Annual Conference 2015 Conference Workbook June 10 - 13
Wilmington Convention Center 515 Nutt St. Wilmington NC 28401
www.nccumc.org/secretary/annual-conference Annual Conference Information North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Quadrennial Theme, North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church
The psalmist writes of a place of joy, a source of Over and over again, the scriptures speak of strength, strength, a place of security, and that place is in God’s not our own creation or development, but God’s presence. provision. Over and over again, the scriptures beckon us to remain rooted in Jesus Christ, so that we may bear “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints fruit and lead productive lives for his sake. for the courts of the Lord; . . . . Happy are those who live in your house . . . In each year of this quadrennium, 2013-2016, our Happy are those whose strength is in you, Annual Conference theme will focus on the strength in whose heart are the highways to Zion. we receive from God. Each year, we also will focus As they go through the valley of Baca on one aspect of that relationship that produces growth, they make it a place of springs: wellness, and a desire to serve and to give, transforming the early rain also covers it with pools. the lives and communities around us. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.” (Psalm 84:1-7) Grow! Thrive! Serve! Give!
Christians find strength in every situation of life. We So that, people of all ages and places may come to know celebrate this reality that give us hope in any time of the life-giving love of Jesus Christ, and find themselves trouble, trial or stress. “Baca” appears in our journey. strengthened for the task he has given us. With a However, it does not define us. We overcome through renewed commitment to our vision as people of the Jesus Christ. Wesleyan way, the North Carolina Conference seeks to be “healthy congregations and effective leaders The message of the psalmist is that believers who find in every place, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the their strength in the living God not only find their transformation of the world.” Welcome to the 2015 spirits lifted, they transform the landscape into one Annual Conference session in Wilmington, NC. Join of hope and refreshment. “They go from strength us for the teaching, the singing, the celebrating of our to strength” as they are nourished by their relationship ministries, all of which are God’s gift of strength for us, to God. The benefits are contagious, as others recognize as we live by faith in Jesus Christ. in them a source of vitality that sustains them and spills over in transformative ways. Jesus invited disciples into such a life-enhancing relationship. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power.” (Colossians 1:11) Table of Contents North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Stay Connected 1 General Annual Conference Info 2 Lanyard Information 4 Agenda 5 Trolley Schedule 9 Conference Officers Cabinet and Staff 13 Breakout Sessions and Locations 15 Special Meals 17 Conference Rules 19 Nominations 27 District Officers & Committees 29 Reports 35 CF&A 36 Insurance 56 Board of Pension 62 Board of Trustees 91 Clergy Medical Leave 93 Equitable Compensation 98 Safe Sanctuaries, Committee on 105 Resolutions 111 How to Vote Electronically 121 Clergy Information 125 Laity Information 225 2015 Lay Ministries of the Year 295
i North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
ii Annual Conference Information North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CONFERENCE MAPS
Stay Connected TRUCK LOADING DOCK
PARKING ENTRANCE & EXIT
Download the AC 2015 app today! nccumc.org/ac2015/app
Emergencies/First Aid Please contact the Registration area in the Convention Center or call 911. All AC 2015 news, updates, livestream and links: Using Twitter at Annual Conference http://nccumc.org/ac2015/ This year we have an extraordinary opportunity to connect with people and ministries using Twitter. A Twitter wall will be set up on one of the screens and projected during all non-business and non-worship times in the schedule. Follow us here: twitter.com/nccumc. Facebook: Post your tweets using #nccac15. facebook.com/nccumc Please know all tweets are moderated. Tweets that include profanity, inappropriate language or that personally attack others, will not be posted. Twitter is not to be used to promote candidates. If you’d like to learn how to use Twitter at AC please visit the Help Desk. We are happy to show you how to Tweet! Twitter: follow @nccumc and the hashtags #nccumc and #nccac15
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t-shirts and will read “EVENT INFORMATION” and BOOK SIGNINGS have the Wilmington Visitors Bureau logo on them. If you need help or have questions about how to get Thursday, June 11 around downtown or where restaurants are located, Mike Slaughter please ask these folks. They are here to assist us this 5:00 pm week. Cokesbury - Salons D and E
Friday, June 12 Regina Henderson an Jennifer Copeland 12:00 noon LANYARDS Cokesbury - Salons D and E All nametags are white with a color lanyard. The lanyard colors assist the tellers with counting any necessary votes that are taken. Please wear your name tag and lanyard at all times. Upon leaving Annual Conference, return lanyards and electronic COKESBURY voting device to the registration desk. With Community Resource Consultants located in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte Cokesbury is excited to be a ministry partner of the North Carolina Annual Conference throughout the year and LAY MEMBERS especially during Annual Conference 2015. If you are leaving Annual Conference early and an Hours alternate is arriving to replace you, please turn in your materials to a Registrar at the Information Wednesday – Friday Desk and notify us who your replacement will be. 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am until the start of the Ordering of Ministry LUNCH TICKETS Come see us in Salons D-F. If you pre-ordered lunches for the week, please go to the Information Desk and pick up your lunch tickets. Lunches may be picked up in the Exhibit Hall at Concessions. You must have your ticket to pick up DOWNTOWN your pre-ordered lunch. WILMINGTON MISSION ASSISTANCE ENDOWMENT NEEDED? Wilmington Visitors Bureau staff will be on-site at FUND the Wilmington Convention Center, on the trolleys NCCUMC is establishing a Mission Endowment Fund, and located throughout downtown Wilmington to providing leadership and support for future missional assist you this week. They will be wearing light blue work. New ministries of outreach will be established
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according to the prayerful discernment of clergy and laity across this Annual Conference. All Conference TENT attendees are encouraged to dream together as to how we might be in mission together in the years The white tent, set up on the event lawn, is for to come. You’re invited to write down your ideas and everyone’s enjoyment this week. Tables and chairs pin them onto the fishing net located in Cokesbury, are also set up. Please enjoy some time of fellowship Salons D and E in the Wilmington Convention Center. with others this week!
NCCUMC GEAR VOTING HELP A variety of NCCUMC gear, such as canvas totes and T-shirts, are available in the River Concourse lobby DESK at the Information desk. All sales go back to Annual Conference and prices are what it cost to order the If you need assistance with your voting device, please items. go to the Help Desk located just outside the Exhibit ■ Canvas Tote $20 Hall entrance. Option Technologies staff are here to assist you. ■ T-shirts $12 ■ Blankets $25
Stop by and check out the free items! Free stylus pen with any purchase. Items may be ordered if sold out. Checks should be made payable to NCCUMC. SPECIAL OFFERINGS Imagine No Malaria – Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 pm
Imagine No Malaria – Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 pm
Laity Ministries – Friday, June 12 at 4:00 pm
Please use the white offering envelopes that were included in your registration packet.
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VOTING INFORMATION AND LANYARDS
Voting method will be specified by the Bishop Green – Associates, Provisional Members, Local and will be done by voice, raising hands, standing, Pastors, and Student Pastors in writing or by hand‐held electronic device. To be Those under appointment vote on all matters except recognized to speak on an issue, raise the white ordination, character, and conference relations of paddle. When Bishop Ward recognizes anyone clergy, except those who are members of the Board with a raised white paddle, she will designate the of Ordained Ministry. (See ¶602.1b, c,d) microphone where that person should go to speak. Associates, Provisional Members and Local Pastors No person may be recognized standing at a who have who have completed course of study or an microphone before one has been assigned. M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding election MAY vote for Clergy Delegates All nametags are white with a color lanyard. The to General and Jurisdictional Conference. lanyard colors assist the tellers with counting any *the course of study or M.Div. degree, shall have been necessary votes that are taken. Please wear your completed prior to the 2015 conference session. name tag and lanyard at all times. Upon leaving *and, appointment (full or part‐time) for both the Annual Conference, return lanyards and electronic 2013‐2014 and the 2014‐2015 voting device to the registration desk. Yellow – Interim Supplies, Members of Other Conferences, Affiliates Blue – Lay Members, At Large Members, Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers These have no vote and have no voice unless granted on the floor of the Conference. Vote on all deliberations/measures other than clerical license, ordination, and reception, except those who Black – Official Staff Members are lay members of the Board of Ordained Ministry. (See ¶602.6) All staff available for your assistance will be wearing black lanyards. Red – Clergy Members (Deacons/Elders) in Full (These have no vote and have no voice unless granted Connection on the floor of the Conference.) Vote on all matters of the Annual Conference. (See ¶602.1a)
GENERAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING It is a voting year at Annual Conference this year. To complete a Clergy Information Form or Laity Information Form and for additional Voting Information go to http://nccumc.org/secretary/annual-conference.
4 Conference Agenda North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CONFERENCE AGENDA North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Strength To Strength – Serve Wednesday, June 10, 2015
MORNING 8:00 am Wilmington Convention Center – River Concourse Lobby Registration
AFTERNOON 1:00 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Worship Service And Celebration Of Holy Communion Bishop John Yambasu, Celebrant Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Celebrant Servers are representing the Native American churches in our conference
2:15 pm Wilmington Convention Center Clergy Executive Session – Exhibit Hall Laity Executive Session – Salons A‐C
3:30 pm Opening Hymn – And Are We Yet Alive Organization of the Conference Calling the Conference to Order Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Presider • Roll Call And Motions Of Order James L. Bryan • Committee On Conference Rules Ellen McCubbin Recognition of Dean Richard Hays, Duke Divinity School Welcome Francis Daniel, Host District DS, Lynn Shuffler, Host District Lay Leader Ben David, Wilmington DA Nominations Christine Dodson First Clergy Vote First Laity Vote Native American Ministry Moment “From Strength To Strength: Serve” Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Gary Locklear Statisticians Report George Speake Thanksgiving For Ministry Of Asbury Homes Recognition Of Award Recipients Cokesbury Carl Frazier/Michael Boone
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5:00 pm Adjournment for Dinner
EVENING 7:30 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Native American Ministry Moment Mission Celebration Bishop Hope Morgan Ward And Bishop John Yambasu (Imagine No Malaria – Special Offering)
Thursday, June 11, 2015
MORNING 7:00 am Early Morning Communion – Wilmington Convention Center – Room 103 & 104
8:30 am Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Welcome Bill Saffo, Mayor of Wilmington Bible Study Warren Smith, Ph.d, Associate Professor of Historical Theology – Duke University
9:15 am Opening Hymn(s) and Prayer Native American Ministry Moment Plenary Session (Voting) Board Of Ordained Ministry Ned Hill Seminary Debt Repayment Program Laura Fine Ledford Fairway District Scholarship Reggie Ponder Connectional Ministries Carol Goehring
10:45 am Order Of The Day Memorial Service Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Presider Susan Pate Greenwood, Preacher
12:00 noon Adjournment for Lunch Retirees Luncheon And Recognition – Wilmington Convention Center Salons ‐A C
AFTERNOON 1:30 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Opening Hymn(S) And Prayer Native American Ministry Moment Retirees Recognition Cashar Evans (Voting) Financial Overview and CF&A Report Christine Dodson, Sheila Ahler Insurance Alan Swartz
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Pension Cashar Evans Equitable Compensation LaNella Smith Committee on Clergy Medical Leave Ben Williams
3:30 pm Platform Time Michael Slaughter, Guest Speaker
5:00 pm Adjournment for Dinner 7:30 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Sara Groves Concert (Imagine No Malaria – Special Offering)
Friday, June 12, 2015
MORNING 7:00 am Early Morning Communion – Wilmington Convention Center – Room 103 & 104
8:30 am Wilmington Convention Center and Best Western Coastline Breakout Sessions
10:45 am Bible Study – Exhibit Hall Warren Smith, Associate Professor of Historical Theology – Duke University
11:15 am Opening Hymn(s) and Prayer Native American Ministry Moment Plenary Session (Voting) Resolutions Alan Swartz
12:00 noon Adjournment for Lunch Extension Ministries Luncheon – Best Western Coast Line Inn
AFTERNOON 1:30 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Opening Hymn(S) And Prayer Native American Ministry Moment (Voting) Platform Time Michael Slaughter, Guest Speaker
3:45 pm Camping Ministries Dail Ballard (Voting) Order of the Day
4:00 pm Celebration Of Laity Ministries Gary Locklear (Laity Ministries – Special Offering)
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5:00 pm Adjournment for Conference Picnic at Best Western Coast Line Inn
EVENING 7:00 pm Wilmington Convention Center – Salon C Watch Dogs Training Session Keith Schumacher, Instructor
Saturday, June 13, 2015
MORNING 8:00 am Early Morning Communion – Wilmington Convention Center – Room 103 & 104
9:00 am Fixing of the Appointments Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and Sending Forth
10:30 am Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall Ordering Of Ministry Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Leader Recognition Of First Time Local Pastors Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Leader Ordination And Commissioning Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Leader
Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:34-36
8 AnnualTrolley ScheduleConference Information North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
TROLLEY SCHEDULE Red Line Hilton and Courtyard DT Blue Line Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Courtyard Wilmington Yellow Line Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn Green Line Fairfield, Townplace, Hampton Inn, Country Inn and Jamison Teal Line UNCW, Overflow for the Blue, Yellow and Green lines Van/White Line Hilton Garden Inn, will stay stationed at for hotel trips at non-scheduled times
Wednesday Green Line No lunch shuttles Hampton Inn 12 Noon Trolley Service at all other hotels begins Fairfield /Townplace 12:05PM at 12:00 Noon-1:00PM Country Inn/Jamison 12:15PM WCC 12:30PM Red Line Hampton Inn 12:45PM Fairfield/Townplace 12:50PM 12:00 Noon-1:00PM continuous ten minute loop Country Inn 1PM Hilton WCC 1:15PM Courtyard Downtown Wilmington Convention Center White Line Blue Line 12 Noon Hilton Garden Inn departing 12:05 Holiday Inn 12 Noon One trip Staybridge 12:10PM Courtyard Wilmington 12:15PM Teal Line WCC 12:35PM 12 Noon Belk Hall to WCC Holiday Inn 12:45PM Staybridge 12:50PM Return trips 7PM ALL LINES Courtyard 12:55PM WCC 1:10PM Late session returns 9PM ALL LINES
Late session return to UNCW board the Yellow Line Pine Valley UMC bus. Sleep Inn 12 Noon Comfort Suites 12:10PM WCC 12:20PM Sleep Inn 12:35PM Comfort Suites 12:45PM Arrive 1PM WCC
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Thursday Green Line 11:30AM-1:00PM two lunch trolleys Hampton Inn 7AM Continuous loop from Wilmington Convention Fairfield/Townplace 7:10AM Center to designated stops near restaurants Country Inn 7:25AM Jamison 7:25AM Red Line WCC 7:40AM Hampton Inn 7:50AM 7:00AM-8:00AM continuous ten minute loop Fairfield/Townplace 7:55AM Hilton Country Inn 8:05AM Courtyard Downtown WCC 8:20AM Wilmington Convention Center White Line Blue Line Hilton Garden Inn 7:15AM One trip Holiday Inn 7AM Staybridge 7:05AM Teal Line Courtyard Wilmington 7:15PM 7:00AM Belk Hall WCC 7:30AM Holiday Inn 7:45AM Lunch Shuttles 11:30AM‐1PM Staybridge 7:50AM Two Trolleys Courtyard 7:55AM Returns WCC 8:10AM 7:30PM All Lines Depart WCC 9PM All Lines depart WCC Yellow Line (one trolley or two Sleep Inn 7AM as needed) Comfort Suites 7:10AM Late session return to UNCW board the WCC 7:30AM Pine Valley UMC bus. Sleep Inn 7:45AM Comfort Suites 7:50AM WCC 8:10AM
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Friday Green Line 11:30AM-1:00PM two lunch trolleys Hampton Inn 7AM Continuous loop from Wilmington Convention Fairfield/Townplace 7:10AM Center to designated stops near restaurants Country Inn 7:25AM Jamison 7:25AM Red Line WCC 7:40AM Hampton Inn 7:50AM 7:00AM-8:00AM continuous ten minute loop Fairfield/Townplace 7:55AM Hilton Country Inn 8:05AM Courtyard Downtown WCC 8:20AM Wilmington Convention Center White Line Blue Line Hilton Garden Inn 7:15AM One trip Holiday Inn 7AM Staybridge 7:05AM Teal Line Courtyard Wilmington 7:15PM 7:00AM Belk Hall to WCC WCC 7:30AM Holiday Inn 7:45AM Lunch Shuttles 11:30AM‐1PM Staybridge 7:50AM Two Trolleys Courtyard 7:55AM WCC 8:10AM 6PM All Lines Depart 9PM All lines Depart Yellow Line (One or Two Trolleys as needed) Sleep Inn 7AM Comfort Suites 7:10AM Late session return to UNCW board the WCC 7:30AM Pine Valley UMC bus. Sleep Inn 7:45AM Comfort Suites 7:50AM WCC 8:10AM
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12 Conference Officers, Cabinet and Staff North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CONFERENCE OFFICERS, CABINET AND STAFF
Conference Officers President Hope Morgan Ward Assistant to the Bishop Timothy J. Russell Executive Director, Connectional Ministries Carol W. Goehring Secretary James L. Bryan Lay Leader Gary Locklear Conference Treasurer Christine Dodson Conference Controller Jennifer Walls Statistician George D. Speake President, Conference UMM Paul Wilson President, Conference UMW LaNella Smith President, Conference UMY Jacob Beasley Chancellor Wilson Hayman Cabinet Members Hope Morgan Ward; Beacon District: Gil Wise; Capital District: Jon Strother; Corridor District: Donna Banks; Fairway District: Ray Broadwell; Gateway District: Sam Wynn; Harbor District: Francis Daniel; Heritage District: Randy Innes; Sound District: Linda Taylor Extended Cabinet Members Timothy J. Russell, Asst. to the Bishop; Carol G. Goehring, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries; Christine Dodson, Conference Treasurer-Business Manager; Bill Gattis, Director, Academy for Leadership Excellence; Jeff Severt, Executive Director, New Faith Communities, Gary Locklear, Conference Lay Leader Cabinet Officers Dean Francis Daniel Secretary Gil Wise Secretarial Staff Members Assistant Conference Secretary Stephen N. Little Assistant Secretaries R. Martin Armstrong III, Dennis Draper, Ken Hall, Jr., Dennis Peay, James Malloy, Wilburn L. Norton, Jr., Duane R. Partin, Bruce Taylor, Jimmy Wooten, Johnnie Wright, Tyler Daniels Information Technology Office Douglas Ward Bishop’s Office Becky Biegger Communications Office/MultiMedia Derek Leek, Ray Pearce, Dennis Peay, LeeAnne Thornton Conference Rules Ellen McCubbin Conference Secretary’s Office Shannon Medlin News Bureau LeeAnne Thornton, Julie Brown Parliamentarian Taylor Mills Registration & Attendance Ray T. Gooch Transcribing Eleanor Armstrong, Sally Bryan, Gayla Collins, Jennie Taylor Treasurer’s Office Chrisy Powell
13 2015 Conference Organization and Personnel North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
2015 CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL
Annual Conference Personnel, Committee on Area Bishop Hope Morgan Ward Conference Lay Leader Gary Locklear Conference Secretary James (Jerry) L. Bryan District Superintendent, Host District Francis Daniel, Harbor District Director, Connectional Ministries Carol W. Goehring President, UMM Paul Wilson President, UMW LaNella Smith President, UMY Jacob Beasley Ex-Officio Assistant to the Bishop Timothy J. Russell Annual Conference Music Coordinator Kathie Wilkinson Assistant Conference Secretary Stephen (Steve) N. Little Director of Communications Mary Andreolli Chairperson, Commission on Worship David Hutchins Stage Manager Samuel (Skip) Williams, Jr. Conference Theme Annual Conference Planning Committee Conference Treasurer Christine Dodson Lay Leader, Host District Lynn Shuffler Head Ushers Richard Vaughan and Dave Pendergrass Memoirs, Committee on The Conference Secretary and the Cabinet Minutes, Committee on Gayla Collins,Chairperson; Eldrick R.Davis, Roderic L.Mullen Registration of Members Ray T. Gooch Resolutions & Reference, Committee on Alan P. Swartz, Chairperson; Clerical: Ben Sims, Charles Michael Smith.; Lay: Conf. UMW President, Conf. UMM President, Conf. Lay Leader, Conf. Youth President
Tellers Chief Clerical Teller Scott Finicum Chief Lay Teller Melba McCallum District Clerical Lay Beacon Renee Edwards, Jim Reed Paul Jones, Suzanne Nelson Capital Jesse Baker, Alice Davis Dustin Giddens, Jacob Seate Corridor David Johnson, Jesse Larkins Fred Brooks, Ginger Mann Fairway Hannah P. McManus, Amie Stewart Robin Moore, Linda Winstead Gateway Dalma Cribb, Dennis Sheppard Eric Swenson, Susie Swenson Harbor Trish Archer, Russ Naney Sherry Coombs, Nancy Smith Heritage Kellie Gallagher-Smith, David Pate Betty Hester, Patrick Patton Sound Betty Francis, Bryan Lassiter Alberty Brylowe, Ed Mann
14 Breakout Sessions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The following breakout sessions are scheduled for the morning of Friday, June 12, Room assignments are noted at the end of each entry. Anyone needing a reminder of which breakout session they have registered to attend can check at the Information Desk in the Convention Center lobby. NOTE: While the pre-registration helped in planning the meeting room assignments, anyone is welcome to attend any of the breakout sessions regardless of registration.
