Week on the Road

From Naples to Lakeland, Sarasota and Venice and off to Orlando

Things started with worship at East Naples UMC welcoming the Rev. Javier Barroso and his family to the district (and the conference!) Javier plays guitar and sings and his daughter also has a lovely singing voice and did some special music.  

I was able to get in a walk around Lake Wire in between meetings in Lakeland on Tuesday. 

Thursday was our district clergy gathering at Grace UMC in Venice. We set up one of our labyrinths and had a great time of fellowship, worship and connection. 

After the meeting I headed to two meetings in Orlando that lasted until late so I had a hotel room.  I blew off steam in the gym with some treadmill time and then worked out again in the morning. 

As I left the hotel I drove nearby to Colonialtown Square Park and walked the Pulse memorial labyrinth. 

In the evening after I got home, I drove to Sarasota National Cemetery to participate in the 25th Anniversary vigil for 9/11. The musicians from First UMC in Sarasota presented all the music and I gave the benediction. 

 

Life Around the South West

Sunday morning I went to First UMC in Naples for worship to checkin their new senior pastor who started in January. Rev. Scott Ehler had been their associate pastor and he's doing a great job. 

It was so nice to be with Scott and his wife Amy. 

Lots of other project time and meetings on Zoom. And then today at Grace Venice we had our Mission and Vision team for the district. Love these colleagues in ministry! 

 

A Week Away

This past week I spent Sunday morning preaching at East Naples UMC as a favor to the pastor who is on renewal leave. It was a wonderful worship service with incredible music from so many diverse groups, including the children. 

Then I was in Lakeland from Sunday night through Thursday afternoon at Cabinet while we were discussing appointments for the upcoming year. 

Thankfully one night I was able to go to dinner with my friend Amy. And then another night I went with Parker and his roommate Eddie to Disney Springs and Epcot! 

I finally officially got my own desk at the conference office and have slowly started to decorate it with things that are meaningful to me. 

 

Naples Botanical Garden

Loved my getaway time this week to the outdoors - what a beautiful space at the Naples Botanical Garden. All different kinds of garden types and then a lovely one mile long lake trail to hike. The weather was hazy and cool so it was really nice outside.