What a great gathering we had in Roanoke again this year as we came together for Annual Conference! I saw many of our delegates faithfully fulfilling their obligation as local church or district delegates, attending all business and worship sessions. We celebrated, studied, conferenced and worshipped with a wonderful focus on youth and young adults. It was inspiring to me to witness the overwhelming approval of the 250 Task Force's report and see our Conference unite toward a common vision that will have such a wife ranging impact. A total of 537 response cards were turned in following the All Things New proposal. Twenty-four lay and sixteen clergy from the Norfolk District turned in a response card, expressing interest in one or more of the following areas: 1) Becoming a Five Talent Church; 2) Working to establish a new congregation through their church; 3) Leading a new church start; 4) Being part of the feasibility study; and 5) Providing financial support. It is clear that the Spirit is at work on our district and in our Annual Conference in an exciting way. You will find other highlights of this year‟s Annual Conference included in the newsletter. I hope that you will soon hear a report from your local church delegate during your worship services.
With the summer months upon us, I hope that we will all purpose to set aside some time for rest and relaxation (I'm talking to myself now too!). Bishop Pennel spoke about the practice of Interiority which leads to justice, creates community and breaks us open to ourselves. He stressed the importance of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and searching the Scriptures. He also reminded us that All Things New begins in the inner life of each individual.
On a personal note, I enjoyed spending some time with both our outgoing District Superintendent and our incoming District Superintendent during Annual Conference. It has been a privilege for me to serve alongside Clarence these past three years and I have grown from his example. I am looking forward to serving with Brad and know that I will learn much from him as well. They are both committed to the Lord Jesus and to the United Methodist Church.
I leave you with these words from the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders:
" Empowered Laity, Partnering with Clergy, Offering Christ to the World
In the words of Bishop Pennel, it is worth pondering …"
Janet
