As I prepare to move from Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church to McPherson First United Methodist Church this summer, I’ve been thinking a lot about how important it is to have good conversations during these changes. Over the years, I’ve used different resources to help with pastoral transitions. Still, this time, I decided to make […]
Just down the road in Kansas City, a tragic event unfolded that captured the attention of many and left us grappling with a sense of loss and confusion. The mass shooting at the Chiefs parade, a moment meant for celebration, turned into a time of mourning. This event prompts us to question the very fabric […]
Imagine, for a moment, you’re at the Super Bowl tonight, with the football team from Kansas City facing off against the team from San Francisco. The energy is electric, the crowd is roaring, and you can feel the tension. Each player on the field has a pivotal role, and their collective efforts could lead to […]
Monday was one of my favorite holidays – Kansas Day! We turned 163 years old as a state. I’m part of the fifth generation of my family living in the Great Plains, but our roots go back to Northwest and Eastern Europe. On the occasion of Kansas Day, we were reminded to honor the courage […]
This corner marks a turning point – in the structure and materials. The wall turns at a right angle and changes in composition and color. The bricks and stones are different, while the purpose of the wall remains the same. It supports the roof and makes space for rooms inside. Local churches may or may […]
Churches can learn from big bluestem. This picture is of this native plant putting out new spring growth. Once established, this grass can be burned, mowed, or otherwise cut back and grow again. It draws strength from its roots, which have made their way deep into the soil. The church has roots in the good […]
Did the tree fall on its own, or was it cut purposefully? Will these logs get split for firewood or taken to the dump? Is this pile of wood useless or useful? A picture doesn’t tell the past, necessarily, nor does it always suggest a possible future. There are a variety of ways to arrive […]
Over the past few days, I have been working on putting together a makeshift studio that I can use to record videos for the congregation and community. It will also be helpful for the ever-increasing number of video conference calls these days. I want to share with you a bit of the process, in case […]
So, it’s not often that the United Methodist Church makes national and local news. However, you or your friends may have read or seen something over the weekend that raised some questions for you. I want to make sure that you are informed and can respond well to people who bring up the topic. On […]
I have come to understand that the planning and execution of a pastoral transition can make a significant difference in the fruitfulness of both a pastor and congregation in the months ahead. There are a number of resources that I have used to develop tools which I have used in transition. You can find these […]
I have come to understand that the planning and execution of a pastoral transition can make a significant difference in the fruitfulness of both a pastor and congregation in the months ahead. There are a number of resources that I have used to develop tools which I have used in transition. You can find these […]
It is a season of transition. I have had the opportunity to serve as the preacher at Berryton United Methodist Church since July 1, 2018. On Sunday, I announced during worship that I have received a new appointment from Bishop Ruben Saenz to serve as the pastor at Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church in Topeka […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 