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July/August 2005 |
Laity appreciation luncheon dishes up dialogue
To a resounding "Hello!" Bishop Mike Coyner kicked off the North Conference laity appreciation luncheon and laity session on Thursday afternoon, June 2.
Over the clanking of silverware on salad plates and glasses hitting tables, Coyner told the laity that both laity and clergy are all members of the body of Christ. "I really believe that we are all in this together. It's about 'we' and we are in ministry together."
Coyner also expressed one of his concerns with the church today - a smallness of vision. "I believe God wants us to enlarge our vision. When we work together as a church we can accomplish more.
"There are so many wonderful things that are going on out there in our churches, conference and structure that we should celebrate," he added.
Sharing that one of the joys of his job as bishop is going around celebrating with churches, the bishop told of how he was visiting a new church start in the South Indiana Conference when a little girl tugged on his jacket, asking if he was the bishop. After he said "yes," she thanked him for her new fun church.
"That's my hope and dreams that the people of Indiana will work together and share the joy in that and sense that this is a fun new church."
After his welcoming, the luncheon participants - grouped in districts at their tables - dialogued with one another regarding five questions:
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What significant UM ministries are occurring in our district?
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What are some needs in your local church that are not currently being met?
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Who are you aware of who could address these needs?
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What ministry, in partnership with other UM churches, do you see as necessary and viable?
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What is your church doing out in your community?
Armand Deleurere, lay member from Hobart's Michigan Avenue UMC, is attending his first annual conference. "It's a new thing for me," said the recent retiree.
With the dialogue and discovery of the numerous ministries of several churches in his district, Deleurere said, "It makes me proud to be a United Methodist." Sharing of the ministries of a neighboring church, "That's a small church, but they're doing so much. We're here for the same reason; we want to see the church grow."
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008