Church Roots in England and Tea

Once again, my morning began with Tazo's Chai tea, followed by a walk to the Convention Center for the first plenary session of the convention [full assembly of delegates]. 

While I've been a delegate to several District Assemblies, this was my first time to be a delegate to a General Church Convention.  

When 1,167 SDMI delegates come together from more than 159 world areas to share the results of their ministry, it's evident the 'Good News' of God's love for mankind is being proclaimed with great results, but there's a lot more people who still need to hear it.

The theme of this year's convention was People of Prayer, Engaged in the Word, Making Christlike Disciples.

Our new denominational logo was unveiled.

The photo below is John Wesley, born in Epworth, England in 1703. 

John Wesley, an Anglican cleric, and Christian theologian who embraced Arminian doctrines, is largely credited, along with his brother, Charles, for founding the Methodist movement in 1729, encouraging people to experience Jesus Christ personally. Towards the end of Wesley's life he was referred to as "the best loved man in England."  He died in 1791, at 87 years of age, and was entombed at Wesley's Chapel in Greater London.

[Photo courtesy of Good Living Magazine.com]

Given my fondness for tea, I had to find out if John Wesley was a tea drinker and The United Kingdom Tea Council provided the answer.  The Temperance Movement in the eighteenth century disapproved of the consumption of tea [along with coffee and hot chocolate - beverages with caffeine stimulants] believing they were injurious to health. This was long before the benefits of tea were scientifically proven.  John Wesley promoted complete abstinence from tea in the mid-1700's, urging that the money previously spent by individuals on tea be given to the poor, and as an alternative hot infusions could be made from sage or mint herbs.  Later in life, however, Wesley went back to drinking tea. Whew! I'm sure glad he had a change of heart and mind!  ;-)  Because of his charitable nature throughout his life, he left behind no financial wealth when he died, only a good library of books, a well-worn clergyman's robe, and the Methodist Church.  I'd say his legacy is priceless!

Wesley's teachings, known as Wesleyanism, provided the basis for the Holiness Movement, which includes the Church of the Nazarene, organized in 1908, in Peniel, Texas.

I lunched at Circle Center Mall - a four level indoor mall within walking distance of the Convention Center.  The Food Court had many offerings, but I opted for a "King Potato" at the Great Steak & Potato Company.

[Internet Photo]

The Carson Pirie Scott department store is currently housed in the former L.S. Ayres flagship store in this mall.

After lunch [no time for shopping], I headed back to the Convention Center to attend two more workshops.

Tomorrow's post - day #4 in Indianapolis, and tea at the Propylaeum.