One of our clergy NCJ delegates reflects on worship and business during the Thursday session of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference.

REV. JOY BARRETT
Clergy delegate from Chelsea: First UMC

Editorial note: Michigan Conference Communications invited several of our Michigan NCJ delegates to share reflections during each day of the conference.

This is the eighth “regular” jurisdictional conference for me as a delegate and it is a Thursday like no other. Instead of being knee-deep in double-digit balloting, with no end in sight, our three new bishops have already been elected and we have the evening off!

In our ongoing discernment about episcopal nominees, our delegation reached out last night to members of other delegations, to ask about meeting together this morning. In today’s meeting, I felt the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we all listened attentively to each other, drawing wisdom and insight from the conversations. It brought clarity to me for the decisions before us.

Worship today was profoundly moving for me through the leadership of several members from Indigenous communities. And Bishop Tracy Smith Malone preached powerfully.

Then, as if I needed to be reminded how blessed we are through the leadership of Bishop David Bard, he hit a “grand slam” as he delivered the Episcopal Address that is still soaring beyond the ballpark. Bishop Bard’s giftedness flowed in abundance: passion, energy, wit, intellect, creativity, humility, deep faith, conviction, boldness. I encourage everyone to listen and re-listen to his inspiring and challenging message. Watch the bishop’s full address here.

Before we dispersed at the end of the afternoon session, our delegation gathered for a group photo, taken by our ever capable and patient Mark Doyal! Bishops Bigham-Tsai and Bard joined us in the photo. Those moments together were tender and precious.

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

Last Updated on November 4, 2022