General Conference, Tampa, 2012

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you some highlights (lowlights) from the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist laity and clergy from five continents addressed a wide range of challenging issues, including church structure and human sexuality, and engaged in an Act of Repentance toward indigenous people during their 10-day legislative gathering. Meeting in the Tampa Convention Center, steps away from the waters of Tampa Bay, the 988 delegates recalled through worship, song and sermon the healing and transforming ministry of Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee.

As storms on the Sea of Galilee alarmed the disciples, so too, conflicting stands on structure and social justice issues troubled the delegates and some 4,000 visitors and staff. Perhaps the most surprising came on the final day of the conference, when the delegates received word from the church’s Judicial Council (supreme court) that a major piece of legislation regarding restructuring violated the denomination’s Constitution.

During General Conference the delegates:

• Retained the church’s position regarding homosexuality, deciding not to adopt language that would have said United Methodists are not of one mind on this issue;
• Did away with “guaranteed appointments” for clergy;
• Rejected a proposal for setting aside a bishop to serve as full-time president of the Council of Bishops;
• Entered into full communion with a number of historically black pan-Methodist denominations;
• Approved making the United Methodist Women an autonomous organization rather than operating it under the church's missions agency;

The delegates, from more than 60 nations, processed some 1,200 petitions during the assembly. General Conference meets every four years and is the only body that speaks for the 13 million-member denomination.

I would encourage you to hold our global denomination in your prayers as we move into the next quadrenium, praying that we will uphold our denominational Mission Statement, “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”

In Christ, Jana

Information from the United Methodist News Service, an article written by Rich Peck.

Every Member Involved

The membership committee will soon be launching a campaign to get every member involved in at least one activity outside of the Sunday morning worship service. Why? Because meaningful membership makes a difference. It changes us as individuals and it changes us as a community.

Think of a group that you’ve been involved in where a member of that group really made a difference. They don’t have to be (and often aren’t) the leader of the group, but something about their interaction, their words, or even their mere presence made that group special. There is an inexplicable power of connection that enriches our community. Your presence within this community makes a difference, even when you don’t realize it.

We also are changed through connection. I experienced powerful, life-giving change when Tom Lank asked me to help with a video project. I went from feeling like an outsider to a member of the community. More importantly I began to feel like a person of worth whose contributions were valued. I’ve heard stories about how people’s lives were changed dramatically from their involvement with the Prayer Shawl Group, Bible Study, ASP, teaching or even by serving on a committee. We are changed through the power of connection.

I implore you to tap into the power of community by following one of these steps:

• If you aren’t yet involved in an activity outside of Sunday Morning Worship, try something. I said “try” purposefully because the first group you try may not be perfect fit, try again. There are lots of ways to get involved – many are included in this newsletter. If you still can’t decide ask a pastor or go by Connection Point on Sunday morning.
• If you are already involved, be an ambassador for your group. Help to spread the word about what your group is doing and make it known that all are welcome. Help ease the entry of new folks into your group by being a Group Host. Group Hosts help newcomers to your group by helping to explain what’s going on, introducing them to other members, answering questions and checking in from time to time to make sure everything’s ok.

Be on the lookout for more resources and information from the membership committee on how to be a more welcoming community and ways to share more information about your group. Remember: Meaningful Membership Makes a Difference!

Blessings, Trey