Take time apart for renewal has been an oft repeated theme the past quadrennium. Bishop King has repeatedly spoken of it in public and private settings. The Board of Ordained Ministry has even started funding Renewal Leaves for a month at a time. So I was excited when Terry Faris said his district was having day apart for renewal and I was invited. I was even more excited when he said we were going to float fish the Rockcastle River in the London area.

The day arrived and it was a beautiful fall day. Just driving to London and then later to the river was a blessing in and of itself as the glorious fall colors painted the landscape into a testimony of God's creative power. I feel sorry for those people who live where the seasons don't change. However late January and February these feelings may very well change, but that is a different story.

The day began with breakfast hosted by First UMC London, a devotional by Terry, a presentation of a wooden cross to me (a wonderful Corbin district traditional act of hospitality to those visiting), an orientation to the area by lay member of London who works with land management and then we were off, with Terry fussing at me to turn off my cell phone. He assured me that the river would soon take care of that issue. It did. DeWaye Duncan and Jim Doughton attended the breakfast and devotional time, but couldn't make the river trip.

The rest of the crew, Ward Wilson, Steve Wheeler , David Altizer, Brian Janes, Terry Faris, Delila Miller, Wade Arp, Barry Leonard, Tom Smith, Joel Allen set off for a relaxing day on the river.

Mr. Jim Houchins of Rockcastle Adventures supplied the canoes. Ward whined about his leaking, but we decided that just added to the adventure, so we gave him a bail bucket. As we left the outfitters I thought I misunderstood what the day was about and that we were having a baptism service as Terry stated the day by falling headfirst into the river as we prepared to launch the boats. As you can imagine that set the tone for the day. One other canoe managed to be upended, but I won't mention any names to protect the guilty. A shore lunch (healthy) of tuna and an apple was served along with a devotional which I led. Then back on the river attempting to convince the elusive smallmouth bass that they really wanted to attack that piece of plastic loaded with a sharp object.

It was a marvelous day of renewal, of making new friends, strengthening relationships and marveling in God's presence.

Tom Smith
Kentucky Conference Director of Ministerial Services"