Over the next week and a half, nearly 1000 delegates plus hundreds of staff and volunteers from United Methodist Churches, boards, and agencies around the world will gather in Fort Worth, Texas for the quadrennial (every 4 years) gathering known as General Conference. This is the only body that can officially speak for The United Methodist Church, and delegates spend 10 days in "holy conferencing": prayer, discussion, reflection, debate, worship, and witness regarding legislation affecting the denomination's social teachings, organizational structure, finances, policies and procedures, and other matters of church law.
Rocky Mountain Conference, which includes Colorado, Utah, and 2/3 of Wyoming, sends 3 clergy and 3 lay delegates, plus alternates and volunteers. They are keeping a blog of their preparations and experiences if you'd like to read along. The main General Conference site will have live streaming audio and video available of some of the worship and plenary sessions, in addition to news articles and reports.
Please keep all the delegates, staff, Bishops, and volunteers in your prayers over the next two weeks. My own prayer is that our church will continue to move in the direction of welcoming all of God's children with love and acceptance, and move toward Jesus' vision of the kin'dom of God, where justice and mercy are available to all.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Spring is sprung...
... and life is bustling at Highlands UMC!
This Sunday, April 27, the worship band will play a mix of new and familiar tunes. Come and join us for some spirited worship!
Next week, we offer Parents' Night Out on Friday, May 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for children up to age 7. Call the church office to reserve a spot, or to volunteer.
Saturday, May 3 we'll have an all-church workday to do some spring cleaning and plant the garden. There will be fun activities for kids as well, all starting at 9am. Sunday, May 4 we celebrate Holy Communion in worship, where all are welcome at Christ's table.
Saturday, May 10 is the Spring Women's Banquet at 5:00 p.m. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to come for an evening of dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets are $9/adult or $15/family, and can be reserved by calling the church office or purchased during coffee hour after worship.
Sunday, May 11 is a day of lively celebration, marking Pentecost - the birthday of the church - and Mother's Day. Worship will include several special opportunities for children to participate, including the children's choir and a sacred dance. Wear red to celebrate the Spirit, and we'll all have a church photo taken together!
Hope to see you sometime soon!
This Sunday, April 27, the worship band will play a mix of new and familiar tunes. Come and join us for some spirited worship!
Next week, we offer Parents' Night Out on Friday, May 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for children up to age 7. Call the church office to reserve a spot, or to volunteer.
Saturday, May 3 we'll have an all-church workday to do some spring cleaning and plant the garden. There will be fun activities for kids as well, all starting at 9am. Sunday, May 4 we celebrate Holy Communion in worship, where all are welcome at Christ's table.
Saturday, May 10 is the Spring Women's Banquet at 5:00 p.m. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to come for an evening of dinner and musical entertainment. Tickets are $9/adult or $15/family, and can be reserved by calling the church office or purchased during coffee hour after worship.
Sunday, May 11 is a day of lively celebration, marking Pentecost - the birthday of the church - and Mother's Day. Worship will include several special opportunities for children to participate, including the children's choir and a sacred dance. Wear red to celebrate the Spirit, and we'll all have a church photo taken together!
Hope to see you sometime soon!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Introduction to Highlands UMC
This Sunday, after worship, anyone interested in learning more about Highlands UMC or The United Methodist Church is invited to attend "Highlands UMC 101," led by Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry. Whether you are considering formally joining our congregation or just want some more information, you are welcome for a casual conversation with plenty of time for questions - no pressure, we promise!
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