Perspectives: “South Korea Trip 2017”
Bishop Webb’s sermon at the Bupyeong Methodist Church
September 5, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Earlier this year, from June 6-June 14, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, several members of the UNY Cabinet, and other leaders in the UNY Conference, as well as many of their partners or spouses, traveled to Bupyeong, South Korea to visit the Bupyeong Methodist Church. Each day, they attended 5:30 a.m. services focused on prayer, among other services at Bupyeong Methodist Church as well as other Korean …more
Hospitality in Korea demonstrated with thousands of thanks
August 29, 2017 / By Rev. Rich Weihing, Albany District Superintendent
On our recent trip to Korea, I received a ministry of hospitality beyond anything I’ve experienced. Pastors, staff, and members of Bupyeong Methodist Church were overwhelming in the best ways with grace that was truly amazing. Our hosts thanked us again and again for visiting, for staying at their church, for sharing in meals which they provided; for listening to the story of their history, faith, and ministry; …more
Are We Accessible?
August 22, 2017 / By Rev. Nola Anderson, Crossroads District Superintendent
It is said, “one of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to fully immerse yourself into the culture of the people who speak the language best.” I believe the same principle applies to learning about congregations that are growing and thriving. You want to be around people who know about and have experienced church growth. You want to be in the conversation when the next …more
Witnessing radical servanthood in South Korea
August 14, 2017 / By Rev. Jeff McDowell, Finger Lakes District Superintendent
A worker fell over 40 feet from the new steeple roof and surely would have died. But he fell on a small tree, only breaking four ribs instead. He lived to tell about being saved at the Bupyeong Methodist church as a result of all the people’s prayers. This is the kind of faith story told to us by host Pastor Hong as he shared miracle after miracle in …more
The Blessing of Freedom
August 2, 2017 / By Rev. Nancy Adams, Mountain View District Superintendent
First of all, the trip to Korea was amazing in so many ways. You’ve already read a few blogs, including Sherri Rood’s blog about the unparalleled hospitality we were shown, experiencing prayer through Tong Song Kido from Dave Masland, and the expectation of excellence from Everett Bassett. Another striking experience was at a church we visited where there were two pews covered with velvet, meant …more
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
With glad and generous hearts
June 28, 2017 / By Rev. Sherri Rood, Cornerstone District Superintendent
"Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47 I've been reflecting on our trip to South Korea and "with glad and …more