- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
In a few days I will be attending our Church’s Annual Conference. Once a year United Methodist from central and southern Illinois get together to hear reports from a variety of ministries that together we not only support but we encourage to continue touching lives for Jesus. But there is more than reporting there is also a time to worship and be inspired to lift Jesus up to a needy world. There is even a time to remember those leaders who have left this earthly existence and gone to the heavenly kingdom. And each year there is a new ‘class’ of ministers who are ordained to bring their gifts and graces to the churches in our area.
However, all of the routine happenings of Conference are not the highlights for me personally. For me there is nothing like greeting and sharing with those who through the years have become an important part of my life. There are other ministers that have stood by me through the years and have enriched my life in many ways. There will be laity there who I have grown to not only appreciate but who have taught me a variety of life lessons. Sharing stories and even food together seems to become a holy time for me.
Conference is a reminder that people are where life is really at. Organizations are important but the humans of the organizations are much more important. Today as I think about my time with others from this part of the world I am ever grateful for people who have made my life richer and more meaningful. I thank God for others.