Dear Church Family,

As a spiritual community committed to growth, understanding, and active participation in the life of our denomination, I am excited to share an upcoming pivotal event in the United Methodist Church: the General Conference 2024. This global assembly is a profound opportunity for us to engage with the broader church, discern our shared future, and reflect on our mission in the world.

Understanding General Conference

The General Conference is the highest legislative body in the United Methodist Church and convenes every four years. Delegates from all over the world gather to discuss and decide on pressing matters that shape the direction of our denomination. It is a vital time of decision-making and vision-setting that impacts every local congregation, including ours. Here’s a link to United Methodist News…https://www.umnews.org/en/landing-pages/general-conference-news-and-commentary

Staying Informed

To keep us all informed and connected to this significant event, I recommend visiting the Pacific Northwest Conference resource page (https://www.pnwumc.org/general-conference-2024-resource-page).This page is an excellent starting point to learn about the specifics of the conference, the agenda, and the key issues that will be addressed.

Insights from Reverend Jeremy Smith

For a deeper understanding of what the General Conference entails and its implications, I encourage you to read insights by Reverend Jeremy Smith. His writings provide a clear and thoughtful perspective on the workings of the conference and can be accessed through Hacking Christianity by Jeremy Smith. (https://hackingchristianity.net).

Our Local Contribution

Additionally, I am personally involved in a project to create daily videos that will highlight the contributions and perspectives from our Pacific Northwest Annual Conference and the Greater Northwest Annual Conference. These videos will be embedded on the resource page and will offer us daily updates and insights directly from the conference floor. Some of you know that I also serve as a reserve delegate.

I have had the privilege of serving and attending several past General Conference gatherings. My greatest hope for our time together is that we, as followers of Jesus, step aside and allow His presence to be so profoundly felt that, by the end of our gathering, we are left inspired and in awe of the work of the Holy Spirit across the globe.

How you can participate.

As members of our church, your engagement is invaluable. I encourage each of you to visit these resources, watch our videos, check out the livestream and engage in discussions both online and within our community. Your insights and prayers are invaluable as we collectively discern our path forward in faith.

May we approach this General Conference with open hearts and minds, ready to contribute to our church's legacy of faith, love, and service. We are a part of a global community, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.