Wednesday, November 29, 2006
From the Lighthouse Keeper 6.25
Greetings, saints and lighthouse keepers all!
Yesterday at the Bishop’s Advent Day Apart, keynote speaker Bishop Woodie W. White spoke about the connection we have as brothers and sisters in Christ under this United Methodist umbrella. He shared a number of inspiring accounts in his message, and as usual, though I didn’t necessarily look forward to driving to Wilmington for a 3 hour gathering, I left the gathering feeling blessed.
“There are only two times in life when you should praise God,” Bishop White told us. “When you feel like it… and when you don’t feel like it.”
So in the midst of business or recreation, of busy-ness or rest, sorrow or joy, it’s time to praise God.
Would you lift some folks in prayer for a moment?
Remember Barry F’s mother Betty, who had her hip replacement today at Montgomery. I have not yet heard the outcome.
Remember Edie and her family. Mark Terry and I visited Edie yesterday and she continues to do well. Her left wrist is still a cause for concern, as it is still healing from its break over two months ago. Though eager to go home, Edie does not want to leave rehab until it’s really okay for her to leave. She anticipates coming home before Christmas, glory to God.
And please remember Rev. Ralph Blanks. I received a letter yesterday from our Bishop’s office, stating that Rev. Blanks has “withdrawn his credentials” as our District Superintendent. The nature of the withdrawal was not elaborated upon, but please keep in prayer: Rev. Blanks and his family; the Central District Office; and Rev. Herbert Palmer, who will serve as Interim District Superintendent. Please let me know if you would like to contact any of these persons.
I hope to see you at our church conference, 5pm on Saturday, when we will celebrate the ministries of Spring City UMC, meet with Rev. Palmer, and look with faith to the future.
And praise the Lord, now and always, amen!
Pastor Kerry
Yesterday at the Bishop’s Advent Day Apart, keynote speaker Bishop Woodie W. White spoke about the connection we have as brothers and sisters in Christ under this United Methodist umbrella. He shared a number of inspiring accounts in his message, and as usual, though I didn’t necessarily look forward to driving to Wilmington for a 3 hour gathering, I left the gathering feeling blessed.
“There are only two times in life when you should praise God,” Bishop White told us. “When you feel like it… and when you don’t feel like it.”
So in the midst of business or recreation, of busy-ness or rest, sorrow or joy, it’s time to praise God.
Would you lift some folks in prayer for a moment?
Remember Barry F’s mother Betty, who had her hip replacement today at Montgomery. I have not yet heard the outcome.
Remember Edie and her family. Mark Terry and I visited Edie yesterday and she continues to do well. Her left wrist is still a cause for concern, as it is still healing from its break over two months ago. Though eager to go home, Edie does not want to leave rehab until it’s really okay for her to leave. She anticipates coming home before Christmas, glory to God.
And please remember Rev. Ralph Blanks. I received a letter yesterday from our Bishop’s office, stating that Rev. Blanks has “withdrawn his credentials” as our District Superintendent. The nature of the withdrawal was not elaborated upon, but please keep in prayer: Rev. Blanks and his family; the Central District Office; and Rev. Herbert Palmer, who will serve as Interim District Superintendent. Please let me know if you would like to contact any of these persons.
I hope to see you at our church conference, 5pm on Saturday, when we will celebrate the ministries of Spring City UMC, meet with Rev. Palmer, and look with faith to the future.
And praise the Lord, now and always, amen!
Pastor Kerry
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
From the Lighthouse Keeper 6.24
Greetings, saints and lighthouse keepers all!
How is it with your soul?
The days continue to get shorter as we pace towards the long night of the winter solstice, still four weeks away. Some people are affected by the cold and the dark and become unable to say “It is well with my soul.” Some withdraw when they see so many people celebrating and they themselves can find nothing to celebrate. Some people are burdened by a holiday season without a loved one, and find themselves only able to lift their hands to their eyes in grief, unable to lift their hands to God in prayer.
Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison, not knowing what was to happen to him, yet he rejoices because of his knowledge of the saving grace of God. “I have learned to be content with whatever I have,” he writes (Philippians 4:11). Indeed, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (4:13)
One believer who exhibited extraordinary faith was Horatio Spafford, a Chicago businessman in the mid-1800’s. His story can be found if you open up this link:
http://www.christianity.ca/church/worship/2004/02.000.html
In the midst of unthinkable loss, Spafford threw himself at God’s feet and allowed the hope of God’s Holy Spirit to bring him healing. The end result? A timeless hymn, “It is well with my soul.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_With_My_Soul
November 21 was the anniversary of the death of Spafford’s children.
Friends, I pray it is well with your soul, that you can breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to God for what he has done in your life.
I hope to see you tonight at the lighthouse on the hill, for a worship service for Thanksgiving (7pm), and I pray your Thanksgiving is a blessed one.
Pastor Kerry
How is it with your soul?
The days continue to get shorter as we pace towards the long night of the winter solstice, still four weeks away. Some people are affected by the cold and the dark and become unable to say “It is well with my soul.” Some withdraw when they see so many people celebrating and they themselves can find nothing to celebrate. Some people are burdened by a holiday season without a loved one, and find themselves only able to lift their hands to their eyes in grief, unable to lift their hands to God in prayer.
Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison, not knowing what was to happen to him, yet he rejoices because of his knowledge of the saving grace of God. “I have learned to be content with whatever I have,” he writes (Philippians 4:11). Indeed, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (4:13)
One believer who exhibited extraordinary faith was Horatio Spafford, a Chicago businessman in the mid-1800’s. His story can be found if you open up this link:
http://www.christianity.ca/church/worship/2004/02.000.html
In the midst of unthinkable loss, Spafford threw himself at God’s feet and allowed the hope of God’s Holy Spirit to bring him healing. The end result? A timeless hymn, “It is well with my soul.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_With_My_Soul
November 21 was the anniversary of the death of Spafford’s children.
Friends, I pray it is well with your soul, that you can breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to God for what he has done in your life.
I hope to see you tonight at the lighthouse on the hill, for a worship service for Thanksgiving (7pm), and I pray your Thanksgiving is a blessed one.
Pastor Kerry
A Thanksgiving message from the Bishop
A Thanksgiving message to United Methodists of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
From Bishop Marcus Matthews
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Thursday, we will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. In the busyness of our daily routines, it is often hard to stop and give thanks for God’s many blessings, both large and small.
When we celebrate Thanksgiving, we recall the Pilgrims who left England nearly 400 years ago, seeking a better life where they were free to worship God. We think, too, of the Native Americans, who welcomed the Pilgrims and invited them to share the bounty of God’s creation in a new and strange land.
We give thanks for the 125,000 United Methodists in the 475 local churches of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, who are welcoming and inviting pilgrims in our neighborhoods to share in the bounty of all that faith in Jesus Christ has to offer. Signs are everywhere of the movement of the Holy Spirit in our churches, as together we invite and welcome the stranger, and move forward in our common mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” Philippians 1:3 (The Message)
We will pray for you and the ministry of your church in your neighborhoods. We wish you many blessings as you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in your churches and homes, where you will welcome family, friends, and just perhaps, a stranger, too.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Marcus Matthews, the Cabinet, and Conference Staff
From Bishop Marcus Matthews
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Thursday, we will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. In the busyness of our daily routines, it is often hard to stop and give thanks for God’s many blessings, both large and small.
When we celebrate Thanksgiving, we recall the Pilgrims who left England nearly 400 years ago, seeking a better life where they were free to worship God. We think, too, of the Native Americans, who welcomed the Pilgrims and invited them to share the bounty of God’s creation in a new and strange land.
