So, now I am sitting in 311 in Bishop's Hall at Emory. I had several classes in here, several years ago. It's good to be back. I am in the middle of the Church Planting Conference (that's what we're doing y'all--planting a new church) sponsored by the UCC http://www.ucc.org/ http://www.secucc.org/ check those out--one of them is talking about you.



Anyhow, I am here and have been since Tuesday morning. Just today, I have heard from a black pastor in Chicago at the fastest growing UCC churhc, next from a gay man born and reared in South Georgia as a United Methodist, now serving the largest LGBT UCC in church in the nation (Cathedral of Hope Dallas TX) and now from Yvette Flunders, City of Refuge UCC, San Fran reaching out to people (all people) living on the margins in that city and starting small ministries all over the nation. WOW! I am overwhelmed and it is awesome (thank you erica)!

And then, this is just a portion of what this week has been. I can't talk about it all right now--it's just too much, but it is good to be with about 20 other pastor/planters who are attempting to do what we are attempting to do--reach out in love and kindness--forgive and be forgiven--give and receive grace--remember how much God loves us--how much God loves all people---serve and love others--I do believe that is what we want to be about and I thank God, I thank God for the opportunity to be in this with you. I love you and I thank God for you--and for this UCC church.