‘The Manure Plan’ – JULY 2016

Vineyards

 

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