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BY LINDA WORTHINGTON
UMCONNECTION STAFF

2006 was a rich year for the Discipleship Adventure, as the 692 churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference joined to together to celebrate, connect, develop, serve and share their faith.

We pause to look back:

Faithful Celebration
Many events and experiences in the conference this past year celebrated the presence of God among us.
? The Washington Conference Reunion, held Sept. 22-23, was a jubilant homecoming for members of the former racially segregated conference. The event reminded attendees of a noble, but struggle-filled past and present day challenges.
? 2006 was also the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. On May 25, attendees at annual conference honored the fruits of that decision with a worship service that acknowledged the journeys of 267 clergywomen. Nearly 100 Baltimore-Washington Conference clergywomen continued the celebration in August at the International Clergy-women?s Consultation in Chicago.
? Significant celebrations also took place at Douglas Memorial UMC as it rededicated a rebuilt church that nearly closed a year ago, and at St. Marks UMC in Boyds, which responded to hate crimes against the church with love and by rallying the community.

Faithful Connections
The conference, like local churches, made connections in Christ?s name, throughout the world.

? A new covenant was signed by Bishop Sung Young Kwak of the Nambu Conference of South Korea and Bishop John R. Schol. The covenant recognizes the connections and commonalities between the two conferences including the common calling 'to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.'
? Another kind of connection was made throughout the year as the conference Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) dialogue team engaged people of diverse opinions in fruitful conversations. 'This is where the Discipleship Adventure connects, because we are this group of strangers and the common ground is Jesus Christ,' said the Rev. Karin Walker, the group?s convener.

Faith Development
The past year was one of growth for spiritual leaders as the conference moved forward in its mission to produce 600 Acts 2 churches by 2012.

? As part of leadership development, the conference formed Discipler Groups, placing all clergy in small peer-coaching groups that 'spiritually condition, equip, inspire and support pastors to grow disciples.'
? Laity also had many opportunities to develop throughout the year, most notably early in the year when nearly 2,500 attended the three Leadership Days trainings that illuminated the Discipleship Adventure. In July, the annual School of Christian Mission explored the themes of globalization, India and Pakistan, and peace.

Faithful Service
During the past year, countless United Methodists in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and the panhandle of West Virginia reached out to those in need.

? At annual conference, the Hope Fund was unveiled, with a goal to raise $1 million for three causes:
? continuing the conference?s partnership with United Methodists in Zimbabwe by aiding in the building of much-needed churches and parsonages there;
? helping to rebuild churches in the Gulf region that were destroyed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005; and
? helping to fight the global and local HIV/AIDS epidemic by supporting the denomination?s Global AIDS Fund and other efforts throughout the region.

Almost from the day Hurricane Katrina struck, members and clergy from conference churches collected and transported food and supplies to the affected areas, gave money ($3.3 million) and sent numerous Volunteers in Mission teams in a tide of compassion to help rebuild home, churches and other facilities.

Faith sharing
? Rabbi Joshua Martin Siegel was introduced as the conference rabbi. He shares his faith and wisdom through Bible study, writing, and speaking at conference staff meetings, workshops and other venues, while shedding theological light on many situations. 'It?s an opportunity for people with a serious interest in religion, in a culture that?s becoming increasingly secular, to work together and learn from each other in an ongoing way,' he said.
? Metropolitan Memorial UMC practiced their 'theology of abundance' by contributing 10 percent of the $3.2 million raised for a building fund to local and global missions. 'This is a way to encourage stewardship, and it?s as important as confessions of faith,' said the Rev. Frank Trotter.