Latest BSA Bankruptcy Update

Here is the latest communication we have been asked to share with Northwest Texas Conference pastors in relation to the Boy Scout bankruptcy proceedings.  Please read through this carefully.  If you have questions, feel free to call me at 806.762.0201.  We will keep you posted as we receive additional information.

Mike Schafer

Director of Mission & Administration

I want to share with you a quick update on the Boy Scout bankruptcy case. Your church may have received one or more packets in the mail about the Boy Scout bankruptcy. The BSA is required to send to all present and past congregations who chartered a scout troop a packet of information about the bankruptcy. Many churches’ packets will also include ballots.  Unfortunately, organizations that are trying to influence a congregation’s vote are also sending information packets which look like the official documents.

 

DO NOT FILL ANYTHING OUT AT THIS TIME.  ANY LOCAL CHURCH THAT RECEIVES THE PACKAGE SHOULD TAKE NO ACTION AT THIS TIME. The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee is working toward a settlement on behalf of our UMC cases.  The committee is also developing recommendations for local churches on how to complete the included ballot. These guidelines will be shared as soon as they are complete. Local churches will also be provided with a summary of the most important aspects of the plan. Additionally, information sessions for district superintendents, as well as webinars for church leaders about how to complete the form, why the vote matters, and how the outcome may affect our congregations, will be provided.  All of this should happen by November 23rd so that you can have your ballot in the mail in plenty of time before the December deadline.

 

Let me repeat…do not fill anything out in relation to the Boy Scout bankruptcy case at this time.  Your District Superintendent and I will be following up with you on when and how to fill out the forms.  If you have questions, please call me 806.762.0201 or email me at schafer@nwtxconf.org. 

Bishop Bickerton elected as next president of UMC Council of Bishops

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

Bishop Bickerton elected as next president of UMC Council of Bishops

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bishop Thomas Bickerton, the residential bishop of New York Conference, was elected today as the next president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church during the bishops’ online meeting via ZOOM.

"It is very humbling to be asked to offer my leadership at this point in the church’s life and work,” Bishop Bickerton said after the election. “While the road ahead will no doubt present us with great challenges, I celebrate a faith which offers the firm assurance that God will provide us with the light we need to find the next step on the path. My prayer is that with grace and deep respect, we will continue to find ways to love one another as a response to God’s great love for us. I pledge to lead out of that same conviction and covet the prayers of the church as we embark on this journey together.”

Also elected were:

The current officers are Bishop Fierro Harvey, president; Bishop Bickerton, president-designate; and Bishop Tracy Malone as secretary. The new officers will take office at the end of the 2022 spring meeting of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Harvey will serve as the immediate past president of the Council.

Bishop Harvey calls on COB to lead by love

As the COB began its virtual meeting Tuesday, the current president of the council, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey called her colleagues to a time of leading by the example of love.

The bishops, meeting online because of the continuing world-wide pandemic, heard Bishop Harvey say, “It’s time to face the reality that our Big Tent is having trouble holding up to the winds of change.”

Bishop Harvey serves the Louisiana Annual Conference, which has seen more than its fair share of heavy winds, rain, and flooding in recent years.

The bishop said that the denomination is in a waiting period that began last year and is now extended to at least 2022, when the postponed 2020 General Conference is scheduled to meet. During this time of waiting, she said, there is the “potential to shift our focus from the very people we are called to serve.”

Quoting John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Bishop Harvey said that for him, 1 John 4:19 was the “sum of the whole gospel: ‘We love God because God first loved us!’”

She urged all United Methodists to do the work of shaping a new future for the church led by love.

“There are many conversations taking place, many narratives being formed,” Bishop Harvey said. “It is time for us to join together and shape the future for the continuing United Methodist Church.”

Noting that United Methodists are called to do this work with head connected to heart, she said she believed that this is what will keep many people “in The United Methodist Church.”

“Our Methodist DNA calls us to love – to experience love, to be love in a world that does not know love. Love calls for civil discourse. Love calls for a heart of peace,” Bishop Harvey said.

“We must use this time well – with or without a General Conference and out of our love for one another – put our rhetoric aside,” she said, “and begin to work together so that the gospel has a chance of being proclaimed.”

