It is only day 2 and we have already been enriched by other clergy and laity all as excited as us about searching out our roots and growing in God's grace. We enjoyed chatting with our “little men” last night by Skype, if even for a few minutes. They are adorable, happy, and well cared for by our parents, even though grandma decided to cut their hair in our absence (love you mom). We are enjoying the time as a couple and have only disagreed once about the best angle to shoot a picture of the Salisbury Cathedral. Pretty great considering jet lag :). Our best shopping experience so far was in Poundland (UK version of Dollar General) where we bought British Flag flipflops for the community showers. I know Wesley wants us to be more communal in orientation, but we still prefer an en-suite bathroom. Okay, on to more weighty matters...
We are experiencing information overload after today's series of lectures and group conversations. The focus of today was to share insights about the Methodist movement and the lives of John and Charles Wesley in preparation for our sight visits tomorrow. We learned about accountable discipleship where followers journey together to grow further in love with God and with neighbor. In addition, we discussed the missional focus of the Methodist movement and their focus on the poor. The Wesleys made it clear how social concern is an outpouring of our personal relationship with Christ. Therefore, to grow in grace, there must be acts of piety (devotion to God) and acts of mercy (serving others). They also clearly modeled how God's love has no distinction of gender, race, and social class. We don't get to choose who we love, but we must love all just as Christ loves all. We who are Methodist come from really exciting roots and we hope we can reclaim the sense of movement versus establishment.
After all this foundational learning, we cannot wait to venture out to see places of historical significance to the Wesleys. After reading and studying our tradition for years, it will be so moving to have context for the words.
Enough for tonight, may your day be as filled with grace as ours!!!
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