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For those who love warm weather
this was the perfect summer. Hot sunny days were the norm with
very little rain or cold spells, it really was ideal.
Personally, I like it cool but I feel guilty when the summers
are wet and cold and folks complain because I am secretly
pleased with the weather even if they are not. Summer passed by
quickly and now we are making preparation for the fall season.
Olmsted has experienced a good
year with many groups and individuals coming and going from this
place. Recently, we hosted the CLM and Licensing School training
for the WPA Conference. The courses are for those pursuing
Certified Lay Ministry, licensing as a local pastor, or ordained
ministry. It was 10 days long and gave us a chance to get to
know many individuals who have not been here before. Other
conference users include Board of Ordained Ministry, The
Cabinet, Natural Church Development, various district events and
many others. Many churches of the conference use our facilities
in many ways. We are fortunate and are grateful to have the
chance to be a part of all these events. All of this use is
encouraging as we continue to evolve in becoming the continuing
education hub for the Annual Conference.
Service to our Annual Conference
is an important part of our focus. We believe the development of
our clergy and laity is interrelated to many facets of the
health of our church communities. Quality continuing education,
wellness, and meditative time apart are key to being faithful,
effective, and fruitful in ministry. We take this responsibility
very seriously and believe it is of the utmost importance.
Our commitment to this effort is
strengthened by your continued use of our retreat center. We are
proud of the work we do, but are also extremely grateful for the
opportunities and resources we have been blessed with. It is
important that we do not take these things for granted as we
thank God each day for the guests who use Olmsted.
So as we look forward to the
crisp fall air and the changing of the leaves, we remember to
count our blessings and continue to work toward the purpose for
which exist. With thankful hearts and hands we say: Thank you
and “Come away.”
Blessings,
Jody |
