EVERYBODY FED was the Annual Conference theme set by our new bishop, Grant Hagiya. The University of Puget Sound, a United Methodist related institution of which we can all be proud, was the site. APUMC was ably represented by yours truly, Ann Fritz and Karen Peacock. Melva Lohstroh was also there representing the Inland District United Methodist Women.
We were all impressed with our new bishop who kept us on task and, for the most part, on time. There was much to do regarding 32 constitutional amendments proposed by the recent General Conference that will change our denominational structure to better reflect the worldwide nature of the United Methodist Church. In addition to the current Annual, Jurisdictional and General Conferences, there will also be Regional Conferences so the different parts of the world can design and implement plans and procedures pertinent and helpful in their locales, but not binding for the entire church. Most of the amendments merely changed wording to reflect this change and to spell out some specifics for its implementation.
One other significant change to the constitution made it more clear that church membership could not be denied anyone on the basis of gender, race, or status. The meaning of this change was best summed up by buttons some members of Conference wore that simply stated: "All Means All."
As usual, the music and worship was exceptional. Nobody sings hymns better than a United Methodist Conference. We were also feted by Tongan and Korean choirs and a Filipino Men's quartet. Great preaching was done by one of PNW's own, retired bishop Jack Tuell, guest bishop Woody White, and Grant Hagiya. Bishop Hagiya's message was powerful and caringly confrontational. He told us that he expected the laity and a clergy to "grow their congregations." The bishop's sermon will be presented at APUMC on our video projector on Sunday July 5th. I will be in Ohio attending Linda's Family Reunion and the 92nd birthday of her Uncle Irv. I greatly desire all of us to hear this sermon. Believe me, no one will be able to complain that I did not line up a good guest preacher!
See you in Church, APUMC!
Pastor Carl