24 for ’24
S.C. bishop, delegation call for season of prayer leading up to General Conference
By Dan O’Mara
In April, United Methodists from around the world will gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the postponed 2020 General Conference.
Much has gone into the preparations for this global assembly, and significant work is before delegates and church leaders when they meet April 23-May 3.
As we journey through Lent toward the cross and the promise of resurrection, South Carolina Resident Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and the South Carolina Conference Delegation to General Conference are inviting all South Carolina United Methodists to join them each evening for “24 for ’24,” a season of focused, daily prayer for the 24 days leading up to the General Conference held in 2024.
When we join together in prayer each day, we remember who we are and whose we are as disciples of Jesus Christ,” Holston said. “Each day we have the opportunity to be for someone the Gospel that they may never otherwise hear. We cannot avoid uncertainty, but we can respond with faith rather than fear.
“Together each day, let us come together in prayer, trusting that God hears every word.”
Beginning March 30, Holston and delegation members will share a video prayer at 8:24 p.m. (a.k.a., 20:24) praying for the church and specifically for groups of people who have been preparing for General Conference and who will participate and attend.
“I can tell you from experience, intentional prayer matters to those of us who attend General Conference,” said Jackie Jenkins, lay delegate and head of the South Carolina Delegation. “We know you are lifting us up, and we are grateful that you keep us in your prayers without ceasing.
“Please know that you and all South Carolina United Methodists are in our prayers, as well.”
South Carolina’s delegates are preparing for General Conference by praying and studying the voluminous legislation that will come before them when they meet in Charlotte.
“Our delegates have been diligent in their preparations,” said the Rev. Ken Nelson, clergy delegate and superintendent of the Orangeburg District. “We have been conversing with other delegates from across the connection, really thinking through the implications of the legislation so we will be better prepared to make the best decisions for the future of our beloved United Methodist Church during General Conference.
“As we have patiently waited these four years for General Conference, much of the public spotlight has been cast on the issue of human sexuality, and rightly so. But there are a great number of other important matters that need our prayerful attention, and it also is our responsibility to be as prepared to tend to those.”
The daily evening prayers will be shared via Facebook (@scumc), Instagram (@umcsc) and X (@umcsc), and by email to all who are signed up to receive conference news emails (https://umcsc.org/mailing-list-signup).
They also will be posted at https://umcsc.org/24for24.
More about General Conference: Read All about General Conference this Spring