Last night we held our 2012 Charge Conference with our District Superintendent, Rev. Brigid Farrell.  Brigid brought greetings from our new Bishop in the form of a video.  After watching the video we worshiped together and discussed Jesus words from John 15:1-8, "I am the vine, you are the branches."

Following this spirit-filled opening, we embarked on the business that needed to be done.  We voted on the pastor's salary, affirmed our ministry team leaders, approved the acceptance of a bequest, prayerfully removed several people from our membership roles and celebrated the ministry of our Lay Speakers.  We concluded with a time of reflection on our ministry, the Natural Church Development process, and the God Moments we experience every day. 

In my early years of ministry, Charge Conference was something I dreaded.  I remember my first Charge Conference in my first church was over three hours long.  Other Charge Conferences I experienced were contentious and full of angst.  When I received the Charge Conference date in the fall it would loom large on my calendar filled with anxiety. 

My God Moment today is that is no longer the case!  I celebrate that our Conference has moved away from an instructional and blaming model of Charge Conference to a celebratory and inspirational model.  I also celebrate that our District Superintendent does this well.  Brigid helps us do the work we need to do while trusting us to carry out the ministry God has placed on our hearts. 

And, finally, I celebrate that our community is a community of trust, love and hope.  While we don't always agree, we do listen, support and give each other the benefit of the doubt.  I believe this is evidence of the spirit working through us and this, in my opinion, is a wonderful God Moment!