Wednesday

Yesterday in the mass meeting of the Elders, President Dave Schaal brought greetings. He expressed a deep appreciation for each person's willingness to say yes to minister as an elder. Today in the Elders' Quorum, a representative from the Human Rights Committee answered questions about the motion regarding Human Trafficking. The goal is to empower the church to be involved in bringing justice, to inform the church about the issue, and move the church to make a difference. It's estimated that in the US this issue may involve as many as 10-100,000 people.

We discussed briefly G-15 World Trade Day. Many comments were made in support of the general intent of the motion but also many concerns about this being an American focus and not a world issue. It was noted that there are many other tragedies in the world.

We also had some discussion regarding G-24 Structural Support for a Mission of Holistic Ministry. Concerns were raised for overburdened and unequipped field staff but a motion with good intent.

The legislative sessions today continued with discussion on the inspired document. "SPEAK SLOWLY, SPEAK CLEARLY AND LEAN INTO THE MICROPHONE", was the message we've heard over and over as everyone struggled to hear and understand every word. Comments both for and against were respectfully shared and heard without applause and without murmuring. Some struggle with sections of the document, some struggle with individual words, and some struggle to understand how implementation of the directives will actually work. Again, Dave Schaal reminded us that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand and interpret it and that we need to live into the words of counsel.

The document in its entirety was passed with a majority. We sang "Breathe on Me Breath of God". Then President Schaal stated that it was Steve's request that we not focus on him but instead focus on God and the leaders of the church that have brought us to this point. As Steve was escorted back into the chamber, we sang the new words for "We Thank You, O God, for Our Prophets"...

We thank you, O God, for our prophets
Who lead us in witness today;
We thank you for calling your people
To share in the prophetic way;
We thank you for all of life's blessings
Bestowed by your generous hands;
We feel it a pleasure to serve you,
And respond to your call in all lands.


When voices of strife and division
Are threat'ning earth's peace to destroy,
There is hope shining brightly before us,
As we share love and hope, peace and joy.
We doubt not the mercies of heaven;
We've claimed them in days that are past;
All those who will labour for Zion
Will surely be blessed at last.


Our call as a prophetic people
Is to walk in the Way of the Christ.
Welcome all who would join in the journey
Seeking joy in God's life-giving light.
By prayer may we always be open
To bear further truth God would give.
We dare to act boldly for justice,
And share so that others might live.


When Steve was again on the rostrum, he started by saying that he missed us and was glad to be back! He expressed his gratitude for how the conference body respectfully discussed the document. He also recognized that not all were comfortable with the words or the message. But he stated that, "What holds us together...is greater than anything that separates us. We can move forward as a church. God is not only with us but has high expectations and is grateful that we trust the spirit to lead us into uncharted territory. But isn't that always the challenge."

We ended the day early and headed to the Stone Church for Mary Jacks Dynes field reception. It was a feast! We were filled physically with wonderful food. Mary was thanked and gifted by several of the Mission Centres for her ministry and leadership. Mary also presented the Mission Centre Presidents and Financial Officers as well as Bishop Jim Poirier and Kris Judd, Missionary Coordinator with special thank yous. And we feasted on connecting with one another. Mary played an awesome recording of a blending of the two national anthems, a song that most of us had never heard before. There were smiles of pride from persons on each side of the border as familiar words and notes were sprinkled throughout the song! It was truly a beautiful melody, medley and piece of music that each nation could be equally proud of and spoke about the two nations standing side by side in a special relationship.

Tonight, conference participants had a special opportunity to be involved in an extreme makeover from 6:30 til 9 pm. Through a successful Jesus and Me (JAM) program at the Hawthrone Branch of the Boys & Girls Club, JAM was invited to expand to more clubs. Their huge building needed a lot of work. They were hoping for 100 volunteers to help tonight. Work has been going on all week to clean up the building, add a splash of new paint, add electrical wiring, etc. I had the chance to work side by side with Cindy Larsen's Graceland roommate as well as Terry Fielder, Dave Barth, and a couple of others from Michigan!!

All in all, a great day!