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Recent comments on pages throughout the site

New England Assembly of the Laity - 2008

Rich Hughen wrote on 7/17/2008 5:03:18 PM

We regret that due to unfortunate conditions at the site of this years Assembly of the Laity, this event has been cancelled for this year.

Jacksonville CampMeeting

Michael Pike wrote on 7/10/2008 7:42:53 AM

Praise God - don't miss this ! You will be blessed and challenged to grow ! It is worth the effort to attend !

REVEREND PAT MACHUGH TO BE APPOINTED AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN NORTHERN MAINE, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Regina (Jeanie) Goode wrote on 6/3/2008 8:51:44 AM

Dear Pat, We congratulate you on your appointment as our Northern Maine District Superintendent. We at the Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church in Patten,Maine look forward to meeting you this year. May God bless you and keep you safe as you travel from town to town and may you not get lost on our Maine roads. Love in Christ, Jeanie Goode, Rec. Sec.

Health Kits Collection a Success

cindy welch wrote on 5/8/2008 5:29:29 PM

can I get a list of thing that goin the Health kits this year? Thank you Cindy Welch

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Jim Edwards wrote on 4/24/2008 5:29:55 PM

If we the United Methodist church were to ask God for his advise what do you think would happen. It is time that we the body of the church seek Gods answer and not a hand full of do-gooders who think they represent God and his thoughts . Lets get serious and unite the entire Methodist church and seek the answer. Politics have no place in Gods plan and should not in our plan. Let us set aside a day (Sunday) where all United Methodist can learn again to get down on our knees and ask God "What would you have us do in this matter?".

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Gregory Smith wrote on 4/13/2008 1:48:38 PM

Golly, Michael Morell, your cryptic message deserves a response. You speak in riddles. Genesis 12:2-3 relates to God blessing the Hebrew Abram and Israel. Further, cursing those who curse Abram and Israel. Seems to me that urging Methodists to divest from companies supporting Israel's attempt to survive annihilation by Muslim factions is tantamount to cursing Israel. Is that not questioning God's sovereignty, Mr. Morell? OR, by God's sovereignty do you imply it is God's will that Islamists be allowed to destroy Israel? I will not argue the eventual destruction of Israel and the rest of the world being God's plan, Mr. Morell. But I will argue man's right to defend his family, friends and self to the death! Indeed, I do not question God's sovereignty. Rather, I question your understanding of the actions the Israelites find necessary to implement in an attempt to survive constant terrorist acts by an Islamo-fascist regime that persists in hiding behind women and children following their abhorrent attacks on Israel. A regime that avows the total death and destruction of all Jewish people. I have Jewish friends and relatives, Mr. Morell. What would you have them do? Beg for peace as they are being slaughtered? Begging for peace hasn't worked with Islamists for hundreds of years, in case you haven't noticed. The Quran makes it plain through its duplicity that any act is praised by Allah if it furthers the subjugation, death or destruction of Jews, Christians and other non-believers of Islam. This includes suicide bombers (always Islamists), lying to non- believers to further their cause, and waging all forms of terrorism. Terrorism is waging war on non-combatants such as civilians, women and children. I hear it argued to death that these acts are all caused by Islamo-fascists, not the main stream Muslim community. This is blatantly misleading, Mr. Morell. Any community that harbors, supports with money, or tolerates out of fear and intimidation murderers and terrorists are just as guilty as the perpetrators themselves. Failure to accept this understanding will, indeed, result in the destruction of the free world as it exists, today. I pray God may be merciful to us all. Greg Smith, Sheepdog ps. The next time you email me, don't hide behind . That forces me to respond in a public forum rather than privately.

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Michael Morell wrote on 4/13/2008 1:32:27 AM

Genesis 12:2-3 "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." NKJV You are treading on thin ice, questioning GOD's sovereignty, may God be mercyfull with you.

NEW DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS APPOINTED

Marcelle Dotson wrote on 4/9/2008 4:44:13 PM

Dear Ruthlyn: Thank you for your comments, however I just need to make it clear that in no way have I ever considered serving in Northern Maine as being "relegated." God's country here inthe north is beautiful and I found the people incredibly warm and welcoming. It may have been the Bidhop who apoitned me to this district, but it was God who gifted me and called me to use those gifts this area. I could have said "no" to this appointment, but that would not have been a faithful response. I came beleiving that God had given me some gifts that could benefit the minstry in this region. If we take God's claim on our lives seriously, we know that often God will place us in places that we might not choose ourselves. I have loved serving here in Northern Maine, and do not regret any of my time here. Believe me when I say that I have been blessed by serving here and have learned things that I never would have learned in the Boston area. I have also had great fun! And for this entire experince, I am truly grateful. Again, thank you for your words of support.

