BONUS BLOG: Getting Ready for Annual Conference?

Ken Carder shares a sentiment shared by many, including me, in his final two paragraphs here —-

I’ve been attending Methodist/United Methodist annual conferences since 1961. As a bishop, I presided over 19 Annual Conference Sessions.

In retirement, I have attended at least parts of the annual gatherings, especially the one that birthed and nurtured me in ministry, Holston Conference.

Health restraints have kept me at home this year. “Livestreaming,” though appreciated, is an inadequate substitute for live presence!

I miss greeting long-time friends and colleagues and experiencing the energy of being together in worship, fellowship, and mutual commitment to the church’s mission.

Even though often boring, contentious, and frustrating, Annual Conferences really are special means of grace.