Deepening Our - Faith Strengthening Our Fellowship - Extending Our Outreach

Gospel Reading - Matthew 22: 36-40: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” This is the Word of our Lord. Thanks be to God.

This morning our church is at the crossroads, both literally and figuratively. Our outward location hasn’t changed; however, within our church we’re about to make a critical decision about the future course of our spiritual and communal life. We’ve discussed and more recently voted on whether or not to become part of the Reconciling Ministries Network. I am thankful that God has guided each of us to be respectful of the differing opinions that were expressed on both sides of this issue. Now I want to share with you the results of the vote and describe what it means to our church.

200 ballots were mailed to the members of the congregation and 95 were returned. When the votes were counted, ratification was approved by a majority of those persons who returned ballots. As a result, Orleans United Methodist Church will contact the Reconciling Ministries Network and apply to be part of this network. But what does this mean for our church here at the crossroads?

•  First: We will continue to follow The Discipline in every respect as it is currently written regarding ordination standards and marriage. If the General Conference, at some later date, changes The Discipline we will modify our practices accordingly.

•  Second: We will continue to open our doors to everyone who is seeking salvation through Jesus Christ in accordance with our Statement of Welcome.

•  Third: Our church’s name will be posted on the RMN website; however, we will not put up any signage, symbols, or banners regarding our affiliation with the Reconciling Ministries Network.

•  Fourth: Those members who have been in contact with the RMN and other churches in our Conference will meet with our fellow Methodists to keep abreast of the progress that this movement is making.

•  Fifth: We will concentrate our focus as a church that is committed to deepening our faith in God, strengthening our fellowship with one another, and extending our outreach to our neighbors in need.

I ask each of you to take time to prayerfully reflect on these guidelines as we proceed on our respective faith journeys. I believe these guidelines reflect the will of the majority of our congregation while respecting the position of those who do not share that view. We’ve had an open, frank and civil discussion of this issue.

We’ve decided the issue by a vote of all members. Now it’s time for all us to come together and focus on the Great Command from our Lord Jesus Christ - “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself!”