We give thanks for the 125,000 United Methodists in the 475 local churches of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, who are welcoming and inviting pilgrims in our neighborhoods to share in the bounty of all that faith in Jesus Christ has to offer. Signs are everywhere of the movement of the Holy Spirit in our churches, as together we invite and welcome the stranger, and move forward in our common mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” Philippians 1:3 (The Message)
We will pray for you and the ministry of your church in your neighborhoods. We wish you many blessings as you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in your churches and homes, where you will welcome family, friends, and just perhaps, a stranger, too.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Marcus Matthews, the Cabinet, and Conference Staff
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
From the Lighthouse Keeper 6.23
Greetings, saints and lighthouse keepers, all!
Although I've been "back in the saddle" (or perhaps back "tending the lighthouse", if you like) for almost a week now, my last email to you was back in October, just before embarking on a week of blessed vacation with my daughter, visiting family in the Midwest (there’s a few pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/alkeme if you’re interested).
It's a busy and exciting time, as end-of-the-year reports happen and meetings pull together to make holiday plans as well as plans for 2007. It can also be a frustrating time, and perhaps even a discouraging time as we see more and more things on our plates, yet we're trying to lose weight.
May I share with you some thoughts I ran across:
From “Jesus Calling”
Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. You seem to think that I empower you equally each day. But this is not so. Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality.
I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances, and your willingness to depend on Me for help. Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do. As your days, so shall your strength be.
Ephesians 1:18-19; Psalm 105:4; Deuteronomy 33:25
I pray, friends, that you take the moment to find those verses, and to breathe a word of prayer. Thank God, and maybe even ask for an added measure of faith to trust in his word, for he does sustain.
God’s peace be with you, friends, and I look forward to seeing you at the lighthouse soon!
Pastor Kerry
This day in history:
1760 Anglican hymnwriter John Newton (who wrote 'Amazing Grace') wrote in a letter: 'Our love to Him is the proof and measure of what we know of His love to us.'
Although I've been "back in the saddle" (or perhaps back "tending the lighthouse", if you like) for almost a week now, my last email to you was back in October, just before embarking on a week of blessed vacation with my daughter, visiting family in the Midwest (there’s a few pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/alkeme if you’re interested).
It's a busy and exciting time, as end-of-the-year reports happen and meetings pull together to make holiday plans as well as plans for 2007. It can also be a frustrating time, and perhaps even a discouraging time as we see more and more things on our plates, yet we're trying to lose weight.
May I share with you some thoughts I ran across:
From “Jesus Calling”
Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. You seem to think that I empower you equally each day. But this is not so. Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality.
I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances, and your willingness to depend on Me for help. Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do. As your days, so shall your strength be.
Ephesians 1:18-19; Psalm 105:4; Deuteronomy 33:25
I pray, friends, that you take the moment to find those verses, and to breathe a word of prayer. Thank God, and maybe even ask for an added measure of faith to trust in his word, for he does sustain.
God’s peace be with you, friends, and I look forward to seeing you at the lighthouse soon!
Pastor Kerry
This day in history:
1760 Anglican hymnwriter John Newton (who wrote 'Amazing Grace') wrote in a letter: 'Our love to Him is the proof and measure of what we know of His love to us.'
Monday, November 13, 2006
Edie update day 57
Hi All:
Sorry it's been so long, for some whacky reason things seem crazier, though I thought they'd be easier since mom got to Rehab. She's doing AMAZINGLY WELL!!!:
* Friday, 11/10/06 I went with her for her follow-up to her Neuro-Surgery appointment (C-2 Surgery doctor). He said things look very good and that things are healing nicely. She is now allowed to take the neck brace off while in bed, but does still need to wear it when not in bed. She needs to continue to use the bone stimulator. She will go back in 6 weeks and may be able to completely remove the collar in 8 weeks (from 11/10/06). Her neuro doctor saw her in the waiting room and came in to chat - he said she looked like "a million bucks" compared to the last time he saw her. He said she seemed to be doing incredibly well.
