Awesome Beginning

General Conference opened with an awesome time of worship and call for unity. Bishop Janice Huie lead us through a worship service that "Celebrated God's Promise of Hope". Interlaced in the message was a call for true servanthood of selfless commitment to becoming and continuing to be disciples of Jesus Christ. I heard her call for us(the UMC) to become the image in the mirror that reflects the face of Jesus and not the image of what society values most. Special interest groups did not seem to hold a "special" place in her view of the church's mission and ministry. There was much pagentry and celebration in the music and dance as we remembered those who have gone on to the Church Triumphant in the communion service. The choirs set the stage for the service with over an hour of splendid music. The combined massive choir and orchestra were moving as they brought the color that only music can bring to worship. I would be remiss if I tried to recreate the evening with words because more is required in the way of writing talent than I have. You simply have to experience with sight and sound all that is opening worship at General Conference to fully appreciate it. One scene will stand in my memory for years to come. In the midst of the communion the celebrants (clergy) in white robes circled the giant round red cedar table and formed a cross with the dancers, also in white, in a symbol of unity and community. There in the brilliant light of the spot lights was the call to all to understand Jesus' call to discipleship and repentance. Add to this, there were abut 6,500 people adding energy to the worship with singing that defys description. As we began the service Janice Huie called us to ask God to sanctify the convention center as a place of worship and celebration. The amount of energy and passion that was in the room last night was of God and will stand good stead for the remainder of GC 2008. God is in the building!

A small human story occured on Tuesday night as 40 delegates arrived after a long and tiring journey after the banks and other instiutions that offer currency exchange were closed. The Host Committee was in instant action to see that they were cared for. At first, we considered splitting them up and going to several places to get them fed. Instead a quick call to their hotel, assured us that the hotel's restuarant was open and as guests, they could sign for their food. The solution turnde out to be fairly easy, but I was impressed with the concern exhibited and the personal nature of the solution offered by those providing "Gracious Hospitality"