Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church process every single petition brought before it...no legislation was left untouched. And...here's the really exciting news...we finished by 11:15 pm! I don't think that anything too major was passed. We tried to allow deacons in certain circumstances to administer the sacraments (ie, hospital chaplains), but that didn't work. Laity are now allowed to take non-perishable pre-blessed sacraments around to churches; this will be most used in places like Alaska and the Phillipines where the geography and population densities make it difficult for the pastors to circulate through their charges in short cycles. Some churches will have lay preachers nearly every Sunday and see an actual pastor only once a year or so. We want people to be able to celebrate communion more often than that, hence the change.
After our final piece of legislation (accompanied by many, many cheers), Bishop Gregory Palmer, the new president of the Council of Bishops, preached in closing worship. The service was powerful but brief. Bishop Palmer's sermon deserved a lot more cheering, clapping, and "amen"-ing than it received...it was just too late. People just wanted to leave. But he did get a standing ovation, and I think people were really glad they had stayed.
And so there it is...GC08 is over. I'm probably going to have serious separation issues in the morning. I've come to really love it. I suppose there's always next quadrennium...it's only four more years!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Biggest News of the Day
General Conference has just approved a constitutional amendment: ALL are welcome to the Church and, after taking vows of membership, eligible to become members. No more list of who is or is not included (ie, race, gender, social status, etc.). ALL!!!
We also amended our definition of family, affirming our hope that all families be composed of two loving parents. Nothing about gender is mentioned either way.
We also amended our definition of family, affirming our hope that all families be composed of two loving parents. Nothing about gender is mentioned either way.
A Wedding
A lesbian wedding took place near the Convention Center today at 1 o’clock; all delegates were invited to attend. A group of friends and I had a lunch reservation, so we did not attend the wedding; however, we did stop in at the reception for a few minutes during the dinner break.
Plowing, Baby!
And we’re plowing on through legislation. A motion was made to accept the committee’s recommendation on all legislation with ten or fewer votes; there were attempts to remove several items, only one of which went through. We are coming up with more and more creative ways to get legislation through quickly. Entertaining, sometimes effective, sometimes not. But we will get through it…and it honestly might not even be all that late when we get out!
Starbucks
Sitting in Starbucks…have to pay for wireless here, though, so I’m typing in Word and will post it when I get back to the Convention Center. An hour left of dinner break…we really should have cut dinner break shorter. Oh well.
And Now We Have Another Mean Thing Said...
Someone spoke about designating 33% of the UMCom publicity funds go to radio ministry in Africa. He used the word "illiterate" to describe the Africans and someone spoke against his use of language. We took a moment of silence to reflect on that, and then he tried to explain that the president of Liberia told us she was dealing with a 60% illiteracy rate.
But that's not actually what got to me. In his speech promoting Christian radio in Africa, he used the phrase "save them from Islam." It seemed a bit over the top to me. I know that sme people believe that Christ and only Christ can save souls, etc., so I suppose that's where he was coming from. But it was stated in a very degrading manner that I felt to be inappropriate and unnecessary.
But that's not actually what got to me. In his speech promoting Christian radio in Africa, he used the phrase "save them from Islam." It seemed a bit over the top to me. I know that sme people believe that Christ and only Christ can save souls, etc., so I suppose that's where he was coming from. But it was stated in a very degrading manner that I felt to be inappropriate and unnecessary.
Reports and Introductions!
There is NOTHING in this world more exhilerating than sitting here right now. We've had introductions of the worship, translating, and secretarial staff. (Saying thank you is extremely important and valid, I have no problem with that, and it was nice to see the faces of some of the folks "backstage.") Those were fine. But we moved instantly from them into the GCFA (Finance and Administration) report. An economist explained to us how they find the baseline for the budget. I suppose this helps to explain to people and ease fears, but was it seriously necessary? How about a worksheet we could read on our own. And now we're doing the endless reports that are simple vote-ups. They're incessant, but necessary. So I'm pressing "1" for yes every two minutes and typing this. See, you can share my boredom! How lucky you are. But wait, the bishop has become more intelligent; we are know raising our hands to adopt. Takes less time, but takes my hands off the keyboard for a longer period of time. Ooh...now we just had to suspend the rules to consider one. That's exciting. I really am going to stop typing this now...I'll check back in with you after lunch; hopefully I'll have something worthwhile to say.
The Last Morning Worship
Marcia did an amazing liturgical dance; a renowned jazz pianist and preacher played for her. An excellent female black soloist graced us and received a standing ovation. The resident bishop of Mississippi preached (from memory, for once!). The theme was "releasing hope." We will have a closing worship tonight when we finish...who knows when that will be. All of the worship has been amazing.
Calling us back to order after the morning break, Mark led "Here I am to Worship," and he changed the line "I'll never know how much it cost/To see my sin upon that cross" to "To see your love upon that cross." I like the change, not that I had a major objection to the original.
Calling us back to order after the morning break, Mark led "Here I am to Worship," and he changed the line "I'll never know how much it cost/To see my sin upon that cross" to "To see your love upon that cross." I like the change, not that I had a major objection to the original.
Happy Day
It was a fairly happy day. My love for this Church has been reaffirmed...and I think I've finally found a future with hope. Love you all...Good night!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Well, This is Thrilling
We're now on Finance and Administration matters! Nothing, NOTHING could be more exciting. It's really not that bad. John and Jerry are on either side of me as our alternates.
Ooh! Our first amendment has just been moved. We're getting into fun stuff now. Here we go. And I thought the fun debate was going to be over for the night. I'm going to start paying attention now. Ta ta for now!
Ooh! Our first amendment has just been moved. We're getting into fun stuff now. Here we go. And I thought the fun debate was going to be over for the night. I'm going to start paying attention now. Ta ta for now!
YEE-HAW!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to announce that local pastors are going to be allowed to vote on clergy delegates to General, Jurisdictional, and Central (soon to be Regional) Conferences. I have officially taken care of my obligation to Kim Tallent (who helped to get me elected but couldn't vote for me or for the clergy delegates, being a local pastor) and am very happy to have done so. Laurie Haller is very happy, as is Jodie Flessner. Some kind of justice has been given to these folks who fall into a "never never land" of probationary (now provisional) membership.
Progress Reports
A note for fun (this local pastors' rights thing is boring, can you tell?): our legislative coordinator has had lots of fun creating fun videos and skits for us to report on our progress (ie, how quickly we move through petitions in legislative committees and calendar items on the floor). These have included entertaining animations of ducks moving along a bar graph, a video with our legislative committee chairs shooting water guns, and a song to the tune of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" based on ninety-nine calendar items left. I can't remember the exact language; it was live-streamed if you'd like to see it.
Lah-dee-dah-dee-dah-dee-dah-dee-dah, laa-dee-dah, laa-dee-dah...
And more local pastors' voting rights. We're getting away from debate and more into how to get specifics taken care of...they are being very picky. We just had a brief break so the bishops and secretaries could figure out where we are. And now were back...and right back into picky-ness. But we shall finish sometime. I would assume we'll at least finish this one tonight...but I would hope that we manage to do more than that.
Local Pastors' Voting Rights
Yeehaw, kids. We're in a deadlock on local pastors' voting rights. We can't figure out how to best make the language work, we can't agree on whether or not to do it, etc. We've had point of order after point of order. And now we've got another one...but boy oh boy are we having fun.
I love Rosa!
And we just had another awesome speech. Rosa Washington spoke about allowing local pastors to vote on clergy delegates and it was GREAT! So check that out.
Ha!
Thank you, whoever moved to reconsider. We had one petition changing "central" conferences to "regional" conferences that didn't pass. But we went back and changed it. So we're good, never fear.
We're Moving!
Sometimes slowly, othertimes more quickly. We're honestly getting through some stuff. Calendar items taken off the consent calendar were moved back to it via suspension of the rules. That will help us get through stuff but was annoying since I had something I pulled off. The sub-committee made legislation regarding youth and young adult membership that doesn't make sense disciplinarily. I'm hoping the editorial committee will be able to fix it, though, so I guess it's no big deal.
And on we press...
Folks, we're in crunch time now. We have like one hundred petitions left...and not as many hours. We're going to have serious issues...so wish us luck. The chances of our getting through all of this legislation is rather slim.
Go, Devin!
Devin Mauney, a young adult delegate, just totally made the best speech of General Conference. Look for his speech in the transcript of Thursday, May 1, around 4:50 pm. It was totally genius. I don't want to do his speech injustice, so I'm not even going to try to let you know about it. I'll post the transcript when it's available.
Oops...
We only got 62% of the vote on one of the petitions...kind of silly, since they're all essentially one issue but require separate votes. So we're going to have to do more work next General Conference anyways. After we defeated one, there was a motion to refer the rest. That went down. So now we're just kinda stuck. We'll see what happens...but the name changes don't take place until 2013. So it's going to be a bit of a mess.
Worldwide Nature Legislation
Well, it's taking forever...but we are managing to pass by large majorities the constitutional amendments dealing with the worldwide nature of the United Methodist Church. There is a lot of confusion, but we're managing to pass and fail what the committee (plus the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table) are suggesting. Yay! We're now celebrating the 100th anniversary of the General Board of Pensions and Health. Yippy! And then it's time for lunch.
I'm much happier now that I was this morning...
GOD IS GOOD!
I'm much happier now that I was this morning...
GOD IS GOOD!
That was Helpful
I LOVE our bishops. Geesh, this Church is great. A fiteen-minute recess was just called for a moment of witness. Tons of GLBTQ supporters flooded the arena, shrouded in black. The communion table was shrouded and folks were invited to add black cloth on it. They sang "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" and bishops spoke out, telling us that they believe us to be broken and in the wrong. We have been invited by the bishops "to reconsider." We're in the middle of a calendar item, but I'm kind of waiting to see if someone moves to reconsider. Either way, the time was healing and I thank God that our bishops took action.
Remember-ing
Today's theme is "Remembering Hope." As I type, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is preaching. Main point:
The Church is the body of Christ.
We are all members of this body.
The criminal next to Jesus asked God to be remembered.
Jesus promised him he would be remembered in heaven.
RE-membered: Putting the body back together.
Dear, Beloved Church: We will be remembered. We will be put back together.
The Church is the body of Christ.
We are all members of this body.
The criminal next to Jesus asked God to be remembered.
Jesus promised him he would be remembered in heaven.
RE-membered: Putting the body back together.
Dear, Beloved Church: We will be remembered. We will be put back together.
Choir of the Deaf
Yay! Happiness! Here's why I love the Church. Right now, we have a deaf choir "singing" for us by signing. A drum beat is given (presumably they can feel or partially hear the vibrations and stay in time). They're signing all of "How Great Thou Art" in sign language. Minsitry is happening here...and it is good. It is good.
Good Morning
Hey Everybody...
I've had a lot of people asking me how I am. So just to let you all know...I'm okay. I'm hurting for my friends, but I believe that they know that God loves them and they know that I love them. So we'll get through this, just as they've gotten through the last several years. Love you all!
I've had a lot of people asking me how I am. So just to let you all know...I'm okay. I'm hurting for my friends, but I believe that they know that God loves them and they know that I love them. So we'll get through this, just as they've gotten through the last several years. Love you all!
I Love this Church...
Dear God in heaven, I love it. But, oh God, why why why? The legislation attempting to give homosexuals rights to ordination, etc. went down. So still no ordination. Fine. And pastors still have the right to deny membership. The most painful blow came out of a minority report. Remember how encouraged I was by the legislation that came out of the Church and Society Legislative Committee and how it was a great bridge? Well, a minority report was added. 10% of a committee can sign on and report an alternative to the committee's recommendation. So a minority report was presented changing the language of 161g.
Here's what the 2004 General Conference passed:
"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. We call the Church to take the leadership role in bringing together these disciplines to address this most complex issue. Further, within the context of our understanding of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of expression.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. Sex may become exploitative within as well as outside marriage. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us as birthright, and we affirm only that sexual expression that enhances that same humanity. We believe that sexual relations where one or both partners are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian behavior and are ultimately destructive to individuals, families, and the social order.
We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sex, 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 financially responsible. We call for the establishment of adequate protective services, guidance, and counseling opportunities for children thus abused. We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.
We recognize the continuing need for full, positive, age-appropriate and factual sex education opportunities for children, young people, and adults. The Church offers a unique opportunity to give quality guidance and education in this area.
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."
And here's the new:
"We affirm that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relationships are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
We deplore all forms of commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults.
We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the church in our struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationship with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that gods grace is available to all. We will live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and long one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”
Here's what the 2004 General Conference passed:
"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. We call the Church to take the leadership role in bringing together these disciplines to address this most complex issue. Further, within the context of our understanding of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of expression.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. Sex may become exploitative within as well as outside marriage. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us as birthright, and we affirm only that sexual expression that enhances that same humanity. We believe that sexual relations where one or both partners are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian behavior and are ultimately destructive to individuals, families, and the social order.