*I spent the rest of the day with her after our appointment Friday and got to go through the rest of her therapy with her. She has made remarkable improvement with walking in PT. They're working hard on her hands/wrists in OT (unfortunately, it's extremely painful for her). She's doing well with speech therapy too. We're working on "processes" at this point for her short-term memory. We actually REALLY LAUGHED for the first time - it was wonderful!
* Mel & Zach went with mom to her orthopedic appointment today. I spoke to Mark earlier and he said that the braces on her wrists are off and that all is healing well. The left wrist was just worse and will take longer to heal (as well as her left shoulder and left elbow) - more great news!
* She will be starting the next stage in eating "mechanical soft foods" (things like tuna fish on white bread). She needs to eat more of her current "blenderized" food to move up. They're going to continue to cut back on her tube feedings in hopes that she'll begin to eat more of her meals.
*They're estimating a discharge date of 12/13, though that is subject to change. The best gift of all would be to have her home for Christmas!!!!
* Saturday, we took Sheba for the first time. I had my nephews as well and mom was just so happy & excited to see all of them.
* Mark & I are going to be doing our training with mom THIS SUNDAY to take mom home for Thanksgiving Day! We can't wait!!! I'll try to get the times to everyone so that anyone looking to come sunday could arrange their schedules around our training, if you don't mind.
* She is constantly talking about everyone that comes to visit - SHE LOVES VISITORS!!!!!
Pastor Kerry: Thanks so much for calling while on your vacation. Sorry I missed your call - we were in therapy.
I know I owe a lot of people emails - will work on it! Work has been insane and I'm trying to work extra hours to make up for time off. I'll work on getting back to everyone as soon as I can. I'll also return calls as soon as I can.
THE PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!! GOD HAS BEEN GREAT! KEEP THEM COMING PLEASE!
Much Love,
Edie's kids
Sorry it's been so long, for some whacky reason things seem crazier, though I thought they'd be easier since mom got to Rehab. She's doing AMAZINGLY WELL!!!:
* Friday, 11/10/06 I went with her for her follow-up to her Neuro-Surgery appointment (C-2 Surgery doctor). He said things look very good and that things are healing nicely. She is now allowed to take the neck brace off while in bed, but does still need to wear it when not in bed. She needs to continue to use the bone stimulator. She will go back in 6 weeks and may be able to completely remove the collar in 8 weeks (from 11/10/06). Her neuro doctor saw her in the waiting room and came in to chat - he said she looked like "a million bucks" compared to the last time he saw her. He said she seemed to be doing incredibly well.
*I spent the rest of the day with her after our appointment Friday and got to go through the rest of her therapy with her. She has made remarkable improvement with walking in PT. They're working hard on her hands/wrists in OT (unfortunately, it's extremely painful for her). She's doing well with speech therapy too. We're working on "processes" at this point for her short-term memory. We actually REALLY LAUGHED for the first time - it was wonderful!
* Mel & Zach went with mom to her orthopedic appointment today. I spoke to Mark earlier and he said that the braces on her wrists are off and that all is healing well. The left wrist was just worse and will take longer to heal (as well as her left shoulder and left elbow) - more great news!
* She will be starting the next stage in eating "mechanical soft foods" (things like tuna fish on white bread). She needs to eat more of her current "blenderized" food to move up. They're going to continue to cut back on her tube feedings in hopes that she'll begin to eat more of her meals.
*They're estimating a discharge date of 12/13, though that is subject to change. The best gift of all would be to have her home for Christmas!!!!
* Saturday, we took Sheba for the first time. I had my nephews as well and mom was just so happy & excited to see all of them.
* Mark & I are going to be doing our training with mom THIS SUNDAY to take mom home for Thanksgiving Day! We can't wait!!! I'll try to get the times to everyone so that anyone looking to come sunday could arrange their schedules around our training, if you don't mind.
