Today I traveled to Indianapolis to Annual Conference. I'll be here until Saturday. I am blessed to be part of the youth ministry team. So, I get to hang out with the youth! I'm pretty new to the group so I don't know too many of them. But, after just a short time, I can tell you this.
How many youth who are just starting their summer vacation would give up 4 days to hang out and talk about being Methodist and sharing about God? I know a bunch of them now! Seeing youth excited about being here and participating with adults and clergy from all over Indiana is awesome! They want to be involved in the church and they are anxious to share with adults. During one of our sessions, a young person got up and spoke about churches wondering how to attract young people. He said all we need to do is ask! Some of the youth I was with discussed it later as we were walking out. They were more than willing to be part of a "ask the youth" panel. They have ideas, they have thoughts. Basically, they care about what's happening and want to be a part of it.
During the conference, we watched a video from the financial committee. It started with the offering plate being passed. Then, the usher was in a classroom and the money in the plate turned to classroom supplies. He went to a homeless man and the offering turned to food, a blanket, and prayers for the man. He went overseas and it turned to Bibles for several who were just learning about God. It was a beautiful way to look at giving. It's not about giving because we have to. It's about giving because we can be a part of making a difference.
This evening, we went to a service of remembrance for the clergy and spouses who passed away in the year since the last conference. During the service, each name was called and a bell was rung. They also poured water from a pitcher into a glass bowl. To me, it showed the impact of each person when they were all put together. At the end, when they asked people to stand if they were impacted by someone who passed, almost everyone stood. We could see a room filled by people impacted by those gone before us, people who were blessed by those who have now gone on to a better place.
So, where was God today? He's in this conference- with the people here, in the conversations here, and in the many blessings that will come from the sessions and the decisions that happen here.
Jennifer
How many youth who are just starting their summer vacation would give up 4 days to hang out and talk about being Methodist and sharing about God? I know a bunch of them now! Seeing youth excited about being here and participating with adults and clergy from all over Indiana is awesome! They want to be involved in the church and they are anxious to share with adults. During one of our sessions, a young person got up and spoke about churches wondering how to attract young people. He said all we need to do is ask! Some of the youth I was with discussed it later as we were walking out. They were more than willing to be part of a "ask the youth" panel. They have ideas, they have thoughts. Basically, they care about what's happening and want to be a part of it.
During the conference, we watched a video from the financial committee. It started with the offering plate being passed. Then, the usher was in a classroom and the money in the plate turned to classroom supplies. He went to a homeless man and the offering turned to food, a blanket, and prayers for the man. He went overseas and it turned to Bibles for several who were just learning about God. It was a beautiful way to look at giving. It's not about giving because we have to. It's about giving because we can be a part of making a difference.
This evening, we went to a service of remembrance for the clergy and spouses who passed away in the year since the last conference. During the service, each name was called and a bell was rung. They also poured water from a pitcher into a glass bowl. To me, it showed the impact of each person when they were all put together. At the end, when they asked people to stand if they were impacted by someone who passed, almost everyone stood. We could see a room filled by people impacted by those gone before us, people who were blessed by those who have now gone on to a better place.
So, where was God today? He's in this conference- with the people here, in the conversations here, and in the many blessings that will come from the sessions and the decisions that happen here.
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:2,4
Blessings,Jennifer
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