We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sex, 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 financially responsible. We call for the establishment of adequate protective services, guidance, and counseling opportunities for children thus abused. We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.
We recognize the continuing need for full, positive, age-appropriate and factual sex education opportunities for children, young people, and adults. The Church offers a unique opportunity to give quality guidance and education in this area.
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."
And here's the new:
"We affirm that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relationships are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
We deplore all forms of commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults.
We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the church in our struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationship with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that gods grace is available to all. We will live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and long one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”
We SHALL Overcome
I'm depressed. As you know. I'm also hungry. I'm tired. My eyes hurt 'cause I've been crying way too much. If you hadn't gotten the message yet, I'm really sad...
But please don't feel too disheartened, dearly beloved. A few songs that are going through my head:
"There is Hope" by GLAD. Lyrics aren't available online; I'm too tired to type them in. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, another song by GLAD, equally good:
“May We Be One”
by GLAD on The Symphony Project
Sometimes while on the journey
We can lose sight of our goal
And suddenly petty disagreements rule our soul
How it must hurt the Father
To see us so spiteful and small
Oh how we need
The patience to see
That Jesus has love for us all
Refrain
May we be one
Let no more walls divide us
May we be one
Let the cross of Christ unite us
So the world can know the Father has sent his only Son
May we be one
May we be one
So many truths to fight for
And sometimes we never agree
But there are so few that matter for eternity
Jesus has died to save us
He’s risen and coming again
And when he returns we’ll all be made perfect
So let this be our aim until then
Refrain
You can draw a line
That your faith sets us apart
Maybe music or the way that you dress
But if you take the time to hear the Father’s heart
Well I know that you’ll see you’re no different from me
‘Cause everyone of us needs his forgiveness
Refrain (twice)
Today was beautiful, by the way. A long Judicial Council was read after the vote during announcements. Many people stood up and we all began to sing "Jesus Loves Me," eventually switiching into "Jesus Loves Us." At the end of the dinner break, lines of people dressed in black formed tunnels at the main doors of the Convention Center. They were nonviolent, but were obvious and powerful. This reminds me more and more of the Black Civil Rights Movement...
And just like it was for the blacks and racial minorities, my brothers and sisters, I must sing:
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
But please don't feel too disheartened, dearly beloved. A few songs that are going through my head:
"There is Hope" by GLAD. Lyrics aren't available online; I'm too tired to type them in. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, another song by GLAD, equally good:
“May We Be One”
by GLAD on The Symphony Project
Sometimes while on the journey
We can lose sight of our goal
And suddenly petty disagreements rule our soul
How it must hurt the Father
To see us so spiteful and small
Oh how we need
The patience to see
That Jesus has love for us all
Refrain
May we be one
Let no more walls divide us
May we be one
Let the cross of Christ unite us
So the world can know the Father has sent his only Son
May we be one
May we be one
So many truths to fight for
And sometimes we never agree
But there are so few that matter for eternity
Jesus has died to save us
He’s risen and coming again
And when he returns we’ll all be made perfect
So let this be our aim until then
Refrain
You can draw a line
That your faith sets us apart
Maybe music or the way that you dress
But if you take the time to hear the Father’s heart
Well I know that you’ll see you’re no different from me
‘Cause everyone of us needs his forgiveness
Refrain (twice)
Today was beautiful, by the way. A long Judicial Council was read after the vote during announcements. Many people stood up and we all began to sing "Jesus Loves Me," eventually switiching into "Jesus Loves Us." At the end of the dinner break, lines of people dressed in black formed tunnels at the main doors of the Convention Center. They were nonviolent, but were obvious and powerful. This reminds me more and more of the Black Civil Rights Movement...
And just like it was for the blacks and racial minorities, my brothers and sisters, I must sing:
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
There is Hope...
Turned on "Pandora," the internet radio (check it out...it's free and sweet) and changed the station when I couldn't bear to listen to "When You Wish Upon a Star;" it was much too happy. And what came up but 'You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" by Josh Groban.
"Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved"
"Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved"
Well, Kids...
There it is. The vote's been taken...and we just broke a ton of people's hearts for another four years. I might actually blog about this sometime...but right now, I'm way too depressed...God, forgive us all.
Okay, I Lied
I'm going to relate the homosexuality talks. I'll try to keep most of my ranting to a minimum in the actual entry and posting that stuff in comments. Mind you, that's not a guarantee.
We adopted a petition adding "sexual orientation" to the list of things we would not discriminate against in education. So gays can go to seminary. They can't be ordained yet, but they can be ordained. We had no discussion about this. I don't know if people were rushing to get done with some stuff, terrified of talking, or unaware of what was going on. But whatever. I'm in no way complaining.
Other non-debated legislation ensured that marriage is between a man and a woman and UM ministers may not perform civil unions.
I already mentioned that we passed the resolution speaking against violence and discrimination on account of gender identity/sexual orientation. A few "highlights" from the debate...
1. Some people were very careful and loving. Some were not. Someone did accuse homosexuality as coming from the Devil.
2. The speech that probably got the resolution passed in the end was a woman who spoke about her husband's cousin, who was beaten up and severely handicapped for ten years on his way home from work. The police ruled it a hate crime as a result of his being gay. She spoke very passionately and probably won the resolution...the vote was 60-40. One man also commented that this resolution was more about speaking against brutality than for homosexuality, and he believed that you could vote for this resolution and still be against homosexuality. Not sure which side he was really on...but I truly appreciated his speech either way.
Here's what is being proposed by the Church and Society Legislative Committee:
¶161 G) 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 financially 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 of God’s children and of sacred worth; ,and yet we have been, and remain, divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Those who say we cannot condone homosexuality have a faithful witness. 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 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
That's what we have...I seriously doubt that's what will be passed. We'll see what happens! I pray that God will allow us all to be loving.
We adopted a petition adding "sexual orientation" to the list of things we would not discriminate against in education. So gays can go to seminary. They can't be ordained yet, but they can be ordained. We had no discussion about this. I don't know if people were rushing to get done with some stuff, terrified of talking, or unaware of what was going on. But whatever. I'm in no way complaining.
Other non-debated legislation ensured that marriage is between a man and a woman and UM ministers may not perform civil unions.
I already mentioned that we passed the resolution speaking against violence and discrimination on account of gender identity/sexual orientation. A few "highlights" from the debate...
1. Some people were very careful and loving. Some were not. Someone did accuse homosexuality as coming from the Devil.
2. The speech that probably got the resolution passed in the end was a woman who spoke about her husband's cousin, who was beaten up and severely handicapped for ten years on his way home from work. The police ruled it a hate crime as a result of his being gay. She spoke very passionately and probably won the resolution...the vote was 60-40. One man also commented that this resolution was more about speaking against brutality than for homosexuality, and he believed that you could vote for this resolution and still be against homosexuality. Not sure which side he was really on...but I truly appreciated his speech either way.
Here's what is being proposed by the Church and Society Legislative Committee:
¶161 G) 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 financially 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 of God’s children and of sacred worth; ,and yet we have been, and remain, divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Those who say we cannot condone homosexuality have a faithful witness. 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 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
That's what we have...I seriously doubt that's what will be passed. We'll see what happens! I pray that God will allow us all to be loving.
Wednesday Morning
The Young People's Choir, the first choir ever to be formed out of General Conference (seems crazy, doesn't it? You would have thought that we'd have a ton...), performed in worship tomorrow along with the Africa University Choir and a church choir. The morning was about racism, we watched a video explaining white privilege (you'd like it, Dad...and Jerry DeVine speaks in it!) We had a report from Africa University...they are doing awesome work and would like to continue receiving their apportionments. The choir, as always, rocked. They performed "Africa Will be Saved"...and then substituted in "America"...and then "The Methodist Church." Way to go, choir! Brilliance, whoever had that idea.
And then on to legislation...the homosexuality discussions have started. I don't want to clog up the whole blog (haha...clog the blog...) with a bunch of ranting posts, so refer to the "Open Hearts? Open Minds? Open Doors?" post and all comments. I will tell everyone that we passed a resolution speaking against homophobic discrimination and violence. It's the violence that carried it...but the language does speak against all discrimination. Some people raised the issue of our not ordaining openly practicing gays...would this resolution contest that?
And then on to legislation...the homosexuality discussions have started. I don't want to clog up the whole blog (haha...clog the blog...) with a bunch of ranting posts, so refer to the "Open Hearts? Open Minds? Open Doors?" post and all comments. I will tell everyone that we passed a resolution speaking against homophobic discrimination and violence. It's the violence that carried it...but the language does speak against all discrimination. Some people raised the issue of our not ordaining openly practicing gays...would this resolution contest that?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday Evening
Dinner was right after the Liberian President...we had dinner with the delegation at the Hilton. A very yummy buffet, of which I ate much. Bishop Keaton was able to join us; a nice treat.
We did some legislation...it was grand. A lot of time was spent on Episcopal Areas and how we can get more bishops into Central Conferences that are growing massively and desperately need leadership. Unfortunately, a procedure isn't currently in place to figure out how to allocate bishops, determine what need is most major, etc. This was then referred to the newly-funded Standing Committee on Central Conferences (which, now that I think of it, we really should have named something else...next GC, someone remind me to do that). Sadly, it will be four years before the areas get new bishops...my prayers are with all in those areas. May the Church continue to grow, may resources continue to pour in. It was be an enormous sin if the United Methodist Church in the United States hampered the growth of the Church worldwide by funding US-based study groups, etc. which will have limited effect when we could be funding amazing, powerful, and very obviously effective ministries in other regions. But I'll get off my soapbox now...
We had a break at 9:30. When we came back, we were all exceedingly happy to hear that we had only one calendar item left to consider. Unfortunately, we did a lot of extra business. Most of the rest of the business was well intentioned but impractical. One good thing did come out of the extra business…a study on ministries with Pacific Islanders in the US was lifted out of rejection and into referral to the General Secretaries’ Table; they have agreed to help with a study out of their budgets. The one calendar we had was an issue with accountability and finances of the General Board of Church and Society. A court case is currently pending per request of the Trustees, so taking action here didn’t make any sense and could cause legal issues. But there was a minority report…so the issue was going to take a long time. Fortunately, some genius had the idea to table it indefinitely before we had even heard the minority report…so we managed to get done at a decent hour! That man is going to be very, very popular for a few days.
A few random notes:
1. I have discovered what happens at 10:32. Someone rings a really loud bell or something each am and pm just outside the arena doors. It’s not against the rules of the Conference in any way, but we can definitely hear it. I’m hoping they’ll be doing it each day and that more and more people will begin to understand what it is that they are hearing.
2. Funny moment of the night occurred when Arthur Jones moved to suspend the rules to call the question…his father was presiding. Poor Scott. Fun moment for the rest of us. I think that some people still aren’t aware that Arthur is Scott’s son; I had to explain the joke to Jerry. But it’s very amusing for those of us on the “in,”
I think that’s all for the night…I’ll be singing in the “Young People’s” choir (composed of fifteen to “forty-ish”) tomorrow morning at worship, so I have to be on the 6:15 shuttle. No rest for the wicked.
Good night, all. Lots of love.
We did some legislation...it was grand. A lot of time was spent on Episcopal Areas and how we can get more bishops into Central Conferences that are growing massively and desperately need leadership. Unfortunately, a procedure isn't currently in place to figure out how to allocate bishops, determine what need is most major, etc. This was then referred to the newly-funded Standing Committee on Central Conferences (which, now that I think of it, we really should have named something else...next GC, someone remind me to do that). Sadly, it will be four years before the areas get new bishops...my prayers are with all in those areas. May the Church continue to grow, may resources continue to pour in. It was be an enormous sin if the United Methodist Church in the United States hampered the growth of the Church worldwide by funding US-based study groups, etc. which will have limited effect when we could be funding amazing, powerful, and very obviously effective ministries in other regions. But I'll get off my soapbox now...
We had a break at 9:30. When we came back, we were all exceedingly happy to hear that we had only one calendar item left to consider. Unfortunately, we did a lot of extra business. Most of the rest of the business was well intentioned but impractical. One good thing did come out of the extra business…a study on ministries with Pacific Islanders in the US was lifted out of rejection and into referral to the General Secretaries’ Table; they have agreed to help with a study out of their budgets. The one calendar we had was an issue with accountability and finances of the General Board of Church and Society. A court case is currently pending per request of the Trustees, so taking action here didn’t make any sense and could cause legal issues. But there was a minority report…so the issue was going to take a long time. Fortunately, some genius had the idea to table it indefinitely before we had even heard the minority report…so we managed to get done at a decent hour! That man is going to be very, very popular for a few days.
