General Assembly 2013

[Hans Deventer]

Well, looks like I'll be back. Just heard from our secretary that I've been reelected.

[Jon Twitchell]

Great to hear!

We're hoping to make the trek out to Indy by car again... and I'm already thinking about providing unofficial internet coverage like we did in Orlando... provided that's something that people would be interested in!

[David Pettigrew]

And so it begins...

[Ryan Scott]

I would love to be there, but it's probably quite questionable at this point. The cost may be prohibitive and if we do come up with some money, we've got enough frequent flyer miles to go to Hawaii (something we've been saving for 6 years now), so the money would likely go in that direction.

[John Reilly]

I would love to be there, but it's probably quite questionable at this point. The cost may be prohibitive and if we do come up with some money, we've got enough frequent flyer miles to go to Hawaii (something we've been saving for 6 years now), so the money would likely go in that direction.

I've been saving for Hawaii for 38 years. I hope you can go Ryan. Will you take your wife with you?

[Hans Deventer]

And so it begins...

The final battle in the Lord of the Rings? :)

[Dennis M. Scott]

Well, looks like I'll be back. Just heard from our secretary that I've been reelected.

Hans, it seems you're constantly posting things that look like you're seeking sympathy. Your district has again made a good choice. It's important, but don't let the littleness get under your skin.

[Hans Deventer]

Hans, it seems you're constantly posting things that look like you're seeking sympathy. Your district has again made a good choice. It's important, but don't let the littleness get under your skin.

Dennis, I know the grace of God should be enough, but the truth is, I'm not there yet.

Btw, we also elected Dennis Mohn, son of the former South West Germany District DS, and Rolf Noordhof, our DS assistent. I think we'll have a good delegation.

[Jim Franklin]

Just wondering what it would be like. Should a Nazarene of 75 years who has never been to a GA be excommunicated?

[Susan Unger]

We're hoping to make the trek out to Indy by car again...Me, too. It helps that I have family who live near there.

[Hans Deventer]

Just wondering what it would be like. Should a Nazarene of 75 years who has never been to a GA be excommunicated?

Based on what rule, Jim? There are numerous Nazarenes that will never get to visit a GA in their life time. For a Dutch Nazarene, I'm a huge exception. This will be my 5th.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We plan on being there - haven't missed one since my first in Dallas in 1976.

[David Pettigrew]

I'm sure we'll be there, delegated or not.

[Ryan Scott]

I've been saving for Hawaii for 38 years. I hope you can go Ryan. Will you take your wife with you?

Well, we've been saving frequent flyer miles - the money part, for food and lodging might be the deal breaker. We'll see how finances look. I'm not sure if we'll make it to Indy, but I'd love to be there.

[Mike Schutz]

I happen to enjoy certain aspects of General Assembly - but I know some folks for whom it was a rude awakening and led them to a less-than-good place when it came to their perspective on the denomination.

[Billy Cox]

I happen to enjoy certain aspects of General Assembly - but I know some folks for whom it was a rude awakening and led them to a less-than-good place when it came to their perspective on the denomination.

Yes, for all of the God-talk that takes place at GA, the process is very much manmade. The most dangerous question that floats through my mind is whether those who slather on the religious language really believe what they are saying, or whether they are just playing everyone else as suckers. Sometimes it takes considerable willpower and probably some grace to not dwell there for too long.

[Larry Parsons]

I will be at the convention but not at the GA!
Thanks
Larry

[Marsha Lynn]

Oh that's right. Gotta start saving my pennies for the big trip to Indianapolis in 2013. I've been nominated as a delegate twice. That's way cool from my point of view but a long way from actual election. I probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than being elected as a delegate -- which is only slightly lower than if I actually bought lottery tickets.

Marsha
(not quite close enough to Indy to commute for a multi-day event)

[Michael Flowers]

I will probably make the trek over to Indy for at least a day or two of the convention, if not all of it. A good reason for me to go would be to educate my wife to be on the Church of the Nazarene a bit more. (FYI, I'm engaged as of three weeks ago and getting married this June). I hope to be at the entire convention but that all depends on a few different factors.

