Lutherans used to ordain at Synod Assembly. Methodists still do. This year the Texas Annual Conference met at the Hilton of the Americas, in Houston, just off La Avenida de las Americas.

Walking in, it felt like a synod assembly, though much larger.

UMC Bishop Cynthia Harvey

The ordination service was held at Houston’s historic First Methodist Church.

Bishop Harvey
CME (Christian Methodist Episcopal) Bishop Lawrence Reddick and I were invited as Full Communion Partner Guest Bishops
I’m sure they chose the opening hymn by Martin Luther to make my heart strangely warmed.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

And Jesus prayed… “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:20-23