news article

UNY Delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conference gathers

July 31, 2019 / By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On July 26 and July 27, the Upper New York Conference Delegation to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference gathered at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. This was the first gathering of the Delegation since the delegates were elected at Annual Conference in June.

The Delegation’s time started with an evening of team building lead by the well-known speaker and author, Michael Brandwein.

“It was intentional for us to begin this way,” said Carmen Vianese, head of the delegation. “I wanted us to begin with team building and fun activities, while learning to listen and engage each other in conversation... which will be very important skills as we move forward! With Michael's guidance we did just that.”

The next day was spent continuing to get to know one another and discussing how they would work together. This included discussion about technical issues like how often they would gather, what technology they would use to continue their work between gatherings, how they would share their work and their experience with the whole Conference, and what resources were available to them to complete their work.

More importantly, time was spent identifying the values and expectations they would hold each other to, as they journey together as delegates.

There was an acknowledgement that this is a uniquely difficult time in the life of the United Methodist Church, and the fact that they were elected as delegates is both an honor and a great responsibility.

The Delegation is going to face many challenges in the coming months, but they plan to hold each other in prayer and support as they work together through all the challenges. They ask the whole Upper New York Conference to join them in praying for the work ahead and the future of The United Methodist Church.