[Susan Unger]

I will probably make the trek over to Indy for at least a day or two of the convention, if not all of it. A good reason for me to go would be to educate my wife to be on the Church of the Nazarene a bit more. (FYI, I'm engaged as of three weeks ago and getting married this June). I hope to be at the entire convention but that all depends on a few different factors.

Congrats!

[Steven Martinez]

My family plans on being there. I know I will be nominated for the NMI convention since I am on the council. Last time I was elected. I seem to be popular on the district so it would not surprise me If I get elected again*. If I am elected, I would love to be part of the Twitter corp again.

*I am not trying to brag. This is more of a burden if anything else. :smile:

[Ryan Scott]

If I'm not there, I'll certainly be following via whatever online coverage exists - and will probably take to breaking fictional news over twitter as if I am there.

[Jon Twitchell]

If I am elected, I would love to be part of the Twitter corp again.


You don't have to be elected in order to be part of "the Twitter corp."


If I'm not there, I'll certainly be following via whatever online coverage exists - and will probably take to breaking fictional news over twitter as if I am there.

On the other hand... being present at the event certainly would be helpful!

:D

[Roy Richardson]

Just wondering what it would be like. Should a Nazarene of 75 years who has never been to a GA be excommunicated?

We don't have a pilgrimage requirement for a GA like some religions :)

[Hans Deventer]

We don't have a pilgrimage requirement for a GA like some religions :)

I think in our religion, to have to walk several times around a site is considered dangerous. You never know, the entire structure might collapse!:smilies1722:

[Wilson Deaton]

I will be at the convention but not at the GA!
Thanks
Larry

Yeh, we usually prioritize the conventions. We tend to leave after Sunday worship or on Monday morning. But who knows, just a few days ago my wife and I were discussing the possibility of staying for the whole thing this time...

Wilson

[Jim Franklin]

When I first joined the faculty at Bethany and it was foune out that I had never visited the KC HQ I was asked how I expected to get into Heaven if I had never been to the New Jerusalem.

[Marian Schwaller Carney]

:smilies1127: I love Indy but am sad they closed the Nordstrom's downtown for the new construction. :( I could by size 12 shoes off the shelf there, many styles! Everyone in Indiana is at least 5'9" tall, so its a standard size. I will get me to GA nonetheless, I suspect. Would love to meet you, Hans!

[Hans Deventer]

:smilies1127: I love Indy but am sad they closed the Nordstrom's downtown for the new construction. :( I could by size 12 shoes off the shelf there, many styles! Everyone in Indiana is at least 5'9" tall, so its a standard size. I will get me to GA nonetheless, I suspect. Would love to meet you, Hans!

We will! Doesn't look like anyone will join me as to family, so I'm all set to meet people, no obligations.

[David Pettigrew]

I think in our religion, to have to walk several times around a site is considered dangerous. You never know, the entire structure might collapse!:smilies1722:

If the USA delegation were required to march around the outside of the convention center, I assure you there would be a lot of collapsing going on.

[David Pettigrew]

Yeh, we usually prioritize the conventions. We tend to leave after Sunday worship or on Monday morning. But who knows, just a few days ago my wife and I were discussing the possibility of staying for the whole thing this time...

Wilson

I suspect if you were going to stay for one, this would be the one.

[Marian Schwaller Carney]

We will! Doesn't look like anyone will join me as to family, so I'm all set to meet people, no obligations.

Great! we can go shopping for shoes, race cars, and play basketball :smilies0262:
I'll try to think of other gross generalizations about Indianapolis between now and then.....

[David Morris]

If the USA delegation were required to march around the outside of the convention center, I assure you there would be a lot of collapsing going on.

David...this one had me in tears. Thank you!

[David Pettigrew]

David...this one had me in tears. Thank you!

Yes, Walmart would definitely need to donate some courtesy scooters.

[Hans Deventer]

Great! we can go shopping for shoes, race cars, and play basketball :smilies0262:
I'll try to think of other gross generalizations about Indianapolis between now and then.....

Marian, a few things: there is very little in downtown Indy that I long to see, and shops are nor a part of that. And I don't care much for shopping at all, where ever that may be.

[Dennis M. Scott]

We will! Doesn't look like anyone will join me as to family, so I'm all set to meet people, no obligations.

