Grace and peace!

As we enter into the fullness of summer in Iowa, I hope that you are taking time to enjoy the beauty of this marvelous world that God created and asks us to care for as if it were our own. As I took our eight-year-old grandson on his first ten-mile bike ride a few nights ago, we made time to notice the amazing cloud formations, flowers, birds, and prairie grass. Ezra was also quite impressed when the tornado sirens went off the late Wednesday afternoon and intently followed the progress of the storms on TV.

July 1 is a significant day in The United Methodist Church because it is the time when thousands of UM clergy are beginning new appointments. May God bless all of the clergy and local congregations who are in transition, that the wisdom, power, and sweetness of he Holy Spirit would surround them with anticipation and hope.   

Annual Conference

My first annual conference in Iowa was an amazing experience! I sensed a good spirit and an openness to God’s leading through worship, workshops, and holy conferencing. I was especially gratified at how many people stopped by the “Welcome Reception” for Gary and me on Sunday night. For well over two hours, we were able to meet and greet hundreds of our United Methodist saints in Iowa.

You will be able to read a recap of annual conference through our Communications Department. From my perspective, however, two things especially warmed my heart. First was the approval of our new mission and vision statements and our WIG, or “wildly important goal.” Along with our strategic priorities that were approved in 2013, our mission, vision, and WIG will chart our course for future ministry in the Iowa Annual Conference.  

• Mission
  Inspiring, equipping, and connecting communities of faith to cultivate world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ.
• Vision
  God’s hope for the world made real through faithful leaders, fruitful communities, and fire-filled people.
• WIG
  Every church in the Iowa Annual Conference will develop a process for intentionally forming disciples of Jesus Christ by the year 2020.

Second, our theme, “Creating Difference Makers,” is a powerful reminder of our call as disciples of Jesus Christ and will stay with us throughout this conference year and the entire quadrennium. I hope that every United Methodist and congregation in Iowa will dedicate themselves to making a difference in their local communities, our state, and world so that all people will come to know the love of Jesus and respond with faith, hope, and joy!   

The Summer

Gary and I and our family (three children, a son-in-law and two grandsons) will be taking a family vacation the first week of July. Living in four states (Iowa, Washington, New York, and Florida) means that we are not able to be all together very often.

I also look forward to riding in RAGBRAI for the first time! I’ll be with a team of several United Methodists and plan to visit United Methodist churches along the RAGBRAI route. Our team will also be hosted by UM churches overnight. I plan to publish brief daily updates on the ride on my blog during the ride, www.lauriehaller.org. You can subscribe to my blog by clicking on the link.

Bill Poland Renewal Leave

As you read this, Bill Poland, our clergy assistant to the Bishop, will begin a two-month renewal leave. Bill is an outstanding pastor, leader, and administrator and is long overdue for this time away to renew his mind, body, and spirit. Please pray for Bill and Judy as well as for other clergy in Iowa who will be taking renewal leaves at this time of year.
 
May the magic of summer fill your days with joy!

Blessings,
Bishop Laurie