Interim Minister & President
Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Sterner
Interim Minister & President
2005 Report
 The staff reports included in this document reflect a full year of hard and faithful work. I thank the staff, the Conference Board of Directors, the Commissions, Task Forces, and all Conference leaders for a truly remarkable constellation of gifts, graces, and ministries. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many visits to local congregations, sharing in their worship and having conversations with leaders. I have felt the radical welcome and evangelical hospitality proclaimed in the Still Speaking identity campaign. I have been awed by your generosity in response to natural disasters-giving nearly $800,000 in special support in response to these tragedies. I am privileged to be serving with you during this interim time.
There is much to celebrate in our life together. The intensity with which we are focusing on our mission is exceptional. The Board of Directors and the staff have come together to support nurturing the vitality of local churches and the covenant among the churches. As I hear reports from around the country I am well aware that the Massachusetts Conference is in the vanguard when it comes to preparing ourselves for ministry in our current and emerging contexts. The reports in this collection give you a glimpse at the present results of our efforts. I trust you will be as awed by them as I have been!
We also know that the changing shape of Conference Ministry will require some changes in the way we deliver services and offer programs in support of our mission. In the coming months we will take some dramatic steps in shaping our staff in preparation for these changes. Though financial realities are a factor in our decisions, we are most interested in aligning our resources and our mission in the most effective way we can. This will be an ongoing project as the settled Minister and President comes to share ministry with you.
I encourage you to attend the annual meeting on June 9th & 10th. At that meeting you will vote on calling the Massachusetts Conference Minister and President. You will also have the opportunity to hear my full report on the state of our Conference.
May God continue to guide and bless our common ministries and our covenant to share in service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our day and time.
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