On Wednesday, Sarah, Tara and I are headed to the United Methodist Southwest Texas Annual Conference meeting.  In Sarah’s Prius, my spiritual sisters and I will road trip to Corpus Christi to vote on some amendments, hear some reports, and watch some ordinations.  Here’s what I am packing:

1. Clothes
2. A bottle of wine (we have no plans on Friday night)
3. My Methodist Federation for Social Action voting guide

Ryan and I became Methodists as adults after we were married in the United Methodist tradition.  Searching for a church combining social responsibility, forgiveness, inclusion, intelligent leadership, thought-provoking sermons and folk music sounds like an impossible task.  But when the first church you try in Austin gives you all these things?  It was meant to be.  

Since Ryan and I joined, Saint John’s United Methodist has given us the opportunity to make music, make connections, and make a difference.  At Saint John’s I work with Christian brothers and sisters my age, younger, and older than me.  I learn and teach.  I listen and sing.  I gain and give.  With these experiences, I hope to represent all of my church at Annual Conference this week. After all, All means All!

I hope you can see my love for the United Methodist church and my desire to make it more available to all kinds of people.  Please pray for us.