An African proverb states, "if you want to go fast walk alone, if you want to go far, walk together."
As your new bishop I have experienced "Hoosier Hospitality" and the kind of introduction to Indiana that reflects the rich history of the United Methodist Christian witness in this part of our country. Here in the crossroads of our nation Methodists have been an integral component of the growth of institutions of higher education, world class hospitals, and organizations that provide support for children and families in Indiana and throughout the world.
The annual conference is only as strong as our connection and commitment to our local congregations and communities. The essence of our relevance remains tied to the words we sang as children: "the church is not the building nor the steeple, the church is the people." When it comes to growth and vitality, let me remind you that, "people draw people."
As Christians, there is no substitute for each of us to share our faith in relationships with each other, as well as our neighbors in our communities. In fact, we have a primary focus and concern for those not already inside the church. And if you are like me, you believe in the community of faith, and that people are better off with Jesus and inside a church family.
As I begin to travel in and throughout Indiana, I am looking forward to seeing the communities we call home. Many of our communities face challenges that have impacted the quality of life and the future of some local churches. What has not changed is that we serve an amazing God who has left us a mission of transforming the world while we make disciples of Jesus Christ.
If you were not at the welcome service for my wife, First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble, and myself allow me to recap what I shared, "I believe that in Jesus Christ and the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, we have "More Than Enough."
We have:
- More than enough gifted laypersons who love the Lord,
- More than enough engaged and effective clergy; and
- More than enough resources to grow, to go, and to share.
The early Methodist movement believed there was "nothing to do but save souls."
As the bishop of the Indiana Conference, I made a public commitment at St. Luke's UMC during the welcome service on September 11, 2016, and I intend to Pay Attention, Be Astonished and Tell People about Jesus.
Let us walk together in prayer as we invite others to walk with us in mission and ministry.
"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious — the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
Be Encouraged,
Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble