What a week...

This week has been full of activity and change. I left Utah on Tuesday to come to Colorado. While here I have had the chance to attend Bob Kaylor's Transitions Workshop (Wednesday), as well as Annual Conference. On Thursaday, Tracy and I successfully closed on our new home in the Rockrimmon are. On Friday, I collected the keys to the house and stepped inside to take a look around. And today, I was officially appointed to Wilson UMC by our Bishop! It is with great joy and excitement that I accept the challenge to be your shepherd and leader. I now depart for the airport to return home to pack the few remaining items before the packers come on Monday. We'll know on Monday just what day we will arrive in the Springs area (probably Wed or Thu). Thank you for your prayers and support over these last few weeks. We look forward to our joining you in worship on the 1st of July.

All signed!!!

This morning we (in all honesty, Tracy) signed all our closing paperwork for our home off of Saddlemountain Rd! Everything should be completed on Thursday, and we'll officially be home owners!!!

No more keys...

Yesterday's Church in the Park service was beautiful. The weather was perfect, the music and worship was passionate, and God poured out His power as I preached my last message in Brigham. Using two simple chairs, God provided me with a powerful visual aid in communicating some profound truths about His character and nature, how it is He has moved over time, and the type/kind of salvation He offers to everyone. I hope to preach it someday at Wilson. (BTW: I'm known to preach in attire like this occasionally!!!)

After last night's community dessert social for our family, I turned in my keys. It was rather surreal to be honest, standing there in my empty office with nothing but the clergy covenant and some notes for my successor on the desk. I don't know how many hours I have spent in that office, and at the church, but it feels like a lifetime's worth. So many sermons. So many sacred conversations. So many holy moments. So many lives changed by God's transforming grace. All of these met with the hollow closing of an empty room.

Now I know - correction: I know and believe - that God has more of the same in store for us at Wilson UMC, and it is with great joy that we continue to take the steps we do that will take us to Colorado Springs. But my heart is heavy this morning, aware that all is concluded here and that my work is done.  

AWESOME worship this morning!!!

This morning's worship was fantastic. Here is a video shot that I take each year and post to my FaceBook.

By the way, this week we are scheduled to close on our house! On the 14th it will be official, we will (again) be home owners. We couldn't be more excited. Please be in prayer for Tracy as she'll be doing a lot of packing without me (seeing as I'll be at Annual Conference).  

"Church in the Park" tomorrow

Well, tomorrow will be my last preaching opportunity in Utah. Our ministerial association (NUMA) is holding its 3rd annual Church in the Park. Last year (pictured here) saw around 700 people in attendance, and this year (if weather holds) is sure to see even more. It's not everyday that nine churches close their doors to worship together. And it's not every day that nine churches get to invite so many unconnected people (and feed them 600 burgers and 300 hot dogs!!!). I have been asking folks to pray for freedom...freedom from false and misleading notions of who God really is in Christ...freedom from false religion...and freedom from death and sin. May the Holy Spirit fall upon that place and transform lives!

Headed for the Philippines

My youngest daughter (who graduated from high school this week) departed this morning for a two week mission trip to the Philippines. After flying to Los Angeles she flies to Hong Kong, and then on to Manila. She's traveling with 40 other young people who will serve in many areas including construction, tutoring, sports ministry, and spending time with children in a children's home. They departed LA at 1330 this afternoon and will not arrive in Manila until 0615 tomorrow morning (if I've calculated my international travel times correctly).

Please pray that God move mightily in Katie's life, the lives of the other young people, and those with whom they'll encounter.

Katie is pictured here hugging her sister Kristen.