Go Forth to Serve God & His Needy Children

Bishop Chamberlain and Holston’s 12 district superintendents presented the following letter to clergy at Annual Conference 2002 on June 12.

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Your Apostolic Letter this year is a common word to all clergy within the Holston Conference covenant.

Our message to you is born out of a profound conviction that the message of Jesus Christ through you is uncommonly crucial this year. The shattering events of September 11 continue to haunt us. The demons of darkness are real. Many throughout our world experience the daily oppression of war, disease and hunger. Children with bloated stomachs and hollow eyes call the bluff of a comfortable church. Whether affluent, well-educated, poor or disadvantaged people urgently search for meaning and lasting value. We are reminded that ultimate security does not reside in wealth or military might.

We must not fail those who turn to the church for hope. We need to offer the Bread of Life to all who spiritually hunger. God forbid we offer only the cold stones of dogma and judgment. Pious platitudes and condemnation do not shed light. Fighting over secondary issues contributes to the darkness.

We commit ourselves and call upon you to go forth this year to reflect the Light of Christ. It is no small flame. It stands over against all the darkness of the world and begs to differ. You are not asked to shine your own little light. We implore you to reflect The Light which has come into the world to bring hope and resurrection to all the dark places and hearts.

P. P. Bliss wrote a powerful charge to followers of the Christ. Although not inclusive in language, it is nonetheless a cogent witness to our mission:

Brightly beams our Father's mercy/ From His lighthouse evermore; / But to us He gives the keeping / of the lights along the shore.

There are those who depend on you this year to keep Christ's light burning – someone who needs to be rescued, served and blessed.

We thank God for you. Though we appoint you, it is God who anoints you. Go forth to serve God and God's needy children with gladness. And by all means, win some by reflecting the light of Christ.

Grace and Peace,
Ray W. Chamberlain Jr.
Resident Bishop

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