A few random notes:
1. I have discovered what happens at 10:32. Someone rings a really loud bell or something each am and pm just outside the arena doors. It’s not against the rules of the Conference in any way, but we can definitely hear it. I’m hoping they’ll be doing it each day and that more and more people will begin to understand what it is that they are hearing.
2. Funny moment of the night occurred when Arthur Jones moved to suspend the rules to call the question…his father was presiding. Poor Scott. Fun moment for the rest of us. I think that some people still aren’t aware that Arthur is Scott’s son; I had to explain the joke to Jerry. But it’s very amusing for those of us on the “in,”
I think that’s all for the night…I’ll be singing in the “Young People’s” choir (composed of fifteen to “forty-ish”) tomorrow morning at worship, so I have to be on the 6:15 shuttle. No rest for the wicked.
Good night, all. Lots of love.
Liberia's President
We had our first official celebrity visit today...President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia addressed General Conference. She spoke very powerfully and received a lot of applause during the speech and (obviously) a standing ovation at the end...a very long standing ovation. President Sirleaf was educated in a Methodist school before attending Harvard. She served in Liberia, the US, and the UN in finance positions before being elected as the first woman president in Liberia. Loved her lots...many of the African delegates dressed in native dress to welcome her; that was a lot of fun to see. The Hope for Africa Childrens' Choir sat up front during her address and then danced to the music while she shook the hands of front-row delegates and many of the bishops. They did have to lock down the arena before her arrival, but nothing too inconvenient. She is a truly remarkable woman...I have been so blessed to receive affirmation after affirmation at this Conference that I do indeed want to serve in Africa.
Is Bermuda a Country or a State?
One of the easy-pass petitions today involved making Bermuda part of the Northeastern Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction has been sending pastors and resources there for several years; this petition formalizes this relationship. An issue was raised, however, because the Disciplinary paragraph being amended listed several states. We were worried that people less familiar with the US might believe Bermuda to be a state. So we added the words "the country of" immediately in front of "Bermuda." We easily voted for this amendment. Just afterwards, one of our delegates from the British Methodist Church pointed out that Bermuda is not a country...it's a protectorate of Great Britain. Oops. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the best and the brightest of the United Methodist Church.
Open Hearts? Open Minds? Open Doors?
A word about this post: Yes, it's controversial. Yes, some of you will probably disagree strongly with what I say. Please feel free to comment; please feel free to discuss differing opinions. HOWEVER, please be respectful in your comments. The goal of this blog entry is not to hurt specific groups of people or make people angry.
DeLyn is one of the music team members at General Conference, played the drums for us during the Young People's Address, and has sung several solos here at GC. Here is her story.
"Even I must admit: I looked pathetic. I arrived early for my meeting with my District Committee, excited to share some of my ideas about the Church of the Future that I had been dreaming up with my colleagues. I was seeking certification of my candidacy, and had been a declared candidate for two years. I was nervous about whether I would be able to articulate the answers to the questions being asked. What if they ask about my beliefs about substitutionary atonement or bodily resurrection or inclusive God-language? While we waited for the committee to finish its early-morning business, my seasoned mentor kept me chatting about silly stuff to distract me from my anxiety.
They saw my mentor first. They always do. He talked with them privately for a few minutes before I was invited to join them. I walked into the room and sat next to him, and he looked decidedly unhappy. As per status quo, each person introduced or re-introduced him- or herself to me, following a standard clockwise motion around the large circle of tables. I wrote down all of their first names and titles, so that I could address each one by name as they grilled me about the difficult questions. On such a lovely spring day, during which everything was in bloom, the tissue boxes and sniffly noses did not strike me as strange.
The compliments about my ministry were gushing. The gratitude shared about my work was affirming. I believe that every person on that committee had been led in worship by me at some conference or another, and it felt comforting to know that many appreciated those times. My District Superintendent, then “got down to business,” sharing with me that the website of my party celebrating my union with my partner, Sarah, had been viewed by the committee members.
I am sure that my face fell, because many looked away.
She asked me if I did, in fact, celebrate a Civil Union. I said yes. She asked me if I was aware of the Book of Discipline’s stand on homosexuality. I said yes. She clarified, “Do you know the language in paragraph 304.3?” You mean the incompatibility clause about discriminating against self-avowed, practicing homosexuals? Of course I know it. All the Queers in Methodism know it.
I could not hold back my tears anymore. It is interesting that I was the last person in the room to break down. Maybe I am used to being tough about the discrimination. I guess we, the LGBTQI folk who face it every day, are used to being tough just like our straight sisters, and our sisters and brothers of color, and all of those who are marginalized by a lack of unearned privilege.
I think my District Superintendent had expected a fight, because she appeared surprised as she closed her thick file folder to which she had looked ready to refer. I asked if I was excused. The chairperson, a near-retirement aged, straight, white, male clergyperson, dearly loved by many in this conference (myself included), gave me the opportunity to withdraw before they voted. I thanked the committee for the choice, and asked them to vote. I refused to be the one to take responsibility for this injustice. I have remained faithful to my call.
Tearful words of support and affirmation of my ministry as a lay-person were shared by many. Phrases such as “casualties of progress” and “discrimination against God’s children” and “prayers for change” were used. Many on the committee made pastoral comments about their availability to me. Only in retrospect did I notice that no one asked how my new Civil Union was going.
My mentor was angry with me. Although I had been out to him for several months and he knew that I was partnered, he did not know about Sarah’s and my celebration. This was the hardest part for me, knowing that he was blindsided by the committee. As he was approaching retirement in just a couple of months, this was an unpleasant circumstance among unpleasant circumstances. He has been tremendously supportive of my call and my ministry, and I love and respect him. It has occurred to me since: perhaps straight, white males do not make the types of terrible choices that we do. I do regret my decision to exclude him from invitation to my Celebration, but if that is my deepest regret, I have journeyed through this with integrity. I have done what I am called to do, and gone where I am called to go.
I had known from the day I “Got the Call” that I probably would be rejected by the United Methodist Church; I did not expect it quite so soon. I am also surprised at how sad I am. My usual grieving style tends to focus more closely on the “angry” part. But this wound is still fresh.
My comfort is this: when those committee members vote at Annual Conference on the “Issue of Homosexuality” in its many forms, they might picture my face, eager to talk about ministry and disappointed that we never made it past the sex. Go argue about Gay Issues, United Methodist Church, while I fight for my life.
The sick humor was not lost on me when I turned the key in the ignition, which lit up the clock that read 10:32am."
The GCORR Celebration spoke with joy about how we now find it inconceivable that our Church once closed doors to blacks. It is my hope that come forty years, we will find it just as inconceivable that there was ever a time that GLBTQ people were excluded. At the same time, I mourn that it will take that long. Beloved children of God...we can but hope. We can but pray.
Our preacher this morning talked about how Jesus was not conditional in his love and grace. He specifically mentioned those of other races. But folks, if Christ is unconditional with love and grace...wouldn't that include everybody? Being black was once viewed as a sin by white people wtih superiority complexes. I pray, pray, pray that one day we will realize that GLBT discrimination and name-calling is a similar problem with our society and those too scared or insecure to accept differences. THESE ARE PEOPLE TOO! These are beloved by God too! Jesus died for them too!
If nothing else...our Church DESPERATELY needs great leadership. DeLyn provides awesome leadership in music and ministry. Are we truly going to deny her and others the ability to follow through on God's calls in their lives and bless this Church and the world simply because they are different from us? It seems we are. Oh, Church, what are you doing to yourself?
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. May this someday be true.
DeLyn is one of the music team members at General Conference, played the drums for us during the Young People's Address, and has sung several solos here at GC. Here is her story.
"Even I must admit: I looked pathetic. I arrived early for my meeting with my District Committee, excited to share some of my ideas about the Church of the Future that I had been dreaming up with my colleagues. I was seeking certification of my candidacy, and had been a declared candidate for two years. I was nervous about whether I would be able to articulate the answers to the questions being asked. What if they ask about my beliefs about substitutionary atonement or bodily resurrection or inclusive God-language? While we waited for the committee to finish its early-morning business, my seasoned mentor kept me chatting about silly stuff to distract me from my anxiety.
They saw my mentor first. They always do. He talked with them privately for a few minutes before I was invited to join them. I walked into the room and sat next to him, and he looked decidedly unhappy. As per status quo, each person introduced or re-introduced him- or herself to me, following a standard clockwise motion around the large circle of tables. I wrote down all of their first names and titles, so that I could address each one by name as they grilled me about the difficult questions. On such a lovely spring day, during which everything was in bloom, the tissue boxes and sniffly noses did not strike me as strange.
The compliments about my ministry were gushing. The gratitude shared about my work was affirming. I believe that every person on that committee had been led in worship by me at some conference or another, and it felt comforting to know that many appreciated those times. My District Superintendent, then “got down to business,” sharing with me that the website of my party celebrating my union with my partner, Sarah, had been viewed by the committee members.
I am sure that my face fell, because many looked away.
She asked me if I did, in fact, celebrate a Civil Union. I said yes. She asked me if I was aware of the Book of Discipline’s stand on homosexuality. I said yes. She clarified, “Do you know the language in paragraph 304.3?” You mean the incompatibility clause about discriminating against self-avowed, practicing homosexuals? Of course I know it. All the Queers in Methodism know it.
I could not hold back my tears anymore. It is interesting that I was the last person in the room to break down. Maybe I am used to being tough about the discrimination. I guess we, the LGBTQI folk who face it every day, are used to being tough just like our straight sisters, and our sisters and brothers of color, and all of those who are marginalized by a lack of unearned privilege.
I think my District Superintendent had expected a fight, because she appeared surprised as she closed her thick file folder to which she had looked ready to refer. I asked if I was excused. The chairperson, a near-retirement aged, straight, white, male clergyperson, dearly loved by many in this conference (myself included), gave me the opportunity to withdraw before they voted. I thanked the committee for the choice, and asked them to vote. I refused to be the one to take responsibility for this injustice. I have remained faithful to my call.
Tearful words of support and affirmation of my ministry as a lay-person were shared by many. Phrases such as “casualties of progress” and “discrimination against God’s children” and “prayers for change” were used. Many on the committee made pastoral comments about their availability to me. Only in retrospect did I notice that no one asked how my new Civil Union was going.
My mentor was angry with me. Although I had been out to him for several months and he knew that I was partnered, he did not know about Sarah’s and my celebration. This was the hardest part for me, knowing that he was blindsided by the committee. As he was approaching retirement in just a couple of months, this was an unpleasant circumstance among unpleasant circumstances. He has been tremendously supportive of my call and my ministry, and I love and respect him. It has occurred to me since: perhaps straight, white males do not make the types of terrible choices that we do. I do regret my decision to exclude him from invitation to my Celebration, but if that is my deepest regret, I have journeyed through this with integrity. I have done what I am called to do, and gone where I am called to go.
I had known from the day I “Got the Call” that I probably would be rejected by the United Methodist Church; I did not expect it quite so soon. I am also surprised at how sad I am. My usual grieving style tends to focus more closely on the “angry” part. But this wound is still fresh.
My comfort is this: when those committee members vote at Annual Conference on the “Issue of Homosexuality” in its many forms, they might picture my face, eager to talk about ministry and disappointed that we never made it past the sex. Go argue about Gay Issues, United Methodist Church, while I fight for my life.
The sick humor was not lost on me when I turned the key in the ignition, which lit up the clock that read 10:32am."
The GCORR Celebration spoke with joy about how we now find it inconceivable that our Church once closed doors to blacks. It is my hope that come forty years, we will find it just as inconceivable that there was ever a time that GLBTQ people were excluded. At the same time, I mourn that it will take that long. Beloved children of God...we can but hope. We can but pray.
Our preacher this morning talked about how Jesus was not conditional in his love and grace. He specifically mentioned those of other races. But folks, if Christ is unconditional with love and grace...wouldn't that include everybody? Being black was once viewed as a sin by white people wtih superiority complexes. I pray, pray, pray that one day we will realize that GLBT discrimination and name-calling is a similar problem with our society and those too scared or insecure to accept differences. THESE ARE PEOPLE TOO! These are beloved by God too! Jesus died for them too!
If nothing else...our Church DESPERATELY needs great leadership. DeLyn provides awesome leadership in music and ministry. Are we truly going to deny her and others the ability to follow through on God's calls in their lives and bless this Church and the world simply because they are different from us? It seems we are. Oh, Church, what are you doing to yourself?
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. May this someday be true.
