JUSTice Highlights - April 29, 2024
They said to him, “Ask for an answer from God so we can know whether we’ll be successful on this trip we’ve taken.”
The priest replied to them, “Go in peace. The Lord is watching over you on this trip you’ve taken.”
(Judges 18:5-6)
After a day of rest, this will be a short newsletter today. Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth offered a powerful message Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte.
All legislative committees finished their work on Saturday, some going until 9:30 p.m.
Today begins a long process of working through consent calendars, motions, and debates. Pray for those on the floor of the plenary session for energy to endure and clear minds and hearts to discern the way forward for the church.
If you wish to get updates throughout the day, subscribe to a WhatsApp messaging group that provides updates and light commentary. Click here for a link to join the Progressive Lens group.
Today we are kicking off our noontime speaker series. See the details below.
And don’t forget!
You can shop at the World Wide Craft Market to support ministries around the globe. Read more.
A word about money …
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Love Your Neighbor Coalition and its fifteen coalition partners! We couldn’t be here without you.
Your gifts have funded meeting space, translators, pizza, bar-b-Que, printers and posters, musicians, balloons, t-shirts, and more.
Today we are within $4,000 of meeting our fundraising goal. All General Conference expenses will be covered if we can reach that now. This is critical so that we can be prepared to start the journey to ratification of the regionalization plan with no leftover debt from this event.
Chaplains Offer Support and Care
A 40-person team of chaplains is available in person, via phone, and in virtual space to offer support during the General Conference. Hosted by several organizations, they are dedicated to providing care. Read More …
LYNC will be hosting a series of lunchtime speakers
These will be from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Dogwood Room C. Bring lunch with you on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A light lunch will be provided on Tuesday. Come and hear what they have to share on these justice topics:
Monday, April 29: Deaconess Joy Prim will share about her work with Filipino women in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Her work covers broad human rights areas and supports United Methodist policies and resolutions.
Tuesday, April 30: Rev. Won-Seok Yuh and Rev. Amy Wake will share about the petition for Acts of Repentance and the UMC’s need to repent for its responsibility for the armed overthrow of the independent nation of Hawaii in 1893 and the illegal annexation in 1898.
Wednesday, May 1: Rev. T.C. Morrow will share about witnessing in public spaces, particularly government places of power, and her work with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, including efforts to end long-term solitary confinement in prisons, jails, and detention centers.
NEW ADDITION! Thursday, May 2: Pieter Friedrich is a US-based independent journalist and author of four books. He will talk with us about the rise of persecution of Christians in India, the source and ideology driving it, the direness of the situation, and how it simultaneously impacts other religious minorities.
Craft Market Supports Mission
Don’t miss your chance to purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from international delegates. They have brought items to sell from around the world to support ministries in their home countries and villages. Be part of the connection by shopping for that unique gift for cousin Susie! At the Hilton Garden Inn, Every Day (except Sunday) from 10:30 - to 8:00. Read more on the lYNC Website about this special project.
Stay Connected via WhatsApp Chat
Get periodic updates about the General Conference, by joining the GC Progressive Lens community chat. The chat team will offer updates on what is happening on the floor and behind the scenes.
Chaplain Hotline at General Conference: 424-467-9462
Donate to LYNC Today!
The Love Your Neighbor Coalition is still actively seeking financial support to help share the message of an inclusive and caring United Methodist Church. Join Us!