07/02/2026
From June 26–29, I attended the 178th Session of the California-Nevada Annual Conference in Sacramento. For those unfamiliar with it, the Annual Conference is the primary gathering of United Methodist clergy and lay representatives. It is much more than a business meeting. It is a time of worship, prayer, discernment, celebration, and decision-making as we seek God's direction for our shared ministry.
This year's conference reflected the rich diversity of our conference family. Worship was vibrant, led by youth and young adults, while delegates from many cultures and backgrounds gathered to pray, sing, and serve together. Throughout the conference we celebrated retirements, honored the faithful lives of clergy and spouses who passed away this past year, commissioned and ordained new ministers, elected delegates for future General and Jurisdictional Conferences, approved the 2027 budget, and acted on legislation that will shape our conference's ministry in the years ahead. The atmosphere was one of gratitude for God's faithfulness and hope for the future of the church.
On a personal note, this conference was especially meaningful for me. My membership was officially transferred from the Wisconsin Annual Conference to the California-Nevada Annual Conference, making this conference my new ministry home. I am also grateful that Bishop Sandra Olewine and the Cabinet reappointed me to continue serving Hope United Methodist Church for another year. In the United Methodist Church, pastoral appointments are renewed annually, so I receive this reappointment with deep gratitude and a renewed commitment to serve faithfully alongside you.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership in ministry. I look forward to another year of growing together as we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in our community.
-Pastor Chris
