general conference is in its second week; we've moved from legislative sections to plenary sessions. i am reminded constantly how difficult it is to be a world-wide church. we're called to make disciples of jesus christ for the transformation of the world ... and yet, we continue to find that that phrase means different things to different people. we are not a church body that can agree. and we are not a church body that will admit this fact. how ironic! what do you do when an idea that is a 'no brainer' for some becomes that basis for 'sin' in another persons' thought?
well, for the united methodist church, it seems, we tend to become more legalistic and constrictive; so note the sign to the left; some push back; others become devastated, and still others work tirelessly to extend the table, to find the opportunity to be in dialogue and listen; we call this in the united methodist church, 'holy conferencing'. campus ministries were evident last night, offering the kind of hospitality that post moderns do ... i keep wondering how long it will be until they find themselves wondering -- "why in the world am i in a church that constricts and is not grace-filled?"
and so i head back to be a page again for the afternoon session; to have interpreters 'clean up' the interpretations of the real words. the god i worship could not possibly be pleased. in worship, we have symbolic images that appear; i found this visual engaging and spiritually moving; what do you see in it? is there a possibility that god's grace will find its way into the future of united methodism? will the spirit of god be able to soften all our hearts? will we be able to truly see and experience 'the jesus in me' who meets 'the jesus in you'? i hope so; i truly hope so! truly, being a world-wide church is a challenge; and jesus MUST be here somewhere...take time this week to sit with someone and be in a 'holy conference' yourself. be open, be welcoming, and find the opportunity to extend and receive grace. . . .
general conference is in its second week; we've moved from legislative sections to plenary sessions. i am reminded constantly how difficult it is to be a world-wide church. we're called to make disciples of jesus christ for the transformation of the world ... and yet, we continue to find that that phrase means different things to different people. we are not a church body that can agree. and we are not a church body that will admit this fact. how ironic! what do you do when an idea that is a 'no brainer' for some becomes that basis for 'sin' in another persons' thought? 
well, for the united methodist church, it seems, we tend to become more legalistic and constrictive; so note the sign to the left; some push back; others become devastated, and still others work tirelessly to extend the table, to find the opportunity to be in dialogue and listen; we call this in the united methodist church, 'holy conferencing'. campus ministries were evident last night, offering the kind of hospitality that post moderns do ... i keep wondering how long it will be until they find themselves wondering -- "why in the world am i in a church that constricts and is not grace-filled?"
and so i head back to be a page again for the afternoon session; to have interpreters 'clean up' the interpretations of the real words. the god i worship could not possibly be pleased. in worship, we have symbolic images that appear; i found this visual engaging and spiritually moving; what do you see in it? is there a possibility that god's grace will find its way into the future of united methodism? will the spirit of god be able to soften all our hearts? will we be able to truly see and experience 'the jesus in me' who meets 'the jesus in you'? i hope so; i truly hope so! truly, being a world-wide church is a challenge; and jesus MUST be here somewhere...take time this week to sit with someone and be in a 'holy conference' yourself. be open, be welcoming, and find the opportunity to extend and receive grace. . . .
Campus ministry is our hope...may they not find all of us hopeless!
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