January 2008

BEGINNING OUR 176TH YEAR OF MISSION AND MINISTRY

I have been reading a brief history of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church (MSUMC), which has its origins in the ministry of a Circuit Rider, “Enoch Ellis, between the years 1810-1812 in the first log courthouse, and also in the home of the Rev. Anthony Banning.” The history of MSUMC is intertwined with the growth and development of Mount Vernon which will observe its 200th anniversary in 2008.

 The actual beginning of MSUMC is dated from 1832 as the Methodist Protestant Church of Mount Vernon. The Methodist Protestant Church was a split from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1830 over the issue of lay representation in decision-making bodies. Those issues were resolved years ago with laity taking their rightful place in those decision-making bodies with full representation.

 It has been encouraging to see lay leadership emerging so clearly in this interim period in which I have been serving as your pastor. This is your DNA as descendants of the Methodist Protest(ant) Church. As your interim pastor I want to facilitate leadership from and by the congregation, working with the pastor, respecting each other’s gifts and call. The Ordination Service affirms that pastors are to “Preach the Word of God and to administer the Holy Sacraments.” The work of an Elder (Ordained clergy person) encompasses numerous implications of these vows which are spelled out in the Book of Discipline, too numerous to mention here.

 To function as a pastor requires a careful balance of exercising leadership and empowering the laity for ministry. At this time in my ministry with you this balance is not only achievable, but is working.

 I pray God’s blessing on you as together we live into the 176th year of mission and ministry, honoring the past, grateful for the opportunities which are ours in the present, anticipating the future God has for Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.

 Grateful to be serving as your Interim Pastor,

 Irwin E. Jennings

 I extend a warm welcome to Elizabeth Boskovitch and Matt Diffendeffer who join the staff at the beginning of the New Year.