what spring looks like . . . .

what does spring look like . . . . this year, after easter sunday?  easter just keeps happening!

easter looks like a weather report.  we have had an odd occurrence in april, generally california's start to the post rain season; instead of the beginning our non-rainy season, we've had rain; storms; and as a result, as the above picture shows, a double rainbow.  i took this picture on my day off last week, as i was heading into the grocery store.  our prayers continue for those throughout the country who have experienced devastating weather conditions that did not look so uniquely beautiful.

easter looks like the usual meeting but with a unique twist.  today i have arrived in west sacramento at our conference center where a group of about 40 of us have gathered as the board of ordained ministry, to receive reports and recommendations that relate to those who are entering, participating, and completing their journey in 'professional' ministry.  there are many ways we are in ministry together; this committee focuses on those who are in particular leadership according to our annual conference and our general church.  these are exciting times....

one  person for whom we are receiving a recommendation for ordination as a full member in our annual conference began her journey toward pastoral ministry in the merced church.  we are very excited about kris marshall!  we celebrate her gifts and the years she will serve and move us as a church into the unfolding ways of god.  the risen jesus must surely be celebrating!

easter looks like the movement of the spirit and a plane trip.  following this long meeting, i depart to attend general conference, which meets every four years, to review where we've been as a world church, and to envision where our ministry is headed in the next four years.  i have been to general conference before; this year we will meet in tampa, fl.  i am excited to be serving as a page this time -- basically, i get to run around doing errands that (hopefully) help the process of decision making.  on top of that, i will be adding a lot of steps to my pedometer. 

i'll spend a little time with micky and minnie as well.  this will be my first visit to the orlando area, where, i understand, one can "experience the world" through the presence of the epcot center!!

so, before i return back to my attentive nature at the meeting, i wanted to share my appreciation to the united methodist church of merced for their support of my participation at this conference.  i will try and share highlights over the next two weeks...so stay tuned.  blessings to you in this time...and your prayers will be most appreciated!  easter just continues -- thanks be to god!