Grace and peace!
Greetings from Dallas Texas, where I am attending the semi-annual Council of Bishops gathering. I am in the middle of eight days of meetings and wonderful worship experiences! I am also having fun exploring Dallas,
a city I have never visited.
Council of Bishops
So far in our time together, we’ve received training in legal matters related to the new 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline and continued our first-time bishop orientation along with the newly elected bishops in the Central Conference.
On Sunday afternoon, we worshipped at First UMC, Dallas, and remembered our bishops and spouses who have died since our last meeting in October. Among those with Iowa connections were Ruth Thomas, wife of Bishop James Thomas, and Gwen White, wife of Bishop Dale White.
So far this week, we received an update on the Commission on a Way Forward, discussed the denomination-wide document on the church, Wonder, Love, and Praise, and spent time in our jurisdictional College of Bishops. It is a blessing to be together with my episcopal colleagues as we learn, worship, and pray together on behalf of The United Methodist Church. Thank you for your prayers for all of our bishops.
April Recap
April was very busy! Much of the month was spent with the cabinet as we continue to discern appointments to local churches. On April 2, I preached at the tenth anniversary of Women at the Well, which was truly inspirational! I also spent a day with pastors of our large churches, attended an immigration event, and participated in the ecumenical Palm Sunday March for Peace in Des Moines.
After running in the Boston Marathon on April 17, I flew back to Iowa to preach and participate in the School for Ministry at the beautiful Honey Creek Resort. Having the opportunity to walk the trails and get to know clergy in an informal setting was good for my spirit. The day after the School for Ministry ended, I was preaching and speaking at Laity Day in Indianola. What a joy to feed off the energy and commitment of our laity in Iowa!
Annual Conference
This month I am preparing for the many details of the Iowa Annual Conference and eagerly look forward to our time together in June. We’re wrapping up worship planning, finalizing the agenda, and double-checking logistics. I am also working on the Episcopal Address and the sermon for the Ordering of Ministry service. Our theme is both exciting and challenging: Creating Difference Makers. Come prepared to make a difference!
On a personal note, I will be traveling back to Michigan over the weekend of May 19-21 to be present at my husband Gary’s last worship service at First UMC, Birmingham, before he retires. The moving truck is coming on May 22 to bring the rest of our household items to Clive, where the episcopal residence is. I know you will enjoy getting to know Gary. As for me, it will be fun having a personal chauffeur and cook! Enjoy the beauty of this wonderful spring!
Blessings,
Bishop Laurie
