Final Day

In her benediction during our final morning worship service, Bishop Tracy Smith-Malone declared: “May we overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” This is my hope and prayer for First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls and for our worldwide denomination.

Yesterday and today, several petitions were ratified including:

·       The remaining legislation to move forward with worldwide regionalization was ratified. Now, the legislation that requires constitutional approval will be in the hands of the annual conferences to decide.

·       Ordained Deacons were given the right to perform sacramental rites including presiding over Holy Communion and Holy Baptism.

·       The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy recommended the United States be served by 32 Bishops which is a decrease. This will be accomplished through natural attrition of retirement. The recommendation to decrease the number of bishops is based upon the current financial realities of the denomination.

·       The budget for the upcoming quadrennium was approved which reflects a 40% decrease to respond to current financial realities of the denomination.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Reserve Clergy Delegate on behalf of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Thank you again for all your prayers for me, for our delegation, and for the General Conference. Thank you again for your cards. I have loved reading them every day. They have given me so much encouragement during my time in Charlotte. While my time in Charlotte has been meaningful, I’m excited to be home. See you on Sunday!