In the coming weeks, Methodists from around the state will gather at our respective Annual Conference meetings. We will reconnect through worship and sacrament, in celebration of ministry, by sharing meals and casual conversation. And, importantly, we will do the business of each Annual Conference. It is a time of honored traditions, innovative ideas, and relationship-building. Our gathering practice is a spiritual discipline that continues to shape our lives as Methodist believers, even as our practice of faith meets the challenges of our day. This year, I anticipate our holy conferencing to be grounded in humility, confidence and hope while faithfully focused on the future.
My former professor, Dr. Willie Jennings, describes Christian hope as a discipline. Hope is not a feeling, Jennings insists, it is a discipline practiced by those whose faith is in the resurrected Christ. Hope is naturally future-facing. Hope bears witness to our faith that the one who overcame death is now with us in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
As part of the ministry of the Foundation, I am grateful to partner with so many of you as we continue our journey of faith. I anticipate the Holy Spirit not only shaking up gathered believers, as happened at Pentecost, but also offering us God’s faithful presence in the days ahead. Our call is for such a time as this and we will answer that call with faith and action.
Happy, holy, and hope-filled conferencing everyone!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
