Recap from Pastor Jeff on Conference Decisions: 

There are many things I want to say to our congregation and will, in due time, but for now, please know I fully support the decisions by the General Conference to be a more inclusive church. To quote Rachel Held Evans, “The apostles remembered what many modern Christians tend to forget – that what makes the gospel offensive isn’t who it keeps out, but who it lets in.” Our mission statement at Chapel Hill says it well, “We welcome all people, to experience and share the extraordinary grace and love of Jesus.” All means all. In the future, I will share how I came to this stance biblically, theologically and ecclesiastically. On the day when I stand before God, if I am in error, I want to stand on the side of love and not judgment.

Secondly, the General Conference approved, effective January 1, for ordained deacons to be celebrants of the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptism. That means, the first Sunday in January, 2025, Pastor Jen will preside at the eucharistic table. It will be really good to have a woman preside again. We haven’t had that privilege for a number of years, since Pastor Jill was here.

Finally, let us remember that we are the Body of Christ. We are unique and different from each other in a variety of ways, but we are one with Christ and one with each other. As Bishop Ken Carder recently said, “We are a denomination and a local church with traditional, moderate and progressive people. If you are here, and see yourself in any of these words, you are welcome here! We want and need you.

There is a saying that has guided churches for several hundred years: In essentials (the historic creeds), unity. In non-essentials (anything not named in the creeds), liberty. In all things, love.”