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from the bishop

Has Hope Ever Been in Greater Need?

December 2008
 
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
The Latin root of the word "Advent" means "an arrival" – a term suggestive of expectation, of hopeful anticipation. Christians understand that the birth of a baby in a stable in Bethlehem 2,008 years ago was - and is - the fulfillment of that hope. And surely at no time in many generations has this country been in greater need of that.
 
As Advent gives way to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we cannot escape awareness of the desperate circumstances in which so many of our brothers and sisters, within our churches and communities, find themselves. Even as we remember that Jesus Christ promises to take all burdens upon Himself—Isaiah 9:6 announces, "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"—to those feeling the hurt from a failed economy, failed relationship, or personal failure (and what may seem to be God's failure to notice or care), that promise may seem as remote as the star that led worshipping holy men to Bethlehem.
 
(Read complete message here.)
 
 

Mid-Year Appointments

(Effective After July 1, 2008)
Pickens-Jones, Linda12/01/2008Campbell UMC to Leave of Absence Ruby, John W.11/06/2008Senior Pastor, South Reno United Methodist Church to Voluntary Leave of Absence Sauls, Kelvin09/15/2008ATEM, GBOD Dir. Congregational Development to ATEM, GBGM Asst. Gen. Sec., Congregational Development and Racial Ethnic Ministries Inouye, Keith01/01/2009Clovis, United Japanese Christian to San Jose, Wesley UMC Dee, Gayle09/01/2008Leave of Absence to Associate, Community UMC, Half Moon Bay » see all appointment changes