words hit you like a brick of wisdom after you step out of spitting distance.

I am a vagrant volunteer, Serving for a time, Then slipping away, Nameless, but not forgotten.

I am a refugee on the run Fleeing violence and hate, Forever looking over my shoulder in fear, And forever looking forward in hope.

I am every maid and farm worker and day laborer You never took time to welcome, pay well, Or even learn my name.

I am the dancing, creating spirit of love.

Notice me. Welcome me.

And you will see in a new way.

I am your migrant messiah.

Giving the Bread and Cup (Servants: JC Park and Marie-Sol Villalon; Bishop Rudy Nell Estrella and Jack Amick)

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 6

UMCOR – Compassionate Response in the Wake of Disaster

Survivors of Cyclone Freddy in Andranomavo, Madagascar, receive food aid from the UMC in Madagascar with a grant from UMCOR. (Photo: Justin Rakotoarimanana)

The ninth chapter of Matthew describes Jesus and his disciples traveling from village to village, teaching in synagogues and announcing God’s good news, healing people. Through their travels, they likely saw and heard a lot of news, as in Jesus’ time, that is how news traveled.

Today, people don’t need to travel to see and hear the news, as we are often inundated with online, social media, television and radio news. We encounter so much news, in fact, we must shut it down occasionally for our own sanity.

But when Jesus saw the crowds of people and what was happening in the cities and villages, Matthew 9:36 reveals: “…He had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

As followers of Jesus, how can our compassion expand across so many countries, in so many different circumstances? On a single day, we can see and hear about wildfires and tornadoes in the U.S., earthquakes in Turkey, war in Europe and the Middle East, and severe floods in Bangladesh.

How should the church respond?

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he has compassion for them…”

BEING IN MANY PLACES AT ONCE Having compassion is the first response, soon followed by provision of food, water and shelter for those affected by sudden, devastating events. While no organization or agency can be everywhere at once, the strength of the United Methodist disaster network, which includes interfaith and ecumenical partners, is that the response and the responders are spread out across the world, and they start work when they are most needed, wherever they are.

Read more of this story here!

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 7

52% Soil Degraded - #SaveSoil Now! On Tuesday, December 5, during World Soil Day, the Climate Clock’s Deadline for climate action has been paired with a new Lifeline tracking a key climate solution: Regenerative Agriculture.

Agriculture contributes 18%-21% of global emissions. Moreover, 52% of agricultural soil is degraded, risking famine and the release of 850 billion tonnes of CO2e. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices, like regenerative agriculture, is key to reducing the sector’s emissions and improving food security.

Without fundamental reform, the current global food system will be unable to sufficiently improve soil health, ensure food and livelihood security, and adapt to and mitigate climate change. Rapidly scaling up the practice of regenerative agriculture is one key pathway for transforming the global food system.

Regenerative agriculture aims to: •

Maintain vegetation cover throughout the year via crop rotation and perennial crops

•

Reduce soil degradation

•

Increase diversity of soil organic matter

•

Maximize nutrient and water use efficiency by crops

•

Integrate livestock management with improved grazing practices

•

Minimize dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides

On December 5, the Climate Clock has displayed a new lifeline and can be used to amplify activist demands for a more sustainable and equitable global food system, both within formal negotiation spaces and throughout the wider public. With this new Food Systems Lifeline, the Climate Justice movement can now more effectively demand that the agriculture sector #SaveSoil, as well as #ActInTime.

Here are three ways for YOU to use the Regenerative Agriculture Lifeline to advance climate-resilient, productive, nutritious, and sustainable food systems of the future: 1. Please give us your feedback on our approach to regenerative agriculture as a solution to the climate crisis and sustainable food systems.

2. Use the lifeline and its metrics to advocate for actions and ambitions from your local government.

3. Nominate an exemplary individual or institutional leader who is working for regenerative agriculture and food systems reform.

Stay tuned to see the new Lifeline in action this December!

World Methodist Council

First Friday Letter page 8

22nd World Methodist Conference Gothenburg, Sweden 13-18 August

Photo credits: Perkins School of Theology/ R. Hipps

Please send press releases, articles and resources! Submissions should be a page or less (450-500 words), edited and ready to publish. Contact us by Monday, 18 December at communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org if you would like your story to be included in the January edition of the First Friday Letter.

On the Web

About the First Friday Letter

This and past First Friday Letters can be found online at FirstFridayLetter.worldmethodistcouncil.org.

The First Friday Newsletter is a monthly publication of the World Methodist Council.

The World Methodist Council’s website may be found at worldmethodistcouncil.org.

The World Methodist Council’s Conference website is at worldmethodistconference.org.

To subscribe to this newsletter, please email communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org.

Publisher: Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary Communications: Michaela Bryson All stories and photos, unless otherwise stated, are protected by their respective copyrights. Please do not copy without expressed written permission from the Council.

Follow the Council on social media!!

Twitter @WMCouncil

World Methodist Council

Facebook @World Methodist Council

Instagram @wmcouncil

First Friday Letter page 9