God's Radical Hospitality - Day 2 - Peggy's Postings

Oh man, is it morning already?  These days just fly by.  We grabbed a quick breakfast and sat down to meet some new friends.  Cheryl Stewart and Michele Hilton were found at this table (I seem to find them wherever I go).  A new friend, Debbie Merritt, from Orange Park was at the table and she remarked that I didn't seem old enough to have a 30-year-old child.  Well, bless her heart.

 I met my Pastor, Jim Young, and told him about the book by the other author in the Market Place, Jim Graeser.  He checked it out and purchased it!  Yeah Contemporary Services here we come!  We talked about the worship service the evening before and I was struck as I talked to Pastor Jim about  how moved he and so many of the Pastors were during the Ordination of Pastor Eliexer Ramierez.  The Holy Spirit was certainly in our midst, and I think he may have brought a few friends with him..

The morning session was called to order by the Bishop. The official role was 507.

Election of Treasurer started our morning, after the brief worship led by former Bishop, Lavern Franzen. The two candidates  were introduced.  Voting instructions were simplified and the voting began.  Voting for multiple persons gave us a momentary pause - but everyone seemed to be very techy this morning.

Quite a swift process this Qwizdom.  When Qwizdom worked, it was great.

Bishop Benoway announced that Pr. Rita Gardner-Tweed would be taking over the open DEM (Director of Evangelical Ministries), vacating her position as Bishop's Assistant.  Connie Schmucker, AIM, will be taking over as Bishop's Assistant for the remainder of the Bishop's term for the "sunset" side of the state.

Pastor Rita Gardner-Tweed spoke to us about God being the "God of the City," - the inspiration is a Chris Tomlin song. She talked about the new missions here in Florida - three new plants, 2nd site plants, redevelopment, and three multi-cultural sites.  So much growth and excitement in our Synod.

"For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this Synod "


Vice President Report - Cheryl Stewart

Cheryl validated those in attendance for being here, and being the Church.  She also talked about the power of the Worship Service last night.  Yet another testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit.

She reminisced about an old Beatles song . . .
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four?

Yes we're 25 years old!  What were you thinking when you turned 25 - how does our Synod think at 25?  How do we do it?  How to we go forward?  There is nothing to fear, latch on to our faith-filled hopefilled expectations.  Move from "I should" to "I will."
Wow, what a great inspiration our VP is - Thanks Cheryl!  She ended this portion of her report with a charge to us to commit and be intentional, hospitable, and grace filled - and BE 64!

Steve Wigdahl came to the podium to give the announcements.  He gave us some examples of his bad announcing style.  Told the story about mis-speaking about a raging forest fire and the "fire-farters" putting the forest fire out. He admitted that probably wouldn't help put out the flames at all. Funny guy. I laughed until I couldn't catch a breath - nothing has been that funny in a couple of days.

I went to lunch with some friends, we went over to Fudruckkers for a quick bite to eat.  The food was very good and guess what?  Free internet - all you had to do is buy a burger - nothing quite like the $15 a day I'm paying to be connected here in the hotel. What's up with that?

The afternoon session was mostly the Disney presentation.  Much information about the Disney process was passed on to all who attended.  This will be a great starting place for so many Churches who need to pull their Churches into the 21st century.  We have to remember the little "Wow's" that make our churches memorable.

What followed was Dr. Shaunna trying to get us to think about these Disney concepts as they apply to our own church.  There were opinions that swung both ways, I don't know, I just don't see our Ushers at our church leading people to the pews parade style - but you never know.

The church-wide report was given by Carlos Pena, the VP of the Church-wide Synod.  A very upbeat, encouraging message from Bishop Hanson, and some insight on what brought him to this position along with a little background.  He did assure us that he was NOT the Tampa Bay Rays home run hitter.  I think there were still a few people hoping for season tickets.

After a hot pretzel, lemonade, tea and coffee break we reconvened for a short report from our Synod VP, Cheryl Stewart, and our announcements.
Cheryl used our cute little voting devices to see where everyone stood on the times of the year the Assembly is held, and whether or not we'd like to do a local service project.  Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, though no one sought a change in the month of the Assembly, we found out something very important and damaging about our clergy - they all need naps!  When asked if they'd like to participate in a local service project the laity overwhelmingly said , "Yes!"  When the same question was asked of the Clergy, they were split between doing the project and taking a nap - I think it may have even leaned more toward napping (53%) than doing the service project (51%).  Oh my!

We of course ended the session with prayer and song.  Promising to be back tomorrow morning at 8:30 for the finish of business, and worship at 10:30.  I can't wait!