Tuesday Morning
Nothing of huge note this morning as far as legislation goes. Life proceeds; things got adopted and rejected. GCORR celebrated its 40th anniversary with a presentation and cupcakes just before lunch. Devin and I decided that we need to pull the YSF Chairperson Petition off the consent calendar...a pain, but the committee amended it in a way that makes things unnecessary and confusing. It either needs to be amended in a different way or rejected, and it's currently on the adoption consent calendar. So off she goes.
Worship...we celebrated full communion with the Lutheran Church, so a Lutheran bishop preached. He was very good, but I'm afraid he was drastically overshadowed by the Hope for Africa Children's Choir. They really should just do two hours at some point...I think people would come even if it was at 5 am. I think I'm going to try and have them come to Mount Pleasant First UMC or Michigan State University or something. Have to see them again. I asked Russ if I could adopt one...he replied that he wanted to adopt all of them himself. They were, again, the major highlight.
We were still in session at 10:32 am, and we didn't have any word from the young adults about GLBTQ issues. Perhaps at 10:32 pm, I don't really know. I'll have to ask folks at the Young People's Choir practice.
Worship...we celebrated full communion with the Lutheran Church, so a Lutheran bishop preached. He was very good, but I'm afraid he was drastically overshadowed by the Hope for Africa Children's Choir. They really should just do two hours at some point...I think people would come even if it was at 5 am. I think I'm going to try and have them come to Mount Pleasant First UMC or Michigan State University or something. Have to see them again. I asked Russ if I could adopt one...he replied that he wanted to adopt all of them himself. They were, again, the major highlight.
We were still in session at 10:32 am, and we didn't have any word from the young adults about GLBTQ issues. Perhaps at 10:32 pm, I don't really know. I'll have to ask folks at the Young People's Choir practice.
10:32
Today at 10:32 am, some young adults will remind us of Judicial Council Decision 1032, the decision that allowed pastors the right to deny membership. We'll see how many fireworks that raises...please keep all in your prayers, no matter where you stand on the issue. It can be a hard time for everybody involved.
Good Morning...It's Tuesday!
Hey Everybody...It's a bright and beautiful Tuesday morning. I did not get up and work out this morning; instead, I got some extra sleeep. I'm in the Convention Center; worship will start in twenty minutes and I was promised the Hope for Africa Children's Choir. I am going to find a way to get backstage and hug all of those children, I really am. They're SO adorable. Talk about blessed to be a blessing.
A Final Word...
Before going to bed, I simply must state: HALLELUJAH!!! I have no big box of petitions I must carry around with me everywhere I go. I am DONE! Yee-haw!
I think I'm already feeling a very strange sense of separation anxiety...I almost regret being done...but I really, really shouldn't be. In any case, I'm going to stop blabbing about how I don't have to stay up late to work on legisation and actually use our being done usefully...I'm going to bed!
Good night, God bless, God loves. And I do too.
I think I'm already feeling a very strange sense of separation anxiety...I almost regret being done...but I really, really shouldn't be. In any case, I'm going to stop blabbing about how I don't have to stay up late to work on legisation and actually use our being done usefully...I'm going to bed!
Good night, God bless, God loves. And I do too.
Evening Plenary
Alrighty…we have made it through the financial implication petitions that we needed to. The Study Committee on the Worldwide Nature of the UMC went through finally, though we struck the language binding the committee by the guidelines. The other big issue was on African Episcopal Areas (though it may be main in my mind simply because it was the last discussed). We had moved to refer to the new Commission on Central Conferences, but some African delegates spoke patiently, it was suggested that we table until after the report from the Episcopal Study which might open some funds, and then reconsider. The problem with referring is that the conferences would have to wait for another four years to get a new bishop, and they’re growing so fast that action really is appropriate and necessary now. Hopefully that will work out for them. It was a nice wake-up call for Americans who think that we can simply refer everything away to some committee or another instead of acting on it.
The main discussion in the bus seems to be revolving around the new hymnal…a new hymnal project has been approved, as has a study on an Afrikana Hymnal (this study will use the resources already budgeted of boards like the Board of Discipleship). It was a long evening, but it worked out very well; we got a fair amount done and aren’t too desperately behind schedule. Poor Russ and the rest of the members of the Finance and Administration Legislative Committee are going to be meeting tonight. The Board of Global Ministries Legislative Committee was meeting as well, but I think only for about fifteen minutes. The Rules of Order Committee was called briefly, but it shouldn’t take too long. The issue requiring their attention is the distribution of legislative materials…a lot of paperwork encouraging the election of certain persons or adoption of certain legislation has been going on delegates’ tables, which is against the rules of the General Conference. Folks have been flagrantly violating this rule or getting around it by using the pages to send delegate-to-delegate “letters”…even in the Church, there is political corruption. Sigh. Still, no need to end on a depressing note. I’ll be happily in bed by like 12:30 and able to sleep…a workout might be in order tomorrow morning (for real this time).
The main discussion in the bus seems to be revolving around the new hymnal…a new hymnal project has been approved, as has a study on an Afrikana Hymnal (this study will use the resources already budgeted of boards like the Board of Discipleship). It was a long evening, but it worked out very well; we got a fair amount done and aren’t too desperately behind schedule. Poor Russ and the rest of the members of the Finance and Administration Legislative Committee are going to be meeting tonight. The Board of Global Ministries Legislative Committee was meeting as well, but I think only for about fifteen minutes. The Rules of Order Committee was called briefly, but it shouldn’t take too long. The issue requiring their attention is the distribution of legislative materials…a lot of paperwork encouraging the election of certain persons or adoption of certain legislation has been going on delegates’ tables, which is against the rules of the General Conference. Folks have been flagrantly violating this rule or getting around it by using the pages to send delegate-to-delegate “letters”…even in the Church, there is political corruption. Sigh. Still, no need to end on a depressing note. I’ll be happily in bed by like 12:30 and able to sleep…a workout might be in order tomorrow morning (for real this time).
Monday, April 28, 2008
Higher Education Night
Tonight was Higher Education Night, sponsored by several groups (the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the Council of Bishops, etc.) to recognize Methodist Colleges, Seminaries, etc. The dinner was excellent (nice salad, chicken crusted with spicy tortilla, and an excellent chocolate cake), and the schools came together to form a student choir that performed excellently...great songs, the highlight of which was "Wade in the Water," including choreography. The night was very enjoyable...and now we're back in plenary. The Minority Report on the Task Force is now being presented...so we'll be another twelve thousand hours.
Afternoon Plenary
We are now in afternoon plenary. Things are moving fairly slowly due to many amendments on each petition and much discussion. We were supposed to have all petitions with financial implications done by 5 pm today. We missed. We still have like thirty-one petitions. So we're going until 5:30, will come back at 7:30, and will presumably meet until we're done. So my beautiful night of sleep might have just flown out the window...
Hope for Africa Children's Choir
Oh my word. GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Hosanna, hosanna, hallelujah. Just before our 3:40 break, we were introduced to the "Hope for Africa" Children's Choir. This choir is based in a United Methodist school in Uganda that takes in orphans to medicate, educate, clothe, and feed them. The children began singing in their school...and they got really, really good. I have to say: I'm tired. My emotions are fairly easily manipulated at this point in time; HOWEVER...I probably would have bawled anyway. The children were flown in by the South Georgia Conference to perform for us. They were absolutely wonderful. They will be performing tomorrow morning in worship...I am DEFINITELY getting here on time. For those of you at home, you NEED to see the live feed of this. Worship will be 8-9ish tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Please see it if you can, or check it out later (I'm sure they'll have clips of it available after the performance). if there is any way I can, I will sneak backstage after/during worship to go hug some of those children. Such an affirmation that ministry in Africa is what I am called to do. Such an affirmation. GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
Morning Plenary
This morning: Good sermon about "fresh bread" from the story of God's giving the Israelites food for the day. We are encouraged to wake up and get up. I was in worship only for the second half but heard almost all of the serrmon. Topic for the day is "Building Hope." DeLyn (one of the musicians) sang a gorgeous song about building things together. Thanks were given by folks in the regions affected by Hurricane Katrina and the information that help was still needed (money and work teams). The business of the morning focused mostly on elections for Judicial Council and University Senate. The majority of the time was getting the keypads working with two-digit voting and assuring people as to how they worked. We adopted the consent calendars for the day without issue and spent time on the petition to grant more funding to Africa University and an additional $2 million on theological teaching (aka training pastors) at other schools in Africa. One professor from Africa shared that each year they receive hundreds of applicants to the school for degrees in theology and they can accept only 10-20. If only we had that problem in the United States! We did finally manage to put our money where our mouth is and approve it. People were worried about the budget, but it finally passed.
Just before lunch was the celebration of "The Advance." "The Advance" is a way for United Methodists to give money to specific programs in developing countries (women's sewing groups that generate income, hospitals, farming projects, etc.) without any overhead. We had two ladies there, one from Bolivia and one from Sierra Leone who spoke to us about their projects. It was extremely moving. All in all, I started crying like ten times this morning...part of it is that the reports truly were moving and wonderful. Part of it is that I need to sleep...but tonight, it really will happen. I'm on lunch break now and am about to head to the Young People's Choir Performance...we'll be performing Wednesday morning. Looking forward to that.
Just before lunch was the celebration of "The Advance." "The Advance" is a way for United Methodists to give money to specific programs in developing countries (women's sewing groups that generate income, hospitals, farming projects, etc.) without any overhead. We had two ladies there, one from Bolivia and one from Sierra Leone who spoke to us about their projects. It was extremely moving. All in all, I started crying like ten times this morning...part of it is that the reports truly were moving and wonderful. Part of it is that I need to sleep...but tonight, it really will happen. I'm on lunch break now and am about to head to the Young People's Choir Performance...we'll be performing Wednesday morning. Looking forward to that.
Good Morning!
7:30 am and all is well. I am feeling good, I got a little more prep work done on the legislative reports this morning on the bus. Breakfast was very good...I have found the hotel's pancake supply, and they are very good pancakes. Add the fresh pineapple to that, and I am one happy little girl. I am at the Convention Center now waiting for an 8 o'clock meeting with my recorder, Jill, so we can finish up all of our paperwork. I know I've mentioned the recorders in passing, but a brief explanatory note: I am the secretary of my legislative committee. I take notes on who talks when about what, how the vote goes, etc. I have to fill out a report with how the petition was amended and how the vote went in order for the information to be available to the full Conference. This report is typed up and entered into a computer program by my recording staff. The recording staff will give me a printed report that all three of the executives (secretary, chair, and vice chair) have to sign after checking accuracy. Other staff members and volunteers can then take the information from the computer and put it into a report that goes out to all delegates, detailing all the legislation that has been dealt with in committees since the previous day's report. And then we get to vote on them in the big group.
The moral of the "story" is this: Yay computers, yay technology, yay volunteers.
The moral of the "story" is this: Yay computers, yay technology, yay volunteers.
To Bed
And I have finished for the evening. I thought that I was going to have to ask Matt to help me figure out how to report some of the petitions, but I think I actually have it worked out. The hope is that I did my work correctly so that my beautiful recorder Jill can enter the information into the computer and print out a report form, and we can approve it, all without having to go back and change everything. We shall hope!! Good night, everyone. I certainly hope you're all in bed...I'm going there myself as soon as I hit "Publish Post." Good night!
Good News!
Our committee has finished! They renegotiated the shuttle schedule so that we could stay and work until 11:30. I got on the midnight shuttle to the hotel. My committee has voted on the petitions. This is GOOD NEWS!!!
Bad News: I have to do all of the paperwork reporting on what they did. So I'm going to go do that...and go to bed sometime. I'm extremely happy to have it finished in the committee, though. There is a very bright light at the end of this tunnel, and I am one happy girl.
Bad News: I have to do all of the paperwork reporting on what they did. So I'm going to go do that...and go to bed sometime. I'm extremely happy to have it finished in the committee, though. There is a very bright light at the end of this tunnel, and I am one happy girl.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Area Night
Tonight, we were entertained by Texans during "Area Night." The main session featured the Texas Boys' Choir, sponsored by a Fine Arts Academy in the area. They were really good...nice arrangement of "Amazing Grace" to a different but familiar tune, some scat music, a Broadway medley featuring "Beauty and the Beast" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from "Les Miserables," and "Poor Wayfarin' Stranger," which I know from a CD of Kristin Chenoweth's. They closed with an arrangement of "Irish Blessing." Very Texan, that one. (That was sarcasm, for those of you who don't know me well. But very loving sarcasm.) Anyways, the boys' choir was great.
We were sent out to a receptioin with REALLY good food and great performers...the young lady who was the voice of Jessie from "Toy Story" (Devon Dawson) and the Fort Worth Opry Cowgirls and the Lydia Patterson Institute Mariachis, based in El Paso.
