Word of Gratitude Regarding Annual Conference 2022

I want to compliment all of you on our recent session of Annual Conference. I have to admit that I had reservations about going to McAllen. I did not enjoy the drive, but the facilities were excellent. The accommodations were actually more convenient than other places we have used. The staffing at the Convention Center, as well as the hotels, were top notch and highly appreciated. The Learn & Serve Mission experiences on Friday morning received high marks from my delegates. Several of them found those experiences very eye-opening. We had some really good conversations around those and I won’t be surprised to hear that continuing…

Worship was great and I enjoyed it. Valley Praise – what can I say? – they were outstanding. Can we get them back? Having the full band there really rounded out the sound. I enjoyed them every time. Then, there was the choir from Edinburg FUMC. Simply amazing. They, literally, had people tearing up when they sang “I Will Rise.” Rev. Paul Escamilla’s ordination sermon was outstanding. He touched all our hearts. For the first time in a number of years, it seemed like the technical aspects all worked well. There may have been a few slips, but nowhere near what I have seen in past years. Kudos to whomever was running with that…

This was my 41st Annual Conference. The thought that we might be dividing brings a great sadness to my heart. But if we have to do that, doing so in love and appreciation—instead of acrimony—will ease a lot of the pain that many of us are feeling. Please hear my deep appreciation and love for each of you. This is what true leadership, under duress, should look like.

Be Blessed,
Tom Deviney
Lead Pastor
Bethany UMC
Austin, TX