Worship last evening offered an amazing variety of celebration of anniversaries, ministries, God at work!
We shared the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Communities of Shalom, begun at the 1992 General Conference, during which riots broke out in Los Angeles. The Commission on the Status & Role of Women celebrates it's 40th anniversary. This monitoring and advocacy commission was started at the impetus of United Methodist Women. It is also for 100th anniversary of the inclusion of laity as delegates to the General Conference.
We also heard reports of the fabulous ministries associated with our four focus areas:
New Leaders for the Global Church
New Congregations in New Places with New People
Ministry with the Poor
Eradicating Killer Diseases
Many of our youngest members are leading the way in reaching out in these areas.
We also heard about the beginning of the 20/20 Visioning for the eradication of HIV/AIDS. Without this we have a "genocide of indifference." But United Methodists have heard the cry of those with HIV/AIDS, and are responding with ministry.
We also celebrating 20 years of Africa University and the fabulous Christian Education offered there.
Lastly, we celebrated the 100 years of Girl Scouting, and Boy Scouting. Two Good Shepherd medals were presented to Boy Scouts.
This morning we begin plenary deliberations on items which will come to the floor for deliberation. Please keep us in your prayers.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday at General Conference
This is a Sabbath Day. By virtue of legislation passed earlier, there are no committee or plenary sessions today. Many local churches are being blessed by the presence and preaching of our bishops. The Commission on the Status and Role of Women will be celebrating their 40th anniversary during worship at 10 a.m. Special speakers are coming to designated venues, including Dr. James Cone. It is another warm and humid day. So some folks are observing part of their Sabbath on the beach!
The Legislative Committees have now completed their work. After three intensive days of dealing with controversial legislation, I am glad to have a Sabbath! My spirit was more than a little bruised by the time we finished last evening. Some were rejoicing. Some were shattered. Many of us were left wondering why Christians cannot love all others in ways that show the respect, hospitality, grace, and depth of our Christ. I still hold to nuggets of hope that progress is being made and that Christ way and love will someday reign.
I am looking forward to attending the CSRW worship, lunch with cherished friends, and the Africana Banquet this evening. In between all of that, I may catch a nap and a swim in the pool. That should refresh me for the week to come.
The Legislative Committees have now completed their work. After three intensive days of dealing with controversial legislation, I am glad to have a Sabbath! My spirit was more than a little bruised by the time we finished last evening. Some were rejoicing. Some were shattered. Many of us were left wondering why Christians cannot love all others in ways that show the respect, hospitality, grace, and depth of our Christ. I still hold to nuggets of hope that progress is being made and that Christ way and love will someday reign.
I am looking forward to attending the CSRW worship, lunch with cherished friends, and the Africana Banquet this evening. In between all of that, I may catch a nap and a swim in the pool. That should refresh me for the week to come.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Legislative Committees begin their work
Well, our legislative committees have been hard at work today. Some have split up into sub-committees in order to care for the large volume of resolutions and petitions. Some committees have begun to take action on pieces of legislation already. Those should be recorded in tomorrow's Daily Christian Advocate. If you have a petition tracker, or log on to the gc2012.umc.org website, you may be able to see progress on petitions in which you are interested.
The global nature of the UMC is ever more evident, as we find nearly half of our committee members are from central conference, many of whom require translation. It is exciting to hear one's speeches being translated into French, Portugese, Swahili, German, and several more languages. So many beautiful people, all endeavoring to communicate as we join in this huge ministry of administration, enabling, blessing, and equipping.
It has been exciting to see so many young people in leadership positions on these committees. They are doing a fabulous job, and are giving a wonderful witness to the future of the UMC.
Check out the Conference webpage and the UNYAC Facebook page to see pictures of our folks at work!
The global nature of the UMC is ever more evident, as we find nearly half of our committee members are from central conference, many of whom require translation. It is exciting to hear one's speeches being translated into French, Portugese, Swahili, German, and several more languages. So many beautiful people, all endeavoring to communicate as we join in this huge ministry of administration, enabling, blessing, and equipping.
It has been exciting to see so many young people in leadership positions on these committees. They are doing a fabulous job, and are giving a wonderful witness to the future of the UMC.
Check out the Conference webpage and the UNYAC Facebook page to see pictures of our folks at work!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 25 - the hard truth and hope
"Every day in this world, fear keeps challenging faith, and faith still always wins."
Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA
Adam Hamilton presented some startling statistics.
Comparison statistics since five years ago:
Membership down 5.3%
Worship Attendance down 8.7%
Confirmations and baptisms down 21%
Young adult voice: The UMC's inability to adapt will mean that young people will go elsewhere.
