The e-Bulletin of the Evangelical Renewal Fellowship in New England

Evangelical Renewal Fellowship is the New England Association of the Confessing Movement within the United Methodist Church

 

The e-Bulletin is a monthly electronic publication reporting on news, events, and actions impacting evangelical renewal within the New England Annual Conference.

August 2008

News:

The church’s California-Nevada legislative assembly approved a resolution in June commending retired clergy who have offered to perform same-sex ceremonies. However Bishop Beverly J. Shamana has issued a ruling declaring the statement “void and of no effect.” See "Bishop rules on Statement".

 

Will California church officials uphold United Methodism’s prohibition against homosexual nuptials? See "California Same-Sex Unions Challenge United Methodists".

 

The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council will include five new faces when it convenes Oct. 22-25 in Minneapolis. See Judicial Council sets Docket for Fall Meeting.

 

The church is divided over the question of the practice of homosexuality. There is no question about that. Perhaps, it would be worth considering what happened the other time the church was so bitterly divided over a moral question, namely, on slavery in the mid-1800s. See Slavery, Homosexuality, And “Not Being Of One Mind”. 

 

What's happening to mainline Protestantism. See The Death of Protestant America: A Political Theory of the Protestant Mainline.

 

Anglican bishops gathered recently in England for the Lambeth Conference, the decennial meeting of all the bishops in the global Anglican Communion. See What is at Stake?

 

Have you reflected lately on God's purpose for the Body of Christ? See the "Joy of the Whole Earth?"

 

Upcoming Events:

The ERF executive team will meet on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Exeter United Methodist Church, Exeter, NH.

 

Action:

The Church Ministries section of The Mission Society serves the local church in helping it fulfill the Great Commission locally, nationally and internationally and subsequently partners with the church to jointly facilitate the mobilization of other churches. Using New Testament church principles, they show you how to ignite your congregation for effective outreach. Learn how to mobilize your church.

 

For Christian books, merchandise, and fundraiser ideas, check out Fishnet Books, Etc's new web site at  www.fishnetbooks.com.

 

Help your friends, relatives, acquaintances, and neighbors understand and develop an evangelical Christian vision and perspective. Encourage them to frequent the ERF web site at www.RenewNE.org.

 
Please send any comments or suggestions about this e-Bulletin
to Walter Ciesluk, "Communications Coordinator"