Overheard in the gallery

May 18, 2016 / By Holly Nye, Reserve Clergy Delegate

Did he even hear what he was saying? Maybe not. More disturbing still: perhaps he meant exactly what I heard him say.

All night and morning, rumors had been flying of a proposed "amicable separation." No one had yet addressed WHO was to separate or HOW. The questions had not been addressed by Church or General Conference officials, yet the chatter in the body was growing. We were sent for a long break, and as I (and my cast - remember my cast?) Picked my way among knots of people, I passed a group of three men, one of whom was clearly saying, "I don't mind having fewer members, as long as they are on ‘My team.’"

My team?  My team?

This passing moment was one of many moments of deep sadness for me. Anytime we start talking about ‘My Team’ or ‘Their Team,’ rather than about God’s Church, then we have certainly strayed from God's path.

I had a fleeting mental image of myself - or any pastor - saying to my congregation something like, "It's ok if the congregation gets smaller, so long as those who remain are on the same page with me."  It was ludicrous, unthinkable. Yet I had heard just this sentiment voiced about the UMC.

The church is God's people - varied, difficult, messy as we are. We are the people who are called to learn to live together, in love - and to reflect God's love to the world.

The future of any "unity proposals " or "separation proposals" remains uncertain at this moment. Your delegation trusts that you are in prayer with and for your church and for the General Conference. Imagine: one day the world may once again say: "See how those Christians love one another."

P. S. Re loving one another: Monday night, most of the UNY contingent gathered for dinner - those who serve as marshals, pages, other volunteers and staff, delegates, and our bishop. The group was kind enough to remember my birthday! But even more important, we all took the time to relax and enjoy table fellowship together. We came together from our different areas of work, left the stress of the day behind at the convention center, and spent the evening caring for one another. Oh, and sharing some famous Portland donuts, with birthday candles .

Second P. S. Tuesday morning's preacher, World Methodist Council leader Bishop Ivan Abrahams, reminded us that we follow Jesus of Palestine, not the Jesus of Constantine. I commend his powerful message to you - the text and video are available on UMC.org.