Greeting brothers and sisters in Christ,

Last week i was privileged enough to spend several days an event, 'Leadership Institute' in Kansas at The Church of the Resurrection the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S. This retreat is a requirement for the second year Residents In Ministry in the Fl Conference.




To be quite honest i felt as if my time would be best spent serving the people in Ocala and getting administrative needs done, and a Sermon ready for the upcoming Sunday worship service. I even confessed my reluctancy to the Church the previous Sunday with the additional confession that it's usually when we feel this way about a retreat that God works the most in our lives. This retreat didn't disappoint! For me the breakout sessions were good, there was plenty of helpful offerings but no new content covered. Mostly, for me it was the worship and surrounding Spirit of solidarity in mission that encouraged me most.



My greatest takeaway came from observing this Church's laity in mission. These Christians epitomized the gift of hospitality, they wanted everyone to feel welcomed and helped. Everyone worked together with a sense of purpose and mission that carries over into all of their ministries especially outreach ministries.


I am proud to say that I also serve a Church that is loving toward one another and cares deeply for their community. It is my prayer that I can be open to the Spirit's leading and model for Druid Hills UMC and our community the mission God has called me to.

May we know that God has called us.
May we all discover our gifts for ministry and glorify God with our lives.

Pastor Brian