Annual Conference 2010 Daily Digest - June 7
Partnership in the Gospel: Nurturing Disciples
Military Chaplains were among those recognized today during a period of introductions of clergy serving in Extension Ministries.
These clergy take the Gospel into all corners of the world on behalf of United Methodists in Alabama and West Florida.
(L-R): Rev. Jack Stanley, Rev. Amy Sheffield, and Rev. Jeremy Mount.
In The News
Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion
Those clergy and clergy spouses who have died since the 2009 AWF Annual Conference session were recognized today during the Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion. Dr. John Ed Mathison offered the sermon "Stirring Up Your Memory," as he recalled special family memories of each person named aloud. The families of those remembered were hosted to a special luncheon by the AWF Commission on Archives and History.
Retiring Clergy Recognized
Seventeen clergy were recognized upon their retirement during today's business session. Together, the following clergy have a combined 370 years of service:
1) Ron Alderman
2) Theodore H. Bowne
3) Robert H. Crumbley
4) Adrian Roderick Curry, Jr.
5) John Fulton Edwards
6) Addis I. Habbard
7) Alvin Norris Harbour, Jr.
8) Nicholas Robert Holler
9) Donald William Kirsch
10) Murray Kendall Lancaster
11) William Herbert Sadler, Jr.
12) Nancy Mae Snyder
13) Linda McNeill Tarver
14) Kenneth R. Taylor
15) Prentiss Taylor
16) Nancy Amanda Buck Warner
17) Garry Dee Williams
Dr. Herb Sadler spoke on behalf of all those retiring when he said, "A new beginning starts today!" He spoke directly to Rev. Rebecca Rutherford, who was ordained a Deacon in Full Connection tonight, presenting her with a Bible and reflecting on what matters most in ministry. "The most important statistic on our (clergy) records is professions of faith....how many have we won? This is a God-given mission." In parting, he noted that "The (AWF) Annual Conference makes a leap forward today. Their (the incoming ordinands) future is brighter than our past; and we are happy about that."
Rutherford, the first Deacon to ever serve in the symbolic 'passing of the torch,' recognized the "honor it is to carry the Gospel into the world."
Service of Ordination and Commissioning
Tonight in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Montgomery, Ala., the Service of Ordination and Commissioning was held amidst a standing-room only congregation. The service was preceded by a magnificent choral concert.
One individual was commissioned as a Provisional Deacon, and two individuals were commissioned as Provisional Elders. Four individuals were ordained as Deacons in Full Connection, and 13 individuals were ordained as Elders in Full Connection. A copy of the worship guide with the names of all those ordained or commissioned during this service may be found here.
Bishop William Morris preached the sermon, "Who's Calling." Morris recognized the difference between a true calling and a profession, saying: "You do not choose to be a pastor, God CALLS you." Photos may be found here.
News to Note
Oil Spill Weighs Heavily on Conference: During Monday's afternoon business session, Bishop Paul L. Leeland asked each annual conference member to turn to the person sitting next to them and spend a few moments in prayer for the oil spill disaster unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico. "As the days have unfolded, each of us has watched the news that has continued to increase our anxiety and uncertainty about the impact of this disaster on our environment and our people. This is the time for us to be the Church and not give into despair." He encouraged those in attendance to find ways to link resources and help those in the affected areas with financial and emotional struggles. He expressed appreciation for all those that are leading the conference in response efforts and for the particular sacrifices of the coastal churches who are already directly affected by the oil spill.
Local Pastors: Those local pastors receiving their license for the first time were greeted by Bishop Leeland and recognized during today's afternoon business session.
Extension Ministers: Clergy serving in Extension Ministries (appointments outside the local church) were introduced this afternoon and applauded by the Annual Conference.
Weaver Recognized: Rev. John Weaver received the Francis Asbury Award today for his work in the area of campus ministry.
Felt Recognized: Ms. Esther Felt was recognized today upon earning her certificate as a Christian Educator
Huntingdon College: Dr. Cam West, president of Huntingdon College, greeted the conference today and shared various ways in which the college is fulfilling the mission of nurturing disciples. Prior to his remarks, a band consisting of Huntingdon students, "Barefoot and Holy," performed for those gathered. West reminded those present that the college offers half-tuition scholarships for any United Methodist student attending the school. Heath Miller, a recent Huntingdon graduate, addressed the conference and shared how his time at Huntingdon changed his life for the better: "My goal is to love God, love others, and love life. I want to make the most of all of the gifts God has given to me."
WalkingWorks: If you are a participant in the AWF Conference's BC/BS Health Insurance program, don't forget to register to be a part of the new WalkingWorks program - the challenge begins July 4 and you must register by July 2. Stop by the booth in the atrium to pick up your free pedometer!
Health Screenings: All participants in the AWF Conference BC/BS Health Insurance program are encouraged to participate in the FREE health screenings this week. Please visit the Cokesbury Room at the following times (remember, it is best to fast prior to your screen): Tuesday, June 8, 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
UMCOR Relief Kit Drive: Don't forget to deliver your UMCOR relief kits to the trailer parked in the Frazer UMC parking lot.
Get a Copy: DVD copies of many segments of the Annual Conference session are available for purchase. Click here for an order form.
Multimedia
Photos
View photographs from the 2010 Annual Conference session (added daily)
Videos
Watch videos related to the 2010 Annual Conference session (added daily)
Live Streaming
Watch selections of the 2010 Annual Conference LIVE from your own home or work via online streaming.
Remaining Streaming Schedule (*All times are CST):
Tuesday, June 8: Bible Study with Dr. Mickey Efird
Tuesday, June 8: First Teaching Session with Rev. Grace Imathiu
Tuesday, June 8: Second Teaching Session with Rev. Grace Imathiu
Tuesday, June 8: Laity Banquet / Mary Ellen Bullard Leadership Address featuring Dr. David Stevens, M.D., M.A.
Wednesday, June 9: Service of Sending Forth
Social Media
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