Proof

Ok, so here I am in Long Beach, CA. I'm here for the week with my colleagues in Conference Ministry, leaders from the National setting, Conference Attorneys, seminary presidents and a few assorted others.

I attend the Installation of my good friend and brother in ministry, Felix Villanueva. He's being installed as the Conference Minister of the Southern California Nevada Conference.

I dress up. Really dress up. French cuff shirt with some killer cuff links Mimi found for me at the local antique store; nice tie (which I had to retie about 8 times before Kent Siladi said it could actually be worn in public); nice wingtip shoes; the Citizen's watch Mimi bought me a couple years back; a beautiful turquoise ring Mimi got me last Christmas from the Herd Museum; nice gray pin-stripe suit.

All of a sudden, I can't walk ten feet without one of my colleagues pulling out a camera, stopping me, and saying "You own a suit!" I have to take a picture - no one is going to believe this!"

Well, believe it. Here's the proof.



Like they say: He cleans up nicely - at least once a year.

Jarrett Maupin and Noel Anderson

Noel Anderson


Jarrett Maupin


The Southwest Conference is proud and pleased to announce that two outstanding young candidates for ministry came before us last week.

Jarret Maupin was licensed for ministry at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Phoenix.

Noel Anderson successfully completed his Ordination Exam before the Committee on Church and Ministry, which enthusiastically approved him for an Ecclesiastical Council. That Council will be hosted by the Church of the Good Shepherd in Sahuarita, AZ.

Both of these young men have true passions for and commitments to justice, and already a breadth of experience in both the church and community organizing.

We are truly proud of both of these young candidates for ministry, and wish them the best in what we hope will be long vocational careers in ministry.

10th Anniversary celebration

I had the distinct pleasure of helping the First Samoan Church celebrate their 10th anniversary.

The night was filled with singing, dancing, laughter, good food, good prayer, great fellowship, and immense joy. The pride these families showed as one by one they came forward to dance, and in the dancing not only reflect their cultural values but express their faith and their pride and their joy at what they have been and meant to each other of this past decade.

It was an honor to celebrate these moments with them. I hope the pictures I share help tell the story and express their pride and joy.