It’s a wrap!
6/19/2014
The Oregon-Idaho 2014 Annual Conference wrapped-up four days ago. Whew – we made it! Every year there’s a few moments that stay with me long after the final prayer. I’d like to share those moments with you.
From the outset, I was happy to see the numbers interested in the Wednesday Night Orientation. There were lots of folks with good questions and plenty of interaction. New people? Sure! We also had returning folks. Sometimes it’s not until year two that we realize what we don’t know!
I also observed great energy in every laity workshop I peeked in on. We are truly blessed by informed, compassionate people willing to share their gifts. Please complete the evaluations the conference office sent via email to registered attendees. Your input will help shape next year’s slate.
This year I was blessed to be included in a transforming faith journey. A new friend asked to have a moment to speak with me. I was honored to hear her story. Her involvement with the United Methodist Church has led her closer to the Lord. She’s seen the difference she’s made for others through her ministry and she’s noticing the difference made in her. She deeply yearns to pick up the pace! We discussed learning opportunities on-line and in person. She’s feeling called to become a Certified Lay Minister. This woman’s relationship with God is guiding her every day and she is in love!
Annual Conference is usually a mountaintop experience for me. While we need to come back to sea level, I plan to keep that expansive love of Jesus Christ very near every conscious thought. It’s summer – let’s check out the mountaintop often!
With Christ’s love,
Mary Foote
Conference Lay Leader
From the outset, I was happy to see the numbers interested in the Wednesday Night Orientation. There were lots of folks with good questions and plenty of interaction. New people? Sure! We also had returning folks. Sometimes it’s not until year two that we realize what we don’t know!
I also observed great energy in every laity workshop I peeked in on. We are truly blessed by informed, compassionate people willing to share their gifts. Please complete the evaluations the conference office sent via email to registered attendees. Your input will help shape next year’s slate.
This year I was blessed to be included in a transforming faith journey. A new friend asked to have a moment to speak with me. I was honored to hear her story. Her involvement with the United Methodist Church has led her closer to the Lord. She’s seen the difference she’s made for others through her ministry and she’s noticing the difference made in her. She deeply yearns to pick up the pace! We discussed learning opportunities on-line and in person. She’s feeling called to become a Certified Lay Minister. This woman’s relationship with God is guiding her every day and she is in love!
Annual Conference is usually a mountaintop experience for me. While we need to come back to sea level, I plan to keep that expansive love of Jesus Christ very near every conscious thought. It’s summer – let’s check out the mountaintop often!
With Christ’s love,
Mary Foote
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.