Tuesday I spent most of the day in briefings in preparation for the start of General Conference tonight.
Rene, who leaves Texas for LAX this morning, attended "Lighten the Burden II" at First UMC Forth Worth yesterday. When I figure out how to post the pictures he took, I will. Meantime he said it was an amazing day. Kay Warren, wife of Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) was the keynote speaker.
But the most touching moment came when retired Bishop Fritz Mutti was talking about the death of his sons to AIDS. He spoke about one of the first churchwide conferences on AIDS which was held in San Francisco back in 1987. At that gathering he shared his pain with others, and he was comforted by a young man who said he, too had AIDS; but his faith was stronger than any affliction.
That young man? Lyle Loder, of Hollywood UMC.
3 comments:
Go go go Rev Kathy!!! Its so great that you are there and will be such fun to read YOUR blog now and follow all the action. Good luck bringing our amazing California "sunshine" to Texas.
Dear Rev. Kathy,
Welcome to Fort Worth! I am a long time member of First United Methodist Church here in FW. My son, Michael Ferree, attends your church in Hollywood on a regular basis. You are a constant inspiration to him and con-sequently to me since I read or listen to your sermons each week.
Should you have any questions or need assistance during your FW visit, please email me. I would be glad to help in any way.
I would love to take you to lunch if you ever have a free moment.
I attended the beautiful opening service last night and was very impressed - sorry about the storm afterward. Texas Spring weather is crazy!!
Would love to hear from you.
My very best wishes,
Gayla Ferree Shivers
gshivers@sbcglobal.net
The invitation to speak issued to to Kay Warren was inspired. Rick Warren, is the conservative pastor of one of the most widely known mega-churches in the US, while the UMC is generally considered to be on the liberal scale of denominational theology.
When we can reach across our theological differences and join hands to work together for good things like ending AIDS and ministering to those with HIV/AIDS, we are truly responding to God's call.
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