May 2024 First Friday Letter

First Friday Letter

The World Methodist Council

Greetings from the General Secretary

Dear Siblings in Christ,

May 2024

Greetings from the World Methodist Council headquarters in Waynesville, as we move into the merry month of May, putting the final touches to our Conference program scheduled for August in Gothenburg.

In the northern hemisphere summer is fast approaching but in the southern hemisphere many are scratching their woollies out of closets. I am cognizant that in many parts of the world there seems to be confusion as we deal with changing weather patterns that often leave poor populations with food insecurity, loss of income, health crisis and worst of all displacement. In extreme cases the choice is move or starve.

Through worship, plenary addresses, seminars and workshops the World Methodist Conference will seek to discern the voice of God to make sense of the multiplicity of challenges of our time like extreme weather conditions, health inequality, wars, forced migration and so the list continues. The world is facing a polycrisis and the words of Martin Luther King speaking at Stanford in 1957, still rings true today, ‘the time is always right to do right.’ As people of faith we need to speak out and act now. We are not powerless. We have the tools to build a future of peace and harmony in the world.

This issue of the First Friday Letter contains “That the World May Know” Global Christian Forum 4th Global Gathering focusing on diversity, Towards Net Zero - Good News Stories on Climate Justice, 5th WMC Online Prayer with and for Migrants and more.

Everybody is welcome to the 22nd World Methodist Conference, in Gothenburg, Sweden 14-18 August 2024. Come to add your brick to the path of justice and peace. Come to be inspired, healed and restored. Register so that you don’t miss out on this global event.

Grace and Peace,

Ivan

Photo 55746835 | Flower Bloom © Cvandyke | Dreamstime.com

Read more about Conference Speakers and Seminar Topics!

Dr. Lamma Mansour is a Christian Palestinian from Nazareth. She has a doctorate and a master’s degree in Social Policy and Intervention from the University of Oxford, and a BSc in psychology from the University of Haifa. She has written on the intersection of faith and society in various local and global outlets.

Her Conference session will delve into the lived realities of Palestinian communities during the ongoing war on Gaza and offer a Palestinian Christian response to injustice and violence in the land.

Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha comes from Okai Item, in Bende LGA of Abia State in Nigeria, and holds a dual citizenship of the United States of America.

Due to the disruption caused by the Civil War, he completed his Primary school education at the Community Primary School at the age of 14; and the same year, on the 24 May, he gave his life to Jesus. Due to his humble family backgrounds, Bishop Onuoha couldn’t go to high school, so he relocated to Aba to learn a skill. While he worked as a tailor, he doubled his efforts to pursue his studies to write GCE, the Nigerian high school exam for college admission. In 1983, at 19 years old, Bishop Sunday Onuoha was admitted into the Methodist Church Nigeria ministry, where he was later consecrated a Bishop in 2006 at the age of 42.

Bishop Onuoha attended the Methodist Theological Institute in Sagamu and the Immanuel College of Theology in Ibadan. He received his Masters and Doctorate at Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas.

Vision Africa (VA) was borne out of his doctoral thesis, and in it he outlines his conviction that sustainable partnerships and wholesome succor to the poor is realizable through practical services addressing the soul, mind and body.

A church planter with hundreds of churches to his credit, Bishop Onuoha is the Founding Executive Director of the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA) since 2009, believed to be the world’s largest Christian-Muslim collaboration, and a Global Peace Award Recipient.

Rev. Ida-Maria Brengesjö is a Pastor, writer, mother, evangelist and mentor in congregational development in the Uniting Church in Sweden. She longs to see new people come to faith in Jesus. For several years she served both locally and nationally with the question of how the church can be a relevant voice in its time and how we share the faith further.

Being a congregation in secular Sweden is a challenge, to say the least, and many congregations are struggling with reduced membership numbers and an increasing age structure. But we believe and know that it is possible to reverse the trend and that congregations can have new life and begin to bloom again if we dare to develop, renew and deepen. Rev. Brengesjö welcomes you to a seminar on congregational development in Sweden.

