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!

Feeling worried

It’s 48 hours before I arrive in Tampa and I am already worried. My wife says I worry too much but that’s just how I am. I worry about worrying.

So today I am worried that Alan Morrison or Gere Reist or someone important will discover that the Richmond Braves are now defunct and the powers that be will move everything to Richmond at the very last minute. (Of course that would save air fare.)

Worriedthat I will run out of steam in week 2 because I haven’t really “gotten in shape before Tampa” like I promised in my New Year’s Resolution.

Worriedthat I will forget to pack something important like sunscreen, or Valium, or Gas-X.

Worriedabout how I will spend the $10 in “entertainment money” I get from the church, and about whether or not I’ll get in trouble if I combine that with the $10 I get in “laundry money” and just walk around smelly during tte second week.

Worriedabout the sanity of my friends in Tampa who sold theirbeautifulsailboat just before General Conference.Really? You’re killing me.

Worriedabout the proximity of the Convention Center to the water of Tampa Bay and whether or not someone might get tossed in during a heated committee debate. Do we have rescue crews in place? The Coast Guard? Highly trained divers?

Worried about what will be done, and not done, about what will be said, and not said, about what is decided, and what is left until four years down the road to Portland.

Portland? Gee, that will be a long flight… And I’ve heard it rains all the time…


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
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.
Theology and Education
Cliff White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.
Church Leadership
Anna Riddle. Photo by Heather Gaydeski Photography.

Carrie Parrish's legacy holds lessons for today

A trailblazer for women clergy in The United Methodist Church, Parrish championed equality and fought to tear down barriers in her day.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved