Christmas Eve message from Bishops

Don't forget! Bishops Matthews and Hassinger have composed a reflection for Christmas eve, available for download.

Churches are encouraged to print this for use with Christmas Eve bulletins. If it's too late for your church office to do so, don't neglect to read the reflection and share it in other ways - church website or January newsletter, for instance.

Blessed Christmas, all!

You supply the music

A lighthearted gift of the season (you supply the tune):

On the 5th day before Christmas, the New ACT gave to us:
5 primary values
4 Areas of Focus
3 Simple Rules
2 Faithful Bishops
And a vision for Being God’s Love….

Primary Colors

Here's a slightly different twist on the five values/principles affirmed by New ACT. These are described in more depth in the Convener's Blog.

I call these the "Primary Colors" of the new conference:

• The PRIMARY PURPOSE of the AC: to help persons “live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love to [their] neighbors."

• The PRIMARY MEASURE of the success of AC and its churches: the quality and quantity of relationships established with our neighbors, particularly those who have been disenfranchised by mainstream society.

• The PRIMARY TASK of the AC: to engage, equip, and empower local churches to be in ministry with and to our Global Neighborhood.

• The PRIMARY COMPONENT in pursuing that task: encouraging and developing leadership within the laity and clergy that is diverse and engaged with the vision of Christ.

• A PRIMARY RESOURCE to guide congregations and conference: the Four Areas of Focus of The United Methodist Church.