Images of our time!

Sad and Hard day

In my many years of church camp we always called Wednesday "hump" day because it meant that we were getting over the middle of the week. Well, today has been thump day. The General Conference has said they are not willing to name a middle ground of " ageeing to disagree." Rather the General Conference has once again said that some are in Christ and others are not.

Our delegation has held firm and worked hard. But the vote difference of only 100 people out of 1,000 defeated language that was inclusive and chose language that is exclusive.

I will go to bed tonight wondering why I am a United Methodist, but remembering that I will go home to a church and and a conference that remind me why I stay and continue to have hope, even though hope is a very seductive word.

Tired and looking for friends,
Carolyn

What Day Is It?

Well, I somehow managed to miss a day. There are so many things to be hopefull about. There are also many things to prompt me to hang my head. But all in all, I still find myself wanting to receive the word offered in our theme........"hope!"

You are getting all the details in the news and the great reports from our conference delegates. So in this space I would simply convey the strange mood and energy that surrounds all of the interface between different groups and theological perspectives that are alive and well. It's a little sad really, that we are so different................yearning, I wonder for respect of the other.

Reminds me of a button a friend brought me from last summer's RMN Convocation.......a picture of a traditional Wesley with the words: "Dude, where's my church!"

Slowly, I think we're begining to remember where and what the church is.

Many of us are staying at the Hilton, just across the street from the convention center. That's wonderful! But the strange part is that most of the Good News leadership is in the same hotel, and the free breakfast they offer "anyone" is there as well. They absolutely do not like us when they see where we are from. Engage them in conversation as much as possible, and still eyes are turned away and voices are silence. We've come so far, we have so far to go.

Let us all be well.

Carolyn Waters

Keep Steady!

Early in ministry I remember Bishop John Wesley Hardt attempting control of plenary sessions at Annual Conference saying "let's just hold steady now!" I'd rather not remember other things he said, but I do not mind remembering that one! We are in the mode of need those wise words! As the clouds rolled in on our morning, and I heard one North Georgia delegate say to a friend, "of course I have on a suit, it's Sunday!" I paused to remember the wonderful people who will be worshiping this morning at Christ Church in Denver, and the thousands across the RMC.......... It is good to be here. It is frustrating to be here. It is connecting to be here. It is frightening to be here. A text message went out yesterday from Reconciling Ministries to boycott the local Bennigans Restaurant because of an African American brother from NY being refused service! Is this 2008 or 1958? But we keep moving on. We keep trying and praying and talking and mingling. I'm choosing not to wear my multi-colored stole that hundreds are wearing. I am intentionally talking to people that usually won't talk to me when I have that stole on. I hope that by talking, and the wonderful witness of those who are wearing the stoles, we will begin to treat one another as children of God, rather than enemies. On the other hand, there are beautiful people doing beautiful things in the place. And your delegation is well among them! Carolyn WAters

Enjoying an internet connection from the Press Room!

Greetings, everyone.

I'm enjoying a few minutes in the Press Room as Olon Lindemood sits for me on the floor of the General Conference. Skip helped me with some legislative amendments for my afternoon session in the "Study of the Episcopacy". And I am able to keep on ear on the activity on the plenary floor through big screen monitors.

The mood in Fort Worth is wonderfully surprising! The Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, the General Agencies, the Young People Address, and the Lay Address all were woven so beautifully to both "speak the truth in love" about the current reality of our denomination and to cast a rich vision of our hearts and God's call to faithfulness. We are, I pray, I pray, I pray, practicing a new holy conferencing. May it shape us in new ways.

I am so proud of the witness of the Rocky Mountain Conference. Again and again, our name appears on the huge screens as leaders in all arenas of our life together speak to transforming ministries over which they give leadership!!

Our people are pages and marshalls, witnesses to inclusive-ness, leaders in committees, and more!

Keep praying for us! After day three...we are running on about 9-12 hours of sleep, total, since last Tuesday.

Pray for stamina, patience, listening hearts, and bold voices.