52 % of active clergy are 55-72 years old. Within 20 years, 14,000 of our clergy will be retired.
This is the driving force for the Call to Action plan for restructuring the denomination.
It will be interesting to see what the legislative committees do with this legislation, and the resultant action of the General Conference. There will be no change without risk and sacrifice.
The first presentation was aimed at filling the Conference with hope. The second intended to instill fear. 'Very unsettling!
Young People's Address
A young man from Denver, Colorado and Joy from Philippines - (present through video, since her visa was denied) offered the Young People's Address:
Charged, Rooted, and United Disciples of Jesus Christ. Are we aware of the young people's role? Young people are charged to give God's word to the world. She named those from scripture who have also received and followed that charge. There are inspiring stories of young people leading in the UMC all around the world. Now they ask, what has the church done or what will it do to magnify this potential. How are we working side by side with the young people to share the good news.
In her congregation in an impoverished area of Manilla, most of the members of the congregation are young people. They are given opportunities to lead at young ages. UM Youth organizations are a stepping stone to understanding the church.
A video of a young man, Peter, from Kenya who gave a visual journal of a day in his life of faith. He has faced many challenges to his life and livelihood, but perseveres in faith. He teaches younger ones in the faith and scriptures.
We also heard the video witness of a young Christian woman from Germany who shares Christ with children and peers.
Joy's prayer is that each of us will put God first in each decision we participated in. Young people need the church, and the church needs young people in mission.
Charged, Rooted, and United Disciples of Jesus Christ. Are we aware of the young people's role? Young people are charged to give God's word to the world. She named those from scripture who have also received and followed that charge. There are inspiring stories of young people leading in the UMC all around the world. Now they ask, what has the church done or what will it do to magnify this potential. How are we working side by side with the young people to share the good news.
In her congregation in an impoverished area of Manilla, most of the members of the congregation are young people. They are given opportunities to lead at young ages. UM Youth organizations are a stepping stone to understanding the church.
A video of a young man, Peter, from Kenya who gave a visual journal of a day in his life of faith. He has faced many challenges to his life and livelihood, but perseveres in faith. He teaches younger ones in the faith and scriptures.
We also heard the video witness of a young Christian woman from Germany who shares Christ with children and peers.
Joy's prayer is that each of us will put God first in each decision we participated in. Young people need the church, and the church needs young people in mission.
Laity Address
This year's laity address was offered by Betty Spiwe Kitayo of Zimbabwe. This is the first time that the laity address has been offered by a lay person from a Central Conference. She seeks for the UMC not to be a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. But rather she encourages laity to claim their ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ. This is the calling of all Christians.
In her local church in inner city Harare, there is a large building which seats 1000 people. And every Sunday there are more people coming to hear the good news of Jesus Christ than the seats can accommodate! Praise God!
We need to be a church which is more focused on the Holy Spirit, than on problems. We need to call on the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate each of us and the United Methodist Church.
Steve Furr from Alabama also showed a video which conveyed his quest to take better care of the temple for the Spirit in his body. He is endeavoring to be and live a sermon through his example of caring for his body. He has experienced personal and spiritual transformation in this process.
We each need to be following spiritual disciplines in order to model the good news that we preach. Showing this kind of transformation will be a powerful witness to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. If we do not leave this place with changed temples, the denomination will also remain the same. For we are in the gym of life. Offer someone else a gym membership in the gym of life today.
Amory Peck from Bellingham, Washington also spoke. A Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) was created when the UMC added to its mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ "for the transformation of the world." She reminded us that the ministry of the laity is the primary evangelistic witness through which people will come to know Jesus Christ. The new portion of the membership vows and response to baptism reminds us that we are to be faithful to the UMC through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The laity need to take this seriously, with no exceptions. If its to be it's up to us. God, count us in!
She was reminded by Gil Rendle to be steady in purpose and flexible in structure. How do we separate our beliefs which must be preserved from our practices which may not need to be preserved? We love this denomination. And we know that change must happen. If its to be its up to us.
In her local church in inner city Harare, there is a large building which seats 1000 people. And every Sunday there are more people coming to hear the good news of Jesus Christ than the seats can accommodate! Praise God!
We need to be a church which is more focused on the Holy Spirit, than on problems. We need to call on the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate each of us and the United Methodist Church.
Steve Furr from Alabama also showed a video which conveyed his quest to take better care of the temple for the Spirit in his body. He is endeavoring to be and live a sermon through his example of caring for his body. He has experienced personal and spiritual transformation in this process.
