Spring has sprung in Kansas City, which means that summer is right behind it. Things are gearing up what promises to be a wonderful season here in the Midwest. The Kansas City Royals (our professional baseball team) are playing again, the city’s fountains (the most in the country) are turned on again and the smell of barbecue and flowers is in the air again. As they say, “everything’s up to date in Kansas City.”
Spring gives us the chance to wash the dirt and remains of winter away and allow us to feel cleansed and renewed. It’s much like the feeling I have when I return from Convocation every two years. I feel as if the weariness and the staleness of the past few months are replaced by a renewed vision for ministry and more energy to accomplish that which God has in store for me.
I hope you’ll consider this renewal and plan to attend The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts biennial Convocation in the heart of our city.
I’m so excited to welcome you to my hometown and to my church, the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, where you will visit two of our four campuses.
I know many of you take times of personal vacation to come to Convocation. I would encourage you to bring your family with you this year as there is so much to do in Kansas City. Come a few days early or stay a few days late to enjoy our world-renowned zoo, take in a Kansas City Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium, or simply stroll through the halls of the Nelson Art Museum.
Perhaps you’d like an outstanding culinary experience while you’re in town. We have everything from Beard Award-winning chefs to casual barbecue joints. The Country Club Plaza, one of the nation’s oldest shopping centers, is just a short ride from our hotel. You and your family can stay busy the entire week with so many things to see and do.
And, of course, the Convocation itself will be an inspiring event! In addition to hearing from amazing speakers, we will visit worship spaces throughout the Kansas City metro area. There will be breakout sessions featuring a special track for worship planning, and we’ll enjoy fellowship at shared meals and other times during the convocation.
I hope that you will consider joining us and allow me to show you the wonders of my hometown, Kansas City. It’s going to be a great time. Bring your family and enjoy the hospitality in one of the midwest’s friendliest and most beautiful cities. I’ll see you in July!
Kevin Bogan
2019 Convocation Design Team Chair
Director of Traditional Worship,
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Leawood
A Place at the Table: Convocation 2019 