Members and Friends of Austin Mennonite Church The South Central Conference will begin here in Austin at the Red Lion Hotel this Friday, Jul 16, at 7:00 in the evening, and will conclude after the morning worship service on Sunday, Jul 18. This annual meeting will consist of several delegate sessions, special meetings, and combined worship services. If you have never attended a regional conference before, this might be an opportunity to observe some of its proceedings. I will consult the conference staff to determine if it possible for persons to visit some of the scheduled events. I will inform you as soon as I have the answer. Much planning and coordination is necessary in order to provide this important meeting. Already Ray and Grant have helped prepare for worship services, and Gloria has invested much time and energy to ensure that the children present will have a safe and enriching experience. Many of you have responded to their requests for volunteers to meet transportation and childcare needs during the conference. This behind-the-scenes ministry is essential for the efficient flow of the annual meeting. Together, all contributions from a multitude of sources culminate to recreate and inspire fellow believers in their personal journey of faith. All of us are blessed by the devoted ministry of all persons who spend themselves on behalf of those who will attend this conference. The extent of their offering is immeasurable, as it will be transformed into enduring service on the fields of those who return to their distant homes, nourished and refreshed because of their visit here. Thank you for these silent gifts. May it go well with you. Sincerely, Garland Robertson --- Garland Robertson --- lauralarue@xxxxxxxxxxxxx --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.