General Conference
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Dr J’s Song of the Day for April 29th
Dr J’s Song of the Day for April 29th is “RIOT” by “The Scarlet Opera” A lyric selection: Ooh, I kinda like it, gets me excitedThe sound of giants, we can’t keep this quietOoh, I kinda like it, gets me excitedLet’s start a riot, we could start a riot (hey)Say what you wantThere’s a great Continue reading
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What about Sunday?
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,and in his word I hope;my soul waits for the Lordmore than those who watch for the morning,more than those who watch for the morning. -Psalm 130:5-6 A few people had messaged me wondering what to say in their churches in the Sunday in between. Five days of Continue reading
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Clarifying ¶ 164.(B).i of The Revised Social Principles
This social principle states:Because all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties, and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We see clear issues of equality and justice in protecting the rightful claims of those Continue reading
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Consent Calendar A02 – Approved
With the passing of Consent Calendar A02, We have revised a portion of The Social Principles, The Political Community: The Preface: “Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment.” Very excellent things are spoken of love; it is the essence, the spirit, the life of all virtue. It is not only Continue reading
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Q and A with Dr. J #3
1. What are the pieces of legislation that are sent to annual conferences after passing General Conference, and who gets to vote on them? Any legislation that amends the Constitution must go to the annual conferences to vote. The aggregate number of votes (that is, total of all individuals voting, not total annual conferences) are Continue reading
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Dr J’s Song of the Day for General Conference: “One’s on the Way”
Dr. J’s Song of the Day for General Conference!Loretta Lynn’s “One’s on the Way” reminds us that we have to make it matter. A Lyric Selection: The girls in New York City, they all march for women’s libBetter Homes and Gardens shows, a modern way to liveAnd the pill may change the world tomorrow but Continue reading
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The Limits of Bishops: Further Thoughts on Judicial Council Decision 1494
Decision 1494 reminds the bishops that they should not overstep their role as episcopal officers in offering either legislative or judicial solutions related to matters of law. These decisions are reserved for The General Conference and Judicial Council, respectively. This has not been the first decision in history to remind bishops of their role and Continue reading
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Judicial Council Round Up #1
The Judicial Council is our high court, and they will meet throughout the General Conference. I will work to try to go over the decisions and any implications that may come from them. This first set comes from the April 22nd meeting. Decision 1492 – lets us know that Annual Conferences and Bishops cannot make Continue reading
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Dr J’s Song of the Day: Welcome to Hard Times
Dr J’s Song of the Day for Day 3 of General Conference is “Welcome to Hard Times” by Charley Crockett. A lyric selection: Welcome to hard times and feelin’ lowDo you like sinnin’? No?Well, you will before you goWe’ve got lots of gamblin’Oh, and we’re tellin’ liesYou’re certainly welcome to hard times Take a look Continue reading
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Q and A with Dr. J #2
I have received more questions and want to answer them here. 1) Will regionalization impact autonomous churches ability to leave denomination? According to current legislation,(ADCA vol 3 – 1545), conferences that wish to disaffiliate will still have ¶ 572 to become a autonomous Methodist Churches, but the proposed ¶ 576 would also allow them to Continue reading
Jonathan LeMaster-Smith 