I have just returned from OKC and a week of business reports and presentations about the ministries in the state of Oklahoma by the United Methodist church. I love seeing all the people that also serve in ministry all in one place. It is a joy to hear all the wonderful things that are happening in other churches and to steal great ideas from those who are being successful. Annual Conference also includes worship every day that I get to just absorb and not have to lead. It is good for my soul to be there even when my feet suffer from wearing dress clothes every day.
This year I was Ordained at the worship service on Wednesday night. It was such a blessing and I felt so loved. My childhood friend Peter Blanchard and his wife drove up from Dallas. My high school youth group cohort Carmen Danielson Stafford and her Dad were here. Friends I made in all the years of camping ministry and loved ones from Faith UMC. Adults who were once in my youth group 20 years ago! (It felt a little like “this is your life”) And most importantly my husband, daughter and parents who have made every step on this journey. So many wonderful friends and colleagues who I look forward to being in ministry with and my lovely Living Water family who trust me to lead them in the conversation about Holy things. I am a very blessed woman. Since I have been home, there have been cards in the mail from others who watched on live stream and who celebrated this final step in preparation for ministry.
Our beloved Bishop Hayes is retiring in August and this was his final Annual Conference with the Ok Conference. He will be preaching and leading at the OIMC conference in Preston, OK just south of Glenpool in a couple of weeks. I encourage you to try and hear him preach if you have not done so. His joyful presence and holy spirit will be missed in Oklahoma and we pray for this transition into a new phase of ministry with his wife Dee in retirement.
by 