Marian, I have met Hans, Hannie and Edwin. General Assembly would be greatly enhanced by the other two, were they to be there.

Yet I am thrilled that Hans will again be a part. He always makes things worthwhile.

[Gerald Spear]

Having been around the Church of the Nazarene since 1943, and have attended several GAs I have noticed that you can predict those who will be elected or rather appointed to be delegates.
The same pastors their wives, the same lay people and their spouse.
Why not spread the free trip around, there are pastors and lay persons who are qualified and who can not afford or their church can not afford to pay some of their way.
Sounds like politics, does it not?

Or maybe if you are elected as a delegate for the 2nd,3rd time you would help pay
the way of a friend.

just a thought
gerald

[Rich Schmidt]

I'd love to meet you, Hans. I'll likely be there for the conventions & might be there for the assembly business. We'll see.

[Greg Farra]

Well, if I make enough money that I can afford to take a day or two off and check it out, I may stop by. I'm only three hours away from Indy.

[Mike Schutz]

Having been around the Church of the Nazarene since 1943, and have attended several GAs I have noticed that you can predict those who will be elected or rather appointed to be delegates.
The same pastors their wives, the same lay people and their spouse.
Why not spread the free trip around, there are pastors and lay persons who are qualified and who can not afford or their church can not afford to pay some of their way.
Sounds like politics, does it not?

Or maybe if you are elected as a delegate for the 2nd,3rd time you would help pay
the way of a friend.

just a thought
gerald

That is a great suggestion. Of course, it is solely dependent upon the district's nominating committee for those who are delegates to GA, and to the district NMI and NYI to choose their delegates.
From a pastoral perspective, it is completely understandable that the delegates to the district assembly vote for the people whose names are familiar to them, so it would have to be the conscious decision of the nominating committee - which is typically made up of the DAB and others in leadership on the district to encourage nominating those who have not gone before. The district superintendent is the one person who could make this happen, if they were thinking of it. However, from the perspective of the DAB and DS, they often see being a delegate to GA as a reward for hard work on district assignments.

Intentionally moving the nomination around would require a purposeful effort - and likely the
magnanimous suggestion of a seasoned pastor who has been a delegate in the past.

[Wilson Deaton]

I used to be completely in agreement with the idea of spreading it around. I often voted for the person I thought who could use the perk and wouldn't be able to afford to go on their own. I went so far as to decline nomination because I knew I was attending anyway.

However, lately I've been rethinking. Obviously, "attending" and "being a delegate" are not the same thing, but only lately has that mattered to me. With some of the things happening (concerned Nazirenes, inerrancy debate, etc.), I for the first time, really want to make sure our delegate is informed and has the "right" views. (By "right," of course, I mean someone who aligns with my views--afterall, it is MY vote I'm talking about). Thus, if the small church guy without much money, who could use the opportunity, happens to be an undercover fundy, he won't get my vote.

Wilson

[Jon Twitchell]

Being married to someone who served as a delegate, I'm not entirely sure that "perk" is really helpful language.

Perhaps it's not the case for everyone, but having seen Melody at work, I suspect that most delegates take their work very seriously. There are binders full of information to read and understand... and committee meetings to spend hours in... and all of this before the lengthy days of general business sessions. Serving as a delegate is substantially different from attending.

I think that in 2009, I got to spend more time with Jeremy Scott than with my wife.

[Kevin Rector]

Having been around the Church of the Nazarene since 1943, and have attended several GAs I have noticed that you can predict those who will be elected or rather appointed to be delegates.
The same pastors their wives, the same lay people and their spouse.

I was a delegate to the NYI convention last go around, I can virtually guarantee that I won't be a delegate to anything this go around. So it's not always the same old same old.

[Hans Deventer]

I'd love to meet you, Hans.

Same here, Rich!

[Hans Deventer]

Having been around the Church of the Nazarene since 1943, and have attended several GAs I have noticed that you can predict those who will be elected or rather appointed to be delegates.
The same pastors their wives, the same lay people and their spouse.

Gerald, at the GA's that I've attended, they always tested the voting system by having the delegates indicate how many GA's they have attended as delegate. I'm one of those weirdos who actually writes it down. In 2009, there were 408 new delegates, and 516 who had come for a 2nd time or more. And out of the 5 times I've been elected, Hannie has been with me twice, no more. And not as delegate so I hope her presence hasn't bothered you.

