Lay Leader Reflections

Celebrating our Connection

July 2, 2022

As part of our vacation, we spent today driving 350 miles through rural Kansas headed to Denver, CO. It was a great reminder of just how varied the U.S.A is as a country, and a great precursor to celebrating July 4th. This part of the country is often referred to as the high plains or the breadbasket of America. For hours we passed expansive field after field of either wheat, hay, or corn. Some of the fields had recently been harvested, some were in the process of being harvested, and others were still in the process of growth. As the day wore on, I couldn’t help but think of how important this area is as a food source to us as a country and to the world. I wondered what it must be like to live in such a remote area and how you would have to learn to manage traveling 10 to 20 miles for simple things like groceries and likely even farther for specialty items like a large box hardware store. This is an area where you don’t want to forget something on your shopping list. As we drove, I was also impressed by how visible churches were even in these remote locations. Some of the churches are amazing works of architecture placed in an area where grandeur comes more from nature than from man’s creation.

I found myself wondering about how the families that live in this area connect to one another. I’m guessing that they are more intentional in getting to know their neighbors in a way that’s different from most of us who live in urban settings. I say this because when we would stop for a meal or to get gas you could hear the “locals” talking to one another in a way that conveyed more than just familiarity. The conversations carried a sense of comradery and understanding that comes from a sense of reliance and acceptance.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of hosting a podcast with our very own Rev. Pam Carter where we talked about what brought her to the UMC and why she’s committed to staying UMC (be on the lookout mid-July for this episode). In our conversation Rev. Carter talks about how powerful the concept of connection is in the UMC and how it enables us to do more and be more collectively than we could ever accomplish on our own.

For me, the concept of connection is one of biggest differentiators we have from other denominations. From our general agencies such as UMCOR to the way we support, care for, and uplift each other in our local congregations – our understanding of connection is fundamental to us as United Methodists.

I’m grateful for our connection and for the ways God enables us to be the hands and feet of Christ to the world through our connectional nature. Regardless of whether you live in the heart of a metropolitan area or in a remote rural setting, I hope that our UMC connection is something that lets you know you are valued, loved, and most of all - a beloved child of God.

Grace, peace, and a Happy 4th !
Alice Williams, Co-Lay Leader