Thanks to our supporters and over 400 volunteers over the 11 days of GC, many of us sensed the presence of God within our midst.  Unfortunately, we were not able to overturn the unreasonable discrimination practiced by our denomination toward our LGBTQI brothers and sisters.  The GC finally approved a recommendation by the Council of Bishops to establish another commission to study the church’s stance on “human sexuality”.  Only time will tell whether this will produce results, or is just “kicking the can down the road.”

There are many articles being circulated online as we reflect on the events in Portland.
Click here for the UMC News Service’s official wrap-up.

Photo Credits: R Curry, UM News Service, Jim Quinn, Dave Jerde

The Listening Sessions will cover the following topic areas:

·       April 5th        UMC Restructuring Related Proposals

·       April 12th       Human Sexuality and LGBTQI Proposals

·       April 19th       Global Discipline & Other Miscellaneous Topics

Learn more and register as a participant or presenter.

These Listening Sessions will all be conducted as a webinar via ZOOM – online video conferencing. There is no limit to the total number of participants for each session. Each session will be recorded and archived for later viewing.

Participants

Those registering as webinar participants will be able to see and hear the presentations and discussion. Depending on the number of participants and presentations, you may have the ability to ask questions through text-based Q&A or by audio and video. Upon registering, ZOOM connection information will be sent as a confirmation of registration.

Click on the session below to register as a participant. You will be redirected to the Zoom Webinar Page.

•  April 12th       Human Sexuality Related Issues [LGBTQI]
• April 19th       Global Discipline & Other Miscellaneous Topics

The Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) invites us to participate in the “It’s Time” campaign in preparation for GC2016.  Resources are available to help write letters to your delegates, share your stories, and more.

For more information, go to http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/itstime/.

Here’s how you can help:

1.    Go to the Love Your Neighbor Coalition website and endorse the vision statement. http://www.lyncoalition.org/vision-for-umc. Rio Texas MFSA has rented a house in Portland for 8 of the 10 days of GC. Contact Rowland Curry at rcurry@austin.rr.com if you are interested in going to GC to volunteer.

2.    Sign up to be a volunteer for the coalition. If you are able to come to Portland anytime during May 10-20, 2016, please consider signing up to volunteer with the coalition (legislative tracking, witness, and support to justice-seeking delegates). You can register to volunteer now!