Well, I've made it. Sort of. I'm in Lakeside, OH for the West Ohio United Methodist Church Annual Conference 2009. (Long title.) Lakeside is, and I'm not exaggerating, on the tip of one of Ohio's peninsulas. If I could figure out how to save the map without chunking it into little squares, I'd show you. :)
As part of my WOUMCAC packet reading, I learned a little bit about the heritage of Lakeside, OH. A letter from Kevin Sibbring, President and CEO of he-doesn't-say-what, sums up the history of Lakeside this way:
During the summer of 1869, some two hundred and fifty Methodists gathered for a picnic along the shore, giving birth to Lakeside. 140 years later, we remain faithfully committed to transforming lives by providing growth and renewal opportunities - spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically - nurturing mind, body and spirit.
That's all well and good, but it seems strange to me that a city was founded so that the Methodists could have a place to get together.
Local publication "Lakesider" states that the Lakeside Mission is "To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values and nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth...spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically...while preserving Lakeside's heritage." (Just so you know, the ellipses were included in the mission statement--I'm not leaving anything out.)
The publication also has a letter from Sibbring welcoming the WOUMC for its annual conference. He describes Lakeside as "a Chautauqua community dedicated to Christian values and cultural excellence." It makes me feel like I'm not in a town, but in a corporation.
Walking around Lakeside is very, um, how shall I say this? I feel like I arrived at the county fair early and caught the workers setting up the food vendor booths and tents. Except there are houses and streets. Actually, it's a little bit like Downtown Disney with houses.
But it's pretty. The cabin I'm staying in is three or four houses away from the lakeshore. The cabin is beautifully furnished. It's also for sale, if anyone's interested.
I know this is a short post, but I don't know what to make of this place yet. I guess I'll find out after attending my first laity meeting tonight at 7 p.m..
So, in the spirit of United Methodism (or in the spirit of not being in Dayton, I can't tell which), Annual Conference, here I come!