Cultural Competency Generation Transformation: Best Western Salon B Mission through the eyes of a young This breakout will be internationally designed adult to provide a foundational understanding of what is Wilmington Convention Center Salon B Intercultural competency and provide some tools Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into the to help one grow in self-awareness, especially in terms world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” of how experiences are or have been shaped by the Through Global Mission Fellowships, young adults cultural/racial realities of the United States. Participants are serving in communities in the US and making a will also be equipped with a “common language” profound difference. Missionaries are needed in the US, that will aid in fostering a deeper and greater sense as well as, developing countries around the world. Hear of community. from one of the Global Mission Fellows, as the story Presenter: Giovanni Arroyo of GCORR of transformation is being written by an emerging generation. Developing a “Congregations Presenter: Marcharkelti McKenzie for Children” Partnership Best Western Salon C Global mission through partnership Participants will receive an overview of UMC’s with the US Church “Congregations For Children” (C4C) initiative Wilmington Convention Center – Exhibit Hall in NC and learn about the many options for starting Have you heard about the exciting new Mission or expanding a public school ministry using the C4C Partnership between the North Carolina Annual model. Guest speakers will include Dr. June Atkinson Conference and the Sierra Leone Annual Conference? (Superintendent of Public Instruction for NC), Keith The Mission of Hope will offer healing, wholeness and Schumacher (National Coordinator of the Watch hope in the name of Jesus Christ beginning with the DOGS program), Kristen Richardson-Frick (Rural restoration of the Archer-Hatfield Memorial Hospital Church Division of The Duke Endowment) as well in Rotifunk. Come, hear, see and learn about Sierra as various laity, pastors and local school principals Leone, its people, missional needs and next efforts involved in C4C partnerships. in mission together. Meet and talk with Bishop John Presenter: Pat Litzinger Yambasu, our missionaries serving there, and mission work team members who have visited. Presenters: Bishop Yambasu and Wrightsville UMC Mission team
15 Breakout Sessions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Missional Communities Stop Hunger Now Wilmington Convention Center Salon C Wilmington Convention Center – Furniture Room We are called to go and live our lives for the common (located in the hall behind concessions) good [1 Corinthians 12.7]. Therefore, to live into Jesus’ Participants in this workshop will have an opportunity commission we must look at ourselves as a missionally to hear about the work of Stop Hunger Now as they scattered people. Come and learn how to do this pack rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamins in simple yet provocative ways. in meal packets. Literally a hands-on project, we Presenters: Philip Chryst and The Anchor, a new anticipate that 10,000 meals will be packed by persons congregation and missional community who are able to come and help. Presenter: Bill Haddock, Mission Interpreter, NCC Practical Strategies to Double Your Missional Impact “The Work for Unity: The Church Wilmington Convention Center Salon A and Homosexuality” Discover ways to engage and increase enthusiasm Best Western Salon D for missional giving that will impact local churches, This workshop will strive to motivate people to initiate communities and the world. Recommended reading and participate in Christian conferencing (or “speaking Change the World Recovering the Message and Mission the truth in love”), in the congregation, on the Church of Jesus, Abingdon Press. and human sexuality. The workshop will emphasize Presenter: Mike Slaughter proposing, not imposing, Christian truth in light of changing societal norms. Presenters: Laurie Hays Coffman and Paul Stallsworth
16 Special Meals 2015 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
SPECIAL MEALS 2015 Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Young Clergy of the NC Conference Best Western Coastline Inn, 503 Nutt St., UMF is sponsoring a “Kick Off” Brunch 10:00 am-11:45 am Wilmington, NC 28401 Pre-Registration required. 12:00 noon Room B Clergy Women’s Luncheon Guest speaker is Rev. Mike Slaughter from 11:00 am Ginghamsburg Church. Young clergy (35 and under) Grace UMC under appointment, YC seminarians or those discerning Pre-Registration required. a call to the ministry are welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided, and we ask for a $5 donation as you are Deacon Gathering at Annual Conference able. Trinity UMC, 1403 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401 BMCR Dinner 5:15 pm (or as soon as the afternoon session is done) 5:30 pm Join us as we celebrate those who will be The Beam Room, Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St., commissioned and ordained. Help us honor those in Wilmington, NC 28401 our midst who will be retiring. Enjoy fellowship over a Contact: Shirley Townsend-Jones shared meals prepared by the UMW of Trinity UMC. 843.523.6550/843.862.5166 Pre-Registration required. [email protected]
Duke Divinity School Alumni Riverboat Landing, 2 Market St., Friday , June 12, 2015 Wilmington, NC 28401 Clergy Partners’ and Spouses 12:00 noon (or as soon as the session is done) 12:00 noon Contact: Scott Foster 919.624.2752 Best Western Coastline Inn, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 28401 Evangelical Fellowship Room B Best Western Coastline Inn, 503 Nutt St., Cost: $15.00 per person Wilmington, NC 28401 For Registration deadline and additional information, 5:30 pm please click here. Cost: $15.00 per person Guest Speaker: Dr. William Abraham Extension Ministries Luncheon Pre-Registration required. 12:00 noon Best Western Coastline Inn, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 28401 Thursday, June 11, 2015 Room A Retiree Luncheon Contact: Becky Biegger [email protected] or Wilmington Convention Center 919.779.6115 Ext. 242 12:00 noon Salons A-C Pre-Registration required.
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Methodist Federation for Social Action – NC Chapter and Reconciling Methodists and Friends NC 12:00 noon Front Street Brewery, 9 N Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401 Guest speaker is Matthew Berryman, Executive Direc- tor of Reconciling Ministries Network Pre-Registration required.
Conference Picnic 5:00 pm Best Western Coastline Inn, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 28401 A buffet of shrimp and grits and grilled chicken, six sides, dessert and tea will be served by Middle of the Island Catering. This is FREE picnic and all clergy and lay members to AC are invited.
Asbury Alumni 6:00 pm Grace UMC (401 Grace St., Wilmington, NC 28401 Gathering will begin at 5:30 pm in the gym. Look for “entrance to the gym”. The gym entrance is on Walnut Street. Pre-Registration required.
18 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CONFERENCE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE Section I: Rules of Order and Procedure A. Applicability and Amendment of these Conference Rules 1. The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall apply to any situation not covered by these rules. 2. If any part of these rules conflicts with the current edition of the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, the Book of Discipline shall prevail. 3. These rules of order and procedure for the North Carolina Annual Conference* of The United Methodist Church shall apply to the annual conference as regularly scheduled and to all called sessions of the North Carolina Annual Conference until superseded. [See note at end of Conference Rules] 4. These rules of order and procedure may be amended by a two-thirds vote on the next day after a proposed amendment has been presented in writing. 5. These rules of order and procedure of The North Carolina Annual Conference shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the Annual Conference. B. Motions, Amendments, Reports and Resolutions 1. Main motions presented to the Annual Conference shall be submitted in writing to the Conference Secretary prior to, or immediately following, presentation. 2. Reports, recommendations, and resolutions coming from boards, agencies and committees of the Annual Conference to be included in the on-line posting shall be sent to the Conference Secretary, in a format acceptable to the Conference Secretary, on or before the deadline set by the secretary and published in the Annual Conference calendar. 3. Resolutions to be presented to the annual conference, other than those coming from boards, agencies, and committees, shall be submitted to the Conference Secretary and the chairperson of the Committee on Resolutions and in a format acceptable to the Conference Secretary with the deadline set in accordance to Section I, paragraph B.2 above, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the annual conference, to allow time for review by the Conference Secretary, the Committee on Resolutions and Reference, and all members of the Annual Conference. Individuals and non- official organizations may submit only one resolution for consideration. 4. The Committee on Resolutions and Reference shall schedule all properly presented resolutions for consideration by the Annual Conference. The scheduling of resolutions from Conference boards or agencies will not constitute a recommendation for approval, disapproval or referral. Any resolution coming from a source other than an Annual Conference board or agency will be reviewed by this committee, which shall then recommend to the Annual Conference approval, disapproval, or referral to another board or agency. With each report the Committee on Resolutions and Reference shall state the rationale for the recommendation.
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
19 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
5. A resolution, motion, amendment or report is considered presented to the Annual Conference when it is distributed in Annual Conference publications, and/or on the Conference website, or distributed to members on the floor of the annual conference after authorization by the Conference Secretary or the Assistant Secretary, and chairperson of the Committee on Resolutions and Reference. The expense for distributed copies shall be borne by the agency or person originating the resolution, and all copies distributed shall indicate the source of the resolution. No resolution shall be voted on un- less it has been presented at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance. All resolutions shall be referred to the Committee on Resolutions and Reference, which shall report to the annual conference. 6. Early in each annual conference, the Council on Finance and Administration shall present a proposed budget for consideration and debate, but not action. After consideration and debate, the proposed budget will lie on the table until the final report of the Council on Finance and Administration. Any motion to change the proposed budget may be considered, debated, and voted on, and if affirmed, will be referred to the Council on Finance and Administration. In its final report on the last day of business (See Section IV:B below) the Council on Finance and Administration will indicate their concurrence or non-concurrence with any such motion before final passage of the budget. C. Speeches 1. Speeches shall be limited to three (3) minutes except by consent of the Annual Conference. 2. A member may speak only once on any motion until all who desire to speak have done so, and then he/she may speak only one additional time. 3. The chairperson of an agency, or someone designated by him/her, shall be allowed to speak last on his/her report even though the previous questions have been ordered. D. Voting 1. All votes shall be cast in the bar of the annual conference. The Annual Conference shall determine the bar of the annual conference at the beginning of the first session. E. Election of Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences 1. In the Annual Conference prior to the election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference the Annual Conference Rules Committee shall propose the manner of election to be approved by Annual Conference. 2. Prior to the convening of any annual conference that will elect delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences, the Conference Secretary will publish eligibility requirements and voting procedures for election of delegates. 3. Episcopal Nominations – At the conclusion of an annual conference that conducts elections for clergy and lay delegates to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference, the entire newly elected delegation (clergy and laity) will meet. The first clergy elected will be acknowledged as an automatic nominee for bishop. Other nominations will be received from members of the delegation. Such nominations will be made by secret ballot. Nominees can be any Elder in good standing in the NCCUMC. A delegate will be given the opportunity to speak regarding his/her nominee. A secret ballot vote will follow immediately. The vote will narrow the field of nominees to a number not to exceed 10% of the delegation. As soon as possible, officers of the delegation, or those whom they designate, will contact the nominees selected during this process and upon request share with them the results of the vote concerning their nomination. They will be given three weeks to discern God’s will for their ministries. Those who accept nomination must submit by July 15 a
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
20 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
one-page biographical statement to the delegation Secretary, who will distribute all such statements to all members of the delegation. Before September 1, the delegation will meet and engage the nominees. This day of discernment will include each nominee’s making a presentation (10 minutes), responding to a set of questions composed by the delegation officers or those whom they designate (10 minutes), responding to questions from the floor of the meeting (10 minutes), and offering closing remarks (1 minute). Immediately after meeting with the nominees, the delegation will vote, perhaps several times, by written ballot. The nominee, who earns the delegation’s endorsement, must receive at least 60% of the votes cast. If after 5 votes the delegation present has not cast 60% (or more) of its ballots for one nominee, the delegation and the Annual Conference will not endorse an episcopal nominee in that election cycle. At the annual conference immediately before Jurisdiction- al Conference, the delegation’s nominee will make a brief speech and be endorsed (or not) by vote of the Annual Conference; endorsement by the Annual Conference requires at least 60% of the votes cast. If after 3 votes the Annual Conference members present have not cast 60% (or more) of their ballots for one nominee, the Annual Conference will not endorse an episcopal nominee in that election cycle. A nominee endorsed by the Annual Conference becomes the Annual Conference’s nominee for bishop.
Section II: Districts A. Number of Districts – the number of districts shall be eight (8). A motion to change the number of districts must be presented in writing, and must be considered no sooner that the day following its introduction. Any change in the number of districts shall be approved at one annual conference, and will not take effect for at least one year. B. The Annual Conference shall elect the District Lay Leaders for a four-year term at the beginning of each quadrennium, at the first annual conference* after the General Conference of The United Methodist Church upon nomination by each District Superintendent and the Annual Conference Lay Leader. After election, if a District Lay Leader position becomes vacant, it shall be filled by the same procedure, with the nominee serving as District Lay Leader until a District Lay Leader is elected at the next annual conference to complete the four-year term.
Section III: Conference Structure A. The membership of the Annual Conference is to be as outlined in the complete Lay/Clergy Equalization Plan presented for adoption at the 2012 Annual Conference. A complete report will be in the 2012 Journal. B. The Annual Conference structure is diagramed on page 342 in the 2008 Conference Journal. C. Tenure for membership for all persons on boards, agencies, commissions, committees, and ministry groups shall be four years with possibility of re-election for a second four-year term. D. Committees and Boards 1. The Annual Conference Board of Trustees shall meet at least twice a year at times and places designated by the board. The annual meeting shall be held either at the annual conference* or within thirty (30) days prior thereto. 2. There shall be a Program and Planning Committee for the annual conference consisting of the Bishop; Assistant to the Bishop; the Conference Secretary; Conference Treasurer; the host District Superintendent; the Annual Conference Lay Leader; the Annual Conference Presidents of The United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Youth Fellowship; the Executive Director of Connectional
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
21 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ministries, and other persons selected by the Bishop. The committee shall determine the compensation and expense for invited speakers, who shall be paid from the annual conference expense fund. The committee will receive invitations and may also make recommendations for the site of the annual conference.* 3. On a rotating basis the Cabinet will designate a district each year as the host district for the annual conference. The host district will be responsible for ushers, flowers, and other similar items of hospitality related to the annual conference.* 4. The Commission on Worship, the Conference Secretary and the District Superintendents shall provide for all the details of the Memorial Service. The Conference Secretary shall serve as the chairman of this group. 5. There shall be a Committee on Daily Minutes elected each year to examine and edit the daily minutes of the annual conference.* 6. There shall be a Committee on Appeals appointed quadrennially by the Bishop, composed of five members, whose duties shall be to hear appeals from the decisions of the several District Boards of Church Location and Building, or any other questions that may properly come before it. 7. There shall be a Committee on Annual Conference Rules, which shall provide to the Annual Conference a document of Rules of Order and Procedure, the policies, and standing rules and structure that the Annual Conference from time to time may adopt. This document shall be presented at the opening of the first session of each annual conference.* 8. There shall be a Committee on Resolutions and Reference, which shall perform the duties assigned to it in Section I:B, “Motions, Amendments, Reports and Resolutions.” 9. There shall be a North Carolina Annual Conference Board of Institutions, Inc. which shall have the responsibility, upon consultation with The Asbury Homes, Inc.; Methodist Home for Children, Inc.; United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc., Cypress Glen Retirement Community, North Carolina United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc.; Louisburg College, Inc.; Methodist University, Inc.; North Carolina Wesleyan College, Inc.; United Methodist Foundation, Inc., and any other related corporations which may be formed in the future, as appropriate, for nominating and electing forty (40) percent of all voting members of each of the boards of trustees of the affiliated institutions with the exception of the Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc. The North Carolina Annual Conference shall elect the trustees of the North Carolina Annual Conference Board of Institutions, Inc. in staggered four-year terms. (See 1992 Journal, page 320). No person may serve on more than one board of trustees of the institutions for which the Annual Conference elects trustees. 10. There shall be a Structure Review Team which will annually evaluate the conference structure for effectiveness and faithfulness to the vision and mission of the Annual Conference, working in concert with the Connectional Table to propose changes in structure as needed. Ten persons, one from each Team of Ministry plus the Bishop, Executive Director of Conference Connectional Ministries, and the Conference Lay Leader, plus two at-large members, will be elected by the conference. 11. North Carolina Annual Conference Connectional Table a. Responsibilities of The Conference Connectional Table: (1) to provide a forum for the understanding, casting forth, and implementing of the vision of the conference; (2) to coordinate the mission, ministries, and resources of the Annual Conference;
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
22 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
(3) to link the Teams of Ministry (Leadership Team, Christian Formation Team, Outreach Ministry Team and Stewardship Team) and the agency to which they report; (4) to provide for joint planning and the setting of priorities; (5) to report to, and be amenable to the Annual Conference; (6) to discern and articulate the vision of the conference; (7) to provide stewardship of the mission, ministry, and resources of the conference and provide fiscal responsibility and establish policies and procedures to carry out the mission; (8) to collaborate with the Council on Finance and Administration by: (a) communicating the vision and priorities of the conference in preparation of budgets for apportioned funds that come before the Annual Conference Session; (b) setting allocations of budget requests within totals as recommended by the Council on Finance and Administration to the Annual Conference Session. (c) working with the Council on Finance and Administration to achieve consensus concerning total funds allocated to program agencies; (d) enabling the flow of communication among the boards and agencies, districts and local churches through the Teams of Ministry. To help with the flow of communication one member of the Communications Committee will be assigned to each of the Teams of Ministry. b. Membership of the Conference Connectional Table shall consist of thirty-six (36) voting members, each of whom will be assigned to one of the Teams of Ministry: (1) The Bishop; (2) The following Extended Cabinet Members: Conference Lay Leader, Executive Director of Confer- ence Connectional Ministries, Assistant to the Bishop, Executive Director of Congregational Development, Conference Treasurer, and one district superintendent; (3) Presidents of the Conference United Methodist Men, Conference United Methodist Women, and Conference United Methodist Youth Fellowship or their designee; (4) Chairs of thirteen boards, agencies, and committees as proposed to the Annual Conferenc each year by the Conference Committee on Nominations; (5) Conference Team Coordinators shall have voice but not vote on the Conference Connectional Table. c. Four Teams of Ministry – The agencies, boards and commissions defined by the current edition of the Book of Discipline will organize themselves according to the requirements outlined therein and will connect through the Teams of Ministry. The Teams of Ministry, using task forces or standing groups to plan and implement ministry and mission, will organize any ministry areas not prescribed by the Book of Discipline. Teams of Ministry are accountable to the Connectional Table for holding up and living out the vision affirmed by the Annual Conference, and for faithfully presenting ministry needs to the Connectional Table. (1) Leadership Team: Serves to equip leaders who implement the vision. (2) Christian Formation Team: Serves to form and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ. (3) Outreach Ministry Team: Serves to carry forth the ministry that transforms the world. (4) Stewardship Team: Serves to empower ministry.
