The response to my last message was so strongly supportive that I feel a need to follow up on what happened in the rooms I named in it. Thanks for your concern for both my health and for the future of The United Methodist Church.
In My Hospital Room
The reason for my unexpected trip to the hospital was what appeared to be possible symptoms of a stroke. We learned the importance of quick response through a small stroke I experienced in 2019. Tell that to the admitting desk in the ER and they get things moving quickly! Three days in the hospital for a CT scan and MRI revealed no sign of any damage. Whatever caused the symptoms (I continue to be a “mystery” patient!) did not result in a stroke. I’m feeling fine.
We are very grateful for your concern, support and prayers along with the availability of excellent health care (and Medicare and supplemental insurance!). As Paul said, I was knocked down, but not knocked out! (2 Cor 4:9)
In the Annual Conference Room
As I watched the Annual Conference livestream (a horrendously inadequate substitute for being there!), I could hear John F. Kennedy’s inaugural words when I was in seventh grade: “The torch has been passed to a new generation.”
I’m grateful for the energy, commitment and vision of this new generation of leaders and am happy to be in the balcony cheering them on!
Even online, it seemed that the dark clouds of the pandemic, debates about sexuality, and discussions of disaffiliation were lifted and the sunlight of hope permeated the auditorium. Bishop Tom Berlin preached and presided at his first Annual Conference with a joyful spirit of confident hope for the future.
One friend wrote, “I have been attending Annual Conference for 28 years! Never have I been so inspired and hope filled as I was this year!!!”
The Clergy Session, which was so painful last year, gave strong approval to the recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry that the entire group of candidates who were delayed last year over sexual orientation be approved for commissioning. I encourage you to read Magrey deVega’s explanation of the Board’s recommendation. It marks a decisive moment in the history of our Conference and helps define the future of The United Methodist Church as a place where all persons are welcome.
Do I wish I had been in the room where it happened? Of course! But I am grateful for the way the Spirit is at work among “the people called Methodist” in Florida and affirm the words that were the basis for the daily Bible study at Conference:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
Peace,
Jim
Jim Harnish 
Thank you for this and for your call. I slept very litt
So glad that you are doing well. I share your sense of the “passing torch,” and the joy it brings.
Jim, Read both your posts and felt so sorry you couldn’t experience what we did. I feel just as your friend did. I went to this conference as a delegate saying it would be my last but now…. Bishop Berlin challenged us, recognized us and set our sights on the future in just the way we could not have even imagined! I felt re-energized for sure with plans for my role as Lay Leader.
We are grateful you are better as your presence with us was terribly missed. I know your influence will continue as you get well!
Grateful to your nurse, Martha, for keeping you in the right room this year!
With fondness, Debby
Debby Manuel 300 E. Church St. #1102 Orlando, FL 32801
Deb’s cell 407-267-8485 Jim’s cell 407-247-7095
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Debbie: Thanks for this very encouraging witness! It’s clear that Bishop Berlin is the leader we need and that the Conference is read to turn the corner and move ahead! There will be plenty of challenges ahead, but these few days set us in a fresh direction! It’s always good to be connected with you.
Jim
As time goes by I realize the importance of your guidance and friendship has yet to fully mature. Every day I see something that makes you more valuable to me.
You showed me how to love……
Dear Jim,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Love to you and Martha,
Jeannine
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So very glad you are feeling better! Wish I could hear you preach again….
Sent from my iPad
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Praise God for your healing and health!
We Macon folk hope your medical team never figures out your recent respite. Let’s just continue along in Ordinary Time…..
Sent from my iPad
Hi Jim, Hello from Hilt
Jim, grateful that nothing was founds on tests to be concerned about. I also watched Fla Conf virtually. It was very uplifting, spirit of joy and peace and glimmers of Hope for the future all around. The mantle has been passed. Our next generation ( and the next, are well prepared to step up, lead and work for a truly Inclusive UMC. ❤️
Sure glad you are doing ok. Your reflections on scripture and current situations are always thoughtful and helpful to so many of us. Take care.