We each need to be following spiritual disciplines in order to model the good news that we preach. Showing this kind of transformation will be a powerful witness to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. If we do not leave this place with changed temples, the denomination will also remain the same. For we are in the gym of life. Offer someone else a gym membership in the gym of life today.
Amory Peck from Bellingham, Washington also spoke. A Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) was created when the UMC added to its mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ "for the transformation of the world." She reminded us that the ministry of the laity is the primary evangelistic witness through which people will come to know Jesus Christ. The new portion of the membership vows and response to baptism reminds us that we are to be faithful to the UMC through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The laity need to take this seriously, with no exceptions. If its to be it's up to us. God, count us in!
She was reminded by Gil Rendle to be steady in purpose and flexible in structure. How do we separate our beliefs which must be preserved from our practices which may not need to be preserved? We love this denomination. And we know that change must happen. If its to be its up to us.
Day 2 Episcopal Address
Bishop Peter Weaver is issuing an inspiring Episcopal Address.
"We are by God's grace disciples of Jesus Christ.
"We are by God's grace disciples of Jesus Christ.
As resurrection people we should be so happy we cannot sit down. For we are part of a resurrection revolution!
This is the 200th anniversary of the first episcopal address. General Conference has been full of new things ever since. John Wesley invited followers to do everything as if in the immediate presence of God. The living Christ will be with us through this General Conference and out into the resurrection revolution out ahead. The Spanish called this place the Bay of the Holy Spirit. We are endeavoring to be a part of the Spirit's work even today.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
We have begun
We are now learning how to work together as a "holy" conference. All is offered with care for every unique need and utilizing the many God-given gifts of folks present. Being a global denomination - body of Christ - we have a unique richness and diversity among the body. We also face the challenges of communicating with everyone effectively.
Live streaming is available through the General Conference website for our worship services and plenary sessions. I encourage you to "check it out!"
We're starting
General Conference is just about to begin officially. I have attended four orientation sessions, met with friends in "The Tabernacle" and begun to feel the excitement of what is about to unfold. I have met with friends from around the world, and made new friends as well.
I will begin to add pictures to my blog with my next posting. Opening worship will feature offering support for Cornerstone Family Ministries, Imagine No Malaria, and Ministry with the Poor. Bishop Larry Goodpastor will be preaching on "The Radical Invitation.
Watch for updates in a few hours!!
I will begin to add pictures to my blog with my next posting. Opening worship will feature offering support for Cornerstone Family Ministries, Imagine No Malaria, and Ministry with the Poor. Bishop Larry Goodpastor will be preaching on "The Radical Invitation.
Watch for updates in a few hours!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
On the Way
Thank you all so much for your prayerful support for Paul, for me, for our UNYAC delegates, and for all who are in the process of gathering for the 2012 Session of the United Methodist General Conference in Tampa!
We awoke in Gouverneur this morning to find a couple of inches of snow and slush on the ground. Sleet was hitting the windows and the wind was blowing. Even though school was closed for the day, the roads were sufficiently cleared so that Paul and I were able to get to Hancock International Airport in Syracuse in plenty of time. We now await our flight to Tampa, via Atlanta.
I have been hearing about some of the challenges that some of our international delegates to the General Conference are having. Flights have been delayed, connections missed. By the time they arrived in Tampa, shuttles had quit running, restaurants were closed, and with barriers of language, they were having a difficult time getting to their hotels. Thanks to some of the "Love Your Neighbor" folks, however, many of these folks were fed and transported to their hotels. Let's all remember that the resources for many of our international delegates are very limited. Reaching out with love, concern, practical help, and the sharing of resources is an expression of the love of God. May we all be sharing what we can so that everyone finds greater comfort in doing the important work to which God has called us!
We awoke in Gouverneur this morning to find a couple of inches of snow and slush on the ground. Sleet was hitting the windows and the wind was blowing. Even though school was closed for the day, the roads were sufficiently cleared so that Paul and I were able to get to Hancock International Airport in Syracuse in plenty of time. We now await our flight to Tampa, via Atlanta.