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
23 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
d. Conference Connectional Table Meeting Schedule—The Conference Connectional Table shall meet at least quarterly. Each quarterly meeting will have a specific focus: (1) First quarter: Visioning, (2) Second Quarter: Strategic Planning. (3) Third Quarter: Budget, (4) Fourth Quarter: Evaluation. E. Annual Conference Officers 1. The Annual Conference Lay Leader shall be elected quadrennially at the first annual conference* after General Conference. This nomination will be made in joint session of the Board of Laity and Cabinet. The nomination is to be made no later than October of the year prior to General Conference. Should a vacancy occur at any other time, it shall be filled by the same procedure, with the nominee serving as Lay Leader until a Conference Lay Leader is elected at the next annual conference. The Annual Conference Lay Leader shall serve as the chairperson of the Board of Laity. 2. There shall be a Director of Ministerial Relations/Assistant to the Bishop with such duties and responsibilities as determined by the Annual Conference or assigned by the presiding Bishop. 3. There shall be an Executive Director of Conference Connectional Ministries. 4. There shall be a Conference Treasurer/Business Manager. 5. There shall be an Annual Conference Secretary. a. The position of Annual Conference Secretary shall be continued on a part-time basis with those duties stipulated by the current edition of the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church and the North Carolina Annual Conference, with adequate funding provided. b. The Conference Secretary shall be elected at the beginning of each quadrennium, at the first annual conference* after the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. c. The responsibilities of the Conference Secretary shall include the following: (1) edit, print, publish and distribute the Annual Conference Journal, Annual Conference Directory and Annual Conference on-line materials; (2) provide for the Local Entertainment Committee any necessary information pertinent all persons (guests, members, and alternates) to be invited and entertained, including persons arriving early at the annual conference site; (3) provide member registration cards with complete information, by districts; (4) serve as a member of the Annual Conference Program Committee; (5) compile and print the Memoirs and to plan the Memorial Service, with assistance from the Bishop, the Cabinet and the Commission on Worship; (6) provide a packet for members attending the annual conference*with necessary materials, including name tags; (7) assist with the preparation of ordination credentials and other documents, and to arrange for the class photos of those persons to be ordained or commissioned, in coordination with the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop and the Board of Ordained Ministry;
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
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(8) provide necessary office equipment and supplies during the annual conference* for the following offices: the Bishop, the Conference Secretary, the Cabinet, the Cabinet Secretary, the Statistician, the Treasurer, and the United Methodist Communications Office; (9) nominate secretarial staff, and to assign and supervise their work; (10)compile a list of lay members and alternates for the Journal; (11) keep accurate alphabetical and chronological rolls of ministers, including records relating to their careers, their surviving spouses and their children; (12)provide required statistical information for general church agencies; (13)assist the Annual Conference archivist and as custodian of historical artifacts information relating to antecedent Annual Conferences; (14)receive and retain surrendered clergy credentials; (15)perform other duties stipulated by the Annual Conference. 6. The Annual Conference Statistician a. The position of Annual Conference Statistician shall be continued on a part-time basis with those duties stipulated by the current edition of the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, with adequate funding provided. b. The Conference Statistician shall be elected at the beginning of each quadrennium, at the first annual conference* following the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. 7. Compensation – The Council on Finance and Administration shall determine, subject to the approval of the Annual Conference, the compensation given officers for their services, as well as the methods and amounts for meeting expenses of these officers. The Conference Treasurer shall pay these amounts.
Section IV: Financial Administration A. The Conference Treasurer and all others receiving and disbursing funds from the Annual Conference shall be required to make audited statements annually, which the Conference Secretary will make available. B. The Council on Finance and Administration shall present the budget for adoption at the annual conference* only after all other matters having claims on the budget have been presented. (See Section I:B.6 above) C. Each District Superintendent shall send to the Conference Treasurer, as early as possible following the completion of the charge conferences, an official copy of the amounts budgeted by each local church for Annual Conference apportionments, and to the Bishop a schedule of the amounts budgeted by each local church for clergy salaries. D. Tables I, II, and III shall be printed in the Annual Conference Journal with individual church reports and charge totals as compiled by the Conference Statistician from each pastor’s reports.
Section V: The Annual Conference Journal A. The Annual Conference shall publish a Journal of The North Carolina Annual Conference each year. B. The Conference Secretary shall be charged with the responsibility of editing and making contracts for the publication of the Annual Conference Journal, in keeping with regulations of the General Conference and of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. The editor shall have full authority to condense re- ports, memoirs, and other papers when necessary.
______*See the note at the end of the document regarding the terms “Annual Conference” [capitalized] and “annual conference” [not capitalized].
25 Conference Rules of Order and Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
C. The Annual Conference Journal will be posted on-line, at The North Carolina Annual Conference website, making it accessible to everyone. Copies of the Journal will be provided to those who pre-order it, either in printed format, or computer compatible format, at a cost developed by the Conference Secretary. Order Forms will be available at the Annual Conference. The Conference Secretary shall have the discretionary authority to provide copies to other agencies of the General Church. Monies accruing from the pre-sale of copies will be credited to the Journal Account.
Section VI: Displays at the Annual Conference A. Display space shall be allocated by the Conference Secretary only to those agencies, boards, comissions, groups or circles of ministry that are officially sanctioned by the North Carolina Annual Conference or by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. “Officially sanctioned” is defined as having direct, official endorsement from the General Conference of The United Methodist Church or the North Carolina Annual Conference. B. No board, agency or similar official group granted display space or similar privileges shall offer its display space to a group or agency that is not officially sanctioned by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church or the North Carolina Annual Conference. C. Space may be provided in a separate “Ministry and Advocacy” area adjacent to the meeting place of Annual Conference for groups not officially sanctioned by The North Carolina Annual Conference or by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church but that are of interest to the members of the Annual Conference. Display tables and similar matters related to the Ministry and Advocacy area shall be allocated by the Conference Secretary.
*A note on usage in this document:
The terms “North Carolina Annual Conference,” “Annual Conference,” or “Conference” [note the capital letters] refer to The North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. These terms refer to an organization.
The term “annual conference” [in lower-case letters] refers to the yearly assembly, usually occupying several days in June, at which the North Carolina Annual Conference gathers to worship God and conduct business. This term [not capitalized] refers to this yearly, multi-day convention.
The term “session” refers to one meeting of the North Carolina Annual Conference occurring on any part of one of those days or to a meeting on a single day for a special or called session. For example, the minutes often refer to the “morning session of the first day of the annual conference” or to the “evening session of Friday of annual conference.” This document avoids the common practice of using the phrase “the annual conference session” to refer to the whole week of meetings in June. This document’s usage would designate that whole series of meetings as “the 2006 annual conference,” or “the 2009 annual conference.”
26 Committee on Nominations North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The Committee on Nominations has received feedback from committee chairpersons over the last year since Annual Conference 2014. Several committees or boards had vacancies due to required disciplinary term rotations, resignations or attendance requirements not being met. There are relatively few vacancies to fill in 2015 as most of our committees rotate on a quadrennial basis. The 2015 vacancies were posted on the Nominations website and persons applied via the website to serve on those posted committees. The committee is grateful for all who applied to serve in these vacancies and appreciates the time and energy that applicants give so generously in service to the committees of the NC Annual Conference. We are blessed in North Carolina with strong capable leadership and look forward to working with both current and future committee members toward our common mission – healthy congregations and effective leaders in every place making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
The Committee on Nominations nominates the following persons for service effective July 1, 2015:
Council on Finance and Administration: Kim Lamb (W-F-C) Anne Lloyd (W-F-L)
Trustees, Board of, Conference: Jessie Brunson (AA/B-M-C)
Trustees, Board of, Duke University: Jack Bovender (W-M-L) Tim Cook (W-M-L) Ralph Eads III (W-M-L) Martha Monserrate (W-F-L)
Young Adult Ministry: Mary Dodson (W-F-L) Jaalil Hart (AA/B-M-L) Victoria Lawrence (W-F-L) Katy Medinas (W-F-L) Lirosia Wall (AA/B-F-L) Luke Whitehead (W-M-L)
ZOE, Inc.: Stanley Bradshaw (W-M-L) Ann Eppinger Davidson (W-F-L) Emmanuel Jackson (AA/B-M-C)
*Note: The Committee on Nominations works with a stated goal of inclusivity on all conference boards, committees and agencies. This inclusivity goal is broad-based and includes equity in membership as much as possible with respect to gender, ethnicity, clergy or lay status and age. To that end, certain demographic information for nominations is included with each person’s name. The demographic information is included in parentheses following the name in the order of (ethnicity-gender-clergy or lay status). The abbreviations included in each section are as follows: Ethnicity: Gender: Clergy or Lay Status: AsA – Asian American F – Female C-Clergy, L-Laity AA/B – African American/Black M – Male NA – Native American W – White/Caucasian
27 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
28 District Officers and Committees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
DISTRICT OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Beacon District CODES: LW – Lay Woman CW – Clergy Woman LM – Lay Man CM – Clergy Man Lay Leader: Jeff Jenkins Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Gil Wise; Lay Leader: Jeff Jenkins; Appointed by DS: Chris Aydlett (CM), Pam Stallings (LW) Laywoman: Tessi Hollis; Laymen: David Pureza; Clergy: Sue Farlow (CW), Elizabeth Tyson (CW), Teresa Holloway (CW), Arthur Manigault (CM), Ray Tavenner (CM), Betsy Haas (CW)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Dan Baer (CM), Renee Edwards (CW), David Moering (CM); Laywomen: Sandra Ray, Anne Gaddy, Judi Bowman; Laymen: John Guard, Herbert Mullen, Lee Wise
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Gil Wise; Conf. BOM Representative: Alan Swartz (CM); Clergy: John Tyson – Chair (CM), Laura Early (CW), Teresa Holloway (CW), Charles M. Smith (CM), Jerome Smith Danny Allen (CM), Charles McKenzie (CM), Jim Reed (CM), Brian Wingo Terry Williams (CM), Laity: Lorre Bowen (LW), Jeff Jenkins (LM), Ramona Wescott (LW), Steve Bryan (LM), Burt Eure (LM)
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Gil Wise; 2015-16: Dan Baer (CM), Herbert Mullen (LM) 2016-17: Renee Edwards (CW), Lee Wise (LM), John Guard (LM), David Moering (CM), Sandra Ray (LW) 2017-18: Anne Gaddy (LW), Judi Bowman (LW)
Capital District Lay Leader: Jin Lee Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Leonard E. Fairley; Lay Leader: Jin Lee; Appointed by DS: Beth Gaines (CW), Fred Hight (LM) Laywomen: Courtney Jennings, Beverly Vinson, Sis Thompson; Laymen: Billy Lamm Clergy: Glenda N. Johnson (CW), Joey Yow (CM); At-Large: Mack Parker (LM), Tim Russell (CM)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Beth Gaines (CW), Glenda N. Johnson (CW), Joey Yow (CM), Tim Russell (CM) Lay Leader: Jin Lee Laywomen: Sis Thompson Laymen: Fred Hight, W.T. (Billy) Lamm, Mack Parker
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Leonard E. Fairley; Conf. BOM Representative:Jay Minnick- Chair(CM); Bryan Seifert(CM), LuAnn Charlton(CW) Clergy: Jeff Babajitis (CM),Terry Bryant (CM), Ross Carter (CM), Claire Clyburn (CW), Lib Campbell(CW), Paul Dunham (CM), Adam Seate (CM), Donna Thompson(CW), Kirk Oldham (CM); Dede Britt-Pickle(CW), Terry Hobbs(CW) Laity: Jin Lee(LW), Anne Lloyd(LW), David Rockefeller(LM), Mary June Jones(LW), Yesenia Palomino(LW), Vicki Crenshaw(LW) 29 District Officers and Committees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Leonard E. Fairley; 2015-16: Anna Williams (LW), Susan Lindblade (CW), Michele Clark (CW), Jim Harry (CM), Kim Lamb – Chair (CW), Steven Smith (LM); 2016-17: Tony Chalk (LM)
Corridor District Lay Leader: Martha Caves Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Carol W. Goehring; Lay Leader: Martha Caves; Appointed by DS: Marshall Old (CM), Ken Hall, Jr.-Chair (CM) Laywomen: Pat Lopp, Pat McGhee; Laymen: Al Fogleman Kenneth Walker; Clergy: Cindy Lister (CW), Larry Bowden (CM), Kevin Baker (CM); At-Large: Jeanne Neal (CW), Theron Few (LM)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Ken Hall, Jr. (CM), Cindy Lister (CW), Pat Lopp(CM LW) Laywomen: Pat McGhee, Betty Isaacs Laymen: Al Fogleman
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Carol W. Goehring; Conf. BOM Representative:Marshall Old (CM); Clergy: Nan de Andrade (CW), Johnnie Wright (CM), Rich Greenway-chair (CM), Karl Neuschaefer (CM), Sang Park (CM), Rani Woodrow (CW), Shay Hall (CM), Albert Shuler(CM), Robert Simpson(CM), Susan White(CW), Nathan Wittman(CM) Laity: JoAnn Barbour (LW), Gloria McAuley (LW), Martha Caves (LW), LaNella Smith(LW), Anna Gail Workman(LW)
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Carol W. Goehring; 2015-2016: Anne Sims(CW), John Hall(LM), Ronnie Byrd (CM), Howard James(CM); 2016-17: Ronnie Byrd (CM), Cheryl Lawrence (CW); Kathy Bradley (LW), Steve Smith (LM), Bobby Wingate (LM); 2017-18: Alan Felton(CM) (Ronnie was moved from 2016-17 to 2015-16)
Fairway District Lay Leader: Caroline Jackson Committee on District Superintendency: DS: A. Ray Broadwell; Lay Leader: Caroline Jackson; Appointed by DS: Anne Ahl-Chair (CW), Emily Dilday (LW); Laywomen: Norma Smith, Donna M. McGhie; Laymen: Randy Hussey, Frank Thigpen; Clergy: Tommy Sweeley (CM), Nancy Willard (CW), Clyde Denny (CM); At-Large: Ronnie Jones (LM)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Clyde Denny (CM), Nancy Willard (CW) Laywomen: Norma Smith, Donna McGhie, Emily Dilday Laymen: Randy Hussey, Charlie Gray, Frank Thigpen
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: A. Ray Broadwell; Conf. BOM Representative: Ray Gooch-chair (CM); Clergy: Ben Alexander (CM), Kay Boone (CW), James Whittaker (CM), Gene Cobb (CM), Donna Banks (CW), Duane Partin (CM), Tom Newman (CM), Dena White (CW), Bruce Petty (CM), Craig Ham (CM), Elaine Lilliston (CW), David King (CM); Laity: Brenda Brown (LW), Brenda McCaskill (LW), Robin Moore (LM), Caroline Jackson (LW), Patricia Pemberton(LW)
30 District Officers and Committees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: A. Ray Broadwell; 2015-16: James G. Jones, Jr. (CM), Ruth Spears (LW); 2016-2017: Kayren Brantley (LW), James Henderson (CM); 2017-2018: Linda Winstead (LW), James Ray Bryant (LM)
Gateway District Lay Leader: Mary Hartsell Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Kenneth W. Locklear; Lay Leader: Mary Hartsell; Appointed by DS: Ruth Altman (LW), Sam Wynn (CM) Laywomen: Hazel Hall, Melba McCallum, Michelle Skipper; Laymen: Robby Lowry, Murray McKeithan; Clergy: Herbert Lowry (CM), Gypsie Murdaugh (CW); At-Large: Deb Wilkins (CW)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: David Blackman, Francis Daniel, Sylvia Collins-Ball Laywomen: Ruth Altman, Hazel Hall, Melba McCallum, Laymen: Robby Lowry, Murray McKeithan, Lee Wallace
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Kenneth W. Locklear; Conf. BOM Representative: Larry Robinson (CM); Clergy: Bill Altman (CM), Gerry Davis (CM), Richard Jackson (CM), Billy Olsen (CM), Dennis Sheppard (CM), Vermel Taylor (CW), Woody Wells – Chair (CM), Jimmy Cummings (CM), Sam Wynn (CM),Deb Wilkins (CW); Laity: Gurney Hunt (LM), Robby Lowry (LM), Jerline Miller (LW), Mary Hartsell (LW), Michelle Skipper (LW), Lynn Clewis (LW)
Board of Locations and Building: DS: Kenneth W. Locklear; 2015-16: Jonathan Jeffries (CM), Dora Dorsey (CW); 2016-2017: Michelle Skipper (LW), Mandy McMillian (LW); 2017-2108: James Barr – Young Adult (LM), Kelly Barr(CM)
Harbor District Lay Leader: Lynn Shuffler Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Bob Bauman; Lay Leader: Lynn Shuffler; Appointed by DS: Shirley Hough (LW), Hiram Williams (LM) Laywomen: Diane Corbett, Linda Ingraham; Laymen: Joey Barnett; Clergy: Beth Hood (CM), Deborah Sutton (CW), Fred Roberts (CM); At-Large: Rich Vaughan (CM), Paul Stallsworth (CM)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Paul Stallsworth (CM), Deborah Sutton (CW), Rich Vaughan (CM) Laywomen: Diane Corbett, Linda Ingraham, Lynn Shuffler Laymen: Jimmie Williams, Bill Applewhite, Hiram Williams
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Bob Bauman; Conf. BOM Representative:Eston Brinkley (LM); Clergy: Trish Archer (CW),Shawn Blackwelder (CM), Dennis Draper (CM), Edith Gleaves (CW), Eddie Hill (CM), Beth Hood (CW), Rich Vaughan (CM), Laura Mitchell (CW), Timothy Reaves (CM), Mary Jane Wilson-Parsons (CW), Paul Stallsworth (CM), Duke Lackey(CM) Laity: Carolyn Hankins (LW), Lyman Horne (LM), Susan Robbins (LW), Nancy Smith (LW)
31 District Officers and Committees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Bob Bauman; 2015-16: John Melton (LM), Sam Loy (CM); 2016-17: Bob Kretzu (CM), Laura Williams (LW), Skip Williams-chair (CM); 2017-18: Sherry Coombs (LW), Lee Hauser (LM), Jabe Largen (CM)
Heritage District Lay Leader: Tom Walden
Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Randall E. Innes; Lay Leader: Tom Walden; Appointed by DS: Donald Warren (CM), Nancy Moser (LW) Laywomen: Patrice Dunn, Juanita Rodgers; Laymen: W.B. Bullock, Mike Herman Clergy: Jim Bell (CM), Julia Alliger (CW) At-Large: Carolyn Roy (CW), Ambler Lanier (LM)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Jim Bell (CM), Carolyn Roy (CW), Donald Warren (CM) Laywomen: Patrice Dunn, Nancy Moser, Juanita Rodgers Laymen: W.B. Bullock, Mike Herman, Ambler Lanier
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Randall E. Innes; Conf. BOM Representative:Cory Oliver (CM); Clergy: Julia Alliger (CW), Ralph Brown (CM), Kellie Gallagher-Smith (CW), Jared Hanson (CM), Stan Lewis (CM), Walter McLeod (CM), Sue Owens (CW), Carolyn Roy (CW), Bobby Tyson (CM), Donald Warren (CM); Laity: Joe Callahan (LM), Brenda Connelly (LW), Kaye Herman (LW), Velna Hux (LW), Lynn Ward (LM)
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Randall E. Innes; 2015-16: Tom Walden (LM), Steve Bradley (CM), W.B. Bullock (LM), Regina Dickens (LW); 2016-2017: Helen Champion (CW), Henry Henson (LM), Velna Hux (LW); 2017-18: Betty Willis (CW), Jimmy Adams (LM)
Sound District: Lay Leader: Ann Davis Committee on District Superintendency: DS: Linda L. Taylor; Lay Leader: Ann Davis; Appointed by DS: Charles Pollock (CM), Patty Stricklin (LW) Laywomen: Betsy Johnson, Laura Little; Laymen: Frank Court, Rick Davis; Clergy: Dennis Adams (CM), Martin Armstrong (CM); At-Large: George Speake – Chair (CM), Becky McKenney (LW)
Board of Trustees: Clergy: Dennis Adams (CM), George Speake – Chair (CM), Martin Armstrong (CM) Laywomen: Betsy Johnson, Laura Little, Patty Stricklin Laymen: Frank Court, Rick Davis, Richard Mullins
32 District Officers and Committees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Committee on Ordained Ministry: DS: Linda L. Taylor; Conf. BOM Representative:Charlene Pierce-Guider (CW); Clergy: David Banks (CM), Allen Bingham (CM), Johnny Branch (CM), Joyce Day (CW), Susan Pate Greenwood (CW), Joseph Franklin (CM), Thurman Horney (CM), Kelli Sorg (CW), Stephen E. Smith (CM), Jay Buckingham (CM), Jodi Lampley(CW), Rachel Moser (CW); Laity: Sandra Croom (LW), Madoline Murphy (LW), Rich Myers (LM), Lindsey Wyatt (LM), Louisa Ringo (LW), Kellum Rose (LW)
Board of Church Location and Building: DS: Linda L. Taylor; 2015-16: Chuck Gilgo (LM), Kathy Rowland (LW), Bill Blount-Chair (LM); 2016-2017: Penny Dollar Farmer (CW), Tim Chase (CM); 2017-18: Pat Mann (LM), Carol Long (LW), Elsie McDowell (LW);
33 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
34 Reports North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
REPORTS
35 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
COUNCIL ON FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
I. ConferenceFINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, Budget COUNCIL to be ON Raised January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 I. Conference Budget to be Raised January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
Requested UNAUDITED Requested Requested Request 2013 Actual Request 2014 Request 2015 1.19% % of Ministry Teams Raised 2014 Raised 2014 Shortfall Raised 2015 Raised 2016 Increase % Increase Total Row # for 2015 for 2015 for 2015 for 2016 for 2017 (Decrease) (Decrease) Apport 1 ** World Service $1,935,489 $1,797,005 $138,484 $1,921,725 $1,930,473 $8,748 0.46% 9.03% Outreach Ministry Team 2 Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries 12,775 11,861 914 12,775 13,300 525 4.11% 0.06% 3 Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries 28,800 26,739 2,061 28,800 38,275 9,475 32.90% 0.18% 4 Disaster Readiness & Response 15,000 13,927 1,073 31,050 31,100 50 0.16% 0.15% 5 Asbury Homes Inc. 13,500 12,534 966 13,500 4,000 (9,500) -70.37% 0.02% 6 Methodist Home for Children 192,000 178,262 13,738 192,000 192,000 - 0.00% 0.90% 7 Methodist Retirement Homes 92,000 85,417 6,583 92,000 60,000 (32,000) -34.78% 0.28% 8 Golden Cross Fund 15,100 14,020 1,080 15,100 10,000 (5,100) -33.77% 0.05% 9 Missions & Outreach 508,000 471,653 36,347 500,000 539,000 39,000 7.80% 2.52% 10 Refugee & Immigration 8,000 7,428 572 8,000 5,500 (2,500) -31.25% 0.03% 11 Board of Institutions 750 696 54 750 800 50 6.67% 0.00% Subtotal - Outreach Ministry Team $885,925 $822,537 $63,388 $893,975 $893,975 $0 0.00% 4.18% Christian Formation Team 12 Evangelism $80,410 $74,657 $5,753 $40,000 $40,000 $0 0.00% 0.19% 13 Church & Society 12,000 11,141 859 12,000 12,000 - 0.00% 0.06% 14 Spiritual Life 12,480 11,587 893 12,480 11,500 (980) -7.85% 0.05% 15 Worship 4,992 4,635 357 4,500 4,600 100 2.22% 0.02% 16 Higher Education & Campus Ministries 6,720 6,239 481 6,720 6,720 - 0.00% 0.03% 17 College Chaplaincy Support 264,000 245,111 18,889 264,000 264,000 - 0.00% 1.23% 18 Campus Ministry 480,960 446,547 34,413 480,960 480,960 - 0.00% 2.25% 19 Youth Ministry 64,400 59,792 4,608 70,800 70,000 (800) -1.13% 0.33% 20 Young Adults 6,000 5,571 429 10,000 8,000 (2,000) -20.00% 0.04% 21 Children's Ministries 18,540 17,213 1,327 9,200 4,200 (5,000) -54.35% 0.02% 22 Older Adults 6,800 6,313 487 6,000 6,000 - 0.00% 0.03% 23 Safe Sanctuaries - - - 4,800 8,840 4,040 84.17% 0.04% 24 Education & Nurture 3,050 2,832 218 3,050 5,000 1,950 63.93% 0.02% 25 Camp & Retreat Ministries Inc. 275,000 255,324 19,676 275,000 275,000 - 0.00% 1.29% 26 Emerging Church Support 922,350 856,356 65,994 959,000 959,000 - 0.00% 4.48% 27 New Faith Communities: Sal & Ben 213,400 198,131 15,269 206,000 212,180 6,180 3.00% 0.99% 28 New Faith Communities Office 64,200 59,606 4,594 65,000 65,000 - 0.00% 0.30% 29 Disability Concerns 2,000 1,857 143 2,000 5,500 3,500 175.00% 0.03% 30 Financial Discipleship Team 15,000 13,927 1,073 15,000 11,000 (4,000) -26.67% 0.05% Subtotal - Christian Formation Team $2,452,302 $2,276,840 $175,462 $2,446,510 $2,449,500 $2,990 0.12% 11.45% Leadership Team 31 Multicultural Ministries Team $13,000 $12,070 $930 $10,000 $11,000 $1,000 10.00% 0.05% 32 Multicultural Ministries Grants 50,000 46,423 3,577 50,000 50,000 - 0.00% 0.23% 33 Multicultural Ministries Program 103,470 96,067 7,403 103,470 103,470 - 0.00% 0.48% 34 Monitoring & Accountability 3,750 3,482 268 3,750 3,750 - 0.00% 0.02% 35 ** Ministerial Education Fund 664,484 616,940 47,544 659,750 662,770 3,020 0.46% 3.10% 36 Board of Ordained / Diaconal Ministry 237,155 220,187 16,968 423,450 433,370 9,920 2.34% 2.03% 37 Laity 28,000 25,997 2,003 40,000 34,500 (5,500) -13.75% 0.16% 38 District: DS Sal & Ben 1,150,000 1,067,718 82,282 1,158,000 1,160,000 2,000 0.17% 5.42% 39 District: ADS Sal & Ben 644,540 598,423 46,117 690,322 693,000 2,678 0.39% 3.24% 40 DS/ADS Offices 227,200 210,944 16,256 227,200 231,200 4,000 1.76% 1.08% 41 District Centralized Support: Sal & Ben 130,000 120,699 9,301 215,000 217,150 2,150 1.00% 1.02% 42 District Centralized Support: Office 22,000 20,426 1,574 24,000 24,000 - 0.00% 0.11% 43 DS & ADS: Travel 142,000 131,840 10,160 142,000 138,000 (4,000) -2.82% 0.65% 44 Cabinet Meeting Expenses 40,000 37,138 2,862 45,000 45,000 - 0.00% 0.21% 45 Ministerial Relations Office: Sal & Ben 348,611 323,668 24,943 348,611 366,500 17,889 5.13% 1.71% 46 Ministerial Relations Office 24,820 23,044 1,776 21,200 21,300 100 0.47% 0.10% 47 Christian Unity 7,000 6,499 501 7,000 10,000 3,000 42.86% 0.05% 48 NC Council of Churches 18,000 16,712 1,288 20,000 22,000 2,000 10.00% 0.10% 49 Office of the Bishop 43,200 40,109 3,091 38,200 38,200 - 0.00% 0.18% 50 Effective Ministry Program 25,000 23,211 1,789 50,000 50,000 - 0.00% 0.23% 51 Academy for Leadership Excellence - - - 46,878 48,284 1,406 3.00% 0.23% 52 Nominations 1,000 928 72 2,500 1,000 (1,500) -60.00% 0.00% Subtotal - Leadership Team $3,923,230 $3,642,523 $280,707 $4,326,331 $4,364,494 $38,163 0.88% 20.40%
36 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
I. Conference Budget to be Raised January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (continued)
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, COUNCIL ON I. Conference Budget to be Raised January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
Requested UNAUDITED Requested Requested Request 2013 Actual Request 2014 Request 2015 1.19% % of Ministry Teams Raised 2014 Raised 2014 Shortfall Raised 2015 Raised 2016 Increase % Increase Total Row # for 2015 for 2015 for 2015 for 2016 for 2017 (Decrease) (Decrease) Apport Stewardship Team 53 Annual Conf. Expense $190,000 $176,406 $13,594 $190,000 $205,000 $15,000 7.89% 0.96% 54 Annual Conf. Registrar: Sal & Ben 4,000 3,714 286 4,000 4,000 - 0.00% 0.02% 55 Conf. Secretary's Office 18,000 16,712 1,288 12,000 12,000 - 0.00% 0.06% 56 Conf. Secretary's Office: Sal & Ben 97,667 90,679 6,988 97,667 98,400 733 0.75% 0.46% 57 Conf. Journal/Printing 20,000 18,569 1,431 20,000 20,000 - 0.00% 0.09% 58 Communications 82,300 76,411 5,889 82,300 182,150 99,850 121.32% 0.85% 59 Publications: NC Conf. Advocate 13,500 12,534 966 13,500 - (13,500) -100.00% 0.00% 60 ** General Administration 233,577 216,865 16,712 231,963 233,075 1,112 0.48% 1.09% 61 ** SEJ Mission & Ministry 76,696 71,208 5,488 76,696 76,696 - 0.00% 0.36% 62 Conf. Treasurer's Office: Sal & Ben 763,848 709,195 54,653 763,848 786,763 22,915 3.00% 3.68% 63 Conf. Treasurer's Office 159,600 148,181 11,419 155,000 155,000 - 0.00% 0.72% 64 Treasurer Bonding & Insurance 31,255 29,019 2,236 - - - 0.00% 65 Information Management Office 61,225 56,844 4,381 61,225 62,200 975 1.59% 0.29% 66 Information Management: Sal & Ben 245,526 227,959 17,567 278,865 287,231 8,366 3.00% 1.34% 67 Conf. Board of Trustees 1,750 1,625 125 1,750 1,750 - 0.00% 0.01% 68 Contingency Fund 15,000 13,927 1,073 15,000 15,000 - 0.00% 0.07% 69 ** Meth. Bldg. Operating Fund 168,000 155,980 12,020 171,000 175,000 4,000 2.34% 0.82% 70 ** Meth. Bldg. Capital Fund 200,000 185,690 14,310 210,000 220,000 10,000 4.76% 1.03% 71 Episcopal Residence Current Expense 15,000 13,927 1,073 10,000 10,000 - 0.00% 0.05% 72 Episcopal Residence Capital Fund - - - 50,000 50,000 - 0.00% 0.23% 73 Staff Housing Allowances 87,841 81,556 6,285 87,841 60,391 (27,450) -31.25% 0.28% 74 Legal Counsel 20,000 18,569 1,431 20,000 20,000 - 0.00% 0.09% 75 Equitable Compensation 175,000 162,479 12,521 175,000 175,000 - 0.00% 0.82% 76 Minister's Moving Expense 175,000 162,479 12,521 150,000 150,000 - 0.00% 0.70% 77 Joint Comm. on Clergy Medical Leave 360,000 334,242 25,758 360,000 370,800 10,800 3.00% 1.73% 78 Conf. Claimants-Retiree Insurance - Current 2,700,000 2,506,815 193,185 2,200,000 2,200,000 - 0.00% 10.29% 79 Conf. Claimants-Retiree Insurance - Unfunded Liability - - - 500,000 500,000 - 0.00% 2.34% 80 General & Jurisdictional Conference 30,000 27,854 2,146 30,000 30,000 - 0.00% 0.14% 81 Archives & History 14,295 13,272 1,023 14,500 14,500 - 0.00% 0.07% 82 Conf. Media Center 7,570 7,028 542 7,570 7,410 (160) -2.11% 0.03% 83 CCM Office, Mtgs. & Cong. Revitalization 124,250 115,360 8,890 124,250 115,500 (8,750) -7.04% 0.54% 84 CCM Staff: Sal & Ben 1,173,797 1,089,812 83,985 1,185,535 1,215,730 30,195 2.55% 5.68% Subtotal - Stewardship Team $7,264,697 $6,744,908 $519,789 $7,299,510 $7,453,596 $154,086 2.11% 34.85% Conference Connectional Ministries $14,526,154 $13,486,808 $1,039,346 $14,966,326 $15,161,565 $195,239 1.30% 70.88% 85 World Service & Connectional Ministries $16,461,643 $15,283,813 $1,177,830 $16,888,051 $17,092,038 $203,987 1.21% 79.91% Past Service Liability 86 ** Past Service Liability $3,300,000 $3,109,360 $190,640 $3,300,000 $3,300,000 $0 0.00% 15.43% Other General Conference 87 ** Episcopal Fund $565,159 $533,599 $31,560 $576,367 $622,309 $45,942 7.97% 2.91% 88 ** Africa University Fund 59,312 56,134 3,178 58,890 59,184 294 0.50% 0.28% 89 ** Black College Fund 265,044 250,212 14,832 263,181 264,385 1,204 0.46% 1.24% 90 ** Interdenominational Coop. Fund 51,942 48,952 2,990 51,622 51,858 236 0.46% 0.24% 91 Total Other General Apportionments $941,457 $888,896 $52,561 $950,060 $997,736 $47,676 5.02% 4.66% 92 Grand Total All Funds $20,703,100 $19,282,070 $1,421,030 $21,138,111 $21,389,774 $251,663 1.19% 100.00% 93 Total General Conference $3,775,007 $3,519,706 $255,301 $3,763,498 $3,824,054 $60,556 1.61% 17.88% 94 Total Jurisdictional Conference $76,696 $71,208 $5,488 $76,696 $76,696 $0 0.00% 0.36% 95 Total Pensions & Conference Claimants $6,000,000 $5,616,175 $383,825 $6,000,000 $6,000,000 $0 0.00% 28.05% 96 Total Annual Conference $10,851,397 $10,074,980 $776,417 $11,297,917 $11,489,024 $191,107 1.69% 53.71%
** Budget raised and spent in the same year
37 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
IIa. 2014 Actual Operating Budget II a. 2014 Actual Operating Budget
Carry Total Operating Actual 2014 Ministry Teams Over from Raised Approved Budget Expenditures Remaining Row # 2013 in 2013 Supplement for 2014 2014 Balance 1 ** World Service $0 $1,781,000 $138,484 $1,935,489 $1,935,489 $0 Outreach Ministry Team 2 Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries $831 $11,943 - $12,774 $12,686 $88 3 Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries - 26,923 - 26,923 26,923 - 4 Disaster Readiness & Response 1,242 14,023 - 15,265 15,135 130 5 Asbury Homes Inc. 193 12,620 - 12,813 12,813 - 6 Methodist Home for Children - 179,490 - 179,490 179,490 - 7 Methodist Retirement Homes - 86,006 - 86,006 86,006 - 8 Golden Cross Fund - 14,116 - 14,116 14,116 - 9 Missions & Outreach - 474,900 33,100 508,000 507,643 357 10 Refugee & Immigration 748 7,479 - 8,227 339 7,888 11 Board of Institutions 70 701 - 771 101 670 Subtotal - Outreach Ministry Team $3,084 $828,200 $33,100 $864,385 $855,252 $9,133 Christian Formation Team 12 Evangelism $8,041 $80,406 $0 $88,447 $36,470 $51,977 13 Church & Society 1,084 10,844 - 11,928 6,813 5,115 14 Spiritual Life 1,167 11,667 - 12,834 6,043 6,791 15 Worship 467 4,667 - 5,134 3,507 1,627 16 Higher Education & Campus Ministries 628 6,282 - 6,910 2,213 4,697 17 College Chaplaincy Support - 246,798 17,202 264,000 264,000 - 18 Campus Ministry - 449,622 31,338 480,960 480,960 - 19 Youth Ministry - 53,193 7,500 60,693 53,193 7,500 20 Young Adults 561 5,609 - 6,170 1,664 4,506 21 Children's Ministries - 17,332 - 17,332 13,271 4,061 22 Older Adults 636 6,357 - 6,993 1,041 5,952 23 Education & Nurture 285 2,851 - 3,136 1,250 1,886 24 Camp & Retreat Ministries Inc. - 257,082 17,918 275,000 275,000 - 25 Emerging Church Support - 798,543 363,303 1,161,846 1,161,846 - 26 New Faith Communities: Sal & Ben 18,620 216,051 35,059 269,730 219,400 50,330 27 New Faith Communities Office - 60,017 4,183 64,200 60,574 3,626 28 Disability Concerns 323 3,225 - 3,548 2,865 683 29 Financial Discipleship Team 1,402 14,023 - 15,425 2,621 12,804 Subtotal - Christian Formation Team $33,214 $2,244,568 $476,503 $2,754,286 $2,592,731 $161,555 Leadership Team 30 Multicultural Ministries Team $888 $8,881 $1,105 $10,874 $10,874 $0 31 Multicultural Ministries Grants - 46,742 - 46,742 46,742 - 32 Multicultural Ministries Program 6,981 96,261 - 103,242 102,673 569 33 Monitoring & Accountability 351 3,506 - 3,857 1,670 2,187 34 ** Ministerial Education Fund - 611,445 35,658 664,484 652,598 - 35 Board of Ordained / Diaconal Ministry 21,268 212,677 - 233,945 163,128 70,817 36 Laity 2,618 26,176 - 28,794 28,459 335 37 District: DS Sal & Ben - 1,056,372 39,437 1,095,809 1,095,809 - 38 District: ADS Sal & Ben - 577,733 33,249 610,981 610,981 - 39 DS/ADS Offices - 211,835 - 211,835 208,594 3,241 40 District Centralized Support: Sal & Ben - 115,547 1,560 117,106 117,107 (1) 41 District Centralized Support: Office - 19,912 - 19,912 7,605 12,307 42 DS & ADS: Travel - 122,932 - 122,932 112,477 10,455 43 Cabinet Meeting Expenses - 37,394 - 37,394 35,500 1,894 44 Ministerial Relations Office:Sal & Ben 14,686 325,896 22,715 363,297 332,001 31,296 45 Ministerial Relations Office 1,601 22,904 - 24,505 19,726 4,779 46 Christian Unity 654 6,544 - 7,198 6,211 987 47 NC Council of Churches - 16,827 - 16,827 16,827 - 48 Office of the Bishop 4,039 40,385 - 44,424 37,871 6,553 49 Effective Ministry Program - 23,371 - 23,371 23,371 - 50 Nominations 93 935 - 1,028 287 741 Subtotal - Leadership Team $53,179 $3,584,274 $133,722 $3,788,557 $3,630,508 $146,160
38 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
IIa. 2014 Actual Operating Budget (continued) II a. 2014 Actual Operating Budget
Carry Total Operating Actual 2014 Ministry Teams Over from Raised Approved Budget Expenditures Remaining Row # 2013 in 2013 Supplement for 2014 2014 Balance Stewardship Team 51 Annual Conf. Expense $17,762 $177,620 $12,380 $207,762 $189,675 $18,087 52 Annual Conf. Registrar: Sal & Ben - 3,739 261 4,000 4,000 - 53 Conf. Secretary's Office 1,776 17,762 - 19,538 6,858 12,680 54 Conf. Secretary's Office: Sal & Ben 141 86,422 6,024 92,587 90,185 2,402 55 Conf. Journal/Printing 2,805 28,045 - 30,850 16,662 14,188 56 Communications 1,769 78,527 - 80,296 66,354 13,942 57 Publications: Every Day Grace Magazine - 26,643 - 26,643 26,643 - 58 ** General Administration - 214,910 16,712 233,577 233,577 - 59 ** SEJ Mission & Ministry - 71,699 5,488 76,696 76,696 - 60 Conf. Treasurer's Office: Sal & Ben - 702,574 55,458 758,032 758,032 - 61 Conf. Treasurer's Office 15,402 154,025 (35,245) 134,182 129,469 4,714 62 Treasurer Bonding & Insurance - 10,087 - 10,087 10,087 - 63 Information Management Office 6,946 69,459 - 76,405 64,550 11,855 64 Information Management: Sal & Ben - 208,472 53,201 261,673 261,673 - 65 Conf. Board of Trustees - 1,636 - 1,636 1,636 - 66 Contingency Fund 1,402 14,023 (14,781) 643 - 643 67 ** Meth. Bldg. Operating Fund - 140,226 - 168,000 155,980 - 68 ** Meth. Bldg. Capital Fund - 186,969 - 200,000 185,690 - 69 Episcopal Residence - 14,023 - 14,023 14,023 - 70 Staff Housing Allowances - 79,237 - 79,237 79,237 - 71 Legal Counsel - 18,697 1,142 19,839 19,839 - 72 Equitable Compensation - 163,597 - 163,597 154,603 8,994 73 Minister's Moving Expense 17,295 172,946 - 190,241 137,591 52,650 74 Joint Comm. on Clergy Medical Leave 37,394 373,937 - 411,331 344,456 66,875 75 Conf. Claimants-Retiree Insurance - Current - 2,524,075 - 2,524,075 2,524,075 - 76 General and Jurisdictional Conference - 28,045 - 28,045 28,045 - 77 Archives & History - 13,364 36,000 49,364 37,189 12,175 78 Conf. Media Center - 5,955 - 5,955 5,955 - 79 CCM Office, Mtgs. & Cong. Revitalization 10,405 104,048 - 114,453 111,588 2,865 80 CCM Staff: Sal & Ben 109,732 1,097,315 - 1,207,047 1,077,294 129,753 Subtotal - Stewardship Team $222,829 $6,792,003 $136,639 $7,193,740 $6,815,586 $351,823 Conference Connectional Ministries $312,306 $13,449,046 $779,964 $14,600,968 $13,894,076 $668,671 81 World Service & Connectional Ministries $312,306 $15,230,045 $918,448 $16,536,457 $15,829,565 $668,671 Past Service Liability 82 ** Past Service Liability $0 $3,079,612 $190,640 $3,300,000 $3,300,000 $0 Other General Conference 83 ** Episcopal Fund $0 $519,596 $31,560 $565,159 $565,159 $0 84 ** Africa University Fund - 55,381 3,178 59,312 59,312 - 85 ** Black College Fund - 245,756 14,832 265,044 265,044 - 86 ** Interdenominational Coop.Fund - 48,084 2,991 51,942 51,942 - 87 Total Other General Apportionments $0 $868,817 $52,561 $941,457 $941,457 $0 88 Grand Total All Funds $312,306 $19,178,474 $1,161,649 $20,777,914 $20,071,022 $668,671 89 Total General Conference $0 $3,476,171 $243,416 $3,775,007 $3,763,121 $11,886 90 Total Jurisdictional Conference $0 $71,699 $5,488 $76,696 $76,696 $0 91 Total Pensions & Conference Claimants $0 $5,603,687 $190,640 $5,824,075 $5,824,075 $0 92 Total Annual Conference $312,306 $10,026,917 $722,106 $11,102,136 $10,407,130 $656,785
** Funds raised and spent in the same year
39 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
IIb. 2015II b. 2015 Actual Actual Operating Operating Budget Budget
DRAFT Carry Total Operating 15 Budget/ 15 Budget/ Ministry Teams Over from Raised Approved Budget 14 Budget 14 Actual % of Row # 2014 in 2014 Supplement for 2015 % Change % Change Total 1 ** World Service $0 $1,797,005 $1,921,725 -1% -1% 9.28% Outreach Ministry Team 2 Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries $88 $11,861 - $11,949 -6.46% -5.81% 0.06% 3 Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries - 26,739 - 26,739 -0.68% -0.68% 0.13% 4 Disaster Readiness & Response 130 13,927 1,073 15,130 -0.88% -0.03% 0.07% 5 Asbury Homes Inc. - 12,534 - 12,534 -2.18% -2.18% 0.06% 6 Methodist Home for Children - 178,262 - 178,262 -0.68% -0.68% 0.86% 7 Methodist Retirement Homes - 85,417 - 85,417 -0.68% -0.68% 0.41% 8 Golden Cross Fund - 14,020 - 14,020 -0.68% -0.68% 0.07% 9 Missions & Outreach - 471,653 96,347 568,000 11.81% 11.89% 2.74% 10 Refugee & Immigration 743 7,428 - 8,171 -0.68% 2309.47% 0.04% 11 Board of Institutions 70 696 - 766 -0.65% 660.68% 0.00% Subtotal - Outreach Ministry Team $1,031 $822,537 $97,421 $920,988 6.55% 7.69% 4.45% Christian Formation Team 12 Evangelism $7,466 $74,657 $0 $82,123 -7.15% 125.18% 0.40% 13 Church & Society 1,114 11,141 - 12,255 2.74% 79.87% 0.06% 14 Spiritual Life 1,159 11,587 - 12,746 -0.69% 110.92% 0.06% 15 Worship 463 4,635 - 5,098 -0.70% 45.37% 0.02% 16 Higher Education & Campus Ministries 624 6,239 - 6,863 -0.68% 210.19% 0.03% 17 College Chaplaincy Support - 245,111 18,889 264,000 0.00% 0.00% 1.28% 18 Campus Ministry - 446,547 34,413 480,960 0.00% 0.00% 2.32% 19 Youth Ministry - 59,792 - 59,792 -1.48% 12.41% 0.29% 20 Young Adults 557 5,571 - 6,128 -0.68% 268.20% 0.03% 21 Children's Ministries 1,721 17,213 - 18,934 9.24% 42.67% 0.09% 22 Older Adults 631 6,313 - 6,944 -0.70% 566.90% 0.03% 23 Education & Nurture 283 2,832 - 3,115 -0.67% 149.29% 0.02% 24 Camp & Retreat Ministries Inc. - 255,324 19,676 275,000 0.00% 0.00% 1.33% 25 Emerging Church Support - 856,356 65,994 922,350 -20.61% -20.61% 4.46% 26 New Faith Communities: Sal & Ben 15,271 198,131 45,269 258,671 -4.10% 17.90% 1.25% 27 New Faith Communities Office - 59,606 4,594 64,200 0.00% 5.99% 0.31% 28 Disability Concerns 186 1,857 - 2,043 -42.42% -28.69% 0.01% 29 Financial Discipleship Team 1,393 13,927 - 15,320 -0.68% 484.55% 0.07% Subtotal - Christian Formation Team $30,868 $2,276,840 $188,834 $2,496,542 -9.36% -3.71% 12.06% Leadership Team 30 Multicultural Ministries Team $0 $12,070 $0 $12,070 11.00% 11.00% 0.06% 31 Multicultural Ministries Grants - 46,423 - 46,423 -0.68% -0.68% 0.22% 32 Multicultural Ministries Program 569 96,067 - 96,636 -6.40% -5.88% 0.47% 33 Monitoring & Accountability 348 3,482 - 3,830 -0.70% 129.38% 0.02% 34 ** Ministerial Education Fund - 616,940 - 659,750 -0.71% 1.10% 3.19% 35 Board of Ordained / Diaconal Ministry 22,019 220,187 - 242,206 3.53% 48.48% 1.17% 36 Laity 335 25,997 - 26,332 -8.55% -7.47% 0.13% 37 District: DS Sal & Ben - 1,067,718 82,282 1,150,000 4.95% 4.95% 5.56% 38 District: ADS Sal & Ben - 598,423 46,117 644,540 5.49% 5.49% 3.11% 39 DS/ADS Offices 3,241 210,944 - 214,185 1.11% 2.68% 1.03% 40 District Centralized Support: Sal & Ben - 120,699 77,801 198,500 69.50% 69.50% 0.96% 41 District Centralized Support: Office 2,043 20,426 - 22,469 12.84% 195.45% 0.11% 42 DS & ADS: Travel 10,455 131,840 - 142,295 15.75% 26.51% 0.69% 43 Cabinet Meeting Expenses 1,894 37,138 - 39,032 4.38% 9.95% 0.19% 44 Ministerial Relations Office:Sal & Ben 8,581 323,668 15,000 347,249 -4.42% 4.59% 1.68% 45 Ministerial Relations Office 2,304 23,044 - 25,348 3.44% 28.50% 0.12% 46 Christian Unity 650 6,499 - 7,149 -0.68% 15.11% 0.03% 47 NC Council of Churches - 16,712 - 16,712 -0.68% -0.68% 0.08% 48 Office of the Bishop 4,011 40,109 - 44,120 -0.68% 16.50% 0.21% 49 Effective Ministry Program - 23,211 - 23,211 -0.68% -0.68% 0.11% 50 Nominations 93 928 - 1,021 -0.68% 256.10% 0.00% Subtotal - Leadership Team $56,543 $3,642,523 $221,201 $3,963,078 4.61% 9.16% 19.14%
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(continued) IIb. 2015II b. 2015 Actual Actual Operating Operating Budget Budget
DRAFT Carry Total Operating 15 Budget/ 15 Budget/ Ministry Teams Over from Raised Approved Budget 14 Budget 14 Actual % of Row # 2014 in 2014 Supplement for 2015 % Change % Change Total Stewardship Team 51 Annual Conf. Expense $5,707 $176,406 $13,594 $195,707 -5.80% 3.18% 0.95% 52 Annual Conf. Registrar: Sal & Ben - 3,714 286 4,000 0.00% 0.00% 0.02% 53 Conf. Secretary's Office 1,671 16,712 - 18,383 -5.91% 168.05% 0.09% 54 Conf. Secretary's Office: Sal & Ben - 90,679 6,988 97,667 5.49% 8.30% 0.47% 55 Conf. Journal/Printing 1,857 18,569 - 20,426 -33.79% 22.59% 0.10% 56 Communications 7,641 76,411 - 84,052 4.68% 26.67% 0.41% 57 Publications: Every Day Grace Magazine - 12,534 - 12,534 -52.96% -52.96% 0.06% 58 ** General Administration - 216,865 - 231,963 -0.69% -0.69% 1.12% 59 ** SEJ Mission & Ministry - 71,208 - 76,696 0.00% 0.00% 0.37% 60 Conf. Treasurer's Office: Sal & Ben - 709,195 105,653 814,848 7.50% 7.50% 3.94% 61 Conf. Treasurer's Office 4,714 148,181 (51,000) 101,895 -24.06% -21.30% 0.49% 62 Treasurer Bonding & Insurance - 29,019 - 29,019 187.69% 187.69% 0.14% 63 Information Management Office 5,684 56,844 - 62,528 -18.16% -3.13% 0.30% 64 Information Management: Sal & Ben - 227,959 57,567 285,526 9.12% 9.12% 1.38% 65 Conf. Board of Trustees - 1,625 - 1,625 -0.67% -0.67% 0.01% 66 Contingency Fund 643 13,927 - 14,570 0.00% 0.00% 0.07% 67 ** Meth. Bldg. Operating Fund - 155,980 - 171,000 1.79% 9.63% 0.83% 68 ** Meth. Bldg. Capital Fund - 185,690 - 210,000 5.00% 13.09% 1.01% 69 Episcopal Residence - 13,927 - 13,927 -0.68% -0.68% 0.07% 70 Staff Housing Allowances - 81,556 - 81,556 2.93% 2.93% 0.39% 71 Legal Counsel - 18,569 - 18,569 -6.40% -6.40% 0.09% 72 Equitable Compensation 8,994 162,479 12,521 183,994 12.47% 19.01% 0.89% 73 Minister's Moving Expense 16,248 162,479 - 178,727 -6.05% 29.90% 0.86% 74 Joint Comm. on Clergy Medical Leave 33,424 334,242 - 367,666 -10.62% 6.74% 1.78% 75 Conf. Claimants-Retiree Insurance - Current - 2,506,815 - 2,506,815 -0.68% -0.68% 12.11% 76 General and Jurisdictional Conference - 27,854 - 27,854 -0.68% -0.68% 0.13% 77 Archives & History - 13,272 - 13,272 -73.11% -64.31% 0.06% 78 Conf. Media Center - 7,028 - 7,028 18.02% 18.02% 0.03% 79 CCM Office, Mtgs. & Cong. Revitalization 2,865 115,360 - 118,225 3.30% 5.95% 0.57% 80 CCM Staff: Sal & Ben 108,981 1,089,812 - 1,198,793 -0.68% 11.28% 5.79% Subtotal - Stewardship Team $198,429 $6,744,908 $145,611 $7,148,865 -0.62% 4.89% 34.53% Conference Connectional Ministries $286,871 $13,486,808 $653,067 $14,529,473 -0.49% 4.57% 70.19% 81 World Service & Connectional Ministries $286,871 $15,283,813 $653,067 $16,451,198 -0.52% 3.93% 79.47% Past Service Liability 82 ** Past Service Liability $0 $3,079,612 $0 $3,300,000 0.00% 0.00% 15.94% Other General Conference 83 ** Episcopal Fund $0 $519,596 $0 $576,367 1.98% 1.98% 2.78% 84 ** Africa University Fund - 55,381 - 58,890 -0.71% -0.71% 0.28% 85 ** Black College Fund - 245,756 - 263,181 -0.70% -0.70% 1.27% 86 ** Interdenominational Coop.Fund - 48,084 - 51,622 -0.62% -0.62% 0.25% 87 Total Other General Apportionments $0 $868,817 $0 $950,060 0.91% 0.91% 4.59% 88 Grand Total All Funds $286,871 $19,232,242 $653,067 $20,701,258 -0.37% 3.14% 100.00% 89 Total General Conference $0 $3,499,626 $0 $3,763,498 -0.30% 0.01% 18.18% 90 Total Jurisdictional Conference $0 $71,208 $0 $76,696 0.00% 0.00% 0.37% 91 Total Pensions & Conference Claimants $0 $5,586,427 $0 $5,806,815 -0.30% -0.30% 28.05% 92 Total Annual Conference $286,871 $10,074,980 $653,067 $11,054,249 -0.43% 6.22% 53.40%
** Funds raised and spent in the same year
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IIc. Contingency Reserve Fund
II c. Contingency Reserve Fund
2014
Income Interest Income on Checking $ 25,797 Interest on CD Investments 21,501 Interest on UMF Investments 325,441 Net Reclaim Last Year 381,800 Other Receipts (Return of supplement) - Post Audit Receipts from prior year 37,113 TOTAL INCOME $ 791,652
Distributions Current Year Budget Supplements $ 800,289 Current Year Non-Budget Supplements 189,016 Subsequent Year Budget Supplements 653,067 Subsequent Year Non-Budget Supplements 96,594 Interest / Service Charges Paid 56,770 Audit Adjustments 3,883 TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS $ 1,799,619
Change in net assets (Total Income - Total Distributions)$ (1,007,967)
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IIc. Contingency Reserve Fund (continued)
II c. Contingency Reserve Fund
Non-Budget Supplements: 2014 2015 Academy for Leadership Excellence $ - $ 56,084 Asbury Homes - 40,510 Camp & Retreat Ministries, Inc. 29,016 - Imagine No Malaria Campaign 100,000 - Partners in Ministry 60,000 - Total Non-Budget Supplements $ 189,016 $ 96,594
Budget Supplements: 2014 2015 ** Africa University Fund $ 3,178 $ - ** Black College Fund 14,832 - ** Episcopal Fund 31,560 - ** General Administration 16,712 - ** Interdenominational Coop.Fund 2,991 - ** Ministerial Education Fund 35,658 - ** Past Service Liability-Pensions 190,640 - ** SEJ Mission & Ministry 5,488 - ** World Service 138,484 - Annual Conf. Expense - 13,594 Annual Conf. Registrar: Sal & Ben - 286 Camp & Retreat Ministries, Inc. - 19,676 Campus Ministry - 34,413 College Chaplaincy Support - 18,889 Conf. Secretary's Office: Sal & Ben - 6,988 Conf. Treasurer's Office: Sal & Ben - 54,653 Disaster Readiness & Response - 1,073 District: ADS Sal & Ben - 46,117 District: Centralized Support Sal & Ben - 77,801 District: DS Sal & Ben - 82,282 Emerging Church Support 307,646 65,994 Equitable Compensation - 12,521 Information Management: Sal & Ben - 57,567 Ministerial Relations Office: Sal & Ben - 15,000 Missions & Outreach 33,100 96,347 New Faith Communities Office 20,000 4,594 New Faith Communities: Sal & Ben - 45,269 Total Budget Supplements $ 800,289 $ 653,064
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III. Financial Policies The United Methodist Church is a connectional church, and all local churches participate in the mission and service giving of the larger church. The outreach and mission giving opportunities of the Connection are distributed to the churches of the NC Conference by means of a formula based on the financial performance in each local church. Every effort is made to develop a computation which is shared with fairness by all. Church leaders are encouraged to interpret the work of the Connection so that each congregation understands these funds to be a necessary extension of the ministry and mission of the church beyond its local organization. A. Apportionments: 1. The funds to be apportioned are: • World Service and Connectional Ministries • Past Service Liability – Pension • Episcopal Fund • Interdenominational Cooperation Fund • Black College Fund • Africa University Fund 2. Formula: The Apportionments for each year shall be based on the average of the total monies disbursed by each church in the four years immediately previous to the apportionment year less the approved exclusions each year, or on the most recent year less the approved exclusions, whichever is lower. The change in unadjusted apportionments from the previous year shall not increase in excess of 15%. The exclusions are: Payments on World Service and Connectional Ministries, Past Service Liability – Pension, Episcopal Fund, and all other apportionments; principal and interest on indebtedness; buildings and improvements; 50% of property insurance; local benevolences paid directly by the local church; General and Conference Advance Specials; IMPACT10; up to $4,500 for travel paid by a charge for each pastor; United Methodist Student Day; Human Relations Day; Peace and Justice Sunday; Native American Awareness Sunday; One Great Hour of Sharing; World Communion Sunday; UMW Funds sent to district or conference treasurer; housing allowance paid in lieu of furnished parsonage to a minister serving under Episcopal appointment in a charge of the Conference; offerings taken for disasters as designated by the Disaster Response Committee and the Resident Bishop. 3. Effective July 1, 2004, new congregations shall be assigned an apportionment beginning in the apportionment year in which the church is chartered (Year A in the following table), or five years from launch date, whichever is sooner. The new and projected charter dates for all new churches shall be reported annually by the New Faith Communities Office to the Treasurer’s Office immediately following Annual Conference. The amount to be apportioned shall be a percentage of the apportionment as computed on the standard formula described in III.A.2 above. Because this formula results in a lower apportionment for a longer period than earlier new church formulas, no adjustment will be allowed to the apportionment computed as shown in the following table:
