Keith Zimmerman take a moment from his committee work to meet with Liberian superintendent Nelly Wright. Many of the legislative committees have finished their work and full legislative sessions are scheduled through Friday's adjournment.
Photo by Paul Black
General Conference Reflections—April 27, 2008
By J. Keith Zimmerman
FORT WORTH -- Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
The movement of God’s spirit is unquestionable in the Fort Worth Convention Center as the 2008 General Conference nears its midpoint. It is a privilege to serve as one of the clergy delegates of our conference, and an amazing experience to be a part of the GC sessions, in spite of the rigorous 8:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. agenda. To prepare for each day the IGRC delegation gathers just outside the arena at 7:45 a.m. for prayer upholding one another and needs in our conference, as well as seeking God’s guidance and strength for the General Conference and for ourselves.
Worship has been inspirational with dynamic, challenging preaching and spirited music. Lunch time services of communion have been nurturing and uplifting—yet another of the powerful means of grace found here. As we received the bread and the cup of the Lord’s Supper, we have gathered around the round altar table at the center of the arena—a table crafted from remnants of trees destroyed as Katrina’s hurricane flattened Gulfside Assembly, a historic gathering place for African-American United Methodists along the southern coastline since the early 20th century.
The legislative committee on which I serve (superintendency…surprised?) has been focused and congenial as we have reviewed and made recommendations regarding the 77 petitions that are seeking to add or revise the responsibilities of the Bishop and Superintendents. In fact, our sub-committee did its work so well that we got a nearly two hour reprieve in the Saturday afternoon schedule before heading back to the evening’s marathon legislative committee session. By mid-afternoon on Sunday, our legislative committee had completed all its work and could relax from week one. Coupled with an evening away from business for some Texas-style music and food, we all should be primed for Monday morning and the beginning of the second week of GC.
In every venue, the global dimension of the United Methodist Church has been evident with delegates representing about 50 different nations. In my legislative committee I worked side by side with clergy and laity from conferences across the US as well as from Russia, Sweden, Hungary, Philippines, and eleven African conferences. It was a vivid testimony to the reality that “the sun never sets on the United Methodist Church.”
In every report offered, from the Episcopal address (given magnificently by Bishop Christopher) to the laity and young people’s address to the Rural Life Celebration, we were reminded of the far reaching mission efforts that are seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ as we are making a difference in countless places in the US and beyond. Video stories and personal testimonies proclaimed our United Methodist Church’s thrilling, transformative work in the lives of persons around the globe.
Yes, there have been occasional glimpses of political maneuvering, of single-mindedness and of exclusivity, but these pale in contrast to the massive displays of acts of mutual respect for each person, of listening carefully to one another’s ideas in dialogue and of hospitality. Although we can be sure that the week ahead will likely have issues that will make headlines and cause us pause, join with me in praying that God’s spirit will remain active in this GC and propel the United Methodist Church into “A Future with Hope”!
Thank you for your prayers on behalf of GC, the IGRC delegation, and myself.