Bishop Beverly J. Shamana, California-Nevada Conference

SAN FRANCISCO AREA CALIFORNIA-NEVADA CONFERENCE

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Beverly J. Shamana
Resident Bishop

July 10, 2007

Friends of Sabeel
PO Box 9186
Portland, OR  97207

Dear Friends of Sabeel,

Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.

I write to offer my endorsement and encouragement of the efforts for the conference, “Breaking Down the Wall of Silence: Voices We Need to Hear”.

During my time of visiting the Middle East with the Peace Team of the Council of  Bishops and the General Board of Church and Society, our involvement in and  understanding of efforts for peace were greatly enhanced by the work of Sabeel.

I pray the conference will enlighten our diverse communities about the need for  consistent work for peace.  We cannot take for granted that peace will prevail because our hearts alone are in the right place.  We must continue to be a people who actively connect our words with our deeds to visibly reflect our commitment to Jesus Christ as the path to peace.

May God be present in the conference next month to bless all who participate with the Holy Spirit’s power.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Beverly J. Shamana

PO Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798-2050  
1276 Halyard Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 374-1510  Fax  (916) 372-9062 bishop@calnevumc.org