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Year Percent Base Year Net Disbursement Formula Maximum % Change A 0% None None B 60% =(4A)/4 None C 65% =((3A)+B)/4 None D 70% =((2A)+B+C)/4 None E 75% =(A+B+C+D)/4 None F 80% =(B+C+D+E)/4 None G 85% =(C+D+E+F)/4 None H 90% =(D+E+F+G)/4 None I 95% =(E+F+G+H)/4 None J 100% =(F+G+H+I)/4 None
4. Apportionments to the churches shall be made by the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) based on the current formula. Each cause shall be paid proportionately out of the income from funds received up to the amount fixed by the Annual Conference. In the event receipts shall fall short, all items shall be paid pro-rata. The CFA is authorized to make supplementary appropriations between sessions of the Annual Conference, if funds are available, for emergency or unforeseen needs. Such supplementary appropriations shall be made only from available undesignated funds. It is the intent of CFA that 50% of supplemental funds available be designated for the retirement of our current liabilities. In the light of possible unforeseen and emergency need beyond available resources within the Annual Conference, the CFA is authorized to adjust the pro-rata distribution by up to 10% at its discretion and is authorized to use such funds to make supplementary appropriations according to this provision. General Church apportionments will be paid in full as collected to general agencies and will not be subject to adjusted pro-rata distributions. All supplementary appropriations made under these provisions shall be reported in the Conference Journal for purposes of information. 5. Apportionments will be delivered from the treasurer’s office to the district superintendents by July 17, 2015. 6. The percentage payout rate for local churches shall be based upon payment of all six apportioned items as listed in Section III.A.1. above.
B. The following special offerings shall be taken in each local church and remitted to the Conference Treasurer as separate items. They are not to be included in the Apportionments. General Church special offerings include United Methodist Student Day, Human Relations Day, Peace with Justice Sunday, Native American Awareness Sunday, One Great Hour of Sharing, and World Communion Sunday. Annual Conference approved special offerings include Project AGAPE Mission to Armenia, Methodist Home for Children, Mother’s Day Offering for the Methodist Retirement Homes, Golden Cross Sunday and Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries.
C. No Conference agency’s budget shall incorporate funds to be appropriated to a nonconference agency, without specific approval of CFA. All funds granted to a nonconference agency must be spent consistent with the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church.
D. No transfer of funds shall be made from one line item in the Conference Budget to another.
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E. All General Church Funds (World Service, Episcopal, Ministerial Education, Black Colleges, Africa University, Interdenominational Cooperation, General Administration), Past Service Liability Fund, Jurisdictional Conference, and Methodist Building Routine and Capital Maintenance Funds will be raised and paid out in the same year. All other funds will be raised and paid out in the subsequent year on a schedule determined by the CFA.
F. Investment Policy: The investment of the funds of the conference shall be such that funds available for mission are maximized in a manner consistent with the preservation of capital and with the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. Investments are with the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. (local), the United Methodist Church Foundation (national), area banks, and with specific minority financial institutions within the bounds of the NC Conference. Investments of funds reserved for use in the next budget year shall be invested 50% fixed income investments and 50% equity investments.
G. Monies paid by the churches shall be reported to the statistician by the pastors at the end of the year on the Table II, Financial Report. The Table I, Table II and Table III reports for 2015 shall be due to the statistician no later than January 31, 2016.
H. The Council may enact its own bylaws governing meetings, quorum, and other matters of procedure as authorized in the Discipline, Para. 610.5.b. I. The Council shall maintain a central treasury for all Conference agencies as authorized by Para. 611.11 of the Discipline, and the 1953 session of the Annual Conference. Annual Conference boards and agencies, including those separately incorporated, are required to maintain their funds on deposit in the central treasury unless exempted by the Annual Conference or the Discipline. Exemptions are granted to the Methodist Home for Children, the Methodist Retirement Homes, the Colleges, the United Methodist Foundation, Inc., Board of Missions, Inc., Asbury Homes, and North Carolina United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc. J. All new programs or entities which would not be funded by an existing approved budget shall be referred to the CFA for review of budget needs and supplemental funds available prior to approval by Annual Conference. If the item is approved, the next year’s budget shall be amended to include the necessary funds based on the CFA recommendation. K. Contracts executed by commissions, boards, or agencies which obligate the Annual Conference must: 1) be created for periods of no more than 12 months and should be completed by June 30 annually, 2) not involve expenditures exceeding $50,000 in the aggregate and 3) not include a guarantee by the Conference of debt incurred by a separately incorporated entity. All contracts that exceed a 12-month period and/or $50,000 must be authorized by the Council on Finance and Administration. Should authorization be needed between meetings of CFA, it can be given by two signatures from the Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, the president of CFA or the Conference Treasurer and will require ratification by CFA at its next meeting.
IV. Itinerant Clergy Moving Expense Effective Date – June 1, 2015 The Itinerant Clergy Moving Expense Committee met to study moving expense needs and policies. The Committee makes the following recommendations.
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A. Eligibility 1. Pastors of local churches continuing under appointment to local churches within the Conference, district superintendents, ministerial assistants to district superintendents and Conference ministerial staff whose salaries are paid from the Conference Treasurer’s office. 2. Pastors in section A.1. who become Conference Evangelists upon moving from an appointment to new residence. Their moving expense to return to any of the above categories will also be paid. 3. Pastors in section A.1 who retire from serving appointment or who assume approved medical leave or return into active service from approved medical leave. 4. Widows or widowers of those identified in section A.1. upon moving from place of appointment to new residence. 5. Pastors moving into an appointment in the North Carolina Conference under section A.1. 6. Interim Supply pastors 7. Pastors being appointed to leave of absence are entitled to moving expense for one leave of absence. 8. Pastors who are called to active military duty will be entitled to moving expense at the time of call up, if need be, and at the time of return, if need be, if not covered by the military, with substantiation of the military orders. 9. Persons moving who are not defined above will not be eligible to make claim. B. Payment of Claims 1. All reimbursements must be substantiated with paid receipts for actual moving expenses. All reimbursements must be for expenses which are deductible for income tax purposes according to Internal Revenue code, Section 217, non-taxable fringe benefits. Payment will be granted to all who are eligible to make claims as follows: a. Active itinerant clergy in section A.1., A.2., A.5., A.6., A.7. and A.8. (except retiring clergy, widows, widowers, and clergy couples) will receive reimbursement of costs up to $2,250.00 with submission of paid receipts for actual moving expense. b. Retiring itinerant clergy, widows or widowers will receive reimbursement of costs up to $3,500.00 with submission of paid receipts for actual moving expenses. The retirement amount may be granted upon request when taking medical leave in lieu of receiving the retirement benefit at retirement. c. Itinerant clergy couples will receive reimbursement of costs up to $2,600.00 with submission of paid receipts for actual moving expenses. If only one member of the clergy couple is re-appointed, section B.1.a. will apply. 2. Travel: Mileage is reimbursed at the standard IRS rate for moving expense deductions. This rate may be paid per mile per vehicle for a single trip to move each vehicle to the new residence. If a vehicle is used to move household goods, i.e., in lieu of a moving company, additional trips maybe reimbursed as necessary. The per trip mileage will be computed from appointment to appointment, or from the Conference boundary to the appointment, or from the appointment to the residence/Conference boundary (in case of retirement), whichever is less. Either the mileage as described above or actual out of pocket expenses for gas, oil, etc. may be reimbursed from the Conference boundary.
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3. Reporting and Payment Requirements a. IRS guidelines require that moving expense reimbursements be reported on a W-2. Based on recommendation from legal counsel and their consultations with the Internal Revenue Service, we recommend that the W-2 be issued by the local church. The Conference Treasurer will provide to the local church all moving expense information to be reported on the W-2. The Conference Treasurer will make payment to the new local church appointment. The new local church will pay the clergy and include the moving expense on the W-2 that they issue to the pastor at the end of the year. In absence of a new appointment, payment will be made to and reported by the old appointment. b. The Conference Treasurer will make this payment upon receiving the Itinerant Clergy Moving Expense Requisition form signed by the person receiving reimbursement and verified by the District Office, along with appropriate receipts to substantiate the expenses. c. The pastor should send the completed document, “So You’re Moving” checklist to the District Office. This will fulfill the2012 Discipline, Paragraph 2533.4, which states “The chairperson of the board of trustees or the chairperson of the parsonage committee, if one exists, the chairperson of the committee on pastor-parish relations, and the pastor shall make an annual review of the church-owned parsonage to ensure proper maintenance.” d. Moving expense funds will be withheld by the Conference Treasurer if the district superintendent determines that the parsonage was inadequately cleaned or was damaged beyond normal wear and tear. If an inspection by the district superintendent and the pastor-parish relations committee or the parsonage committee reveals monetary needs for cleaning or repairs, or for having the fuel tank filled, the remaining balance of the moving expense due said pastor shall be made payable to the respective district to pay for needed cleaning or repairs. If the district superintendent or the moving pastor is NOT in agreement with said pastor-parish relations committee or the parsonage committee, the superintendent may request the arbitration committee of the clergy living committee to inspect the parsonage involved and give an impartial recommendation. 4. The Conference Treasurer will make an advance payment up to $600.00 to eligible itinerant clergy to cover the expense of deposit and fees for moving expenses prior to their move, upon verification by the District Office. Those receiving an advance must substantiate their expenditures, and any money that is left over shall be refunded to the Conference Treasurer. All advance payments shall be included in W-2 information provided to the local church by the Conference Treasurer for inclusion on the W-2. 5. No additional claim can be made against a local church, district or the Conference for payment of moving expenses. 6. Reimbursable expenses include the cost of boarding and moving domestic animals, the moving of recreational vehicles, moving household and personal goods, travel as defined in B.2., lodging, packing, crating, in-transit storage and insurance, labor costs, and any other expense necessary to physically move household items. Expenses which are not reimbursable include meals, purchase of household items, or any other item not reasonable or necessary for the move. 7. The request for moving expense reimbursement must be received in the Treasurer’s Office no late than four months following the date of the move. 8. Reimbursement will be considered a qualified, non-taxable fringe benefit not subject to income and self-employment tax when: • Your move is 50 or more miles from the old appointment to the new appointment and • Your new appointment is full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months at the new location. 48 Council on Finance & Administration North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
If your new appointment does not meet the above conditions, then the reimbursement will be reported as taxable for both income and employment tax. However, if your reimbursement is treated as taxable income, an additional stipend in the amount of 20% of the taxable income portion will be provided. The maximum stipend will be no more than 20% of the applicable limit stated in section B.1. C. Review Committee 1. There will be a Review Committee consisting of one person appointed by the chairperson of the Council on Finance and Administration, one district superintendent appointed by the Bishop, the Conference Treasurer, the director of Ministerial Relations and the chair of the Moving Expense Committee. 2. The Review Committee will consider and have final authority over any questionable or disallowed claim or special claim beyond allowances set in the approved plan.
V. Local Church Finance Minimum Standards Serving as a financial officer or in a financially related position within a local church requires that we serve with fiduciary responsibility over the financial matters of the church. This fiduciary responsibility means that we stand in service to perform our duties with the trust and confidence that we act for the benefit of the church and not for the benefit or convenience of ourselves. As we serve with these responsibilities in local churches, we are guided to provide the most effective and most efficient ways to safeguard the assets entrusted to our care. One of the ways we safeguard the assets is to put procedures in place that have been proven to minimize risks by preventing and detecting error, deterring fraud and protecting innocent staff and volunteers. The following guidelines have been developed in order to assist those with financial responsibilities in local churches to identify and implement basic internal control procedures. These guidelines are intended to aid in the prevention or deterrence of fraudulent behavior and are not accusations that fraudulent activities are being performed. These guidelines provide protection for those in a position of controlling financial activity from being accused of fraud. Part of the fulfillment of our calling to be good stewards of the Lord’s funds is having effective procedures in place to safeguard those funds. These minimum standards should be increased for churches with higher volumes of transactions but should not be compromised for lower volumes of transactions. All local churches are expected to meet these minimum standards. A. Receipts and Disbursements 1. Treasurer and Financial Secretary should not be the same person and should not be in the same immediate family residing in the same household 2. Counting team (at least two unrelated persons) should count offerings and document totals – not treasurer and not financial secretary 3. Offerings should be deposited the same or next business day 4. Offering count details should be given to financial secretary for recording 5. Offering totals should be given to the treasurer or financial secretary to record deposit 6. The Financial Secretary’s deposit log should be compared to the bank statement to verify deposits (by bank reconciliation reviewer) 7. At least two persons should be listed as authorized signatures on all accounts. This should also be the case for setting up electronic payments (or EFTs). For EFTs, one of those individuals should be a Trustee or a member of the Finance Committee (other than the Secretary or Treasurer). 8. The Treasurer is authorized to make electronic payments of bills. The Treasurer shall maintain support for every electronic payment just as with the support for paper checks.
