Annual Conference always brings to mind the old line 'the best of times, the worst of times'.... lots of admin details, lots of time listening to talk and the reminder that the UM system is built on a ton of dysfunctions... and yet there is also some great reminders of the genuine ministry dreams in the covenant, some wonderful fellow servents in the lay and clergy ranks, and the far reaching joy that comes from being apart of something far bigger than one pastor, one congregation or even one city. This 09 edition enabled us to meet our new bishop, Bishop Elaine Stavonsky, who is a wonderful lady as well as a talented leader. I was also blessed with the opportunity to play lots of music with a collection of fellow clergy who are not just immensely talented, but visionary in thier own communities worship settings. We had a blast, and the music is still shakin' the halls of Two Rivers! We dealt with several issues, one involving the future reshaping of the Annual conference boundries and another which reminded us that having a pastor is getting evermore expensive...but in the end we did have a conference that came off with few challenges...One important program we will be utilizing in 2010, Rethink Church. expect to hear more about it soon! A special thank you to Bob and Candy Schroder and Kristie Newton who served us well as AC reps!
