Dear claity (clergy & lay leaders) of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area,
May grace and peace from Christ be with you.
Understanding and celebrating who we are as followers of Christ and United Methodists is key to fruitful discipleship, missional unity, and impact. As we strengthen our identity as disciples, the Holy Spirit unleashes us to live the gospel and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places.
Recently, Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church released the Belong series, a comprehensive suite of resources designed to introduce new disciples and help current disciples deepen their engagement with the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion and their commitment to our membership vows.
The Belong booklets offer a dynamic layout with approachable language for new members, small groups, Sunday school, and confirmation classes. These guides:
- Encourage personal reflection and group discussion.
- Use accessible language and dynamic visuals to bring theological concepts to life.
- Provide practical applications for integrating sacramental practices into daily life.
- Soon, they will be available in 11 different languages.
These resources can:
- Enhance faith formation and new member classes.
- Transform abstract theological concepts into relatable, lived experiences.
- Support discipleship growth by highlighting the Wesleyan doctrines of grace and salvation.
I encourage clergy, youth, and Christian education leaders in our congregations to prioritize incorporating this new resource into their discipleship strategy. Later this winter, we will release a companion piece with ideas and session outlines on how to use these resources in your new membership classes and small groups. The first companion piece will be on Membership Vows.
I am happy to share that you will receive 20% off when you order five or more of any of the Belong titles by using the coupon code: HECTOR during check out (my gift to you!)You can learn more and order your Belong booklets here.
Together, we are nurturing passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who embody faith, love, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives the Wesleyan way.
Always remember that we all belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
Together in mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area
