UMC Updates
Letter from the Administrative Board
Dear members of Starkville FUMC,
Like many of you, we have been observing the actions playing out on the global stage of the
United Methodist Church. It has become apparent that there are deep issues related to
dysfunction in the governance structure and a growing distrust of denominational leadership. At
the 2019 General Conference a provision was made for those churches wishing to disaffiliate
from the United Methodist Church and this expires December 31, 2023.
In response to your questions, we are following up last summer’s informational meetings with a
new series of gatherings. On Sunday, Feb. 12 th , leaders from the Mississippi Annual
Conference will be with us at their suggestion and our invitation. They will share information
from the Conference perspective and provide details about the process involved in helping local
congregations discern their response. This is a presentation only; no votes will be taken. The
meeting will happen in the Sanctuary @ 5:00 p.m. In accordance with Conference guidelines,
all are welcome to attend but only church members will be active participants.
Our Administrative Board has also set up a series of informal Coffee and Conversation
gatherings to share information and hear questions. They will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 th @
10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall; Sunday, Feb. 19 th @ 2:00 p.m., Christian Life Center; Thursday,
Feb. 23 rd @ 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall; and Sunday, Mar. 5 th @ 2:00 p.m., Connection.
Related information is available on the church website (https://www.first-umc.org/).
This is a significant journey in the life of our Church family. These issues are far too important
for the Administrative Board to decide alone. We ask for your help by being in prayer, studying
the issues, and attending these information meetings. We close with the words of Jesus, “I have
told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But
take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)!”
Grace and peace,
John Robertson, Administrative Board Chair Libba Andrews, Lay Leader
Gary Windham, Annual Conference Delegate
Frequently
Asked Questions
For more detailed information, you can download the full FAQ document here.
1. HOW IS THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ORGANIZED?
• Legislative: General Conference (set theological and organization policy)
• Executive: Bishops and denominational leaders (enacts policy and procedures)
• Judicial: Judicial Council (rules on actions and decisions)
• Southeastern Jurisdiction, Mississippi Annual Conference, Starkville District
• Local church governed by committees, major decisions by Church Conference
2. HOW DID THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GET TO THIS CRITICAL POINT?
• Legislative deadlock at General Conference in 2016 around LGBTQ debate
• General Conference 2019 reaffirmed Book of Discipline
• Episcopal and leadership disobedience
• COVID-19 delays General Conference in 2020, 2021, 2022.
3. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE DENOMINATION?
• Surge in congregational disaffiliations from UMC
• Jurisdictional Conferences actions which will impact General Conference
• Increasing disobedience to Discipline among some bishops and leaders
4. WHAT IS DISAFFILIATION?
• 2019 Discipline provision (Para. 2553) allowing congregations to exit the UMC
• Payment of apportionments and pension program, property to local church
• Provision expires December 2023
5. WHAT ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY?
• UMC position unchanged since 1972
• All persons of sacred worth, including those in LGBTQ community
• UMC restrict rites of ordination and marriage for LGBTQ persons
6. HOW DOES ALL OF THIS IMPACT OUR CONGREGATION?
• Major distraction from mission and ministry, drain on resources
• Mississippi Methodism is intricately connected, many churches disaffiliating
7. HOW DOES THIS IMPACT OUR CLERGY?
• Retired clergy pensions are protected
• Appointed clergy continue to serve under UMC or resign from Conference
8. WHAT IS NEXT?
• Exploratory Meeting with Annual Conference: Feb. 12, 2023 @ 5:00 p.m.
• SFUMC Coffee and Conversation gatherings: Feb. 13th, Feb. 19th, Feb. 23rd, and, Mar. 5th (times and locations posted on website)
A Message From The Pastor
For many years, the United Methodist Church has been in serious debate surrounding the
Church’s positions regarding human sexuality, particularly clergy participation in the rites of
ordination and marriage involving persons of the LGBTQ community. Sadly, this has debate has
transformed into organizational distrust and outright disobedience.
As part of the Mississippi delegation to the 2016 and 2019 General Conferences, I experienced
the dysfunction of our denomination first-hand. The United Methodist Church is now splintering
and as many congregations begin to exit it is vital that we assess what the future holds for our
church family.
I am grateful for the ministry of our Administrative Board. They are hosting several gatherings
to present updated information and receive feedback from the congregation. The resources they
have assembled will be helpful in our congregation’s discernment. Thank you for taking the
time to attend these gatherings and for reading the material presented.
Trust God and trust one another. As we do, remember the promise we find in God’s Word:
“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding,
will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, RSV).
Jim Genesse
Senior Pastor