It is finished!

General Conference 2008 is done! At 11:0? last night they voted on their last piece of legislation and then we were all sent out after a powerful sermon by Bishop Palmer on Hope for the Future. It felt like a unified body ready to transform the world, even in brokenness and with a need for healing.

Today is a traveling day. Just waiting for the supershuttle as I write this. We fly out at 6 pm Ft. Worth time.

Thanks for following along on my journey of GC '08. It was very meaningful to know that I was loved and supported from home.

Cya soon.

Love,
Jan

Thursday

Another day done. This day was focused on legislation. After the controversy of yesterday this day was quite tame. Most of the discussion was about ministry issues and structural rules. The International body is still trying to figure out how to fairly represent the global membership on boards and agencies, and as delegates to General Conference.

I was positioned near the front of the room today – a messenger from the delegates to the platform and visa versa. I didn’t get much business and had a hard time staying awake. About the most interesting and challenging thing in my day was helping the crickets cross safely the pathway by where I was sitting as there was lots of traffic and they were vulnerable to the crowd. When I left tonight there were NO squished crickets near my seat – I will call that a productive and successful day.

The preacher this morning was Bishop Hee Soo Jung. He was wonderful. I wish you all could have heard them. I have really enjoyed the worship and preaching. I will make copies of the sermons for any of you who would like them – or you can download them from the General Conference website.

I look forward to coming home on Saturday,… sleeping in my own bed, loving up with Ginger Ale, and eating my own home cooked food – ok that may only be cereal or a peanut butter sandwich – but it is mine.

Hope all is well.

In peace,

Jan

The courage of conviction stands

suffice it to say... yesterday was a hard day. Again the church that I love and serve in, has voted to legislate who can be in and who can't, who can serve with full integrity and who cannot, ...

I spent an hour last night carefully crafting my thoughts... sorting through the tears and the anger only to have the computer fail to send it and lose it instead. I regret not being able to recreate it this morning for you to read.

In summary, the 'incompatibility' clause remains. The body here was unable to affirm a statement that would report that the denomination is divided. Even though the vote was 55% - 45% the majority was not able to see the minority as also living true and faithful lives. I am saddened by what feels like hard heartedness from the many I am working among.

I will continue to serve as God has called me but for now it will be tainted with sadness and grief. I hold out for the time when those on the margins and those who feel they can't join in, will find a welcome into the hospitality of God's family.

Until then I will sing, as the disenfranchised did last night around the parameter of the conference, "Jesus loves us, this we know."

Know that I love you and will continue to offer you the love of God as I am able.

Jan