Workaholics Paradise

This place is a workaholics paradise. The meetings begin at 7:00 am and do not end until 11:00 pm (that's if they end on time!). Here are some things that have happened so far in the general plenary sessions:


* The UMC has retained its stance on homosexuality

* The number of Bishops in 4 areas of the U.S. has been reduced by one and the savings used will help support more Bishops outside the U.S. where the church is growing rapidly. This reduction does not affect those of us in the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

* The Ivory Coast was made an official part of the United Methodist Church, which means that the 2012 General Conference will be about 1/3 from African countries that speak primarily French! (I am going to have to bone up on my french from high school. :) )

* The official mission statement of the UMC is now: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

* The membership vows have a part added. They now read that you agree to support the UMC with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness.


* A Commission was formed to put together a revised hymnal to be brought to the 2012 General Conference for approval. This is a part of the normal cycle of things. The last revision of the hymnal was in 1987, so it was time to do this again.



Coming up:

* Issues dealing with the authority of the pastor over who can join. [My personal opinion on this is that I don't matter which way it goes. The Majority Report says that anyone who is willing to take the vows has the right to join, but it allows, and indeed encourages, the pastor to educate people on the meaning of membership, which is the only part that I was really concerned about. Basically, it would make official the way I have already been doing things. The Minority Report would add language that gives the pastor explicit authority over who joins, but I don't really think that is necessary as long as our ability to educate and counsel is not impaired.)


* Issues dealing with the UMW. In the legislative committees the change in language to make UMW optional was rejected. I expect that it will be rejected on the floor as well. I know that some of you were concerned about this issue.


Reflections on the Conference:

I have learned a tremendous amount about parlimentary procedure and how the process of doing the business of the church works. For the most part, the debate has been done in the spirit of "holy conferencing." Everyone has been making a real effort to listen and be gracious in their speech. Both our young adult delegates and our delegates from outside the U.S. have been able to speak and have done so to the betterment of the discussion.


I am not really aware of any demonstrations going on outside the convention center, other than a vigil by Soulforce (which is a secular group promoting full rights for homosexuals). There may be some demonstrations, but inside the convention center, all has been orderly and cordial.


The worship has been incredible and I have really enjoyed seeing people from around the connection that I had not seen in years. I have also enjoyed meeting and talking to people from around the UMC that come from all sorts of areas. We meet on the bus, at breakfast, in the convention center. It is just exciting to be with so many United Methodists!


On the downside, I have not gotten a lot of sleep, my feet are swelling, and the convention center is FREEZING. But these are minor issues.


I am constantly praying as I listen, that those who are delegates will remember that we do all of this in support of local church congregations like those at Bowie. That is where the making of disciples for the transformation of the world will take place.


Blessings. I will see you Sunday.


Martha