[RMC News] Countdown to General Conference 7

[Roe, Ben]

COUNTDOWN TO GENERAL CONFERENCE!

The Rocky Mountain Conference Delegation leaves for General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday, April 23.    As a delegation, we have been meeting monthly to build community, pray for each other, and learn together.   Each of the delegates has been assigned to a legislative committee.  Our alternates and guests will be monitoring the legislative processes as well.   In anticipation of our work, we want to share some of our learnings, passions, concerns, and prayers.  Here is the seventh in a series of pre-Conference reflections:

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Countdown to Annual Conference

Carolyn Waters
Christ Church, Denver
1st Alternate Clergy Delegate

As I begin to think about the things to pack in the suitcase for this session of the General Conference, I also begin to think about the things I need to carry inside. While there is a great deal of anticipation for change and movement toward the expression of a truly inclusive open church and ordination, I know the reality exists of different opinions that are working hard to keep us as a denomination from making any change in a positive way toward more inclusion.  This makes my heart and soul hurt.

When I offered my name up last year for consideration to represent the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference on the delegation, I did so as a "reconciling" voice representing a Reconciling Congregation and speaking openly for a truly inclusive church. Because of the support of clergy in electing me, I therefore take an "imagined" support for these issues that I hope is real! As first alternate I am not appointed to a legislative committee and therefore will float as the delegates feel need for ears and voices in various legislative committees in which we do not have representation.  Unfortunately, one of those committees is the second section of Church and Society in which most all of the issues related to homosexuality will come forward. Those issues range from the traditional language of "incompatible with Christian teaching" being deleted or strengthened! Legislation also exists around language about marriage, ordination, and church membership. Though without vote because I am an alternate, I will have opportunity for voice and support of those delegates supporting continued inclusion in what it means for us to express ourselves as the body of Christ.

I find this to be an exciting time to be the church! Opportunity for being the hands and feet, the voice and vision of the body of Christ in this world is real!  What I carry inside as I head to Fort Worth is trust in the process, expectation of pain, and anticipation of hearing prophetic voices in the midst of fear and control! I think John Wesley would be proud of us!  I also think he would be hanging his head and sighing a lot! Maybe the best image of him might be up at 4:00am holding all of us in prayer.

Carolyn Waters

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Our communications team, Skip Strickland and Olon Lindemood, will be posting General Conference reports from April 23 to May 2.   One of the delegates will write a daily reflection as well.   You may access information during the General Conference at www.GC2008.umc.org    Worship, special addresses, and celebrations will be offered in live video streaming.   You may also track legislation.

We covet your prayers and traveling mercies!   

Grace,
Janet Forbes and Josh Davies


[ed. note: visit the new GC2008 page on the RMCUMC.org web:  rmcumc.org, link at top of page!]
(via Ben Roe
Information Administrator
Rocky Mountain Conference, The United Methodist Church
ben at rmcumc.com  303-325-7046  800-536-3736x146)
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