My regular pattern for the "words to the saints" following Annual Conference has been to compare statistics on pastoral tenure from year to year and over time.  With the change in the  number of districts from six to five and the listing of churches in each district changing July 1, the comparisons seem to me to have less validity so I will forego them this year and reflect on the changes and what they might mean for the Faith congregation. 
    The cabinet's intent has been for pastoral appointments to lengthen since there is a research base affirming that it takes 5 to 7 does before pastoral effectiveness occurs in a setting.  I begin my sixth year with you. 
      The change in the number of districts was an action of the 2007 Annual Conference.  The Bishop sets the district lines.  The process concluded in December 2007.  One goal was for a district superintendent to provide supervision for a similar number of pastors (although the number of churches might vary).  Another was to pay attention to geography and normal patterns of affinity.  Gatherings of laity and clergy were held to explore options. 
     Our district is now "Twin Cities" which includes the congregations within the 494-694 corridor (with a few exceptions).  The east-west rivalry and tension between the sides of the river is now not structurally supported by district lines.  All that means is unknown, but some attitudes will change I think. 
     The change can also mean a more intentional focus on the reality of the many similarities congregations face in the "urban campus" (as it has been called) that congregations that used to be in Metro East and Metro West districts outside that campus did not share.  The potential is for United Methodist witness to be more effective in the urban campus. 
     We will also be in a planning area with congregations in our area where we will be encouraged to plan together for and take into account how ministry plans of one congregation can and do affect and impact the others.  This step alone can significantly impact our congregational planning and ministry plans and focus.  How it does will become more evident as time goes on. 
     I will reflect with you at the summer series on July 9th about some of the changes I see coming and we will talk together about our responses.     

     As our state celebrates 150 years, we at Faith are in the midst of our 125th anniversary year.  As we move toward the fall, more intentional activities of this celebration will become evident.  The focus weekend is October 24-26.  Make a note of that time.  On that Sunday we plan for there to be an opportunity for "old clothes" to be worn.  Maybe you will want to check out what you can get at the Dakota County Historical Society so you can "dress the part." 
     Part of our celebration is the UMW-sponsored  cookbook.  It will have pictures of groups within the congregation as well as a brief history in addition to lots of recipes.  Anniversary items will be available very soon as well. 
     Very recently our Worship and Music Committee met.  One action was to move the announcement and greeting times in our worship to another place on a trial basis.  Another was to have a procession of worship participants as part our service of Holy Communion the first Sunday of each month.  A third was to find ways to introduce newer music (such as heard regularly on KTIS) to our congregation.  Let the Committee know of your responses to these changes after you have had time to experience them.  The Committee will meet again August 10.  Carol Ward and Marti Kemp are co-chairs. 
     As we look toward the fall, it is very unlikely we will have a seminary intern.  A number of interns were interviewed with mutual decisions made not to proceed.  So we have a need for a person to help oversee our Sunday School.  If you have a suggestion, let me or Liz Chun, Education Chair know. 
     We also will need some new teachers for our elementary students.  If you would like to become part of a team (with rotating responsibilities) also let Liz Chun or me know.  We want to have the folks in place by August 1. 
     We are in the interview stage for organists.  Our Trustees are moving toward a decision on a new custodian. 
     Lots is happening.   As one of my seminary professors used to say, "Whatever we die of, it will not be boredom."   Keep on the journey, saints.
     Rod