I am back from Annual Conference…
From our Annual Conference held in Salem in the middle of June, I am still overwhelmed by all the actions made and the thoughts shared through four days. However, I would like to take a little bit of time to write those days down on this letter as sharing our Conference’s vision and motto with you in coming years.
On the very first day, all clergy and lay delegates in our Annual Conference gathered at Salem conference Center. The first session was mostly about some petitions from various issues needed to be adopted or defeated by voting actions. Many different voices and discussions reminded me of how diverse we are as The United Methodist Church. After dinner, there was Memorial Service as remembering those who were passing through the year, 2009. Carol Shay’s name was on the bulletin and many names were in my thoughts and prayer during the worship.
On the second day, in the early morning, all participants from the Central District had a brief moment with Rev. John Watts as recognizing and giving our appreciation for his 7 years service. The cake whoever cut became big chunks I did not even need any breakfast meal. Rev. Adam Hamilton came from Kansas serving the biggest congregation of The UMC(Over 8,500 average attendants in worship) and led all day session about ‘Effective church leadership’ and ‘Strategies for reaching the unchurched.’ Because our church used many his Bible study curriculums last years, I was very excited to meet him in person and shake hands with him. And I did, but no pictures were taken. It just gave me such a good feeling to listen to his personal experience of God’s grace on his journey and on the church he is currently serving. Nevertheless, it was a long day.
On the third day, the highlight part or the reason why I should be there was the announcement of Central District appointments during the legislative session. “I was announced and appointed as a pastor of Fruitland/Nyssa UMCs for another year 2010.” I am very grateful to start my fourth year here with you and thank you all for many supports and prayers. On that evening, there was an ordination service at First UMC in Salem. My friends and colleagues were ordained before God and many witnesses. May many blessings from our Lord, Jesus Christ be upon their new journey as an ordained minister! I am also looking forward to next year of this moment in my life.
On the last day of the Conference, I attended last legislative session mostly about annual budget of the Conference and financial challenges we’re facing as “One Connectional Church.” Leaving there many joys, excitements, disappointments, heavy and burden hearts, and mixed feelings, I had to be back where I am now.
Above all, what I brought from a long trip and many days’ session is only one question how we as a local church carry on our Conference’s vision, ‘Growing Healthy, Vital Congregations’ and our motto, ‘Embracing Change’ in the place where we’re serving in the name of Jesus Christ. Humbly sharing my answer with you is to empower laity in our congregation who can be actively involved in leadership and on-going service to outreach people in our community with love of Christ. I believe that we have been doing this for last years and we are a growing healthy, vital congregation already embracing many changes we’ve faced. Therefore, let us keep up the good work and praise all hard working leader in our faith community. And may our God send to all family members in our church many encouragements and strength as we are seeking the kingdom of God first in our lives!
In Christ,
Pastor John Go