Bishop Harvey made it clear that she is working hard to shape the continuing United Methodist Church.

“That is my call,” she said. “It honors my ordination and consecration vows. It is who I am. I am and will continue to be an Elder, a Bishop, in The United Methodist Church.”

Her prayer, she said, is that The United Methodist Church receives and honors the gifts of all of God’s children.

“Black, Brown, White, Asian, straight, gay, transgendered – ALL of God’s children – ALL of whom offer their gifts to God and to the church.”

And the bishop also wanted to make it clear that whatever a “future” United Methodist Church may look like, “you will have a home. If you consider yourselves liberal or evangelical, you will have a home. If you see yourselves as progressive or traditional, centrist or conservative, center-right or center-left, you will have a home in the Future United Methodist Church.”

And that’s because, she said, “that is what I believe the Kingdom of God looks like.”

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Media Contact: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga

Director of Communications – Council of Bishops

The United Methodist Church

mmulenga@umc-cob.org

202-748-5172

www.unitedmethodistbishops.org

Important BSA Bankruptcy Update

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Here is the latest communication we have been asked to share with Northwest Texas Conference pastors in relation to the Boy Scout bankruptcy proceedings.  Please read through this carefully.  If you have questions, feel free to call me at 806.762.0201.  We will keep you posted as we receive additional information.

Mike Schafer

Director of Mission & Administration

 

Important BSA Bankruptcy Update – Receipt of Disclosure Statement Package

 

This update is being shared with all pastors serving local churches within the conference to ensure it reaches every local church that might receive a Disclosure Statement Package in the near future. If your church does not receive the Packet, you can safely ignore this update. If you do receive the packet, do not take any action at this time.

 

In the coming days, many United Methodist churches will receive a package in the mail from the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy case.  The mailing is being sent to all chartered organizations that sponsored a troop with Boy Scouts and is called a Disclosure Statement Package. It is intended to summarize for chartered organizations how the BSA’s proposed plan of reorganization will affect the legal rights of chartered organizations with respect to Scouting-related sexual abuse claims potentially connected to chartered organizations. The Package will include the following:

 

  • A “plan language” summary of the Disclosure Statement drafted specifically for chartered organizations;

  • An “opt out” form relating to options all chartered organizations have as to how sexual abuse claims against each chartered organization will be dealt with. THIS SHOULD NOT BE FILLED OUT BY A LOCAL CHURCH UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE (more information on this will be provided in the next two weeks); and

  • A ballot for casting a vote for or against the plan (only local churches that timely filed a “proof of claim” with the bankruptcy court will receive a ballot, other chartered organizations will only receive the rest of the Package). THIS SHOULD NOT BE FILLED OUT AT THIS TIME (more information on this will be provided in the next two weeks).

 

The Package is being sent by the BSA to all known chartered organizations, so it will be received by local churches that are chartered organizations regardless of whether they filed a proof of claim. ANY LOCAL CHURCH THAT RECEIVES THE PACKAGE SHOULD TAKE NO ACTION AT THIS TIME. The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee is also developing recommendations for local churches on how to complete the included ballot, which will be shared as soon as they are complete (and well before the voting deadline of December 14, 2021). Local churches will also be provided with a summary of the most important aspects of the plan. Additionally, information sessions for district superintendents, as well as webinars for church leaders about how to complete the form, why the vote matters, and how the outcome may affect our congregations, will be provided.

 

Resolution Passes at the NWTX 2021 Annual Conference Gathering

At the NWTX 2021 Annual Conference held August 13 and 14 in Lubbock, Texas, a Resolution in Response to the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation was submitted by FUMC Albany. The Resolution was passed with 184 for and 39 against with an amendment. The amended resolution is posted below for reference and will be in the NWTX Journal posted later this fall. The following resolution is an aspirational resolution meaning it is not binding or now church law. It is based on assumptions of the Protocol passing at the next General Conference meeting.

To read the original resolution do so in the Pre-Confernce Journal, page 100.

For more information on the Transition Team’s Presentation, visit the website here.

Resolution in Response to the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation

Submitted by First United Methodist Church, Albany, Tx.

