Thoughts Overheard at Conference

The following are thoughts I overheard this past week at Conference. Some of these thoughts inspired me and others led me to quiet reflection.

• State of Indiana is #2 in the nation for being addicted to gambling.
• The United Methodist church in Bande Aceh (Indonesia) lost 53 of their 100 members douring the 2004 severe weather. Hoosier United Methodists sent $200,000 to help rebuild that church. Today in a Muslim nation they have over 300 in worship on a Sunday!
• A homeless man who has received assistance from Fletcher Place Community Center was beaten and set on fire last week in Indianapolis.
• John Wesley's 3 Simple Rules: Do no harm, Do Good, and Stay in love with God.
• "We are praying and envisioning a Christ-healed Africa," Dr. Peter Storey, former UM bishop of South Africa
• Natanga Conference UM pastors in the Congo eat every other day after they choose to stay in ministry while their nation fights a Civil War.
• Calvary UMC in Brownsburg is in the top 5 for growth this past year in South Indiana.
• "Most important thing to remember and do is support each other," retiring Pastor
• #1 job of Hoosier United Methodists is evangelism
• Indianapolis West District where calvary is located has over 7,000 Native Americans who are not part of a church community- yet!
• 5 practices of a Fruitful congregation are radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission & giving, and extragent generosity