Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel was the featured presenter at the fall 2019 gathering of the Order of Elders, Order of Deacons, and Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members of the Iowa Annual Conference.
The event, held at the Christian Life Center of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, brought together nearly two hundred pastoral leaders of the Conference for two days of thought-provoking reflection and earnest dialogue.
During the opening worship, Rev. Heather Dorr asked, “When was the last time that you were quiet and took a day off from your work” and gave space to God’s prominence and promises in your life? Ancestors in the faith “recognized the need for a day off and a day to glorify God.” Jesus saw the Sabbath “as a day to be set free and to be healed.” She advised her pastoral colleagues, “We need to take a day off, for our own health – physical and emotional.”
“In a culture that no longer believes in the Sabbath…our worth is determined by our productivity…But that’s not true!” She added, “The Sabbath is made for healing and freedom-giving and reconciling power…your worth is determined by the grace offered to you by Jesus Christ.”
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more about Rev. Lillian Daniel's presentation at the 2019 Fall Gathering.
As the featured presenter, Rev. Lillian Daniel spoke on Tuesday morning and afternoon, and again on Wednesday morning and afternoon. Daniel is the pastor of First Congregational Church in Dubuque. An internationally renowned preacher, teacher, and author, her recent writing has been addressed to the laity and people who aren’t yet attached to a faith community.
Great thanks to the pastors and community of Ankeny First United Methodist Church for the hospitality and to Educational Opportunities for providing Tuesday’s lunch.
