Why I Am a United Methodist

The following bit of writing is an article I wrote that will be published in the United Methodist Reporter newspaper sometime within the month. I responded to the question, "Why Are You a United Methodist?" Once I factored out doctrinal reasons etc. (let's face it -- in this case those reasons are not nearly as interesting to read about) this is what I ended up with:

Why am I a United Methodist? Quite simply, I am a United Methodist because I was born a United Methodist. However, why I choose to remain a United Methodist is a much longer story.

Having grown up in the church, I participated in all the activities that one would expect a United Methodist youngster to participate in. I faithfully glued cotton-balls to outlines of sheep, drank fruit-punch during Vacation Bible School, and one crisp fall afternoon I even (unsuccessfully) attempted to climb the steeple. I ate my soup on SuperBowl Sunday and did my part – in quarters, nickels and dimes – to help pay the apportionment.

The United Methodist Church was an integral part of my life. At eight and ten years old, trying to imagine my life without church was akin to trying to imagine my life without school – a virtually impossible task. Sure, a break every now and then was welcome, but being a part of the church was my reality.

I did, however, gradually begin to realize that it was not the activities – or the food – that held my attention and attracted my energies. It was the people; the love and concern I was shown and given by everyone from my 4th grade Sunday School teachers to the wise old lay leader in the pew next to me brought me back to church time and again.

When I was thirteen I attended my first Annual Conference meeting – and have returned as a delegate every year since. In doing so, I have seen first-hand much of what makes us United Methodists tick as an organization of people. And honestly, the political maneuvering that happens behind the scenes during Annual Conference sessions is terribly discouraging. I would venture to say that the worst of our tendencies as United Methodists come out during these – oftentimes highly stressful – meetings. Yet, at the end of every Annual Conference, without fail, we join hands and sing, “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love…” Even though we may vehemently disagree with one another on matters of policy and polity, we acknowledge that some One ties us together. We are a connectional church, and we United Methodists are a people that hold our relationships with one another near and dear to our hearts.

This fall, I set off to attend my first year of college. I brought with me my clothes, books, computer, and pens. I brought with me my hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations. I also brought with me my need for a church to call home.

The first Sunday of the school year, I wandered into a small United Methodist church. At first glance, it could not have been more different from the church I had grown up in. This church was about one tenth the size of the church of my childhood, and listed one clergyperson’s name on its bulletin whereas I was accustomed to seeing eight names.

However, this church that at first glance appeared to be foreign, is in fact familiar. The people at my new church care for me just as my church as my 4th grade Sunday School teacher and wise old lay leader did. The people there have made me a part of them, and I belong.

On any given Sunday, you can see me in my new church. I will be sitting about three quarters of the way back on the pulpit side of the aisle next to Allen, and behind Lindsey. My attention will alternate between the sweet four year-old in Allen’s lap and the goings on up in the chancel. Invariably, I will be softly singing to myself, “Blest be the tie that binds…”

No doubt, we United Methodists are a feisty bunch. Sometimes we quarrel with each other, and sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we shout, and sometimes we cry. We stamp our feet with impatience, and we wring our hands in prayer. But after all is said and done, we still join hands and sing, “blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love…” And this is why I remain a United Methodist. Blest be the tie that binds.

Comments

[gavin]

i like why you remain in the umc. this is the song that sing often, which is distinctly methodist.

http://www.gavoweb.com/hit_the_back_button_to_mo/2005/06/ecclesiology_in.html

[SusanAG]

You rock, sister. I'm so glad you found our little church. And I'm glad I get to be a small part of your journey. See you next Sunday!

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