Kindred in Christ,

This past week, the Merger Exploration Team met for the first time (see above). As you may know, this is a team composed of a committee from Green Lake UMC and a committee from U Gathering UMC, which will explore a possible shared missional future for both communities, and will lead us in that discernment and all-community discussions (see below for more info). While we recognize that we are unsure if an official merger will work out, we are excited to open ourselves up to where the Spirit may lead. Pictured above from GLUMC: Sue Wolf, Pastor Willie Deuel, Dave Goddard, and Ross Wolf, and from UGUMC: Jemina Marasigan, Graham Whitehouse, Sharon Fisher, Larry Erickson, and Pastor Paul Ortiz. Not pictured, but also in attendance was Erica Mattingly (UGUMC), Clara Pang (GLUMC), and Heather Teegarden (GLUMC). 
Oftentimes as individuals and as a church we are tempted to wait and not act until we have every possible outcome figured out in our heads. This might grant us a sense of security. And while it is good to make informed decisions, there is also the danger of becoming stagnant because we are waiting for the perfect moment to act, which may never come. Indeed, this is the story of many declining congregations that refuse to change or try something new. I am proud that we are a community that continues to step out in faith, and discern together where God may be leading next. At our meeting we shared the dreams of the past and how that might fit into our evolving future as we build further relationships and seek to continue our mission to our surrounding neighborhoods. And that stepping out into the unknown, and being open to seeking God’s guidance in community, is what faith feels like in our lives.

Our Wesleyan/Methodist tradition has always insisted that faith and works go hand in hand. But often we think of those as two separate partners in tandem. But, as we will explore this Sunday, faith is the letting go of our need for certainty in our lives, our need to have it all figured out, which then frees us to step out and work for the common good in fresh ways that we might not have otherwise. I look forward to exploring this way of being with you in person or online as we conclude our series, Means of Grace.

Alongside you,

Rev. Paul Ortiz