Also, for the 1997 GA, the very first time our district got to send a lay delegate, I was the only candidate, I'll admit. Ever since, it was a true election though. This time, we had 5 lay candidates for 2 places, and 3 ministerial candidates for 1 place. One of the ministerial delegates actually was the wife of our DS, who is an ordained elder. She was not elected.

[Lucas Finch]

Over the weekend we just had our NYI convention on the Rocky Mt. District. We only send one person to Global NYI in each category (ministerial, lay, and youth, plus the DP). I missed being the ministerial delegate by one vote, but my friend who was elected said that there's a good chance he won't be able to make it. So I might possibly be out there next year.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Gerald, at the GA's that I've attended, they always tested the voting system by having the delegates indicate how many GA's they have attended as delegate. I'm one of those weirdos who actually writes it down. In 2009, there were 408 new delegates, and 516 who had come for a 2nd time or more.

That stat is significant, but would be moreso had not there been a large number of seats that hadn't been there before. In North America, there are a hundred or so individuals that have been delegates repeatedly. That may not, however, be detrimental.

At the risk of coming across pious, praying for delegate elections, and the GA is something we all can do, delegate or not. Wouldn't it be great if the Holy Spirit came in a powerful way over the assembly, manifesting in a way that Nazarenes from hundreds of different cultures could recognize and embrace? I wonder what it would look like.

[Billy Cox]

At the risk of coming across pious, praying for delegate elections, and the GA is something we all can do, delegate or not. Wouldn't it be great if the Holy Spirit came in a powerful way over the assembly, manifesting in a way that Nazarenes from hundreds of different cultures could recognize and embrace? I wonder what it would look like.

So you're suggesting that it hasn't happened at General Assembly before?

[Billy Cox]

I think that in 2009, I got to spend more time with Jeremy Scott than with my wife.

What, did you lose a bet? ;)

[Hans Deventer]

So you're suggesting that it hasn't happened at General Assembly before?

Wow, do you have all the GA's and how they went in your head? I would not be able to answer that question.

[Billy Cox]

Wow, do you have all the GA's and how they went in your head? I would not be able to answer that question.

It's a real question, and since Dennis posed it, the scope of experience would not include all GA's for all time.

[Ed DiSante]

Marian, a few things: there is very little in downtown Indy that I long to see, and shops are not a part of that. And I don't care much for shopping at all, where ever that may be.

The DiSantes plan to be there...Did spend a week in Indy one night--on a pass through when when I was doing Deputation many moons ago. Will be great to see you again Hans

[Hans Deventer]

That stat is significant, but would be moreso had not there been a large number of seats that hadn't been there before.

Not THAT many, Dennis. Checked my delegate's Handbooks:

GA 2005 - 1001 delegates registered.
GA 2001 - 989 delegates registered.
GA 1997 - 904 delegates voted in the elections of the GS's.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Not THAT many, Dennis. Checked my delegate's Handbooks:

GA 2005 - 1001 delegates registered.
GA 2001 - 989 delegates registered.
GA 1997 - 904 delegates voted in the elections of the GS's.

I stand corrected. I was thinking that representation was decreased from North America, as delegations from outside NA increased.

[Hans Deventer]

I stand corrected. I was thinking that representation was decreased from North America, as delegations from outside NA increased.

Well, the thing is that the number of non-US delegates doesn't rise that fast. Of course we hear about the enormous church growth in Africa etc, but we've made sure in 1997 that they only get a vote when they are paying the money. (I hate to sound like Billy, but it's true :( )

So my hope is that at this GA, they'll get more room to manage their own business.

[John F Martin]

When I first joined the faculty at Bethany and it was foune out that I had never visited the KC HQ I was asked how I expected to get into Heaven if I had never been to the New Jerusalem.

Hi Jim, from a fellow BNC-er, what did you teach & when? I learned something new: Didn't realize that was in your past.

[Ryan Scott]

Well, the thing is that the number of non-US delegates doesn't rise that fast. Of course we hear about the enormous church growth in Africa etc, but we've made sure in 1997 that they only get a vote when they are paying the money. (I hate to sound like Billy, but it's true)

So my hope is that at this GA, they'll get more room to manage their own business.

