Today is a good day.   I am at a retreat center learning about launching new church projects.  I arrived in time to meet with some colleagues and attend a session about a new church start.  I visited in the hallway with three other Hispanic Pastors and had a wonderful discussion about the Holy Spirit and Prayer and releasing God's power in the church.  Earlier today I was received as a clergy member of the Order of Universal Interfaith Spirituality.  It is great to celebrate what we, as Christians, have in common with other religious faiths.  We talk about breaking down barriers in worshiping with members of other Christian faiths.  What about worshiping the one true God with members of all religious faiths and no religious faith?

I feel great excitement as a Pastor at Tabernacle United Methodist Church.  I have not ever felt as a much excitement, as a Pastor, or as a Christian, as I do now.  I truly feel love and commitment to this wonderful group of people and appreciate their passion for everything that is right and good. A vision is coming to me for Tabernacle that I think builds upon what Tabernacle already is about - a progressive, inclusive, welcoming, spiritual and socially committed church.  I see Tabernacle as an active center of spiritual and community empowerment for the people in the Binghamton and Tri-city area, especially but limited to the West-side of Binghamton.  I see us a place of  deep spirituality, social justice orientation, racial and ethnic integration, Christian and inter-faith spirituality and inclusion of persons of all sexual-orientations and gender identities.  I see us as working cooperatively, even integrally with other United Methodist Churches in the Binghamton area to address issues of spiritual development, justice and poverty.  I see us as offering training in how to be a diverse, equitable and just church.  I see us partnering with faith and secular entities in order to improve the lives of people and make our community  and world a better place.

I've posted my sermons from July 6th, 2014 on, when I arrived at Tabernacle and other thoughts and ideas on my personal and Tabernacle.  Please follow Tabernacle and me on Facebook.  I/we want to be your friend!

https://www.facebook.com/revwillbaez

https://www.facebook.com/TabernacleUMCBinghamton