Categories: uncategorized
Date: 05 July 2012 09:25:09
I've been watching some of the Methodist Conference via live streaming this week. For various reasons I've found it incredibly moving at times - some of which I feel able to discuss. The live streaming has enabled us to see the debates going on which impact the church nationally and locally and also have relevance to ecumenical partners and others.
During the week one thing which has really struck me is the way young people have been honoured and involved. Following the twitter stream and seeing the interaction of a number of 3 Generate reps (youth and children assembly reps aged 23 and below elected as youth reps) has given me a real boost. These are young people obviously passionate about mission and social justice but they also clearly care about engaging with the church they are part of. It was great to see the Youth President Sam Taylor get his award from a secular organisation for the hard work he's done on developing a youth participation.
It was great to see the value of Venture FX being recognised and affirmed, (and as a result a reduction in their budget cut occurring).
It was moving to see world mission partners being welcomed and speaking to conference. Just this morning there was a South American bishop speaking in a debate condemning the use of drones.
It was great to see that when cuts were being made Connexionally in some areas that districts were picking up projects they were enthusiastic about such as the One Project.
There were times though when difficult things were being discussed, especially but not only in relation to the Fruitful Field. It was useful to see how those decisions were made.
There were times when, through excellent chairing, it was possible to see the church show compassion in difficult areas. The prayer and singing of Beauty for Brokeness at the end of a time discussing safeguarding was particularly moving.
What was most moving for me though, and was something I could only experience as a result of live streaming, was a highly personal moment showing how God is a God of love, healing and change. Yesterday morning Third Party, (my daughter), who has been a One Project Participant this year and has been involved in stewarding at conference, was one of those involved in serving communion. This meant she was in the first group of people taking communion and there wasn't a queue behind her. I saw her kneel and take communion with dignity and engaging with her faith. This may not seem like a big deal but two years ago Third Party's anxiety was so bad that she didn't leave the house - apart from going to church and sitting in the back corner. Taking communion was sometimes too difficult for her to do and as for being in spaces with lots of people she didn't know.....well, that was impossible. Some of you will know that last year she didn't get to Greenbelt last year as a result of her anxiety issues. Yesterday, she was there, in a vast hall, with a group of strangers, taking communion and interacting with a large number of strangers. It was a symbol to me of the way the One Project and others have been used by God to help heal my daughter and change her/ our lives. God is a God of love and healing who does change things in ways we don't expect or understand. Seeing that moment on the live stream made me cry.
I know that last part of the post may have been difficult for some to read, and apologies if it has caused hurt, but I really feel it is important to share testimony of what God can do. I don't know why some people have this level of healing and others don't - all I know is that Third Party has a real story of love, healing and change to in her life and I wanted to give testimony to that.
So finally, thanks for those who have been involved in providing the live streaming. Have been deeply blessed by the work you have done.