Saturday, March 31, 2007

Saturday - March 31



Photo © John Weese


Good Morning Readers,




Photo © Bob Walker


It’s been a wonderful week here at Conference and it’s almost over. There is a two hour legislative session today followed by the closing worship service. You can tell that even yesterday people had begun trickling out of here. A few more seats were empty as the day went on. Today there will be a few more seats empty. But most – the true Conference fans are still here.




Photo © Bob Walker


Yesterday started with two hours, from eight to ten, in Quorums, Caucuses, and Meetings to consider the document bought by Steve last Sunday night. You may remember that when Steve brought the “Words of Counsel” to the church he said he wanted some time to “discern with the church” the meaning and impact of the words before deciding when they might be presented for inclusion in the book of Doctrine and Covenants. Most thought that might not be until next conference in 2010.




Photo © John Weese


From Sunday on through the week Steve has received words from people around the world, e-mails, conversations, and people sharing about the impact on them reading the words. The Children’s and Youth Caucus sent him a letter describing the feelings of hope that came to them as they read the words. Several young adults wrote Steve with similar feelings of hope and purpose for the church. Folks who had been using the forty day of preparation for conference talked about how the words and the vision of the counsel had impacted them. Steve spent many sleepless nights in prayer and received Divine confirmation that the time was right to ask the Conference to consider the “Letter of Counsel” for inclusion as Scripture.


In the afternoon business session the conference did go through our process of reading, discerning, and voting on the appropriateness of these words being included in the Doctrine and Covenants as Scripture. Most shared words of affirmation and confirmation. A few shared they felt it was too soon for inclusion as scripture. They felt Steve had given in to pressure even after Steve had shared his testimony. This counsel is now Section 163.




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


I hope you’ve had time to read the “Words of Counsel” for yourself (you can read it here), and I hope that in your families and circle of friends and your congregations there is much discussion about the implication of the words Steve shared with the church. It has been called powerful in it’s vision. It was called by several yesterday dangerous, because if we will actually flesh out this scripture it has the potential to radically change the communities in which we work and play and study and live. May God bless you as you read the words.




Photo © John Weese


After the business session the World Plaza at the Temple became an International Bazaar and market. There were food booths of all sorts. One of this reporter’s favorites was the funnel cake booth. I’ve only seen them here in this area although they may have them at Six Flags or places like that.




Photo © John Weese


They are dough squirted out of a funnel shaped container directly into hot cooking oil. The dough is drizzled, criss-crossed into a circle about the size of a paper plate that looks sort of like lace. After it is cooked, it is sprinkled with powdered sugar, or cinnamon, and topped with cherry or apple pie filling. Quite a treat!




Photo © John Weese


There were also cultural souvenirs from many of the nations and countries around the world for sale at the Bazaar. Folks were shopping and sharing stories with other church folks who brought them.




Photo © John Weese


Colorful woven cloth items, beautiful hand carved wooden items, painted, stained, pottery items were on display all around the entrance areas of the Temple complex.




Photo © Bob Walker


Last night was the Hymn Fest. It was much different that any this reporter had attended. It actually started outside of the Auditorium where large drums from the Orient were set up. The drumming was powerful and loud and called the church to come together in Worship. (Pictures can be found at Jim Doty's album site or at the conference photo gallery at the Community of Christ website.) Moving inside the Auditorium, we were greeted with colors, and sounds from the choir, the organ, piano, and smaller drums, from possibly Africa .




Photo © John Weese


We started out with campfire songs familiar to any who have ever attended a church youth camp or reunion; spirited singing and clapping. We then moved through a worship program of readings and hymns in various languages. Sometimes we all sang one language, English, Spanish, or French. Other times we each sang the same song in the language of our choice. The music hung from the high, arched, ceiling of the Auditorium. It was a spirited and vibrant worship and this reporter will float on the wings of it for some time.




Photo © Bob Walker


Well, it has been awesome sharing with you this week. As I said there’s about two hours of business left and then the closing worship service. But one of the images in the new Section 163 of the Doctrine and Covenants comes to mind. There are additional sacred ministries that will spring forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and heal the pain and brokenness in their lives. I think of a spring of water, high in the mountains, bubbling clear refreshing water out of the ground and spreading in all directions bringing life giving nourishment to the land around it. I see the Temple as the center of that life giving spring, and the cars and people leaving Independence today and the next few days as streams flowing out away from the spring, some not going far, some going around the world all with the potential to be the Living Water of Jesus to parched communities of work and play. Can we – will we become all that our name implies, “Community of Christ”?




Photo © Bob Walker


Thank you for letting me share with you Conference according to Bob. I know there are other interpretations and insights and I hope you get a chance to hear them from the folks in your area who attended. May God bless our efforts to listen and discern how we can truly become a sacred community of healing, safety, peace, affirmation, welcome, encouragement, hope and peace for a world so very much in need. Share Christ, Share Peace!




