I am a nervous wreck right now.
There have been a LOT of HUGE decisions made in the last couple of days. I brought my computer today with hopes to sit and update you all during sessions this afternoon, but I haven't yet found the strength/energy/ability to do so.
If you read this today (Wednesday), please pray. Pray hard. Pray for the future of our church. Pray that we might be united. That we might truly engage in Holy Conferencing and that we will allow the Holy Spirit to work among us. That we may, as a body of The United Methodist Church, give a faithful witness of who Christ is calling us to be.
I'm not entirely convinced that happened this morning. Yet I remain hopeful and pray that this petition - number 80449 regarding paragraph 161.G (that I referred to in an earlier post) will pass in its amended state. I pray the majority report passes, as it will not only take away exclusive and negative language, but also acknowledge that we have come to a loving, Spirit-guided place of peace in agreeing to disagree.
We are working through this petition. Please be with us in prayer as we discern and discuss this important, life-changing matter as we prepare to (possibly) make changes in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Prophetic Worship at General Conference
There is at least one thing that has greatly impacted the experience of General Conference that I only just realized I have failed to mention thus far. Worship.
Worship has been absolutely amazing. From opening worship with both amazing music, an incredible sermon, and the awesome opportunity to share communion served by the bishops with a couple thousand others, worship is the one thing that has consistently been holy and awesome and life-giving. We have prophets among us, folks!
As with all other going-ons, I believe the highlight of the great sermons we've heard was that of the prophetic voice of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. She preached about reaching to the outcasts and named things like immigration. She made bold statements, such as "Jesus is not an American, German, Filipino, Liberian, or even Nazarene. Nor is Jesus beholden to U.S. immigration policies or the policies of any nation."
Several times during her sermon, she had to break to make room for the abundance of applause that broke out. The cameras showed both enthusiastic, supportive smiles and cheers, and upset, arms-folded-across chest folks who couldn't believe what they were hearing.
What do I believe? Well, for starters, I know this Good News she brought us was prophetic. I know she is right in saying that the kingdom of God is greater than any national boarder we have adopted, and that it can overcome even any fences we may build. We may live in America. On some level, its important to be a "good American" (though many of us would certainly differ on definitions of that), yet there are things that are far more important. It is of utmost importance that we are - first and foremost - good followers of Christ who are reaching out to our brothers and sisters across the world, whether those in Africa or Europe or islands in the sea... or in our border nation of Mexico (or Canada... but as she pointed out, we don't seem too worried about building a fence on the northern border).
An unexpected phone call made me late this morning, so rather than attending worship, I had the opportunity to spend time in the prayer room (for those of you who are here and haven't been there yet... you should check it out. Its beautiful). Therefore, I did not make it to worship this morning for the first time. With that exception, I can say that all of our worship has been absolutely amazing, and I have truly been convicted by the words our Bishops have brought to us. I have been equally blessed by the coordination of the rest of worship, including through skits and through music led by Marcia McFee and Mark Miller. Singing in the seminary choir was great... and I'm looking forward to partaking in worship yet again with the young adult choir on Wednesday morning.
Worship. The center of our lives. The center of our conferencing. The center of what makes this conference HOLY. Transcripts are being printed in the DCA every day... which probably means it can be found online, etc. (I don't know where). I recommend you check it out. Even if it isn't quite the same as getting to be hear and feel the Spirit move with the words, I hope you can get a glimmer of the hope we are sharing and experiencing this week.
Worship has been absolutely amazing. From opening worship with both amazing music, an incredible sermon, and the awesome opportunity to share communion served by the bishops with a couple thousand others, worship is the one thing that has consistently been holy and awesome and life-giving. We have prophets among us, folks!
As with all other going-ons, I believe the highlight of the great sermons we've heard was that of the prophetic voice of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. She preached about reaching to the outcasts and named things like immigration. She made bold statements, such as "Jesus is not an American, German, Filipino, Liberian, or even Nazarene. Nor is Jesus beholden to U.S. immigration policies or the policies of any nation."
Several times during her sermon, she had to break to make room for the abundance of applause that broke out. The cameras showed both enthusiastic, supportive smiles and cheers, and upset, arms-folded-across chest folks who couldn't believe what they were hearing.
What do I believe? Well, for starters, I know this Good News she brought us was prophetic. I know she is right in saying that the kingdom of God is greater than any national boarder we have adopted, and that it can overcome even any fences we may build. We may live in America. On some level, its important to be a "good American" (though many of us would certainly differ on definitions of that), yet there are things that are far more important. It is of utmost importance that we are - first and foremost - good followers of Christ who are reaching out to our brothers and sisters across the world, whether those in Africa or Europe or islands in the sea... or in our border nation of Mexico (or Canada... but as she pointed out, we don't seem too worried about building a fence on the northern border).
An unexpected phone call made me late this morning, so rather than attending worship, I had the opportunity to spend time in the prayer room (for those of you who are here and haven't been there yet... you should check it out. Its beautiful). Therefore, I did not make it to worship this morning for the first time. With that exception, I can say that all of our worship has been absolutely amazing, and I have truly been convicted by the words our Bishops have brought to us. I have been equally blessed by the coordination of the rest of worship, including through skits and through music led by Marcia McFee and Mark Miller. Singing in the seminary choir was great... and I'm looking forward to partaking in worship yet again with the young adult choir on Wednesday morning.
Worship. The center of our lives. The center of our conferencing. The center of what makes this conference HOLY. Transcripts are being printed in the DCA every day... which probably means it can be found online, etc. (I don't know where). I recommend you check it out. Even if it isn't quite the same as getting to be hear and feel the Spirit move with the words, I hope you can get a glimmer of the hope we are sharing and experiencing this week.
Pictures on IRD & RMN websites
Its been drawn to my attention that pictures of the MoSAIC Witness (the drum circle) have shown up on the IRD's website (IRD is the conservative, right-wing group). There are also lots of pictures in the MoSAIC flickr account.
None of them are flattering, but I thought it was funny that nearly the same pictures have shown up on both sites. I am surprised there are so few comments on the IRD website. I suppose they assume anyone looking at their website recognizes such a statement is terrible without their telling us so. Regardless, I stand firm in being a proud part of this movement.
None of them are flattering, but I thought it was funny that nearly the same pictures have shown up on both sites. I am surprised there are so few comments on the IRD website. I suppose they assume anyone looking at their website recognizes such a statement is terrible without their telling us so. Regardless, I stand firm in being a proud part of this movement.
One Step Closer
The Committee I have been monitoring (Discipleship) finished our legislation early, so I took advantage of the "free" time to sit in on the discussion happening at "Church and Society 2 - Human Sexuality." The bulk of our discussion was in regard to a change in the Book of Discipline, paragraph 161 G. The amendment would take out all that is written there and insert the following:
This session was one of the most intense discussions I have ever been a part of (well, I was listening, as I have no voice on the floor). I shed tears 3 times... both for good and bad reasons. As I looked around the room, I was aware that there were few others who were not moved so much at some point in the conversation. My stomach was in knots the whole time. We were inspired and broken, encouraged and insulted. We discussed our differences and our similarities, got angry and expressed love... this decision has a HUGE impact on the future of who we as United Methodists will claim to be (in writing), and as we unceasingly prayed for the Holy Spirits discernment and action in that room, I know we were heard.
This was truly an opportunity to see what Holy Conferencing can be like. There were speeches for both sides. There were memories of light comments such as "...I don't think "transgenderism" is a word..." There were intense, moving witnesses from both those who do and do not affirm this change. A man stood and talked for several minutes about the importance of Scripture as the center of our lives and that we need to prayerfully trust in what it tells us... that Scripture needs to be the center of who we as Christians are. So... we should SUPPORT this change. Another man stood up, and though he does not support this change either, he was VERY clear (and sincere) in expressing his genuine love and appreciation for the stance others were taking in approving this amendment. As he told his own story of his struggles with homosexuality in his younger years (he is now in his 70s), I truly caught the hearts and minds of everyone on both sides of the issue, uniting us as he was able to show us what it is truly like to have an "open heart, open mind" even when we strongly disagree. Friends, THIS is Holy Conferencing!
The above amendment passed 39-26. It will go to the floor soon. I pray that it passes... I hope you'll pray about it too. As we pray, let us pray that it will be as peace-filled and hopeful as the moments we shared yesterday were. I pray we continue with this amazing, HOLY conferencing, especially in regard to issues such as this that are so important and difficult for so many of us.
I could write for hours on the speeches and motions, etc that were shared in during this day. To understand its incredible impact I believe you really had to just be in the room. If you are around, I anticipate it being a similar debate when it hits the floor for the larger body to vote within the next couple of days. I will definitely update with how it goes here...
