Bishop Welcomed
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño gives a benediction during a service of Holy Communion on Oct. 1 welcoming her back to active service in the California-Nevada Annual Conference. (Courtesy photo)
California-Nevada Annual Conference | October 05, 2023
Editor's note: Click here to access the service video. The bulletin is attached.
A gathering of more than 300 United Methodists in the California-Nevada conference met on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at First UMC in Sacramento to celebrate Holy Communion on World Communion Sunday with returning resident Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño after an 18-month suspension.
“What a joy to be worshiping with you,” stated Bishop Carcaño during her message, “…it’s been too long.”
Rev. Mahsea Evans, Sr., pastor of Sacramento First UMC introduced guests Rev. Dr. Giovannia Arroyo, General Secretary of GCORR, Bishop Elias Galván and Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank. According to Bishop Carcaño, connectional leaders like these “will be with us in the weeks to come as an expression of care and support for all of us. They and our entire United Methodist Church know that we have experienced a very serious moment of brokenness …this level of serious concerns led these leaders to come to accompany us, to be with us so that by the grace and mercy of God we may be healed of our brokenness.”
Song leader Pam Kelly led the singing of the processional hymn, “I Come with Joy,” played by Sumee Choe. The Call to Worship and Litanies were composed for this service by Rev. Mark Wiley and edited by Rev. Jan Wiley of the California-Pacific Conference. Members of the Laurel UMC Tongan Choir sang songs of prayer including, Handel’s “Hallelujah” and “Hevani”. District Superintendent Rev. Blake Busick read 1 Peter 2:1-10.
“I am ready to join you in the great work of our conference,” stated Bishop Carcaño after listing the ways churches have been faithful in following God’s call while she was absent. “You never forgot your identity… my heart overflows with pride for who you are. You are the people of God.”
Bishop Carcaño acknowledged that she was aware that the conference had experienced hurt and pain during the last 18 months and she is searching for ways to bring healing.
“My heart continues to be heavy… I’ve never been through this before,” stated Bishop Carcaño describing her effort to find healing ways forward. “The answers are coming slowly,” added Bishop Carcaño relating the story of daily manna in the desert, “but God will be with us.”
Bishop Escobedo-Frank and Bishop Elias Galván led the order of Communion.
“I pray that in our taking Holy Communion on this day, we may remember that God will feed us, God will heal us,” concluded Bishop Carcaño.
Attachments: world communion sunday bulletin 3.pdf
JB Brayfindley is a freelance journalist who frequently writes for the California-Nevada Annual Conference. This article is republished with permission from the conference website.