December Message from Conference Minister Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros
Last month, I shared a message of hope and understanding, seeking to honor the wide range of emotions within our conference following the election. As I continue to reflect, however, I find myself grappling with the weight of what we are facing together. As your Conference Minister, I am called to lead with faith and courage, yet I must also admit that I have moments of deep concern for my own safety in these troubling times. Recent events and the changes in our society remind us of how fragile safety and security can be. Some of us may have taken safety for granted, while others have always known it to be uncertain.
This fear is not mine alone. Many in our communities are living with a deep sense of uncertainty and anxiety. Far too many of our siblings face daily threats of violence, discrimination, and marginalization. These are not abstract issues—they are the real, lived experiences of people in our neighborhoods. Sadly, the challenges they face may grow even harder in the days ahead. As I spend time in my own community, I see how important it is to create spaces where people who are experiencing uncertainty or fear and those who love their neighbors can come together to create a space of safety and comfort for each other.
As people of faith, we are called to respond not with despair but with strength and purpose. At its best, the church is a light in the darkness—a source of hope and justice. We are called to stand with those who are vulnerable, speak out for the oppressed, and live out the radical love and inclusivity of Christ. Our mission is rooted in the example Jesus set: reaching out to the marginalized, standing against unjust systems, and building communities where everyone can thrive.
For some of us, this calling has been a way of life. For others, it may have felt like a distant idea. But now is the time for all of us to boldly live into this work. Our commitment to justice cannot be lukewarm and it cannot waver in the face of fear; it must grow stronger and deeper. Together, we must ask:
How can we be the hands and feet of Christ in these times?
How can we support those who feel most at risk?
How can we create spaces where people feel safe and cared for?
How can our churches be places of safety and agents of change?
These are important questions that call for action, and the answers will differ from one congregation to another. Across the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, some churches are already courageously engaging in justice work, shaping their efforts to address the unique needs of their local areas. For others, this work may feel overwhelming and knowing where to begin can be challenging. There is no one-size-fits-all solution—this work is as varied as the communities we are called to serve. If you’d like to explore these questions further, I invite you to reach out to me for a conversation.
Friends, this is not easy work, but it is the work Jesus calls us to do.
Let us remember that we are not alone on this journey. God is with us, strengthening us and guiding our steps. I invite you to join me in prayer and bold action as we recommit to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people. Together, let us embody the hope and love of Christ, standing strong in the face of fear and uncertainty.
In faith and solidarity,
Lorraine