This paragraph is of course not perfect, but its a HUGE step in an incredible direction! Most importantly, it removes the sentence that used to say "homosexuality is incompatible with the Christian teaching."Human Sexuality
We recognize that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church, and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. United Methodists, along with other Christians, have struggled to find principles for applying traditional teachings to contemporary understandings of human sexuality.
We recognize that sexuality is part of the larger human mystery, to be received and acknowledged in grateful responsibility. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us. We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sexual relations, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and responsible. We call for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for children thus abused. We believe that the Church family should support all families in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth, and adults. We challenge all members of our community of faith to commitment, integrity, and fidelity in their sexual relationships.
We know that all are God's children and of sacred worth; yet we have been, and remain, divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Faithful, thoughtful people who have grappled with this issue deeply disagree with one another; yet all seek a faithful witness. We continue to reason and pray together with faith and hope that the Holy Spirit will soon bring reconciliation to our community of faith. The fire in our disagreements points to a deeper human mystery than we knew. We believe that the Spirit has brought our collective conscience to acknowledge this mystery more honestly, and to make our claims with greater humility before God and our neighbors. We therefore ask the Church , United Methodist and others, and the world, to refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices until the Spirit leads us to a new insight. In the meantime, let us seek to welcome, know, forgive, and love one another as Christ has accepted us, that God may be glorified through everything in our lives.
This session was one of the most intense discussions I have ever been a part of (well, I was listening, as I have no voice on the floor). I shed tears 3 times... both for good and bad reasons. As I looked around the room, I was aware that there were few others who were not moved so much at some point in the conversation. My stomach was in knots the whole time. We were inspired and broken, encouraged and insulted. We discussed our differences and our similarities, got angry and expressed love... this decision has a HUGE impact on the future of who we as United Methodists will claim to be (in writing), and as we unceasingly prayed for the Holy Spirits discernment and action in that room, I know we were heard.
This was truly an opportunity to see what Holy Conferencing can be like. There were speeches for both sides. There were memories of light comments such as "...I don't think "transgenderism" is a word..." There were intense, moving witnesses from both those who do and do not affirm this change. A man stood and talked for several minutes about the importance of Scripture as the center of our lives and that we need to prayerfully trust in what it tells us... that Scripture needs to be the center of who we as Christians are. So... we should SUPPORT this change. Another man stood up, and though he does not support this change either, he was VERY clear (and sincere) in expressing his genuine love and appreciation for the stance others were taking in approving this amendment. As he told his own story of his struggles with homosexuality in his younger years (he is now in his 70s), I truly caught the hearts and minds of everyone on both sides of the issue, uniting us as he was able to show us what it is truly like to have an "open heart, open mind" even when we strongly disagree. Friends, THIS is Holy Conferencing!
The above amendment passed 39-26. It will go to the floor soon. I pray that it passes... I hope you'll pray about it too. As we pray, let us pray that it will be as peace-filled and hopeful as the moments we shared yesterday were. I pray we continue with this amazing, HOLY conferencing, especially in regard to issues such as this that are so important and difficult for so many of us.
I could write for hours on the speeches and motions, etc that were shared in during this day. To understand its incredible impact I believe you really had to just be in the room. If you are around, I anticipate it being a similar debate when it hits the floor for the larger body to vote within the next couple of days. I will definitely update with how it goes here...
New Members Elected to Judicial Council
I am writing this morning as I watch a debate on whether or not to give $3 million funding to help pay for education (seminary) at schools in Africa...
This morning was a HUGE day. 5 new persons (2 lay, 3 clergy) were elected to the Judicial Council. This was something I've been a bit worried about, as this was a huge part of the controversy around the IRD (Institute on Religion & Democracy) giving out cell phones to Central Conference Delegates. The results? ALL the elected members (and 11 of the 12 alternates) were nominees from the Council of Bishops. For progressive United Methodists, this was a HUGE victory!! Those elected were:
Lay Leaders:
1 - Angela Brown
2 - Ruben Reyes
Clergy:
1 - Kathi Austin-Mahle
2 -F. Belton Joyner
3 -William B. Lawrence
This morning was a HUGE day. 5 new persons (2 lay, 3 clergy) were elected to the Judicial Council. This was something I've been a bit worried about, as this was a huge part of the controversy around the IRD (Institute on Religion & Democracy) giving out cell phones to Central Conference Delegates. The results? ALL the elected members (and 11 of the 12 alternates) were nominees from the Council of Bishops. For progressive United Methodists, this was a HUGE victory!! Those elected were:
Lay Leaders:
1 - Angela Brown
2 - Ruben Reyes
Clergy:
1 - Kathi Austin-Mahle
2 -F. Belton Joyner
3 -William B. Lawrence
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Drum Circle Continues
After an amazing night with the drummers on Friday evening, I was excited to return to them on Saturday.
