Annual Conference

Although I live and serve a Methodist Church in Florida, I am still a member of the Missouri Conference.

This weekend I am flying to Kansas City and then driving to Springfield for Annual Conference.  I have attended Annual Conferences since 1981 the only one I ever missed was last year.

Annual Conference is the yearly meeting of Methodist preachers and lay representatives.  They gather to worship, to vote on petitions and to catch up with friends.

Last year I did not attend because I was not in a good spot.  This year I am looking forward to going.  I was never much on sitting through the long business meetings, but I loved making friends and catching up with old ones.

This year there will be a good deal of discussion about the Council of Bishops group that has been working on "The Way Forward."  The way forward is a proposal to help a divided church figure out how to deal with it's doctrine regarding homosexuality.  One of these days I will write about that.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing many old friends.  I am looking forward to smiles, hugs and catching up.

Be happy for me and with me.  And if you are at Annual Conference and you read this blog, I want a hug.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

4 Night cruise from Port Canaveral to Key West and Havana, Cuba.
August 13-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/cc18081318h17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs