Healthy Choices
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The Health Benefits program is offering an opportunity to share with providers through display tables and representatives present in the entry hall of The Woodlands UMC on Tuesday. I’ve already been by the tables, collected some information and trinkets being offered and had the opportunity to visit with representatives to get answers to my questions. One particularly helpful visit was with the disease management coordinator who offered suggestions and encouragement as I deal with my diabetes. She took my information so that, once conference is over, she can contact me to follow-up and respond to any new or additional questions I might have.
I’m doing surprisingly well dealing with my diabetes, all the wonderful meals offered at TAC, and our hectic schedule. I’ve learned that there are others who are willing to share their experiences of how they deal with diabetes and even more who encourage and support me. It makes a difference to know that I’m not alone in dealing with this disease.
In Christ, Jill
Clergy Spouses Do Lunch
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Mid-day Monday, the spouses of the TAC clergy gathered to share more than a wonderful meal. We enjoyed insight through information provided by our organization members and benefit news from BT Williams. Rachel Norris, aka The Pottery Lady, brought her pottery wheel and exhibited her skills while connecting the lessons of the Potter and the clay noted in scripture and from her experience with this talent. New spouses, retired spouses, first time attendees and District Superintendent spouses were all recognized. Door prizes were distributed. Attendees from each district were counted with the Central North District having 23 of our over 135 attendees. Officers were elected to begin service following the Fall Retreat set for October 15-17, 2009 at Lakeview. TCCSA incoming officers are: Charlee Garbs, president; Jill Krone, vice-president; Natalie Gilmore, secretary; Paula Ryburn, treasurer; and Erica Hall, publicity. Since Hurricane Ike precipitated the cancellation of our 2008 Retreat, a special love offering was taken to benefit our Clergy Spouse Crisis Fund with over $648.00 raised through the generosity of clergy spouses.
In Christ, Jill
Monday Night’s Dramatic Worship
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Friends of the Groom shared their unique ministry with worshippers last night. Wow - I was so impressed with their inspiring and thought provoking way of sharing various aspects of our personal journeys. I particularly enjoyed the dramatic presentations of scripture as it drew the congregation into the text. The skit reminding us to reconnect any loose connections we might have with God was well done and offered several humorous moments as they enacted a scene of one woman’s encounter with Jesus while waiting for car repairs. We concluded the service with a candlelighting opportunity to sharing the light of Christ. I truly was blessed by this time with my TAC family as we faithfully journey toghether to bring God’s love and Light to all we come to meet.
In Christ, Jill
This is the day!
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Yes, this is the day the Lord has made and I rejoice and am glad in it! This is the day that my family has looked forward to since my husband, Kelly, began his journey into formal ministry nearly 12 years ago. This is his ordination day!!! I’m so very proud of Kelly and the ministry he is part of. The journey has not always been easy and challenges have come our way but God has blessed us with His provision, guidance, grace and mercy throughout. I’m excited about what God has planned for Kelly’s future, for his ministry and for the entire church.
Tonight’s service is expected to be a moving night of worship as clergy receive the blessing of the church on their specific ministry. I’ve witnessed many clergy friends received this affirmation and it always moves me to know the love of God, family, church and congregation that is the life of each person. Watching the Bishop place her hands on each, challenge them to accept their call, and remind each of their part in ministry while family and friends stand in support is so meaningful! It is a reminder to us all that we have a part in serving God, as lay or clergy. We have a responsibility to bring the hope of God to all we encounter. Still, these celebrated tonight have committed to, and completed, major educational requirements as they travel their formal spiritual call. Their families have been moved and uprooted, undergone fiscal changes and challenges as together they come to understand that the formal call of one really is a call on the entire family. Tonight we celebrate these - and more specifically, I celebrate my husband, Kelly, and his ministry.
In Christ, Jill
The Voices of the Saints
Monday, May 25th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
No matter what the major issue of the year is at annual conference one thing never changes; the voices of the saints. When the music began last night and the congregation raised its collective voice I swelled with a familiar and yet transforming sense of awe. I wish all God’s children could bear witness to that praise…because the song that was heard in that service resonates deep within and speaks with the voices of generations. For its not just the faith of the neighbor that you hear, but its the faithful witness of the saints that have gone before that join in the praise. Every year I come to conference awaiting that very moment..the first sound of the voices of the saints.
Getting Ready
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Hi everyone! Yes, it’s time to pack up the car and drive to The Woodlands for the business of the Texas Annual Conference. Do I have my pre-conference journal copy and all other necessary documents? Yes. Do I have my notebook and all computer cables/plugs? Yes, once I finish this blog and log-off. Ditto for the camera. Do I have cranberry orange bisc0tti for the conference staff? Yes - about 400 pieces! I’ve been baking all day.
Do I have all my necessary medications, etc. since I now have to diligently monitor my diabetes? Yep. I must admit to being a tad concerned about how I’ll handle my meals when so many wonderful catered dinners and lunches are available from a variety of ministries and organizations. I’ve learned (since this is all less than a month old to me) that I just have to have a plan and work that plan.
Do we have Kelly’s, my husband, robe for ordination and the schedule of events around this awesome service? Yes!!! For me, this is the main focus of conference this year. I am so impressed with the way Kelly has handled the 12 years since he began the inquiry process and plan to celebrate joyously with him his accomplishment and the way in which God is working in his life and ministry.
We head out Sunday morning around 8 am. We are in Emory, which other than Point, is the farthest NW corner of the TAC. Drive carefully as you, too, head in for this time of holy conferencing. We’ll see you there!
In Christ, Jill Krone
TAC 09 Blogspace
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Welcome to the official blog for Texas Annual Conference 2009. Posts will be added and linked to from many different perspectives during annual conference.