Janet

Legislative Work

Wendy Moffatt and I have been observing Social Concerns 2 sub committee on Human Sexuality most of the day and now into the evening. Some very positive action has been taken related to removing restrictive language that excludes many of our brothers and sisters. At the same time, language is being crafted to say we have dissagrement around the issue of homosexuality and will continue to dialogue and listen as the Holy Spirit works with us. This is some of the most promising conversation we have ever heard related to this struggle. But we are also sensitive that while there are some of us that feel encouraged by this, others feel defeated. So we have much work to do before we truly embrace one another in the spirit of love in Christ. Know also, that at this point this is only legislative action. This action has to be taken to the full body of the General Conference. That comes next week. Again, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. May All Be Well. Carolyn Waters

Familuar Faces!!!

First Full Day!

We heard the phrase "set aside our differences" a number of times this morning. It's interesting to wonder if that is suppose to be "let's not argue about anything" or "let's not talk about anything we don't agree on!" It may be an attempt of leadership (??? and one wonders sometimes who that is!) to avoid discussion about hot topic issues. Of course, we don't name the hot topic issues. The bottom line is that a lot of people are using a lot of energy to keep us from fighting. That's good thing! But in that attempt, it's starting to feel like not fighting will translate to not even talking about the things we have fought about in the past. For those of you who know anything about family systems, you know how unhealthy it is to have an elephant in the living room and only talk about the weather, rather than what the elephant is doing in the living room. It's going to be very difficult to guess how all of this is going to turn out. The spirit in the "arena" feels good. The attitude seems to be one of grace. I think the desire to "set aside our differences" and get on with the mission and ministry of the church is good. But in doing the setting aside, we need to give voice to our differences, and grace to each other in having those differences. But in order to set aside differences, for me we must first remove language that divides and excludes a very dear and precious group of our membership, the LGBT community. I wanted to laugh out loud as delegates and visitors were singing together and dancing in the isles as we returned from lunch, "We Are Family" was the song! Maybe you remember the catchy tune from the 70's! It has become a signature song of the LGBT community. The irony of singing it at General Conference has to be credited to the Holy Spirit! And Mark Miller! We all continue to feel the presence of the RMC! The way you have been here today is amazing. Skip and Olon will represent that in their report. Be sure to watch the "Young People's Address" from this morning. Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. Be Well! Caorlyn Waters

Travel Day

Three of us are sitting at DIA waiting for our journey to begin south. I am aware of having an anxious spirit, but also excited to think about seeing many friends and participating in a very important ritual of our tradition. I've been moved by the words of support that have come from members of our conference and my own local church. The feeling of being a voice for one another, a voice for those who have no voice, and using with our voices the ears God gave us with which to listen. I hope that I am able to do both! And when those feelings of wanting to screem or yell come over me.........Lord, teach me how to pray! Send us your energy! Carolyn Waters

Last Countdown

By Josh Davies, 1st Lay Delegate: As impossible as it seems, tomorrow is the beginning of the 2008 General Conference. Months of preparation, reading, study, connection, and prayer come down to 10 intense days in Ft. Worth. Over the past two weeks, you have heard reports from different members of our delegation about their thoughts, opinions, and hopes for this important event. Some of the voices are anxious, some concerned, and all are hopeful. I am hopeful as well, and know that we will accomplish great things  even if some of the work isnt as quantifiable and easily measured as we would like. Our delegation is too inspired, too wise, and too focused. I know we will have a positive impact on the event and the church as a whole. I have gotten the unique opportunity as first elected lay delegate to assist Rev. Janet Forbes in not only helping to lead our delegation, but also to help provide leadership to the entire Western Jurisdiction. This unique perspective has allowed me to get a better understanding of the bigger picture and how by working together we can achieve greater results than as individuals. A reminder of the power of our church working collectively was given to me this Sunday by the Rev. Paul Dirdak. Rev. Dirdak is an ordained minister and served in California for a number of years, but most recently served as CEO for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), where he helped more than double their resources in helping needy people around the world. He delivered the message at Trinity UMC in Denver this past week for Mission Sunday. The theme of his sermon revolved around Henry David Thoreaus words, Be not simply good. Be good for something. One of the ways I plan on doing this is by helping us focus around the four Mission Initiatives. The initiatives will radically change the general church budget, and channel it to be good for something. Those four areas are: Leadership development; Building new congregations and revitalizing existing ones; Ministry with the poor, particularly children; and Combating the preventable diseases of poverty, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. In order to help move our denomination back to prominence, we need to focus on John Wesleys vision of doing good, and focusing on how the church can make society a better place. These four Mission Initiatives will help us be drive home that vision, both here at home and around the world. And as the world comes to Forth Worth tomorrow, please keep us in your prayers, and know that as a delegation we are going to be good for something.

