OR-ID Laity, what's your next act?
5/21/2014
At the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference session, June 12 - 14 in Salem, hundreds of United Methodists will gather to set the course for the coming year, renew connections with brothers and sisters from far away and be filled with the Holy Spirit as we worship and sing together. We'll listen to Brian McLaren's thoughts on Christianity in general and Bishop Grant Hagiya's thoughts about the Oregon-Idaho Conference specifically.
Of the hundreds gathered at the Annual Conference, about half will be clergy (cler·gy noun \'kl?r-je\ : people such as priests who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services) and half laity (la·ity noun \'la-?-te\ : the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.). While we walk many paths, we intentionally converge annually. We meet at this one place because each of us, in every sort of way, is called. As an Annual Conference, we'll examine the direction God is leading us. As an individual, where is your call leading you?
As laity, most of us spend most of our time in the secular world. Our lives constantly change, constantly grow. We get a promotion, the kids move out - how has your journey with God grown and changed? The world is moving, are we still seeking to serve God as we did 20 years ago?
At the 2014 Annual Conference, we'll have so many opportunities.Go to praise God! Go to charge your batteries! Go to see friends and make new friends! But certainly, go and listen for God's call. God will lead us to our next act as a conference and God will illuminate our next steps as individuals.
I thank God for His many blessings!
Mary Foote
OR-ID Conference Lay Leader
Of the hundreds gathered at the Annual Conference, about half will be clergy (cler·gy noun \'kl?r-je\ : people such as priests who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services) and half laity (la·ity noun \'la-?-te\ : the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.). While we walk many paths, we intentionally converge annually. We meet at this one place because each of us, in every sort of way, is called. As an Annual Conference, we'll examine the direction God is leading us. As an individual, where is your call leading you?
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
These words from Jesus, as reported in Matthew 28:19-20, contain no reference to priests or clergy. These words were for fishermen and tax collectors - the "everyone" of the day. Rich, poor, dirty, clean - none of that mattered. Jesus spoke to all who followed. Through these words, Jesus continues to speak to us today.As laity, most of us spend most of our time in the secular world. Our lives constantly change, constantly grow. We get a promotion, the kids move out - how has your journey with God grown and changed? The world is moving, are we still seeking to serve God as we did 20 years ago?
At the 2014 Annual Conference, we'll have so many opportunities.Go to praise God! Go to charge your batteries! Go to see friends and make new friends! But certainly, go and listen for God's call. God will lead us to our next act as a conference and God will illuminate our next steps as individuals.
I thank God for His many blessings!
Mary Foote
OR-ID Conference Lay Leader
Mary Foote
Mary Foote was elected as Conference lay Leader in 2012. She is a mom, wife, and dental hygienist. As a member at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church she is active in many areas, but has a special passion for Hispanic Ministry and the English as a second language program. Contact her at marycfoote@yahoo.com or (503)648-3072.