Annual Conference Report from Betty

Report on Nebraska United Methodist Church Annual Conference 2010

Fortunately, Reconciling Ministries Network had a good location this year for its information table in a hallway just outside the Nebraska Annual Conference meeting room on the Nebraska Wesleyan University campus in Lincoln. As a result, we had a lot of traffic. What thrilled those staffing the table was that many of the people we talked to were rural Nebraskans, both lay people and pastors. We used the two posters in the RMN packet, and they attracted a lot of comments.

We were so busy at the table we didn’t move around much to see other table displays.  The only quiet time came when conference delegates left the building to go to 40 sites in Lincoln for a mission work experience.  This was for a half day and it was called “the church has left the building.”

We also used as talking points five pages consisting of four General Conference Resolutions and one page from the Social Principles: Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation.  This material was prepared by Rev. Stephen Griffith of Lincoln.  We handed out more than 75 copies.  Most of the people we talked to were not aware of the Book of Resolutions.  We listened to many stories and will be working with at least three pastors in rural areas to help with families of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.

Also this year, we had 100 youths in attendance, the largest number in recent years, and they visited our table a lot.  Most were wearing stoles and pins by the end of the conference. We all felt excitement and joy for all the conversations we had this year and hope to continue that Reconciling journey.

The ordination and commissioning service at Annual Conference was special this year for First United Methodist Church-Omaha. Rev. Debra McKnight, FUMC associate pastor, became an ordained United Methodist minister along with five others. Family members and friends, including some from FUMC-Omaha, stood in support during the traditional “laying on of hands.” 

Submitted by Betty Dorr,

For the Nebraska State Reconciling Email Group