In our denomination it happens once a year. Pastors and delegates from a certain geographical area get together to reflect on the year past and to dream about the year to come. It is called District Assembly. I remember a time when I was excited at the approach of a District Assembly with all of its' reports, elections, special speakers, and reunions. They lasted three or four days, every pastor gave an oral report and it was a wonderful time of shared fellowship for the "church".
Now "Assembly" lasts a day and a half. There are no oral pastor's reports and there is hardly time to say hello to anyone. I suppose that in our busy world it is a better way to go, more convenient, more programmed but I miss the the slower pace and the chance to spend more than a moment with friends and fellow clergy.
Our Assembly last week was as slick and ordered as any I have ever attended. The speakers were excellent, the music was awesome, and the time was well spent. But, for me, it lacked. I must be getting old as I find myself thinking about the old days and the memories come flooding back.
I guess there's no question I'm getting old as two friends, who shared many of those early Assemblies with me in Eastern Michigan, RETIRED!!!!! Dr. Eugene Frame and Rev. Ernie Lewis RETIRED!!!!! I turn 60 in just a few more weeks so I know that the rocking chair can't be to far away. Not to far away for me or my friends who started in ministry when I did (back in the days of Yore) Fred, Gene, Brian, Mike, if you're reading this, just know that even for us old preachers "the best is yet to come".
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