HAPPY NEW CONFERENCE YEAR!
It is a new Annual Conference year and the West District is experiencing many changes, even beyond the global pandemic and the current societal crisis in this country. The West District is incorporating a new model of connectedness with our Connecting Shepherds (you will learn more about them in the next newsletter). Joy has mailed and emailed letters, from me to local pastors and those serving in supply regarding how we will be in ministry together moving forward. A few lay and clergy will be invited to serve on the District Committee on Ministry (dCOM) and the re-visioned District Operational Team. We have crafted the schedule for the 2020 Charge Conferences, so that information is forthcoming. While also, the West District expresses a deep appreciation to Rev. John Davis, who will conclude his service as the Associate District Superintendent on July 31, 2020 (a new ADS will be named in the next newsletter). So, as I join you, for such a time as this, on this journey of ministry as the Conference Superintendent, with all of these changes, uncertainties, and complexities. However, my hope is that the challenges will not hinder the West District (lay and clergy) to live out a vision of being Willing in our Missional Service and Way Out in our Witness for Jesus Christ.
Moreover, my hope is that our communities of faith will champion with the message of “we can do more than survive.” Yes, I realize the complexities of ministry are different in our current contexts, but I would suggest that Christ’s Church is still needed and necessary in the places for which our congregations are planted. I would suggest that we, as faithful Christ-followers, must have an understanding that moves beyond survival mode, and move into being faithful in our fruitfulness! As John 15:8 (NLT) states, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” For me, this means we will move beyond the excuses (we do not have enough people, money, young people, etc.), and begin executing the mission and mandate of Jesus Christ, with who and what we have right now! I want to Thank You in advance for your commitment and the many ways it will be manifest through your individual and congregational time, talents, gifts, service, and witness.
I am sure, after all that was written above, the question remains, well who is this new Conference Superintendent? Below are a few points of interest:
What would I like to be called or how would I prefer to be addressed? Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Dr. Aleze, or Dr. Fulbright (If you curious as to why I am more than happy to have that conversation with you.)
What do I love? I love sand, sun, and blue water. I also LOVE dark chocolate and shoes. Lastly, I love my son, who is my best friend.
How do I lead? My leadership is steeped in and guided by prayer. My hallmarks of servant leadership are to ensure all persons are SEEN, HEARD, AND INFORMED. I lead and live out of my personal mission statement to encourage, equip, and empower all persons to live on purpose and out of their God-giveness.
There is far more to share and not enough space. I will have time over our journey together to share more information about myself. If you are curious right now to learn more about me, please visit: https://alezefulbright.com. Additionally, my direct email address is: ds.westdistrict@inumc.org.
Alright, Friends of the West District (lay and clergy) – are you ready to be Willing in our Missional Service and Way Out in our Witness for Jesus Christ?
In Service and On Mission,
Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright
Conference Superintendent serving West District
P.S. Please mark your calendars as we will begin a District-wide book study from September 1 thru November 30 around the book, “How to Be An Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. More details regarding the reading schedule and the ZOOM connections will be published at the end of July. Click here to learn more about the book.