It is actually Monday evening and I have just returned home from Annual Conference. A few reflections ...
I have never returned home from conference without some unease over the conflicts and tension that we always assumed was inherent in the process. But this year I return feeling a true sense of connection with Christ and fellow United Methodists! Bishop Schnase has put us in position to confront issues and be confronted with the issues of the gospel without debates and "floor fights." Michael Slaughter (pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC, Tipp City, Ohio - 4500 in worship!) challenged us to take the church into the world and be fully engaged in justice! As far as I could tell we were all on board.
We had some of the most compelling preaching ever and the workshops provided practical help that will soon be implemented in churches all over Missouri.
There was a whole row of us representing Platte Woods UMC and I could not have been happier about the group we sent this year. Our lay members included Mike Cole, Alan Herndon, Jenny Hundt and Rachael Zolnowski. Your clergy, Curtis and Angie Olsen, Ginger Pudenz and myself completed the delegation. It was a great group.
A highlight was the ordination of our own Curtis and Angie! The ordination service is always a highlight of the conference and was even greater this year because of the presence of our Platte Woods Wesleyan Choir. Walter and the choir (along with some participants from other churches) hit a home run and inspired the whole conference.
It was good to be there but even better to get home and get back to the task of furthering the kingdom among the people of Platte Woods UMC!
Maybe I'll share a little about it this weekend.
It's been a good day - I hope you've had a good day too.
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