Perspectives from July 2017
Expectations of the church in Korea
July 26, 2017 / By Rev. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations
Every moment I was in Korea, the people as a whole, and certainly the people of the church, demonstrated a level of hospitality uncommon to many church experiences in the United States. Each detail was given attention as to how someone who is new to the life of a congregation would experience the people and space. Preference was given to welcoming new people, not just Americans, over those who were …more
God’s brilliance in South Korea
July 19, 2017 / By Rev. Vonda Fossitt, Genesee Valley District Superintendent
I am grateful that Rev. Eun Pa Hong of Bupyeong Methodist Church invited the UNY Cabinet on a mission trip to South Korea. Never in a million years would I think a city girl like I would end up traveling across the world to another land called Korea. The 14-hour plane ride in itself was impactful. This God-given opportunity has made a lasting impression on my life in ministry. When …more
The Korean Methodist Church does everything with excellence
July 12, 2017 / By Rev. Everett Bassett, Oneonta District Superintendent
Have a clear vision. Be grounded in prayer. Look beyond the church walls. Be bold in trying new things. Be accountable to a small covenant group. Those are conversation points we cover as we talk about how God is calling us to be the church of Jesus Christ in our context today. We who were blessed to spend seven days under the amazing hospitality of …more
The practice of Tongsung Kido
July 5, 2017 / By Rev. Dave Masland, Director of New Faith Communities
One of the reasons I was most excited to make the spiritual pilgrimage to Korea with Bishop Webb and the rest of the extended cabinet was to experience first-hand Tongsung Kido, an aspect of early-morning prayers in the Korean Methodist Church context. I was not disappointed. In fact, the experience had a profound impact on my life, and the way I think about my prayer practice! Every single morning, 365 days …more