Questions for reflection and discussion
The Ellensburg United Methodist Church welcomes diversity in opinions as in persons. We are glad to engage in respectful dialogue with those holding a variety of views. We offer the following link to facilitate conversation and reflection on important issues. Please note that the views expressed on these websites are those of their authors and may not reflect the views of the Ellensburg First United Methodist Church or its members.
United Methodist Inclusiveness by William Ryzek from Good News Magazine
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Do you agree with the author that inclusivity is often confused with pluralism? How would you define each?
- The author suggests that Christianity is essentially exclusivist. Do you agree? In what ways can a Christian church be true to its faith and still be inclusive?
- Can an authentically Christian church also be pluralistic? If so, in what ways?
- The author suggests that for many people, inclusivity implies a kind of tolerance that accepts all kinds of beliefs and behaviors. Do you agree that this "false tolerance" is a problem within the church? What does "tolerance" mean to you?
- In your opinion, what are the central Christian beliefs and values--those things not open to compromise?
- Who should decide which beliefs and values are open to compromise and which are not? How should this determination be made?
- The author states that sin and heresy must not be ignored. If you agree, how do you think they should be confronted? What does "sin" mean to you? What beliefs do you consider heretical?
- Many Christians disagree about what behaviors constitute sin and what beliefs are heretical. How should the church address such disagreements?
- What standards or authorities should guide the church in deciding what is sinful or heretical?
Links
Methodist Links
- United Methodist News Service - Daily news, feature stories, and photo galleries assembled by the United Methodist Church.
- General Board of Discipleship - The primary purpose [of the General Board of Discipleship] shall be to assist annual conferences, districts, and local churches of all membership sizes in their efforts to win persons to Jesus Christ as his disciples and to help these persons to grow in their understanding of God ...
- United Methodist Women - A community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
- Church of Mary Magdalene - A diverse Christian Community of homeless and formerly homeless women, providing a safe environment to build relationships, experience hope and love, explore faith and develop strength to reach one's full potential.
- Methodist Federation for Social Action - An independent voice for justice within Methodism since 1907. MFSA unites activists within the United Methodist Church to take action on issues of justice, peace and liberation in the church, nation and world.
- Hymns from the Methodist Hymnal - Free hymn texts, tunes, and sheet music; lectionary and psalter resources; audio and data CDs; free downloads.
- Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center - Located in Ellensburg along Manastash Road, the Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center provides Christian hospitality and programming for persons of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Additional Information on the Lazy F Retreat and other NW Camps can be found at the Pacific Northwest Conference website.
- MethodX (the way of Christ) is an online Christian community where young adults (college to 30s) can identify and explore their relationships with God and with others.
Religious References
- Revised Common Lectionary of Vanderbilt University
- Bible Gateway - a free service for reading and researching scripture online, all in the language or translation of your choice.
- Belief Net - A multi-faith e-community designed to help you meet your own religious and spiritual needs in an interesting, captivating and engaging way by providing spiritual tools such as prayer circles, kits to help you celebrate births, weddings, & other life milestones, as well as commemorate deaths, and discussions and dialogue groups.
- The Center for Spiritual Development - The Center is a ministry of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon. Since 1998, they have offered award-winning programs designed to increase and deepen spiritual, Biblical and religious literacy. As part of Trinity Cathedral, The Center is rooted and grounded in the Anglican communion and its traditions.
- The National Council of Churches - The National Council of Churches, founded in 1950, is the leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. The NCC's 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox member denominations include almost 50 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
- The Washington Association of Churches - Washington Association of Churches (WAC) is an association of 10 Christian denominations and 11 ecumenical organizations who live and work together on the task of ecumenism in Washington State. Since 1975, WAC has served as a focal point for dialogue, advocacy, action and reflection.
Social Justice
Social Principles - Preface
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners.
From The Book of Discipline, Copyright 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House.
- The Religious Coalition for Equality is an interfaith association of lay persons and clergy committed to this twofold purpose: to educate Washington State citizens about and to advocate for marriage equality for all couples and the civil rights of all.
- Faithful America - An online community of people of faith who want to build a more just and compassionate nation. It provides one-click opportunities to impact current political issues and shift the terms of public debate.
- Earth Ministry - Founded in 1992 as a Christian, ecumenical, environmental, non-profit organization based in Seattle connecting Christian faith with care and justice for all creation.
- Millennium Promise - Millennium Promise's mission is to encourage individuals and organizations to join the fight against global poverty, disease, and hunger.
Ellensburg Links
- City of Ellensburg - Ellensburg Online.
- Ellensburg, WA - Historic Ellensburg, the Scenic Hub of the Pacific Northwest.
- Daily Record Online - A politically independent community newspaper, that has served Kittitas County, Washington since 1909.
- The Ellensburg Farmers Market - The Kittitas County Farmer's Market serves the Ellensburg and Cle Elum communities each Saturday morning, May 1 through October 30.
Annex Services
Space is provided for the following community organizations in the First United Methodist Church Annex.
- Ellensburg Habitat for Humanity -- locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Kittitas County Chapter
- F.I.S.H. Community Food Bank of Ellensburg, 509-962-9257
- Community Clothing Bank
- Home Care Services
Suggestions for additional links may be directed to Ed Gellenbeck or Jean Lofy at lofy@fairpoint.net