On the closing day of General Conference, Rev. Joy Barrett reflects on the power of seeing each person through the eyes of Christ and connecting with them with the heart of Christ.
REV. JOY BARRETT
Clergy Delegate, Chelsea: First UMC
#SeeAllThePeople, an initiative of Discipleship Ministries, comes to my mind as I reflect on what I have experienced and hope for as a result of the postponed 2020 General Conference. There are people of strength, grace, and wisdom all around me. There are people needing care, respect, and encouragement all around me. Do I notice? Am I attentive?
I attended a rally last week as a witness for peace in Palestine. I heard important words of witness and facts about realities there. I signed a petition for an end to the hostilities. Yet the most significant moment for me was a one-to-one conversation. A woman introduced herself and said, “I am from Palestine.” The sorrow in her heart was palpable. She spoke of the agony caused by the injustices inflicted on innocent people. She said she was amazed and heartened that so many United Methodists care about the people of Palestine. Her eyes and countenance spoke volumes. It was not enough for me to simply say, “I am praying for your people.” I asked if I might give her a hug, and she said yes. The connection — shared pathos and hope — was profound and something I will not soon forget.
See all the people: I have intentionally looked people in the eye to thank them for their presence, care, and service and to acknowledge them as persons of sacred worth, deserving love and belonging. What joyous serendipities have resulted from such small yet significant intentionality.
See all the people: I came into the United Methodist family as a young teen in the early 1970s, when our United Methodist Church was also young. Harmful, exclusionary language toward persons in the LGBTQIA+ community has always been part of our shared life. That all changed with this session. After 52 years, the harmful language has been stricken from our Book of Discipline. Is it really so? Each day, that reality sinks in more deeply. Thanks be to God!
See all the people: Our worldwide family is beautiful and diverse. I rejoice in our commitment to be a worldwide church. We are better together! Yet, that breadth means we have different needs and priorities in our diverse contexts. In passing the regionalization legislation, we have chosen to see and honor all the people in our worldwide family. While one in faith, one in Christ, one in Wesleyan theology, and one in mission, we are embracing a polity that allows us to make regional adaptations. In our unity of faith, we free each other to maximize our witness and service. As each annual conference throughout the world votes on the constitutional amendments necessary to implement these changes, I pray the vision embraced by the General Conference will inspire annual conference members.
On this final day of the postponed session of the 2020 General Conference, I have great hope for the future and vitality of The United Methodist Church — around the world, in Michigan, and in each of our communities.
Siblings in Christ, God is at work in and through us, able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. May we continue to see all the people through the eyes of Christ and connect with all the people with the heart of Christ, all for the glory of God and the transformation of the world!
Last Updated on May 6, 2024