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Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton

 There are a number of things that I could highlight – wonderful music, engaging preaching, special recognitions, meaningful discussions, and rich bible study all come to mind. But none of those will be the most meaningful.

 

When I arrived in Western Pennsylvania, many people asked me what the theme of my work would be. After pondering the question, I concluded very simply that my theme should be: “Lighten Up, Loosen Up, and have a little Fun.” It finally happened during this year’s annual conference.

 

Good decisions are possible when the right conditions are in place. Inspirations of the spirit are recognized when obstacles for the heart and mind are removed.  A feeling of unity is possible not when people agree, but when people of diverse backgrounds find common ground on which to stand in the midst of their diversity.

 

At this session of the annual conference conditions were in place that facilitated our work, obstacles were removed that opened us to the spirit, and common ground was established.

 

On Friday night we celebrated two threads that bind us together. First, we affirmed 20 years of mission initiatives that have helped us to enter into the heart of God and think beyond ourselves. And, using that history as a springboard, we affirmed a new partnership with the people of Zimbabwe in southern Africa. I have great hope that this partnership will not only bless the people of that country, but will bind us together in meaningful ways that effectively witness our love for God and our love for God’s children to the world. Our unity in mission was truly a time of celebration.

 

Second, we ordered pizza, popped popcorn, and threw a party! That’s right, we threw a party as we lightened up our agenda, loosened up the constraints of routine, and had a little fun as we watched the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup! People hung out in the gymnasium, ate, talked, mingled, and watched the game. And when the Pens won we cheered, embraced, and laughed together. It was truly a great night!

 

Several people have told me that this one evening will go down as one of the most memorable times they ever had at Annual Conference. For me the most significant point is that we allowed ourselves the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and just have fun. It’s hard to work when you don’t enjoy the company of those around you, and, in the midst of hard work, isn’t it essential to have some fun?

 

Sometimes in the church we work so hard to get so far, but don’t realize that we could get further if we would only take some time to enjoy the journey a little more. Annual Conference is a busy time. There is a lot of work compressed into those four days. We’ve had a history of working from morning to late at night with few breaks. At times, even in this session, we pack so much information into a short time that information overload kicks in and our minds are boggled. But this year, we found a way to take a break and cheer a hockey team to victory. We lightened up, loosened up, and had a little fun. I believe it helped us make a decision or two along the way.

 

The other memory I will take from this session is the feeling of respect and orderliness among the participants. We are a very diverse Conference -- so diverse that, at times, we become polarized by our differences. That diversity often tempts us to digress into theological debates that never result in resolution, but always heighten emotions and frustrate spirits. This year, we were called upon to debate issues on which we would never find common ground no matter how long the conversation lasted. Yet, in the midst of those important agenda items, there was a feeling of respect and an undeniable orderliness within the body. While opinions were being shared, it at times felt reverent, even holy. Not because we agreed -- but because we found a way to work together in the midst of our disagreement. As I result, I was blessed. I hope many of you were as well.

 

There was once a little girl who lost her arm in a tragic accident. As a result, she had  great difficulty going out in public. Finally after some grieving and struggle, she realized that she needed to be with her friends and peers. To prepare, the girl’s mother called her Sunday School teacher and asked her to not call attention to her daughter when she came to class.  The teacher promised, but then got sick and had to call a substitute.

 

The lesson that Sunday was about inviting friends to church, and the substitute teacher led the class in doing the hand motions to the familiar poem:

 

 

Tears welled up in the little girl’s eyes when she realized that she could not put her hands together to create the image. Suddenly, to her surprise, a 13-year-old boy appeared at her side. Using one hand apiece, they supported each other, making the church, steeple, and people as they recited the poem. 

 

Together they illustrated what real church could be.

 

I thought we did the same thing at Annual Conference this year.

 

To all of you who helped make that a reality and to a God who never gives up on us as we try  ... Thanks.

 

The Journey Continues,

Thomas J. Bickerton

Resident Bishop