From One Conference to Another (to Another!)

I have the pleasure of participating in multiple Annual Conferences each year, with great thanks to my cross-conference appointment to serve as your pastor. Cross-conference appointments are not uncommon, especially as the United Methodist Church grows stronger in its connection and mutual support. Recent First Church clergy such as Rev. Andy, Rev. Jeremy, and Rev. Donna have also served in cross-conference appointments in the past several years.

While a cross-conference appointment can make for tricky participation in the structures and events of each conference, there is also great joy and benefit that comes from being meaningfully connected with each different body.

My current appointment is located within the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference (with you!) and I am a member of the Texas Annual Conference. This means I’m able to glean from the strong leadership programming, continuing education, and connectional structures of the TAC while also participating in and supporting the work of the OIAC. As an added bonus, I also have strong affinity with the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference as the conference that raised me and sent me out into the world of ministry (I shared a bit about my experience with the PNWAC in a recent Word with the Pastor).  

In the case of Methodism generally and in my case specifically, these connections make us stronger, adding layers of nuance and relationship to our shared ministry.  

This year, these connections also make for a busy June!  

This past Sunday I worshipped with the good folks of the Texas Annual Conference as we were invigorated by the next steps ahead. The TAC saw a 50% split due to disaffiliation. Instead of devolving into chaos, it is now more connected and nimble than ever, equipped with different conference structures, budget, and programs to bring it into the new season. This includes a new focus on thriving by using the benchmarks of clarity, witness, abundance, kinship, and joy.

Gathered in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Houston, guest speakers Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote spoke to the conference about the study and practice of renewal. 

Wesleyan scholar Dr. Chilcote reminded the group that the Methodist movement is one of renewal; all we need to do is reclaim our roots to be just that. One refrain he shared stuck with me:

“For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.” 

This struck me because it is the same posture we try to hold at First Church: In the one hand holding all that we’ve done, all that we’ve built, all that we have survived and tried and loved, and greeting this with thanksgiving and gratitude. In the other hand holding all that can be done, all that can be built, all that can be lived and tried and loved, and greeting this with joy and excitement.

Hearing Dr. Beck and Dr. Chilcote as well as learning about strategy and frameworks for renewal gave me an excitement for the next season that we have ahead of us at First Church- one where we can say: for all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.  

This is particularly appropriate as we prepare to celebrate Rev. Lowell’s re-retirement this coming Sunday. He will continue to serve as our Pastor of Congregational Care to the end of the month, after which he and Susan will return as members of the congregation in the fall.

While First Church celebrates Rev. Lowell on Sunday morning, Rev. Ethan and I will be in Richland, Washington at the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference to support Drew as he is commissioned as an Elder that same morning.

There is much to be thankful for, much to celebrate, and much to joyfully anticipate!

With gratitude,  

Pastor Karyn