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Notes and Quotes from Attendees
I am grateful for the privilege I had of attending the general Conference in Ft. Worth this April. I was able to see first hand what it was all about. The first thing that struck me was the enormity of it. I don’t mean just the location or just the actual numbers of attendees, it was, in fact, all the countries that were represented that made such an impact on me. There were people there from all over the world. Many had to speak through interpreters. It’s one thing to know that the United Methodist Church is global, but to actually see all the representatives and to talk to them and know that they share our United Methodist beliefs is such a powerful statement. I was impressed with how “worship” focused the General Conference was. Before any business even started there was worship. The Spirit of God was most definitely in our presence. When we broke up into our legislative sessions and the work began, every session began with worship. I personally did not experience any exchange of harsh words or bickering throughout the legislative session I attended. I was impressed and awed by the sermons of all the different Bishops and how well the central theme of “Making Disciples to Transform the World” was presented and how the focus remained on this theme throughout the General Conference. I learned that it is up to us to make disciples and it starts right in our local churches and that we are charged with transforming the world. We can do that. It will take each of us – focused on Jesus’ words that are a mandate – to “go and make disciples…” Just by attending this monumental event I was transformed. I wish all of the laity and clergy of OIMC could have attended the General Conference. It will be a long time before it will be as close to us as it was this year. Blessings to you, Sue Burgess, Conference Lay Leader In 2004 I had the privilege of attending General Conference as an observer. This year having the honor of being elected your delegate I was able to have a voice not only in the legislative committee but on the floor. It was interesting as well as educational to hear and also participate in the debates on numerous issues whether it was in subcommittees or on the conference floor. Just to realize that what you were doing, the petitions and resolutions you were debating and agreeing upon would affect the whole United Methodist church was an awesome realization. Thank you to the conference laity for putting your faith and trust in me; I tried to represent you well in the way I participated and voted. Josephine Deere For me, it was a new experience; an exciting week of witnessing the legislative process of the church! Although tiring, being amongst the delegation from our Conference and the fellowship we enjoyed during our hectic time together, made it all worthwhile! I appreciate the leadership of OIMC and will always be thankful for such an opportunity! My top 10 list of memories from General Conference: 10. Train ride to Ft. Worth
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