Less than three days after a special General Conference concludes in St. Louis, lay and clergy United Methodists in the Mountain Sky Area will gather for a Post General Conference Summit on March 1 at Hope United Methodist Church, 501 S. Dayton Street, Greenwood Village, Colorado. Sponsored by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy & Friends (UMARC), coffee & free registration begins at 8:30 am with the program starting at 9:00 am.
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The session will open with singing the traditional Wesleyan hymn, "And Are We Yet Alive," an anthem often sung by the pioneer circuit riders facing peril and controversy. “When we gather just after a conference likely to be both decisive and divisive,” says Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, Chair of UMARC, “new meaning will be attached to Charles Wesley’s old words about troubles, conflicts, and fears, But renewed affirmation of the glory and grace of Jesus’ love will be our top priority.” Rev. Dr. Charles Schuster and Rev. Claire McNulty-Drewes will lead in opening devotions and flautist Rev. John Blinn will perform.
The event is scheduled almost immediately after an unprecedented special General Conference to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, February 23-26, 2019. The 864 delegates from around the world will come together to debate whether The United Methodist Church should tighten its restrictions or remove its prohibitions against ordaining gay & lesbian persons and performing marriages for same-sex loving couples. Fears of schism and disunity abound.
The focus will be on “what happened?” and “what’s next” for the denomination. Reports will be shared by General Conference delegates, Rev. Kent Ingram, Rev. Bradley Laurvick, Rev. Megan Armstrong, and Kunle Taiwo. Conference observers, Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson, Rev. Dr. Donald Messer, and Mountain Sky Chancellor Richard Marsh, will also speak and answer questions. Bishop Karen Oliveto may or may not be present, depending on obligations following General Conference.
Conference co-chairs, Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, and Rev. Dr. Harvey C. Martz, note that United Methodism is at a dangerous crossroads in mission and ministry.” They note, “however, it also could be a ‘kairos’ moment, when the Holy Spirit breaks though, affirming a way forward that looks more like the inclusive Kingdom of God and beloved community Christians proclaim.”
Live streaming will be available, starting at 9:00 am. Details can be found on the website of the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy: www.umarc.org