Conference Day 2, Wesley Camp, Baltic Sunset
Well, I gave out before I got this written last night, so it's now Sunday morning.
When it comes to the second day of Annual Conference, and you didn't sleep through the night, it can be a challenge to stay focused and alert. I have to confess to experiencing some head nods on Saturday... but we persevered and had a great day!
Today's sessions involved more of the business of the church. Richard and I stayed for the Bible study time, discussion of the Bishop's address, worship and food, of course. When the lay persons and clergy persons split up for their meetings, we cut out to go visit Wesley Camp. It's always beautiful out there, but today even more so as we were able to see for the first time the new cabin that is being built on one of the platforms.
It's going to be a great addition, and allow for longer use of the camp in spring and fall if it can be heated.
I did want to say a word about the Bishop's address discussion. Many of the responses from the churches included comments about the unity of the church and the desire to not see a split over the issue of human sexuality. Bishop Alstead talked a bit about the Commission on a Way Forward, and then explained some of the different views and stances. He also explained that he is of the mind that this issue should not divide us... that it's not so central to our beliefs that we should allow it to. Although I fall on a different place on the spectrum of belief than he does, I too agree that this one issue should not divide us. (Whatever happened to John Wesley's 'think and let think' attitude?) It was interesting, though, to hear the Bishop's perspective and that of some of the Latvian church members. I know that prayers continue from all sides for wisdom for the Commission.
After a lovely lunch, we enjoyed 30 minutes of worship led by the youth worship team. They were a little nervous about having to sing for so long, but they did a great job! Their enthusiasm is contagious and I know their church and families must be so proud of them for stepping up as leaders.
The afternoon saw the election of a new lay leader for the Latvian Methodist Church, Juris Sokolovs from Cesis. The Board of Ordained Ministry also presented Kristine Rozefelde and Zinta Dzintara as provisional members on their path to full elder... and Anna Doble (spelling?) as a new Student Lay Pastor, who will be appointed to Riga First Church.
After the close of the conference, we had another lovely meal prepared at Liepaja LAMB, and then took a trip over to see the Liepaja cathedral. Pictures were not allowed inside, but it was very beautiful! Many of our group climbed up to the top of the clock tower to get a birds-eye view of Liepaja (I did not; heights and all those steps!!). I enjoyed looking at Richard's photos when he came back down. :)
Our final event of the evening was a spectacular walk out on the breakwater to see the sunset over the Baltic Sea. The colors in the sky were vibrant... the temperature was perfect, and the fellowship lovely. I even got to spend a little time in quiet contemplation alone as some of the group headed out further along the rockier part of the breakwater, and others headed back to the beach for coffee and snacks. I did get back in time to enjoy some pastries and cloud-berries (mmmmm).
It's been a great couple of days visiting with old friends, sharing smiles and hugs together, and joining in the joy of the work they are doing here in Latvia. We will have worship this morning (Sunday) and then head back to Riga.
When it comes to the second day of Annual Conference, and you didn't sleep through the night, it can be a challenge to stay focused and alert. I have to confess to experiencing some head nods on Saturday... but we persevered and had a great day!
Today's sessions involved more of the business of the church. Richard and I stayed for the Bible study time, discussion of the Bishop's address, worship and food, of course. When the lay persons and clergy persons split up for their meetings, we cut out to go visit Wesley Camp. It's always beautiful out there, but today even more so as we were able to see for the first time the new cabin that is being built on one of the platforms.
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| You can see the new addition to the camp skyline on the far right when you approach from the road... |
It's going to be a great addition, and allow for longer use of the camp in spring and fall if it can be heated.
I did want to say a word about the Bishop's address discussion. Many of the responses from the churches included comments about the unity of the church and the desire to not see a split over the issue of human sexuality. Bishop Alstead talked a bit about the Commission on a Way Forward, and then explained some of the different views and stances. He also explained that he is of the mind that this issue should not divide us... that it's not so central to our beliefs that we should allow it to. Although I fall on a different place on the spectrum of belief than he does, I too agree that this one issue should not divide us. (Whatever happened to John Wesley's 'think and let think' attitude?) It was interesting, though, to hear the Bishop's perspective and that of some of the Latvian church members. I know that prayers continue from all sides for wisdom for the Commission.
After a lovely lunch, we enjoyed 30 minutes of worship led by the youth worship team. They were a little nervous about having to sing for so long, but they did a great job! Their enthusiasm is contagious and I know their church and families must be so proud of them for stepping up as leaders.
The afternoon saw the election of a new lay leader for the Latvian Methodist Church, Juris Sokolovs from Cesis. The Board of Ordained Ministry also presented Kristine Rozefelde and Zinta Dzintara as provisional members on their path to full elder... and Anna Doble (spelling?) as a new Student Lay Pastor, who will be appointed to Riga First Church.
After the close of the conference, we had another lovely meal prepared at Liepaja LAMB, and then took a trip over to see the Liepaja cathedral. Pictures were not allowed inside, but it was very beautiful! Many of our group climbed up to the top of the clock tower to get a birds-eye view of Liepaja (I did not; heights and all those steps!!). I enjoyed looking at Richard's photos when he came back down. :)
Our final event of the evening was a spectacular walk out on the breakwater to see the sunset over the Baltic Sea. The colors in the sky were vibrant... the temperature was perfect, and the fellowship lovely. I even got to spend a little time in quiet contemplation alone as some of the group headed out further along the rockier part of the breakwater, and others headed back to the beach for coffee and snacks. I did get back in time to enjoy some pastries and cloud-berries (mmmmm).
It's been a great couple of days visiting with old friends, sharing smiles and hugs together, and joining in the joy of the work they are doing here in Latvia. We will have worship this morning (Sunday) and then head back to Riga.
Thanks for your insights Melissia! This was my first time staying at home in 9 years of the conference gatherings, therefore it is very nice to hear some info and stories of how it went. I enjoyed reading. Have a safe trip home in the early hours tomorrow! RG
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