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Recent comments on pages throughout the site
Vermont/New England Transition: FAQs
Jim Proctor wrote on 8/12/2009 6:04:24 PM
What is the date when Vermont churches and pastors will have to begin paying into the NE Insurance plan, and what are the anticipated rates? As we are soon beginning the budgeting process for 2010, it would be most helpful to know the date of the switchover ASAP. Also, this will be helpful to know as we make our elections for medical reimbursement accounts in November.
Vermont/New England Transition: FAQs
Mari Murphy wrote on 7/22/2009 11:11:44 AM
With the switch from Troy to NE Confrence, what if anything will change in regards to the property "ownership" such as the physical structures of the church's, parsonages, etc. Is this a good time to think about "buying" our structures, or is that even an possibility?
Interpreter's Bible - Single Volumes Offered
Nancy Smith wrote on 7/20/2009 2:14:44 PM
I have taken the set but not the single volumes.
This is what you get when you get Vermont
Ida Burdick wrote on 6/23/2009 8:04:35 PM
I would like to recommend two books that will give an incite to the nature of the Vermonter. "Vermont the Independent Republic" a book about Ira Allen and all he did to help Vermont become a state. I don't remember the author's name. "Not Without Peril" by Margarite Allis gives a great deal of insight into the spirit of Vermont women. This book was written in 1941 by an author whose family came from one side or the other of the Conn. River, from family stories who remembered Jamima Sartwell. I have known several women like her. And yes we are most definately independant!!
Vermont/New England Transition: FAQs
Donna Costa wrote on 6/20/2009 9:50:02 AM
Enjoyed seeing the video and visitors from Vermont this year at NEAC. Please tell me if there is a counterpart contact person or committee to the NEAC Global AIDS Commmittee. We would like to contact them. Thanks and peace, DMC
Vermont District Recommendations Announced
Jim Young wrote on 6/9/2009 9:56:35 AM
Making Vermont a single District does nothing to resolve the most serious problem of transportation and communication in New England. Our transportation routes are north/south with precious few east/west options except through Massachusetts.
Please consider in two districts one in the North and the other in southern Vermont and western Massachusetts - let them be 1) Burlington and 2) Springfield. Most of New Hampshire as the 3) Concord District. Current eastern Connecticut and much of current Central Mass in the 4) Worcester District. Bring back three districts in Maine 5) Bangor, 6) Augusta and 7) Portland with Seacoast NH, 8) RISEM, 9) Boston and 10) Lynn - where both Boston and Lynn would be extended slightly west to takes in some of the current CMA churches.
This configuration would equalize churches in each district and follow the information gathered in the Boston Area Survey 1963.
Almost all of New England as a single conference makes single conference wide events difficult at best. The distance from Caribou to New London or to Burlington is about500 miles. If we tipped the conference over at New London or Manchester, Caribou would touch the Virginia/North Carolina border.
The Distict configuration suggested would permit comprehensive units for programs, accommodate the north/south travel routes. And give western Mass and eastern Conn real homes ever since they were cobbled together when CWM District was created.
No more than two states would be in any district, plus Burlington, Concord, Augusta, Bangor, Boston and Lynn would each be in single states.
This is offered for your consideration to fulfill "Thy Kingdom Come."
Jim
Vermont/New England Transition: FAQs
Mark D. Chaffee wrote on 5/22/2009 6:49:51 PM
What will happen to the websites that been provided by Troy Cconference?
Thank you
Mark
New England Conference Urges Divestiture from Israeli Occupation
Boalt Hall wrote on 2/14/2009 4:05:56 AM
God bless you United Methodists. I wish you well in your divestment efforts. Follow your conscience despite the racism and hatred you will surely face.
Peace!
Beth Stroud Shows Weariness and Grace at Arlington UMC
Carla Skidmore wrote on 12/31/2008 1:22:04 PM
I just had another thought on the Beth Stroud controversy. Perhaps some of those who say that they were just "upholding the laws of the church," are so busy doing "what they think is right, that they forget to do what is GOOD."
Beth and Chris are Good People, living their lives and trying to follow their career paths. Their committment to each other harms no one.
I commend churches that have become Reconciling Congregations!
If Beth has become discouraged with and just plain tired of the hierarchy and unChristlike restrictions of the United Methodist Church I certainly cannot blame her. She is a good person, an intelligent person who will be an asset to what ever career she chooses,
Beth Stroud Shows Weariness and Grace at Arlington UMC
Carla Skidmore wrote on 12/28/2008 9:06:12 PM
I am so disappointed that such a talented and committed young woman is denied her right of ordination because of her sexual orientation. How short sighted, how unChristian. Christ came to encourage us to be all that we can be and to encourage others to be all that they can be.
Where are the "Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors?" It would appear the the United Methodist hierarchy are slamming them closed.
DUE DATES for CHARGE CONFERENCE FORMS
Jane Clarke wrote on 10/22/2008 9:44:56 AM
It would be very helpful to have a live link to the actual form on the list. I've had some trouble getting to the actual forms in an electronic format. Is there an easy way to find each of these files?
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.
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
:)
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"?