May 12, 2011
Dear United Methodist of the New York Annual Conference,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, the Prince of shalom, Healer of our brokenness, and Hope of the world!
In less than a month, we will gather together as the New York Annual Conference to give witness that "We Are Heart-warmed United Methodists in Mission." Can you imagine the thrill and the joy upon seeing hundreds of churches each represented by its people and each flying a banner high processing into the Hofstra Arena on Saturday, June 11 for the Celebration of Mission! (Click here> for flyer.) This is our dream for the last day of this year's annual conference session. If you haven't already, please begin today to help make our dream come true! All are welcome. I especially hope you will invite children, youth, new members and all who will benefit from witnessing first hand the special gift that is our United Methodist connection to this grand celebration. I am sure that many of us will experience God-moments that will bless our journey. Those who come only to this Saturday event will need to register by clicking here>. Plan to arrive by 11:30 for lunch ($5) and entertainment. Line up for the banner parade begins at 12:30. The event will end by 4:00 pm.
The day will be full of blessings. In addition to our featured speakers, Bishop Violet L. Fisher and Mr. Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries who will revive our spirits, we will also recognize and celebrate the scores of Volunteers in Mission teams from the New York Conference as well as all the churches who have received the Go For the Gold awards in the past. All the churches that paid 100% of their fair share apportionments in 2010 can be qualified for a Go For the Gold Award for the first time and will also be recognized! You can apply by clicking here>.
Another highlight of the event will be my attempt to do 120 push ups in the Bishop's Partners in Mission push up challenge. I am asking each church to come prepared to donate at least one dollar for each push up I do - up to 120. The thought of raising some significant mission dollars is helping me train for the day.
I can't emphasize enough how important it is that each of our pastors takes the responsibility to ensure their church's participation. It is not only my hope but my expectation that your church will be represented with a banner and prepared to offer gifts to mission. It will be one of our greatest days at the annual conference only if we all do our part.
In the meantime, I pray that all New York and Connecticut United Methodists will continue to delight in the glow of Easter's resurrection as together we love and serve Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Jeremiah J. Park
