Second Session June 10, 2011 Vol. 2


The River Flows A WITNESS TO MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD


By Bethany Wood “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee …


Ministry celebration


How great thou art!” One of the great hymns of the church was sung with conviction as the Min- istry Celebration began on Thursday evening. Persons stood in praise, honoring God as the fa- miliar strains of “Blessed Assurance” followed. In a stirring tribute to those who would be honored in loving tribute as the evening progressed, the gathering of the people called the Susquehanna United Methodist Conference affirmed that this is our story. Bishop Jane Allen Middleton gathered the peo-


PHOTO BY STACY ECKERT


In a symbolic transfer of ministry and authority, the Rev. Fortuna-Blake presents a staff to Rev. Kenneth Loyer.


ple of God together in a responsive greeting re- flecting the call of Jesus Christ of all to ministry and service. Continuing this theme, the worship team led the group in “I Will Rise,” a hauntingly beautiful praise song. As the recognition of retirees began, Bishop Middleton invited the honored pastors to cross over the bridge of retirement, and enter a new phase of ministry. The waters underneath the bridge appeared calm in some places, and troubled in others. Surrounding the water was greenery re- flecting the steadfastness of faith these loved pas- tors have exhibited. A video presentation accom-


STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Look, here is water


By Ed Preston The Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8:26-40 was our Bible study leader on Thurs- day morning, telling the story of his encounter with Philip. Having shared the story in character, Rev. Greg Johnson guided the assembled body into small-group conversation around of a set of questions aimed at our lives of discipleship:


• Who are your Ethiopians? • Where might they be found? • Who are your chariot drivers? • How might you engage them?


• Where is the space that will be made for those who will respond? • Who are your Philips?


• How can you provide opportunities to practice their gift of evangelism? • How do you practice your own witness?


• Who is the one new person you will share it with when you return home? • Do you have any apprehensions of being used by the Holy Spirit? • How can you prepare your congregation to welcome these new folks? • How might prayer and fasting be incorporated? After a time of conversation, Rev. Johnson shared a clip from the movie


“Alice in Wonderland,” in which the Mad Hatter points out that Alice has lost her “much-ness.” He exhorted the body to consider if individual Christians and local churches have lost their “much-ness,” their sense of identity and energy as disciples of Jesus Christ. If so, we were encouraged to work in our churches to find and live out that “much-ness,” becoming the churches God has called us to be, making disciples and showing them the way to the water by the road.


Through miracles of moden technology, the Ethopian Eunuch vis- ited the Susquehanna Conference and challenged us to live out of the “muchness”of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Gregory Johnson led the study and portayed the character of the Ethopian Eunuch.


PHOTO BY STACY ECKERT


PHOTO BY STACY ECKERT


Rev. Gladys Fortuna-Blake, who is retiring, washes the feet of Rev. Kenneth Loyer, who is being ordained.


MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD


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