Not to mention that 20% of the non-us delegates who do manage to get elected can't get a visa to get into the US (a problem that GA in Toronto, for example, would solve).

[Hans Deventer]

Not to mention that 20% of the non-us delegates who do manage to get elected can't get a visa to get into the US (a problem that GA in Toronto, for example, would solve).

Ryan, I'll apologize even more, but it is clear to me the Church don't care. We rather maintain the unbiblically huge distinction between clergy and laity than have fair representation in our deciscion making processes. Although I really enjoyed my first GA back in 1997, this shocking deciscion was like a gunshot that still rings in my ears.

And so our little district, so fortunate as to have money, has 4 delegates to represent a little over 2000 people. While hundreds of thousands Nazarenes who are less fortunate economicaly get to send their non voting DS. I don't know what one should call that, but it is not democracy in any shape or form. Perhaps oligarchy?

[Billy Cox]

Ryan, I'll apologize even more, but it is clear to me the Church don't care. We rather maintain the unbiblically huge distinction between clergy and laity than have fair representation in our deciscion making processes. Although I really enjoyed my first GA back in 1997, this shocking deciscion was like a gunshot that still rings in my ears.

And so our little district, so fortunate as to have money, has 4 delegates to represent a little over 2000 people. While hundreds of thousands Nazarenes who are less fortunate economicaly get to send their non voting DS. I don't know what one should call that, but it is not democracy in any shape or form. Perhaps oligarchy?

I have long given up on the idea that General Assembly is a democratic process. I figure that if my district is over-represented and much of the money spent on GA that doesn't enrich the city of Indianapolis finds its way back into the Olathe economy, then there must be some districts (maybe most of them) that get little or no Kingdom value from attending.

I think that the 1997 vote may have been the denomination's "jump the shark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_the_shark)" moment in which a majority of the delegates made an utter mockery of the work done by the Commission on the International Church...unless of course the Commission was seeking to keep the American clergy in charge of the money.

Hans, you may hate to sound like me (and you're surely not alone), but if I were to hear more Nazarenes in places of influence sounding like you and then following suit in real actions, maybe I would reconsider my jaundiced opinions about the denomination's leadership.

[Hans Deventer]

Hans, you may hate to sound like me (and you're surely not alone), but if I were to hear more Nazarenes in places of influence sounding like you and then following suit in real actions, maybe I would reconsider my jaundiced opinions about the denomination's leadership.

Billy, you know I'm not scared to submit resolutions to the GA. But this one seems so ingrained in the DNA of the church that I frankly do not have the hope needed to submit one. But I do not understand it. We nowhere have equal lay/clergy representation in the local church. There is none in the District Assembly or the district conventions. There is none in the Board of General Superintendents. Why on earth should it be in the GA and the General Board? In my view, this principle addresses a none existent problem and causes us to fail to recognize a very existent problem.

Now I could submit a resolution to tweak the election system of delegates somewhat. But that still would not address the fundamental problem. But to change THAT, a much more fundamental approach would be needed and I simply lack the faith for that. So I apologize for failing you in that respect.

My only hope is that sheer numbers and economics will eventually kill the GA as we know it today, thus effectively diminishing the problem. If districts get more authority, the problem is solved.

[Ryan Scott]

I suspect, initially, the clergy/lay representation was to ensure that enough trained clergy would be present to keep the uneducated laity from changing the articles of faith to something we don't actually believe.

I'm not sure which group needs the balancing, though.

[Hans Deventer]

I suspect, initially, the clergy/lay representation was to ensure that enough trained clergy would be present to keep the uneducated laity from changing the articles of faith to something we don't actually believe.

I'm not sure which group needs the balancing, though.

And it doesn't matter. The GA tends to refer any resolution on the articles of faith to a comittee. So the GA basically makes decisions on issues that should be dealt with at a lower level, while considering itself unqualified to make those it should. That's why I really believe the whole thing should be set up quite differently.

[Ryan Scott]

And it doesn't matter. The GA tends to refer any resolution on the articles of faith to a comittee. So the GA basically makes decisions on issues that should be dealt with at a lower level, while considering itself unqualified to make those it should. That's why I really believe the whole thing should be set up quite differently.

