The United Methodist Church is facing changes. Congregations around the globe are debating whether they want to stay with the denomination or disaffiliate due to a number of complicated and challenging disagreements, including the authority of Holy Scripture and some Bishops not following the Book of Discipline. To help our congregation make an informed decision, our Church Council voted to form a Discernment Team. The team’s purpose is to objectively gather and disseminate information about the relevant issues. It will not vote on the future of the church. If the Church Council decides to take a vote, it will be the church membership that would decide whether to disaffiliate or stay in the denomination. The Discernment Team Members were nominated from the Nominations Committee and approved by the Church Council.

As our church began the discernment process, we encouraged all members of the ORUMC family to do their own research. We arranged for Pastor Terry Moore to speak at 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 and District Superintendent Beverly Coppley at 3 p.m. on Nov. 20. We invited everyone to hear the speakers either in person or online and submit any questions you may have.

This is an ongoing process, and during this period of discernment, members of the Discernment Team will be available to the congregation to help answer questions and obtain requested information.

This is a complicated and challenging time in our church, and we encourage all to move forward in prayer, faith and love as we make these important and difficult decisions.
 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Discernment Team Members and Contact Information

Beth Browning – bethbrowning12@bellsouth.net

Lee Ann Browning - wilsonandla@triad.rr.com

Erin Bull – erinbrowning5@yahoo.com

Max Gardner – tiremax1@gmail.com

Dee Hall – dbhall2013@yahoo.com

Rhonda Lee – rlee@alarmguardsecurity.com

Nora Murray – nmmurray81@gmail.com

Todd Ring – Todd@ttring.net

Melissa Roberts – melroberts789@gmail.com

Charles Rose – chasnjane@gmail.com

Jill Shelton – sheltonjill@aol.com

Spencer Sullivan – sullivan.spencer7@gmail.com

Oak Ridge UMC Discernment Team invites you to attend one of the Church-Wide Discussion meetings concerning possible disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church scheduled in the next few weeks. The team will be available to answer any questions about our options as to the future of Oak Ridge UMC. Childcare to be provided at all 3 discussion meetings by church volunteers. No sign-up required.

The sanctuary will be opened an hour before each meeting for those who want to pray.

• Wednesday, Jan 18, Sanctuary, 6 p.m.    
• Sunday, Jan 22, Sanctuary, 4 p.m.  
• Sunday, Jan 29, Sanctuary, 2 p.m. 

The team plans to cover the same information at all 3 meetings so you need only attend one. Please volunteer to help with childcare at one of the meetings you are not attending so that parents with small children can attend.

Handouts
Terms and Definitions
Discernment Team Apportionments
Two Major Doctrinal Perspectives in the UMC
Discernment Reasons to Stay or Go
Western Conference-Process for Disaffiliation
Flow Chart
DT Apportionments Breakdown