Countdown Continues

As this report is published I am doing all those last “must do” things in preparation for my Fort Worth departure Tuesday morning. ..I have read many pages and letters and watched DVDs with information and advise on how to vote. I now look forward to the sometimes tedious hard work mixed with some humorous times as we deliberate to make decisions. I anticipate seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I know I will be fed spiritually as we worship together, and as I seek a quiet moment for personal prayer. As we hear the good work of our church, I will celebrate that much needed global ministry.


My chosen legislative committee is Global Ministry...we will receive reports of the ethnic/language plans and the extensive work of this General Agency. My vote will support the Women’s Division and United Methodist Women and their ministry to women, children and youth. As I review many petitions/resolutions, two come from Rocky Mountain Conference:. 1. the Global Health Initiative calling the church to focus on global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. 2. “ Treaty Obligations” which concerns promises made to the Native American Indian People.” I anticipate lively debate especially on the “Peace in Palestine and Israel” resolution as well as the “ Holy Land Tours.”


With a sigh of relief as I touch down in Fort Worth, I believe I have prepared to do my part to ensure “ The Future With Hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 “ For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”


Judy Hill


One other highlight is that the East and West Angola delegation is seated next to Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone. One of the goals of our delegation is to welcome and provide support and care for them in this strange setting of General Conference.
------------------------------------------

Countdown Continues

A Voice crying out in a Transforming World!
Sione Teiapa’a Tukutau
Pastor, Stratton and Kirk United Methodist Churches
Clergy Reserve Delegate Jurisdictional Conference


Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
As I look forward to the upcoming General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas I
would like to express my gratitude to you all for trusting me to represent you.
While I am not a voting delegate I will be monitoring the “Ministry and Higher
Education Legislative Committee.”  Studying this legislative committee, I have
begun to comprehend the differences between each of us that come from our
individual backgrounds and culture.

The United Methodist Church exists in a multi-cultural, racially diverse world
yet, in many respects, we have struggled for years to change the world to fit
our own comfort zone.  Our challenge as Christians is to arrive at solutions
that accommodate the needs of everyone.  In my cross-cultural ministry I have
had challenges and risked making adjustments to my life so I could better serve
people in another culture.

In support of Youngsook’s primary interest to revise the ordination process so our Church may attract more young
people, I would like to challenge my dear brothers and sisters who are going to
have voice at the General Conference to invite the guidance of the Holy Spirit
in your decision-making.

Last, but not least, let me quote one of President John F. Kennedy’s sayings:
“Think not of what your country can do for you, but of what you can do for your
country.” I pray we will, “Think not of what The United Methodist Church can do
for you, but of what you can do for The United Methodist Church.”  

Countdown By Steve Burnett

Countdown to General Conference
Steve Burnett

I look forward to attending the first full week of General Conference, at my own expense, as my
primary week of continuing education for this appointment year.  A fourth
alternate to the voting delegates, I will monitor, on behalf of the delegation,
the Local Church Legislative Committee. 

While over a hundred petitions will be considered by this Committee, two of the
most important groupings of petitions swirl around 1) church membership and
pastoral authority, and 2) United Methodist Women’s organizational relationship
to the local church.  Regarding the first set of issues, a  pastor’s denial  of
church membership to an openly gay man, in the last couple of years, prompted a
deluge of petitions, including one I support from our own Rocky Mountain
Conference which amended Paragraph 214 by addition to state that “No person
shall be excluded from the United Methodist Church for any reason that includes
race, color, national origin, status, economic condition, gender, gender
identity, marital status, sexual orientation or ability.”  The issue raises questions about the inclusivity of our denomination and
the authority of the pastor as gatekeeper to church membership.
 