Reserve your hotel room at Gothia Towers

Reserve your hotel room at Gothia Towers so that you are conveniently located where all Conference activities are being held. Council Meetings, Seminars, Worship and more will take place in Gothia Towers, where rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. (If you have registered for the Conference, you may access the lodging link by using your Confirmation Code in the confirmation email.)

Follow the link below to access all Hotel Accommodation options!

https://booking.gothiatowers.com/reserve/e/block/WOR120824/2024-08-13/2024-08-18/avail

Servanthood, Stewardship, and Good Governance Key to Strengthen Ecumenical Diakonia

Medan, Indonesia: The importance of servant leadership, good governance, and stewardship as well as network-building and collaboration as key factors in enhancing the diakonal mission of Asian churches was emphasised on the third day of the ongoing Asia regional training programme on ‘Ecumenical Diakonia and Sustainable Development’ being held in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Rev. Dr Kim Minji of the National Council of Churches in Korea who shared a biblical-theological reflection on diakonia told the participants that diakonia is not a simple act of service to neighbours but “a continuation of the living practical transmission of the prophetic-apostolic tradition in performing the governance of Shalom, the peace of the Kingdom of God, which is entirely self-giving service given to the very last and least; as Jesus said, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25).”

She also considered the Eucharist and diakonia as acts of dividing oneself for one’s neighbours, in accordance with Christ’s command to “do this”. Regarding discipleship and the profound prophetic service of love that seeks changes in the regime of domination, violence, and oppression through Christ’s profound suffering, Rev. Dr Kim continued to explain, “We must always remember that diakonia is the formation of the scripture, and the Christian identity must be practiced as the apostle of the Lord who practises the life of Jesus.”

Rev. Dr Kim further elaborated, “The church, guided by the Spirit, loves their neighbours, follows the path of Jesus, resembling Christ as servants. In this way, Jesus demonstrated the models of service of love, service of restoration, service of reconciliation, service of the bridge, and service of the Holy Spirit and sent his disciples to serve the world with these service-oriented lives and attitudes.”

Diakonia a “dangerous task”

Rev. William Premkumar Ebenezer Joseph, President of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka, who led a session on ‘Relevance of Global Issues for the Local Diakonia Mission’ spoke about the importance and parallels between global issues and local diakonia activities. He described the involvement of churches in Sri Lanka and the high reputation gained over the years in diaconal ministry as a result of significant and unique diakonal manifestations, including areas such as advocacy for workers’ rights, democracy movements, and interfaith cooperation.

Citing various examples of Sri Lankan churches’ diaconal mission during several years of the civil war situations in his native country, Rev. Joseph said diakonia ministry is a dangerous task based on the values of the cross and sacrifice.

The early church which had focused diakonia was rooted in caring and sharing and had experienced the element of risk. If the church loses the element of risk in today’s diaconal ministry, then it tends to become an NGO, said Rev. Joseph.

Diakonal expressions should find lessons from the past experiences of ancestors, and authentic diakonal ministry that was lost has be regained. Churches should realise that diaconal ministry is not the monopoly of the churches and at the same time churches must not attempt to become another NGO.

While defining authentic diaconal ministry as immersing oneself in the issues of the people, Rev. Joseph said, as the church must be there with those who are suffering.

He also emphasised the risk and peril of diaconal ministry, recalling Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, as well as the humble service demonstrated by washing the disciples’ feet.

“Do not underestimate the power of the local people; do not undermine the power of the localised diakonal ministry. The invisible potential of the local communities needs to be identified and their capacities need to be strengthened in order to support and accompany them in their diaconal interventions,” stated Rev. Joseph, emphasizing the importance and effectiveness of local diaconal ministry that is deeply rooted in the challenges and struggles of people.