They did a very nice job with it and I'm still enjoying the food. We're heading back toward legislative committee, and we might be staying later than anticipated because the shuttles might be running later than anticipated to help the committees finish late. So I'll see you on the other side...
We were sent out to a receptioin with REALLY good food and great performers...the young lady who was the voice of Jessie from "Toy Story" (Devon Dawson) and the Fort Worth Opry Cowgirls and the Lydia Patterson Institute Mariachis, based in El Paso.
They did a very nice job with it and I'm still enjoying the food. We're heading back toward legislative committee, and we might be staying later than anticipated because the shuttles might be running later than anticipated to help the committees finish late. So I'll see you on the other side...
Sharing the Blog
Just want to let everyone know...I'm writing this blog to be read. Please feel free to post this link on whatever church websites, etc. that you'd like to. Thanks for reading and sharing!
Sunday Plenary and Afternoon Legislative Committee
This morning we did meet in plenary, though there was a motion to go to legislative committees which was passed, then later reversed the decision. We did a lot of legislative circles this morning rather than anything concrete, but did make a bit of progress. We then breaked for a brief lunch and went into legislative committees. Our legislative committee made quite a bit of progress and got quite a lot of legislation on the plenary list. We have 67 petitions left, 30 of which are on the consent calendar to reject. Most of them should go fairly quickly. We decided amongst ourselves to meet later tonight after Area Night at 9 pm. We are scheduled until 9:55, but I think we might go a little later and finish all of the legislation tonight, as it's definitely possible. Things are moving along...I should get to bed by midnight tonight. So maybe tomorrow I'll manage to wake up to work out...
Slept In
Oops...either my alarm didn't go off or I slept through it or it was really quiet. Who knows. The point is, I didn't wake up on time. So I missed worship and my workout. I got there in time for all voting, etc. but was rather depressed about missing worship. Oh well. Life continues. We're in legislative committees now; we must wait for an interpreter...she has just arrived! No, false alarm. Wrong language. Oh well. Life still continues. I'll check in with you...sometime. We're trying to finish today, so we'll see how late we end up going.
Consent Calendar
The consent calendar is done on my part; I just have to print it off and get it copied. It should go fairly smoothly. We do have one petition that is not in the Advanced Daily Christian Advocate, so that will have to be presented by the sub-committee chair before we vote on the Consent Calendar. It should go fairly smoothly. We have 33 petitions on the Consent Calendar, which is more than I anticipated.
I looked over the Young People's petitions...I'm definitely going to have to make some amendments tomorrow. Hopefully I can convey to the committee the original intent of the motions without being too much of a pain. The committee reworked them quite a lot with very good intentions, but some things got switched around that simply shouldn't be. So we'll see how that goes tomorrow.
And now, I get to go to bed! It's so early! I might even get up in the morning and work out. Wouldn't that be just grand? Have a good night, everyone. Love to all.
I looked over the Young People's petitions...I'm definitely going to have to make some amendments tomorrow. Hopefully I can convey to the committee the original intent of the motions without being too much of a pain. The committee reworked them quite a lot with very good intentions, but some things got switched around that simply shouldn't be. So we'll see how that goes tomorrow.
And now, I get to go to bed! It's so early! I might even get up in the morning and work out. Wouldn't that be just grand? Have a good night, everyone. Love to all.
Evening Committee
It was decided that tonight would be the night to stay late and pay overtime for the facilities; however, our committee chose to end at 10:50 pm and take a shorter lunch tomorrow. We get a fair bit of work done today, though most of it was simple petitions straight up or down. We began working on the Connectional Table legislation and managed to reject all of the Frank Wulf petitions. We then turned to the Scott Jones, but there was a lot of conversation around exactly what changes would be enacted by the petitions. We passed the first, then chose to table the rest until tomorrow so that we could continue working tomorrow when it wasn’t so late. We have a total of 87 petitions left. We will have a consent calendar for petitions to be rejected that were unanimous. That will knock out about twenty petitions I think; I won’t be sure of the number until I get to the hotel and do the write-ups. Nothing too extreme was passed today, mostly just non-controversial things that make sense. I believe all of them will go on the plenary consent calendar.
The petitions that came out of the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly went through sub-committee today. Tonight I will be able to look at what action was taken by the sub-committee and see if I would like to speak or make amendments when they come to the full committee tomorrow. The General Conference sub-committee worked on those, and I don’t believe there were any young people in that group to help with explanations. The petitions in question deal with the age of youth and young adults and the Youth Service Fund chairpersons as a member to Annual Conference. I will be sure to report on those tomorrow. We will be meeting tomorrow 1-4. Hopefully we’ll be all done at that point; if not, we’ll have to start skipping out on more meals, coming in early, ditching worship, etc. I don’t particularly relish any of those, so I hope that we manage to finish.
The petitions that came out of the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly went through sub-committee today. Tonight I will be able to look at what action was taken by the sub-committee and see if I would like to speak or make amendments when they come to the full committee tomorrow. The General Conference sub-committee worked on those, and I don’t believe there were any young people in that group to help with explanations. The petitions in question deal with the age of youth and young adults and the Youth Service Fund chairpersons as a member to Annual Conference. I will be sure to report on those tomorrow. We will be meeting tomorrow 1-4. Hopefully we’ll be all done at that point; if not, we’ll have to start skipping out on more meals, coming in early, ditching worship, etc. I don’t particularly relish any of those, so I hope that we manage to finish.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
And we're back
in sub-committees. Isn't life just grand. I am back to observing and planning for the plenary as much as is possible. We don't have much legislative committee time left, so we'll need to move through plenary as quickly as is humanly possible. But we've also just been reminding be our monitors (the representatives from the General Commission on Religion and Race and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women who make sure we're being inclusive) to try and move through voting a little more slowly for the sake of those who are interpreting or getting interpretation. I'm going to go into conversation with Matt to try and figure out when we want to do what. I'll check back in before going to bed.
Phew!
Well, I just lived through my most stressful moments thus far. The deadline for getting the legislation with financial implications in was 5 pm. It is now 7:28 pm. We had them turned in at like 7:24. But oh well. The committee took a lot of time to work with the petition around the Worldwide Nature of the Church, as we knew they would. The deadlinewas severely pushed; we remained in constant contact with the appropriate offices to let them know what the issue was. We also misunderstand the conditions under which we could take away financial implications and so didn't vote on one we needed to. But it's all taken care of and I probably just lived through what was my most stressfuly moment as secretary. Life should be bright and breezy from here on out.
Saturday Morning
Our first "business" this morning was the Rural Life Celebration. A procession featured 250,000 paper butterflies on streamers and banners, representing the 250,000 small town and rural ministries the United Methodist Church has. Stories were told, and we got to sing "Hymn of Promise." I love that song. Their presentation also included PETs (Personal Energy Transportation). PETs are hand-cranked wheelchairs. Check out www.giftofmobility.org for more information. It's a really great project.
After a brief break, we had a report from the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI). Many retired clergy in other parts of the world do not have retirement funds. The churches simply don't have enough money to fund them. We take pensions and Social Security for granted here in the United States; overseas, adults who dedicated their life to the church sometimes starve because they cannot afford food after retirement. The CCPI is working to raise money to help those clergy and their families.
We then moved to a report about our Autonomous Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean. These Churches are administrated separately from the United Methodist Church but have a strong Wesleyan tradition and partnership with us. We heard about the ministry in their area of the world and how we can better work together.
And now we're on lunch break. I am updating the blog as I type (duh), and then will move into legislative work. Need to get some work printed so that our full committee plenary goes a little more smoothly than it did yesterday.
After a brief break, we had a report from the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI). Many retired clergy in other parts of the world do not have retirement funds. The churches simply don't have enough money to fund them. We take pensions and Social Security for granted here in the United States; overseas, adults who dedicated their life to the church sometimes starve because they cannot afford food after retirement. The CCPI is working to raise money to help those clergy and their families.
We then moved to a report about our Autonomous Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean. These Churches are administrated separately from the United Methodist Church but have a strong Wesleyan tradition and partnership with us. We heard about the ministry in their area of the world and how we can better work together.
And now we're on lunch break. I am updating the blog as I type (duh), and then will move into legislative work. Need to get some work printed so that our full committee plenary goes a little more smoothly than it did yesterday.
Saturday Morning Worship
Worship this morning was really cool. The passage of Nicodemus asking about being "born again" was read; the sermon focused on how often Methodists regard their baptism as being born again and forget that we're not finished yet! We went through a very cool remembrance of our baptism: the Confirmation kids from the Central Texas Conference (confirmation=becoming a member in the Church) walked through the arena with leaves and bowls of water, dipped the branches in the water, and sprinkled us. It was an awesome way for teenagers about to be confirmed to participate. The music was great too, but that is always the case.
Friday Night
Alright…I lived through the night. I’ve got a lot of work done; I’ve a lot left to do. I realized that I would have a fairly significant lunch break before we met again in legislative committee, so I will have that time to work and didn’t need to accomplish absolutely everything last night. So I did get a few hours of sleep. My basic strategy was working as long as I could, setting the alarm a little while ahead, waking up again to work as much as possible, going back to sleep, etc. I got from 2 am to 4 am solid, and then scattered moments in the rest of it. I can’t believe I’m publishing this on a blog my mother and grandmother will read…don’t worry, you two. I’m doing fine, and I’ll probably sleep at dinner.
Anyways, I got some breakfast at the hotel and packed up other goodies to eat during opening worship. I’m on the bus headed toward the Convention Center and will soon be back to work! I’ll check in sometime around lunch probably.
Anyways, I got some breakfast at the hotel and packed up other goodies to eat during opening worship. I’m on the bus headed toward the Convention Center and will soon be back to work! I’ll check in sometime around lunch probably.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tonight's Report
Well...it went. There were a lot of kinks, as to be expected on the first night. We got through some legislation, but not nearly as much as we had hoped for. The main issue revolved around this: We are to vote for the petition, not for the committee's recommendation. Many of us (including me) thought that a motion should be made and we should vote on the motion. Matt promised he would talk to a few people and we proceeded according to his ruling. Afterwards, Matt and I talked, and I think I am now with him. I have a lot of work to do tonight writing up all of the reports properly...yay! for no sleep. So I'm not going to spend too much time on the blog. Know that I enjoy everything that I am doing, even when I complain about it. Good night, everybody, I love you all.
Sub-Committees Continued
And the work goes on...I've received the agenda for our full plenary this evening from the General Conference Sub-Committee and should be all set for that. We have another hour and ten minutes before breaking to revert back to full group. The Worldwide Nature Committee just keeps plugging away...amendment after amendment. Their report is not going to be fun to write up. But it's beginning to sound like we might have something decent before us when they're concluded. And so, my friends, we go slowly onwards and upwards.
Dinner Recess
And here we are, 7 pm in the Dinner Recess. I have a typed record on what decisions have been made by the sub-committees thus far. This typed record won't go anywhere; it's just for my and Matt's reference when we facilitate the full group. I ate; did some work on the computer, and even left for the room to go for a walk! (The "walk" was for some "errands"...aka going to the Youth and Young Adult Delegates' Hospitality Suite for my chocolate fix.) People are starting to trickle back in, but we have a full half an hour left of our break. It is our hope that we will begin meeting as a full group sometime this evening to get some petitions taken care of, but we can only hope. If we do get some petitions voted on by the full group, I'll try to have that reported before going to bed tonight. My meeting time is going to become much more busy as we get moving, so you might not hear from me quite as much throughout the day, but I shall do my best to give large updates at mealtimes.
Prayer Request
This has nothing to do with General Conference, but I thought the blog might be an appropriate place to post it. I have just received word that a friend of mine was in an accident while he was driving. He himself is uninjured, but the young man he hit died a few days after the accident. The young man's family needs prayers, of course, but so does my friend. As you may imagine, he's feeling a lot of guilt and pain over these happenings. Any prayers you could offer would be very appreciated!
Morning Worship
The highlight of this morning's worship was probably the ending song "We Shall Overcome." We had a lot of fun with it and really rocked. The sermon was given in an African language with simultaneous translation, and the Scripture was read in a variation of French with English on the screen. The sermon was really good and about turning words into actions. Several amusing anecdotes - one in particular about a pastor who went to a church that was totally self-immersed and preached a sermon his first Sunday. He was complimented, and spent the week getting to know his parish. The next Sunday, he preached the same sermon, and people responded with raised eyebrows but nothing else. When the third Sunday came and the same sermon was preached, the administrative council decided it needed to take action. They inquired of the pastor if he remembered the sermon he'd preached the first day. He responded with a "yes." They then asked about the second sermon. The preacher said that he remembered, and yes, it had been the same. "But what about this Sunday?" they asked. "Yes, that one was the same again. And it will be the same sermon until you all start to take some kind of action on it!" So take action, folks, don't just clap.