WHEREAS, a Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation has been submitted to the 2020 General Conference, which has been rescheduled for August 29 – September 6, 2022;

WHEREAS, the Protocol states, “After careful reflection, discussion, and prayer, The United Methodist Church and its members acknowledge fundamental differences regarding our understanding and interpretation of Scripture, our theology, and our practice. The February 2019 Special Session of the General Conference did not resolve our differences related to the full participation of LGBTQ persons in the life of the Church. The United Methodist Church is at an impasse, individual members as well as the Church at large have been injured, and the Church’s witness and mission are being impeded.”

WHEREAS, in recognition of this harmful impasse, the Protocol proposes, “restructuring and separation as the best means to resolve our differences, making provisions for The United Methodist Church to move forward as two or more separate entities, each of which remains true to its theological understanding while recognizing the dignity, equality, integrity, and respect of every person. This proposal was crafted in recognition of the regional contexts and divergent points of view within the global United Methodist Church and as a faithful step that maintains the possibility of continued cooperation around matters of shared mission and interest, enabling each of us to live out our faith authentically.”

WHEREAS, the North West Texas Annual Conference agrees with these principles and envisions with the Protocol “an amicable separation in The United Methodist Church that would provide a pathway to new denominations of the Methodist movement and a restructuring of The United Methodist Church. These new denominations, though separate, will continue the rich heritage of the Methodist movement, while being free to share their respective witnesses for Christ unhindered by those with whom they have been in conflict.”

WHEREAS, the Protocol defines a new Traditional Methodist Denomination as “a New Methodist Denomination that maintains the current stance of the 2019 Book of Discipline regarding the definition of marriage and ordination standards related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and queer persons.”

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the North West Texas Annual Conference endorses the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation and urges the General Conference to adopt it substantially unchanged.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the North West Texas Annual Conference declares its intention, should the Protocol be adopted at the 2022 session of General Conference, to align with a new traditionalist Methodist denomination formed under the Protocol at the earliest possible date, as established by the Protocol adopted by the General Conference.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, under the Protocol, any clergy member of the annual conference wishing to remain in The United Methodist Church or to align with a different new Methodist denomination shall so notify their District Superintendent prior to the effective date of the annual conference’s separation. The bishop and cabinet may allow such clergy to continue appointments within the North West Texas Annual Conference on a transitional basis, until they are appointed elsewhere, provided that such clergy continue to abide by the applicable Discipline or other standards and requirements of the Global Methodist Church while appointed in this annual conference.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, all other provisions of the Protocol as adopted by General Conference shall be followed by the annual conference and its constituent parts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the North West Texas Annual Conference calls upon all its members and constituents to treat one another with respect, consideration, and Christian love during this process. No one shall hinder the proper sharing of information with members and congregations under the provisions of the Protocol, so that all concerned may make informed decisions on their membership and alignment. In the words of John Wesley, we may not think alike, but we may truly love alike, as we act according to our consciences in furthering the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Most Supportive Pastor Award

 

Most Supportive Pastor, United Methodist Women   

Annual Conference, August 14, 2021                              

Presented by Brenda Breeden

To:  Rev. Donita Lea

Rev. Donita Lea, center; Carolyn Cobb, left; Brenda Breeden, right

Rev. Donita Lea, center; Carolyn Cobb, left; Brenda Breeden, right

I began to know of our recipient around 2005 when she co-led the United Methodist Women’s Retreat for Young Women.  She had a spirit about her—a spirit that says: “I want you to have the best relationship possible with God and I am here to help if needed!”  A spirit that says “I want to listen to your story, your joys and your concerns.  I want to hear what you say and be led to respond or simply stay quiet”.  I knew immediately that she had the compassion to convey the love that God has for every individual no matter what the circumstance, and the energy to do that in such creative ways.

Now that I’ve gotten to know her better as my pastor at St James in Abilene, I know she has faced many obstacles in her life and that she is a fighter.  Some of those fights she has come out the victor, some of those fights she’s had to face disappointment.  –but, she possesses such a strong example of faith in following God’s will, to trust that what is right and good will become evident and her task--is to stay on the journey with God.

