June 22, 2022 Weekly Update
Last week I attended our Mountain Sky Conference’s annual gathering, which we call our Annual Conference. 600 clergy, laity, and guests gathered for inspiring worship, networking, and mutual support. We celebrated all the ways our local churches and our conference are involved in mission, disciple making and justice and racial reconciliation work. Pastor Gayle Hoyt of Blackfeet United Methodist parish helped us acknowledge the native land on which our gathering presided. We raised funds through the “Tug-o-Love” Tug of War competition between districts (Team Montana won 2nd place) for two causes: our East Angola Partnership and Youth Mental Illness training for camp staff and volunteers. I participated in the Young Clergy Lunch with our Bishop, and even got a chance to give her a hard time about being a Yankees fan (go Phillies!).
Perhaps the best part of conference this year was the chance to gather in person and meet so many faces I’ve only seen on a screen since the start of the pandemic. I got to connect with Pastor Calvin and Sheri from Blackfeet United Methodist Parish. I met our new District Superintendent Lynn Miller Jackson. Nine folks were ordained or recognized as Elders, and the conference began the nominations process to elect new bishops at the Western Jurisdictional Conference in November.
Check out these photos, and if you have questions, ask! Our next Annual Conference will take place in Colorado Springs, CO next June. If you are interested in attending, let me know! There’s always a need for laity to represent local churches at the District level.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jared