I bring you the good news of Jesus Christ from the Horizon Texas Conference in Wichita Falls. When you read this, I will have been commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church.
This week, I joined clergy and laity from across Texas for worship, learning, fellowship, and service. It was a powerful reminder that the church is far larger than any one congregation, yet it is strengthened by the faithfulness of local churches like St. Matthew.
The theme of this year’s conference was Love Boldly. Throughout the week, I was reminded that loving boldly is not reserved for pastors or church leaders. It is the calling of every follower of Christ. We love boldly when we welcome a visitor, encourage a friend, serve a neighbor, pray for someone in need, or share God’s grace with those around us.
One of the most moving parts of the conference was witnessing the commitment of so many people who have answered God’s call in different ways. Some were commissioned or ordained. Others continue to serve faithfully in their churches and communities. Together, they reminded me that ministry is not something we do alone. We are part of a larger body of Christ, united in our mission to share God’s love with the world.
Thank you to our conference volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this gathering possible. I would also like to thank everyone who made the journey to Wichita Falls to support me during this important step in my ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence were a blessing to me, and I am grateful to serve and love boldly alongside you.
As we prepare for Bring a Friend Sunday, may we continue to love boldly by welcoming others, sharing hope, and helping people discover that they belong in God’s family.
Grace and Peace,
Mary