"ICCC Annual Conference"

I have been spending the last several days at Indianapolis, IN at the International Council of Community Churches' annual conference. As a member of this year's annual conference planning committee this has not been a vacation. Unfortunately they put that I am a member of the planning committee on the name tag I have to wear. So you can imagine I have had my teeth handed to me several times for people who are not pleased with something.

That being said, coming to the conference reminds me why Speed Memorial Church "fits" the ICCC. The group was founded on inclusiveness and acceptance of other religious traditions, the heart and soul of Speed Memorial Church. It is also great to see people who I have become friends over the 16 years I have been a part of the ICCC.

The exciting part of this year's conference is that there is a renewed enthusiasm and for the first time in several years I feel the council is starting to live what we preach. Thursday will be a big day since I am the chairperson for the "AGAPE" team. This a group that was formed about 10 years ago to help churches with acceptance and diversity. My acronym for AGAPE is "allowing God's anointing presence everywhere!" I have been empowered by the ICCC's current president, Saundra Nelson, to resurrect this group. So my presentation tomorrow will be to explain to folks what the AGAPE team is all about and ask them to be a part of this group.

I will try to write my thoughts tomorrow, but I have not had the ability to go online, since I discovered (after calling tech support to get internet in my room) that this hotel charges $10.00 a day to use that internet service. Thus, I am setting in the lobby of the hotel using the "one" computer that is open to all guests.

May this writing find you well and may the grace of God touch your hearts.

Pastor Mike