Conference Retirees gather at Oakwood

Retirees and spouses of the Iowa Annual Conference gathered for worship, musical entertainment, a presentation about travel, and a conversation about health and pension concerns.  Oakwood United Methodist Church welcomed the group to its annual luncheon as well.

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Rev. Bob Burkhart, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration, greeted the nearly 100 persons, expressing thanks for their many years of service and dedication to the ministry of Jesus Christ in Iowa.

Morning worship included a violin solo by Rev. Diane Wasson Eberhart.  Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble offered the meditation.  The congregation gave thanks that “new every morning is your love, great God of light…stir up in us the desire…to live peaceably with our neighbors.”

Revs. Len and Diane Eberhart talked about the travel ministry of Educational Opportunities and upcoming tours.

Rod Biensen was the guest presenter for the gathering.  An early American ragtime and jazz pianist, Biensen talked about the history of piano music in the early 1900s, played some of Scott Joplin’s compositions such as “Maple Leaf Rag,” and took requests. Including “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.”

After lunch BIshop Trimble hosted a ""talkback with the Bishop" dialogue and Joni Mardesen, Director of Human Resources for the Iowa Annual Conference, brought current health and benefits information as well as answered questions from the retirees and spouses.

Rev. Bob Burkhart expressed thanks to Linda Remster, Conference Meeting Planner, for making the arrangements for the day.