California-Nevada Conference Communications | November 28, 2023
Seven ethnic caucuses welcomed Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño back to the California-Nevada Conference after 18 months of absence at a luncheon hosted by the Rev. Peter Lau. About 100 clergy and lay persons representing the Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, Nation of Formosa, MARCHA West and National, and Tongan caucuses were present for the occasion, which began with singing the hymn "Blessed Assurance."
In her words of appreciation for those gathered, Bishop Carcaño said, "It is such a gift to me to start this Thanksgiving week being able to see all of you. I'm praising God, thanking God today for each and every one of you and for those who let me know they could not come but are here with us as well."
The bishop continued: "There is so much yet to be seen, so much yet to be done, and there are so many dreams yet to be realized. God is holding dreams right above us for us to reach up to and receive. I am grateful for all the faithful work that has been done. I love our strategic vision statement. To commit on this day, in this context, to 'following Jesus, to thriving in community and healing the world,' my heart soars when I think of this strategic vision and the possibilities of what God can do through us. I rejoice, even now."
Representatives from each of the caucuses present gave greetings of appreciation for Bishop's kindness and strength, for her longtime dedication to supporting the caucuses, for having endured the past 18 months and returning ready to continue the work. They lamented the suffering she and her family had endured during her suspension and trial, at which she was acquitted of four chargeable offenses. They expressed gratitude for her loving compassion and shared they had felt the pain of separation with her.
Those present committed to continue laboring with her in the work God has given the California-Nevada Conference, blessing her with gifts for the journey.
The Rev. Peter Lau (left) hosted a luncheon for Bishop Minerva G. Carcano (center) that featured Malaysian food cooked by Jasmine Lau and Sina Vuna (flanking the bishop) and comments by California-Nevada Conference Lay Leader Micheal Pope (right). (California-Nevada Conference Photo).
Lay Leader Micheal Pope shared her journey as Conference Lay Leader, side by side with Bishop Minerva, and celebrated the power of clergy-lay partnerships encouraging clergy and laity to work together to build up The United Methodist Church and its witness.
After more celebratory words and photos, the group enjoyed a luncheon of Malaysian food prepared by Jasmine Lau and Sina Vuna. Folks overflowed into the conference center courtyard in autumn sun catching up and making plans for mission in 2024.
This article is republished from the California-Nevada Conference website. It has been edited for clarity.