The Rocky Mountain Conference
of The United Methodist Church

June 12, 2015
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2015 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference highlights: Day 2
Rebecca Parker delivers keynote and Bible Study; first ballot cast for General and Jurisdictional delegates

The second day of the 47th Rocky Mountain Annual Conference began with a morning Bible Study and keynote address by the Reverend Dr. Rebecca Parker. Drawing from images of medieval Christian artwork, Parker analyzed the depiction of Jesus Christ, Paradise, and the Tree of Life. "Remember this is God's world. All of Earth's ecosystems give glory to God," she said. Parker pulled from her books, Proverbs of Ashes and Saving Paradise, stating that we're all seeking freedom for the oppressed, and we all deserve wholeness, happiness, and well-being. What is Paradise? "This present world, here and now," she said.

Later on Friday afternoon, the first ballot to elect the clergy and lay delegates for the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences was cast. The balloting continues this weekend. Official results, along with results from the legislative committees, will be posted online.

Shared Futures Committee and Christian Conferencing
Video presentation asks conference members to be imaginative and innovative

Members of the Shared Futures Committee presented their report along with a video on Friday afternoon, recommending that the Rocky Mountain Conference move forward in merging with the Yellowstone Annual Conference. The Rev. Steve Burnett and Kristi Kinnison emphasized the recommendation goes beyond just merger, but creating a whole new conference. Burnett asked the body, "What is God doing in our midst? What is God imagining for all of us?" He said, "God is calling us always to be an Easter People - a people of the resurrection."

Following the Shared Futures Committee report, a time for feedback was held through Christian Conferencing. Delegates and guests were invited to reflect on the recommendation through small group discussions.

Clergy and Laity Sessions
Delegate nominees for 2016 General and Jurisdiction Conferences given time to speak

Following Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker's keynote and Bible Study, the delegates broke into their respective clergy and laity sessions. During the laity session at Assembly Hall, candidates spoke about their United Methodist faith, their work in the church, and the gifts they would bring as a delegate to the 2016 General and Western Jurisdiction Conferences. After the speeches, the laity then participated in different workshops ranging from exploring an outdoor labyrinth to music that transforms worship.

Rocky Mountain Annual Conference updates
Episcopal Address now online; see photos from Day 2 of session

Go to the Annual Conference website to read the Episcopal Address that Bishop Elaine Stanovsky delivered Thursday night under the section, "Presentations & Letters." Also find reports, the work of the Shared Futures Committee, and details of the Saturday afternoon workshops.

See photos from Day 2 of the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference by clicking here.

What's up next!
On the agenda for Saturday, June 13
  • See the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker give the keynote and Bible Study at 8:00 a.m. in the Assembly Hall.
  • Hear from conference boards and churches during the Telling the Story presentation at Plenary at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Hall.
  • Worship: Passing the Mantle will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Assembly Hall.
  • Learn about various environmental topics with six workshops at 3:30 p.m.
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Contact:
The Rocky Mountain Conference
of The United Methodist Church

6110 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.
Greenwood Village, CO  80111
303.733.3736