Our Over the past couple of weeks people that I love dearly have asked me if I am getting enough rest. I could not appreciate more the love that is poured out to me in concern. Some are worried that I am doing too much, saying yes too many times. Others have been quite specific and have asked if I really have to go to General Conference at the end of April. As many of you realize my ministry is part of what keeps me alive and joyful these days. I find purpose and fulfillment in my work for God. I feel like my life has meaning and I am living out my call to serve, giving me great reason to stay well and active in love.

I want to go to General Conference in Ft. Worth, “Cowtown”, and be there with delegates from around the world because I really believe that the conversation that will take place between us is going to make a difference in our future as a church. Better than that, the conversation, I believe will make a difference in building the kingdom of God. We are at a turning point in our life as United Methodists. We are at a time when we must choose to do church differently than we have ever done before. As a delegate from the North Texas Conference I am going to work very hard alongside my colleagues to make these changes in the church at General Conference:

Make Jesus Christ much more accessible to the world
Make it a greater priority in our local churches to deepen the spiritual life of disciples
Make our outreach to the marginalized, the poor, and the sick far more effective
Make the process to ordained ministry much simpler and shorter
Make a greater commitment to nurture extraordinary effective work by pastors
Make the path to exit ordained ministry much more reasonable and covenantal
Make certain that divine love guides every step we take

I believe in Jesus Christ and his transforming love. And I believe that we, the church, need to step outside our comfort zone to reach the world with that love. It is time for radical outreach. Suncreek, like other local churches, is where the critical work of Christ is carried out. Ultimately it is what happens here that will really matter. But in a month or so the larger church has the opportunity to lead.

As I said on Easter Sunday, Jesus is way out ahead of us and we tend to drag our feet trying to catch up. No more dragging. No more excuses. No more hesitation. Let’s love the world as the Risen One in us compels us to do.

Whether the church leads the way or not, get ready to meet Jesus, way out ahead in a place we have never been before.

Kathleen