The Mid-South District was overjoyed by the enthusiastic response to its first-ever Fall Pastors Conference cruise! About 60 pastors attended the conference, which took place aboard the Carnival Valor cruise ship from October 14-19. Many of the pastors wives were also in attendance, thanks to a generous grant from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).
The unique experience included two full days of conference activities and two “free” days for exploring ports of call and relaxing. High winds and rough seas prevented docking at Progreso, Mexico—the second planned stop. But sunny skies made for plenty of relaxation and fellowship for the unplanned day at sea. Several pastors and their spouses noted that the conference cruise was the first getaway they had experienced as a couple in many years!
Presentation days for the conference took place at the beginning and end of the voyage. Speakers Rev. David Fleming and Dr. Beverly K. Yahnke from DOXOLOGY did an excellent job of covering wellness concerns and strategies for ministry professionals—and their families! Concordia Plans and Grace Place Wellness also shared information on resources those organizations provide for addressing church worker wellness needs. Each conference day also opened with Devotions and each night closed with Evening Prayer led by the conference Chaplain and organist, Rev. Michael Meyer of the LCMS Office of National Mission and Aaron Jackson of Redeemer Lutheran Church (Mountain Home, AR).
The conference cruise was a great success and the Mid-South District is thankful for the efforts of everyone who made it possible. For a closer look at the experience, see recent posts on the District’s Facebook page.
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