A tradition at our Annual Conference is to sing with great enthusiasm - -

"Blest be the tie that binds....."

This tie that binds we United Methodists together has been called, from Mr. Wesley's time until today - - the "connection".

The "connection" has been that common thread into which all "United Methodist", are a called to be a vital link. By linking together we become an awesome voice in the name of Jesus Christ around the world.

The strength of our connection has been that where one link is weak - - others join in to help out and hold us together.

Being a part of this connection is also being a part of a covenant. Our history as God=s covenant keepers has not been good. Our bent is to be covenant breakers when the going gets tough.

How far can we stretch this "tie that binds" - before it breaks? How many times can we weld the links back together again? We are beginning to put spot welds on the spot welds - - kinda like my Momma used to put patches on the patches of my worn out blue jeans.

We are nearing another session of our United Methodist General Conference. The dark storm clouds are gathering on the horizon again. Oh, it is sunny now, but we still just feel in our bones that a storm is coming!

I came home sickened in my body and soul from the 2000 General Conference. Is history to repeat itself?

Those "troublesome two" are still with us - - human sexuality and human reproduction. Just think what General Conference would be like if these two issues were not constantly "in our face" as a church. We might actually have a spiritual renewal across the land - - or in Dr. Wesley=s words - - "spread scriptural holiness across the land."

We have watched with great interest as our spiritual cousins, the Episcopalians, wrestled with the issue of electing a homosexual priest as a Bishop and then approving same sex unions at their highest legislative body. The did both - - and the outcome, in the pews, is yet to be known. We do know that the laity in the pews will now have their vote - - and they usually vote, first with their pocketbook and then with their feet!

If you were an Episcopalian sitting in the pews - - how would you vote?
We have among our United Methodist connection many links - - -

• Some of those links would break and leave the connection if we followed the Episcopalians.
   
• Some of those links would hold on just for the sake of the connection!

• Some of those links would rejoice at the action!
   
• Some of those links would just wait to see what happened next!

• Some of those links would just continue to get weaker until they broke!

• Some of those links would break out and become a part of "another connection"
   

Can we still be "United" Methodists?

"Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain,
but we shall still be joined in heart, and hop to meet again."

A Jim Lane Commentary
August 23, 2003