Having just completed the sessions of the California-Pacific Annual Conference, I wanted to share some of my reflections. As most of you know, annual conference can be a rather difficult time for traditional, orthodox United Methodists like myself. I’m thankful that Karen Olson, our Lay Member, and Dennis Olson, a Lay Member from the South District were also there, as were other friends from other churches and ministries. While the numbers of traditional, orthodox United Methodists are diminishing, I am grateful that God has kept a remnant in place and continues to support and enrich us through one another.
Something new this year, for which I am grateful, is the presence of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. We are nearing the completion of incorporating a Cal-Pac chapter of the WCA, and I was blessed to connect with several people at Annual Conference who are interested in joining in with this effort. So while much of the Annual Conference involved matters that are contrary to the social teaching and doctrines of our denomination, I found hope and strength for the future this year. There is still a tiny group in existence, called Cal-Pac Renewal, and we met together at Annual Conference for worship and fellowship. It was in those times that I was able to promote the Cal-Pac chapter of the WCA.
One of the highlights this year was voting on five constitutional amendments for the UMC. These constitutional amendments are being voted on by all annual conferences of the church throughout the world. It takes 2/3 majority vote of all of the individuals voting in all of the annual conferences. One of the amendments would make it possible to hold bishops accountable for their actions, so I am hoping and praying that it passes!
For the second time in three years, The Fount was honored as the top per-capita missions giving church in the South District! Thanks be to God that we are a missions-giving church, always have been! And thanks to those who keep us missions-focused!
I spent some good time with Pastor John McFarland at annual conference, as we shared a hotel room. It was very good to reconnect with him and to share with him what God is doing at The Fount!
And, oh yes, Bishop Hagiya reappointed me to serve The Fount for the coming year!
Blessed to be Your Pastor,
Glen Haworth