A Christmas Message from GBHEM
Dear Friends,
In this season of Advent, it seems as if we are all in the same place as the shepherds of Bethlehem. Like them, we are waiting in the darkness, doing our best to keep watch over our flocks and find safety in a frightening world. Yet, the shepherds did not wait in endless darkness—and neither will we.
The angel of the Lord arrived before them, shining the glory of God into the night and announcing the good news of the birth of Christ. We are in trying times, but the glory of the Lord is still there to light up our darkness.
We see it every day. We see it in our United Methodist-related schools like Meharry Medical College, which is lifting its community with COVID-19 testing and lifesaving research. We see it in the work of clergy like Rev. Dr. Kimberly E. Lane-Willis, a hospital chaplain who makes space for peace and gratitude on the frontlines of the pandemic. And we see it in you, our friends and colleagues who have shown remarkable grace and compassion in adapting your ministries to the realities of 2020.
Below, our GBHEM video Christmas card reminds us to look for those instances of God’s glory shining all around us. I hope you enjoy it, and on behalf of the entire board and staff of GBHEM, I wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Blessings,
Rev. Greg Bergquist
General Secretary
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The United Methodist Church
Related Posts
The Rev. Lia McIntosh applies knowledge from her corporate sales and marketing days to her role as a United Methodist Endorsing Agency-approved life coach, helping UMC pastors understand what coaching skills can offer them — and training ministry leaders to serve as coaches themselves.
“[The Black College Fund] provides the consistent operational support needed to stabilize the institution in an era when many universities face unpredictability. This support ensures our schools can meet payroll, retain talent, and focus on long term strategic planning — not crisis management," said Dr. George T. French, Clark Atlanta University president.
Now, in a new office and new setting, that Scott Erickson print hangs proudly. You’ll see it just over my shoulder on Zoom calls, reminding me that What I love is God and God’s people coming together, wherever and however we may do so.
