Congregational Meeting

  • What:        Beulah Congregational Vote
  • When:       Wednesday, January 8th @ 6:00
  • Where:      Denny Memorial Church (next to The Runway)
  • Why:         To determine the best path forward for Beulah

Here is a summary of the events that have occurred over the past year relating to the discernment process we have been going through based on changes to UMC doctrine:

  • On March 10th, Beulah’s church council voted to enter the discernment process to determine whether to remain with the United Methodist Church or separate due to proposed changes in church doctrine.  The discernment process allowed UMC churches to vote to leave the conference following an extended period of reflection.
  • On March 19th, Beulah’s church council sent a signed letter to Rev. Ken Nelson notifying the conference of Beulah’s intent to enter the local church discernment process.  Beulah planned to conclude the discernment process with a congregational vote at the end of January 2025 in accordance with the discernment timeline dictated by the UMC.
  • On May 2nd, the United Methodist Church voted to change church doctrine to remove rules prohibiting:
    • Ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals
    • Same-sex weddings
    • Political donations to LGBT groups
  • On October 29th, the United Methodist Church revoked the right of churches to continue the discernment process.
  • On November 3rd, the Beulah discernment committee unanimously voted to pursue a legal path to separate from the conference.
  • On November 17th, the Beulah church council voted 8 – 2 to engage a law firm to represent the church, fully paid with money given for this purpose, not church funds.

We will be conducting a congregational vote on January 8th to determine if a majority professing members support the decision by church council to proceed with legal action to separate from the UMC.

Based on the outcome of this vote:

  • If majority of professing members vote to remain with the United Methodist Church, the council will stop pursuing legal action immediately.
  • If majority of professing members vote to support separation through legal action, the council will proceed with legal action.

Please join us for this important vote to decide the future of Beulah, at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 8th.