September 8, 2021
Episcopal Task Force Update
on Race and Culture
During the Pre-Conference Briefing on May 27, Bishop Bob Farr and Rev. T. Cody Collier presented a Conference update on culture work as it relates to race and ethnicity.
Rev. Collier shared highlights of the preliminary report with the Annual Conference. The preliminary report includes more specific actions including recommendations on tactics and timeline, but as Rev. Collier indicated in his presentation, the report now lies with Bishop Farr. The timeline shared for further action includes the Cabinet and Mission Council’s work from August 1 to December 15 with an anticipated release of the final report in January 2022.
“I am grateful for the work of the task force,” Bishop Farr said. “Folks from around our Conference met virtually in the middle of a pandemic to deal with the ongoing pandemic of racial and ethnic bias in our Conference.”
Read more on the Episcopal Task Force and the task force’s recommendations, include the strategies categorized by four focus areas laid out by Bishop Farr.
See the story published in the September issue of The Missouri Methodists →
Upcoming Events
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Walk Justly Conference
Building on our rich Wesleyan heritage of social holiness, this new, two-day conference is all about missions and is for those who are dedicated to creating change in their local communities. Speakers include Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, Dr. Joshua Bartholomew, Rev. Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III, Rev. Dr. F Willis Johnson and more. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available.
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Featured Resource
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A Biblical Reflection of Emotional Health Discussion Guides
The Pixar movie Inside Out (2015) follows the emotions and experiences of 11-year-old Riley as her family goes through the transition of moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. The film provides a framework to have important discussions with families or other social connections about faith and emotions. This discussion guide can be used as you see fit in your context. You do not have to follow the questions exactly or engage in every section. Rather, it is a tool available for you to encourage natural conversations about emotional health and faith. See the guides →
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More Resources
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Pre-Recorded Sermons for Pastor Sabbaths
Time off is essential to remaining healthy and effective in ministry. We've recorded three sermons for you to use in your local church. We hope you'll utilize this resource to take a Sunday off from preaching. Additionally, we're offering the option for churches to request a customized full worship service.
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| Wellness Resources
Wellness might feel like the latest buzzword, but now more than ever, it’s important for each of us to be intentional in how we’re maintaining our well-being. Wespath defines wellness as encompassing five dimensions: mental-emotional, financial, spiritual, social and physical health.
How Does a Church Become a Supportive Community
To help others through the re-opening of in-person congregational life, it is important to have a basic understanding of what is potentially going to happen when we start gathering face-to-face. Rev. David Howlett and Elaine Howlett, creators of The Mourning Center at Christ UMC in Independence, Missouri, offer thought about how to minister with those who are grieving in the attached document.
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