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


This is your roving reporter saying, that’s a wrap!


Seventy Bob




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


These conference reports are also online here (scroll down to March 2007).

Friday, March 30, 2007

Friday - March 30



Photo © Bob Walker


Good Morning Readers,


Sorry about the glitch yesterday. Not sure what I did wrong, but I hope you either read the column yesterday afternoon or have already read it today.




Photo © Bob Walker


It was another busy day here at Conference. One of the ministries that's available to parents of small children is called "Conference Kids". The folks who provide this ministry do it to provide some worthwhile activities for younger kids so parents can participate and enjoy conference. Conference Kids goes on all day long with breaks for lunch and dinner. Yesterday the kids did a "show" to let parents and others see what has kept them busy during the days. They did gym and athletic activities and helped clown Tinker John lift his heavy barbell by tying helium balloons on it with messages like prayer, witness, fellowship, etc. It was cute. Then they shared some music they have been practicing with Jack Ergo.




Photo © John Weese


We had two business sessions yesterday, one on the morning and one in the afternoon. The clowns always visit one of the legislative sessions during the week to share in a little impish mischief. Yesterday we were privileged to share in their light hearted ministry.




Photo © John Weese


Steve Veazey had shared inspired counsel with the church the first day with no special direction for it at the time. Since then, he has had further inspiration and has decided to offer it for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants Scriptures. We began praying and discussing it in the afternoon in our Quorum, Caucus, and mass meetings. So the schedule will change today and tomorrow morning to give time for discussion and action on the document.


During the business sessions we discussed some ways to try to make it easier and more affordable for folks from outside the U.S. to obtain visa's and participate in conference. We also discussed the possibly of participation by internet or satellite. There would be many things to work out so that people participated simultaneously. There would need to be safeguards and back ups in case of inter-net collapse or power failure. It will not be easy to work out.




Photo © Bob Walker


Being a worldwide church and operating on the principle of "common consent" is getting increasingly difficult as we grow. There are mission centers in the church that are large and people don't even speak the same language across them. To have even a mission center conference is impossible because of travel and language.


We heard some tragic news yesterday. Somewhere in Haiti (this reporter missed the actual city) there was a devastating flood that wiped out part of the village. One of our Community of Christ congregations was hit while the people were at worship. The building was destroyed and at least nine of our brothers and sisters lost their lives.




Photo © John Weese


Last night was the second opportunity for Conference to attend worship in the Temple . Again there needed to be three separate times for all the people to attend. Becky Savage presided and Dave Schaal brought spoken ministry.




Photo © John Weese


It was a powerful service of healing and wholeness and many this reporter spoke with shared a similar perspective, "That spoke directly to me." We heard that NOTHING you do is too small for God to use to bless others. Many people feel their gifts or ministry or talent is not significant. But if God can magnify and bless a small sack lunch of bread and fish to feed thousands of people, with baskets leftover, God can use your gift, bless it and change the communities you interact with. The focus is not small gifts - the focus is a very large God.




Photo © Bob Walker


Well, this reporter feels like the famous saying "Too much to do, too little time." There is only a day and a half remaining to get through all the legislation that is still pending, to review and vote on the "Inspired Counsel", to work on the Habitat for Humanity build that is connected with the Church and Conference, and on and on.




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Tonight the worship is the "Hymn Fest." It is one of the favorites here at Conference and certainly one of the favorites for this reporter. There will be a Conference Choir, the Graceland Orchestra, The Auditorium Organ and Trumpets (my favorite part), and an Auditorium filled to capacity with people singing and praising God. If you have high speed internet, or satellite capability, put on the big speakers, and crank up the volume. It will be a treat.


I will close with the question that was posed to the Conference worshipers last night at the Temple . The setting is from the Gospel of John 5:1-9. Jesus spotted a man sitting by the pool of healing who had been there 38 years. Jesus asked the man "Do you want to be healed?" The implication is, are you willing to give up your anger, bitterness, lust, selfishness, judgment, low self esteem that has defined you for so long. Are you willing to take the steps necessary to be healed? Are you willing to pick up your mat and walk? No one can carry your mat but you. Do you want to....? Are you willing to....?




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Until tomorrow then.


Seventy Bob

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Thursday - March 29



Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Good afternoon faithful readers,


It has come to my attention that today's column didn't go out. I must have hit a wrong key somewhere. I apologize and stand for your flogging. Here is today's column.


Hello Vicarious Conference Attenders,


I sure hope the column and the photo's have helped you feel a part or at least informed about what's happening here in sunny Independence . If you want to see lot's more photo's than Seventy Jim puts in the column be sure to go to cofchrist.org. Click on 2007 World Conference and click on photo album.




