Keeping Up With the Delegate

I truly enjoy being in the midst of General Conference 'Holy Conferecing' and all that it entails.  From the reminders from our Central Conference delegates regarding name spellings and pronunciations, to our Jurisdictional Conference delegates reminding us of proper verbiage, to reports on UM mission service projects, I am in constant awe of United Methodism in action.  The creative expressions of differing opinions, hopes and dreams for the church may seem to some as noise and nonsense, but to me symbolize a hope for the future and continued growth of the church.  I am only dismayed when I hear the sounds of defeat coming from voices in hallway corners and bathroom stalls.  Spirits remain high and I pray for the continued strength of each of us throughout this, which is at times, a daunting process.
Within the midst of legislative and plenary sessions, meetings and worship services, their exists many additional opportunities for General Conference precipitants to partake in.  One of these opportunities, which I am taking advantage of is this weeks 'Ideas to Live By' author series sponsored by Cokesbury, Abingdon Press, Kingswood Books and The United Methodist Publishing House.  It's a great opportunity to hear from authors of books I have read, am reading and have on my 'to read' book list.  This afternoon we heard from Rebekah Miles who reminded us of the great Wesleyan Tradition question 'What does God require of you: To do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.'  Bishop Ruben Job spoke to the Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living: Do no harm, Do Good and Stay in love with God.  Our third speaker was Bishop Robert Schnase reflected on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional faith development, Risk taking mission and service and Extravagant generosity.  Each inspired me in various ways, leaving me to continue on my personal faith journey, challenging who I am and what God has called and is calling me to be.
With much continued anticipated for the days to come...
Kelly Brooks