7th Year as Reconciling Church Celebration

Carolyn Sharp-Hegarty wrote on 4/9/2008 11:47:32 AM

Congratulations on you 7th anniversary of truly being a church with open doors :)

REVEREND MARTIN MCLEE TO BE APPOINTED AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN METRO BOSTON, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Leonard C. Baker, Dallas, TX - St. Luke "C"UMC wrote on 4/8/2008 6:04:30 PM

"Felecitations" On your appointment as district superintendentof the Metro Boston Hope District. May you lead God's people as he order your steps. Good Luck and best wishes on your journey. I will let your Dallas family at St. Luke know. Respectfully, LB

NOT THAT LONG AGO: A Reflection by Rev. William C. Trench

Nancy Smith wrote on 4/8/2008 11:25:15 AM

Thank you for sharing your reflection. I am saddened by the many folks who do not want to talk about race or racism because they think the subject has been "talked to death." From my experience during the past 10+ years as an ordination candidate and then as a permanent deacon, the subject of race has been avoided especially in the churches where I have been. When the only discussions that do occur result either in denial of racism or in a guilt-ridden frustration without a Christian Hope or strategic plan, it's no wonder that we don't want to have a conversation. Will the UMC -- or at least the New England Conference -- dare to show leadership by joining the "...leaders of the national United Church of Christ and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA [who] are calling for a nationwide "sacred conversation" about race[?]" (AP) Or will the Church remain, as Dr. King put it in his letter from the Birmingham jail, "standing as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men [and women] to higher levels of justice"? If no organized churchwide or conference approach is planned, I offer this suggestion: let every person who is willing write their own personal reflection on a specific example, as Bill has done, and submit it to the website. I believe that there are many untold stories that would help us all and that might lead to meaningful action. (As a deacon with a writing ministry, I would be happy to assist in coordinating and editing the material if enough folks respond to this suggestion.)

Celebration of the Ministry of Pastor Bill Hartford

Cindy Nickerson wrote on 4/7/2008 6:53:55 PM

Dear Bill & Gloria, You have been such a blessing to me over the years. Thank you for your love, prayers, encouragement and faithful ministry in the church where Jesus Christ is Lord. I pray for God's continued hand on you lives and the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain you. Love in Him, Cindy Nickerson

NOT THAT LONG AGO: A Reflection by Rev. William C. Trench

William Keeffe wrote on 4/4/2008 11:33:54 AM

I know sometning of what you experienced. I was born in Wash. D.C. and I could never understand why my chinese friend could go to school with me and my black friend could not. On coming to BUST I was to have my first black roommate, Prenza Woods, who later became a DS in his confernce. He was a great friend and I will always treasure his friendship. We have a long way to go.

NOT THAT LONG AGO: A Reflection by Rev. William C. Trench

Pam wrote on 4/4/2008 9:14:13 AM

Thank you for sharing this story. It's to bad, that the death of MLK & other related issues caused Stewart to be silent with you outside of the dorm room. I'm not sure Mr. King was working toward that.

New England Conference Urges Divestiture from Israeli Occupation

Judith Brideau wrote on 3/27/2008 10:13:34 AM

I am ashamed to admit I am a Methodist after realizing our leadership is truly straying from the bible. Shame on these 'leaders' who have their own agenda.

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Gregory Smith wrote on 3/25/2008 10:33:48 PM

Bravo Thomas Fife, Neal Zolot and Gary Zone. This exercise is a prime example of misguided "do gooders" sticking their collective noses into matters of which they are totally ignorant. I have been an active Methodist, EUB or United Methodist all of my 71 years, but I will sever all relations with this misguided church if any sanctions pass against Israel. Where are these alleged church leaders coming from? What a pathetic cause to rally around. As if Israel doesn't have enough problems with their current leadership giving away the country. This is a church with "Open Hearts and Open Minds"?

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Thomas Fife wrote on 3/19/2008 5:37:22 PM

I agree with Susan Williams and NEUMC. If those Jews (Israelis) would stop resisting and allow the Palestinians and other Arabs to murder them, then the conflict would be over. It's similar to the time that my home was burglarized and my wife beaten when she resisted being raped. After that I learned that submission was the best way. Of course, the next time my wife was murdered, but now I don't have to worry about her being assaulted. Just go along with those that want to kill you. Don't fight back, or NEUMC and Susan will think less of you.

NEW DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS APPOINTED

Ruthlyn G. Palmer wrote on 3/18/2008 1:12:34 PM

I certainly hope the appointment of Rev. Ms. MacHugh is a better fit for northern Maine than it was for Rev. Ms. Marcelle Dotson. Someone had to be in la-la land to appoint such a superb single Black Minister well suited to urban ministry to that northern outpost. Marcelle Dotson was our D.S. before she was exiled to Maine and she was a hard worker who did well in her first D.S. appointment. I hope she will get the rest she needs after serving in such a stressful situation. My family and I have a great appreciation for Rev. Ms. Dotson. It appears that Rev. Ms. MacHugh may be much better suited because of her background. Best wishes to her. By the way, I find this Conference becoming most sexist AGAIN and is relegating women to far away areas.

