"See All The People" is one of the initiatives of the Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Discipleship begins with Relationship and enable us to express our faith in many different ways. It is about building on the values that we cherish. More importantly it is not about "fixing churches" but about discipleship. That also includes identifying best practices that keeps us in love with God.
As I write this newsletter for March 2019, the delegates from all corners of the world are arriving in St.Louis for the special session of the General Conference to decide matters on human sexuality and mission of the Church. Many people are anxious and uncertain about the outcome of this historic meeting. Our Church spent time outlining the proposals before the Church: One Church Plan, Modified, Traditional Plan, and Connectional Plan. You can read about these plans through the umc.org website. I have stated in council meetings and announce
ments that whatever outcome or decisions from St. Louis will not affect our fundamental mission. We pray that all may be one in Christ and that grace may be sufficient for all God's people. It is all about relationships.
Lent begins March 6, 2019, on Ash Wednesday. Please watch out for service announcements via Facebook, Website, emails and church bulletin. We will also "journey" in Lent and it invites us new and longtime Christians to hear the call of Christ to return to God with all their hearts.
Devotional materials are available for in- dividuals or groups. For many years, The United Methodist Men, have led the effort to support the meals for millions thru the Society of St. Andrew. We have been doing this for 26 years. Thank you for your generous sup- port. There is a sign up sheet in the welcome center.
The youth group just concluded "30 Hours of Famine" to highlight the plight and raise awareness about hunger. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students in the US and around the world gather together for this event. The United Methodist Women also engage in mis- sion work and continue to support various en- deavors. When I was growing up, I learned early that UMW is about mission and the work is continuing near and far. We also have Food Pantries and Meals on Wheels. Many give their time and energy quietly but efficiently.
March 31 is UMCOR Sunday. It was called "One Great Hour of Sharing". Together, we reach children, families and communities who have experienced devastation in the wake of disaster. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, started in 1940, originally was estab- lished to meet the needs of those suffering overseas at the onset of World War II .Today, UMCOR responds throughout more than eighty countries around the world. UMCOR is also local and one of the first responders in the United States. Our local mission teams have worked side by side with UMCOR through your generous support.
"Here's the church and there's the steeple. Open the door and see all the people."
And I found there is an additional lyric:
"Here's the parson going upstairs. And here he is now he's saying his prayers".
May God bless the Church that we love as we pray for one another.
Rev. Romir R. Esguerra
