The Executive Board introduced a new consensus-building system, using colour-coded cards, which gave delegates a chance to express their opinions without having to speak at the microphone. Holding up a red card meant warmth towards an idea or comment, whereas blue indicated coolness. Yellow cards were used for voting on business items (although more delicate matters, such as the BFL women in ministry leadership resolution and elections, were decided by secret ballot).
Gathering 2006 coincided with Calgary’s annual “greatest show on earth.” Hosts Ginette Rolland of Quebec and Dave Balzer of Manitoba kept delegate cowpokes moving along with announcements, speaker introductions, and assorted trivia about the Calgary Stampede.
Karen Hume (middle) and Carmyn Hildebrand (r) greeted delegates with a cheerful “howdy” and a smile at the registration booth. The 3-day event went smoothly, thanks to the help of approximately 50 enthusiastic volunteers.
Delegates came in all shapes and sizes, many getting into the Stampede spirit during coffee breaks. Ken Reddig (l) and George Schroeder (r), both from Manitoba, greeted each other in warm prairie fashion.
Mark Loewen (l) and Larry Reimer (r), two leaders of Friday night’s Urban Plunge.
Urban Plunge participants loaded onto buses Friday night, headed for Calgary’s inner city. “We took to the streets to walk, pray, watch, visit, and give out cookies and water,” said Verna Isbister. “We observed and heard the growl of this city – and the howl of God’s Spirit.”
Delegates moseyed down to the buffet-style “watering-hole” for meals.
Marilyn Hiebert, administrator of the B.C. Conference and secretary of the Executive Board, presented a workshop titled “Risk management.”
Ron Toews of Langley, B.C., led a workshop titled “Creating a culture to empower emerging leaders.”
