The Pastor's Pen                                                                                                          Moving Ever Onward

I decided to attend the Northern NY UMC Conference because I felt it was my duty as a council member. I didn’t expect it to be interesting—or fun—but to my surprise, it was both. If given the opportunity, I would definitely go again.

When asked what surprised me most, several things came to mind:

1.     Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez – Energetic, uplifting, and even great at line dancing!

2.     The worship services – Deeply moving and powerful.

3.     Conversations with others – It was eye-opening to hear that many churches are facing the same struggles with membership and attendance.

4.     Ministries supported by our giving – I hadn’t fully understood how essential ministry shares are in supporting impactful programs across the conference.

A sobering moment was learning that twelve churches in our conference closed this year. This underscored one of the main themes of the conference: the importance of community engagement. We need to step outside our buildings and connect with those around us. This means listening to, including, and walking alongside others, while also standing up as a movement for social justice and climate awareness.

Several important resolutions were passed during the conference, including:

·        Making a stranger feel welcome

·        Identifying and opposing apartheid in the Holy Land

·        Designating Harkness UMC as a historical site in honor of Dr. Georgia Harkness

·        Petitions to invite all to experience the love of Christ

·        Endorsing the NYS Poor People’s Campaign and the Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS statement

There was more accomplished than I can summarize here, so if anyone would like additional details, please feel free to reach out. I have a copy of the conference workbook and would be happy to share information.

Today, while stopped at a red light near the hospital on my way to a physical therapy appointment, I found myself thinking, "This traffic is ridiculous."

“If only,” I thought, people could just drive properly—then we’d all get to our destinations on time, arrive safely, and maybe even be happier.

But then another thought came to mind.

Maybe that guy who cut someone off is racing to the hospital because his wife is in labor with their first child.

Maybe he just got a phone call saying his father had a stroke and is being rushed in for treatment.
Maybe his son fell off the swing at recess and broke his leg, and the ambulance is on its way with him.

That’s when I realized: sometimes, life throws us moments like these—not to frustrate us, but to teach us something deeper. A chance to shift perspective.

Because here’s the truth:
We own our thoughts.
We choose the path—positive or negative.
And we can help others see things differently too.

So here’s my challenge to you:
Be intentionally positive for just ten minutes today.
Or better yet, try it for an hour.
Look for the negative around you—not to feed into it, but to flip it. Help someone see a different perspective.

You’ll be surprised how good it feels.
And don’t forget to smile—
God is watching you.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

June 8         Pentecost - Wear RED to church

June 15       Pastor Peggi’s last Sunday Worship with us

                    Special Coffee Hour Celebration for Pastor Peggi following worship

 Two funerals will be held this month for two long time members of Peru Community Church