Weekly Note from
Rev. Jim Peich

Dear Cornerstone UMC Family:

Today, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church concludes its gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

As I’ve recently shared, this legislative body typically meets every 4 years and has authority to revise the denomination’s governing documents and policies, set denominational budgets, approve theological statements, elect Judicial Council members, and more.

Delegates have met to worship, pray, fellowship, and conduct the important business of the denomination on behalf of more than 6 million United Methodist members across the globe.

The Missouri Annual Conference sent 12 voting delegates (half lay members and half clergy) to represent us at General Conference.

We Are a Family

As with every General Conference since 1784, there are people who agree and disagree with one or more of the many decisions made by this legislative body. And that’s okay!

One of the things that I love about United Methodism is our ability to serve Jesus Christ together even when we have different perspectives on matters of faith.

Cornerstone UMC, and its predecessor congregations, have been doing this for more than 200 years!

One of the first things I learned about Cornerstone UMC when I arrived last year is that this congregation treats people like family. This is incredibly beautiful, genuine, and special.

With that in mind, I invite us all to remember that just as family members have differences of opinions and continue to love each other, so too can the people of Cornerstone UMC!

My Expectations

As your pastor, I want to be clear that I have no expectation for you to believe everything that I believe. I’m certain there are many things we agree upon and likely some where we disagree. That is normal, healthy, and okay! I will love you the same!

My wife and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage this year. This does not mean we agree on everything. It does mean that our love for each other is bigger than our differences and we choose to stay in loving relationship. The same is true of our church community.

I also have no expectation that you believe the same as others in our church family. For example, while it may be hard to comprehend, there are some people in our church who support the Chicago Cubs over the St. Louis Cardinals. And yet, we love each other dearly and faithfully serve Christ together!

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, once said - “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may!”

As we are each on an individual journey to more fully understand and follow our good and loving God, here’s what I do expect as your pastor: 

1. We will treat one another with love, respect, and compassion.

2. When our opinions differ from others, we will approach them with a spirit of curiosity and a desire to listen and learn.

3. We will continually re-examine the roots and scriptural foundations of our own beliefs.

4. We will avoid judging others and their beliefs.

5. We will partner together to share God’s unconditional love and saving grace.

Key General Conference Decisions

This was a historic General Conference for The United Methodist Church. Several key decisions were made that will shape the future of our denomination.

While there were many decisions, some that may interest you are:

• Regionalization – The General Conference approved moving toward a new “regionalized” church structure. The next step is for annual conferences to vote on regionalization as it requires changes to the denomination’s constitution.

  Regionalization will allow different regions of the world (e.g., Africa, Europe, United States, etc.) to adopt rules, procedures, and practices that fit their needs and customs as long as they align with the overarching tenets of the denomination.

  Right now, some regions have this opportunity, but not all (including the United States).

• Full Communion with the Episcopal Church – The General Conference approved entering into “Full Communion” with the Episcopal Church, who will now vote at a future meeting of their legislative body to do the same.

  If jointly approved, it would mean that Methodists and Episcopalians recognize the authenticity of each other’s baptism and Holy Communion; extend sacramental hospitality to one another’s members; recognize ordination of each other’s priests, elders and deacons; report regularly to one another; formulate joint educational materials and encourage continuing education opportunities for lay and clergy leaders regarding full communion; and agree to cultivate and maintain active partnership and consultation with each other.

  We are already in Full Communion with several other denominations including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

• New Social Principles Adopted – The General Conference adopted new Social Principles. While not church law, the Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions.

  They are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit.  The Social Principles call all members of The United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.

• LGBTQ Clergy - The General Conference of The United Methodist Church voted (with 93% in favor) to remove a 40-year ban on LGBTQ+ persons serving as clergy. As a result, all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, who are called by God and affirmed by the Church for such ministry, will now have the opportunity to serve in this way.

  Bishops, working through the District Superintendents and church Staff Parish Relation Teams, will continue to ensure that appointed clergy are a good match for each United Methodist congregation so that both can thrive and flourish in their service to Jesus Christ.

• LGBTQ Weddings – The General Conference also removed clergy penalties for marrying same-sex couples. Under this decision, United Methodist clergy and churches are neither prohibited from doing so, nor required to do so.

  Each pastor has the ability to decide who they will marry, and this remains unchanged. Pastors and churches will also continue to have the ability to decide how church buildings are used for the benefit of ministry.  

My Theological Journey

Like many of you, my understanding of God, the scriptures, and faith has grown and evolved over my lifetime.

I celebrate that many of my beliefs have remained steadfast while others have expanded. I think that’s what God intends.

As a life-long learner and pastor, I seek to learn from a variety of different sources, including:

• Scholars who have spent their lives studying the events, contexts, geographies, and manuscript copies of the scriptures in their original languages;

• Theologians, pastors, and authors who offer a wide range of viewpoints and insights;

• My lived experiences as a husband, father, friend, pastor, etc.;

• The traditions and history of the Christian Church;

• Those whose experiences and life are different than mine.

In the words of author Colby Martin, I have found that “reassessing long-held beliefs about the Bible can be not just an intellectual challenge, but an emotional one too. When those beliefs concern not just your commitment to scripture but the very lives and dignity of other people – maybe even yourself – the stakes are especially high. To wrestle with these things in community with other people of faith who come from a different starting point, have walked different roads, and carry different baggage, takes courage and compassion.”

I believe that Cornerstone UMC is a place of such courage and compassion!

My support for the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in all aspects of church life (including ordination and marriage) is one of the ways my theology has evolved as I have studied the scriptures.

For those who may be curious about my theological journey on this matter, I will be hosting a free class this fall on “The Bible and Same-sex Relationships: A Journey.” In addition, I’m glad to recommend a couple of books that I have found helpful on this topic.  

What’s Next for Cornerstone UMC?

Regardless of the recent decisions of General Conference, Cornerstone UMC will be a family that continues to gather for worship on Sunday mornings; continues to help those in need; continues to be a people who learn and grow together in faith; continues to share the good news of the Gospel; and continues to love God and others as followers of Jesus Christ.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Holy Communion (all are welcome) together. We’ll also continue the sermon series titled, “Questions Jesus Asked” and unpack one of the more than 300 questions Jesus asked to the people he encountered during his ministry.

Sunday’s sermon will explore when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” and what it means for us today. Take a look at Mark 8:27-35 and come ready to learn and grow.

I hope to see you in worship this Sunday at 9a (classic in the Sanctuary) or 10:30a (modern in The Corner). If you can’t make it in person, please participate online at csofallon.org/worship.

Remember, families and children are always welcome in worship at Cornerstone UMC!

Peace,

Rev. Jim Peich
Lead Pastor – Cornerstone UMC
pastor@csofallon.org