This is a moment of grace, a time in history when we, clergy, religious and laity are called to recognize the rich opportunities that are ours for the service of Christ and his Church. We are gifted by God to respond to the challenges that await us. We have no reason to fear, but an abundance of reasons to live in hope and confidence. Delivering the sixth state of the laity message to this year's United Methodist Church General Conference, Jim Nibbelink of Milford, Ohio focused on partnership between laity and clergy. Respect means each person providing input and advice, clarifying differences, and seeking common ground.
Responsibility means that each person shares an appropriate portion of the task.
Nibbelink said that the leader will sometimes be the follower and the follower will be the leader, depending on what is required to complete a project. Those who do not risk are those who do not dream. From Around the World . . . In September, seventeen students from 12 dioceses across western and northern Canada will begin a jointly sponsored program which will lead to a Master of Divinity degree from Newman Theological College in Edmondton, Alberta. The program, which has an expected graduation in December 2003, will include four semesters off campus doing distance education courses and local field education.