Desert Southwest Annual Conference Report

The 2024 Desert Southwest Annual Conference was held in Tucson this year. This year’s theme was “Making a Way” based on Isaiah 43:18-19 and Jeremiah 29:4-7, 10-14. The following is a report from St. Paul’s UMC lay leader Shirley Maddox.

Hi! I’m Shirley Maddox. As one of your two lay leaders and as a lay member to annual conference, I feel blessed to be able to represent our church at the 40th Desert Southwest Annual Conference – the first to be held in Tucson! We met Thursday through Sunday, June 13-16, at the Tucson Convention Center, to worship, make legislative decisions for our area, learn and grow together, and be strengthened for our lay (non-clergy) ministry.

A few highlights – Bishop Carlo Rapanut preached of Jesus’ abundant life – to live as if you’re already there – of healing and wholeness. He challenged us to be healthy individuals, healthy churches, leading to a healthy world. And he reminded us that it takes all of us to be the church together. We should talk about the goodness of God! And sing it! And share God’s love by our actions!

At Thursday’s Memorial Service, Lauren Danloe, one of our three lay members to annual conference, read Jeremiah 29:4-7, 10-14, as we remembered, among others, four of our clergy: Rev. Bob Ray, our founding pastor, Rev. Don Brummet, Rev. Bob Deits, and Rev. Billy Still. Then on Sunday, during closing worship, we enjoyed the enthusiastic singing of the Tongan church members as Bishop Carlo baptized baby Timote!
We heard from the 13 person delegation who represented us at General Conference, and we passed resolutions confirming Worldwide Regionalization and changes to the General Book of Discipline.

We also had some fun – celebrating Bishop Carlo’s 50th birthday, excellent lunches and coffee breaks, love ducks, celebrating retirees, visiting ministry tables, making connections, and strengthening relationships. Together, we are Making a Way, as it says in Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”