Trinity UMC hosts Midlands-area Tri-District Connectional Gathering
By the Rev. Darlene L. Kelley
On Saturday, Nov. 2, United Methodists from the Columbia, Rock Hill and Greenwood districts gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church, Blythewood, to worship God, meet their new bishop and make a renewed commitment to “Hope, Healing and Health.”
The gathering was one of four total tri-district gatherings being held throughout South Carolina. In addition to the Nov. 2 event, two others were held: Oct. 12 in Florence and Oct. 19 in Easley. The event for Charleston, Orangeburg and Walterboro, originally scheduled for Nov. 9 in Orangeburg, was postponed because of weather issues and washed-out roadways. The new event will be Dec. 7 at Cokesbury in North Charleston.
At the Nov. 2 event in Blythewood, clergy and laity alike welcomed Bishop Leonard Fairley and his wife, Dawn, in a morning filled with singing, praying, communion, fellowship and good food. Hosted by the Rev. Scott W. Smoak and the gracious people of Trinity, the event reflected what was echoed at the other tri-district events. The message centered on our priorities as a church and how we become healthy together through the power and beauty of connectionalism.
Fairley shared a definition of connectionalism written by Dr. David W. Scott, director of mission theology at the General Board of Global Ministries. Scott defines connectionalism as “a fundamental theological and practical conviction for United Methodists around the world. It emphasizes that the church’s nature is primarily rooted in the connections among local congregations” and “points to partnerships for collaboration in ministry, mission and mutual accountability.”
Fairley also shared an inspiring video about people working together to build “The Living Bridge of Meghalaya” and then asked participants to work together in small groups. The groups discussed five questions about the power of connectionalism and how it can help heal churches, improve effectiveness and provide hope, including how connectionalism can give us healthy churches and how it can give us effective leaders. Spokespersons from each group then shared their collective wisdom.
Fairley also recognized the reality of differences but assured those gathered that we can still “share connection” despite those differences.
“No one wants to be part of an institution that fights with itself,” Fairley said. “There is no shortcut to healing. We can’t bypass the pain. We must make sure we are connected to the divine. We can let go and ask the Lord to make us healthy.”
Fairley’s message inspired yet also challenged the crowd.
“We have the leaders, but do we have the will?” he asked, and the crowd didn’t have long to wait for an answer. “We are water-washed, Spirit-born children of Christ! We can do this.”
And the people cried, “Amen!”
After the work, all crossed the parking lot to the fellowship hall and enjoyed a buffet and the company of one another. For many, it was a time to shake hands with the new bishop and chat with old friends across the region.
“I’ll admit. I was reluctant to go,” said Jo Ann Heiting, treasurer of Trinity UMC, West Columbia, with a chuckle. “I hate giving up Saturday morning, and you can quote me on that, but I was inspired beyond my expectations. The bishop’s message of hope combined with his love. It was powerful.” Her smile said the rest.
Kelley pastors Trinity UMC, West Columbia, and serves on the Advocate Board.