With 1.9 on the horizon I want to remind folks that we'll be performing our usual server reset so that we're able to take full advantage of all the new things! I will provide more details as 1.9 gets closer, but since it seems like it will probably drop within the next month or so I wanted to give everyone a gentle reminder.
Here's an overview of what we can expect in 1.9: http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/1.9
Edit: Jeb has stated that Minecraft 1.9 will not be released until 2016. The stay of execution for our current world continues.... https://twitter.com/jeb_/status/669179961790607361
Incoming!
https://mojang.com/2016/02/minecraft-19-pre-release-1/
Video showing much of the changes for 1.9 in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8wmJxTYxws