The Connection is…

-A group of college students from all over the state of Mississippi at The Journey, a retreat for college age students

-the granddaughter of church members from my first appointment out of seminary

- my nieces, Emily and Kelly who with my daughter, Laura, were able to share the weekend together

-a young woman whose family and ours had shared life in significant ways when I was pastor of St. Matthew’s but whom I had not seen in many years.

-a young woman whose parents were charter members of Getwell Road United Methodist Church and whose wedding I performed

-two young adults from Philadelphia, First whom I had known when I was their pastor.

- A preacher’s son, who with Laura, had grown up knowing each other through Conference Youth events and had served on the staff of SIFAT together for the last two years.

-Adults with whom I had shared ministry during the years in which I was pastor at St. Matthew’s UMC in Madison, MS.

-Bob and Anne McElroy who give of their time and energy twice a year to make sure young adults are having connecting experiences with Christ.

My heart was warmed Sunday afternoon, sitting in a familiar place surrounded by familiar friends, listening to the stories of how God had moved among these students in a mighty way.

Would that the Church pay attention to the places where God is at work and give great blessing.