The 2011 Annual Conference for the United Methodist Church
Lay Delegate's Report

The 2011 United Methodist Annual Conference was once again held in the booming metropolis of Florence, SC. When 2,100 Methodist hit any town, I would think it would be more than a revelation to the hometown folk. The business and hotel establishments definitely benefit, and so for that small fact, Kurt and I can be proud we were able to assist in the rebuilding of the economy. Now remember, this comment is coming from a resident of the huge metropolis of Central, SC. Guess I better be careful about poking fun at the location for the five days Kurt and I spent amending, voting, and/or participating in analysis of the Methodist doctrines.

The theme this year was the “Principles, Passions, and Practices of the Wesleyan Way”. Throughout the week, discussions involved budgeting, affirming new leaders for Christ’s Church, electing delegates for General and Jurisdictional Conferences, and overall business of the Methodist Church for the upcoming year. I think it is easily forgotten that God’s church must be run as a business in order to meet the financial and spiritual obligations of the nation and world, while trying to celebrate the passionate love God reveals to us every day.

Each day in the midst of the business ordeals and requirements, conference leadership paused to provide us with a time of enlightenment on Wesleyan beliefs as they relate to personal fundamentals, enthusiasms, and applications. These sessions were very compelling, and brought methodology into focus for daily living. We as people of God personally determine the “I Must’s” that we select in our lives. We then benefit from these spiritual or personal goals and arrive at new levels of faith as we develop. The passion of our beliefs brings a level of love for God, the Holy Spirit, family, and church family that becomes focused and directed if we set them aside as priorities. The mission must be clear, purposeful, and different from an “I should” or an “I want”.

God’s invitation can be transforming. Every church and church family has an eternal “we must”. Mt Zion United Methodist Church is a point on a map in the huge metropolis of Central, SC and is given God’s invitation to have life and have it abundantly if we passionately spread the love of Jesus. This invitation not only can redeem and transform each of us, but can allow us the opportunity of giving to others regardless of race, sex, or social status. God’s love is tangible. Our mission, our “must”, is to spread authentic faith. We must change intangible beliefs into the personal touch of the Christian heart and hand. The communities of Central and Clemson should know we mean business. Our passion as a people and a church must be seen in our practices.

We must demonstrate humility and relish in the fact that we need God. Nothing comes alone. No power or resource can facilitate growth without the Spirit. We must practice what Kurt preaches. Dr. McPherson reminds us weekly that our loving, friendly dispositions represent the Christian practice. We should all be greeters. God also did not tell his people to sit back and wait to see what happens. He spoke and people listened. His guidance will allow this to happen if we create and act. John Wesley went to the people. In 1 Corinthians, Paul went to the people. The Good Samaritan stopped and initiated assistance.

We must remember that just as no person or action was beneath Jesus Christ, no person, need, or action is too menial for Mount Zion United Methodist Church. We “must” take our passion to all people. The act of baptism has united us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Just as we visually and verbally commit to the newborns at the baptismal font, we are committed to each other and that provides an insurmountable advantage and strength. For instance, the children at Epworth are counting on their extended families to provide them survival. Donations of $6 (six) provide care for a child at this home. They need us, and we can and must nurture and love these children and youth so that their lives can be forever changed. How can we lose with this simple yet oh so complex a contract?

The Wesleyan Way can and should be contagious to others. We live by faith and through God, all things are possible. The church can influence even the unknown. Our possibilities are limitless if we have the audacity to discuss faith openly and courageously. The lights through the Mount Zion windows reflect and shine without a single spoken word to all those who travel beside her each day. What will we as a powerful group do with these reflections? We can and will be rewarded simply because of our faith, our actions, and our beliefs. Nothing comes to a sleeping Christian but a dream.

Conference continued my growth and learning as we discussed the changes required of the church in today’s world. Congregations and pastors are now seen as partnerships with our work grounded in faith. Remember we have to have the audacity to be proud and display our faith. We have to stand on something; let it be the word of God. There are churches that are growing. Celebrate that Mount Zion is one of them. Dr. McPherson continues to lead us through inspiration. But we must also continue to give him the freedom to establish visions for us, and trust him to lead us.

The role of Christianity has not changed. Our world has changed. We must continue to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How we do that might change. But we must take a clear look at practices in order to clearly understand the needs of our culturally diverse brothers and sisters. Sometimes this is very difficult. There have been and always will be “we don’t do it that way here” statements and therefore, hurdles. But our worship must be inspiring and alive. We should always center on the moving of the Holy Spirit, and our connection with God. However, we don’t worship worship; the style is irrelevant. The power and presence of God is the drawing factor. To quote John Wesley, “If we catch on fire with enthusiasm; the people will come for miles to see us burn.” Let’s get the fire extinguishers ready!!

As for the voting process, it took three days and nine votes for the clergy to elect their delegation to General Conference, and I lost count during the Jurisdictional delegate voting. It took the laity three days and eleven ballots to select our entire delegation, but we were finally successful. It obviously was a difficult process simply because the number of legal ballots received at each vote constantly changed, as well as, the vast number of candidates in the pool. These delegates will be representing South Carolina at the national 2012 meetings. These assemblies will be faced with important decisions based on huge cultural challenges. One of the most important challenges will be the United Methodist stand on immigration reform. This discussion was one of the most contested at Conference, and I am sure will continue to be for the nation and church as a whole. The Greenville June 19th paper contained an article on the Southern Baptist Convention and the immigration resolutions being discussed by this denomination. A sad and difficult topic. Please note that all materials are available should anyone like to review my handouts or business documents.

Finally, I must say that witnessing the ordination of Dr. McPherson was by far one of the most moving celebrations I have been fortunate to attend. What was most significant and emotionally moving to me was hearing Kurt respond to the declarations, admonitions, and personal affirmations. The laying of the bishop’s hand on Kurt’s shoulders was like witnessing a walk with Christ in the truest sense. “No calling is more sacred and yet no privilege more meaningful.” (Excerpt from Bishop Taylor’s questions) The Methodist body was definitely standing on Holy Ground during that service. What a spectacle to behold for a lowly Christian like myself. I wish you could all have been there. But then you were --weren’t you-- in my heart, in my heart.

Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Coffman
Lay Delegate

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