General Conference 2004

Rocky Mountain Conference News and Resources

Day 3

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

From: Youngsook Kang, General Conference Delegate

Legislative Work has begun:

It is quite a sight to look down the General Conference Hall through the glass windows in the skyway. The Hall is in plain view. You almost wish that the outlook of the Conference was as clear as this view. Delegates, observers and guests are here in Pittsburgh, with "differing levels of expectation and hope for what may possibly happen and ought to happen at the Conference."

Bishop William Blake of the Oklahoma area, at opening worship, challenged the Conference with an inspiring sermon on God as a freely giving God. I could feel his pain, deep faith, love of God and love of people as I was reminded of a few conversations that we had about the struggles of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, whose pastors' salaries are the lowest in the denomination.

"Are we truly a global church?" you may ask. The introduction of delegates from churches in affiliated Methodist relationships and concordat relationships this morning was a true affirmation of the United Methodist Church as a globally connected church.  Reports from the General Commission on Ministries introduced  a proposal on the Connectional Table as well as special programs on Africa and Latin America, which call for care for brothers and sisters in the global community.

One of the most important orders of the day was the laity address delivered by Gloria Holt from the North Alabama Conference. "We are one in Spirit!" she proclaimed.

Then off we went to the legislative committees. After yesterday's organizational meetings, today was essentially the beginning of the legislative work. There are 11 legislative committees. Just like in our annual Conference, delegates work first in legislative committees and then send legislations to the plenary, which will be held primarily next week. Each day is full from the scheduled agenda. Most delegates have meetings from early morning till late night. Western Jurisdiction delegates too meet each morning to share information and strategies.

Thank you for your prayers that keep us in God's strength.

Youngsook Kang

General Conference links:

*Please note: people have been experiencing access problems with the GC site and related pages, due to the high volume of traffic they are receiving.  Don't be afraid to try again later!* You can also try the General Board of Global Ministries General Conference 2004 site.

General Conference 2004 Web site

General Board of Global Ministries GC2004 site.

Please keep the Rocky Mountain Conference Delegates in prayer: Janet Forbes, Youngsook Kang, Olon Lindemood, Chuck Schuster, Aaron Gray, Judy Hill, Brad Laurvick, Dan O'Neill, Liwliwa Robledo, and Peggy Sewell.