Bishop Ward introduces the opening of General Conference 2016 and also gives thanks for the NC Conference’s faithfulness to apportionments.
For General Conference stories, news, and updates, visit our GC2016 page.
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Today, this afternoon, General Conference begins in Portland, Oregon. The opening worship service is grand and glorious, a communion service, gathering delegates selected from around the world, from all the places where United Methodist people gather, serve, pray, worship and reach out in ministry to the world.
Thank you for your prayers, which have continued this spring, as we have anticipated this day at the beginning of the 2016 General Conference. The theme of General Conference is “Therefore Go,” words taken from Matthew 28, a section of scripture known as the Great Commission, where Jesus sends the disciples out into the world to proclaim the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, teaching them. Jesus reminds us that Jesus is indeed with us, even unto the very end of the age. As United Methodist people, we embrace this text as our mission, our core mission in the world, and I thank you for your part with all United Methodist people.
The North Carolina annual conference is a strong link in the chain of United Methodist witness. Thank you for your support of our shared ministry through apportionments. Our annual conference continues to receive, through your generosity, 92% of the apportioned amount and we are able to support the work of our General Church, our global church, 100% as a result. Your witness and your generosity matters very very much.
As these days unfold in Portland, our communications staff will be helping us send messages – video messages, email messages, and in other ways, we will communicate with you as General Conference unfolds. Truly we are bound across the miles in spirit with one another.
Thank you for your continued prayers and for all our life together.