RESULTS OF THE STRAW POLL
The results of the Straw Poll held on April 11, 2023 are as follows:
132 Yes, continue the process of disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church
32 No, do not continue the process of disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church
*The vote carried by 80%
With a simple majority needed to carry this vote, there were sufficient YES votes to approve the continuation of the process for disaffiliation. Remember, this is not the final vote for disaffiliation, however, with this vote, Beulah UMC will move forward toward a final vote. More detailed information (including costs, and next steps in the process) will be posted and/or emailed as it becomes available.
I invite you to join me in continuing to pray for each other, and our entire Beulah UMC family, as we move forward in seeking God’s will.
PRAYER GUIDE
HOW TO USE THE PRAYER GUIDE:
As we discern the path forward, it’s vitally important for this congregation to be in prayer. Below you will find each day listed. When you click on the day you will find a file with a prayer, scriptures, and space for your thoughts. A printable booklet of the prayer guide can be found at the bottom of the page.
Please take at least 15 minutes each day and allow the Holy Spirit to lead your time in prayer.
DISCERNMENT CALENDAR
Please click on the scripture to see the daily reading.
HOW TO USE THE DISCERNMENT CALENDAR:
The 30 Day Discernment Calendar (found above) offers a daily guide for: additional scripture readings, notice for special meetings, a weekly Bible study, special times of prayer, and ultimately the date for the Straw Poll (defined below).
Additional Scripture readings: these are additional scripture related to discernment and can be read along with the scripture offered for each day in the booklet.
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Special Meetings: You will note a Town Hall meeting scheduled for Sunday March 26, at 9:45 am in the Fellowship Hall. This meeting will allow for updates, information, and time for questions.
A Weekly Bible Study: Each Monday, beginning March 6th, Margaret Burke will lead a Bible study, “Discerning the Voice of God.” This will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Special Times of Prayer: Each Wednesday during regular office hours, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, the church sanctuary will be open for self-guided-prayer.
Discernment Team Meeting: Each Thursday at 6 p.m. the Discernment Team meets to pray, plan, and organize for the Discernment process (including this booklet, etc.). The team consists of the following people: Louis Corde, Caryl Harris, Sharon Robertson, Randy Ramey, Terri Griggs, Chuck Salmon, Beth Spitzley, Zachary Glazier, Pastor Don and Pastor Daniel.
Straw Poll: An unofficial ballot/vote to test the opinion (following the 30 Days of Discernment) will determine whether Beulah UMC moves on in the Disaffiliation process and toward a deciding vote. The Straw Poll will take place Tuesday, April 11, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the church Sanctuary and will include all members present and will require a simple majority to move forward.
ADDITIONAL RESCOURCES
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Discernment: In general, discernment is accurately evaluating ourselves, people, and situations. We discern things correctly by having a sound perception of what is true, right, and essential. Dictionary.com defines discernment as "the faculty of discerning, discrimination, acuteness of judgment and understanding."
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Discernment in the Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."
Straw Poll: an unofficial ballot/vote conducted as a test of opinion.