Becky Savage. Photo © Bob Walker


Yesterday was the second day of "History in the Making". For the first time in the roughly one hundred seventy-seven year history of the church, a female sat in the chair on the rostrum of a World Conference as a member of the First Presidency of the Church. And she took over the chair during part of the legislative session and presided. She received a loud round of applause when she stood to preside.


The legislative sessions went smoothly. Some resolutions passed, some were referred, some were defeated. If you're a person who is really into legislation go to the web site and click on 2007 World Conference, then on daily reports. You will see all that happened yesterday in the legislative sessions.




President of Seventy John Wight and Apostle Stassi Cramm. Photo © Bob Walker


One thing of note yesterday; as I mentioned in an earlier column there is a renewed relationship and pairing of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy. Anytime there are new Apostles called into the Twelve there is a reassignment of field responsibilities. Usually the person coming in doesn't have the same gifts and skills as the outgoing person. So the Twelve reassign field responsibilities by gifts, skills, and other criteria. Yesterday the new field assignments were announced, and also the new pairing of the Seventy with the member of the Twelve. In the Rocky Mountain Mission Center our new Apostle is Dale Luffman, and Dale will be paired with Seventy Ordinand and Missionary Specialist, Robin Linkhart. I look forward to working with both Robin and Dale.




Translations Staff. Photo © Bob Walker


One of the last things that happened is the chair called all the folks there, who are working on translation, to come to the front. There must have been thirty or forty and some weren't even there. They received special recognition and thanks from the conference. This year we are translating into more languages that ever, both written and spoken; eight different languages I think. French, Spanish, Tahitian, Russian, German, and Oklahoman if I remember right.




Photo © John Weese


Wednesday is traditionally a night off. There is no Conference Worship planned. There are several groups who offer worship. Two that I know of are the Native American Worship and the Contemporary Christian Worship. Your reporter and Melinda decided to take advantage of the gift and go rest a little.




Photo © John Weese


So today is a pretty full agenda. It is the last of the discernment sessions, and a legislative session in the morning, with another legislative session after lunch at 2:00. Tonight is the second Worship in the Temple so again there will be three Worships to accommodate all the people who want to attend. It should be a full and rewarding day. I will keep you informed.


Paraphrasing one of the discernment questions, When you hear God's voice speaking to you, what is He saying is the most important thing for you to lift up to other people?




Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Until then may God bless you with the Spirit of peace, reconciliation, and healing and may you then "pray it forward" to others.


See you tomorrow!


Seventy Bob

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Wednesday - March 28



Morning Worship in the Temple. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Good Morning Readers,


Yesterday was an historic day for the Community of Christ on a number of issues. It's exciting to be part of history and see the growth the church has made just in the short time this reporter has been associated here. I love the direction the church is going (sometimes painfully slow to some and at breakneck speed to others).




Photo © John Weese


There was a time for worship and meditation in the Temple for souls hardy enough to get there at 7:30am. For some it's tough to get going that early after late evenings each night. But for those who can it is a wonderful way to start the day. After the Quorum and Caucus meetings at 8:00, we had our morning Legislative session. We received a couple reports and accepted the Auditors Report for the last two years.




Photo © Bob Walker


After lunch, the afternoon legislative session was filled with the discussion and deliberation of Steve Veazey's Letter of Counsel to the church regarding retirement, reassignment, and calling of new people to fill rolls in the Church Presiding Quorums and Leadership Team. If you have read and are familiar with the document (if not, it is posted below) you know that several people have retired, and accepted callings to other offices of ministry.




Ken Robinson Presiding over the Conference. Photo © Bob Walker


So after each person was given a chance to speak, they left the rostrum for the last time as a presiding officer of the church. So today, at one point Ken Robinson presided over the conference for his last time as a member of the Presidency. After he shared he left the rostrum. Same for the Apostles who are also retiring and being reassigned. The new people filling the roles can't sit on the rostrum until after the Ordination Service in the evening. So at today's legislative sessions the make up of the Church Leadership Council will look quite different than it did yesterday.




Tahitian Choir. Photo © John Weese


After supper we prepared for the Ordination Service. The Tahitian choir sang and provided music ministry. They are amazing - I could listen for hours. They were all in white this time and all the ladies wore colorful flower wreaths on their heads. Their choir is filled with all ages. They sing with such joy and enthusiasm. This reporter often wonders what would happen if some of the congregations he has visited in the U.S. showed as much joy in worship as the Tahitians or the Africans?


Again referring to the Letter of Counsel there were twelve people being ordained last night. Former member of the Presidency, Ken Robinson, was ordained as an Evangelist. Former Bishop, Larry Norris, was ordained an Evangelist.




