Bishop Hoshibata shares some thought about General Conference 2012.

They nodded their heads. One said, “That’s why I don’t go to church anymore.” Then she smiled. “My parents still attend our United Methodist church. They are in a class studying gay and lesbian inclusion. But most of their church is against it.”

The real surprise was that the entire restructure was ruled unconstitutional rather than just a few features in the plan.

I understand the need to make a statement, to have witness, I understand also that people have right to protest their position. However, there are two things that happened that upset me. The first thing that has bothered me is that in protest/witness communion was served.

The Final thing that happened that was an injustice has been happening for a long time in a lot of places. The young people that were required to be part of the conversations were ignored, patronized, left out, and disrespected.

While I am not happy with the outcome and I think that certain aspects of implementing the process could have been much better, particularly in the plenary session; I believe in the process and accept the result--at least until next General Conference when there may be legitimate attempts to change the status quo of 2016.

I heard someone last night talking about the mission of the church “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” His observation was that our measurements of this equate “disciple” with anyone attending church. Are we really going to emphasize “butts in the pews”, or do we truly care about developing followers of Jesus who live in accordance with his teaching?

One of the two main reasons that I am a United Methodist is because I can believe something different than the person sitting next to me and still be accepted in my church family. Many people were against this wording saying that if you don’t believe the way the bible (mind you the bible that can be interpreted many different ways), says you should then you have removed yourself from the grace and love of god.

Do we all know what the definition of insanity is? Insanity: the act of doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I would have to say by that definition the people sitting on stage this morning were insane.

The sand is whiter and finer, the water is saltier and WARMER.

One thing I will never get tired of is being with the young people. We have so much passion and drive when it comes to things we care about. The benefit to being young is we also have the energy to get less sleep and go, go, go, to pursue those things. It is truly amazing to be a part of, even when being a part of it makes you more physically tired it livens the soul.

The subcommittee was compassionate with one another and generous. .Their Holy Conversation that proceeded the vote was deep, moving, and open -- punctuated with tears and laughter. Randy Miller of the Cal-Nevada conference provided leadership and wisdom.

For those of us who like watching the political process unfold--who like the political thriller aspect--it all moves to the plenary starting Monday where there will be more acts in this play. To mix the metaphors--for those who don't like watching the sausage making, avert your eyes and we will let you know when it is safe to look again.

For many, English is a second, third or fourth language. Some do not need translation while listening. But when they want to express themselves accurately and fully, they choose to use a translator to assist them.

Tonight after worship a small group of the young people met. At this meeting (like last nights) we were able to find ourselves in holy conferencing and made some decisions and progress as almost a caucus of young people.

"It's a good idea, but what about the 300 reserve delegates?"
So now the number of hand painted silk scarves needed would jump from 988 to 1298!Tom took a deep breath. "If God is in it," he reminded himself, this could be done...

...we were able to talk openly and in disagreement with each other, but yet respectfully and without much tension between us.

It's Friday (I think) afternoon in Tampa. We are starting to tire a little here at General Conference. But the work is getting done. Yesterday and today has been full of legislative committee work as the body considers the many petitions for changes to the Book of Discipline.

So far, the proponents of all the proposed plans have been respectful of the process and have not attempted to manipulate the parliamentary procedure...

I title this Lost because, tonight I find myself not having much to write about...Well it looks like I managed to have more on my mind than I thought.