Photo by Regina Roberts The new Conference officers are consecrated, from left moderator Jim Beckwith, moderator-elect David Shumate, and secretary Fred Swartz.
Photo by Regina Roberts Jim Beckwith, 2008 moderator, holds open hands during his consecration.	Photo by Glenn Riegel A dancer brings a colorful banner into worship.

Photo by Regina Roberts Ataloa Woodin, pastor of Community Brethren Church in Fresno, Calif., preaches for worship.

Servants Enabled With a Great Power
Acts 3:1-8, 4:29-31, 33
Preacher: Ataloa Woodin

Photo by Regina Roberts Woodin also brings a drama.

Closing worship invites the Spirit’s transforming power
As the body gathered for the final worship of the 221st Annual Conference, the colors of the rainbow were brought to create the worship center. Colored scarves waved in the air as various persons proceeded to the altar. The entire worship was design to welcome the Holy Spirit to join the body.

Erin Matteson, worship leader, set the tone for the body to listen and look for God. The message of Acts 1-4 was shared through various media. The congregation listened to Salome, sister of the beggar at the Gate Beautiful, portrayed my Ataloa Woodin. A video of Brian, a homeless man, no longer homeless, gave testimony of God’s power of transformation.

Woodin’s message “Servants Enabled with a Great Power,” reminded the Conference of several truths. “We are meant to be filled with the very power of God,” she said. The same power that filled those gathered at Pentecost, can and will come and fill us, Woodin preached. The risk will be worth it, for without seeking God’s power we confine the work of our hands to the strength of our hands, she added. Calling on God’s power gives us authority to go and do in Jesus name.

Woodin concluded by reminding the body that to do something in Jesus’ name means we are in relationship with God. That relationship can help overcome fears and heighten awareness of those around, those people usually pass by without a thought. Whatever our fear; loss of pride, loss of theology, or loss of control, God can take any one of us and change each of us into a person of power and authority, Woodin said. A person acting in the authority of Jesus’ name, filled with the Holy Spirit, can bring to others a transforming power.

As the conference choir, led by Becky Rhodes, sang “When the Holy Ghost Shows Up,” many shared their praise by rising and clapping, filling the arena with energy and joy.

--Karen Garrett

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