Western Jurisdiction explores ministry possibilities
PHOENIX (UMNS)—Leaders from around the Western Jurisdiction gathered in Burbank, CA, Jan. 10-11 to begin to focus in on the work that lays ahead for this quadrennium. It was a time of teambuilding, information sharing and decision making; as well as a time of dreaming about possibilities. During the gathering, the leadership team received insight into what is needed for ministry in the Western Jurisdiction by the Council of Bishops. A new “Strategic Priority” of a commitment to the development of new churches and communities of faith was brought forward. It encompassed elements of the mission statement of The United Methodist Church, the Four Areas of Focus presented at the 2008 General Conference, and the vision of the Western Jurisdiction. “What I like about this (Strategic Priority) is that it gives us something solid to hold onto,” said Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, of the Desert Southwest Conference. “It is the house that lets us model our values.”