Our Minnesota United Methodist Annual Conference was held in late June. Jan Akervik attended this
year as our lay representative. The theme was “Living Generously—Unleashing God’s Gifts.”
The conference began with a family-style banquet signifying that there is room for everyone at the
table. After lunch, Bishop Ough gave his episcopal address titled, “The Manure Plan.” He said it is time to
become more intentional in our manure spreading—metaphorically speaking!
Bishop Ough reflected on the plan for living generously set forth by Jesus in Luke 13: 6-9. In this parable,
a gardener pleads with the owner of a vineyard not to cut down a fig tree that hadn’t produced any fruit
for three years. The gardener offers to spread manure on the soil around it in the hopes that in one
more year the tree would bear fruit.
Bishop Ough told Minnesota United Methodists to give themselves completely to that work. “Put some
fertilizer on your story, and go bear fruit!” he said. “Live and witness with generous abandon, and
unleash a mighty, magnificent and miraculous torrent of God’s generous love, grace and justice upon
the world.”
Tuesday afternoon we participated in Open Space Conversations to discuss key social justice issues and
to reflect on how we can be good gifts to the world.
That evening, we had a Celebration in the Park, with live music from the group Boiling Point. There were
food trucks, games, a short presentation and group packing of health kits. It was a beautiful evening to
gather in God’s great gift of creation!
Wednesday morning, Jan attended the Laity Session, and I attended the Clergy Session. During the late
morning and the afternoon, Sara Miles, our conference speaker, shared six thoughts on evangelism,
service and unleashing God’s generosity.
That evening we gathered for the Celebration of Life in Ministry worship service. We remembered those
who have died in the past year and recognized those retiring as well as persons being licensed as local
pastors. We also commissioned two persons for the work of a deacon and seven persons for the work of
an elder. Michelle (Mickey) Olson and Marianne Ozanne were ordained for the work of elder. It was a
spirit-filled, joyful time of worship.
Thursday morning began with worship, and we collected $93,766 for our Love Offering. We ended with
plenary sessions to address legislation and the administrative work of the Annual Conference.
This year, our younger clergy and laity planned the Annual Conference, and it was such a joy to see their
faces ad hear their stories of faith and hope. More information can be found on the Minnesota United
Methodist website.
Our gospel imperatives are:
Our shared vision is for every congregation to become a vital expression of the scriptural imperatives to:
- Grow in the love of God and neighbor (the Great Commandment, Matthew 22: 37-40)
- Reach new people (The Great Commission, Matthew 28: 19-20)
- Heal a broken world (The Great Proclamation, Luke 4:16-21)
Peace and joy,
Cindy