Conference Minister’s Corner Conference Minister, Gordon Rankin, 7.7.26 One morning watch last week at Horton Center, I had a fascinating conversation with a group of middle school students about bravery and courage. We were discussing the biblical story of Queen Esther. You may recall that Esther was asked by her cousin, Mordecai, to speak up for the imperiled Jewish community. Mordecai even suggested that perhaps Esther rose to her royal position for “just such a time as this." Esther,...

Conference Minister's Corner Rev. Linda Hirst, Acting Associate Conference Minister 07.01.2026 There is a brown leaf hanging on a tree outside our window. It has been hanging there for over a month while all around it the other brown leaves have dropped and been replaced by new green leaves. This leaf is not moving. It will not let go. It is hanging on for dear life. Clearly it doesn't like change (and yes, I am projecting feelings onto a leaf). Not many people like change. Even those who...

Conference Minister's Corner Rev. Gordon Rankin, Conference Minister 6.24.26 Sabbatical Announcement Our Conference Minister, Rev. Gordon Rankin, will be using the remainder of the sabbatical time he started in 2024 early next year. Gordon’s sabbatical leave will be January 6 to February 16, 2027. The Rev. Deborah Blood has agreed to serve as a half-time Sabbatical Bridge Conference Minister to assist Rev. Linda Hurst with the ministry needs of the Conference while Gordon is away. Some...