Happy Birthday

Bishop Peter Weaver Visits the Church on the Cape

 Listen to Bishop Weaver's message

(February 25 - 2005) One of the definitions of the word 'visitation' is: "An official visit for the purpose of inspection or examination, as of a bishop to a diocese." We experienced such an event on a brisk, sunny winter morning when our new bishop spent an unhurried half an hour getting to know us. It was a two-way 'inspection,' he asking about us and we getting to know him. Fortunately, it lacked the stiff formality of the definition, instead exuding the warmth of true Christian fellowship.

As Bishop Weaver and our District Superintendent Paul Chang entered, we were singing from the hymnal led by our organist Beryl Samia and accompanied by Carl Bartlett on the trombone. The Bishop's first comment was about what our neighbors might be thinking: "The United Methodist have gone crazy...they're having church on Friday morning!" He then turned to Carl, who has been 'blowing his own horn' for some 76 years, and invited him to join in a trombone duet at the next New England Annual Conference. The Bishop is himself an accomplished trombonist.

Bishop Weaver has an engaging, vibrant, sincere personality that immediately put us at ease. We could see he was interested in connecting with us and as the session progressed, we understood what a blessing his presence is to the New England Conference. He made the follow points to the nearly two dozen members present:

  • The local church is where the 'rubber hits the road' - where the witness for Christ happens

  • The purpose of the Annual Conference is to serve the local churches

  • He was grateful to God that our church is on an 'upswing'

  • The Tsunami work goes on thanks to each church's mission giving

  • A new UMC seminary has been opened recently in Moscow, Russia

He then asked what we celebrated about our church...

  • We like and respect each other, regardless of our differing perspectives

  • We make a joyful noise unto the Lord (choirs, instruments and soloists)

  • If you fall down, someone will be there to pick you up

  • Our pastor Ruth Merriam - working together with a committed congregation

  • Our expanding outreach which is given with unstinting generosity

  • Our plans to expand our facilities to increase our ministries to our community.

The Bishop's impact on those present was considerable. Here is some of our testimony:

  • "We heard the Bishop for the first time this morning, and felt we were in the presence of a true 'believer'. His talk left us feeling encouraged and positive about the future of the Methodist Church. We have a real man of God in Bishop Weaver."
     

  • "The Bishop is a 'Keeper'. His spirit shines through the man and his love of Christ is a light that will guide all of us in our journey."
     

  • "Bishop Peter Weaver is truly a minister following in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley. The Wesleys would look up him as a 21st century 'circuit rider' bringing the news of our Conference to the more than 500 church in his charge. He commended us for caring about each other and all who need help. He also thanked us for our Conference support. P.S. He also like our stained glass windows."
     

  • A 40 minute stop at 9:00 on a Friday morning doesn't sound like much of an Episcopal visit.  However, the 25 or so church members who were present to meet our new bishop, Peter Weaver, were glad they made the effort.  He came through as a caring, committed pastor who conveys confidence in God's people with a keen sense of humor. We were blessed by his presence along with that of our district superintendent, Paul Chang.  Our thanks to Pastor Ruth for putting together a worshipful welcome.  It was a great way to start the day.
     

  • Bishop Weaver's visit has given me a whole new outlook on the New England Conference. I was particularly taken when he said the annual conference was there to serve the local churches. What a breath of fresh air. Hallelujah!
     

  • The Bishop was comfortable in his charge - a man who loves his mission.  He has humor, grace, and is a good preacher.  We are indeed lucky to have him as our leader. I was so proud of our church...proud of its level of commitment to one another, to its missions, to its intentionality in all it does, and to its underlying commitment to Jesus. 
     
  • The Bishop's faith, and his love of it - flows so naturally. He doesn't sound pious - he just sounds real. He came prepared; he'd done his homework, and he walked in ready to affirm us, and our ministry, and Jesus Christ. By his wit, the gleam in his eyes, his ready repartee, he exuded a confidence that made us feel honored that he's our leader.

The Bishop concluded by bringing us together in a circle and praying that "we may continue to be the light of this community through Jesus Christ."

Amen!