Break for Lunch
In about ten minutes, we will be breaking for lunch. I will receive petitions back from sub-committees and will start looking over reports to present to the full body. Matt has spoken with the Rules of Order Committee and will allow the sub-committees to rule if they would like to use a resource person. The Rules of Order state that the full committee must vote on using those persons, but since we are empowering the sub-committees to work with the legislation, we can also allow the sub-committees to have the authority to ask for those persons to speak. I will check back in sometime during lunch most likely with a report on worship and the plenary this morning.
Sub-Committee Work
The weird thing about being a secretary...there are moments when you have a ridiculous number of things to do, and moments when you have almost nothing. It is very much a "hurry up and wait" game. The sub-committees are working right now, so I have little to do as overall secretary. But when they leave for lunch, I'll have a lot of paperwork to do following-up on their work. It is nice to be able to overhear all of the sub-committees work.
Wireless Access
Wireless access in the convention center has been achieved. We're in sub-committees right now, I am listening in and being available for questions. I will hopefully be able to update the blog a little more throughout the day now that I have internet capability during the day (at meal breaks, etc. I can blog). I am off to secretarial duties now...enjoy!
Friday Morning
It’s nearly 8; I’m on the bus on the way to worship. Getting up was not easy this morning. I came downstairs just as another bus was leaving, so I guess God wanted me to have a leisurely breakfast. Traffic is worse this morning than it was yesterday on the bus, but it’s also later in the day (if only by half an hour).
More Details about Yesterday: I am probably repeating some of this. But I wrote the initial post about yesterday at 1 am and have no idea of what I said. So hopefully this one will be more intelligible and have more details.
The YPA really was wonderful from our end. A few of us had jittery nerves, but we were all enjoying ourselves for the most part. After our press conference we walked to The Pour House for burgers, etc. for our “Last Supper.” It took us forever to get there, as people kept stopping to talk with us and take pictures. Jason particularly enjoyed the youth group composed of several young ladies who starting screaming when they saw us. As Jason said, “I always wanted to walk through a group of screaming girls.” He got his wish!
We then broke into sub-committees. I nominated Matt for chair, a few other names were lifted. Each nominee was allowed to give a two-minute speech about his/herself. Matt was very articulate speaking about helping to ensure every voice is heard. His biggest competition was J LaVon Wilson, a retied African American schoolteacher who has previously chaired. She was then elected vice chair. After my election as secretary, we were in recess for dinner while the three executives went to training. Training started late and went late, so the executives didn’t get a chance to talk with each other about sub-committee organization, and the full group meeting started late. Our organization into sub-committees was a little more messy than I would have liked, but we successfully split up the petitions and elected chairpersons and found secretaries. The group went into recess around 10:40; the chairs and secretaries were asked to stay behind for a brief training. Secretaries were taken care of fairly quickly; the chairs spent a bit more time talking about possible approaches to their legislation.
I eventually got home and spent some time sorting emails and petitions. It was a wonderful day, if exhausting.
More Details about Yesterday: I am probably repeating some of this. But I wrote the initial post about yesterday at 1 am and have no idea of what I said. So hopefully this one will be more intelligible and have more details.
The YPA really was wonderful from our end. A few of us had jittery nerves, but we were all enjoying ourselves for the most part. After our press conference we walked to The Pour House for burgers, etc. for our “Last Supper.” It took us forever to get there, as people kept stopping to talk with us and take pictures. Jason particularly enjoyed the youth group composed of several young ladies who starting screaming when they saw us. As Jason said, “I always wanted to walk through a group of screaming girls.” He got his wish!
We then broke into sub-committees. I nominated Matt for chair, a few other names were lifted. Each nominee was allowed to give a two-minute speech about his/herself. Matt was very articulate speaking about helping to ensure every voice is heard. His biggest competition was J LaVon Wilson, a retied African American schoolteacher who has previously chaired. She was then elected vice chair. After my election as secretary, we were in recess for dinner while the three executives went to training. Training started late and went late, so the executives didn’t get a chance to talk with each other about sub-committee organization, and the full group meeting started late. Our organization into sub-committees was a little more messy than I would have liked, but we successfully split up the petitions and elected chairpersons and found secretaries. The group went into recess around 10:40; the chairs and secretaries were asked to stay behind for a brief training. Secretaries were taken care of fairly quickly; the chairs spent a bit more time talking about possible approaches to their legislation.
I eventually got home and spent some time sorting emails and petitions. It was a wonderful day, if exhausting.
Brief Notes
1. Everyone loved the Address. I can't go anywhere without being assalted (in a good way, of course).
2. I was elected secretary for the Conferences Legislative Committee.
3. I've now been up for over twenty hours. And there are limits, folks. So good night. I will be able to chat a little more tomorrow or Saturday...that's the hope, anyways.
2. I was elected secretary for the Conferences Legislative Committee.
3. I've now been up for over twenty hours. And there are limits, folks. So good night. I will be able to chat a little more tomorrow or Saturday...that's the hope, anyways.
This Afternoon
Alright. It’s currently 3:45 pm and today was the day! I have a feeling the blogging will become less and less detailed as we go on and I have limited free time.
Brief Overlook of the Day:
8 Worship with a lot of good music
9 Episcopacy Address…stories of hope from Sharon Brown Christopher
Then the General Secretaries discussed the Four Areas of Focus
And then it was time to go backstage…
We prepared (Annie had to tie my sash on my shirt because I’m apparently incapable of dressing myself.), we got powdered to avoid shine, and off we went! The speech was aired live. I’ll try and find that link to put it on the side list of the blog so you can see it if you’d like.
The press conference was short and sweet…we were somewhat disappointed that no issues were brought up, mostly just questions about our involvement in the Church and our backgrounds. But the press we’re great.
I now feel like a celebrity…it took the group forever to get anywhere, as we kept being stopped for hand-shaking and picture-taking.
We went to our “Last Supper” together and came back in time to participate in the final wrap-up of Messaging Time.
Then it was straight to plenary. We’re working with the amendments to the rules from last night. After this we’ll go into Legislative Committees to elect our officers. Good luck to me and Matt!!
Agenda Committee Report
4:15ish Legislative Committee
Adjournment for Dinner; Training for Officers
8 Legislative Committee Meetings
Tomorrow
8:15 Worship
9:05 Conference Business
Nominations for University Council and Judicial Council
Morning Break
10:45 Legislative Committees….all day
Judicial Council’s Report
We have some reconciliation business to do with an issue regarding allocations on General Conference Boards in Paragraphs 705 and 706.
Brief Overlook of the Day:
8 Worship with a lot of good music
9 Episcopacy Address…stories of hope from Sharon Brown Christopher
Then the General Secretaries discussed the Four Areas of Focus
And then it was time to go backstage…
We prepared (Annie had to tie my sash on my shirt because I’m apparently incapable of dressing myself.), we got powdered to avoid shine, and off we went! The speech was aired live. I’ll try and find that link to put it on the side list of the blog so you can see it if you’d like.
The press conference was short and sweet…we were somewhat disappointed that no issues were brought up, mostly just questions about our involvement in the Church and our backgrounds. But the press we’re great.
I now feel like a celebrity…it took the group forever to get anywhere, as we kept being stopped for hand-shaking and picture-taking.
We went to our “Last Supper” together and came back in time to participate in the final wrap-up of Messaging Time.
Then it was straight to plenary. We’re working with the amendments to the rules from last night. After this we’ll go into Legislative Committees to elect our officers. Good luck to me and Matt!!
Agenda Committee Report
4:15ish Legislative Committee
Adjournment for Dinner; Training for Officers
8 Legislative Committee Meetings
Tomorrow
8:15 Worship
9:05 Conference Business
Nominations for University Council and Judicial Council
Morning Break
10:45 Legislative Committees….all day
Judicial Council’s Report
We have some reconciliation business to do with an issue regarding allocations on General Conference Boards in Paragraphs 705 and 706.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Today's the Day!
Well, folks, this is it. The day that the first ever Young People's Address is presented at General Conference. All those months of planning, and now the day has arrived. It feels almost surreal. A lot of people have been asking if I'm nervous. The answer: Not really. Maybe I'll start getting really nervous right before I go up, but perhaps I'll just avoid the butterflies entirely. I don't feel like I have a reason to be nervous. We're ready. We've prepared and practiced this. We have an important message the Chuch needs to hear. And I'm excited and honored to be one of the ones sharing that message.
Today's the day...and what a glorious day God has made it.
Today's the day...and what a glorious day God has made it.
Morning Workout
I did manage to drag myselff out of bed this morning at 5 am to go work out in the newly-found Fitness Room. It served the purpose of waking me up; hopefully it won't make me sore later but instead more energized.
The Bus Ride Home
I was right...the bus is VERY full in the evenings. I met some great folks, though. A young newly married couple and I chatted in some depth. They're both pastors and from Kansas I believe (I may be wrong about the location...a lot of people from a lot of places have been paraded past me. So if I'm wrong, please forgive me.) Anyways, they knew Kira from seminary. So it was fun to chat about Kira and the Young People's Address. They're here as observers but are sitting in on all of the plenary and legislative committee work as well...they're die-hard observers, not just here for the fun.
And now it's 12:30. And I have to get up at 5. So I'm gonna sign off. It's been a wonderful day; I hope everyone's doing well!
And now it's 12:30. And I have to get up at 5. So I'm gonna sign off. It's been a wonderful day; I hope everyone's doing well!
Opening Plenary Session
Ah, the joys of the first plenary session. Setting the bar, going through announcements, and setting the rules of order. We are now voting on Rules 3 and 4…of 40. Someday we shall make it through. So far things have gone without discussion and passed easily. I think, however, that a few issues will come up. I’ll start typing when things start getting interesting.
Major Change #1: “Trashing” the Rules of Order Committee to make it a sub-committee of the Commission on General Conference. No discussion was brought up, so I’m guessing it will also pass. It’s a big change, but not really a very controversial one. It passed by 95%.
They split up Rule 7. This is because there are a few major changes later in the rule. But wait: Someone has moved an amendment. He wants the Committee on Correlation and Editorial Revision to study the feasibility of codifying the Book of Discipline. This amendment automatically goes to the Committee on Rules. We did vote on the rest of it successfully.
The rest of Section 7 is now before us; this has some significant changes. A young lady offered an amendment to add “youth” to a section that said only “young adult;” the Committee will easily accept that.
And someone just moved to delete the major change. The Committee has suggested adding retired Bishops and other non-delegates as parliamentarians. The Committee states that this will start in 2012, so the effects won’t be felt this General Conference either way. And now we’re debating on how the official legislation works and whether the addition was a separate motion. I’m not going to waste time typing out the specifics of the legislation (Robert’s Rules!). The motion to delete this was not passed, so we will almost certainly have parliamentarians in the legislative committees of 2012.
Yay! That rule passed. Only somewhere around 32 left to go.
And she skipped a rule…a young adult corrected her. Go, young people!
We’re voting with the electronic voting system…Benton mentioned that voting by hand for the rules would be much faster, and he’s right. I’m half tempted to suggest it…
Oh, such a sad life. Someone made a motion to add a rule disallowing specific slander against laity in legislation. It is a sad world we live in where the Church has to put that in its rules. It will most likely pass, but it’s just sad that we have to do it.
Ooh…someone has suggested that we vote on all of them at once. So here we go. Hopefully we won’t have too many crazy amendments. If that’s the case, we’ll be able to go through things fairly quickly. If not, this may take forever…
Yee-haw! The rules are done! Hallelujah!
And now we have random discussion and some more business, but we should be done fairly soon.
Ooh…fun fact! On April 23, 1968, the United Methodist Church was born in Dallas, TX. So this is a nice day to convene.
We have the Commission on General Conference reporting now, highlighting their petition to decrease the number of delegates in attendance.
Secretary of the Calendar is approved; a few petitions were passed to help the Committee on Reports.
And now someone is moving to petition the Judicial Council to declare the constitutionality of mandating membership to General Conference for specific classes of people. This would mean our “20% Under 30” stuff in possibly unconstitutional with our “no fewer than,” etc. I don’t think that the guy is against legislation at all, he just wants to make sure we’re legal and can get it in at this Conference. I’m honestly not sure if this will go forward…but we only need 20%...and…vote is good! We are referred. This should help the Conferences and General Administration Legislative Committees with how to deal with this legislation. Since a lot of the “20% Under 30” legislation came from young people very late at night who aren’t as well versed with the Discipline as those in the Judicial Council, I think this will help us to make our intentions happen more effectively.
