A Moment for Mission
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake." – Psalm 23:1-20
In our Wesleyan tradition, the term "quadrennial" – recurring every four years – is a key part of our vocabulary.
On May 10-20, 2016, United Methodist lay and clergy leaders will gather in Portland, Oregon, for General Conference. Every four years, delegates come from around the world to participate in policy-making for the global United Methodist Church. Delegates spend 10 days together, setting budgets, considering petitions that – if approved – will appear in the next Book of Discipline, reviewing our Social Principles and taking a deeper look at the practices of our United Methodist churches.
Methodist theologian Albert C. Outler coined the phrase "Wesleyan Quadrilateral" in the 1960s, after analyzing John Wesley's teachings. The term refers to Wesley's emphasis on the use of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience to make decisions about doctrine and practice. We can be sure that our United Methodist leaders will consider these four elements as they do the work of discerning, deciding and, ultimately, shaping how we do the transformational work of making disciples.
Our apportioned giving toward the General Administrative Fund helps make General Conference possible. The fund also covers the work of the Judicial Council, maintains official United Methodist documents and historical artifacts, and supports designating historical shrines, landmarks and sites.
When we support the General Administrative Fund, we maintain our accountability of the church as good, wise stewards who manage finances with grace and integrity.
Offertory Prayer
God, our wise counselor, guide our General Conference delegates. Lead them into right paths as they make decisions that will shape The United Methodist Church. May we always be a people who seek both grace and accountability. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Fourth Sunday of Easter - Holy God, you work wonders beyond our imagination. Thank you for all of the faithful people you have inspired in the history of the church. You have sent into our lives kind Christians who have encouraged us in beautiful ways. Help us to keep growing as disciples led by your Spirit. May we become more devoted to good works and acts of charity, so that others will be blessed in turn. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. (Acts 9:36-43)
Newsletter Nugget
John Wesley had sage advice as he began the church we now called United Methodist. Three of his simple rules were "do no harm, do good and attend to the ordinances of God."
This year – on May 1-20 – The United Methodist Church will attend to the ordinances of God at the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon. Some 864 lay and clergy delegates from around the world will set budgets, review petitions and review our practices in ways that honor our tradition and shape our future as United Methodists. As delegates gather to discuss the legislation before them, they will be encouraged to engage in Christian conferencing as way of dialogue that encourages listening, praying and speaking with grace as they engage in conversation with one another.
Our apportioned giving toward the General Administrative Fund underwrites the basic costs of General Conference. This vital fund also covers the work of the Judicial Council, maintains official United Methodist documents and historical artifacts, and supports designating historical shrines, landmarks and sites.