Two weeks ago I took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the executive board of the Great Lakes Regional Conference (GLRC)*. It was actually quite convenient as they regularly meet at the Christian Ministries Center where the General Conference maintains its offices. In fact, the Great Lakes Conference Office is just across the hall from the CGGC. Dave Green, the GLRC executive director, and his administrative assistant, Mrs. Jan Kaukonen (who happens to be Lance Finley’s mother-in-law, God bless her!), are often in our offices on church business of some sort. After six plus months on the job I figured I was overdue to attend a Great Lakes board meeting. It’s a very dedicated group of people who serve, some of whom I’ve known for years like George Showers and Jim Keiser and others who I’ve met since our move to Findlay last June. The leadership team enjoyed each other's company which always helps the work go well and it was good to hear the various reports. There were several fiscal challenges in 2007 but positive ministry seems to be occurring across the conference through the camping ministry and in a number of the churches. The various councils or commissions gave positive reports. Church planting for one possesses the funds to sponsor a new church plant but lacks viable planters.

Later that same week, Linda and I joined a group of pastors from the GLRC in Dayton for the annual pastor and spouse retreat. Dave and Sally Green hosted a group of about twelve couples plus us for the weekend at Spring Hill Suites. Friday night was set aside for fun and fellowship with entertainment by comedian Marty Daniels.

L to R: Kris & John Dodds and Heather Schneemann Enjoy the Retreat

Saturday morning and early afternoon offered free time for everybody. Then in the later afternoon, evening and Sunday morning Jay Laffoon of Celebrate Ministries, Inc. joined us for a three-session marriage encounter. He shared a lot of good relationship building material in an entertaining and sometimes quite hilarious way. Some may remember him from Impact several years ago in Pittsburg. He and his wife, Laura, recently began to create a web and print based “Manual of Marriage Ministry” for individuals and churches as an extension of Celebrate. Check out their ministry at celebratenet.com and see what they have to offer. I’m hoping as their new venture moves forward that the CGGC can be involved. I think Jay’s premise is correct that if we strengthen marriages we will strengthen the Church. I’m thinking it especially applies for pastoral couples.

The weekend provided an opportunity to interact with other ministry couples in a non-church context. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and each other. Kirk and Heather Schneemann did a great job leading us into worship. Dave and Sally Green (as usual, I might add) were very gracious hosts with their many gifts and attention to detail. I learned that John Dodds would choose McDonalds over Lone Star Steak House as a place to eat any day or night. I found out somebody in our group this weekend was and is a real golf nut (but I forgot who). We learned how several couples met, one on a blind date. This type of retreat setting really helps break down the loneliness that sometimes comes in ministry. It builds friendship between couples and helps build intimacy for couples. It’s the kind of event every pastoral couple should share in from time to time (at least annually!) and a ministry that every church ought to sponsor for its people.

Ed

*The Region consists of forty churches from Arthur Center to Zion spread across Ohio and Michigan. It formed in 2001 during General Conference regionalization as a combination of the original Ohio Eldership organized in 1836 and the Michigan Conference formed in 1850 from part of the old Indiana Eldership.