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Dear Folks:
As I write this, I am sitting in the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport on my way to Harlingen, TX, where I will join an ecumenical group as we witness, observe , and experience many of the issues of our border with Mexico. We will be in the Rio Grande Valley, and we plan to cross into Mexico for some hours during the weekend. I covet your prayers, and I look forward to giving a report when I return.
As well, Rev. Roberto Ochoa, Minister for Ethnic Inclusion and Rural and Small Churches at United Church of Christ, will be in our Conference next weekend. I’ll be introducing him to Molt, Absarokee, Miles City and Broadus churches, and we will spend some time crossing the Beartooth Pass and visiting Yellowstone NP. He will listen to members of our Small town and Rural (STAR) churches and present info on revitalization for rural churches.
Our Conference Annual Meeting is Sept 26-29 in Billings. Can you believe CAM is almost here? The two hosting churches, Mayflower and Billings First, and their pastors, Revs. Amy Carter and Lisa Harmon, have been working with Board of Directors members and others to create a dynamic weekend. Keynoter, Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson, Minister for Ministerial Formation, will help us understand what creating a culture of call looks like on Fri evening. And we will be blessed by Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, Minister for Environmental Justice, who will bring the sermon on Sunday. The weekend will include a demonstration for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women at the courthouse that is across the street from First Congregational Church in downtown Billings. Clergy are encouraged to wear a red stole (or some other marker of your ministry). One of the business items is to discern whether I am called to be the settled Conference Minister for MNWC. During workshop time there will be Q&A sessions with me, and I look forward to talking with you about my vision for the Conference.
As you prepare to join us these next few (busy) weeks, I keep you in prayer, especially for travelling mercies. I am looking forward to seeing you in these various settings!
Peace, Pastor Tony
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