* She is constantly talking about everyone that comes to visit - SHE LOVES VISITORS!!!!!
Pastor Kerry: Thanks so much for calling while on your vacation. Sorry I missed your call - we were in therapy.
I know I owe a lot of people emails - will work on it! Work has been insane and I'm trying to work extra hours to make up for time off. I'll work on getting back to everyone as soon as I can. I'll also return calls as soon as I can.
THE PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!! GOD HAS BEEN GREAT! KEEP THEM COMING PLEASE!
Much Love,
Edie's kids
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
From the Lighthouse Keeper 6.22 / Edie update day 45
Greetings, saints and lighthouse keepers all!
Today is All Saint’s Day, the time of year when we remember those who have died in the past year. We will be listing and lifting their names once more this Sunday during our worship service (which Reverend Jenkins will be leading, plus it’s a Communion Sunday too).
As I ponder this season and the events that saturate it, two verses come to mind:
“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
and
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
Friends, remember that you are not alone. Which means there are others with you and before you and beside you, and it means that you are before and behind and beside and with others. And we all help one another, thanks be to God.
I pray this finds you well.
I visited with Edie today, and she’s looking and sounding more and more like the Edie I met four months ago. Talking much better, upright, exercising. She’s in pain and in frustration, but I believe she is as motivated as ever to come back. And by the grace of God, she is.
Hope to see you soon at the lighthouse on the hill!
Pastor Kerry
p.s. the United Methodist Bishops of the world are gathered in a meeting in Africa even now. There’s some more information about that here at www.FTLHK.blogspot.com.
Wednesday 11/01 Edie Update Day 45
Hi Everyone:Well, mom keeps improving!!! She had a GREAT weekend! She had a number of visitors on Saturday and was REALLY happy to see EVERYONE!!! She fell asleep with a big smile on her face and smiles everytime we talk about Saturday and her visitors!
THIS WEEKEND: We have some family coming in from out of state on Saturday with a very limited timeframe . If you wanted to visit this weekend, we ask that you COME ON SUNDAY, NOT SATURDAY or one night during the week.
*She had her first shower on Sunday! They had to get replacement padding for her neck brace before they could give her a shower - that way one set can dry while the other is on her. She was so happy and said she felt wonderful!
*Yesterday she attempted to get out of bed on her own - she wiggled down to the bottom and got her legs off the bed. BAD in that she could have fallen again, good that she's so determined (she thought she had to get to therapy)! If she keeps it up though, she'll end up in a "veil" bed (it's completely enclosed and she ends up being zipped in so she can't get out or fall out). Hopefully, she won't make another attempt!
*She remembered a little bit of something said in her therapy yesterday. We continue to "quiz" her about things. She got to see Zach on Friday night and Cory & Zach on Sunday and remembered that they had been there and was happy to have seen them. She said they brought dogs in yesterday (they have therapy dogs that come in) and had one come to see her - she was really happy about that. Hopefully, soon will be Sheba!
*At 3:30 today we meet with the Case Manager and will have a lot more information to report. We're anxious to find out about her swallowing as well as her wrists.
As always, we thank you for your continued prayers!!!
Much Love,
Edie's kids
Today is All Saint’s Day, the time of year when we remember those who have died in the past year. We will be listing and lifting their names once more this Sunday during our worship service (which Reverend Jenkins will be leading, plus it’s a Communion Sunday too).
As I ponder this season and the events that saturate it, two verses come to mind:
“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
and
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
Friends, remember that you are not alone. Which means there are others with you and before you and beside you, and it means that you are before and behind and beside and with others. And we all help one another, thanks be to God.
I pray this finds you well.
I visited with Edie today, and she’s looking and sounding more and more like the Edie I met four months ago. Talking much better, upright, exercising. She’s in pain and in frustration, but I believe she is as motivated as ever to come back. And by the grace of God, she is.
