news article
UNY provisional elders visit NYC
August 18, 2015 / By The Rev. Nancy Raca*
Twelve curious and intrepid Provisional Elders from the Upper New York Conference gathered for two days this month in New York City to learn about The United Methodist Church’s international work. Accompanied by four members of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and covenant group leaders the Rev. Tom LeBeau and the Rev. Lauren Swanson, the group visited the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) headquarters, the national office for the United Methodist Women, and The UMC Mission to the United Nations.
The trip was an eye-opening opportunity for the participants, who learned about The UMC’s mission and evangelism programs, international advocacy for the Social Principles, and disaster response efforts.
“Meeting with people from the General Board of Global Ministries gave me a deeper appreciation for the ministry we do as a connectional Church on a global scale,” said the Rev. Derek Hansen, a provisional elder serving at the Hudson Falls UMC. “I’m looking forward to sharing my new awareness with my local congregation.”
For some, the intense focus of the Church on justice and being in connection with other United Methodists around the world renewed a commitment to thinking globally and acting locally.
“This trip has reminded me of the passion for social justice that initially attracted me to The United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Alison Schmied, appointed to the Liverpool First UMC.
Each year, clergy members who have been commissioned but not yet fully ordained meet at least twice to learn more about the workings of The UMC and to support each other in covenant relationship. This summer’s opportunity to gather in New York City will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the ministries of these new clergy members!
*Rev. Nancy Raca is the pastor at the Covenant UMC in Rochester.