The East Ohio Wesleyan Covenant Association invites you to special gathering for laity
Updated: Apr 15, 2019
Dear siblings in Christ,
The East Ohio chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association invites you to special gatherings for laity on May 6, 2019 at Louisville Christ UMC. In these days of turmoil after General Conference 2019, we are eager to join together in fellowship for inspiration, encouragement, and affirmation of our orthodox Christian heritage.
Many statements have been made by those supporting full inclusion as to the harm inflicted on the LGBT+ community by conservatives, while completely ignoring the insults, denigration, and false witness borne against us. We are chastised for a traditional, evangelical understanding of Scripture based on our own experience and logical reasoning, even as we seek to convey the Word and the love of God for all people. Therefore, we come together to pray for one another and the conundrum of our church, lifting one another and praising God for the blessing of His Holy Spirit at work even in the midst of difficulty.
We are excited to be led in the clergy session by special guest speakers Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway, chair of the Wesleyan Covenant Association Board; Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore, vice-chair of the Wesleyan Covenant Association Board; and East Ohio’s own Holly Grant, laity representative to General Conference 2019. Jeff, Dr Suzanne Nicholson and Holly will also speak at the laity forum that evening.
Dr Suzanne Nicholson, Professor of Biblical Studies at Malone University will also speak at the laity forum. Her experience includes Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Malone University, 2009-2016, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Malone University, 2004-2009 and Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church (East Ohio Annual Conference).
In addition to presenting messages of hope and healing in these days, our speakers will clarify the purpose of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. They will answer critical questions before us as a denomination, as well as providing an opportunity to reply to pre-submitted questions.
We hope you will join us Monday, May 6 at Louisville Christ UMC, located at 600 E. Gorgas Street in Louisville (zip code 44641). The clergy session will begin at 9:00 am and conclude at noon, and the laity session will begin that evening at 7:00 pm and will conclude by 9:00 pm. Please submit questions no later than Friday, May 3. We can’t guarantee that every question will be answered, but the most prevalent and requested topics will be addressed. Please submit questions to Byron Bufkin at brbufkin@yahoo.com.
On behalf of the board of the East Ohio Wesleyan Covenant Association, we sincerely hope you will join us for this event.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Chet Harris
Regional Director, EOWCA