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9. Financial policy and authority guidelines should be written and approved by the Finance Committee (there is a template available on the Conference Treasurer’s Office website). 10. Invoices should be required for all payments from all accounts 11. Someone other than the treasurer (with authority by Finance Committee) should approve invoices for payment 12. Typically, the Treasurer should make payments only after the invoice is approved. A policy may be implemented where routine, budgeted expenses (i.e., rent/mortgage, electric bill, etc.) may be paid without recurring approval; non-routine expenses must be approved prior to payment. B. Reporting and Review 1. All accounts should be reconciled monthly 2. Someone other than treasurer should review bank reconciliation at least semiannually – including bank statements, invoices, checks written, and financial reports 3. The Treasurer should make detailed report of budget and designated fund activities to the Finance Committee at least quarterly 4. There must be an annual evaluation of financial records – at least in as much detail as the Local Church Audit Guide (completed by August 1 for preceding year) – including ALL accounts of the church (except UMW may be under separate evaluation or audit) – ALL accounts includes the general fund, building funds, designated accounts, cemetery funds, discretionary funds, Sunday school accounts, etc. 5. An external annual audit of ALL accounts should be done at least every three years for churches with total annual disbursements of more than $500,000 per year (completed by August 1 for preceding year). An annual evaluation should be performed during the interim years. 6. While a full audit is optimal, the term ‘external audit’ could mean a review by a CPA firm or other qualified individual (one with an accounting degree and accounting experience) that is independent of the church’s Finance Committee or church council. 7. An external annual audit of ALL accounts should be done every year for churches with total annual disbursements of more than $1,000,000 per year (completed by August 1 for preceding year). The term ‘external audit’ in this recommendation refers to an audit by an independent CPA or firm – not a member of the church. An opinion is given on the financial statements—both balance sheet and income statement. 8. An individual CPA may participate in an audit, however, s/he must be a member of a church audit team performing an audit; thereby, a member of an audit team reporting to the church’s finance committee. (Revised July 2011) C. Tax Reporting Requirements 1. W-2s must be issued for employees, including pastors, and 1099s issued for non-employee compensation by January 31 for preceding year (federal law requirement) 2. Payroll tax forms and deposits done as required for payroll amount (federal law requirement) – payroll reporting should be completed for the IRS and SSA by appropriate due date for filing method 3. Housing allowance or exclusions approved annually at charge conference and kept on file (federal law requirement)
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D. Other General Requirements 1. Prepare list of all church property for insurance purposes – include item description, serial number and value 2. Prepare list of safety deposit box contents – update authority as needed – access should be allowed by two unrelated people 3. Computer records are backed up and password protected for security 4. Ideally, four individuals are required for regular financial procedures: financial secretary, treasurer, person to review and approve invoices and person to review bank reconciliations. It is possible for this to be accomplished with 3 individuals if proper segregation is achieved.
VI. Approval To Solicit Funds Any organization designated as a Conference Advance Special may ask local churches to consider opportunities for giving. It shall be at the discretion of the local church as to whether, when and how these opportunities will be presented to the membership. Solicitation or private campaign may not be taken directly into local churches of the Conference through solicitation in classes or other groups or by the use of membership lists (either partial or in entirety).
Approval is given to the requests of the following agencies and programs for the privilege of soliciting funds under these policies throughout the District or Conference. A. Christmas Offering for District programs and/or projects. B. The Commission on Congregational Development for the promotion of the Church Extension, IMPACT10, and the John Wesley Endowment for Congregational Development. C. The Board of Directors for Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc. to solicit from church groups and individuals, materials and money for specific projects for the three camps of the North Carolina Conference. D. Methodist Retirement Homes, Incorporated; Methodist Home for Children; Louisburg College; Methodist University; North Carolina Wesleyan College; and Asbury Homes for the privilege of private solicitation and receipt of such funds as may be directed thereto. E. The United Methodist Foundation, Incorporated, as provided in its charter. F. The Disaster Response Committee upon joint decision of the committee and the Resident Bishop to respond to disasters within the bounds of the NC Annual Conference.
The CFA continues to recommend that 100% “Missional Service Giving” be the on-going priority. The Council also recommends that stewardship continue to be a missional focus, Conference priority.
VII. District Superintendents’ Salary The Council on Finance and Administration recommends that the formula for computing the annual salary for the district superintendents be the average of the top 25 pastors’ salaries in the Conference for the previous year, no less than the salary of the previous year. Salary is defined as cash salary plus nonvouchered allowances. We recommend the 2016 salary for district superintendents be set at $106,010.
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VIII.Organization and Procedure (presented for information only) A. The audit for 2014 will be by Crosslin & Associates, Nashville, Tennessee. B. The president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer of the CFA shall serve as the executive committee of the Council. In addition to these individuals, at-large members of the executive committee include chairpersons of the CFA sub-committees. C. The Conference Treasurer will include in the monthly financial reports, for any given month, all monies received in the office by 8:30 a.m. on the 5th day of the following month, except when the 5th day falls on a weekend or holiday the report will include the funds received by 8:30 a.m. on the following workday. D. The Treasurer may approve minor overexpenditures of a budget line item up to $5,000 or 5% of the line item, whichever is less. A request for such overexpenditure shall be submitted in writing in advance and shall state the reason for the request. The overexpenditure will be reported to CFA and will be listed in the Conference Journal. E. Any Conference or non-conference agency which receives financial support from Conference funds or from any authorized conference-wide appeal in excess of $5,000 shall submit, with any budget request, an annual detailed audited budget report of all receipts, disbursements and assets. A statement in effect that “All funds granted have been spent consistent with the social principles of The United Methodist Church” will be furnished to CFA upon submission of the audit. Such reports received may be reported in whole or in summary form in the Conference Journal and shall remain on file in the treasurer’s office. An agency may be exempted (for just cause) from this reporting requirement by CFA. Note: CFA requests the Board of Institutions to provide regular reports (at least annually) regarding its financial monitoring of related institutions/programs. The financial monitoring shall include consideration of a final independent audit for the institution, pension plan and affiliated entities, including journal entries, the auditor’s management letter and any other reports of the auditors; liability insurance coverage levels; and the institution’s projected budget for any subsequent fiscal years, including the current fiscal year. F. A carry-over of budgeted funds remaining (not including any supplemental appropria-tions) of up to 10% of the amount raised for the subsequent year will be allowed for Conference budget line items. Any carryover or portion thereof by this policy may be rescinded in any year in which funds are not available to meet basic ministry needs as determined by the CFA. G. Funds appropriated to a board or agency must be spent in the calendar year of the appropriation unless otherwise allowed. H. Supplemental Appropriations: The Council will consider requests for supplemental appropriations in the following priority order: First Priority • Salary and benefit items previously approved according to the policies of the Annual Conference or General Conference (i.e. Equitable Compensation Funds, staff salaries, etc.) • Programs authorized and mandated by the NC Annual Conference which are not included in the Annual Conference budget for that financial year. • Amounts required by the Past Service Funding Plan adopted jointly by the Board of Pensions and the CFA which are not raised by the Board of Pensions annual budget requests.
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Second Priority • New creative programs to respond to emerging needs and to expand the mission of the Annual Conference which are not included in the Conference budget for that year. Such programs will be funded through supplemental appropriations only on a short-term basis. • Emergency needs and programs in the life of the boards and agencies of the Annual Conference. The petitioning group shall make such requests in writing to the trea-surer’s office at least 15 working days before a scheduled CFA meeting. Third Priority • Any other type of funding requests. Procedure for seeking supplemental appropriations: 1. All requests for supplemental appropriations shall be made to the CFA President and/or the Conference Treasurer’s office in writing at least 15 working days before a scheduled CFA meeting. 2. The normal procedure for requests for supplemental appropriations will be a review by the CFA supplemental appropriations committee which will make a recommenda-tion to the full Council. 3. If an emergency request for supplemental appropriations is received between scheduled meetings, the CFA supplemental appropriations committee will consider the request and direct the Conference treasurer to forward it to the membership via mail or e-mail with a recommendation for action. I. Interest shall be paid to/from the Board of Pension, Insurance Fund, Blackburn Scholar-ship Fund, Church Extension Redevelopment, and Church Extension Salary Endowment funds using the rate of the conference interest bearing checking account, compounded monthly, on monthly average balances held by the Conference treasurer. J. Retroactive adjustments for transfer or posting delays will be made to the Board of Pension and the Insurance Fund accounts for earnings calculations. K. Funds in excess of operational needs for the Board of Pension and the Insurance fund are invested in the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. of the N.C. Conference, the Board of Pension and Health Benefits or other socially balanced investment funds as deemed appropriate by the Council. L. In order to prevent a loss of funds due to investment risk, and in order to have funds available for emergency use, the goal of the Council is to maintain minimum reserve funds equal to 15% of the current operating budget for World Service and Connectional Ministries and the Past Service Liability. Supplemental appropriations from current year earnings shall follow the guidelines in paragraph H above. Supplemental appropriations beyond current year earnings shall follow the following guidelines: 1. If reserves are less than or equal to 20% of the current operating budget, then only supplements to meet payroll for existing positions may be considered. 2. If reserves are above 20% and below 30% of operating budget, then only supplements to meet payroll for existing positions, ministries and unfunded liabilities may be considered. 3. If reserves are equal to or greater than 30% of operating budget, then other requests may be considered. 4. No request may be considered if the amount requested would reduce reserves below 15% of operating budget. M. Mailing address labels will be available for a nominal fee to conference agencies, clergy and lay members of Annual Conference or other United Methodists for church-related uses.
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N. CFA Meeting Schedule: The executive committee meets at the call of the President. Scheduled meetings are: June 11, 2015: There may be a called meeting in conjunction with Annual Conference if necessary to elect officers or conduct other business. September 15, 2015: A meeting to be held for considering general business matters. November 3, 2015: An optional meeting to be held if necessary at the call of the President. December 1, 2015: To consider apportionment matters and supplemental appropriations for salaries. January 15, 2016: To look at the shortfall and make a decision regarding paying out the general church apportionments. (Subject to change based on GCFA final closing date.) February 2, 2016: To consider the operating budget for the current year. All payments on apportionments are due to the Treasurer by mid January. A report of receipts, amounts allocated to the budgeted boards and agencies, and supplemental appropriations are decided at the meeting. March 22, 2016: To consider the budget to be recommended to Annual Conference which will be raised in the subsequent year and spent in the year following that. Additionally, the CFA policy recommendations to the Annual Conference are adopted. O. Dates to Remember: July 17, 2015: Apportionments sent to the Districts. November 4, 2015: Requests for supplemental appropriations for the 2015 operating budget due in the treasurer’s office. January 13, 2016: Annual Conference and General Church remittances must be received by 8:30 A.M. in order to receive credit for 2015. (Subject to change based on GCFA final closing date.) January 15, 2016: Requests for supplemental appropriations for the 2016 operating budget due in the treasurer’s office. January 31, 2016: Tables I, II and III due to the Conference statistician. February 3, 2016: Requests for the 2018 budget, to be adopted at the 2016 Annual Conference, due to the Treasurer’s Office from Conference Connectional Table (CCT) team leaders so that they can go to the CCT for their late February meeting.
IX. United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP), and UMLifeOptions A. General 1. The lay employee’s supervisor is responsible for making lay employees aware of these rules and procedures. Detailed information on the UMPIP and the UMLifeOptions is available from the treasurer’s office. Supervisors will have lay employees who are eligible for these benefits contact the treasurer’s office 60 days before they are eligible for participation, or sign a waiver form if they decline to participate in the UMPIP. The form will be kept on file in the treasurer’s office for future reference. 2. The Conference Treasurer’s office will administer the UMPIP and the UMLifeOptions. 3. Contributions will be withheld from the employees pay and remitted to the General Board of Pension by the treasurer’s office within ten business days after receiving the bill from the General Board of Pension.
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B. United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP – Effective January 1, 2006) 1. The lay employee must be full time (at least 20 hours per week). 2. The lay employee must be an employee for 1 continuous year before becoming eligible for UMPIP. 3. The conference contribution will be twelve percent (12%) of the employee’s base compensation. 4. The lay employee’s required contribution will be 3% of the employee’s base compensation. Participants in the UMPIP must be participants in the UMLifeOptions. C. UMLifeOptions 1. The UMLifeOptions plan is a death and disability plan for lay employees. 2. UMLifeOptions is an employer funded plan and, as such, is required enrollment for all eligible employees. 3. Employees are eligible after one year of employment working at least 20 hours per week.
Sheila Ahler, President
55 Committee on Insurance North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
I. The Insurance Committee is to be made up of representatives from the following boards and agencies: 2-Board of Pensions; 1-Board of Pensions Chair; 2-Board of Ordained Ministry;2-Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave; 3-Lay Members appointed by the Commission on Laity; 5-At Large Members. The following members are without vote: 1-Conference Treasurer; 1-Controller; 1-Benefits Manager; 1-Director of Ministerial Relations. The representative should be elected at the organizational meeting of these boards and agencies. Once elected from its constituent groups at the beginning of each quadrennium, the Insurance Committee’s membership will remain established for the remainder of that quadrennium
II. Group Term Life Insurance A. The current life insurance program is provided by MetLife. B. Our coverage is $25,000 for active participants, $12,500 for retired clergy up to age 72. Effective July 1, 2005 the coverage for retirees age 72 and over is $5,000. Current spouse and child coverage is $10,000 per person. The spouse’s life insurance terminates upon retirement of the subscriber. C. The active life insurance plan is non-contributory. Life insurance premiums are to be paid by the salary-paying unit. D. Supplemental Life insurance guidelines (voluntary individual enrollment): 1. Participant must be enrolled in active Conference life insurance plan. 2. Initial voluntary enrollment November 1 – 30, 2007 for an effective date of January 1, 2008. 3. Premiums should be withheld by the salary-paying unit on an after tax basis. Premiums will be included on the monthly invoices issued by the Treasurer’s Office. 4. Late applicants may apply for coverage during Open Enrollment and are subject to health questions. Approval or denial is administered by MetLife. E. Basic LIFE INSURANCE CLAIMS PAID FILED IN 2014: Total Claims Paid FILED: 20 Total Benefit Paid FILED: $152,500
III. Health Insurance Benefits A. Group Health 1. The Insurance Committee will provide the proposed benefits to the members immediately before each Annual Conference session. The committee considers the most current financial information that is available before adopting its recommendations. 2. Insurance companies who make inquiries, for the purpose of submitting proposals, will be notified of a $200 processing fee. This fee will help cover the costs of preparation and processing of the information necessary for proposals. 3. The NC Conference health care plan has been amended as necessary to comply with federal Health Care Reform.
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B. Policy and Rules 1. Effective January 1, 2004, the North Carolina Conference offered a Preferred Provider (PPO) health insurance plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Details may be obtained by contacting the Benefits Manager in the Treasurer’s Office, 800-849-4433. 2. Effective January 1, 2012 the North Carolina Conference recommends offers a PPO Base Plan for health insurance benefits with the option of a PPO Buy-Up plan for increased health insurance benefits. 3. Effective January 1, 2014 benefits will include life insurance, health, pharmacy, and mental health services. Optional benefits available will include supplemental life, dental coverage, medical reimbursement, and dependent care accounts. Funding for all optional coverages will be the responsibility of the participant. 4. Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care Accounts must be established during Open Enrollment (November 1 – 30), for an effective date of the following January 1. If you do not claim these funds prior to March 31 for the preceding plan year (plan year being the previous calendar year plus a 75 day grace period of the current year), these funds are forfeited. Participation in the Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care accounts is contingent upon participation in the health insurance plan. 5. A change of life circumstances (birth, marriage, divorce, death, loss of spousal coverage) will allow a mid-year change. When there is a change in family status, or a change of address, it is the insured’s responsibility to notify the Treasurer’s Office within 30 days. The toll free number to the Methodist Building in Garner is 1-800-849-4433 where staff persons continue to provide personal attention to insurance matters. 6. Effective January 1, 2004, health insurance for the subscriber may continue for 18 months after employment is terminated provided that full payment of the monthly premiums is made in advance. The continuation of life insurance beyond the termination of employment is not permitted by the life insurance carrier. Conversion of the life insurance may be possible by contacting MetLife at 1.877.275.6387or [email protected]. 7. Adding new family members must be completed within 30 days of the qualifying event or 60 days if the eligible change is related to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 8. Effective January 1, 2014, participants will no longer be subject to the pre-existing conditions clause under federal healthcare reform. Children under the age of 19 are not subject to preexisting conditions. 9. Effective January 1, 2004, the Conference health insurance plan will be the primary carrier for active participants who continue to work past the Medicare eligibility age, and are enrolled in the Conference health plan. 10. Pre-Certification of all in-patient admissions is required. Effective January 1, 2004, call Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC at 800-214-4844. Mental Health benefits should be pre-certified through Magellan Behavioral Health at 800-359-2422 11. Denial of claims or incorrect processing of claims should be appealed through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. There are two levels of appeal. 12. Payment for the church’s portion of the insurance programs must be made by the church/charge treasurer. Personal checks cannot be accepted due to IRS regulations governing Section 125 cafeteria plans. The personal portion of insurance premiums must be withheld from the participant’s salary by the salary-paying unit on a pre-tax basis.
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13. Premiums for health and life insurance may be paid in ADVANCE on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. 14. Lay persons or clergy on maternity/family medical leave may continue their insurance coverage, as long as the premiums are paid. 15. The Insurance Committee may terminate the coverage for non-payment of premiums. Insurance payments which are 60 days late (from the date of the bill) will result in termination of benefits. Termination will take place on the last day of the month in which the 60th day has occurred. Benefits may be reinstated without lapse in coverage if full payment is made within 30 days of the termination date. Thereafter, insurance coverage may be reinstated upon full payment and coverage will be effective the first day of the following month. Children under the age of 19 are not subject to preexisting conditions. 16. In case of termination of coverage, the church is responsible for the premium until the Treasurer’s Office is notified in writing of such termination.
