World Wide Worship Welcomes Delegates

Traditional drums started the service

Delegates from across the connection joined in a World Wide Worship Service and hospitality dinner sponsored by the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC) Global Relationships Team and the National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists. Hymns, scripture, and liturgy were joyfully shared in English, French, Kiswahili, and Portuguese.

As the General Conference of the United Methodist Church prepares to meet in Charlotte, the Global Relationships Team of LYNC organized the worship service and a time of fellowship over a meal at First UMC Charlotte on April 21. Delegates from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines arrived in Charlotte for three days of orientation in advance of U.S. counterparts joining for the thrice-delayed gathering of the denomination's highest legislative body. Approximately 300 attended the worship service and meal.

Bishop Israel Painit (Joscie Cutchens photos)

Before delegates meet to consider legislation of the church, the worship gathering offered a place to share a connection across continents. In his sermon, Bishop Israel Painit, resident bishop of the Davao Episcopal Area of the Philippines, encouraged the body to “remember unity is a choice” as he spoke on themes of unity and hope.  A Delegate choir from the Philippines and a delegate choir from the North Katanga Annual Conference shared their musical gifts. Bishops from around the world celebrated communion.

Delegates enjoyed fellowship over a Filipino meal including chicken adobo, pancit, rice, and lumpia.

See more LYNC Events at the General Conference on the Events page.