Read more here

Article by Christian Conference of Asia

5th WMC Online Prayer with and for Migrants

Save the dates: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

11,

9,

On the journey to the World Methodist Conference August 14-18, 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden under the theme “On the Move”, you are invited to join the Monthly WMC Online Prayer Meeting every second Tuesday of the month.

Tuesday May 14, 2024, we will be meeting at 6 pm GMT (2 pm EDT, 8 pm CST, 9 pm EST) for one hour. This time, Rev. Yulia Starodubets from Kyiv, Ukraine, will be speaking to us on the work of the United Methodist congregations in Ukraine with internally displaced people, forced to leave their homes because of the ongoing war. Her report will inform our prayers as we continue to pray for peace with justice for Ukraine. Please share the invitation widely within your churches and networks.

Participants must register in advance by using the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclfuytrD0tHtQ7VdxBK5GGGHa-wnP0U5bB

Towards Net Zero - Good News Stories

This week we are excited to launch a new series of good news stories about efforts in the Uniting Church towards climate action and reduced carbon emissions - part of the Assembly’s journey to net-Zero emissions by 2040.

This series arises from the 16th Assembly resolution in 2022 that committed the Uniting Church to prioritise First Peoples voices and wisdom in our pursuit of climate justice and creation care, and to share stories, expertise and learnings.

Each week through April and May we will share a new story featuring local congregations, Indigenous theologians, agencies and Synods.

In the first story of the series, listen in on a Zoom conversation between Assembly Policy and Advocacy Officer Raul Sugunananthan and Panninher man

Rev. Tim Matton-Johnson. Tim shares a First Nations theology of the environment, inviting us into a world where the earth is our first teacher and guide.

Watch Now!

Article by Uniting Church in Australia

“That the World May Know”

Global Christian Forum 4th Global Gathering

240 church leaders representing the breadth and diversity of the global Christian family gathered in Ghana April 16-19, 2024. Sharing faith journeys, to recognize Christ in the other, to be confronted with the painful history of slavery and its bitter consequences until today, to joyfully celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Global Christian Forum and to explore pathways for deeper unity amongst the followers of Christ “That the World May Know”.

The Secretary of Global Christian Forum Dr. Casely Essamuah is a Methodist from Ghana. He worked tirelessly to make this 4th Gathering a meaningful time for all who came. We were blessed by the commitment to Ecumenism of the Presiding Bishop Paul Kwabena Boafo of the Methodist Church Ghana.

Methodists from everywhere offered warm hospitality to the participants from abroad. On a warm and sunny day, we went from Accra to Cape Coast to visit the Slave Castle. We were confronted with the brutal reality of the slave trade, the exploitation of the continent of Africa, and evil being with the blessing of the church. At Wesley Cathedral we had a time of prayer, lament, and reflection. We reminded ourselves that slavery is not only past history and heard the call not to stop with repentance, but to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us for restoration, reconciliation and healing. The program also included the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Global Christian Forum: Initiated 1998 by the World Council of Churches to broaden the table for ecumenical engagement and to recognize the growth of Christianity in the Global South and amongst Orthodox, Roman Catholic, mainline Protestants, Pentecostal, charismatic and evangelical Christians, the Forum developed means to meet in regional and global gatherings on an equal basis, to foster mutual respect, and to explore and address together common concerns.

Many participants at the Accra Gathering had never attended a GCF gathering before. For the first time ever, a group of young leaders was present after having had a pre-meeting led by Rev. Sam Murillo, who is the President of the Youth and Young Adult Committee of the WMC. The vitality brought to the gathering by young participants and by those who brought the GCF helped shape the 4th Global Gathering to be a time of renewal and inspiration, which grew out of biblical reflections and prayers. “That the World May Know” – together, we are sending a message to the churches (https://globalchristianforum.org/messageof-the-fourth-global-gathering/ ): In our diversity, may we be one in our Triune God. In lamentation, may our hearts be broken by that which breaks God’s heart. In Christ, may we experience healing and reconciliation. And in the Holy Spirit, may we be sent out with boldness and humility, to make God’s transforming Spirit of forgiveness, justice, healing, restoration, grace, and salvation known.

Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, WMC Geneva Secretary and member of the International Committee of the Global Christian Forum

Hawaii church continues recovery efforts after Maui fires

Dylan Nails and his wife, Emma, were out getting food at a nearby fast-food restaurant in Makawao, Hawaii, when they noticed a Red Cross shelter had been opened, much to their surprise. Hours later, Dylan, a pastor at Pukalani Church of the Nazarene, received a phone call asking if the shelter staff could use the church printer to make 1,500 copies of intake forms for the shelter. “We looked outside, and you could see the glow coming this way,” Dylan said. That day was 8 August 2023 in the early hours of the deadly and devastating wildfires that ravaged the island of Maui. Hours later, the Nails could see the flames from the church.

Pukalani Church of the Nazarene has been aiding the community since the beginning of the disaster. From initial evacuation intake to food distribution to begin the rebuilding process, the church has walked alongside its community every step of the way. In those first hours, the church bought 250 air mattresses to help provide beds for the evacuees at the Red Cross shelter. When the shelter got overrun, the church opened its space. In the following days, the church continued to provide space for overflow from the shelter. Dylan said they ended up with mostly travelers or tourist families who were displaced from their stays due to the fires. The church helped provide transport back to the airport to leave the island. The fire burned from 8-11 August, and many roads were blocked off to Lahaina with authorities controlling who could get in and out of the area. “But God made

a way for us to get a pass,” Dylan said. “So, while also having a shelter, we took our church bus and ran supplies in and out of Lahaina.”

Now, more than eight months since the disaster began, Pukalani Nazarene has transitioned through different stages of relief. Through a grant from local officials, the church set up a WAIEA Atmospheric Water Machine that operates on solar power. The machine takes water from the humidity in the air and turns it into up to 100 gallons of water daily. As of last week, they have given out 21,000 gallons of water.

Read more here

Article by Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

“Just do what you can,” Dylan said. “Start there, and God will bless it and make it abundant.”

Bigger and Wilder – A Story About Pilgrimage

For much of my life, I probably regarded pilgrimage as something other people did – not Methodists, not me. But for the past decade, since the death of our 18-year-old son by suicide, I have found myself engaged in pilgrimage as a participant, as a leader and as a disciple. Pilgrimage became a lifeline for me and I have learned so much through this. I am now convinced that the ethos of pilgrimage has much to teach us all, as individuals and as Christian communities.

About a year after Peter’s death, I was asked by a radio interviewer, how this tragedy had affected my faith and found myself replying that ‘I needed God to be bigger and wilder’. In large part it is through pilgrimage that I have begun working out what that might mean. Walking on windswept beaches and through crowded city centres, following ancient routes and finding new ones, alone or with a group, the vital rhythm of ‘left foot, right foot’ has enabled me to keep moving – not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

Over the past two years it began to be important to me to crystallize some of the lessons I had learned, and so ‘Bigger and Wilder: Life, loss and learning

to be a pilgrim’ was born. The book ranges from a short (hopefully accessible) history of pilgrimage, through some of the Bible’s pilgrim characters (so many to choose from) and then looks at some of the attitudes and qualities which make a good pilgrim –attentiveness, courage, risk… whether on a walking route or simply finding a way through life. One section looks more closely at the relationship between pilgrimage and Methodism – not much has been written on this and historically the links are weak, yet our Methodist vocabulary includes so many words of journey and indeed, I find great resonance there. Before ending with some ideas, resources and suggestions for getting involved with pilgrimage practically, I include a chapter which focuses on my own journey with grief since Peter’s death. Has all this theory of pilgrimage worked in the most challenging of real-life situations?

The book is available from Sacristy Press and may prove a helpful resource to anyone considering pilgrimage – or even, just considering how to get through life.

Article by Jill Baker

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

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, 27 May at communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org if you would like your story to be included in the June edition of the First Friday Letter.

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About the First Friday Letter

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

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.

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