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BISHOP'S OFFICE

February 15, 2019

Dear Lay and Clergy of East Ohio,

I am calling all clergy and laity to a time of prayer as we prepare for the Special Session of General Conference, which is only one week away. I ask that you join me in praying that the power of the Holy Spirit would guide our delegates as they seek to do their best work that demonstrates God’s love, grace, mercy, and justice. I pray that we all fully rely on God to guide all conversations, decisions, and actions as God leads us forward as The United Methodist Church.

We pray not only for the work that will be done at the Special Session but we also pray for the faithful and ongoing work we all are called to do in the days that follow as we continue to: be disciples, make disciples, and mature disciples of Jesus Christ; be Gods agents of transformation in our communities and throughout the world; and reach new people, younger people, and a more diverse people with the love of Jesus.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” 

– Ephesians 3:16-20 (NIV)

The Special Session of General Conference will begin with a Day of Prayer on Saturday, February 23. The purpose of the day is to pray for the 2019 Special Session of General Conference and to find a Way Forward that will maximize the Church’s witness and mission in the world. 

View the Day of Prayer schedule.

You can watch the Day of Prayer, and each worship service and plenary session of the Special Session, via live stream on the East Ohio Conference General Conference website, www.eocumc.com/eogc19.

Our journey continues after the Special Session of General Conference as we move forward sharing the love of Christ and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! 

• I remind you that during the week of February 25 my office will provide a prayer that I am asking each church to include in its worship service(s) on Sunday, March 3; and
• I once again call all lay and clergy of East Ohio to attend one of the post-General Conference informational gatherings led by me and members of our East Ohio delegation:

Saturday, March 9	10:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Newcomerstown Christ UMC
Saturday, March 9	2:00 – 3:30 p.m.	North Canton Faith UMC
Sunday, March 10	4:00 – 5:30 p.m.	Strongsville UMC

With Love,

 

 

Bishop Tracy S. Malone
Resident Bishop