Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

What’s Happening on Thursday, May 3, 2012

Every morning the Committee on Agenda and Calendar meets at 6:30 a.m. with the presiding bishops for the day, and the chairs of the legislative committees. Here are some notes from that meeting:

  • Presiding Bishops
  • Bishop Thomas Bickerton
  • Bishop Michael Coyner
  • Bishop Scott Jones
  • Bishop James Swanson
  • As of this morning, the General Conference has dealt with 24% of the calendar items eligible for floor debate and consideration (non consent items).
  • The focus of the morning’s session will be the constitutional name change from lay speaker to lay servant. This will be followed by several petitions related to human sexuality.
  • The afternoon session will begin with a conversation on changes in the clergy pension plan.
  • Other items which may be considered:
  • Constitutional changes on the ability of agencies to make decisions on funding and other items between General Conferences.
  • Certified advocates
  • Fund budgets
  • Bishop retirement
  • Balance between lay and clergy
  • Pornography
  • General agency petitions


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Faith Stories
Ophelia Hu Kinney. Photo courtesy of the author.

Affirmation at last: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey

The physician and justice advocate mobilized the pain of exclusion to blaze a trail for LGBTQ United Methodists.
General Church
Ben Smith. Photo courtesy of the author.

We need a new table where all are welcome

Young adult leader says United Methodist systems function to protect power, are resistant to change and preserve a table that was not built with everyone in mind.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Myung Sun Han. Photo courtesy of the author.

‘Not-so-obvious introvert’ on church’s new vision

Words such as “boldly,” “joyfully” and “courageously” are rooted in an extroverted ideal, but pastor offers another way to view the vision statement.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved