Dear Church Family, A couple of weeks ago Brentwood United Methodist had the pleasure of hosting the 200th anniversary of the Tennessee Annual conference as we do each year. Months of planning and hours of preparation went into hosting over 1300 delegates for four days. Each year this event challenges our staff, laity and facilities in different ways. From fire alarms going off during registration, to severe thunderstorms as numerous guests were arriving for a Memorial Service, to overflow parking, to cleaning a 185,000 ft. facility that is in use by over 1300 people from 7:00 am till 10 pm each day, and setting up and coordinating over 50 meals in four days. These are just a few of the many challenges that were handled by the staff and many volunteers that week. This was all accomplished with excellence and extravagant hospitality. We received numerous comments on what a wonderful Conference it was and how welcoming BUMC was to all that attended. One delegate wrote: "As a delegate to Annual Conference, one who hung around BUMC for the better part of 4 days, I would like to thank all those who helped make the experience such a pleasant one. From the parking greeters, to the shuttle bus drivers, to those who greeted people at the doors and directed them to the right place, to the youth in the cafĂŠ, everything ran smoothly and people were so friendly that I hope all those who were involved know how much they were
appreciated. Even the bathrooms were always clean and well stocked!" So thanks to everyone for extending Christian hospitality to the Clergy, Laity and Guests of the Tennessee Annual Conference. You made a difference in the lives of many people by your willingness to serve. This was one example of the body of Christ using their gifts to offer the love of Christ. Thank you for being the Church both on this Campus and around the world. Keep serving so that hearts can be touched and lives transformed for the glory of God and the good of the world. In ministry together, Rob "Our ministry is only as effective as our relationship with the people we are ministering to and with".