Grace and peace, friends. I want to update you on the latest that’s happening within the United Methodist Church.

Yesterday, the Commission on the General Conference officially made the announcement that the General Conference, which was to be held in Minneapolis this August, has been postponed until 2024. Though many had hoped this wouldn’t happen, the Commission decided that, ultimately, it was too soon in our post-pandemic world to safely gather together. 

So, what does this mean for The Woodlands Methodist Church? I like what our Bishop Scott Jones states in his letter attached to this message: “Despite this delay, we remain committed to our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We will continue to tell the story of the Church and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, friends. Our mission to win people to Jesus, disciple them in faith, and help those in need is who we as a church have been, and it’s who we will continue to be moving forward.

In the days ahead I will be working with our Bishop and governance boards on next steps for our church and what that looks like within the United Methodist Church. I will lead transparently through this season and keep you updated on what I know, when I know it.

 Expectant, hopeful and believing that God has “immeasurably more” in store for us all in the days ahead (Eph. 3:20).

-Mark

Read Bishop Jones’ letter