Now we have a “Sensitivity Training” to remind us to be sensitive to our differences and each other. This includes clips from “The Office” to give some humor to our time.
We’re just about done…I’m gonna sign off for now. It’s been a good day!
Major Change #1: “Trashing” the Rules of Order Committee to make it a sub-committee of the Commission on General Conference. No discussion was brought up, so I’m guessing it will also pass. It’s a big change, but not really a very controversial one. It passed by 95%.
They split up Rule 7. This is because there are a few major changes later in the rule. But wait: Someone has moved an amendment. He wants the Committee on Correlation and Editorial Revision to study the feasibility of codifying the Book of Discipline. This amendment automatically goes to the Committee on Rules. We did vote on the rest of it successfully.
The rest of Section 7 is now before us; this has some significant changes. A young lady offered an amendment to add “youth” to a section that said only “young adult;” the Committee will easily accept that.
And someone just moved to delete the major change. The Committee has suggested adding retired Bishops and other non-delegates as parliamentarians. The Committee states that this will start in 2012, so the effects won’t be felt this General Conference either way. And now we’re debating on how the official legislation works and whether the addition was a separate motion. I’m not going to waste time typing out the specifics of the legislation (Robert’s Rules!). The motion to delete this was not passed, so we will almost certainly have parliamentarians in the legislative committees of 2012.
Yay! That rule passed. Only somewhere around 32 left to go.
And she skipped a rule…a young adult corrected her. Go, young people!
We’re voting with the electronic voting system…Benton mentioned that voting by hand for the rules would be much faster, and he’s right. I’m half tempted to suggest it…
Oh, such a sad life. Someone made a motion to add a rule disallowing specific slander against laity in legislation. It is a sad world we live in where the Church has to put that in its rules. It will most likely pass, but it’s just sad that we have to do it.
Ooh…someone has suggested that we vote on all of them at once. So here we go. Hopefully we won’t have too many crazy amendments. If that’s the case, we’ll be able to go through things fairly quickly. If not, this may take forever…
Yee-haw! The rules are done! Hallelujah!
And now we have random discussion and some more business, but we should be done fairly soon.
Ooh…fun fact! On April 23, 1968, the United Methodist Church was born in Dallas, TX. So this is a nice day to convene.
We have the Commission on General Conference reporting now, highlighting their petition to decrease the number of delegates in attendance.
Secretary of the Calendar is approved; a few petitions were passed to help the Committee on Reports.
And now someone is moving to petition the Judicial Council to declare the constitutionality of mandating membership to General Conference for specific classes of people. This would mean our “20% Under 30” stuff in possibly unconstitutional with our “no fewer than,” etc. I don’t think that the guy is against legislation at all, he just wants to make sure we’re legal and can get it in at this Conference. I’m honestly not sure if this will go forward…but we only need 20%...and…vote is good! We are referred. This should help the Conferences and General Administration Legislative Committees with how to deal with this legislation. Since a lot of the “20% Under 30” legislation came from young people very late at night who aren’t as well versed with the Discipline as those in the Judicial Council, I think this will help us to make our intentions happen more effectively.
Now we have a “Sensitivity Training” to remind us to be sensitive to our differences and each other. This includes clips from “The Office” to give some humor to our time.
We’re just about done…I’m gonna sign off for now. It’s been a good day!
Opening Worship
I know a lot of people wanted me to talk a lot about worship. I don’t know what to say, really, other than it was very cool. A lot of liturgical dance was used; many Scripture readings were done in languages other than English. Each delegate was given a book of worship with songs and liturgies written up, so I will be able to share that book with those who asked for worship materials. I have also been given several new song books with newer songs and cultural songs. So Diane Boley should be satisfied! We shared in Communion. Over 6500 people were in attendance.
Rehearsal
Rehearsal was a lot of fun…we made it through the entire address in 35 minutes. Add in the technical aspects and applause and we should be good! We enjoyed our time together and managed to end in time to get to opening worship at a leisurely pace.
The Young People's Orientation
We had a full room, which was SWEET! Annie opened us in prayer and we did brief introductions. I was able to find out what young people were on my committee; Matt Laferty is sitting close to me, so I’ll chat with him when the orientation is ended. Lane from the Commission on General Conference spoke with us about the basics of General Conference and what changes will be in effect this year. She spoke about leadership in the Legislative Committees and legislation basics.
Julie brought up General Boards and Agencies staffers. Kim from COSROW, Kendra Dunbar with GBGM, Rachel Harvey with Advance of GBGM, and reps of GCORR, GBHECM, and GBCS came to talk to us. Spoke very briefly with Matt at this time, getting permission to plug him for Chair.
Ooh! One of the guys just gave me electronic versions of the DCAs (the huge books with all of our legislation). This makes me happy! I can stop carrying around the books, so there!
The Young People’s Address team was presented; we spoke a bit about our team and then everyone gathered around us and prayed for us.
We heard a bit about the hospitality room…there are claims of free wireless internet, so I will definitely have to check that out. Next Tuesday is the Texas free youth event (dinner and music). And then lucky Hank got to talk about emergencies…safe sanctuaries and all of that joy. It was fantastic. I suggested that he read the Safe Sanctuaries guidelines word-for-word, but he doesn’t seem to be going for it. Oh well. He’s doing a fine job anyways.
Met briefly with the other folks in the Conferences committee; asked them to support me and Matt in our “quests” for chair and secretary. I asked if anyone else was interested in running, but no one was.
We met with a reporter and did another interview that will be printed in the DCA about the YPA and took a picture. We have an hour and twenty minutes before opening worship; I think we’re using that time to rehearse.
Julie brought up General Boards and Agencies staffers. Kim from COSROW, Kendra Dunbar with GBGM, Rachel Harvey with Advance of GBGM, and reps of GCORR, GBHECM, and GBCS came to talk to us. Spoke very briefly with Matt at this time, getting permission to plug him for Chair.
Ooh! One of the guys just gave me electronic versions of the DCAs (the huge books with all of our legislation). This makes me happy! I can stop carrying around the books, so there!
The Young People’s Address team was presented; we spoke a bit about our team and then everyone gathered around us and prayed for us.
We heard a bit about the hospitality room…there are claims of free wireless internet, so I will definitely have to check that out. Next Tuesday is the Texas free youth event (dinner and music). And then lucky Hank got to talk about emergencies…safe sanctuaries and all of that joy. It was fantastic. I suggested that he read the Safe Sanctuaries guidelines word-for-word, but he doesn’t seem to be going for it. Oh well. He’s doing a fine job anyways.
Met briefly with the other folks in the Conferences committee; asked them to support me and Matt in our “quests” for chair and secretary. I asked if anyone else was interested in running, but no one was.
We met with a reporter and did another interview that will be printed in the DCA about the YPA and took a picture. We have an hour and twenty minutes before opening worship; I think we’re using that time to rehearse.
The Orientation for Women Delegates
I checked in at the front table and got a lunch (yay!). We were seated by Legislative Committee; something I hadn’t expected but that was extremely helpful. DeLyn, one of our drummers for the Young People’s Address, was our musician. The girl can also sing and play piano like nobody’s business, so I guess she’s in the right field. We had introductions to the chairs of boards and agencies involved with women and a brief introduction to the legislative process, and then split up into legislative committees to go over that process and begin discussing possibilities for officers. The women of my committee (of which there are nineteen in a group of fifty-seven) now think that I should be the secretary of our committee (oh joy, oh joy). We have women nominees for Chair and Vice Chair and also spoke about a young man, Matthew Laferty, who is a senior in college and has been to General Conference previously. He would be another possible chair. It would be pretty sweet for the both chair and secretary to be under thirty. We’ll see what happens; I will be happy either way.
The preacher at the end who gave a "Meditation" was phenomenal. No idea why that women isn't a bishop. Definitely needs to be.
The preacher at the end who gave a "Meditation" was phenomenal. No idea why that women isn't a bishop. Definitely needs to be.
Morning at the Convention Center
I arrived at the Convention Center safely and made my way to the “Delegates without Credentials” table. I felt so naughty. Oh well. They sent me into the Secretary of General Conference’s office, and the staff got me a new credentials card. It wasn’t really a big issue. I got my registration packet safely, so all is well. It is now 10 am, the Orientation for Women Delegates begins at 12. I will go over the packet of information they gave me at registration and figure out exactly where I’m going for the Orientation. I saw Jerry DeVine (Albion District Superintendent, reserve delegate) near the registration table…and I forgot to tell you yesterday, I saw Joy (Detroit clergy and head of delegation) crossing the street. After walking along forever next to Mike (who seemed to know everyone), it was nice to finally be able to get in one of my own. So thanks, Joy. It was great to see you.
Entertaining Myself for the Morning
I’m guessing I’ll get to the Convention Center around 9:45. Depending on how long the line is for credentials, I could have a while before the Orientation for Women Delegates. And I have no internet in the Convention Center. How will I survive, you wonder? Won’t I die of boredom? (In case you couldn’t tell, I’m rather bored right now sitting on the bus. So you’re lucky enough to read the rambling results of my boredom.) The answer is: No! I shall not die of boredom! For my father has been kind enough to loan me his laptop, and I have been intelligent enough to bring with me several CDs and DVDs. Not to mention that there are people in the Convention Center, and I should start getting to know folks. It’s truly starting to begin; the last few days have felt more like just another rehearsal for the YPA team, but know life is getting good…and I’m really excited!
But wait! The shuttle didn’t take as long as I thought it would; we’ll be at the Convention Center just after 9:30. Happily, my hotel is the last stop. That means that return trips will take forever but that morning trips won’t take long at all. I can use the time on the return trip to blog about the evening, so it will work out.
But wait! The shuttle didn’t take as long as I thought it would; we’ll be at the Convention Center just after 9:30. Happily, my hotel is the last stop. That means that return trips will take forever but that morning trips won’t take long at all. I can use the time on the return trip to blog about the evening, so it will work out.
The Shuttle
Well, there is no chance of my missing the shuttle. It’s a huge bus. And the driver comes into the lobby to announce that the shuttle has arrived. So it will be extremely difficult for me to miss my ride. There aren’t very many people on the bus, though; it seems a waste to spend money on a full tourist bus when there are only like ten of us riding. Though it is 9:15; presumably more people will be coming over when they actually need to be at the Convention Center. And I imagine the busses going back at night, when there is less variability as to when people need to arrive, will be much fuller.
Yay for Fitness Center!
The Hotel’s Fitness Center has finally been located. I have no idea how I missed it, only that I didn’t see it mentioned in the guest book and didn’t look hard enough at the signs in the lobby. While eating breakfast, I saw a sign that looked promising and followed it to an elliptical. Life is good; I will be able to wake up in the mornings.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday's Schedule
I'm sitting in the hotel eating breakfast and waiting for the next shuttle to the Convention Center. No personal pick-up from Julie or Mike for me this morning, but this will help me figure out how the shuttle works before I have to take it "for real" and have a serious deadline. This morning I need to go pick up my nametag and packet and registration. (Confession: I didn't bring my credentials card. This was very naughty of me, but I stuck it in a binder I thought I would be bringing to Conference, and then while packing, I decided not to bring that binder but forgot the all-important document was there. Oops. There is a booth just for delegates who don't have credentials {maybe the line will be shorter!}, so I'll take my passport there and beg forgiveness and mercy.) So, the first item of business when I arrive at the Convention Center will be registering. At 12, I have the orientation for Women Delegates. 3 is the Orientation for Young People, which I'll be attending as a delegate but will also be introduced as a YPA speaker. After the Orientation, we will be running through our full Address in a self-rehearsal (we won't be in the Arena with tech at all). The rest of the team then gets to go to dinner, but I have to go right to Opening Worship. Luckily I got lots of bagels yesterday at Panera, so I have lunch and dinner. After Opening Worship is our first plenary; we'll be taking care of setting the bar, the rules of order, etc. Most of it will be fairly routine. And then I get to come home and go to bed...but soon, my lazy mornings are going to be gone, and I'll be getting up early and going to bed late...and I can't wait!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Evening Rehearsal
After returning to the main hotel after Panera, we met for an evening rehearsal. Professionals that we are, we gathered around the hot tub outside the hotel to rehearse. We talked through our speech choirs several times to work out the timing, and then spoke about our Press Conference. The Press Conference will happen just after our Address. The DMYP staff gave us practice questions and we discussed how we could answer them, how personal we would get in our responses, etc. We had a lot of fun (who wouldn't in a poolside meeting?), but it made for a rather late evening, since my hotel is half an hour or so away. But life goes on. Tomorrow I will be heading off to the Convention Center early without the YPA team to begin my duties as a delegate in addition to my YPA duties, so it will be a busy day. So this is Becca, signing off for Tuesday. Have a good night!
