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Bishop's Corner
Promises Kept
By Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson
Having
just concluded our General Conference 2000 in Cleveland, Ohio, I must report
that, again, my heart was strangely warmed. Nearly 1,000 delegates gathered
from across the world under the theme, "We Who Are Many Are One
Body." Blessings untold have come to so many as we assemble as God’s
people. Obviously, this was my first time attending as a bishop of the
church. For six quadrennia I was chosen as a delegate of the North Georgia
Annual Conference. The perspective from the stage where bishops and the
Judicial Council sit is much different from that of the floor where the lay
and clergy delegates are seated. But the overall picture is exactly the
same.
As one accepts membership in the United Methodist Church a vow is taken which states, "I will be loyal to the United Methodist Church and support it by my presence, prayers, gifts and service." I am sure that for some these are just words. But for others this vow has deep, abiding meaning.
Please allow me to share with you just a few of the joys Dorothye and I received in Cleveland:
- Outstanding music and leadership led by Minister Cynthia Wilson of Ben Hill United Methodist Church.
- Bible-centered preaching by the bishops of the church.
- Stirring debates over legislation as presented by legislative
committees.
- Excellent attendance by most of the delegates.
- Genuine fellowship as friends of the faith.
- Christian hospitality as offered by host Bishop Jonathan Keaton and
his good people of the Ohio East Annual Conference.
- Truckloads of cookies.
- A service of remembrance for bishops and spouses who have died since
General Conference 1996.
- A moving service of repentance for the sins of racism.
For me it was/is such an honor to be a part of the United Methodist Church and watch the church at work, worship, prayer, praise and fellowship. The connection really connects.
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