The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

It is official. The annual gathering of members representing my denomination is in the books. For over 230 years, and a few early unrecorded events, the business of the church has been placed before a delegate body for deliberation. One need not be a delegate to speak one’s mind at the microphone, a time-honored ideal insuring that all have a voice. The speeches in support or non-support of business items mirror many protestant gatherings. We have our bright shining moments as well as those that disappoint when our passion for the faith fosters less-than-helpful debate. In the end, the hard work of listening to one another pays dividends as the business sessions somehow, some way, manage to dispense with a demanding agenda over five days.

Many of the agenda items are rather perfunctory. Annual board and agency reports are best served before lunch to reduce the amount of napping by delegates in the afternoon. Annual conference is a time of being at our best in an environment that is forgiving of human shortcomings. Some have likened it to a large family reunion, a time of catching up and reveling in the renewal of friendships. It is also a time to inform attendees of what is currently happening in the church. In that regard, it is always worth wandering the exhibit area where organizations within and outside the church share their faith in various ways. From the looks of the display tables most years, it seems there is always an amazing variety of interests present.

The exhibit tables go by a half-table rate, and they are assigned space by a conference planning committee person. Exhibitors tend to get a little excited when they are allotted less than optimal space determined by traffic patterns and visibility. Some entities prescribe (demand?) the same prime locations year after year. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. Additionally, they do not always care for the ideologies of groups in adjacent booths, but it does make for some interesting interactions. In recent years, theologically opposed groups have earned booth space right next door to their own, sparking (mostly) mild tantrums from one party or another.

It is amazing, however, that by the end of most recent conferences, booth personnel have discovered the ability to have conversations with one another even when they are at odds over most issues. Whether they are end-to-end or divided by a six-foot aisle, being in close proximity to others cannot but help the realization that we all are part of a grand design that has yet to be fulfilled based on our limited understandings. When conversation begins replacing fear, incredible possibilities begin to emerge. The ice between several exhibitors began to melt, and the consensus was that booth assignments resulted in fortuitist opportunities to learn and to come together in ways not previously imagined; what a great investment in rent for a three by eight table.

Those who have experienced staffing display booths at this or any conference are ready to return for more rounds. Can we say the result will form lifelong relationships and greater tolerance for one another? Only if we choose to see it that way. Until then we will take it one conference at a time. Some of us might also find the courage to speak at the microphone on occasion.