Annual Conference, verse three

Still mulling over Annual Conference....

Monday (Memorial Day here in the states) was the first full day of Annual Conference. We opened with the Clergy Session at The Woodlands UMC. Unfortunately, the sign language interpreter did not get the list of traditional questions asked at the clergy session – all of which are answered with lists of names. She needed the spelling of those names, as the person speaking usually knows the clergy and zips through the list quickly. Fingerspelling is a slow process, no matter how fast your fingers work! I went to the back and found her the lists. One of our clergy delegates has a hearing loss that most would not notice. She does just fine in small groups or one on one conversation, but in large settings like Annual Conference, the interpreter is essential for her to catch the whole presentation or speech. One of our lay delegates is Deaf and depends on American Sign Language as her primary language. We have two main interpreters, and on the first day of Conference one goes to the clergy session and one to the laity session. Hard work for our interpreters. They interpret the music so beautifully. I am grateful for their ministry.

The Clergy session is where voting for commissioned members and ordination in full connection happens. It is the culmination of years of work and preparation for ordination. Commissioned elders and deacons will serve under supervision and with the support of covenant groups until ordination in full connection. We used to be called "probationary" and had to work for three years before being considered for ordination. This year at General Conference, they have changed the name to "provisional" elder and deacon. They also shortened the process by a year, which I think is fine. With a clergy mentor and a covenant group, it's a good process. This year dear friends, some of whom worked with great diligence and difficulty through the process were being voted into their order. The papers and oral examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry can be rigorous and exhausting. The look on their faces, shining and humbled, said it all.

Bishop Huie’s Episcopal Address during opening worship - wonderful as always - set the business session in a different tenor than in years past. After last General Conference, I recall that the mood was tense, every one waiting to see how our Conference would play out the divisive issues – would we argue and split or would we hold to the center? This time we are worshipping together – not set one side against the other with the majority in the middle praying we won’t lose sight of what is really important with all our arguing. No, this time we are pointed clearly in the direction of worship and getting to the practices of effective ministry. Gen-X Missional Wesleyan wrote about the difference between leaders and managers and I agree with him.

This morning (June 8) at worship, the children led the entire service. It was great! I had no idea that the senior high class would be preaching. My daughter, up there in the pulpit and me, out there in the congregation! I was surprised, pleased and so proud. She's amazing.