Good Morning, this is your Chair, Bill Anderson, sending his letter from America.

By the time you read this I will be half way through my six week exchange with the District Superintendent of the Franklin District of the West Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church in the United States of America, Jim Tubbs. I have had conversation and e-mail communication with Jim and Jolene and they are enjoying their side of the program(me) as am I.  As Jim and Jolene and I spent twenty-four hours together, in the midst of their washing drying and packing again, we talked a lot, and ate.  In our conversation it was clear that our Churches were facing some of the same issues:                    

                           The proper use of ministers and pastors.

                            Buildings.

                            How to encourage all God's people to share their faith both living our life of faith and                                   speaking of that faith in a winsome way.

The Franklin District is a mixture of formerly industrial areas, oil and coal have given wealth to the area, and forestry with agriculture.  In the rural areas you will soon see signs that there are still strong communities of Amish people, working the land and generating the support for such working and living that is reluctant to embrace the modern technologies.  I guess there are both strengths and weaknesses in such communities.   As I listened to their story through the eyes of Methodist Pastors working in the same geography, and some people who trade on the Amish Peoples behalf, I am mindful of our situation back in the Birmingham District, where maybe such distinct communities come into our lives through the lives of those who come from other places in our world. How are we working at being good neighbours to such people?

I am enjoying the amazing beauty of the District; hills, trees, rivers and habitations blend together, making my journeys to and from my various visits a real joy. As we have considered how I might spend some time off there is an element of surprise that I want to spend it here and not go away. I hope many of you are enjoying breaks away during the heat wave (you may be pleased to know I am enjoying the rain – and warmth) but also maybe we should learn to enjoy where we are!   I think that thought may have significance for more than geography.  It may be particularly important as we move through the changes in ministry teams that our summer time brings with it.

I am storing up some of the insights that come from our exchange, to reflect on them before trying to bring them home.   However, I could not leave this reflection without a comment about food.   One of the folk here said that there are three essentials in any Methodist gathering (could be a good sermon I thought) singing, offering and food.   So we have talked about traditional and contemporary worship, we have compared the money issues challenging the church, but always food.   Breakfast (Jim makes good waffles to go with Maple Syrup) and donuts come in all shapes and sizes.  A sandwich can be a challenge especially when being tackled in the stand behind “Home Base” at a Pirates game.  We won, both the sandwich eating and the Game!  Meals shared in homes and restaurants.  Picnics, with games and conversation and grilled meats off the bar-b-q, and beans. Deserts of every shape and colour, and blueberry pie. All created a setting in which to sit and talk and share story. And ice cream.

So, as I continue to enjoy my exchange experience some food for thought!

Yours in love,

Bill Anderson.      

Christ Church, Franklin - Place of my Welcome Service	The Allegheny River Flows down to Pittsburgh
Ice Cream	The Ball Game
My Table	Amish Country

	The Picnic