Day 5- Going With Courage

By Sandy Hieronymus We are reminded to go with courage knowing that God goes before us to guide our paths.  This is easier said than done.  Each day at General Conference has started at 8:00 AM with inspiring worship and wonderful gathering music that helps to center us for the work of the day.  A short time of devotion closes each legislative committee at the end of the day.  Between these two special times of being with God, it can be tiring and even frustrating.  Keeping Christ centered has been my priority.  I feel very humble in being a delegate.

JOY - SADNESS - LAUGHTER - TEARS - PRAYING - DELIBERATION

Emotions seem to be high at times.  I have seen Holy Conferencing and respect for others.  I have also witnessed the "me attitude."  The frustration in dealing with Robert's Rules of Order has occurred.  We say we trust God. Can we not trust each other, too?  We persevere and move on. [caption id="attachment_5870" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The Tamba Marimba Ensemble with Paul Jeffrey taking pictures- Sandy Hieronymus photo[/caption] Gathering music today was fun and inspiring from the Tamba Marimba Ensemble from the Tigard UMC in Tigard, Oregon.  Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, Northeastern Jurisdiction, brought the message "Listening to God's Dream."  Devadhar means "follower of God" in Suda.  He told us that the Bible is not to be used selfishly.  We may have to do things differently.  Will the 2016 General Conference go down in history as one where we offered Christ to the World?  He told us about women in ministry and Paul's attitude.  Quoting Bishop Leontine T. Kelly as saying "Paul did not call me.  God did."  He ended by telling us to listen to You, God, and only You.  And so we began this fifth day of General Conference inspired and ready for the task of the day.  We needed this inspiration as it was a very l-o-n-g day. One of the greatest joys this week is being with lovely United Methodists from around the world.  My committee and sub-committee are very diverse.  Each day, I look forward to chatting with folks from other delegations, especially the Central Conference delegates.  I love our connectional church!  I have had many wanting to hear me talk.  Do I really have an accent? [caption id="attachment_5872" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Sandy with Eduard Carlos, Philippines, and Tshimbu Muyombi, South Congo[/caption]   Sandy Hieronymus is a lay delegate from Mint Hill, North Carolina