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sou·ve·nir /ˌso͞ovəˈnir / noun
A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event. / Synonyms: memento, keepsake, reminder, remembrance, token, memorial
Often when people travel they like to bring home souvenirs of the places they’ve been. I enjoy picking out souvenirs for my family, especially my grandchildren, when I’m away from home. I try to find items that have some connection to my travel destination. While in Israel I found a beautiful hand carved olivewood nativity for my wife (she collects nativity sets). In Italy we purchased handmade ceramics from a shop in Tuscany for some friends. In Orlando last year at our NACFM Conference, I discovered that the Wal-Mart near our hotel had a large selection of Disney themed items at bargain prices!
Also, when we travel my wife and I have started collecting ‘You were here’ coffee mugs from Starbucks. When I am sitting at our kitchen table enjoying morning coffee, my souvenir Starbucks mug brings back memories of places I’ve been and people I’ve met. I picked up one such mug in Houston in January while at the NACFM Board meeting. That cup reminds me regularly of the men and women that I serve in the NACFM, the responsibility and privilege of that service, and fond memories from past conferences, mission trips, and meet-ups with my NACFM brothers and sisters.
You may be asking, “Why would a Houston mug remind you of past events in other cities, such as Orlando?” Well, when you spend a year planning a conference, you spend a lot of time reflecting on the past to help chart the future. What went well? What didn’t go well? Are there things we’d like to do differently? How can we keep making each conference better than the last? When I see that Houston mug it links together my entire NACFM history.
“Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.” - 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (The Message)
A year ago at this time I encouraged you all to remember your NACFM colleagues by picking up the phone and calling another member or two…just because; to see how they are doing, listen to their stories, be a friend, love on them. One of the main things that my Houston coffee mug brings to mind is the outpouring of love and encouragement that I received from many of those in attendance at the Orlando conference. I was attempting to deal with the significant mental health issues that my son was experiencing back at home. Amazing really, for a kitschy souvenir mug.
All that to say, I think of you all quite often, and I am genuinely looking forward to our conference time in Houston. The conference planning committee has been meeting weekly to make this a Stellar event! Take a look at this newsletter for more details on our speaker line up; we believe it is Out of this World! I'm confident that it will be an incredible time of blessing and I don’t want anyone to miss out! If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time! Go to here for information and registration. You will be so glad you came!
Preparing for Liftoff!
Patrick Hart
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Houston, We are Ready for Takeoff!
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We look forward to welcoming you to Spring, TX for the 2019 NACFM National Conference June 17-20. Visit the NEW Conference page for details. Please note the discounted hotel room rate is good through May 13th.
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Certification Exam
If you have attended both Session 1 & 2 of the Certification Program in the last five years and would like to take the Certification Exam in Houston at the National Conference June 17th - 20th, please email the Director of Education, Chris Barron.
 Vice Presidential Candidates
During the business meeting at the 2019 National Conference, members will be voting on the position of Vice President. To be eligible a member must be current on membership dues, a Certified Church Facility Manager, has attended two of the last three national conferences, and be willing to serve. Of the eligible candidates, the nominees are Calvin Capps, Homer Clark & Darryl Jacobs.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire Silver Lining
By JANELLE PENNY
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Social media was flooded with continuous coverage of the fire that broke out at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15. People from countries around the globe expressed loss as we watched this iconic, historic cathedral light up in flames as Paris firefighters fought to save as much of the building as possible.
Crowds of people remained in the streets, on the bridges around the island, praying together, singing and waiting for word that this important place would survive, that the art and relics stored inside were safe.
They awoke this morning to an ashy, smokey scene. However, the fire was out. No one died or was injured in the process. The building still stood firm in its place. Rebuilding was promised. Perhaps, symbolic for many during Holy Week.
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