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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb, Prayers for Charlotte

    September 22, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Editor’s Note: The following statement about the unrest and violence in Charlotte was released by Bishop Mark J. Webb on Sept. 22.

    Once again, pain and anger are leading to violent protests and division in our nation. This time it is happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we strive to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and proclaimers of the Gospel, let us engage one another and invite others to experience and embrace healthy ways of confronting racism, injustices and broken systems.  May God use us to show the way in which people live peacefully with one another, celebrating the value of each life.  Let us be agents of change by offering the light of Jesus Christ that will erase the darkness.  Let us get loud by speaking of and sharing God’s goodness in all ways.  May we be loud in our prayers, our actions and our witness to Jesus Christ as the only lasting hope for brokenness and division. 

    I invite you to pray with me for all impacted by these recent events.

    Dear God, let the pain that all people are feeling turn toward hope. Let the families of those directly involved find comfort and peace. Let the anger turn to dialogue and the violence change into understanding and constructive solutions.

    Let us find wisdom and learn how to work on the deep-rooted issues that bring about such pain in ways that will draw us and others more deeply into your amazing love and into the fullness of life in you.

    We pray in the powerful name of Jesus.

    Amen!

    Bishop Mark J. Webb


    United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of 677 local churches and active new faith communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."