THE FUTURE WITH HOPE

General Conference opened last night with a powerful expression of worship with Holy Communion that embraced the global nature of the United Methodist Church and called those present to focus on how Resurrection Hope changes us as Christians and calls us to transform the world through our discipleship.

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie reminded all present that many come with special interests and concerns, yet this is not what we are called for.  She lifted up Romans 8 and pointed us as a people to understand that the apostle Paul calls us not to hope for what is seen, but that which is unseen.  She also reminded us that our use of the word of hope like, "I hope to be able to do that" is a form of "marshmallow hope", squishy and when it get too hot, it melts and falls to the ground."

She called us to be grounded in the Resurrection Hope of Jesus Christ that can transform the world.

The worship service was led by Marcia McFee, the worship coordinator for music at General Conference.  We sang, moved, cried and shared the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Bishops served the large crowd Holy Communion.

As a marshal, my work is to check credentials and to help delegates, visitors and staff at conference.  My assignment today takes me to the visitors section of the arena at the Fort Worth Convention Center and to the Independent Commissions Legislative Committee tonight.

We had huge thunderstorms and rain last night.  Our hotel had no power and our umbrellas were useless.  We were pretty tired and ready for sleep!

I had some time yesterday to tour the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a unique setting adjacent to the Convention Center.  I will try to get some pictures for you to see.

Grace and Peace, 

Bob