Panera
We're in Panera, the king of all bread companies and free Wi-fi. Life is good! I got a baker's dozen of Asiago Bagels, so I'm set for the next several days and I'm VERY excited about it. So far, this blog has been rather frivolous. Please know that delegate duties start tomorrow and I will be able to update you more about actual legislation and work. But for know, this is a very happy girl with asiago cheese in her mouth signing off.
Morning in the Arena
Julie, Jay, and Matt came to pick me up, and we left for the Convention Center right at 9:15. We got to the Convention Center, picked up our credentials (we have cool nametags to give us backstage access and make us feel official), and chatted with a few people before entering the arena. It is now 10 am, and we are waiting for the rest of the team to come into the arena. We will be shown around the backstage area (bathrooms and dressing rooms!), wired up, and then “Dress Rehearsal” will begin. They are currently running the “Four Areas of Focus” introduction; a male staff member is introducing himself as “Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher,” very unconvincingly. But he’s subbing in wonderfully. The General Secretaries are now doing their talk.
Yay! The rest of the team has arrived. Here’s Jason. Say hi, Jason. Hi folks! (That really was typed by Jason…) I also have to say that the team definitely made a Starbucks stop…and didn’t even bring the rest of us something! Oh, well. The unfairness of life.
Anyways, we’re going to go take a tour now…check in with you later!
Yay! The rest of the team has arrived. Here’s Jason. Say hi, Jason. Hi folks! (That really was typed by Jason…) I also have to say that the team definitely made a Starbucks stop…and didn’t even bring the rest of us something! Oh, well. The unfairness of life.
Anyways, we’re going to go take a tour now…check in with you later!
Internet in the Convention Center
Well, the only internet available in the Convention Center you have to pay for. So I will be typing my journal into a Word document during the day and then uploading it into the blog at night. So look for updates not throughout the day but each evening.
Shopping
This is labeled "Fun" very reluctantly. Know this: I hate shopping. Passionately. The average forty-year-old male enjoys shopping more than I do. But I needed a top for the shopping. Annie and her "adopted sister," who attends TCU, threw clothes at me and forced me into all sorts of stuff. The shirt we finally settled on is cute, I suppose. And it should come through on camera really well. So there it is. Annie took me shopping. And now I am totally exhausted by my shopping trip. The rest of the team members are in their rooms, but I'm not staying at this hotel...so I'm stuck in the lobby until we leave for dinner. But it gave me a chance to catch up on blogging, so all is fair.
AIDS Briefing
The YPA Team was invited to the AIDS Briefing today; unfortunately, our rehearsal made it impossible for us to go to the entire thing. Hank, Mike, and I walked over right after lunch. We caught the last few seconds of Kay Warren's speech (very good), and then the group broke into workshops. So we chatted with a few people and then headed out. The event looked like it was going very well; I would have liked to be able to be there for more of it. So thank you for the invite, and thank you for your work on behalf of those affected by HIV and AIDS!
Lunch
The YPA Team with Jay, Hank, Julie, and Mike were able to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mi Cocina, a Tex-Mex restaurant. I had some very good fajitas (the pico de gallo was awesome), and Matt was thrilled, as he got to eat my guacemole (which I hate). Jay gave us some suggestions for our speeches, and we chatted about what still needed to happen. We discussed the rest of the day and then left the restaurant without dessert. But Matt didn't eat all of his fajitas, so I ended up with a few extras and survived the terror. Hank carries around chocolate bars with him in his backpack, so when I get desperate, I know where to go.
The "Final" Run-Through
Well, we have yet to fully run the Young People's Address. It is not going to happen before the live show. Never fear, everyone, the Address will go really well and we're greatly looking forward to it. There were just some technical kinks that still needed to be worked out. And they have been. So Thursday morning at 11:35 is going to be wonderful!
We saw the backstage, got wired up with our mics, and began running speeches. Tonight, we will be working on our Speech Choirs in order to get them in "synch" with each other. It's getting very exciting!!!
We saw the backstage, got wired up with our mics, and began running speeches. Tonight, we will be working on our Speech Choirs in order to get them in "synch" with each other. It's getting very exciting!!!
Tuesday's Schedule
I had a nice lazy morning...it's nice to be able to ease into the schedule; I kind of lucked out having to be here early, as I didn't have to hit the ground running the instant I got off the plane. My internal clock is also an hour ahead, so I think it's 9 and had no problem waking up. That will help in the mornings...but probably make the late nights feel worse. But I'm totally not talking about the topic of this entry...
I meet Mike and Julie in the lobby of my hotel at 9:15, and then we'll head off to the Convention Center. Jason will be with us this morning during rehearsal; this will help us tremendously. Around 10 am, we'll get wired up for mics and prep for our run-through. At 10:30, we (hopefully) do a full run-through with all of the technical work, etc. It's going to be awesome to see it all come together.
We're done in the Arena at 11:30...and then the world is ours. There is an AIDS Briefing going on somewhere we've been invited to attend; I don't know if we will or not. Annie and Kira desperately want to go shopping, and Annie is threatening me with the idea of new jeans. There's a zoo near their hotel as well, so who knows. I'm sure we'll have a nice sit-down dinner, since we haven't really ever had the time to do that together without rushing or talking about business while eating.
So today is pretty easy. Tomorrow I have to start acting like a delegate and will be running back and forth between YPA duties and delegation prep work. I'm registered for the Women's Orientation and really hope I'll make it, but it depends on what the YPA Team is doing. More details on tomorrow to come (you guessed it) tomorrow.
I meet Mike and Julie in the lobby of my hotel at 9:15, and then we'll head off to the Convention Center. Jason will be with us this morning during rehearsal; this will help us tremendously. Around 10 am, we'll get wired up for mics and prep for our run-through. At 10:30, we (hopefully) do a full run-through with all of the technical work, etc. It's going to be awesome to see it all come together.
We're done in the Arena at 11:30...and then the world is ours. There is an AIDS Briefing going on somewhere we've been invited to attend; I don't know if we will or not. Annie and Kira desperately want to go shopping, and Annie is threatening me with the idea of new jeans. There's a zoo near their hotel as well, so who knows. I'm sure we'll have a nice sit-down dinner, since we haven't really ever had the time to do that together without rushing or talking about business while eating.
So today is pretty easy. Tomorrow I have to start acting like a delegate and will be running back and forth between YPA duties and delegation prep work. I'm registered for the Women's Orientation and really hope I'll make it, but it depends on what the YPA Team is doing. More details on tomorrow to come (you guessed it) tomorrow.
Good Breakfast
I thought that my hotel did not provide breakfast...I was wrong. My hotel provides a very, very good breakfast. So I will go off to the Conference Center each day very happy. Yogurt, cereal, muffins, cinnamon rolls, STRAWBERRIES! Life is good. I hope no one was starving when they read that entry...if you were, please know that I apologize for increasing your discomfort. Anyways, I can stop talking about food. Just know, Mommy, that I will not be starving while I'm here. I know that you were worried (yeah, right).
Happy Primary Day!
This is, of course, completely unrelated to General Conference. But it is something of great import to nearly all of the YPA Team. Today, Pennsylvania votes in one of the last major primaries of the presidential primary and caucus season. Pennsylvania, be wise.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The YPA Team
A brief introduction to the team of young people giving the Young People's Address. (Picture at right taken by Ronny Perry for UMCom.)
I should mention that with the exception of Andrew (who wrote his own bio), I'm grabbing all these facts out of my head. Spellings may be incorrect, but I did my best. These folks will all have access to my blog, so make sure you check out their comments with additions/corrections.
Me: Becca Farnum, age 17, West Michigan Conference. Secretary and Treasurer for the North Central Jurisdiction Division on Ministries with Young People. Delegate to General Conference. I'll be graduating high school on June 1st of this year and attending Michigan State University in the fall, double majoring in Microbiology and Interdisciplinary Humanities. (For those of you wondering what on earth you can do with that combination of majors, the answer is take a lot of pre-med prep classes and international relations with focuses on Africa and the Middle East so that one day I can serve as a missionary doctor in that area.)
Andrew Craig, 16 and an active member of Park Hill United Methodist Church, is a sophomore and a straight A student who is a journalism/communications major at Thomas Jefferson High School. He currently writes for the school newspaper, The Jefferson Journal, and his hobbies include oratory, reading, writing, studying, debating, and campaigning for Barack Obama. He has participated in and won numerous speech competitions, and is a proud member of the Blacks in Government (BIG) organization and is the president of Rocky Mountain Conference's Conference Council on Youth Ministries.
Annie Rigo Arnoldy, age 30, is a pastor serving in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she heads up the Young Adults' Ministry at First UMC. She just got married (yay, Annie!) and has a gorgeous ring. Annie and I have majorly conflicting personalities but have a lot of fun knowing that we're going to totally disagree on everything. Somehow we're very good friends and get along.
Kira Volkava is in her late twenties and serves as a pastor in Russia. She serves on the General Division of Ministries with Young People and has been a great addition to this group.
Matt Lockett is a chemistry major at Washington University. He works in his Conference Office with media and video and is a part-time photographer. He's been our liaison with UMCom.
Jason Rathod is in law school at Duke right now. His grandfather immigrated to the US from India and served as a pastor. His father was also a pastor. The boy claims to be becoming a lawyer...but you have to wonder. (Just kidding, Jason.) Jason is very into politics and social justice.
And that's the team of young people. Adults who have been instrumental:
Julie O'Neal, Director of Young Adult Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship.
Jay Clark, Former Director of Youth Ministries at GBOD, now serving as youth leader at a church in Arkansas.
Hank Hilliard, Current Director of Youth Ministries at GBOD, known affectionately by Annie as "New Jay"
Make Ratliff, Asssociate General Secretary of GBOD for the DMYP
Ginny, Nancy, and many wonderful people at United Methodist Communications
Sarah Brockus, Stage Manager of General Conferences, and her wonderful team
And a big thanks to General Conference 2004 for creating this address!!
Fun with Hotels
Because of an issue with overbooking and having fewer rooms available in one of the hotels near the Convention Center, I was stuck 8.7 miles out on the freeway. Luckily, a shuttle does run to the hotel, so I'll be able to get back and forth safely. Unluckily, I'm very far from the rest of the Young People's Address folks and my delegation.
Tonight I tried to check in...thank heaven Mike and Julie from the General Board of Discipleship decided to come into the hotel with me. Because I'm under 18, the receptionist couldn't check me in without my mother. We called the hotel the Young People's Address folk are staying at, but there were not any extra rooms. We discussed calling Mom, faxing Mom a credit card approval sheet, putting one night on my Visa card and dealing with it tomorrow. Finally, Mike asked if they could put the room on his credit card. So I finally got into my room, but Mike and I are going to have to deal with some weird financial stuff eventually. Ah, well, it shall all work out in the end. I am in bed, though, which is always a good thing. The room is very nice; the hotel has a pool but not a workout room, which is a bummer. But I probably won't have a ton of time to be working out anyway. So, fear not, those of you who were worried. I have a room. I have transportation; the shuttles run fairly constantly from the hotel to the Convention Center from very early in the morning to very late at night. My biggest problem will probably be getting to the airport, but I'll make it work.
Tonight I tried to check in...thank heaven Mike and Julie from the General Board of Discipleship decided to come into the hotel with me. Because I'm under 18, the receptionist couldn't check me in without my mother. We called the hotel the Young People's Address folk are staying at, but there were not any extra rooms. We discussed calling Mom, faxing Mom a credit card approval sheet, putting one night on my Visa card and dealing with it tomorrow. Finally, Mike asked if they could put the room on his credit card. So I finally got into my room, but Mike and I are going to have to deal with some weird financial stuff eventually. Ah, well, it shall all work out in the end. I am in bed, though, which is always a good thing. The room is very nice; the hotel has a pool but not a workout room, which is a bummer. But I probably won't have a ton of time to be working out anyway. So, fear not, those of you who were worried. I have a room. I have transportation; the shuttles run fairly constantly from the hotel to the Convention Center from very early in the morning to very late at night. My biggest problem will probably be getting to the airport, but I'll make it work.
Rehearsal
We were able to rehearse in the Arena this evening. We thought we would have to be in the Ballroom, so that was a nice surprise. It was very helpful to be able to run all the sound and tech before our officlal Dress Rehearsal run-through. Jason was not able to be with us, as he took his finals at Law School today before getting on the plane. The poor boy must be exhausted. Sarah, the Stage Manager of General Conference, was wonderful as ever. We got a chance to work with the slide shows, lights, mics, and professional drummers. One of the UMCom staffpersons stepped in to read for Jason...it was very entertaining to hear a white women from Tennessee with a full Southern accent talk about growing up as an Indian male in rural Nebraska! But really, Nancy, thanks for your help.
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