BE

I have been at Annual Conference this week with all the leaders of the United Methodist churches in Oklahoma. It was our first one with our new Bishop who awed us as she sang the communion liturgy last night. I head down to Boston Avenue again this morning for another 12-14 hour day. Last night ended with a worship service of remembrance for all of the clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year. Thirty six people had transitioned to their heavenly reward. I can’t remember the last time that we had that many names to read. One of the beautiful things that we do at this service is stand as the name is read if that person impacted your life in their ministry. It is always amazing to me to see all of the people who stand and remember. It is also very sad to see the names of those who helped to shape me and taught me over the years how to be who I am today. Most of the ones that I know are the ones who gave up a week to attend church camp. Those names always have a lot more people who stand because their influence is so much greater than just the churches where they served.

One of the things that I love about annual conference is seeing people from all over the state that I have loved and partnered in ministry with. Some of those ministers are people that I grew up with in Okmulgee who now serve churches in the state. Some of those loved ones are previous pastors from Faith who I worked with every day. And some of those folks are people that I met in high school youth ministry at leadership camp. We have know each other for a few days every year for forty years. It’s funny how those friendships can exist even when we are not together very often. Another thing that I love about annual conference is being with people who understand exactly what I am going through as someone who serves a church. We share stories and ideas for ministry. We encourage and pray over folks who are hurting. We see each others humanity and we sit in the knowledge that we are not alone.

The Bishop and Rev. Sam Powers both used language about family. We are a church family. Our membership is held with the Oklahoma Annual Conference. We began the day affirming those that have completed their educational requirements to join this family. Our theme for the week is BE…loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, and hopeful. This theme comes from the scriptures as the fruits of the spirit. As the people of God, our lives should be filled with these characteristics.

This week your family is represented by Lynn G, Mike M, Mark F and a youth delegate Addie C. We voted today on significant legislation regarding regionalization, a statement of inclusion, a statement against racism and a clarification of who gets to vote for clergy. These votes will be compiled with every annual conference in the world and we will find out the results in November. It is a long time to wait, but I am hopeful that the church will continue to move forward in our mission to the world.

I want to end with our new vision statement for the world wide United Methodist church “Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.” I like it. This comes from the Connectional Tale and the Council of Bishops. It fits with our church’s core values nicely.

Go and BE!