A smaller but important group of petitions propose that United Methodist Women
and United Methodist Men be optional organizations in the local church, and seek
to open the doorway for other women’s and men’s programs and organizations to
form without accountability to a denominational UMW or UMM structure.  One UMW
proposal also requires the local UMW to be accountable to the local church
council rather than directly related to the district, conference or Women’s
Division.  While women and men in the local church are currently not restricted
from organizing programs or groups beyond the oversight of the UMW or UMM, these
petitions would seek to diminish the influence of connectional systems and
resources, and undermine the effectiveness of these organizations.

In addition, some petition addresses nearly every local church committee or
organization in the 200 paragraphs section of the Discipline, as well as Trustees and Church
Property-related issues in the 2500 paragraphs.   Because our Conference places
an emphasis on empowering and strengthening the local church for mission and
ministry, I can’t think of a better place to observe and report proposed
actions.

May God guide our delegation and keep them well, alert and responsive to the
Holy Spirit’s leading.

Countdown Continues

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

Countdown Continues

Manageable Pieces

by Wendy Moffatt
Lay Reserve Delegate

I was taught when faced with a daunting task to break it down into manageable pieces. Those words have come back to me as I scan over 1,500 pages of petitions and rules in preparation for my participation at General Conference.

The first manageable piece has been building community with the voting delegation. We just completed our last of 6 meetings since June of last year this past Saturday and I want to thank our delegation leaders Josh Davies and Janet Forbes who have been instrumental in building the team. The Rocky Mountain Conference has a group of wise, experienced lay and clergy to teach those of us with less experience and I am honored to be a part of it.

I will be in Ft Worth for only 5 days. My assignment will be attending meetings of a specific legislative committee. This is the second manageable piece. Church and Society #2 is the committee I have studied more closely in order to better understand the proposed legislation and be able to report back to the voting delegates. This committee's issues are about people - the nurturing community and the social community. I've learned a little more about those who propose legislation hoping to undermine the United Methodist Church as a mainline denomination in the US, specifically attacking our heritage of social justice. The 2004 General Conference ended up quite divisive due to many of these petitions. As a church body it is my hope that we are older and wiser and know that remaining united is most important.
I'm looking forward to a first hand experience at General Conference.

Thank you for your prayers.

Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Conference Delegation Blog!

I'm grateful to Carolyn Waters for creating this interactive space for us to meet and reflect on the upcoming General Conference.

We look forward to conversation as the Conference begins on Wednesday evening, April 23. Currently, the delegation is trying to read the "telephone book", the Advanced Daily Chrisitan Advocate that has about 1,500+ pieces of legislation.

We covet your prayers for faithfulness. En-COURAGE us! Ask us questions. Express your opinions. Check our umc.org for daily updates as well as the General Conference page on rmcumc.org