I think we should randomly select 800 members from the roles internationally and allow them to make all the decisions. Perhaps that might encourage local congregations to take more care in how they manage their membership.

[Jim Franklin]

Perhaps all NazNetters in attendance could gather together on the 26th and give a "Happy Birthday" shout out for this old geezer's 75th. Thanking you in advance.

[Roy Richardson]

I'd love to meet you, Hans. I'll likely be there for the conventions & might be there for the assembly business. We'll see.

I second Rich's desire to meet up with you

[Hans Deventer]

I second Rich's desire to meet up with you

Well, I crossed the point "District Assembly willing, I'll be there". So now it's up to "God willing" :D

[Benjamin Burch]

Depending upon school decisions by that point, I may very well be within driving distance.

[Martijn van Beveren]

Dear brothers and sisters, I am exited to be elected for the NYI convention. I am also planning to stay the entire GA. It's not something you get to experience every day. Next to that, Joanne (my wife, and chairwoman of the dist. publ. brd.) will come along also. It would be great to meet you all!

[Hans Deventer]

Dear brothers and sisters, I am exited to be elected for the NYI convention. I am also planning to stay the entire GA. It's not something you get to experience every day. Next to that, Joanne (my wife, and chairwoman of the dist. publ. brd.) will come along also. It would be great to meet you all!

I didn't know you planned to stay. Cool! Last time, we had a NazNet bench, it was a great place to hang out! As is of course the NazNet stand. Sometimes I think it's almost more for those who are already NazNetters, than those who might be interested in joining :p

[Marissa Lynn Coblentz]

I didn't know you planned to stay. Cool! Last time, we had a NazNet bench, it was a great place to hang out! As is of course the NazNet stand. Sometimes I think it's almost more for those who are already NazNetters, than those who might be interested in joining :p

The Lynn family used the Naznet booth as a default meeting place. If we couldn't find each other, we just went to the Naznet booth, and everyone eventually showed up there. In the meantime, it was great to meet Naznetters, and of course, Scott is always fun to hang out with.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

The Lynn family used the Naznet booth as a default meeting place. If we couldn't find each other, we just went to the Naznet booth, and everyone eventually showed up there. In the meantime, it was great to meet Naznetters, and of course, Scott is always fun to hang out with.

Yes, I'm generally known as a fun guy. It's probably my finest trait - right after my obvious humility.

[Marsha Lynn]

Depending upon school decisions by that point, I may very well be within driving distance.

Aren't you within driving distance now?

:smilies1722:

[Hans Deventer]

Aren't you within driving distance now?

:smilies1722:

He may be, but at least I am certainly not :smilies0295:

[Benjamin Burch]

Aren't you within driving distance now?

:smilies1722:

I assume it is a subjective idea. :) For me personally, 4,000 miles (round-trip) is not "driving distance" for non-essential activity. :p

[Ryan Scott]

I assume it is a subjective idea. For me personally, 4,000 miles (round-trip) is not "driving distance" for non-essential activity.


We did about 3,000 miles round trip the last time. It's fun.

[Heidi Anderson]

One of the best parts of 2009 was the NazNet booth. It was fun to hang out and see folks and I loved meeting Scott's wife Jackie! Hope to see you all in 2013!

[Benjamin Burch]

We did about 3,000 miles round trip the last time. It's fun.

(1) Distance qua distance really is not the issue. It is the money it costs to make such a distant travel.
(2) I'm not sure I have another Nazarene friend here to make it a "we" type of trip. Who knows, maybe.

[Marsha Lynn]

Aren't you within driving distance now?

:smilies1722:
I assume it is a subjective idea. :) For me personally, 4,000 miles (round-trip) is not "driving distance" for non-essential activity. :p

You're right, of course. I was just messin' with you. That comment was the echo of a friend who has reminded me more than once that everywhere is within walking distance if you have enough time. (Of course, there's an unspoken assumption that we're talking about places connected by land.)

My general rule of thumb for "driving distance" is spending more time at the destination than in the car.

Marsha

[Kevin Rector]

We did about 3,000 miles round trip the last time. It's fun.

