General Conference is open!
By DSC Delegate, Jim Nibbelink
Opening worship at every General Conference is simply stunning! The evening of April 23 was no exception. This date marks exactly 40 years since the uniting conference joined The Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church to form our United Methodist Church. Tonight’s celebration reflected all of the richness and traditions that are a part of our heritage, while movingly illustrating the diversity that our denomination now embraces. Most of our proceedings will be conducted in English, while simultaneous translation is done into nine other languages, including American Sign Language.
The room was dark as a single candle was advanced to the center of the body. A solo flute played a haunting melody as liturgical dancers began to move in graceful patterns, barely discernable in the dimness. As light was added, more dancers became visible. A tall processional cross was carried into the center to join the candle as massed choirs sang, “Come, Let Us Worship.” Vigorous drumbeats sounded as the members of the Council of Bishops moved the side aisles, preceded by Episcopal banners. The orchestra and organ called us to sing. As the delegates and visitors joined in the singing, 6,500 voices were lifted in praise. We are a singing church and we make a truly joyful noise in the large, domed stadium of the Fort Worth Convention Center. As the Bishops took their places on the stage the Christ candle was moved down the center aisle to the altar, where it will burn continually through the eleven days of General Conference.
Our theme is “A Future With Hope.” Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, President of the Council of Bishops, preached Paul’s words from Romans ... words of hope and inspiration. We were reminded that we don’t hope for things we already see, but for things unseen. We were led in consecrating the space of meeting, this huge auditorium, becoming for us sacred ground. All of us raised our arms in blessing as the prayers of consecration were said. We were reminded that from ordinary bread, ordinary fruit of the vine, ordinary water and ordinary places, extraordinary things are made when they’re consecrated to God. The service of Communion was largely sung, as Bishop Greg Palmer and the congregants exchanged the precious words that bring us to the table. Especially significant for this particular table ... it was made from wood gathered along the Mississippi River near New Orleans after the devastation of hurricane Katrina. The ordinary was made extraordinary. God can do that, even with us!
And so, here we are. The reunion has begun! We represent over 11 million United Methodists from over 50 countries. We come from 48,000 congregations and 129 Annual Conferences. It’s great seeing old friends from all over the world! We hear names being called out from across the room and across the street. Hugs abound. We try to remember how to say, “Hi! How are you?” in Swahili or French or Russian or Tagalog. Hugs come in handy when language fails! Your delegation is excited and ready to work. This night ended after 11 p.m., when the initial enabling motions were passed, Rules of Order debated and adopted, and even some pending petitions referred to the Judicial Council to see if they stand up to our Constitution. It’s going to be a busy eleven days!