Hope to see you soon at the lighthouse on the hill!
Pastor Kerry
p.s. the United Methodist Bishops of the world are gathered in a meeting in Africa even now. There’s some more information about that here at www.FTLHK.blogspot.com.
Wednesday 11/01 Edie Update Day 45
Hi Everyone:Well, mom keeps improving!!! She had a GREAT weekend! She had a number of visitors on Saturday and was REALLY happy to see EVERYONE!!! She fell asleep with a big smile on her face and smiles everytime we talk about Saturday and her visitors!
THIS WEEKEND: We have some family coming in from out of state on Saturday with a very limited timeframe . If you wanted to visit this weekend, we ask that you COME ON SUNDAY, NOT SATURDAY or one night during the week.
*She had her first shower on Sunday! They had to get replacement padding for her neck brace before they could give her a shower - that way one set can dry while the other is on her. She was so happy and said she felt wonderful!
*Yesterday she attempted to get out of bed on her own - she wiggled down to the bottom and got her legs off the bed. BAD in that she could have fallen again, good that she's so determined (she thought she had to get to therapy)! If she keeps it up though, she'll end up in a "veil" bed (it's completely enclosed and she ends up being zipped in so she can't get out or fall out). Hopefully, she won't make another attempt!
*She remembered a little bit of something said in her therapy yesterday. We continue to "quiz" her about things. She got to see Zach on Friday night and Cory & Zach on Sunday and remembered that they had been there and was happy to have seen them. She said they brought dogs in yesterday (they have therapy dogs that come in) and had one come to see her - she was really happy about that. Hopefully, soon will be Sheba!
*At 3:30 today we meet with the Case Manager and will have a lot more information to report. We're anxious to find out about her swallowing as well as her wrists.
As always, we thank you for your continued prayers!!!
Much Love,
Edie's kids
Worldwide United Methodist Bishop gathering
United Methodist Bishops Gather in Mozambique for First Meeting Outside U.S.
Individually and in groups, United Methodist bishops from around the world arrived over the past few days for the first full Council of Bishops’ meeting to be held outside United States’ territory. The meeting begins today.
With a delegation of 170, including bishops, general secretaries, spouses, and staff, the Council has filled the Hotel Avenida in downtown Maputo. Bishops and spouses exchanged warm greetings and hugs throughout the luncheon and dinner hours Tuesday as they filled the dining room.
Some bishops received a special greeting as they arrived at Maputo’s international airport on the outskirts of the city. Local United Methodists surrounded them with song after they were processed by Mozambique customs officials.
Tuesday, Oct. 31 was a warm and humid day with the temperature above the 90 degree Fahrenheit mark. More of the same is expected for the rest of the week, local forecasters said. Maputo is located on the Indian Ocean on Africa’s east coast.
Bishops Meet with President of Mozambique;
Share Focus on Eliminating Poverty in African Nation
United Methodist bishops from around the globe met with Mozambique president Armando Emilio Guebuza in his office on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The 11-member delegation spent more than a half-hour with the president in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, the day before their semiannual meeting is due to begin.
Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Houston, president of the Council, told the Mozambique leader the church has a deep commitment to his country and to Africa. She introduced each of the bishops to Guebuza. Most of the bishops’ conferences have a direct ministry connection with Mozambique.
Host Bishop Joao Somane Machado, who has had a long, cordial relationship with the president, said the visit is significant in Mozambique.
“The president was happy to know the United Methodist Church is linking with United Methodists here, and we are linked to the broader church,” Machado said. “We bring strength to Mozambique. The bishops’ coming here sends a strong message.”
Machado said the president told the group his government’s priorities fit with the church’s priorities.
“The government works closely, in partnership with churches to tackle poverty,” Machado said.
The Presbyterian president was elected in a peaceful election two years ago, Machado said. “We changed governments and not a shot was fired. It is something to be truly proud of.”
