I forgot to take my pen and paper to conference tonight, so I don’t have notes on tonight’s ordination service. I will be the first to say I like the new format. In previous years, ordination was sandwiched between the day’s business and worship at night. Tonight we had the service a bit more formal than last night, but the Spirit was still present. The ordinands processed in to God of Our Fathers. We sang a new arrangement of “Come Thou Fount.” Then sang “Sing to the King” and “Here I am to Worship.” Dr. Graham brought the message and did a fantastic job once again on the importance of proclaiming the Word of God. Following the service, we had a reception for those who were ordained. As I mentioned earlier, I know that at least six of the seven ordinands took at least one FLAME course. Several also took classes at our district level. Before we had the reception, I thought it was very appropriate that we finished with “Days of Elijah,” especially in regards to it’s FLAME connection (check the video). It was a great night and District Conference continues to encourage me in the ministry. Until tomorrow, blessings….

This morning we began District Conference. What’s really cool is that we began conference with communion.  The Parkway Worship Team led us in worship again.  Much more subdued than last night, but still excellent.  It has been great to catch up with all my friends across the district.  We have even gotten a chance to connect with fellow bloggers.

Dr. Tom Armiger, our Area General Superintendent is chairing the conference and he gave the annual State of the Church address.  He gave us the vision for the Wesleyan Church from Colossians.

A Transformational Church Must Be:

• A global church — committed to the authority of God’s Word.  The local church must have a global mindset.
• A multiplying church — Col. 1:6
• A sending church — Col. 1:7-8 — we must raise up workers
• A praying church — Col. 1:9
• An evangelistic church — declare the gospel — reach the lost — changed lives are the church’s greatest advertisement.
• A holiness church — Col 1:28 — Discipling them to be holy people
• A compassionate church — Col 3:12-14 — Demonstrating the love of Christ.

It was a great message — conference is going along well.  Tonight is the ordination service.  For the first time since we have been in the Shenandoah District, the service is the main event on Monday night.  Other years it was squeezed between business and worship.  I’ll report on the ordination service later.  Six of tonight’s ordinands attended at least one FLAME class and most of them attended several.  In addition another who is being ordained in Greater Ohio is in attendance because he is moving here.  We are hoping to get a picture of all the FLAME ordinands at the service tonight.  Pam and Rebecca will be escorting the ordinands because they are currently ministerial students.  It should be a great service.  I’m looking forward to it.  Later….