Greetings from the 2016 Indiana Annual Conference! Annually, clergy members and lay members representing their congregations attend the Annual Conference session for worship, fellowship, and to conduct the business of the conference. During these sessions, attendees hear reports of past and ongoing work; adopt future goals, programs and budgets; ordain clergy members as deacons and elders; and elect delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences (every 4 years). The bishop presides over these meetings. This year it was held June 9-11 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. With the theme of BE HOPE, the conference opened with a spirit- and praisefilled worship service which even included a visit from John Wesley (Rev. Bert Kite’s impersonation)! Dr. Adolf Hansen (retired United Methodist clergy) blessed us with his story of the heart-breaking loss of his daughter 20 years ago and how hope can blossom amidst tragedy. We were all reminded to keep the vision of the Indiana Conference in focus: “We will be a connection of vibrant congregations with fruitful leaders and faithful disciples transforming the world by doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God.” I had the pleasure of attending the Laity Luncheon, which was followed by the Laity Session, both of which focused on the importance and ministry of the laity of Indiana. Conference Lay Leader Doris Clark introduced the Lay Leaders and Lay Servant Coordinators from each of our 10 districts. During lunch, we were able to discuss with others around our table the wonderful ministries and outreach opportunities that were happening at each of our churches. We heard messages from two young women who participated in our Young Preachers program as well as from the winner of the annual Laity Manuscript Contest, Kristy Mahoney. Dr. Joyce Johnson presented Biblical Voices of Hope and Jeannie Bedel told us of the outreach focus in her congregation – Pfrimmers Chapel UMC in Corydon. Lives are changed and transformed by bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to a hurting and lost world. We witnessed the installation of 4 new Certified Lay Ministers (details of this program can be found on the website – www.inumc.org). Friday morning’s meeting was primarily a business session where committee reports were heard and approved. We recognized conference Historian Richard Stowe upon his retirement from that position. The campaign to raise $1.6 million for Africa University is close to its goal. We have raised $1.376 million thus far – the campaign ends 12/31/16. We were blessed with “Hope Talks” throughout the weekend. Similar to the popular “Ted Talks”, these were emotional and inspirational messages of spreading hope in our communities. Discipleship Development spoke about resources available to congregations to further their Discipleship programs. Church Development (Director – Steve Clouse) presented new charters to two new congregations who are now part of the United Methodist Church - The Branches in Plainfield, Pastor Alex Hershey and Gateway in Indianapolis, Pastor Matt Lipan.
Friday afternoon’s session included more business, committee reports and “Hope Talks”. We heard from Conference Lay Leader Doris Clark about the state of the Laity in the Conference and celebrated the 60th anniversary of full ordination of women in the Methodist Church. We honored and recognized 41 clergy retiring from ministry and thanked them for their years of service in the United Methodist Church. We also observed the “passing of the mantle” from someone representing the retiring clergy to one representing those being newly ordained. The budget for 2017 was passed. We heard a report from the delegation to General Conference held in Portland, Oregon May 10-20. All reported a wonderful experience and related that the United Methodist is truly global. The Jurisdictional Conference for the election and assignment of Bishops will be held July 13-16 in Peoria, IL. The Indiana Conference will be assigned a new Bishop by this Conference. The 2017 Indiana Annual Conference will be held June 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Friday evening was a celebration of the ministry and retirement of Bishop Michael Coyner, which will be effective August 31. He has been our Bishop since 2004. Saturday morning’s Community Prayer Breakfast was a time of prayer and fellowship with Indianapolis Mayor (and member of Roberts Park UMC) Joe Hogsett as keynote speaker. The Conference concluded with ordination service. The Conferenced commissioned 2 deacons and 19 elders and fully ordained 1 deacon and 9 elders. We also welcomed 2 new elders ordained in other denominations. The service included beautiful music by the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra and the morning’s message delivered by Bishop Michael Coyner. To learn more about the 2016 Annual Conference or about the Indiana Conference in general, please visit www.inumc.org or contact me at
[email protected]. Respectfully submitted Kim Arnott, Lay Leader Lay Delegate to Annual Conference
