Annual Conference

Good to be home from this year's session of the Missouri Annual Conference. From my perspective this was a great time. Our understanding of "conferencing" is so much more productive from other expressions that emphasize mostly legislative work with much debate and posturing. Bishop Schnase has led us to a place where "conferencing" points to learning and focusing on the mission of the church. This year was a prime example of what can take place when the people called Methodist gather to worship, learn and serve. Youth were our focus this year. It was really neat to see all the youth present and participating. On Friday several youth bands shared - Flight Line from PWUMC was a hit! Thanks. We ordained 17 elders. We commissioned 10 provisional elders. We recognized people for great work. We adopted a budget that represented a .05% increase. We celebrated appointments. Kendra Creasy Dean - "Almost Christian" spoke and communited the struggle with faith powerfully. A case may be made that we (church) have taught our young people to build a faith that is a Moral Therepuetic Deism. In other words we want to be tolerate of all, find a way to be happy and if we get in a pinch ask God to help us. That is a long way from "take up your cross and follow me" - Jesus. It is always great to see friends. It is great to be home. Back at church tomorrow - where the true joy takes place. steve