Good Morning,

I hope and pray that you are all doing well. As promised, this weekly e-note brings additional resources about General Conference 2024.

Our recent General Conference, attended by delegates from forty nations over two weeks, reached a strong consensus—often between 80%-90%—to remove restrictive language that has been detrimental to the LGBTQ+ community. Simultaneously, our Church has affirmed the autonomy and conscience of local congregations to express Christ's love uniquely suited to their community's context.

We are a diverse body, encompassing traditional, moderate, and progressive members. Whichever of these descriptors you identify with, please know that you are valued and essential to our community.

A time-honored adage has guided us for centuries: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity." This principle continues to steer us as we advance together.

Here are some resources following the General Conference 2024:

- Western Jurisdiction Bishop’s Pastoral Address

- Watch the video here

- Read the transcript here

- Further Information:

- Western Jurisdiction news about General Conference

- Pacific Northwest Annual Conference’s perspective

Thank you for staying engaged and informed. Let us continue to embody the love of Christ in all that we do.

Jars for Jamaa Letu

Jars for Jamaa Letu is a way to support the two orphanages in the Congo which our church helps fund.  The money goes to support the operating expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, school fees, medical care and salaries for the staff.

A colorful label for JARS will be available this Sunday.  Tape it to your own jar and collect cash from now until June 15th.  Or, make a donation in the offering plate or on the website.

Grace and Peace be with you,

Pastor DJ