Local church connection and district:
Williamsburg, UMC, Mission Rivers District
Guiding scripture leading into General Conference:
There has always been a calm me within. I find Ephesians 4: 2-4, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” has led me through many leadership roles in the church.
Favorite paragraph of the Book of Discipline (we all have one, right?):
One of my go to paragraphs in The Discipline is #127 – Ministry of the Laity. Every lay person is called to carry out The Great Commission, every lay person is called to be missional. Witness of the laity and Christ-like examples of everyday living is so important for the church.
A brief statement on your call to serve as a delegate:
My long time ago reason for placing my name on the lay candidate listing for election to General Conference in 2015 was really my firm belief in: “inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enables all persons to participate in the life of the church, the community, and the world; therefore inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.” Yes you can find this in The Discipline paragraph 140 also.
Specific prayer request(s) for the work ahead:
For our time in Charlotte I ask for continuous prayers asking for God’s peace, joy and love for the duration of General Conference and beyond. Please pray for all 862 delegates to offer their wisdom and discernment through Holy Conferencing as we seek God’s will together.