The meeting took place in the president’s reception room, a bright, airy space inside the presidential compound in downtown Maputo. Dressed in a bright blue suit with red tie, and wearing his trademark red AIDS pin, Guebuza warmly greeted each of the bishop, gripping some of the bishops’ hand with both of his.
The bishops’ visit came on a significant day for Mozambique. Later Tuesday, the president was to preside over a ceremony finalizing the transfer of the huge Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam on the Zambezi River from Portugal to the Mozambique government. The dam produces electricity for Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. After 470 years of colonial Portuguese rule, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975.
In addition to Huie and Machado, other bishops in the delegation included: Gregory Vaughn Palmer of Des Moines, Iowa; Peter D. Weaver, or Boston; John G. Innis of Liberia, Jose Quipungo of Angola; Roy I. Sano of Washington, D.C.; Solito Toquero of the Philippines; Ann B. Sherer of Columbia, Mo.; Violet Fisher of Syracuse, N.Y., and A. Fritz Mutti of Kansas City, Mo.
Individually and in groups, United Methodist bishops from around the world arrived over the past few days for the first full Council of Bishops’ meeting to be held outside United States’ territory. The meeting begins today.
With a delegation of 170, including bishops, general secretaries, spouses, and staff, the Council has filled the Hotel Avenida in downtown Maputo. Bishops and spouses exchanged warm greetings and hugs throughout the luncheon and dinner hours Tuesday as they filled the dining room.
Some bishops received a special greeting as they arrived at Maputo’s international airport on the outskirts of the city. Local United Methodists surrounded them with song after they were processed by Mozambique customs officials.
Tuesday, Oct. 31 was a warm and humid day with the temperature above the 90 degree Fahrenheit mark. More of the same is expected for the rest of the week, local forecasters said. Maputo is located on the Indian Ocean on Africa’s east coast.
Bishops Meet with President of Mozambique;
Share Focus on Eliminating Poverty in African Nation
United Methodist bishops from around the globe met with Mozambique president Armando Emilio Guebuza in his office on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The 11-member delegation spent more than a half-hour with the president in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, the day before their semiannual meeting is due to begin.
Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Houston, president of the Council, told the Mozambique leader the church has a deep commitment to his country and to Africa. She introduced each of the bishops to Guebuza. Most of the bishops’ conferences have a direct ministry connection with Mozambique.
Host Bishop Joao Somane Machado, who has had a long, cordial relationship with the president, said the visit is significant in Mozambique.
“The president was happy to know the United Methodist Church is linking with United Methodists here, and we are linked to the broader church,” Machado said. “We bring strength to Mozambique. The bishops’ coming here sends a strong message.”
Machado said the president told the group his government’s priorities fit with the church’s priorities.
“The government works closely, in partnership with churches to tackle poverty,” Machado said.
The Presbyterian president was elected in a peaceful election two years ago, Machado said. “We changed governments and not a shot was fired. It is something to be truly proud of.”
The meeting took place in the president’s reception room, a bright, airy space inside the presidential compound in downtown Maputo. Dressed in a bright blue suit with red tie, and wearing his trademark red AIDS pin, Guebuza warmly greeted each of the bishop, gripping some of the bishops’ hand with both of his.
The bishops’ visit came on a significant day for Mozambique. Later Tuesday, the president was to preside over a ceremony finalizing the transfer of the huge Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam on the Zambezi River from Portugal to the Mozambique government. The dam produces electricity for Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. After 470 years of colonial Portuguese rule, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975.
In addition to Huie and Machado, other bishops in the delegation included: Gregory Vaughn Palmer of Des Moines, Iowa; Peter D. Weaver, or Boston; John G. Innis of Liberia, Jose Quipungo of Angola; Roy I. Sano of Washington, D.C.; Solito Toquero of the Philippines; Ann B. Sherer of Columbia, Mo.; Violet Fisher of Syracuse, N.Y., and A. Fritz Mutti of Kansas City, Mo.
