Just a brief update on the goings on here at General Conference 2008. I arrived on Tuesday, checked into my hotel (what has become the Women’s NM Delegation Official Napping Space) and obtained my credentials/checked into the conference. I inadvertently ran into several Friends of NM (Bishop Crutchfield and Bishop Hutchison), took some pictures, ate dinner with the rest of the NM delegation and went to bed for my last anticipated full nights sleep.
Wednesday was filled with ongoing registration issues with other NM Delegates, exploring the conference spaces, hanging out in the Young Delegates Lounge with Rev Moore (our last conference in which we can say that we are both officially ‘Young Delegates) and last, but not least, the Cokesbury Mega Bookstore. We concluded the day with a fulfilling worship service and opening to conference legislative procedures…Rules and Order, duh dummmmm.
Today/Thursday, things have really started happening. We opening with worship and opening addresses by a variety of people. The one I found most inspiring and moving was the much anticipated Young People’s Address. Now I know that Street Reported Louise M reported on some of this, but I’m going to share what I thought of it…
I was moved by the passion and honesty of the testimonies of the six individuals. They each had an open and unique perspective United Methodism. It’s hard to describe what I was feeling while each shared their stories, or what I continue to feel as I process the overall experience. I can say that it was powerful and I am touched. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that we as a church must recognize those 35 and under…those who are ready NOW to serve God, not ‘in the future.’ I will be talking to the UM Communications group to find out how I can obtain a copy of the address so I can share with all of you what I have found to be the most moving experience I have had in a long time. Following this inspirational high, a few of us ventured to lunch and then it was off to legislative groups. I have found myself in Church and Society I – working through legislation which deals with economic issues, war and peace, evolution and education in the schools, immigration, human rights and restorative justice. I will be participating in some discussion (not voting) and will report regularly on the process as I journey on.
With much anticipation for the days to come…
Kelly Brooks
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2 comments:
kelly, do you think others felt the way you felt in terms of leadership NOW for young people, not just the good old line "Some day your going to be great..."
I am looking forward to seeing those texts...I will try and look them up.
Some did, others were saying 'Just what we expected.'
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