It's Coming on Conference. . .
22nd June, 2010 - Posted by nwilsonadmin - 4 Comments
It is General Conference time in MCC!What I look forward to the most is seeing people, some of whom I will have never met before, some of whom I have not seen in many years. That sensation, at the opening worship, where I am always teary. Watching the weariness wash away as the sound lifts, as the praise begins. As we become One Body.
This time, we will be three years older – and, for some of us, it is showing!
There will be people I miss seeing – who have answered the roll call up yonder, or who are not well enough to come; or for whom the finances or circumstances just didn’t add up. We carry you to Acapulco in our hearts this time.
And, the laughter, the intense discussions, the solemn times of Spirit-led (we pray) decisions. The music! The preacher we never heard before who dazzles us. The familiar faces that reassure and push us forward. the workshop that challenges us, the speaker who we resisted, but who impresses.
I am looking forward to sharing General Conference with Fellowship friends — we have had an interesting time explaining to members of “The Fellowship,” (led by Bishop Flunder) that “the Fellowship” is a nickname we use for MCC. Some say it is now “old fashioned,” and maybe we have handed it on, I am not sure. But, it still comes out of my mouth all the time. It is a prayer, and a hope.
I look forward to touching and being touched. I want Conference to inspire and change me, not just everyone else! I want the Holy Spirit to “come by here,” to surprise us, to visit us. I want Visitation. I want Transformation. I want to be shaken to my roots, and turned inside out for what’s next, for what God wants to do with us. Jesus and justice, hand in hand.
There I go, preaching already.
I want us to see something of the amazing work going on around the world, the light that is shining with consistency and brightness in Latin America.
Pray, by the way, that visas come through – we are having such a struggle.
For traveling mercies. For those who arrive today, for pre-conference institutes, to learn, to be prepared to serve in new ways. For our staff, who have been working on this moment for years.
For the God who has never failed us, and who will not fail us now! Lift up your hearts, MCC, to Acapulco, to a future we will IMAGINE together.
Posted on: June 22, 2010
Filed under: Reflections
4 Comments
Elizabeth Jensen-Forbell
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Well put, Reverend Moderator, well put!
I have been IMAGINING this time for quite a while now, and it keeps changing…right up until today with yet another email opportunity to serve.
My imagination and enthusiasm spread to our congregation as we have 13 people attending from our church – PRAISE GOD!
I thank God for MCC, for you, for the super staff surrounding you, and for yet another opportunity to celebrate together!
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Rev Susan Deitrick
June 27th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Dear Nancy,
I can relate to your excitement and prior anticipation of General Conference. Jane and I were feeling the same way before my back surgeries got in the way. Unfortunately, I’m afraid my doctor botched the first one; I am scheduled for another July 9. In the meantime, I just scheduled to meet a new spine specialist at Cleveland Clinic July 2, and am hopeful he will also do the surgery.
We have certainly seeing you and Paul and Judy as well as some of our other old friends at Conference. I especially miss the worship services, which to me is the best part of conference!
We’ll see you again one day! God bless you as you lead another General Conference into the new vision God is calling this denomination to embrace and move fully forward into its promise.
We love you!
(Revs) Susan and Jane
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Rev Susan Deitrick
June 27th, 2010 at 2:28 am
I see there is no edit button!
Clarification! We have certainly missed seeing you and Paula!
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Rev. Roger Cary
July 17th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Wow! I have been seriously searching and praying about a fellowship such as yours. I grew up in a devout Pentecostal family and then left the church when I left home. At 50 years of age I am now back in a church, albeit I am not sure it is the right one for me, and am preparing to enter seminary in August. Having lived with the guilt and shame of being both bisexual and transgendered I can truly understand and relate to your ministry. I am currently in the process of discerning my future path in regards to denominational affiliation. Re-studying scripture has led me to a new awakening and a new sense of purpose and perspective on life. Unfortunately the small town (southern Bible belt) I currently pastor in has no MCC or would be accepting of it. I look forward to the day when I can visit and worship openly with all people.
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