Religion & Spirituality
UMPP:022. Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble-Indiana Area United Methodist Church Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble is a special edition episode (022) of The United Methodist People Podcast w/ Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. In the light of the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic upon all aspects of life and its particular impact upon the United Methodist Church in Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble is Dr. Brad’s guest on Episode 022 of the United Methodist People Podcast. In their conversation Bishop Trimble encourages you to remember your baptismal covenant that “The Church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time” as a reminder that this great ordeal will someday pass and that the church will remain. Indeed, Bishop Trimble believe that this crisis may lead to a revival in the church. He emphasizes that we need to support one another and bear one another burdens during this crisis. This includes self-care for clergy and their families. The conversation included various innovative ways to do church while respecting the social distancing required by health officials. He said social distancing does not mean social isolation. These innovations include: -online worship -using zoom video calling -stepped up connections in congregations via phone and social media. Bishop Trimble shared some comforting scriptures such as Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” Psalm 46 “Be Still and know that I am God” as examples of overcoming fear and the spiritual discipline of stillness. Bishop Trimble emphasized that United Methodist’s are connectional and no one in our church is to go through the coronal virus crisis alone. Therefore, Bishop Trimble plans on publishing a weekly podcast episode with Dr. Brad each Tuesday during the course of the crisis “Be Encouraged by the Bishop” The show will feature devotional thoughts and prayers from Bishop Trimble, practical tips on managing your ministry through the crisis and will include the Bishop fielding some questions. If you would like to ask Bishop Trimble a question for the Be Encouraged by the Bishop episodes of the United Methodist People Podcast please email them to serena.acker@inumc.org or brad.miller@inumc.org. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller March 23, 2020