Janet Forbes

Delegation Meets April 12

Daily Reflection for April 11

Countdown to General Conference! By Olon Mulford Lindemood Mile High / Pikes Peak District Superintendent Clergy Reserve Delegate General Conference Greetings Sisters and Brothers of the Rocky Mountain Conference Fort Worth, Texas will be ground zero for the conversation for “A Future with Hope.” The United Methodist Church continues the struggle toward A Future with Hope! There are moments when we seriously examine the difference between two expressions: “We can have hope when … “ or “We can have hope if ….” Watching the historical movement of the UMC is a difficult task! The movement is so slow. And yet the pressure of the need for change is so great! The issues that surface in legislative debate do not always help us grasp the authentic voice of the church. During the 2004 General Conference it became clear to me that hope for the UMC can be seen as “when.” Our Church is healing itself of the woes and ways of alienation. Our Church is growing toward the confidence of our marketing slogan, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” Our Church is becoming what God would hope it to be! So… Did you hear my optimism in the midst of preparation for this coming gathering? Can you hear the caution as I am aware that my heart will break, again, as I listen to debate over the issues? Living the two weeks of day and night deliberations with extreme focus and energy is a sacred trust. Watching and living these two weeks will demand receptivity to the Big Picture of the church that is Moving through a healing History. God will not abandon us in our hours of need. My role at this General Conference will not be as a voting delegate. But, I will be assisting Skip Strickland, our Rocky Mountain Conference Director of Mission and Ministry. I actually have a title for the week. “Assistant to the Conference Director of Mission and Ministry for General Conference Communications.” Being in the Pressroom will provide a different vantage point for this 2008 General Conference. It will be a pleasure to assist the Rocky Mountain Conference (Churches, Lay members, Pastors) in accessing information. Keep watching for the ways that Skip and I will be assisting you in obtaining the information you need from General Conference. Let our prayer today echo: Most gracious, mighty and loving God, bring hope for the new day. Help the United Methodist Church grow, not for the purpose of institutional survival, but for the joy that comes in the dynamic witness to the power of Christ in a hungering world. May all those headed for Fort Worth, Texas find sacred ground. When violence of rhetoric causes harm, offer a pathway of grace. When words become lost in monotony, offer the courage to be silent. When the voiceless are overlooked, offer forgiveness. And when whispers of divine vision are heard, offer the amplification of testimonies! We offer our prayer in the name and in the spirit of the Jesus who is the Christ. Amen. Olon Mulford Lindemood Mile High / Pikes Peak District Superintendent The Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist Church

Hi Carolyn!

I haven't checked our blog in a little while, and guess what I found. You have been diligent about posting our daily reflections. Thank you. And I also see some pictures posted.

I've just uploaded a picture taken at Machu Pichu when our family went to Peru last summer. I am with my daughter Joann in the picture. Machu Pichu was an awesome, grand and spiritual place. God resides there!

See you all tomorrow.

Youngsook

Daily Reflections from Youngsook C. Kang

Spiritual Challenges of The General Conference Youngsook C. Kang District Superintendent, Metropolitan District, Rocky Mountain Conference Clergy delegate to the 2008 General Conference As we work through this busy appointment season, my daily prayers go to all of our pastors and members of local churches--especially those affected by a change of appointment. The life of a local church is greatly impacted by its appointed pastoral leadership. Leadership is indeed a critical issue not only within the local church, but at all levels of our ministry. My legislative assignment this time is Ministry and Higher Education, which in essence deals with the issue of leadership. Yet again, this committee has received many petitions related to the ministry of the ordained. Allow me to lift up two important issues. The Study of Ministry: The Study of Ministry is a result of several conversations with many different entities. The Study of Ministry Commission found a diverse spectrum of opinion and conflicting views on the ordering of ministry. I have also found similar results regarding the Study in my conversations with the delegation, the Cabinet, and the Board of Ordained Ministry. The Commission brings a resolution that seeks continuation of the Study of Ministry Commission and a referral of all petitions on the ordering of ministry. There is also a minority report whose primary purpose is to request the opposite--i.e., the 2008 General Conference will consider petitions that will affect the ordering of ministry. With strengths and weaknesses in both, my primary interest is to advance the ordination process so that it is more attractive to young people while maintaining the essence of its requirements. Guaranteed Appointment: This legislation attempts to move “guaranteed appointment” from a right of clergy to a privilege that requires evidence of growth in vocational competence and effectiveness and a willingness to accept the missional strategy of the bishop reflected in the appointment process. My Hopes and Prayers: Beyond my legislative committee assignment I am paying close attention to petitions related to “The World-wide Nature of the United Methodist Church” and “The Four Areas of Focus(Leadership Development, Building New Congregations, Ministry with the Poor, Global Health Initiative).” I bring my hope-filled yet realistic vision to the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. I hope for a “more perfect” conference as we seek to be a truly inclusive community of faith that embraces all God’s children. In preparation, I devote my early mornings to a daily devotion and prayer. My hope and prayer is that the General Conference “listens and learns from those with whom we disagree, and moves toward a new vision for the future”. Friends, I seek your prayers.

