Back by Popular Demand...

I had stopped posting, less by intention than by default: I just got so busy that before I even noticed, a couple weeks, a month, two months had gone by and I hadn't posted anything.

I thought I would try creating a Facebook page instead.

When too many of you started telling me you missed the blog, and that the Facebook page didn't do it for you, I got the hint.

So, the blog is back: periodic musings and postings about life, travels, and covenant partnerships in the Southwest Conference. Just so you know how broad the travel options can be, since last I posted I have been from Yuma (on a sunset drive during which the sky came alive!)...



to Angel Fire, where we installed Richard Safford as their new pastor and teacher...





There are a lot of miles between those two places, much beauty to encounter and many hours to ruminate.

In case you haven't heard me say it for a while: I love what I do, and where I do it.

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.