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:
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.
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:
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