October 26, 2023
Dear Friends,
Each quadrennium, the United Methodist Church seeks new leaders for open positions on conference boards and committees to serve for four years. The current quadrennium draws to a close in December 2024, and a new one launches on January 1, 2025. However, service on conference boards and committees for the new quadrennium begins at the conclusion of the 2024 AWF Annual Conference session. Our districts are also seeking nominees to fill vacancies to prepare for district conferences in early 2024. Therefore, we must begin this important work now.
To prepare for this transition, the Alabama-West Florida Conference Committee on Nominations will present a report for approval to the 2024 session of Annual Conference in June.
After COVID-19 and local church disaffiliations, we must support one another to find ways to serve in the Alabama-West Florida Conference. We strongly encourage every clergyperson to serve their district or conference in some capacity as well as one lay person from each local church.
First, join us in prayer that God will speak to those who we need in leadership. Next, please consider completing the below self-nominating form. Clergy, encourage your lay persons to complete this form. These efforts will greatly assist the nominations committee.
This comprehensive form allows you to indicate your spiritual gifts, share your previous professional experience and select which board or committee you feel best aligns with your gifts and talents. Note that self-nominations are kept on file for up to four years. Because our districts must begin their work soon, the deadline for this form is November 30, 2023.
The 2025-28 quadrennium will be an opportunity for us to reset our commitment to the power of the connection. As we remember our membership vows of prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, may we seek to help the Alabama-West Florida Conference be a leader in the United Methodist Church.
With Gratitude,
Mary Catherine Phillips
AWF Conference Secretary