To the People of God on Cape Cod

We have arrived at the brink of the Holiday Season… The Fall Fair, Thanksgiving, and Advent all fall this month! Our Annual Meeting was on November 1^st, and we were well represented at Northside UMC in Brewster.  News from the conference is that:

The New England Annual Conference is moving towards the cooperative parish model.  We first heard about this in Bishop Bickerton’s address to the annual conference. Attached, you will find a document titled “Why, What, How.” This document shares information on why we are moving towards this model, what it is, and how to implement it. This model will take a few years to develop. Not all cooperative parishes will be the same. 

Phase 1, or rather year one, was initiated in our church conference conversations. The goal is to connect, build, and strengthen relationships among our churches. Our purpose is to be the most effective witness for Jesus Christ that we can be in our communities. The Cooperative Parish model does not mean “Merging” churches. Our familiar and beloved sanctuary remains independent. The emphasis is on COOPERATION as we envision the communication and invitation to the world that is our mission.

Each member of the church family has unique gifts to share as Ambassadors of Christ. People everywhere are lonely. People everywhere are afraid. People need an anchor in these changing times. We have the love of Christ to offer to a world of people whom God loves, without exception. You never go anywhere empty-handed. You and I have an exceptional gift beyond measure to offer to people we meet: Friendship, hospitality, and the love of God!  This is the Good News:

God so loved the world that God sent God’s only Beloved Son, so that the world through Him might experience HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE!

As we journey into the new Christian year during Advent, plan to listen to God’s voice using the text: The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha.