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The Latest Column By The Bishop
Has Hope Ever Been in Greater Need?
Published: 12/17/2008
December 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The Latin root of the word "Advent" means "an arrival" – a term suggestive of expectation, of hopeful anticipation. Christians understand that the birth of a baby in a stable in Bethlehem 2,008 years ago was - and is - the fulfillment of that hope. And surely at no time in many generations has this country been in greater need of that.
As Advent gives way to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we cannot escape awareness of the desperate circumstances in which so many of our brothers and sisters, within our churches and communities, find themselves. Even as we remember that Jesus Christ promises to take all burdens upon Himself—Isaiah 9:6 announces, "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"—to those feeling the hurt from a failed economy, failed relationship, or personal failure (and what may seem to be God's failure to notice or care), that promise may seem as remote as the star that led worshipping holy men to Bethlehem.
We cannot turn our backs on this reality:
California's unemployment rate jumped to 8.2 percent in October—the third-highest in the nation; almost 2 percent higher than the national average (6.5%). In Nevada, unemployment reached 7.6 percent, its highest rate in more than 23 years. In both California and Nevada, average weekly earnings are down, and layoffs due to bankruptcy or work slowdown nearly doubled over the course of the year, nationwide.
In California, one in every 218 homes is in foreclosure: more than twice the national average. In Nevada it's one in every 76 residences: more than six times the national average and the highest foreclosure rate in the nation.
What is the response of the church, in times such as these?
As the General Secretaries of The United Methodist Church wrote in an October, 2007 commentary, the model of our founder, John Wesley—to make disciples of Jesus Christ who were transformed individually, and committed to changing the unjust practices of their society—is part of "our DNA." Thus, one of the church's four Areas of Focus is "Engaging in ministry with the poor," or seeking to improve conditions which undermine the quality of life and limit anyone's opportunity to flourish in the way that we believe God intends for us all. Knowing that conditions of poverty cause illness and death, another of the four Areas of Focus is "Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally," and we are mindful that—even as we battle epidemics in the developing world—so must we stand up for the uninsured and others who lack access to affordable health care, in this, the richest nation on earth.
The churches of the California-Nevada Annual Conference are doing a good job of living up to these imperatives. They all have programs designed to help those who are suffering: some have food pantries, others provide shelter to homeless persons, others serve meals. There is an abundance of support groups and counseling services for people in crisis—whether that crisis is financial, emotional, or physical. I am grateful for their faithful ministry.
But as this challenging year comes to a close, I also encourage United Methodists to remember that our world cries out for spiritual, as well as physical healing. And that the birth of a baby 2,008 years ago is the "good news of great joy" that offers hope "for all the people." United Methodists are uniquely positioned to extend that hope through our willingness to first extend our hands to those in need.
Jesus said, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me ... and you'll recover your life." (Matthew 11:28, The Message.) Recover your life! Not just your job, or your home, or your spouse, or your health. Your life!
That's a bail-out no government on earth is able to offer.
Your brother in Christ,
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr.