All around us are signs of new life, reflecting the abundant and eternal life we celebrate in this glorious season of Easter.
 
As I have spoken with Bishop Schnase this week, I have become even more excited about the opportunity we have on Saturday to welcome him and to receive wisdom and inspiration from God through this time together.
 
Bishop Schnase will present Five Practices of Effective Churches at Christ UMC in Jackson, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  Churches across our country and around the world have been helped to grow in their ministries of evangelism, nurture and mission.
 
It is midweek.  A good time to consider again the opportunity before us.  It is not too late to receive this blessing.
 
Take a moment now to invite some of your congregation so that you might fill up your car or church van for this event.
 
It will be a day our conference will long remember as we live even more fully into the center of our life in this year:  Arise! Shine! Grow!
 
Registration is now 200 -- a good number!  However, registration is unlimited. There is room for you and other leaders.  Thank you for helping us have an accurate count for lunch by registering on the conference Web site.
 
See you Saturday!
Hope Morgan Ward