If it's summer, it must be family reunion time! I've attended family reunions, both my family and Ginger's family. As a youngster, the Cave clan gathered first at Zilker Park in Austin and later in New Braunfels at Landa Park. It was fun to be with cousins we didn't see that often, and to eat lots of great home cooking. And, of course, lots of swimming. As I grew older, it was enjoyable seeing relatives that I saw but once a year, catching up on what had happened since the last time we gathered.
Family reunions come in many guises. In some the participants are related, while in others it may be some connection held in common. Such is the case with the Rio Texas Annual Conference which will be held in Corpus Christi beginning this Thursday. I can't speak for lay delegates, nor can I speak for clergy delegates either, but for me, the time spent in the sparkling city by the sea is a family reunion.
United Methodist pastors are not members of the local churches we serve (although, our spouse may be). Rather, we are members of the Conference. Whenever we gather, it's like a get together of family. Some people I see several times throughout the year, while others I see only in Corpus Christi. Besides the business of the Conference, two important events occur. These are the memorial service at which those clergy and spouses who have died since the last Conference are remembered. This is a solemn time. Some of those being remembered I knew and some I didn't.
The second major event - in my opinion! - is ordination. Since I began attending the Annual Conference in 1990, I've not missed one of these. I remember my ordination in 1997. It was a humbling experience as Bishops Owen and Dixon laid hands on me, along with my two sponsoring elders the Revs. Tom McClung and Jerry Jay Smith. The processional hymn was 'Lift High the Cross,' and the recessional hymn was 'Lord, You Give the Great Commission.' Both hymns are very special and bring tears to my eyes whenever I sing or hear one.
Family reunions are a time both of remembering and of envisioning the future. I so enjoy when former members of the churches I've served return. For them it may be a time for nostalgia. For me, it's getting to know a part of the 'history': of the church. I'm always amazed at how they keep up with what's happening in the church. While they may no longer be members, the time spent at Hunt UMC often is very special to them. And, some will talk about 'family' when they are here.
United Methodist pastors serve a number of different churches. For me, each is unique in its own way. And I see serving different churches only causes my 'family' to grow ever larger. You are my family, and Ginger and I are grateful that God placed us here. I pray God's continued blessings for this our family, and for our church and where God is calling us to be. It's an unknown but exciting journey, but we're accompanied by our family. See you on the road.
Grace and peace,
Mike
June 7, 2015