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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
Nov./Dec. 2004 |
Bishops focus on study, conversation, prayer during fall retreat
As we go to press, the United Methodist bishops are spending six days in study, conversation and prayer as they focus on leading the church during next four years at a historic Georgia seaside retreat.
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"We will focus on shaping our ministry for the next four years as we concentrate on how we can make our vision of a beloved community become real." Bishop Peter Weaver, Boston |
More than 100 active and retired bishops from the United States, Europe, Africa and the Philippines are at Epworth-by-the-Sea, a United Methodist retreat center on St. Simons Island, Ga. It is the first meeting of the Council of Bishops since the denomination's General Conference in Pittsburgh in May.
"This is a key meeting of the Council of Bishops," said council president Bishop Peter D. Weaver of the Boston area. "We will focus on shaping our ministry for the next four years as we concentrate on how we can make our vision of a beloved community become real."
Rather than conducting committee meetings and hearing reports, the agenda has been structured to give bishops large blocks of time for small and large group prayer, reflection, and conversation. Much of the focus will be on the Council's foundation document for the 2005 quadrennium, "Our Shared Dream: Becoming the Beloved Community," Weaver said.
"We believe bishops are called to lead and teach the church, and to focus on how we can best serve children and the poor in a fractured and hurting world," Weaver said.
This is the first meeting for 22 newly elected bishops, who gathered Oct. 30 for an orientation session. Twenty-one of the bishops are from the United States. The other newly elected bishop is from Zimbabwe. They replace bishops who are now retired. In all, there are 68 active bishops, including 50 from the United States.
The council's meeting ended with worship on Nov. 5.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008