Worship on Saturday morning was great. I was honored to be a part of the Seminary Choir (even if it did mean I had to be up after only 3 hours of sleep!), and although we were only able to practice once, it went GREAT! Worship was fantastic, complete with a GREAT skit and an energizing sermon by a Bishop.
I skipped the Plenary to join the drummers for the last couple hours of their witness. Great conversations with folks walking by with questions ensued, and by 10:30 I had shifted to one of the big drums for the first time. After only about 30 minutes, my hands began to hurt and I was amazed at others' ability to do it for so long! But then I realized the level of adrenaline this experience gave was well worth it, and I was far from ready to stop...
Different from the day before, today, the press were everywhere. At first, this made me a bit uneasy. We didn't know where they from or where the pictures would end up. I have no idea how my conference (and my Board Of Ordained Ministry) will feel about it... do I really want to allow myself to be the center of this controversy? Then I realized those were all the wrong questions, as I do believe with all that I am, that this stance is the ONLY one I can take in good consciece. If they ask how I feel about this issues, I would be honest anyway. So rather than have it be a reason to turn away or not take part, I would rather show that I am passionate and willing to take a stance for things I believe in. So I drummed on... and did not stop for nearly 4 hours...
As leadership of the event shifted in and out, working on their AMAZING behind-the scenes stuff and preparing to pack up, I found myself trying my best to do what they had done so well for the 22 hours previous to that... keep cheers, songs, drum beats and energy going. I also discovered that I'm incapable of keeping a rhythm going and talk/sing/chant at the same time. We sorted it out, though, and I had a great time doing it. I invited folks to join us (and about 15 did) as we marched with the drums and song to the church, where lunch was had and a rally began. Speakers were great. People came to listen. Then we gathered outside...
With a drum (this time a bucket with some drum sticks), we headed out the door and back down to where the witness had been held. We marched in 2 directions, wrapping around and giving witness to different people as we met in the park. We sang the whole time... "we are marching in the light of God..."
As we met, more speakers spoke and tons of people - press and TONS of supporters (and a few from the Good News/IRD, of course!) joined us. In total, I would estimate there were about 250 people present. It was beautiful. It was holy chaos.
As we parted, groups of about 20 broke off and went to each of the rooms where legislation was happening. They sat in silence for quite some time outside each room to pray. To pray for "holy conferencing" and for the movement of the Spirit within the rooms. We KNOW the Spirit has been present among us, and the witness of 350 people at the rally on Saturday is a testament to that. Not to mention the fact that I spoke to countless others later in the day that said they didn't even know the rally was going on (how is that possible? I forget I am surrounded by RMN folks so much that I assume everyone knows what's going on!)... I wonder how many would come out if all had known?
It was another holy day. A beautiful witness which I am thankful to be a part of. I'm excited to see what more feed back we'll receive from it. To hear what others are saying, to hear stories of others' experiences of it. The Drum Circle has been one of the most powerful witnesses I have ever been a part of, and it made me excited and proud to be a United Methodist. I cannot help but to wonder what others' experiences are, and so I am on the search for where they too may be sharing their experiences of it. As I find them, and hopefully find pictures of it too, I will try to post some. The pictures might not come until after my return to Chicago next week, but they'll come all the same.
... there was LOTS of excitement today as I sat in on committee meetings. I hope to update on that tomorrow. For now, I must get some precious sleep before another long, emotional, exhausting day tomorrow. Keep praying, friends! We're being heard!
Worship on Saturday morning was great. I was honored to be a part of the Seminary Choir (even if it did mean I had to be up after only 3 hours of sleep!), and although we were only able to practice once, it went GREAT! Worship was fantastic, complete with a GREAT skit and an energizing sermon by a Bishop.
I skipped the Plenary to join the drummers for the last couple hours of their witness. Great conversations with folks walking by with questions ensued, and by 10:30 I had shifted to one of the big drums for the first time. After only about 30 minutes, my hands began to hurt and I was amazed at others' ability to do it for so long! But then I realized the level of adrenaline this experience gave was well worth it, and I was far from ready to stop...
Different from the day before, today, the press were everywhere. At first, this made me a bit uneasy. We didn't know where they from or where the pictures would end up. I have no idea how my conference (and my Board Of Ordained Ministry) will feel about it... do I really want to allow myself to be the center of this controversy? Then I realized those were all the wrong questions, as I do believe with all that I am, that this stance is the ONLY one I can take in good consciece. If they ask how I feel about this issues, I would be honest anyway. So rather than have it be a reason to turn away or not take part, I would rather show that I am passionate and willing to take a stance for things I believe in. So I drummed on... and did not stop for nearly 4 hours...
As leadership of the event shifted in and out, working on their AMAZING behind-the scenes stuff and preparing to pack up, I found myself trying my best to do what they had done so well for the 22 hours previous to that... keep cheers, songs, drum beats and energy going. I also discovered that I'm incapable of keeping a rhythm going and talk/sing/chant at the same time. We sorted it out, though, and I had a great time doing it. I invited folks to join us (and about 15 did) as we marched with the drums and song to the church, where lunch was had and a rally began. Speakers were great. People came to listen. Then we gathered outside...
With a drum (this time a bucket with some drum sticks), we headed out the door and back down to where the witness had been held. We marched in 2 directions, wrapping around and giving witness to different people as we met in the park. We sang the whole time... "we are marching in the light of God..."
As we met, more speakers spoke and tons of people - press and TONS of supporters (and a few from the Good News/IRD, of course!) joined us. In total, I would estimate there were about 250 people present. It was beautiful. It was holy chaos.
As we parted, groups of about 20 broke off and went to each of the rooms where legislation was happening. They sat in silence for quite some time outside each room to pray. To pray for "holy conferencing" and for the movement of the Spirit within the rooms. We KNOW the Spirit has been present among us, and the witness of 350 people at the rally on Saturday is a testament to that. Not to mention the fact that I spoke to countless others later in the day that said they didn't even know the rally was going on (how is that possible? I forget I am surrounded by RMN folks so much that I assume everyone knows what's going on!)... I wonder how many would come out if all had known?
It was another holy day. A beautiful witness which I am thankful to be a part of. I'm excited to see what more feed back we'll receive from it. To hear what others are saying, to hear stories of others' experiences of it. The Drum Circle has been one of the most powerful witnesses I have ever been a part of, and it made me excited and proud to be a United Methodist. I cannot help but to wonder what others' experiences are, and so I am on the search for where they too may be sharing their experiences of it. As I find them, and hopefully find pictures of it too, I will try to post some. The pictures might not come until after my return to Chicago next week, but they'll come all the same.
... there was LOTS of excitement today as I sat in on committee meetings. I hope to update on that tomorrow. For now, I must get some precious sleep before another long, emotional, exhausting day tomorrow. Keep praying, friends! We're being heard!
Firday's Drum Circle Witness
One of the most amazing witnesses I have ever been a part of was the drum circle hosted by MoSAIC (Methodist Students for an All-Inclusive Church). I have to admit, as I heard about this witness a couple of months in advance, I wasn't sure how I thought it would go. A good idea for sure, but I had NO idea (did anyone?) it would be as successful as it was.
Just before noon on Friday, MoSAIC set up a large (white sheet) sign with their logo on it in the park across from the main entrance of the Convention Center where General Conference is being held. There was also a sign that made a statement about a need for full inclusion of all Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Queer persons in the church. Once the drums began, the continued for 26 1/2 hours... a peaceful witness (NOT a protest!) of the great need for inclusiveness in The United Methodist Church.When my legislation let out on Friday night, I went to support them with intentions of drumming for about 20 minutes before heading home for some much-needed sleep...
Only about 5 minutes after I showed up, some men from a local Baptist Church came to talk to us. They came out of genuine, Christian concern that what we are standing for is not in line with the teachings of the Church and of Christ. They came to teach us the "right" way of reading Scripture, to make us understand the error of our ways, the sinfulness of things like homosexuality, drum beats and dancing and of having women speak in public places, taking leadership roles in the church... all things of the devil for which we are going to hell...
I sincerely enjoyed taking time to speak with these well-intentioned men with whom I completely disagreed. By chance, I had my long hair down, was wearing a dress, and was using only an egg shaker for the "beat" when they came by. This proved to be very helpful of them being willing to hear me out, as I clearly am more of a Christian than my sisters in pants with short hair...This short conversation lasted three hours and developed into some thought-provoking questions from both sides. I even became the focus of their group as they became far more flustered than I and had to rotate/take turns talking to me because they didn't know how to respond once they discovered that I was not only as well versed in the Bible as they were, but also comfortable speaking with them and able to do so with genuine love and without getting upset or angry. I really do appreciate their genuine love for others and their concern for salvation, believing with all that they are that this is the place Christ has called them to be. Who can deny the call they have, the passion they share, and the dedication they offer? I completely disagree with them on most things, but was not about to allow our conversation to focus on those things. Rather, my hope was that they could see the things we share- a love and dedication to living our lives for Christ. A believe that Holy Scriptures are God-breathed. A conviction of the importance of evangelism and sharing that love and compassion with others in the world...
I spoke with my Baptist friends for about 2 straight hours. I then stayed another 2 hours... a time during which I shared in fellowship, song, drumming, dance, and prayer (oh! the powerful joy of the opportunity to pray for such a group in the middle of this witness!! I felt so privileged to be invited to do so!). Throughout these 4 hours, I think I talked to every one of our visiting guests of honor (the protesters), as they kept asking the new ones to come and talk to me as they arrived. They all had great stories to share. I hope they were able to learn something from me as I was from them.
Just before I left, someone brought flowers for them as a sign of peace, of the love of God we truly desire to share with all people. One at a time, they refused to accept them. As I left, I took flowers to each of the men I spoke with, thanked them for their time and asked that they continue to pray for me as I would for them. That one day we would be reconciled and united as one body in Christ. None of the men would accept, few would even shake my hand. Until the last man I came to. He was also the first I spoke to that evening... (paraphrased...)
"Brother," I said, "please accept this gift as a sign of our shared love for Christ. As a sign of the peace he brings to us, as a sign of the covenant of new life to which we both cling to and as a symbol of our unity and love for our God."
"Why do you keep calling me brother?" he asked me. "How do I know you're a Christian if you're a part of all of this?"
"I guess you don't. Only Christ knows what lies on our hearts. But like you, I believe I too am saved. I know that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, and I know that as a professing Christian, there is no other person or thing I would rather center my life around. I also know that the passion for a God you professed to us here tonight is undeniable. I know that even though we disagree on some pretty important issues, we can agree to disagree... but that we are still united in the one body of Christ. And as children of God, we are called to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ..."
"so you are saved?"
"If that means do I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, then yes."
"Ok then. I guess you can call me brother."
"Thank you, brother. I'll be praying for you, and hope you'll continue to do the same for me."
He took the flower, I shook his hand, and walked away. Truly, this was a holy moment and a huge moment of reconciliation and peace between us. The Spirit was on the move, and no one could stop it. I am honored to have shared in this moment, and was sad to have to leave when I did, knowing that I was truly in the presence of God in that place on Friday night.
As I continue to pray for unity and full inclusion in the Church, I also pray for my brothers who paid us a visit that night.
First Ever Young Adult Adult Address
I mentioned the other day how great the First ever young people's address was. Today, in The Daily Christian Advocate (the official daily news of General Conference), transcripts from the past couple of services, including that address, were printed. With hope that you can get a tiny glimpse of an idea of how and why this address was great, I'm sharing with you here the concluding words of that address, which the six young people said together:
Peace, Friends. I hope you're still praying with and for us.
It's not about action. There is action all around. Beating each other down, pushing each other around. No! It's about interaction. The future is about the call to follow Christ, the call to better ourselves. So believe! Believe in us. Believe that the future of the church is in good hands, and be with us now. Jesus calls us on the journey. We're ready! The time is now. Let us begin!Sharon Brown Christopher then concluded the service for us, which she began by these words of support:
Did you hear it? It's not about action; it's about interaction. It's about the call to follow Christ. The youbg people of The United Methodist Church are ready. Are you?The future, my friends, is NOW. We are ready. We are hopeful. We are taking action through essential interaction. Lots is happening here at General Conference. I can't wait to share it with you. Right now, they're voting on whether or not to change the agenda for today. If we remain in plenary, I'll post again very soon as I watch plenary from here. If not, I'll be heading back to the Discipleship committee to monitor.
Peace, Friends. I hope you're still praying with and for us.
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