TASK FORCE ISSUES DIVESTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Susan Williams wrote on 3/17/2008 8:53:07 PM

Thank you for the work and research that you did on this. I feel that a resolution of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is key to peace in the Middle East. The confiscation of land by Israel and the humiliation of checkpoints can not continue if peace is to be obtained. Good work!!

New England Conference Urges Divestiture from Israeli Occupation

Alan R. Grill wrote on 3/12/2008 9:43:38 AM

While the Bible is not a "Real Estate Guide", it should be our complete life guide. God throughout the Scriptures declares that the land belongs to Himself and He gave it to Israel. And since God's Word will not return void, when all is said and done the Jewish people will be the lawful occupants of Israel sitting under the Lordship of the Messiah.

REVEREND BEVERLY STENMARK TO BE APPOINTED AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN MID-MAINE, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Ashley Reese wrote on 2/4/2008 6:14:54 PM

Good luck Pastor Bev!!! She has been my pastor for as long as I've been to church and since I am thirteen is the only pastor I've ever known. She will always remain as the pastor who inspired me to join the clergy and started my dreams of becoming a female pastor. I and will miss her very much. Thank-you pastor bev, for being there for me when Norm Graichen passed away, and I will definietly help in organizing a youth retreat for mission work in Maine, where you will be staying. Even a shepard needs to know the comfort of their sheep sometimes. Love and God Bless, Ashley Reese NKUMC member

Christ UMC to Host Nicaraguans

Sandy Melius, NPC Chairperson wrote on 1/22/2008 8:50:28 PM

The kind invitation for folks to meet with Jairo Lezama and Rene Telleria, both representing the Nicaragua Covenant, at Christ UMC in Northampton, MA included outdated and misinformation. Although Alexx Wood (NEUMC Communications) sent a wonderful letter this past May to all NEUMC churches through SPIRIT.NET informing readers of the recent changes that have taken place within the Nicaragua Covenent, I have no doubt that many of the 500+ pastors throughout the conference are not yet aware of these changes which include the following: Our Nicaragua Covenant has been expanded to include partnerships and financial support for additional organizations which currently include the Evangelical Methodist Church and Rosa Capella's NITCA community development program. Also included in our Nicaragua Covenant program support is the Amanecer Mobile Health Clinic, a nondenominational program serving 72 of the poorest communities in Nicaragua. Jairo Lezama is the Director of the Amanacer Mobile Health Clinic and Rene Telleria is our Financial Manager. Neither one was present to represent the denomination of Las Iglesias de Cristo during their visit to New England. The assumption that Jairo and Rene were members of Las Iglesias de Cristo was incorrect. The Nicaragua Planning Committee has no intention of breaking off its longstanding relationship with Las Iglesias de Cristo. Cheryl Avery's comment includes misinformation in that we have been supporting programs of Las Iglesias de Cristo since their "moritorium" on supporting programs ended in April 2007. These programs include: Clorinda Hernandez' Feeding Program in Las Flores, the two Women's Sewing Projects in Managua and Nandasmo, support for teachers' salaries in seven Iglesia de Cristo schools, and 20 young peoples' scholarships. Blessings to all, Sandy Melius

Christ UMC to Host Nicaraguans

Cheryl "Charito" Avery wrote on 1/10/2008 3:56:42 AM

As a former coordinator who worked for four years to strengthen the Covenant between the Iglesia de Cristo de Nicaragua and the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, I have to comment on the recent article announcing visitors from the Iglesia de Cristo. Jairo and Rene have worked hard on behalf of others in Nicaragua, but their ministry is not part of the AICN, nor are they currently members -- let alone officials -- of that denomination. It seems inconscionable to me that the name of the Iglesia de Cristo would be used to raise money for another ministry. The Iglesia de Cristo has not directly received money from the Conference for its programs and projects in more than a year. If the New England Conference is going to break off our 21-year-old Covenant with the AICN, let's at least do it honestly. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Cheryl Avery Executive Director Project Chacocente www.outofthedump.org

REVEREND BEVERLY STENMARK TO BE APPOINTED AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN MID-MAINE, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Rick McKinley wrote on 1/9/2008 6:04:06 PM

Congratulations Bev! You are person of great integrity and spiritual depth, and I know your love for Christ and warm spirit will be a great gift for the churches in Mid-Maine. Blessings on this new adventure!

REVEREND BEVERLY STENMARK TO BE APPOINTED AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT IN MID-MAINE, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Rev Dr Dwight D Irons wrote on 1/8/2008 3:49:01 PM

Congratulations and Best Wishes! I grew up with Beverly and know her to be a loving and caring person. I am proud to see her moving up in the ministry, In her new appointment I am sure she being guided by The Holy Spirit will enhance the greater ministry of our UMC. Her Dad would be so proud. Blessings! Dr D. Irons Tabernacle UMC Sandersville, Georgia South Georgia Conference