Daily Reflection from Kunle Taiwo

Countdown to General Conference By Kunle Taiwo Lay Delegate to General Conference From Park Hill UMC Assignment: Church and Society 1 Legislative Committee I am humbled to be elected to my first General Conference. I was on the delegation to the 2004 Jurisdictional Conference. First, I want to ask for your prayers for my delegate colleagues, both local and from around the world and myself as we prepare to represent you and serve the general church in good conscience and with integrity. Preparation: My preparation has included nightly reading of the Daily Christian Advocate. That's the voluminous document that includes all reports, petitions and proposed changes to the Book of Discipline (Church Law) Vol. 1 Delegate Hand Book, Conference Agenda and Rules of Order Vol. 2 Section 1 Church and Society, Conferences, Discipleship and Financial Administration legislative Committees Vol. 2 Section 2 Faith and Order, General Administration, Global Ministries, Central Conference Commission, Independent Commissions, Judicial Administration, Local Church, Ministry and Higher Education and Superintendency Legislative Committees Vol. 3 Report of the General Council on Finance and Administration. and reading of tons of material form various advocacy groups soliciting support for their interest groups, in addition to the monthly delegation meetings. In short, General Conference requires a lot of hard work. I am approaching General Conference with an open mind. My overriding guide, is "first, to love God with all my heart, body and soul and my neighbor as myself." I don't know about you, but this is a tall order. Pray for me. What binds us together in Christ is greater than what separates us in this finite world. Kunle Taiwo

Daily Reflection from Janet Forbes

Text as copied from Conference Communication:

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 second in a series of pre-Conference reflections:

Launching the Emerging Church!
by Janet Forbes

Clergy Delegate to General Conference
St. Luke’s UMC, Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Today, my congregation is welcoming participants to the Emerging Church for the Existing Church Conference. This is a learning dialogue sponsored by Leadership Nexus, The Iliff School of Theology, Denver Seminary, and the Emergent Village. As the host congregation, we not only give leadership through workshops, panel discussions, and worship; but, we get to overhear conversations between those who are “learning, leading, loyal radicals” in existing communities and those that are speaking with post-denominational voices about the postmodern birthing of the new church.

I seem to be preparing for leadership at General Conference through these lenses. I have a dream that we graze the horizons of the future, testing, listening, hoping to be a part of what God wants to bless. I go to Fort Worth with a dual citizenship in the existing church and the emerging church!

I will be serving on the Superintendency Committee, focusing on the Study on the Episcopacy that was authorized by the 2004 General Conference. I have chaired the RMC Episcopacy Committee for eight years and bring strong opinions about the needs of the existing/emerging church for Episcopal leadership. I question the scope of the office, the work load, the eight-year tenure, term limits, the tension between general superintendency (serving the whole church) and residential responsibilities (the diocesan model of deployment), evaluation and accountability, and the fiscal realities of the Episcopal Fund. The biggest issue for the Western Jurisdiction will be the petition to reduce the number of bishops from six to five. At such a pivotal moment in the life of the church, when we have lost so many church planting opportunities in the West, how do we staff for growth, not continuing decline!?!!?
We live up to the story we live under! So let’s write a new chapter for a new church.
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

Countdown to General Conference by Schuster!

Text Copy from Annual Conference Communication:

Reflections from a derelict/delegate
By Charles Schuster
This will be the sixth General Conference I have been elected to attend. It
continues to be a high point in my life and I am so grateful for the support
from clergy colleagues who have elected me to serve the church in this way. I
hope to represent the Rocky Mountain Conference in a manner that is worthy of
the trust I have been granted.
I am assigned to the Faith and Order Legislative Committee. Among the issues we
will be debating include the following:
������� 1. In spite of our effort to use inclusive language we should be
encouraged to use phrases such as �Lord�, �King�, and �Father� in our imagery of
God. (I will vote against this petition)
������� 2. No person should be excluded from worship and/or participation in the
life of the church on the basis of race, ethnicity, economic status, sexual
orientation, or history.� (I will vote in favor of this petition)
������� 3. It shall be the responsibility of each annual conference to determine
how we will evaluate homosexuality as it relates to fitness for ministry. (I
will vote in favor of this petition)
������� 4. For the purposes of interpreting all provisions of the United
Methodist Book of Discipline and the Social Principles, a person�s biological
gender at the time of birth is to be considered the person�s gender throughout
his or her lifetime. (I will vote against this petition)
This represents a sample of some of the issues the Faith and Order legislative
committee will consider. Expect the debates to be vigorous, and the resolution
to be difficult. Four years ago it seemed to me the �Faith and Order� committee
could change its name to the �Law and Order� committee. There was so much contention with the presiding officer on matters of procedure.
�Generally, my approach to the issues will be represented by an attitude that
seeks to keep our church open-minded in its doctrine, and open-hearted in its
acceptance of all people of faith.



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

(via Ben Roe 

What we do in our other lives!

Wendy, I am delighted to learn that you are a dancer! We see each other with only our church lenses on. We have no idea how diverse our interests, our hobbies, our other lives. Some of my rancher friends in Wyoming let me on their private lakes! BIG fish! This was the last trip of the fall. I'm headed back to this lake on the Friday before leaving for General Conference. Ah, some good prayer time!!

(I wanted to experiment with pictures!)

Janet

Hey Carolyn, I finally got this one too.

For a little variety on the blog here's a performance from a couple of summers ago. Thank goodness you can't see how sweaty we were! It was a very hot afternoon. Sure was fun though . . .

Delegates or Not?

Hey Judy and All

First, Judy thanks for the post and for the clarification. It helped me understand where you were coming from on Saturday. And I think the reasoning behind the "guidelines" (I hate the words rules and laws!) make sense in the election process.

I'll keep the conversation (not argument!) going by saying that once elected, we are more apt to need to follow the GC guidelines than our own guidelines. Dare I say that if this were taken to JC the AC guidelines would be overruled. But who would want to know what that group thinks? I'm holding my breath with them on a current ruling on Wes Kendall that will come about during GC.

So the question I throw out to the delegation is once elected, and elected by laity with clear intention of where they are willing to serve or have the time to serve.........but once elected we are a delegation as a whole, not part. And we work on all of these issues together, not in separation.

I will respect inclusive leadership with agendas on top of the table. Any other leadership I will be a pain in the ___ to deal with!

I seem to be channeling Rev Schuster..............it must be a reincarnation thing!

A sense of humor will be our only salvation!

The sun is now shinning!
Carolyn

I will try to clarify this. In the laity process you may choose to run for either General Conference delegate or Jurisdictional. Those who choose to be jurisdictional delegates are not added to the ballot until the General Conference delegates are elected. Wendy had indicated on her nomination form that she felt she should be elected to Jurisdictional. That is what the body voted to do, and I feel understood and respected her decision to do that. If we reverse the will of the body for her at this time, we will not be holding true to the process. It also brings in the other people not elected who chose to be elected as General Conference delegates and could easily interpret this as a shortcut to be a reserve to G.C. We would in fact need a " do over" to stay true to the conference rule.
Conference rules are adopted early at Annual Conference each year so we all voted on it.
I am sorry I came on strong, but I am afraid I reacted to the clergy responses who were so sure I was wrong..Clergy who would not adopt a process for election. I will leave that there but still spent Sat. night thinking about it. I did not make this rule but as conference lay leader do need transparency in my work and cannot always think with my heart. I hope this is helpful..I think I need some time in Hawaii...must admit I will take my ACDCA. Judy

Delegation Meets

Janet and Josh led our group for the March 29 meeting of the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference Delegation. Guests joined us for updates on General Council on Finance and Administration and Methodist Federation for Social Action. Our next meetings are April 12 and June 28th.

Plans for RMC folk to gather at General Conference on Friday April 25th at Daddy Jack's Lobster and CHowder House. If you are going to be in Fort Worth and want to join the delegation, let Chuck Schuster know!