It was a hard day on Sunday March 29th. We were all talking after worship, when Floyd stopped us and shared that Jason Jones had died. Linda and Whitey had left Sunday School abruptly and we knew something was wrong all of worship. That week we came together, we prayed, we cooked food, we made phone calls, we cried together, we mourned a life that ended sooner than anyone expected. We pulled together, hosted a funeral, cooked a meal, and together we did our best to offer comfort in a time of sadness. Thank you all for being the Body of Christ to those who are struggling.
Our conference and denomination are in the midst of some very dynamic times. On March 7th, the Allegheny Mennonite Conference delegates affirmed a motion to use the Confession of Faith as a guiding document and not a disciplinary document. This action reinstated Hyattsville to full membership in the conference. Since this time 6 churches have left the Conference, and it seems clear that more will leave.
The Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA (MCUSA) released two resolutions related to human sexuality and the church this week. Delegates (including me) are reading processing them. We will vote on them in Kansas City in July. At the same time, new church networks are forming for those who don’t wish to associate with churches who welcome gays and lesbians fully into fellowship. Our conference and denomination will change a lot over the next few years. During my conversations with our church, it seems clear that the vast majority of us desire to stay in relationship with Hyattsville Church and Allegheny Conference.
The Lay Leaders hosted an opportunity for discussion for our congregation on April 12. In my opinion it was a good and fruitful time, and it did not feel that another meeting was needed. If you feel that your voice is not being heard, or you just have questions or concerns, please feel free to come to me, or any of the Lay Leaders. God’s peace to you.
- Bob Brown, pastor
Our conference and denomination are in the midst of some very dynamic times. On March 7th, the Allegheny Mennonite Conference delegates affirmed a motion to use the Confession of Faith as a guiding document and not a disciplinary document. This action reinstated Hyattsville to full membership in the conference. Since this time 6 churches have left the Conference, and it seems clear that more will leave.
The Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA (MCUSA) released two resolutions related to human sexuality and the church this week. Delegates (including me) are reading processing them. We will vote on them in Kansas City in July. At the same time, new church networks are forming for those who don’t wish to associate with churches who welcome gays and lesbians fully into fellowship. Our conference and denomination will change a lot over the next few years. During my conversations with our church, it seems clear that the vast majority of us desire to stay in relationship with Hyattsville Church and Allegheny Conference.
The Lay Leaders hosted an opportunity for discussion for our congregation on April 12. In my opinion it was a good and fruitful time, and it did not feel that another meeting was needed. If you feel that your voice is not being heard, or you just have questions or concerns, please feel free to come to me, or any of the Lay Leaders. God’s peace to you.
- Bob Brown, pastor
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