Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

Live From Fort Worth: 4:45 p.m. (CST)

April 29, 2008

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of the Republic of Liberia, is speaking right now. Security is high; the auditorium doors are locked until the conclusion of her address. United Methodists stood to welcome their United Methodist sister with round after round of applause.

"I am the first African leader and the first female president to address the General Conference of the United Methodist Church," she said. "I'm the product of a United Methodist education in Liberia." A complete UMNS story on her speech will be posted later tonight.

Moments prior to Sirleaf's appearance, former Holston Bishop Clay Lee delivered the opening prayer for this afternoon's session."This is a large world -- a world that can be won with your grace and purpose," he prayed.

Other than Holston's delegation, several Holston members are here in Fort Worth this week. Alternate and/or jurisdictional delegates include Becky Hall, Ginny West Case, Rev. Stella Roberts, Rev. Angela Hardy Cross, Steve Hodges, and Rev. Nathan Malone. Serving as pages and marshalls are Rev. Mary K Briggs, Rev. Jane Taylor, and Rev. Tim Paul. Rev. Doug Grove-DeJarnett is serving as monitor for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW).

Family members in attendance include Chris Bowles (Al), Jim Henderson (Jean), Walter Cross (Angela), Betty Brown (Paul), David Hall (Becky), Rev. David Graves (Casey), and Mary Nell Fox (Eddie).

Here as spectators are Rev. Dale Wyrick and Rev. Charlie Harrison. Bob Swing is here, advocating for Reconciling Ministries.

I'll be back later tonight. Don't forget that live streaming and e-mail updates are available at gc2008.umc.org. You can also find a compilation of The Call's on-site coverage at gc2008.holston.org.

--Reported by Annette Spence (e-mail me)