UMRA news & updates

August 2023

WE ARE ...
THE UNITED
METHODIST
RURAL
ADVOCATES
You would not ignore a community
more than seven times larger than
New York City. Yet the rural
population in the United States,
with over 60 million people, is often
overlooked because they are not
all living in the same area.

Whether your church is urban or  

rural church, large or small, the
UMRA invites you to join our
association of clergy and laity in
reaching out to meet the needs of
A Time of Transition
people from rural communities, by Roger Grace - Past Chair
their churches and their pastors.
This year has been a time of transition in The United Methodist Church.
We provide advocacy at General At the special called General Conference in St. Louis, MO in February
Conference and Annual of 2019, Paragraph 2553 was added to the U.M. Book of Discipline. The
Conferences to affect rule new paragraph, which expires on December 31, 2023, provided a way
changes that enable churches to for U.M. Churches in the United States to exit the UMC with their
better minister in their property as long as they met specified criteria. Some Annual
Conferences have had few churches leave the denomination, while
communities, provide
others have had more. Here in West Ohio, approximately 30% of our
educational opportunities for the
churches chose to leave, and more will be holding Church Conferences
leaders of rural churches to this Fall. West Ohio will have a Special Annual Conference to approve
better serve their church bodies, their departure at the end of October.
and support church leaders in For a variety of reasons, I choose to stay within the UMC. I grew up in
personal growth and ministry. a small very conservative church in another denomination. Before
joining the UMC, I researched it and found that I could then, and still
Officers do today, agree with much of the doctrine, theology, and polity of the
2021-2024 United Methodist Church. I like John Wesley’s four-step method of
Chair - Randy Wall - studying the Bible. We examine the scripture, and then look at
[email protected] tradition, reason, and experience to help us come to an understanding
Vice Chair - Jodie Flessner of the Bible. The UMC has a “big tent”, we do not all have to agree on
each point to be brothers and sisters in Christ. I like that. God gave us
[email protected]
brains to use, not so we can all be like everyone else.
Secretary - Doug Flinn -
I like the fact that our church is a worldwide church with mission and
[email protected] ministry happening all over. None of the smaller membership, rural,
Spiritual Director - town and country churches that I served over the past 40 years could
Orrinda Stockton - ever support a missionary or a mission site on their own. However,
[email protected] through our apportionment dollars even the smallest church can know
Communications Dir - that their money is helping to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal
Michele Holloway - the sick, and make disciples of Christ all over the world.
[email protected]
 Advocacy Dir - Mollie Stewart Starting in 1981 when I was appointed to my very first church, which I
- [email protected] served while attending seminary, I was under appointment by the
Membership - Sue Grace bishop until I retired in 2016. The appointment system sent me to
[email protected] places I had never heard of and would never have gone had the bishop
Treasurer - Judy Hill not said, have I got a church for you. There are hundreds of people I
[email protected] would never have met had I not been a part of this system. I like that.
It was good for me and my family, and the system is also good for the
local churches that are served. While we all know that not every
appointment works, and not every one of the hundreds of people I’ve
met became my best friend, it still is an effective system. I wonder what
the many smaller churches that choose to disaffiliate from the UMC will
do, when their current pastor leaves. Our system is set up to protect,
support, and serve both churches and pastors, and it is one of our
strengths, in my mind.
There are many other reasons I am staying UMC. Among them are
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which is always
among the first to respond when there is a disaster and among the last
to leave when the work is done, our missions nationally and
internationally, and the fellowship with Methodists wherever I go. I
look forward to continuing to serve with you through United Methodist
Rural Advocates.

You Will Never Forget Who You Cry With

by Randy Wall, UMRA Chair

Late one afternoon, I received a call at the parsonage that

Sarah’s sister had died. It was a big deal for Sarah because her
sister was also her room-mate at the rest home that both of them
called home. It was a big deal for me because it was my first
death call as a pastor. As a new pastor and as a 20 year old
young adult, death was not something I was very familiar
with. Oh, yes. I had attended the funeral of one grandparent and
I had known the death of a couple of peers during high
school. Yet, I was awkward around death just as I was at the
fact that many people in that rural community called me
“preacher”. I knew enough to make my way to see Sarah at the
nursing home as her pastor. Nursing home staff showed me to where Sarah was in the
nursing home. (She was not in her room as the staff and funeral home folks were doing what
they had to do.) Of course, I offered my sympathy to Sarah on the death of her
sister. Clumsily, I made small talk with her. After a few minutes, I asked what would be
meaningful to her and she asked me if I would read Psalm 23. I can still remember when I got
to part in the Psalm that says “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil; for thou art with me….” I looked over at Sarah and I saw tears streaming down
her face. After I read Psalm 23, I offered to have a prayer with Sarah and she gladly
consented. I do not remember the substance of my prayers, and any words that I
prayed. What I remember most is that I was there with Sarah in her hour of need seeking my
best to be a pastor.
My first death call as a pastor happened almost 50 years ago. That kind of call as a pastor
has been repeated many times since then. What I learned that day is that the best thing that
you can give someone in their hour of need as a disciple of Christ Jesus is not some “magic
words” but your presence. As Gibran said many years ago: “You may forget those people
you laugh with, but you will never forget those you cry with.”
UMRA In-Person Gathering - Edited
by Michele Holloway

Apologies for leaving Mollie Stewart off the list of Board

Members. (Editor)
In April 2023, for the first time since 2019, the UMRA Executive Board
was able to gather as a body to do the business of the Rural Advocates.
We looked at the legislation that had been written in 2018 to see if
anything needed updating, as well as looked for any new legislation we
might consider prior to 2024 General Conference. The current
legislation can be found on the UMRA website.
Pictured, left to right: Randy Wall, Deb Ketcham, Sue Grace, Doug
Flinn, Jodie Flessner, Judy Hill, Michele Holloway, John Baney, Debbie
Baney (Guest) Gayle Lesure, Erie Stuckett. Joining on Zoom: Orrinda
Stockton and Alan Rice (not pictured). Also not pictured Roger Grace
and Dave Ruesink. Not in Attendance: Andrew Coon, Mollie Stewart,
and Nathan Jeffries.

If anyone is interested in participating on the UMRA Executive Board, please let one of the officers listed above know
of your desire.

Let Us Be Eclectic in Our Hymn Singing

Rev. Dr Carl K. Ellis

One of the biggest arguments in the small membership church has been
over choosing hymns and music styles. Back in the '60s, when I was in high
school, there were heated discussions about hymn selection and using
guitars rather than the organ during worship. Years later, I remember
standing at the door after church and having an older member ask me why
we only sang new hymns during worship. Then moments later, a young parent asked me why we
only sang traditional hymns during the worship service. Even though we had two traditional and two
modern hymns, neither person was happy.

The blessing of being in a small membership church is that we become like family with different
tastes in music and worship. Unfortunately, we sometimes have trouble dealing with the other's
taste in music. Instead of learning to appreciate different styles of music, we spend time arguing
about which hymns we want to sing on Sunday morning.

May I suggest we remember that small membership churches are also known as "Family Churches."
And because we are a multi-generational family, we will have family members who like different
styles of music, which is good. Honestly, different types of music are good, if, and this is a BIG "IF,"
we will accept and sing various hymns.

Here are some suggestions to help us become eclectic hymn singers.

1. God calls us to make a joyful noise and does not limit us to one type of hymn.
2. We come to worship God. Singing is an essential part of praise and worship.
3. All instruments can help us to praise God.
4. During congregational hymns, praise bands are there to lead singing and not to perform
like at a concert.
5. During congregational hymns, the organist/pianist is there to lead singing, not perform
like at a formal recital.
 6. Musicians should help people learn new hymns. Because people are timid about singing
during worship when they don't know a hymn, have a hymn sing to help the
congregation learn new songs.
7. Learn about the history of hymns – who wrote it and why.
8. Some hymns are important to worshippers because they helped them through a
significant life event. Give people opportunities to share how their favorite hymn shaped
or helped their faith.
9. Remember, hymns can be a prayer. Take time to meditate on what you are singing.
10. Remember Rule number IV in Wesely's Directions for Singing, "Sing lustily and with
good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your
voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being
heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan."

Several years ago, I attended an Orders and Fellowship meeting for pastors. The people who
designed the event wanted to introduce the clergy to modern music. Every service was praise music
which is not my favorite. I arrived before the final worship service, so I could take a few minutes to
pray (complain) to God. I wondered why they did not choose traditional music; that is the hymns I
like. And then God spoke to me. How would I feel if I liked praise music and all the congregation
sang was traditional music?

Since then, I have tried to be more eclectic, learning praise and modern hymns. I have included
them in my personal prayer time and worship. I have found that they enrich my spiritual life and
help me to grow closer to God.

I pray that small membership churches might become a place of worship where people of all ages
can come and share their faith journey through hymns that speak to all ages.
"Reprinted by permission of The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries (https://www.tasmcm.org/)."

Devotions
by Orrinda Stockton, Spiritual Director
 As I close my eyes and envision a field of sunflowers, a sense of
tranquility washes over me. The vibrant golden petals stretch towards
the sky, capturing the essence of unwavering determination and
boundless positivity. Each sunflower stands tall, a testament to
resilience in the face of challenges.

