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
Immigration
John W. Coleman. Photo by Corbin Payne.

What comes next after ‘Faithful Resistance’ march?

After the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 rally, we now must do the work in the valley, writes John W. Coleman.
Local Church
Susan Clark. Photo courtesy of the author.

Winter guard meets Wesleyan warmth

St. John’s United Methodist Church in South Carolina opens its doors to out-of-state teen performers at a moment’s notice, showing the United Methodist connection at work.
The Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera. Photo by Brian McConkey Photography, courtesy of the Rev. Dr. Viera.

Church must do messy work of restoring community

The world is watching to see if Christians can do what we proclaim and love across the chasms that defeat everyone else, writes the Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved