Goodwill Message

I received a special invitation this week! 

“The Church of South India (CSI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in India and maintains congregations throughout the United States and Canada. The CSI North America Conference is among the largest gatherings of CSI congregations across the continent, bringing together clergy, church leaders, youth, families, and professionals for worship, fellowship, leadership development, and community engagement.

Hosted by Love of Christ CSI Church, Dallas, this conference reflects our commitment to fostering Christian unity, nurturing future generations in faith, and serving our communities with the love of Christ. Delegates from across North America will gather alongside distinguished church leaders from India and the diaspora, including the Moderator of the Church of South India, the Deputy Moderator, CSI Bishops, clergy, and lay leaders.

As a shepherd and spiritual leader within the Christian community, your faithful ministry, commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, strengthening the Church, and serving God’s people continue to inspire and bless many. Recognizing our shared connection and your heart for the growth and mission of the Love of Christ CSI Church, it would be our great honor and privilege to welcome you as a distinguished guest at the inaugural session.

We would also be grateful if you could provide a Goodwill Message (250–500 words) for publication in our Conference Souvenir. The souvenir will be distributed to all registered participants and shared with CSI congregations throughout North America, allowing your message to reach a broad audience of church leaders, families, and community members.” 

Here is what I wrote (499 words):

Dear Friends attending the CSI North America Conference,

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” – Ephesians 1:2.

I was appointed as the Senior Pastor of Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Dallas in July 2023. Like many churches, Spring Valley had experienced years of decline and an aging congregation. Many longed for a return of younger families and more children and students. Nearly three years later, we were approached by the Love of Christ, Church of South India, seeking a new location for worship. They began meeting on our campus on the first of February, 2026, settling in what was the original sanctuary of the church for worship. The new congregation also claimed several Sunday school classes for children, youth and adults. At almost the exact same time, another younger congregation, Bethel Methodist of Ghana, began meeting on our campus. The prayers of the Spring Valley congregation were answered, though perhaps not exactly as they had imagined. But isn’t that how the Holy Spirit works at times?

I will always remember The Season of Lent, 2026. Just a few weeks after they began worshiping here, LOCCSI and Bethel Methodist joined Spring Valley United Methodist Church for a combined Ash Wednesday service. At the beginning of Holy Week, Palm Sunday, the three congregations processed through the neighborhood from a nearby park to the church, singing songs and waving palm branches. We worshipped together again on Good Friday- and following the service LOCCSI members hosted dinner for the three congregations. 

I am reminded of the invitation Peter received to journey from Joppa to Caesarea from Cornelius. Seeing the Gentiles’ readiness to receive the Gospel, the apostle proclaims, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35). The worship and fellowship we are experiencing through the congregations meeting at Spring Valley are a witness to the neighborhood and broader community. The joy, fellowship, and unity I have seen shared between the three congregations is a vision of God’s dream- people speaking with different accents, styles of dress, and countries of origin- yet all made in the divine image celebrating their diversity, uniqueness and giftedness. 

I am convinced that God’s vision of diversity, inclusion and joy being witnessed at Spring Valley is not limited to this small corner of Dallas County. As the 35th CSI Family & Youth Conference begins, my prayer for this occasion is that those participating will see a glimpse of this reality as well. When people of different backgrounds and traditions come together at the invitation of Christ, people experience faith on a deeper level. May more and more people be inspired by our love and support for each other- that the world may know the love and grace of God, revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Rev Dr Frank Drenner, Senior Pastor, Spring Valley United Methodist Church