Yesterday afternoon, we had an all-church conversation at Berryton United Methodist Church to process the 2019 special session of the General Conference. I put it on the calendar about a month ago. While it was, of course, impossible to predict how things would go, I did figure that we would need some time and space […]
Today is my 32nd day as the preacher assigned to Berryton United Methodist Church. It has been a wonderful journey of learning, sharing, and welcome. I am so grateful for the warm welcome that we have received from the congregation and community. One of the ways that I have been learning about the congregation is […]
A Conversation about the Meaning, Symbolism and Responsibility of Baptism One of the great privileges that I have as a United Methodist preacher is offering the sacrament of Christian baptism to individuals and families connected with the local church. I like to meet with the individual or family in advance of the service to hear their […]
In response to one of the questions from the #dreamUMC conversation on Twitter, I shared this update. Q3: Reread Wesley's Sermons and share the teaching contained therein with the congregation where I serve. #dreamUMC — Andrew Conard (@andrewconard) May 15, 2012 My Twitter friend and fellow UMCer Matt Lipan (@mattlipan and check out his blog here.) responded. […]
I enjoy both social media and beautiful graphics. I’ve got a poster on the way for my wall. The Conversation Prism by Brian Solis and Jesse Thomas.
Yesterday I focused a lot of my energy around the covenant between the Kansas West and Zimbabwe East Annual Conferences. It was my responsibility to pull together the team that shared stories of the trip and presented the legislation. While not speaking, I probably got more anxious than was strictly necessary trying to corral the […]
A few weeks ago, we were invited in staff chapel to reflect on the cross with a small group of fellow staff. I enjoy being in conversation with those with whom I work about theology. I don’t always take the time that I need in reflection with my colleagues, so I was particularly blessed by […]
While listening to a podcast of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! this week, I heard of the true story of a phone confessional that gives you the following options: For advice on confessing, press one. To confess, press two. To listen to some confessions, press three. As a United Methodist, I believe that confession, both […]
Earlier this year, you were invited to join in a conversation which sought to raise questions for The United Methodist Church. This effort was called 6 Questions for The United Methodist Church (6qumc). 6qumc officially closed on September 30. I am working on compiling the top 6 questions in each category into a book which […]
These are the final days for 6 Questions for The United Methodist Church. If you have not already, add your voice and vote at http://bit.ly/6qumc.
On vacation, while taking a break from technology, was a great time to tackle Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. While this title was originally published in 1985, it provides an excellent perspective on how changes in media have had an effect on how public conversation is […]
Another question that has been asked of 6 Questions for The United Methodist Church, “Where is it leading?” Ultimately, I pray that this project is leading where God wills. The stated purposes of the project are: Raise important questions for next steps in the life of the denomination. Provide guidance for future face to face […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 