Hello All

[circuitrider]

Hello,

I just registered with Christian Forums. I am a United Methodist and I'm looking for Methodist discussions.

 

[Maid Marie]

Greetings! Welcome to WP.

 

[circuitrider]

Thanks Maid Marie!

 

[Historicus]

Welcome!

 

[circuitrider]

Welcome!

Thanks Historicus!

 

[Creech]

Welcome!

 

[MystyRock]

Welcome! This is a great group to answer your questions. I came here a few months ago to find out about Methodist beliefs. We just joined our local UMC yesterday, so I'm still learning.

 

[Mr Dave]

Hi there! Welcome to the site =)

 

[circuitrider]

Welcome! This is a great group to answer your questions. I came here a few months ago to find out about Methodist beliefs. We just joined our local UMC yesterday, so I'm still learning.

That's great MystyRock! Welcome to the UMC family!

I pastor a UM church. I'm in my second year of appointment at my current charge.

 

[MystyRock]

That's great MystyRock! Welcome to the UMC family!

I pastor a UM church. I'm in my second year of appointment at my current charge.

Wow! I've been on this forum for a few months now, but I'm still a newbie in UMC!

I've asked several questions here (and still have lots more bouncing around in my head) because my background was a little different. Still trying to understand and resolve different viewpoints.

 

[BlunderAngel]

 

[circuitrider]

Wow! I've been on this forum for a few months now, but I'm still a newbie in UMC!

I've asked several questions here (and still have lots more bouncing around in my head) because my background was a little different. Still trying to understand and resolve different viewpoints.

I understand. I grew up in a different church family too. So I know what it is like to work figure out a new church. I personally think changing churches can be a growing experience. It has been for me.

 

[GraceSeeker]

Welcome, circuitrider. Over time we have all sorts of interesting discussions in the WP. It isn't just Methodist, but a lot of it is.

 

[circuitrider]

Thanks GraceSeeker! From the description I do recognize that the aim of the forum is at all Wesleyan Christians. As you say, that includes a lot more than Methodists.

Blessings,
Circuit Rider

 

[GraceSeeker]

I see that you're in your second year of your present appointment. How many years of pastoral service altogether?

I'm in my 8th week at my present appointment, but it is 31 years altogether.

 

[circuitrider]

I've been in pastoral ministry for almost 23 years. I was ordained in 1990.

 

[GraceSeeker]

Cool. Ever in the Quad City area? I was ordained elder in 1990 while serving at Hampton (just north of Moline).

 

[circuitrider]

No, I've lived in Des Moines area, Cedar Falls, and now Sioux City. I'm a fairly new to the UMC having transferred my orders. I'm now an Elder in Full Connection. The current pastor at St. Johns in Davenport is my former DS.

 

[MystyRock]

No, I've lived in Des Moines area, Cedar Falls, and now Sioux City. I'm a fairly new to the UMC having transferred my orders. I'm now an Elder in Full Connection. The current pastor at St. Johns in Davenport is my former DS.

OK. Explanations needed. Remember, newbie UMC here.

"transferred my orders" = what? Orders?

"Elder in Full Connection" = Can't even imagine what this is

Delving into UMC has definitely expanded my vocabulary. Took me a few weeks to figure out narthex was a real UMC word (and not something from Star Trek). Took a little longer to find it.

 

[circuitrider]

OK. Explanations needed. Remember, newbie UMC here.

"transferred my orders" = what? Orders?

"Elder in Full Connection" = Can't even imagine what this is

Delving into UMC has definitely expanded my vocabulary. Took me a few weeks to figure out narthex was a real UMC word (and not something from Star Trek). Took a little longer to find it.

Sorry MystyRock! I threw out too many UMC terms at once. I should know better.

I was previously an ordained Baptist minister and I transferred my ordination to the United Methodist Church. An "Elder" is the term used for an ordained minister who is ordained to the ministry of "Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service." Full-time pastors are usually Elders though not always. There are several categories of ministry in the UMC.

Full Connection means that I am a full member of the Conference. UMC clergy membership is in the Conference and not the local church because we are itinerant. We are appointed to the church we pastor by the Bishop consulting with her/his cabinet.