The Journey: Bible Methodist Ministerial

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Bible Methodist Ministerial

This past week we had the privilege of attending our first Bible Methodist Ministerial as Bible Methodist Pastor/Pastor wife. It was held in Baghdad, Kentucky at the Cedarmore Baptist Retreat Center. It was so very very lovely. It was such a joy to be "set apart" for Tues-Thurs. - just we pastors and pastors wives and our leaders. And we were VERY set apart!! We didn't even have cell phone signal!!! There was, however, wireless internet so we still were able to participate in the outside world!

We had wonderful, encouraging sessions by Rev. John Parker, Rev. Sams, Rev. Hooker and Rev. Paul Kaufman. Marc & Melodie Sankey provided the special music and as you all know (well, all of you who faithfully read my blog), music speaks to me like nothing else can. I think I may have gone through a whole box of tissues!!

On Wednesday night after the evening service there was "Afterglow" and truly I don't think I have laughed so hard in ages. Rev. Benny Durr unburdened his heart to us about Old Mother Hubbard. It was a sermon that everyone really should hear!!! LOL We also heard Rev. Dan Stetler (joined by Marc & Melodie Sankey and Anthony Webb) sing a very very very old classic that I remember hearing the Stetler trio sing on RECORDS when I was a little bitty girl. It was GREAT!! I believe someone caught it on video but I'm not sure about that.

The last day was probably the biggest highlight for me. The 3 conference presidents (Rev. Hedstrom - Alabama Conference, Rev. Clair Sams - Heartland Conference, & Rev. Blake Jones - Great Lakes Conference) shared their hearts with us, their pastors. It was fantastic. The unity exhibited by these three men as they share leadership is just astounding. All three men are true examples of leadership as it should be. After that Rev. Hooker gave a final encouragement to us. It was such a joy and encouragement that we needed!

Below are some pics that were "borrowed" from Marilyn Muir. We took our camera but being the "new kid on the block" I wasn't really eager to snap tons of pics of everyone and everything. Marilyn does such a great job anyways!!!

The theme for the quadrennial ministerial:

Byron & Duane Quesenberry taking advantage of the wireless access.

(l. to r.) Rev. John Parker - Director of Foreign Missions, Rev. Daniel Stetler - General Superintendent, Dr. Paul Kaufman - Ministerial Speaker, Rev. Claire Sams - President of the Heartland Conference, Rev. Walter Hedstrom - President of the Alabama Conference, and Rev. Blake Jones - President of the Great Lakes Conference.