Rev. Farris Responds to UM General Conference:
I have just returned from the Special Called Session of The United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis. I am grateful for your expressions of love and concern in these recent days.
I know many of you have seen press accounts regarding the vote to continue a ban on gay clergy and gay marriage. Though tired, and heart-broken that we fell 44 votes short of achieving a change in our official policies, I want to remind you today that our First UMC Church Council unanimously approved the affirmation that “all ministries of the church are open to all God’s children” in 2012. We remain unwavering in this commitment. In this, we are supported by our Western Jurisdiction and all our WJ bishops, active and retired.
What DID change in St.Louis is that it became abundantly clear that our inclusive, welcoming church is exactly what the great majority of United Methodists want the church to be.
The actions of the General Conference are now under review by our Judicial Council, the “Supreme Court” of The UMC. As we await their ruling, WJ delegates are already sketching out options for possible models for a “New UMC.” We don’t yet know how it will be structured, but we will build on the values we cherish of love, justices embracing our diversity, and love for all as beloved children of God.
May God continue to inspire and lead us in a spirit of reconciling love and unquenchable hope. While the season of Lent is about to begin, we live even now as People of the Resurrection!
– Rev. Patricia Farris, Senior Minister (February 27, 2019)
- To read the General Conference response by Tricia Guerrero, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Click Here.
- To read – Bishop Hagiya: Reflections from the Western Jurisdiction Meetings, and other articles, including the LA Times article, Click Here.
YOU’RE INVITED:
You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship.
We are located at: 1008 Eleventh Street in Santa Monica, CA., between Washington and California.
(310) 393-8258 Click here for full phone directory
Sanctuary Worship – Sundays at 10 a.m. – Sunday Sanctuary Worship is our morning worship service of prayer and praise. Through Scripture and sermons, prayer, music, and sacrament, we gather to grow in faith, find comfort and support, enjoy fellowship, and glory in God’s presence through the beautiful music of our Chancel Choir and organ. Children are welcome to worship in the sanctuary or in the Kids’ Zone in the narthex. Nursery care is provided. God’s “children” of all ages are welcome participants. We are in mission each week as we gather canned goods for the Westside Food Bank. The fellowship of Coffee Hour following the service is an informal time to connect with friends old and new.
simple church – Sundays at 5 p.m., Chapel – we gather to cultivate calm, centered and compassionate lives which are possible by living by these rules: do no harm…..do good….stay in love with God. opportunities for worship & sacrament.
Messy Church – 2nd Saturday of month, 4:30 p.m., Simkins Hall & Chapel – An intergenerational worship experience where we learn about God’s love through crafts, activities, story and a shared meal.
Saturdays 4:30 – 6 p.m – Click for list of dates & themes.