Late February brings the first whispers of spring approaching. With temperatures warming and ice beginning to melt, we feel a subtle shift in the air – a promise of renewal. Yet in this season of transition, many of us still carry winter’s restlessness. The novelty of New Year’s resolutions has worn off, and we might […]
Day 2 of the UMC General Conference began with an inspiring morning worship, featuring a jazz combo that led us in singing century-old hymn lyrics in a refreshed way. The music was fantastic and set a positive tone for the day. Bishop Holston’s episcopal address took us on a journey through the years since the […]
Day 1 at the UMC General Conference was filled with reconnecting with friends and colleagues from across the connection. It’s inspiring to see people from all across the UMC, including the highest concentration of bishops, and to have opportunities to catch up with friends from near and far. I’ve connected with a variety of people […]
I had not cried this week… Until this morning. As I was dropping our children off at school, One Day by Matisyahu came up on shuffle on the playlist to which we were listening. They headed off for their school day and I drove home with tears rolling down my cheeks. Here is the music […]
This morning, I met with a group of clergy colleagues in what is a regularly scheduled gathering. Today we shared, reflected, grieved, considered the future and talked about what and how to best share with our local congregations the events of General Conference. I shared an image of the disorientation that I am feeling in […]
It is difficult to make sense of the events of the day. The passing of the Traditional Plan was disorienting, heart-rending, and continues to be heavy on my mind. The church that has been home for my entire life feels a little less like home. The votes clearly reflect the reality of where the church […]
Well, I was not expecting the day of conferencing to go as it did. It was disheartening to see the Traditional Plan receive enough votes in legislative committee to go on the plenary. The disaffiliation legislation is interesting. If you asked me six months ago about the wisdom of a “graceful exit” for churches and […]
This morning I led worship at Berryton United Methodist Church and preached a sermon about being in connection with one another – Moved to Connect. It is the second in a three part series, The Movement Continues. It is focused on who we are as United Methodist Christians. During our worship service, we lifted up […]
This week I am Denver for the BOM Mid Quad Training Event. The event is designed around the theme of Excellence in Ministry and is designed to help annual conferences make progress on the systems contribute to recruiting, supporting, nurturing, and holding clergy accountable. I am here in my role as Treasurer and member of the Call team […]
I found the two different timelines at Time is Ticking on #UMC Tipping Point on social issues to be interesting Jason celebrates the beginning of a new appointive year and lessons learned at 2 to Tangle!
It has been 649 days since my last blog post. Much has changed since then. Our children are 3 and 2, respectively. I switched from WordPress.com to a WordPress installation, thereby starting over on traffic and links. I am beginning my third year as the pastor appointed to serve First UMC of El Dorado, KS. […]
There are at least three different possibilities for the life of a congregation: Vital – A vital congregation that is one that is creating places for new people to love God and love neighbor. The ministry and impact of the congregation is expanding. Viable – A viable congregation is one that continues to exist at […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 