I have been hearing about some of the challenges that some of our international delegates to the General Conference are having. Flights have been delayed, connections missed. By the time they arrived in Tampa, shuttles had quit running, restaurants were closed, and with barriers of language, they were having a difficult time getting to their hotels. Thanks to some of the "Love Your Neighbor" folks, however, many of these folks were fed and transported to their hotels. Let's all remember that the resources for many of our international delegates are very limited. Reaching out with love, concern, practical help, and the sharing of resources is an expression of the love of God. May we all be sharing what we can so that everyone finds greater comfort in doing the important work to which God has called us!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
On a Wing and a Prayer
Word has come to me from all over the Northern Flow District and the Upper New York Annual Conference, that folks are sending delegates off to General Conference with prayer under our wings! As Paul and I fly to Tampa tomorrow, I feel that I am taking all of you with me. Your prayers, your passions for causes, ministries, missions, and peace will be a part of the fabric of my being, my voice, and my vote at General Conference. I will work to quickly "find my voice" and to be articulate in speaking about issues for which I care so deeply. That is why I put my name forth for election. I want to make a powerful difference as together we seek to continue to transform the United Methodist Church into the body of Christ that God intends for us to be. So, we're off to Tampa in the morning! Your prayers bless us along the way!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Crunch Time
The General Conference countdown clock tells me that less than four days from now, the 2012 Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church will be called to order. There are many who, like me, have entered into a time of intense prayerful preparation for this faith-filled, historic event. I seek to do the will of Christ, and for the body as a whole to focus on serving the Great Innovator, the Loving Redeemer, the one who came to give us a New Covenant based on LOVE.
And so, the final preparations have begun. Being the practical person that I am, that means I am doing the laundry, measuring and weighing suitcases, organizing paperwork, trying to trust that Paul will be able to care for his own items, and trying to leave enough food in the house so that the rest of the family will not starve!!
In the midst of all of that, much of today will focus on preparing to offer the message at the Spring Gathering of the Northern Flow District United Methodist Women at Asbury UMC. I am thrilled that my mother, who is also my UMW heroine, will be able to attend, too.
Then it is "on to Tampa!"
And so, the final preparations have begun. Being the practical person that I am, that means I am doing the laundry, measuring and weighing suitcases, organizing paperwork, trying to trust that Paul will be able to care for his own items, and trying to leave enough food in the house so that the rest of the family will not starve!!
In the midst of all of that, much of today will focus on preparing to offer the message at the Spring Gathering of the Northern Flow District United Methodist Women at Asbury UMC. I am thrilled that my mother, who is also my UMW heroine, will be able to attend, too.
Then it is "on to Tampa!"
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
No. Flow District Prayer Vigil
This morning, the Northern District of the Upper New York Annual Conference held a prayer vigil for General Conference. Some faithful folks gathered in the Morristown UMC to share scripture, prayer, singing, devotionals, stories about General Conferences past, hopes for the 2012 General Conference, and personal reflections. What a moving experience. I was humbled and privileged then to have those present lay hands on me for an oil-free anointing prayer. What a blessing. We are all encouraged to be open and discerning, imagining God's will, seeking the transformation of lives in faith in Jesus Christ. We recognized the joy and beauty of our connectionalism as United Methodists. And we were reminded to value the persons, time, efforts and passions that have gone into writing each piece of legislation and preparing for every event at the General Conference. All this is precious in God's sight.
Well, in less than six days, folks will gather in Tampa for this monumental and historic Christian work! Please go with us in prayer!
Well, in less than six days, folks will gather in Tampa for this monumental and historic Christian work! Please go with us in prayer!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Eight Days to Go!
Well, I have completed going through ALL of the legislation for the Church and Society B legislative committee for the third time. This time, I made many notes. There is so much legislation for this committee that I want to be sure I can refresh my memory quickly. The next step will be to review the rules and proposed changes to the rules one last time. Then, on to packing...... Any guesses as to whether I will be able to fit 12 days worth of clothing and accessories into one suitcase?? And I've been told to leave room in my suitcase for bringing home extra literature!! With the TSA regulations in place today, it will be a very tight squeeze!
Prayer request for today: Plenty of sleep for those preparing to leave for Tampa soon. With well-rested bodies, we will be healthier temples through which God may work!
Prayer request for today: Plenty of sleep for those preparing to leave for Tampa soon. With well-rested bodies, we will be healthier temples through which God may work!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Nine days to go!
Hello, Friends! General Conference is only nine days away. The Upper New York Annual Conference had a wonderful delegation meeting this weekend. Sharing some of our questions, concerns, and joys in anticipation of General Conference was very helpful. Each time we are together our respect and trust for one another grows. This General Conference will most likely be one of historic proportions as we consider restructuring the denomination, the world-wide nature of the church, and other issues. I will endeavor to post daily as we make this journey together. Check out updates on the General Conference website, too. And the General Conference app for smartphones provides an easy way to track individual pieces of legislation. Blessings! Beckie
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)