Church Conference: Embodying Hope

Dear Minooka UMC Found Family,

Last week in this space, I shared a bit about our Church Conference that occurred at the end of October. You can read part one by clicking here. Read part two by clicking here. Today, I offer the third and final part.

I asked our committee chairpersons and the leaders of our various ministries to offer a narrative reflection on these three questions:
1) We’ve celebrated wins all year. As you look back over your ministry in 2025, what wins stand out the most?

2) We’ve adopted an attitude of experimentation. As you look back over your ministry in 2025, what challenge stands out?

3) We continue to be people guided by hope. As you plan your ministry for 2026, how will you embody hope?

I encourage you to pick up a copy of the 2025 Church Conference Report to read all their inspiring responses. Again, you can also read my response to the first question here, and my response to the second question here. Moving on to question number three:

It is undeniable that the world we live in—replete as it is with the horrific violence of war, famine, racism, misogyny, poverty, bigotry, White supremacy, and more—is not the world God wants. Given all the power and money allied against the fruit of the Holy Spirit, that gap between the world as it is and the world as it is meant to be is growing exponentially. Hope can be in short supply. How will we bridge that gap?

In 2026, I will strive to embody hope by living our baptismal vows to “fight evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves” and encourage and empower our congregation to do the same.

In 2026, I will strive to embody hope by engaging in the discipleship practices to which we all commit: praying, gathering, serving, inviting, and giving.

In 2026, I will strive to embody hope by sharing the expansive, never-ending, yet-still-personal Love that is God in every way I know how.
I will strive to embody hope by challenging us all to live lives of loving service to ourselves, our neighbors, and our enemies.

Plotting Goodness,
Pastor Dave