GC2012 - Mid-General Conference reflections
As General Conference began its second week, two North Alabama Conference delegates took time to share reflections.
North Alabama Conference Lay Delegate to General Conference Dr. Neal Berte shares a video reflection on the 2012 General Conference and the worldwide nature of the United Methodist Church.
Clergy Delegate Rev. Paul Hillard also share a reflection.
The thing I have learned from attending the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth is to pace myself better. I was exhausted at the end of everyday in 2008, but this time I rise early and walk about an hour and I wear my New Balance tennis when I go to each session and my feet just love it. Several other delegates from around the connection have taken notice and are too opting for very comfortable footwear.
Here are my highlights from the first week, the opening worship celebration for GC2012 was highly spirited and Bishop Larry Goodpastor inspired us with his message about following Jesus in the mission field (Immediately is how we should go). We shared the Lord’s Supper and began the work of GC2012 by addressing the rules by which operate with. We could not complete them by night’s end, so we stopped at 10:09 PM.
The next morning, Bishop Peter Weaver was on point with his message about being in a resurrection revolution, and we got so much work to do in a hurting world. The lay leader from the West Zimbabwe Annual Conference, Betty Katiyo, became the first person outside the US to give the Laity address along with two others. The theme of the laity was “If it’s to be, it’s up to me”. The young adults message was very inspiring as well for we are “Charged,” “Rooted” and “United.”
My legislative committee ( Faith and Order) started off very slowly, but once we got going we were able to complete our work early on Saturday afternoon dealing with all the petitions that were submitted.
I believe our global church is phenomenal as three students from Birmingham Southern College (Will, Amanda and Laura), who are here with Laura Sisson, attested last evening at dinner. It was joy to hear their impressions of GC2012.
Blessings of joy, peace and love
Dr. Paul D. Hillard, Jr
May 1, 2012
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