2023 Annual Conference Recap

Angela Ivey • June 8, 2023

Highlights video, our participants' comments, and daily recaps

JOHN WRIGHT:

Since this was my first in person conference, I did not know what to expect.

  1. I was impressed by how well run the event was. The sessions began and ended remarkably on time, even with some extensive discussions on some of the resolutions.
  2. I enjoyed the music. It was a joy to sing with 1500 + Methodists. Very moving.
  3. Even with the disaffiliation issues, UMC is healthy, with people trying to follow the words of Jesus, and the example of John Wesley, in the spirit of "everyone is welcome at our table".
  4. All in all, I am proud to be a Methodist from McEver.

 

BEN BUCHAN:

Here’s some of my personal takes on the conference:

  • It was great to see multiple photos from our church included in the BEAT (Barnes Evaluation and Administration Team) highlight video.
  • The service of remembrance was excellent.
  • The music was excellent.
  • We saw quite a few faces familiar to McEver Road UMC. (Rob Bruce, Todd & Amy Dudich, Kory Trinrud, Doug Thrasher, etc.)
  • I enjoyed the celebration of retirees. Doug Thrasher was the pastor at McEver when Jackie and I started attending in 1985 and baptized Daniel and Katie. Also, we met and shared the table with one of the retirees, Chuck Beattie, during lunch. Could listen to him talk for hours.
  • I was not very “proud” of any of the process or proceedings dealing with resolutions. 

 

REV. TYLER JACKSON:

This Annual Conference was unique in that there was a lot of newness from McEver Road UMC with both Ben and John serving as delegates for the first time as well as for Pastor Chris attending the Conference in full. It was new for me, too, as I came to represent McEver Road as the Lead Pastor. That being said, I enjoyed getting to introduce Chris to other pastors and laity in the connection in a host of different ways. It was through those conversations where we often got to hear some of the challenges colleagues and churches are facing but, ultimately, the persistent hope, faith, and love that pastors and congregations are still showing their communities. It was a joy to be able to share all the good that God is up to at McEver Road as well. Thank you to Ben, John, Pastor Chris, Pastor Karen, and to all of you for your ongoing faithfulness.

 



Links to daily recaps here:


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