i made it to tampa -- & general conference

i made it to tampa!  flights went well, but i think i lost a day traveling...the big question is, will i get it back when i return to california?  as i walked from my inn to the convention center this morning, the main drive i went on has these united methodist information banners; many different ones; the picture isn't so great, but you get the idea; very inviting and informative of what we are doing locally and globally.  what do you think about including these around merced?  beware (or be aware), united methodists are in the community; come serve with us; come grow with us; come and get to know the jesus we know . . . what do you think? 

as i was walking, i saw this community garden, directly across the street from where people board their ships for a delightful vacation on the seas.  i've always thought that our 'back 40' grass area could be a wonderful neighborhood garden; useful for our neighbors and a reminder that we are a working church; a place of action; food for physical and spiritual growth.  what do you think?  is this worth an effort worth exploring?  the wesley club recently applied for a peace with justice grant, and ended up offering a food demonstration that paralleled the groceries we offer from our monthly food pantry, with supplemental fresh organically grown produce...awesome, don't you think?!  i love the thought that we could do something like this on an on-going basis . . . . 

and so, what would a trip to florida without seeing a cruise ship?  interestingly enough, i received a text from someone visiting family in west virginia, where it is snowing!  today it is beautiful in the south-east; my first visit to florida.  it is growing on me...they have a streetcar that travels from the neighborhood where i am staying (ybor city--pronounced ibor) to the downtown area.  what a great way to travel back after my leisurely 50,590 walk downtown.  ybor city is a great little neighborhood; the former cigar rolling section of the city that actually had its own name, and has a number of warehouses, and is in re-development; and, as it turns out, a growing artistic section, a fun nightlife (well, i went to see 'the lucky one'  -- bring tissues!), and the location for the lgbt community; but i didn't see a church community here, besides scientology...the umc of merced would fit in great here ... hum; ok, i'll come home -- but promise me we will think seriously about a community garden...

now that you know i am safely here, i'm off to be trained as a page...someday, i'll become a volume!  thank you for your prayers as the united methodist church makes decisions that will effect us for the next four years ... with my hope for a more inclusive offering of love!