Yeah, we did close to 3,000 miles round trip too... with four kids 5 and under in the van.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

One of the best parts of 2009 was the NazNet booth. It was fun to hang out and see folks and I loved meeting Scott's wife Jackie! Hope to see you all in 2013!

Heidi, I remember Jackie talking about how much fun she had getting to know you - so the feeling was mutual.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We did about 3,000 miles round trip the last time. It's fun.

Not quite as far for us - around 2000 r/t. I drove by myself to Orlando - towing the camper. Then Jackie flew out for the big weekend - and we vacationed a bit coming home.

My Indy distance is just a bit farther than Orlando, but we'll very likely be towing again.

[Billy Cox]

We did about 3,000 miles round trip the last time. It's fun.

Yeah, but last time there was Disneyworld and the beach. :)

[Marsha Lynn]

Yeah, but last time there was Disneyworld and the beach. :)

Well, Indianapolis has one of the top-ranked children's museums in the nation.

(OK, maybe not quite on a level with Disney and the beach.)

[Marsha Lynn]

No sign of 2013 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene here (http://www.icclos.com/upcoming-events.aspx) as of yet. I hope they're expecting us. It would be pretty awkward to all show up and discover our reservation somehow got lost.

:smilies1447:

[Ryan Scott]

No sign of 2013 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene here (http://www.icclos.com/upcoming-events.aspx) as of yet. I hope they're expecting us. It would be pretty awkward to all show up and discover our reservation somehow got lost.

They've not got our dates booked by someone else, though, that's a good sign. Maybe we're meeting in secret this time?

[David Pettigrew]

They've not got our dates booked by someone else, though, that's a good sign. Maybe we're meeting in secret this time?

What do you mean "this time"?

[Hans Deventer]

What do you mean "this time"?

Well, we've had secret Regional Conferences. Why not a secret GA?

[Michael Flowers]

Well, I won't be at the convention or assembly as a delegate (which is something of a relief in a way) but I suspect that my wife and I will make the three hour drive over for at least a couple of days.

[Roland Hearn]

Just found out yesterday I am wanted at the General Assembly - ticket booked. I will be there. I hope I can catch up with some friends from Naznet. I'll be on the NTC - Brisbane Kiosk (Booth) and in a few regional caucuses. I'm now excited about GA. Wow - how subjective is that.

[Ryan Scott]

Just found out yesterday I am wanted at the General Assembly - ticket booked. I will be there. I hope I can catch up with some friends from Naznet. I'll be on the NTC - Brisbane Kiosk (Booth) and in a few regional caucuses. I'm now excited about GA. Wow - how subjective is that.

I want to be there and now even more so. I'm not sure I could afford it, let alone convince my wife it's a good idea. We'll see.

[Jim Poteet]

Just found out yesterday I am wanted at the General Assembly - ticket booked. I will be there. I hope I can catch up with some friends from Naznet. I'll be on the NTC - Brisbane Kiosk (Booth) and in a few regional caucuses. I'm now excited about GA. Wow - how subjective is that.

I am looking forward to seeing you.

[Hans Deventer]

Just found out yesterday I am wanted [...]

I sure hope, alive!

[Lucas Finch]

Yesterday I ordered my train tickets to take me from Whitefish, MT to Indianapolis and back. So it looks like I'm committed! My train arrives late night on Tuesday of convention week, and I leave early morning the following Monday. Looking forward to it! This is many firsts for me: My first time taking a train cross country, my first time being to Indianapolis, and my first time being at the Global Conventions / General Assembly.

[Jon Twitchell]

I've just finished plotting out our road trip. 2300 miles round trip, including stops in Toronto, Detroit, and Queens, NY (for Blue Jays, Tigers, and Mets games, respectively).

The good news is that we just traded our car... and our new car is getting about 38MPG! (about 10MPG better than our old car.)

We'll head out on Sunday afternoon, and arrive in Indy on Wednesday... we'll leave Indy on the following Thursday, and arrive home on Saturday.

[Ryan Scott]

After Roland's good news, I look again into maybe coming out for a few days. My parents will be there, so I can crash in their hotel room. Right now, there is a round trip ticket from Philly to Indy for $160. That's less than gas would cost. We'll see if it comes together.