General Conference

Today is a new experience for hugsum.... he is going to General Conference!

This may not mean much to you if you are not Methodist - and maybe even if you ARE Methodist, you might not understand the significance.

General Conference meets every 4 years. Delegates are elected the summer prior to this huge event. Those elected come from literally all over the world. They meet and worship together. They plan the emphasis and goals of the United Methodists, they establish the government and "laws" of this great denomination.

Hugsum is going as an observer. It is meeting in Dallas this year. He was invited by our District Superintendent to ride down for the day. He really is excited.

This has lots of meaning for me in many ways. As I have been packing up for our move, I packed some things that brought a flood of memories and history to mind. One is a wooden cross and flame (the symbol of the UMC) that was given to the delegates of General Conference many years ago. Another special thing I have is a set of coffee mugs from the centennial gathering of the world wide United Methodist General Conference.

These precious items were gifts from my parents. My daddy was an elected delegate for many many years. He attended other times as part of the "press" since he was the editor of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate. I would dare to guess that he attended General Conference for 50 years of his 65+ years of ministry. This may be the first time he has not attended since he started going.

Anyway... this is a nostalgic day, a memorial day, a special day....

I would request prayers for the General Conference. As I have said, this is the law making body of the United Methodist Church. They have fought off the battles of homosexuality and abortion. You may not agree with everything the UMC stands for, and for denominations, but... this is a huge part of the Body of Christ. It is important that it be whole and pure. Please pray for her....

Thanks....