See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Magazine spotlights alums
The summer issue of Wesleyan Life features recent graduate Sylvain Brevil on its cover, highlighting his story as well as stories about Brittany Buchanan Jolly, who with her husband, Nathan Jolly, are impacting the Charleston area through Residuum Church. Also featured are father-daughter teachers of the year Dale Link and Amanda Link Harris. Read more>>
'Sporting' SWU Blue
U.S. Congressman Jeff Duncan (R-SC) played in the Congressional Baseball Game for his fifth consecutive year – this year wearing SWU Blue! At right, Duncan in conversation with President Obama, who attended the game, which was played June 11 at Nationals Park. Duncan managed to score the only two runs for the GOP, but they came up short, losing 5-2 to the Dems. The game has been an annual tradition since 1909 and has become a fundraiser to benefit multiple DC charities, including the Washington Literacy Council, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation.
Wesleyan Church Response to 2015 Supreme Court ruling
Last week we shared the CCCU response to the most recent Supreme Court ruling. Today, I share our founding denominations statement.
The Wesleyan Church has long held and continues to believe that marriage is an institution created by God and must be between one man and one woman. As recently as 2004, the General Conference voted unanimously by ballot vote, affirming the Church's position that marriage is between one man and one woman. Other, even more recent affirming actions have been taken.
The United States and western culture have been undergoing a seismic shift in their perception of same-sex marriage in recent years. The church must be keenly aware of the cultural context for ministry and be willing to change, adapt, and stay relevant in matters of non-essentials. However, it must never sacrifice or compromise clear biblical truth. The church will always be a prophetic, counter-cultural voice offering Jesus Christ and his way of life and hope in exchange for the ways of the world.
The Wesleyan Church, out of love for others, works to see God's Word and His way more broadly understood and accepted in the world. We believe that God's way is better for anyone and will result in greater peace, love, joy, and hope in this life and in the life to come. However, (while we desire to influence society toward Biblical principles and Holy living) we do not seek to have our view imposed on others, but merely be able to practice our faith with consistency and provide service to society in a way that reflects our deeply held beliefs. In the United States, the first amendment of the Constitution gives protection to religions and their adherents as they teach their beliefs, such as the conviction that same-sex marriage is not to be condoned. Even the majority opinion in the Supreme Court ruling specifically affirms those rights and those protections.
In the wake of the ruling, we continue to urge public officials and courts to uphold public justice and respect religious exercise and conscience for individuals or organizations who find themselves in conflict with legal requirements.
The church is compelled by the love of Christ to care about all people. When we function and minister, peaceably, in the context of our religious convictions that we believe are healthy, true, and according to God's plan, it is not just for ourselves. It is out of caring for everyone, including generations not yet born. When our stance becomes less popular in a society that is, in some ways, moving farther from God, love does not let us withdraw. It is out of love toward those who may think us enemies that we stand for what we genuinely believe is best for all.
Congratulations!
Stephen and Kelly McKenzie Tolan welcomed their new son Roman into the world July 4. Roman is the grandson of Roger McKenzie, professor of religion, and Dave Tolan, SWU missions mobilizer.
SWU graduates turn to Latin American ministry
SWU alums Luke and Abbie Sawyer and their family are currently transitioning from doing ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Colorado to beginning the next season with FCA in the Dominican Republic. The Sawyers left Colorado and are currently living in South Carolina, while they raise funds for their relocation to the DR.
“This has been a dream of mine for quite some time, since I played with Athletes in Action in Nicaragua I have known that God was calling me to work among the poor, specifically in Latin America,†Luke writes in his blog. Prayerfully consider your support of the Sawyers as they start a new chapter of ministry. Visit their blog at teamsawyer2.wordpress.com and their giving site through the FCA here.
