Many First United Methodist Church of Hurst members were volunteering yesterday in the Fort Worth Convention Center as registration for General Conference began. Lamar and Clara Milner registered me and gave me my delegate credentials. Also seen working the registration tables and other areas were Sandra Hill, Reverend Jacinto and Betty Alderete, Reverend Henry and Susan Radde, Dr. Joe Larson, Reverend Alice Logan, Reverend Steven Bell, Ruby Ann Crites, and Reverend Judy Sands. Other members will be volunteering throughout the 10 days of General Conference. Thank you for your radical hospitality.

Walking through the Exhibit Hall, volunteers and staff members were constructing and setting up the informational and display areas describing the ministry and mission of the United Methodist Church. If you choose to go to the Fort Worth Convention Center for General Conference, walk through the Exhibit Area to learn of the vast ministry of our church.

Tonight General Conference begins with opening worship at 6:00 p.m. Our Chancel Choir leaves the church at 1:00 p.m. to go to the Convention Center for a rehearsal with three other choirs leading worship this evening. Prior to the worship service, our Chancel Choir will give a concert at 5:15 p.m.

If you can come, I encourage you to arrive early – it will be a moving experience with Methodists from around the globe. In our 11:00 a.m. service last Sunday at First United Methodist Church, we had more than 25 United Methodist guests from conferences in Africa and Europe; it was a visible symbol of the global nature of the United Methodist Church. Tonight’s worship will reflect this in exciting and inspiring ways as we worship God together.

Each evening, I will be writing a brief blog of my experiences and thoughts regarding the day’s proceedings. Other clergy in our church will be invited to write of their experiences as well. I ask for your prayers for all the delegates, volunteers, and staff involved in General Conference.

For the complete schedule of General Conference go to www.ctcumc.org . Click on “General Conference Gateway” and then click on “Agenda.” Visitors and observers are welcome at General Conference events.