I imagine myself amidst this serene landscape, feeling the gentle

breeze rustling the leaves and the warmth of the sun's embrace. The
sunflowers teach me the art of mindfulness, as they effortlessly turn to
follow the sun's path, an embodiment of embracing life's changes with
grace.

I am reminded to seek God’s light within, just as the sunflower seeks

the sunlight. I absorb the beauty of this natural symphony, finding
solace in the simplicity of existence. The sunflowers whisper a gentle
reminder: amidst life's twists and turns, I too can find my center, stand
tall, and radiate positivity, casting my own unique light upon the world.

Gracious God, the beauty of nature is such a positive reminder of your care for this creation. Help us
to remember we are stewards of that creation, here on borrowed time. Give us the strength and
determination to right the damage done in the mistaken belief that we are the authority over all we
survey. Guide us to find our own unique way of being in love with all creation. Amen.

NFAMLP MEETING IN SEPTEMBER

September 12-14, 2023 at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA

This year the National Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors, will gather at this
historic site to discuss the future of the United Methodist Church. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr Anne
Burkholder. Now retired, she is the former Professor in the Practice of Ecclesiology and Church
Leadership at Candler School of Theology and supervised the Course of Study at Emory University
for many years.
She is one of the three primary writers of the of the Study of Ministry Commission published for the
2020 General Conference. We will focus on our ministry and the legislation we have proposed to
change our relationship to the church. We believe these changes will help make the United
Methodist Church stronger in its ministry to Christ. We will also have Rev. Dr. Trip Lowery who is
the lead person at GBHEM for the Study of Ministry Report and Rev. Amie Stewart who is the
Director of Conference Relations from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Registration:
$200 per clergy
$50 per spouse
Go to NFAMLP.org to register for this event and to find the link to make housing reservations at Epworth by
the Sea. Please register by August 31st.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The national organization, United Methodist Rural Advocates, is pleased to announce we have a limited number of
scholarships to offer for attending programs or trainings that can enhance rural ministry. An applicant can be
considered for a scholarship of up to the lesser of $400 or one half of program/event fees, etc. It is through the
UMRA IGNITE fundraising campaign that these scholarships are being offered.

Please contact Treasurer Judy Hill to learn more. Contact information is listed below.
Judy Hill, Treasurer UMRA
3642 Road D
Joes, CO 80822

Email: [email protected]

RURAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Be A Disciple Course Schedule

The Academy Courses

Foundations for Ministry
Dates: Aug. 27, 2023 - May 3, 2024

Learn more and register

Foundations for a Thriving Church

Dates: Aug. 28, 2023 - Apr. 27, 2025

Learn more and register

NETworX INFORMATION

NETworX-Securing Well-being Together

Measurable outcomes, measured at six-month intervals

throughout NETworX participation, include:
• Increase in income to at or above 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines,
• Decrease in use of public assistance,
• Decrease in revolving debt from credit cards, rent-to-own, or predatory lending,
• Increase in assets,
• Increase in safe, supportive, and nurturing relationships, and
• Increase in perception of overall quality of life.
If you are interested in hearing more, contact Alan Rice, a member of the UMRA Executive
Committee at 336-239-1526 or visit www.NETworXUSA.org

SHARE MINISTRY/BEST PRACTICES STORIES WITH US

Are there ministries and outreach programs in your churches that you want others to know
about? We celebrate the truth that rural/town and country churches are vital and active
within their communities and we want to share that information around the country. Do you
have a story of joy or hope that you would like to have shared here? There are others who
could greatly benefit from what has worked for you and even what hasn't worked but that
has allowed you to grow. Send stories to Michele Holloway, Communications Director,
at [email protected] and your stories will be published in upcoming editions of this
eCommunication.
This newsletter is published every other month: February, April, June, August, October, and
December. Please send all submissions to the above email address no later than the 25th of the
month prior to publication.

UMRA MEMBERSHIP

Memberships are available in the following categories:

Limited Income (What you can afford.)
Student $10.00
Basic One-Year $35.00
Church One-Year $50.00
Sustaining Membership $25.00/month
Advocacy Membership One-Year $250.00
Membership Letter and Form - click here
Two Easy Steps to Membership
1. Please fill out membership form:
United Methodist Rural Advocates Membership
2. Pay Membership Dues through PayPal
For more information or membership, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Sue Grace - Membership Secretary
2755 Independence Ct,
Grove City, OH 43123
740-707-2901
UMRA membership provides not only voice and vote in the organization, but also includes a subscription to
the UMRA E NEWSLETTER.

   
 

United Methodist
Rural Advocates
Click links to the right to find us.