We are so glad that that journey involves her participation and support of United Methodist Women.  She has been active in units, led programs, used United Methodist Women’s materials in other circles of the church, spoken on many occasions, and a few years ago when she spoke at our UMW and Friends dinner, had the Bishop and everyone else up dancing.   (We have pictures).  She supports advocacies and mission work for women children and youth.   Mission work has seen such growth throughout our church at St James because she has expanded the concept of mission, which is in our Purpose.  She demonstrates her support of our leadership abilities by allowing us to lead the entire service for United Methodist Women’s Sunday.

Most recently I asked Dot to lead the kickoff of a Northwest Texas Conference United Methodist Women’s Spiritual Growth Ministry on Zoom called ‘The PartyLine’, a ministry to draw us back together after being apart for more than a year.  She agreed in her usual supportive way and when on the day before the event, I asked if she was ready, her response was “I am VERY ready.”  My response to that is “I should never question her readiness when it deals with spiritual growth, nurturing, and outreach endeavors.

I could give you a long list of achievements and degrees that Dot has attained in the schools she has attended and the service she has given, but today is about her supporting United Methodist Women, so Dot we love you and glad to add you to the growing list of Most Supportive Pastors.

12 NWTX Churches/Ministries Receive Grant Monies from TMF - Texas Methodist Foundation

Earlier this year, TMF decided to award grants in response to the historic winter storm that impacted our communities, while still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic uncertainty.

We are thrilled to announce that 12 NWTX churches or ministries received monies from this initiative. These ministries are continuing to reach out in their communities despite the obstacles that keep coming their way. We are thankful for the partnership and passion TMF has for our conference and beyond.

Here are the receiving NWTX ministries:

  • Aldersgate Church, Lubbock - Love the Hub

  • Plainview FUMC - Food pantry & Community Garden

  • Hope Community, Lubbock - Feeding, Clothing, & After School Program

  • Texas Tech Wesley Foundation, Lubbock - International Student Ministry

  • Lubbock FUMC - Second Helping & School Ministry

  • Levelland FUMC - Love & Lunches Meal Program

  • WTA&M Wesley Foundation, Canyon - Food & International Ministries

  • Wesley Community Center, Amarillo - Hispanic Ministries - Multiple Ministries

  • Means Memorial UMC, Andrews - Feeding Program

  • St. Luke’s UMC, Midland - Food Assistance & Lamar Elementary

  • AMOS, Midland - Food, Clothing, & Assistance

  • Sweetwater FUMC - Gaylord’s Food Pantry


Mission u 2021

Clergy, friends, and members of United Methodist Women are invited to register for the annual Mission u.

July 15 - 17, 2021

McMurry University | Abilene, TX

Learn more about what is in store at Mission u 2021 below and download the needed forms.

 
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COB Approves Episcopal Supervision Recommendations for SCJ

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June 3, 2021 – The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church has approved episcopal supervision recommendations for the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ), due to the retirement of two bishops. The recommendations were made by the SCJ College of Bishops following consultation with the Jurisdictional and respective Annual Conference Committees on Episcopacy. 
 
This follows decisions by Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe (Northwest Texas-New Mexico) and Bishop J. Michael Lowry (Central Texas) to request retirement effective January 1, 2022, under paragraph 408.2b of The Book of Discipline.
 
Under Paragraph ¶407 of the Book of Discipline, the Council of Bishops has authority to fill a vacancy for presidential/episcopal supervision of an episcopal area due to death, retirement (¶ 408.1, .2, .3), resignation (¶ 408.4), judicial procedure (¶ 2712), leave of absence (¶ 410.1), or medical leave (¶ 410.4).
 
After prayer and discernment, the bishops have approved the following recommendations for episcopal supervision:
 

  • Northwest Texas Conference: Bishop James G. Nunn (Oklahoma Conference/Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference)

  • New Mexico Conference: Bishop Robert C. Schnase (Rio Texas Conference)

  • Central Texas Conference: Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. (Great Plains Conference)

 
The new roles are effective January 1, 2022 and will continue until new bishops are elected in the SCJ. The SCJ Committee on Episcopacy will make the assignment of bishops once the new bishops are elected at the next regular session of Jurisdictional Conference.

 

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