Orem and Ogden, UT

During the second weekend in December I made my second trip to Utah.  I flew into Salt Lake City in the midst of what appeared to this flat lander to be a blizzard.  There was plenty of lake effect snow, but it didn't seem to slow things down much.  I arrived on Saturday and after I got my rental car I drove down to Orem (in the middle of the snow storm) to check out the church facility there.  As you can see it is quaintly unique, and even though I couldn't see it I hear it has an awesome view of the mountains and the valley.  

That evening I drove up to Ogden, which is just north of Salt Lake City.  I stayed with the Cadman family and it was good to get to know them.  I went to Graceland with their daughter, Paco, and it was good to see her again.  We are all like to travel and it was good to swap international travel stories.  Bob Cadman is also an avid bicyclist and we talk

ed quite a bit about bikes and biking.  The next morning I preached at Ogden and we had a wonderful Christmas meal afterwards.  The Ogden congregation has a lot of young families and it was good to share with them.  The church building itself is over 100 years old and is on its third location/foundation.  

Boise and Tulsa

With the holidays and end of year church business I seem to have fallen a little behind on my blog posting.  Back in November when I was staying with the Fishers I had the chance to preach at the Boise Congregation.  The Boise Community of Christ is made up of wonderful people, most of whom are fairly progressive in nature.  I was able to sit in on an adult Sunday School class taught by Tony Dennis (former superintendent in the Boise school district) and it was really well done.  I enjoyed speaking there and I hope the folks enjoyed hearing me.  We had a great meal afterwards and then I hopped on a plane and headed home.  It was a bit weird to make it back from Boise in less than two days! (normally I drive).

The week following my excursion to Idaho I spent a day in the town I grew up in - Tulsa, OK.  Oklahoma is now part of my assignment for Disciple's Generous Response and I made an initial visit to see how I could be helpful. 

 The city of Tulsa has changed a lot since I lived there as a kid and the

 Tulsa Central Congregation is experiencing new vitality through their youth outreach program.  I had lunch with Jack Ferenbacher, who is a Bishop and Financial Officer for the Oklahoma Mission Center.  Jack is a straight shooter and it is always good to hear his opinion.  In the evening I spent time with the Adult Class during the Wednesday evening activities.  I really enjoyed reconnecting with people who had been my mentors as I grew up and 

I am looking forward to giving back to people who have been impo

rtant in my life.