David Brock. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Former Apostle, David Brock, was ordained Presiding Evangelist for the Church. Former member of the Bishopric, Steve Jones, was ordained Presiding Bishop of the Church.




Paul Davis is "set apart" as a member of the Presiding Bishopric. Photo © Bob Walker


R. Paul Davis, and David Brown, were ordained to the Presiding Bishopric as Counselors.




Carlos Mejia. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Former Seventy, Carlos Mejia was ordained an Apostle and member of the Twelve Apostles as was former Seventy, Andrew Bolton.




Jane Gardner. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.


Jane Gardner was ordained President of the High Priest Quorum.




Ruben Landeros is "set apart" as a President of Seventy. Photo © Bob Walker


And finally Ruben Landeros and Richard James were called out of the Quorums of Seventy and ordained as Presidents of Seventy. They will each be in charge of a Quorum of Seventy. And tonight, for the first time in the history of the church, a woman, Becky Savage, who was named in the letter of counsel, was ordained to be a Counselor to the President of the Church, and part of the First Presidency, the leading Quorum of the Church.




Photo © Bob Walker


After the worship service, the "International Village", which is downstairs in the Auditorium and where congregations and Mission Centers from around the world showcase what's happening in their areas opens. There are displays and people to visit and share about the excitement in their area. Individuals and groups can also showcase talent on the open stage. We have seen singers, and dancers, and instrumentalists of all shapes and sizes. Last night two of ours from Brighton, Amber Smith and Bailey Smith sang with Jack Ergo as part of "Conference Kids." They did a great job and mom and dad were proud.




Photo © John Weese


Days are long, sometimes fast paced and hard to keep up with, sometimes agonizingly slow. Nights are short, far too short for some. But still we come, by the hundreds to participate. What draws us? Fellowship? Worship? Wanting to be a part? Curiosity? Control? Whatever draws us we come, we raise our hands, we sing, we pray, we walk, we talk. But for this reporter, I mostly stand in Awe of a God who loves us so much, and whose presence is so evident in the faces and voices of brothers and sisters from around the globe, who don't even speak the same language, and yet they communicate a relationship with a Creator who cares so very much for us.




Photo © John Weese


As I close for today, my hope is that each of you will be assured today that you are a beloved creation of God. And that you will find a fountain of Joy springing up in your soul that will bubble over to the people on each side of you, wherever you are at any given moment.


See you tomorrow!


Seventy Bob

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Tuesday - March 27



Photo © John Weese


Hello Readers,


I forgot to tell you yesterday about an amazing family of young singers and performers. They are from the Ukraine and are called "Oasis of Peace". They have wonderful voices, great stage presence, and they are a delight to listen to. There is a picture in yesterday's post. They are wonderful music ministers who shared with us Sunday night.




Photo © John Weese


Monday was a slow day sort of. We shared in our first discernment groups for a couple hours first thing in the morning to begin the process of listening for God's voice. Then we went to our respective Quorums, Caucuses, or meetings to discuss the first part of the Steve's Counsel to the Church which contains the Leadership retiring and also those filling in those offices of ministry. It's very helpful to share that way because you may not know the person but someone in you small group usually does so you get a better understanding of someone.




Photo © John Weese


After lunch we had our first actual legislative session. The first day is about accepting reports from the previous year. The only actual real resolution we discussed and voted on changes the inter-conference period from two years to three. This has been the wish of the church leadership for several years but the conference always voted it down.




Photo © John Weese


People love to get together and want to do it often. But the cost both in dollars and personal resources is just getting too costly to keep meeting every two years. So next conference will be April, 2010.




Photo © Bob Walker


A friend from our congregation, an adult convert just baptized, is here for the first time ever. It is fun to see conference though his eyes and hear his questions. He is very interested and curious about it all. He sits on the front edge of his seat and listens and watches intently.




Photo © Bob Walker


After supper we had our worship this evening in the Temple - a first for a conference worship. Since the Temple seats less than the Auditorium (about 1600), there had to be three consecutive worship services to seat everyone.




Photo © Bob Walker


Your name badge had your scheduled time that you had to go. It was a wonderful service of healing of the Spirit. There were testimonies and prayers and drama that spoke to our hearts.




Photo © Bob Walker


Prayers for healing were shared after each testimony. It was a soft reflective worship. Very meaningful.




Photo © John Weese


Tuesday starts early with Quorum meetings at 8:00 followed by a legislative session. Tuesday night is the Ordination service for all the new leadership.




Photo © Bob Walker


This is your roving reporter saying have a Glorious and Blessed day. So until tomorrow, be still and listen for God's voice.


Seventy Bob




Photo © John Weese


THESE REPORTS ARE ALSO POSTED HERE.