As we, the California-Pacific Conference, enter into this particular moment in the life of The United Methodist Church, we are reminded of our call to embody a heart of peace and to nurture an outward mindset so that the Holy Spirit may lead all of us in new ways forward

We are certainly not strangers to moments of uncertainty.  In many such cases, we have taken the lead so that transformation may follow.  Our identity, as time has proven, is grounded in our belief that there are places that only God can take us if we would only be so willing.

And so, we as Cal-Pac are once again enabled to spiritually greet this Special Called Session without fear, through the many ways that have been planned and are explained below.

Guidance: Starting February 1, 2019, simply check calpacumc.org (top of the page) or your email and social media for all Cal-Pac communications related to the Special Called Session (as listed below).  Remember, if you are receiving this email, you are already on the Cal-Pac email list as well as the Western Jurisdiction Update.  But, others may sign up here for the Cal-Pac list and sign up here for the Western Jurisdiction Update list.

Understanding the Special Called Session

• Summary Packet – Now available is a downloadable packet that summarizes the series of events that have led to a Special Called Session of General Conference.
  
• Detailed Presentation – Bishop Grant J. Hagiya, in one of many District Gatherings, delivered a more detailed presentation of the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.

Before the Special Called Session

• Daily Devotion – We will be led in a daily devotion for seven days prior (February 16-22, 2019) to the Special Called Session.

During the Special Called Session

• Online Prayer Vigil – We will hold a 24-hour (February 24-25, 2019, beginning at 1:00PM) online prayer vigil via Zoom, facilitated by specially trained hosts.  Sign-up online now to lead a 15-minute segment of holding vigil.  Use this link or call (669) 900-6833 to connect to the vigil at any time during the 24 hours.
• Bishop’s Daily Reflection – Bishop Hagiya will share a daily reflection at the end of each day of the Special Called Session.

After the Special Called Session

• Bishop’s Sending Statement – Bishop Hagiya will share a sending statement after the end of the Special Called Session.
• Resource Packet – We will receive a resource packet, with information, pastoral responses, worship resources for the Sunday after, and Bishop Hagiya’s statement, to support our pastors leading gatherings locally.
• Special Worship Service – We will worship and celebrate our unity under the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at 6:00PM Pacific Standard Time, at Pasadena First UMC as well as via livestream, with Bishop Hagiya delivering a special message.

Finally, as Bishop Hagiya introduced to us, let us remember the attitude of “convicted humility” with which we consider all that is before us:

This is an attitude which combines honesty about the differing convictions which divide us with humility about the way in which each of our views may stand in need of corrections. It also involves humble repentance for all the ways in which we have spoken and acted as those seeking to win a fight rather than those called to discern the shape of faithfulness together. In that spirit, we wish to lift up the shared core commitments which define the Wesleyan movement, and ground our search for wisdom and holiness. They are offered as a starting point for conversation, and a reminder that what unites us is deeper and more central than what divides.