Annual Conference--Day 3

What a day!

Im getting burn-out so the update is smaller.

Yesterday was a day summerged in legislation. There were some butting heads here and there, but most things went well...until we had a gentleman repeatedly fight about homosexuality. It is a decision for the Methodist Conference that we welcome homosexuals but do not ordain those in practicing relationships and will not marry homosexuals because it is not a man and woman. Though this is not my personal view at all to agree with the church, i see us moving in a good way.

This gentlemen though wanted (repeatedly) to place a news release telling the state that we disagree with the Iowa Government and thier recent ruling. This is ridiculous to me! Why do we need to repeatedly put out our view on this topic? We have our views and let it be at that. Im not going to get into our church view vs. mine, but i wonder what we're doing as a Denomination when our motto is "Open Hearts, Open Mind, Open Doors, The United Methodist Church." How is this consistent with what he wants to publicize?

Alec

* Picture of the gathering from my seat

Location : 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309,

Annual Conference 2010 -- Day 2

I guess technically im in the morning of Day 3, but since i was so tired i saved this for this morning.

Yesterday consisted of a lot of time sitting. The morning was consumed fully by an ordination service that lasted about 2.5 hours. Its interesting to see these new men and women commisioned or ordained into ministry, but its also shocking to me to see how old many of them are, we need more young clergy!....but maybe im biased.

After the service came a lunch break and then we returned to work. The afternoon was dedicated to starting, but not getting far, in our legislative work. We then celebrated those clergy and spouses that passed away in the past year. After that short service it was dinner time which was spent eating pizza and having good conversation.

The evening was more legislation and turned into the first issue of the weekend. The vote was on Environmental Justice and the creation of a new committee on the preservation of our earth because God calls us to care for our earth. There were then many people bringing in Global Warming debates, and political arguments that were not founded in Gods word. We talked all day yesterday about the foundational structure the scripture holds, but some at the conference must have missed the message. Its pretty sad that a conference calling us to hospitality reverts to using attacks and innappropriate speeches to bring each other down. Where is the call to follow Jesus the Christ in our conferencing yesterday??

I spent the night at Matthews house. Beautiful house and it was good to see a close friend. We didnt do much, I called Courtney and went to bed. Cant wait to see her in a week, even if its only for a bit.

To God Alone Be the Glory,

Alec

Location : 9229 Lakewood Cir, Norwalk, IA 50211,

Annual Conference 2010--Day 1

Day 1 is done! Today was pretty calm after i got there. It was quite a trip to make it to Annual Conference with my shakey morning consisting of a missed alarm, a police officer, and a missed turn. I somehow slept thru my alarm and therefore was running late all morning. I then got going and being my normal self looked down at my phone which caused me to swerve and get pulled over. I kept going, made it to Des Moines but missed a turn and spent a half hr finding the parking. Ugh!

Conference started with some great time of worship. A well led worship band guided us through the time together. Following worship was a lunch break in which the 5 of us from Tipton UMC took an hour to decide and then had to hurry back to the conference.

The afternoon was business time, mostly dealing with money. This is always a tricky subject for the church and today was not a change to that. We discussed the impact the stock market has had and how some people are going to be having to pay more for benefits or salaries or buildings....but no talk, no talk of the ministry budget. As my pastor pointed out to me, we spend a lot of our time talking business, but how do we see that our business is the ministry of our Christ Jesus?

How can a faith group, a denominatiion, be loyal to its mission and the greater Christian mission while still being able to operate in our money centered world today???

Also, tonight has been great. Spent from about 5 on with Kindra just chillin around Altoona. Goin to see Matthew tomorrow but stayin here tonight. Im so blessed to have such great friends.

God Is Good

All The Time!

Amen!

Location : 1316 5th Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009,