tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post3310347528362707830..comments2023-04-21T20:55:57.514-05:00Comments on Finding the Balance: A Last Word on UnderwoodJohnny Jeffordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988818509667483600noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post-18300448437083379722008-03-04T11:37:00.000-06:002008-03-04T11:37:00.000-06:00This has been such a painful situation for those o...This has been such a painful situation for those of us who have a deep love for Underwood. This church had a role in my life as well as yours and I was extremely proud when you stood before the Charge Conference to be recommended for the candidacy for ministry. I agree with you that the process appears to be rushed and don't understand why the merger could not wait until June. If the financial situation was so bad, the District and Conference could have helped the congregation make it until June. This would have given those who feel their voices weren't heard to come to terms with what was probably something that had to be done.<BR/><BR/>I know that the Book of Discipline requires that a Charge Conference is the body that approves the merger of two congregations. Yet, following the letter of the law isn't always the best course of action. It is the timing of the merger that I really call into question. I know the people who made the decision feel that they were doing the best thing for the church. But it appears that a larger portion of the congregation were not yet on board with the idea. Given more time, I believe many more of those who feel that didn't have any say in the process would have come around. But I also know there are some who would have never approved such an idea.<BR/><BR/>Through my years in the ministry,I've made several bad decisions. So I'm not blaming anyone for what has happened. I just hope that we can learn from what has happened. It is always best not to rush a process, no matter what the situation may be. What is done is done and it can't be undone. It is time to pick up the pieces and go on. It is time for forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.<BR/><BR/>My pray is that the contribution that Underwood made to the life of this Conference won't be forgotten. Underwood has touched the lives of many people and it has nurtured and sent into the ministry a number of clergy who have made and or making a significant contribution.<BR/><BR/>May God bless the merger of these two congregations.<BR/><BR/>Jerry JeffordsUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04828364609769433558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post-87477524838166861562008-03-01T20:42:00.000-06:002008-03-01T20:42:00.000-06:00I pray you're right, "anonymous," and that unity c...I pray you're right, "anonymous," and that unity can emerge, and that the new Colonial Park is a vital faith community for years to come, made possible even more by the infusion of Underwood into the bloodstream. <BR/><BR/>I truly do wish that, and if my comments have not communicated that well, then that's on me.<BR/><BR/>My concern, though, is processes that leave many feeling exiled and without voice and vote over matters of ultimate importance. What the Discipline allows and what creates the best outcome are not always the same thing. <BR/><BR/>Many more congregations than Underwood and Colonial Park will have these questions to answer in the months and years to come. We must find a way to do this that does not harm those who, if nurtured and given opportunity to sit at the table and make the idea theirs, would not feel it such a painful thing and more a sign of joy and new life.<BR/><BR/>As you celebrate a new day with the unity service, be in prayer for those who cannot yet do the same because their spirits have been harmed through this process.<BR/><BR/>I know that, in my worship, I'll be praying for both.<BR/><BR/>And with that, I'm done on this matter.Johnny Jeffordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04988818509667483600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post-11529008418182824402008-03-01T12:36:00.000-06:002008-03-01T12:36:00.000-06:00If it was your point to attack the Discipline's "p...If it was your point to attack the Discipline's "process" of Church merger you failed. What you ended up insulting, yea attacking, was a hard-working group of people who followed the dictates of our Church's Discipline of how two congregations should explore and merge. The timing of the first worship is based on trying to cauterize wounds, including financial ones. It will start a time of renewal of the Spirit here at Easter. A resurrection of sorts for both congregations that is sorely needed. You should have been looking beyond your nose to see all that is there to see! This is from laity to clergy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post-83279789256283541692008-03-01T11:43:00.000-06:002008-03-01T11:43:00.000-06:00Thankfully, "Anonymous," you make my point better ...Thankfully, "Anonymous," you make my point better than I ever could. Well done.Johnny Jeffordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04988818509667483600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438659.post-30191242097120048092008-03-01T09:09:00.000-06:002008-03-01T09:09:00.000-06:00If you read the Discipline, only a Charge Conferen...If you read the Discipline, only a Charge Conference is provided for. A Church Conference was not provided for. The Charge Conference Church leaders present voted by the majority as provided by the Discipline. Also, are you aware of the financial straits of Underwood and that it could not really pay it bills and stay open until June? The decisions were made with much prayer and tears. All had correct information the day of the vote!<BR/><BR/>AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com