IV. Statement of Intent The NC Annual Conference established a Life Insurance Plan with the intent of providing coverage for the active and retired clergy and a Group Health Plan with the intent of providing coverage for active clergy. However, the Annual Conference reserves the right to terminate the health and life contracts, in whole or in part, at any time. The Annual Conference, at any time or from time to time, may amend any or all of the provisions of the health or life plan without the consent of individual participants.
V. Eligibility Policies of Non-Retired Participants A. If you enroll in the Conference insurance plan, you are eligible for your coverage to begin on the first day of the month following the date of hire, or appointment. Coverage is not automatic. Completion of an enrollment form on a timely basis is required (within 30 days of original eligibility). B. You must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be eligible for the Conference insurance plans. C. Health insurance and life insurance through the Conference groups will be available to the following: 1. Clergy who are members in full connection of the Conference, probationary and commissioned probationary members, associate members, student local clergy, full-time and part-time local clergy, serving full-time or part-time under appointment in: a. One of the churches or charges of the NC Conference. b. One of the institutions or agencies of this Conference receiving financial support from the Conference. c. An institution or agency established to provide a ministry or service provided that: i. Clergy shall elect in writing within 30 days after the appointment to continue the coverage. If the coverage is discontinued, a one year waiting period for pre-existing conditions may apply. ii. The institution shall be responsible for payment of all insurance premiums by the due date.
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2. Clergy eligibility for insurance is based on the following three criteria: a. Serving half-time or greater appointment. b. Making one-half of minimum salary as determined by the Clergy Compensation Worksheet line 7. c. Working at least 30 hours per week. 3. Clergy on Leave of Absence, provided a written request to retain benefits is submitted to the Benefits Manager within 30 days of the appointment of Leave of Absence. The participant is responsible for the entire monthly rate (church portion and personal portion) by the due date. D. Post Retirement Benefits 1. Eligibility for post retirement benefits may be viewed in detail in the Board of Pensions Report Section B. 2. Post retirement health plan funding eligibility for clergy newly licensed, commissioned or ordained effective July 1, 2009 (or later), under Episcopal appointment to a NC Conference responsible appointment (i.e. eligible for enrollment in the Conference Insurance plan) will be based on total months enrolled in the Conference Insurance Plan. A minimum of 180 months total enrollment is required for funding eligibility. 3. Effective January 1, 2014 funding for post retirement health benefits will be established by the Conference Board of Pension via a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Post 65 retirees may purchase individual health care plans with the assistance of Towers Watson or on their own. Individual HRA balances can be used to reimburse retirees for qualified expenses. Funding of the individual HRA will be based on the accrued years of credit as outlined in the Board of Pension Report. E. Clergy Couple Appointments 1. Clergy couples will be enrolled in the life insurance program separately. This affords the clergy couple with the maximum life insurance benefits available. Clergy couples are not permitted to cover each other under the provisions of the life insurance. Eligible dependents may only be covered by one member of the clergy couple. F. Clergy Medical Leave Appointments 1. Clergy placed on Clergy Medical Leave can remain covered under the Conference insurance plans, provided they were enrolled and covered in the Conference plan immediately preceding the approval date of Clergy Medical Leave. G. Clergy eligible for life and health insurance through the North Carolina Conference benefits under option V. A – C (above) are entitled to these benefits. H. Lay Employees: 1. An insurance administrator must be appointed at each church/charge to manage insurance policies dealing with lay staff. It is the responsibility of each local church/charge and its officers to be apprised of the parameters of the Conference insurance plan. 2. Each local church must have at least 75% participation of the eligible lay employees to participate in the Conference plan. a. As of January 1, 2007, churches who currently have less than 75% participation will be allowed to continue the current participation of their lay employees under the Conference plan.
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3. The employee must work a minimum of 30 hours weekly and must be enrolled in the period specified for initial enrollment. a. This period being within 30 days of date first eligible, or be added as a late applicant during Open Enrollment. 4. Persons appointed as Interim Supply are enrolled as lay employees. 5. The Committee recommends that the church provide this benefit to lay employees with the same premium payment policy as recommended for clergy. 6. All churches providing post-retirement benefits to retired lay employees will be billed in full for the funding of the post retirement HRA or life insurance premiums associated with retirement insurance benefits. The Annual Conference is not responsible for the funding of local church retired lay staff benefits. I. Continuation of Benefits 1. The participant may be eligible to continue health insurance for up to 18 months following the loss of employment or appointment. 2. Written requests for continuation should be submitted to the Conference Benefits Manager within 30 days of the termination of employment or loss of appointment. 3. The life insurance cannot be continued. Conversion of the life insurance may be possible by contacting MetLife at 1.877.275.6387 or [email protected]. 4. Flexible Spending Accounts are not available to terminated participants, as they are no longer receiving salary from which to with-hold these funds. Funds already contributed must be claimed within 90 days of the termination date. J. Open Enrollment 1. Open Enrollment for active participants is held each year from November 1 through November 30. 2. During Open Enrollment, an active employee or appointee may enroll in the Conference insurance plan. 3. Flexible Spending Accounts must be established for the upcoming year during Open Enrollment. If the participant does not establish a new account during each Open Enrollment, they cannot participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts for the upcoming year. K. The Insurance Committee continues to explore eligibility options for future benefit plans and questions of church participation. L. Participants enrolled in the Conference health and life insurance plans may continue to be enrolled in the Conference benefits as long as they are Episcopally appointed, employed as lay staff, meet the qualifications of Continuation as defined in Section G above, and meet the required eligibility rules and regulations.
VI. Historically, the Insurance Committee has developed rates based on maximum actuarially projected claims.
VII. The Insurance Committee strives diligently to present the best possible health and life insurance coverage available to the North Carolina Annual Conference. Careful consideration is given to benefits and rates that are proposed each year.
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2016 Proposed Life, Health and Dental Insurance Monthly Rates: Basic Life Insurance* *paid by church Single $14.50 Family $18.75 Health Insurance Base Plan Buy-Up Plan Church $1,056.33 $1,056.33 Personal Single $ 171.98 $ 199.62 Personal Parent/Child $ 318.34 $ 369.49 Personal Family $ 438.15 $ 508.57 Dental Insurance Personal Single $35.10 Personal Parent/Child $63.08 Personal Family $99.10
(Personal portions for health and dental are withheld from salary on a pre-tax basis.)
The Committee wishes to thank the members of the Annual Conference for their support.
Alan Swartz, Chairperson
61 Board of Pension North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
BOARD OF PENSION Report A – General Information
I. We recommend special appropriations for the following persons in the indicated amounts:
A. To be paid by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits: Ministers: 1. Howard M. Wilkinson, an amount equal to two years of credit. 2. Rev. Luis “Lucho” Reinoso, an amount equal to $858 per month as a missional special grant effective 7/1/08 plus health and life insurance premiums less the minimum retiree contribution. The surviving spousal missional special grant will be reduced by 25%. Surviving Spouses: 1. Doris Dellinger Reynolds, build up to 20% of the denominational average compensation for 1982 with 2% annual increase. B. To be paid from the Pension support Fund: Surviving Spouses: Charlotte Calloway Dingus, total annual benefit $385.00, paid in 12 monthly payments. Mary Frances Ham Evans, total annual benefit of $3,240.00, paid in 12 monthly payments, plus premiums for group health insurance. Sarah O. Meadows, $150 per month toward health insurance premiums. Nancy Terry Traynham, $150 per month toward health insurance premiums. Ruby A. Phillips, $150 per month toward health insurance premiums.
II. We concur with the following ministers for Clergy Medical Leave: Vernon Brown – Continued, Effective April 1, 2010 Stephen Compton – Continued, Effective July 1, 2011 John Marshall Crowe – Continued, Effective July 1, 2003 James Harold Daniels – Continued, Effective September 1, 2013 Victor Louis Galipi – Continued, Effective March 1, 2002 David William Girod – Continued, Effective July 1, 2007 Larry Stephen Grady – Continued, Effective March 1, 2004 Robert Michael Hammond – Continued, Effective July 1, 2009 Lawrence Clayton Higgins – Continued, Effective February 1, 2005 Alison B. Hocutt – Continued, Effective May 1, 2013 Teresa Lawrence – Continued, Effective December 1, 2007 Ronda Lee-Torres – Continued, Effective December 1, 2001 Carolyn Wilkins Lucas – Continued Effective October 1, 2006 Hector Manuel Millan – Continued, Effective July 1, 2004 Cynthia D. Powell – Continued, Effective December 1, 2014 William W Snotherly, Jr – Continued, Effective February 1, 2014
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Clinton William Spence – Continued, Effective September 1, 2000 Debra Starling Watson – Continued, Effective November 1, 2001 William Joseph Wilburn – Continued, Effective December 1, 2014
We recommend the following pastors to be placed on Clergy Medical Leave for the first time: William Joseph Wilburn, Effective December 1, 2014 Cynthia D. Powell, Effective December 1, 2014 David Wade, Effective July 1, 2015 Ben Sims, pending
Who have been placed on Clergy Medical Leave since the last Annual Conference? William Joseph Wilburn, Effective December 1, 2014 Cynthia D. Powell, Effective December 1, 2014
Who have had their Clergy Medical Leave terminated since the last Annual Conference? Ronald J Snider Tommy Lewis Evans
Who are to be removed from Clergy Medical leave at this Annual Conference? Lon William Miller William Rickman Pinner
III. Claimants removed from responsibility roll by death: Ronald James Snider – July 8, 2014 Fred Falls, Jr – July 28, 2014 George Robert McKenzie, Jr – August 25, 2014 Wesley Paul Aitken – August 28, 2014 Robert Franklin Pierce, Jr – September 1, 2014 M. Randall Baker – October 28, 2014 Jack Manly Hunter – November 2, 2014 Glenn Bates Everett – October 29, 2014 Peleg D Midgett III – November 19, 2014 Henry W Lee – December 1, 2014 John Gilbert Olive – December 3, 2014 Clarence Garner – December 10, 2014 James Milan Waggoner – December 14, 2014 Frank Owen Fitzgerald, Jr – February 10, 2015 Leland Jan Fogleman – February 7, 2015 Haywood W Gillikin – February 18, 2015 James Collins P Brown – March 15, 2015 Gerald Rudolph Massey – March 11, 2015 Jean Livingston Hood – March 16, 2015 John Martin Bowman – March 19, 2015 Tommy Lewis Evans – March 27, 2015 Charles Cooper Smith – April 4, 2015 Lois A Wood – July 2, 2014
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Vivian P Mitchell – July 7, 2014 Anna E. G. Collins – September 1, 2014 Inez S Nickens – October 14, 2014 Irene H Mullikin – October 20, 2014 Wanda Hamilton Dodson - October 25, 2014 Julia Rogers May – December 15, 2014 Betty Hamilton – January 20, 2015 Fleeta C Edwards – January 18, 2015 Jean P Jerome – February 17, 2015 Christine Crawford Winberry – February 19, 2015 Lucy Jefferson Tyson – January 31, 2015 Virginia Lupton – August 22, 2014 Paul Bottari – September 14, 2014 Alexanne Clarke – November 30, 2014 Dorothy Poulk – April 19, 2015 John Thomas Smith – April 30, 2015 Frankl L. Alexander – May 1, 2015 Robert Harris – May 2, 2015
IV. New Claimants: Kathryn Ann Snider – July 8, 2014 Frances Tuttle McKenzie – August 25, 2014 Ruth Ellen Aitken – August 28, 2014 Kathy Weaver Pierce – September 1, 2014 Freda Baker – October 28, 2014 Wilma Holt Hunter – November 2, 2014 Patricia Everett – October 29, 2014 Carol W Midgett – November 19, 2014 Elgie U Garner – December 10, 2014 Margaret J Waggoner – December 14, 2014 Mary Owens Bell Fitzgerald – February 10, 2015 Jenny C McIntosh – February 18, 2015 Martha P Brown – March 15, 2015 Fayette Smith Bowman – March 19, 2015 Andrea Jill Williams Smith – April 4, 2015 James Glen Lupton – August 22, 2014 Rosario V Bottari – September 14, 2014 William Thomas Clarke – November 30, 2014 Judy Harrell Smith – April 30, 2015 Mildred Alexander – May 1, 2015 Jo Elaine Harris – May 2, 2015
V. Ministers retiring this year (Years of Service listed are according to service history as found in the GBOPHB and NC Conference records):
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A. Par. 358.1 (Mandatory Retirement – Age 72) STEWART A. CRANK (Age 72, 21.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 12.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years post-2013 CRSP credit) LELAND M. HEATH (Age 72, 16.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North, Carolina Pre-82 credit, 7.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) RONALD W. SCOTT (Age 72, 1.0 year under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 0.0 years of MPP credit, 2.25 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.5 years of post- 2013 CRSP credit) effective July 1, 2014 NINA PAUL VINSON (Age 72, 7.5 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North] Carolina Pre-82 credit, 7.5 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post- 2013 CRSP credit) B. Par. 358.2a (Early Retirement - 20 or more years under appointment towards retirement eligibility) NONE C. Par. 358.2b (Retirement with Actuarially Reduced Benefits – Age 62 or 30 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility) ROGER D. COPE (Age 64, 37.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 3.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) RICK A. MOSER (Age 63, 39.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 5.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) GEORGE R. PATTON (Age 62, 38.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 4.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) D. Par. 358.2c (Regular Retirement – Age 65 or 40 years under appointment) SALLY G. BATES (Age 65, 19 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 10.5 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) EDWARD M. GUNTER (Age 66, 43.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 9.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) EILENE Z. BISGROVE (Age 67, 12.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 3.5 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) JO ELAINE HARRIS (Age 67, 7.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 1.5 years of MPP credit, 3.5 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) STEVEN A. HICKLE (Age 64, 42.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 8.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 5.5 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) WA YNE M. HICKS (Age 66, 29.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 13.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) [Baltimore-Washingt on 7.0 years]
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STEPHEN N. LITTLE (Age 65, 37.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 22.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) [Kentucky 6.0 years] DONALD T. MILLER (Age 65, 9.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 1.5 years of MPP credit, 6.5 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) LON W. MILLER (Age 65, 31.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 13.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) [West Virginia 9.0 years] WILLIAM R. PINNER (Age 65, 47.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 13.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) BETTYE D. POOLE (Age 71, 0.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 0.0 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) SANDY SCHALLER (Age 67, 13.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 4.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) PATRICIA A. SMITH SYKES (Age 66, 16.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 7.5 years of MPP credit, 6.25 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) JESSE C STATON, JR. (Age 67, 40.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 7.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 24.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) HOPE A. VICKERS (Age 66, 20.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 11.5 years of MPP credit, 7 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.5 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) E. Par 358.2d Ad Interim Retirement a. Par. 358.2a (Early Retirement – 20 or more years under appointment) NONE b. Par. 358.2b (Retirement with Actuarially Reduced Benefits – Age 62 or 30 years under appointment) FRANK B. ALLEN (Age 58, 32.25 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 24.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.75 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) Retired October 1, 2014. JOY R. MACVANE (Age 63, 7.25 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 6.0 years of MPP credit, 0.5 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) Retired January 1, 2015. ALVESTER I. GALES (Age 62, 30.5 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.5 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) c. Par. 358.2c (Regular Retirement – Age 65 or 40 years under appointment) DAVID A. ARGO (Age 70, 17.5 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 9.5 years of MPP credit, 7.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 1.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) Retired January 1, 2015.
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RICHARD D. SHANNONHOUSE (Age 65, 39.75 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 6.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 25.0 years of MPP credit, 0.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) Retired March 1, 2015. F. Par 358.2 Local Pastors retiring this year a. Par. 358.2a (Early Retirement – 20 or more years under appointment) NONE b. Par. 358.2b (Retirement with Actuarially Reduced Benefits – Age 62 or 30 years under appointment) WILLIE F. ALLEN (Age 71, 15.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 13.5 years of MPP credit, 1.5 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) LINDA H. ROWE (Age 66, 7.5 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 7.5 years of MPP credit, 4.0 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) GERTRUDE N. WILDER (Age 68, 0.0 years under appointment towards retirement eligibility with 0.0 years of North Carolina Pre-82 credit, 0.0 years of MPP credit, 1.25 years of 2007-2013 CRSP credit, 0.0 years of post-2013 CRSP credit) c. Par. 358.2c (Regular Retirement – Age 65 or 40 years under appointment)
VI. We recommend that the expense account of the Board of Pension and such independent consultation expense as necessary during 2015-2016 be paid from funds designated as Administrative Expense in the Board of Pension Budget.
VII. Recommendations regarding service credit: A. The Conference Board of Pension voted at its April 27, 2015, meeting to recommend granting one-quarter (0.25) years of credit for insurance purposes only to C. Keith Sexton.
Report B – Recommendations for the Pension Program and Post-Retirement Benefits
I. Funding Plan for Supplement One of the Clergy Retirement Security Program A. Defined Plan Benefits: Supplement One of the Clergy Retirement Security Program (Pre-82 Plan) provides defined benefit pension benefits to participating retired clergy for all service rendered to the North Carolina Conference through December 31, 1981. This plan will continue until all pastors with past service benefits and their surviving spouses are deceased and is administered by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB). B. Current Past Service Rate: For many years, the Book of Discipline has defined Pre-82 Plan defined benefits as a fixed payment per year of past service. This fixed payment is the Past Service Rate (PSR). The benefit goal is stated to be a PSR of 1% of the Conference Average Compensation (CAC). The 2015 CAC for the North Carolina Conference is $71,154. The 2015 PSR is $683 or 0.96% of the CAC. Our Conference Board would like to maintain a PSR of at least 0.9% of CAC. North Carolina CAC has increased by an average of 2.21% per year over the past 10 years. We estimate future PSR increases to average approximately 2.5% each year. C. Funded Status: The Conference is required to fund all future benefits of the Pre-82 Plan by December 31, 2021. Funded Status (previously called unfunded liability) is the difference of the current assets held by the GBOPHB for future benefits of North Carolina participants and the total present value of all future benefits to be
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paid under the plan at the approved PSR. The GBOPHB values assets and liabilities of the plan every two years and projects data to current years based on the increase in PSR and investment earnings. For the 2015 Funding Plan, GBOPHB and the Conference use an assumed earnings rate of 7.0%.
The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has determined that the portion of the pre-82 plan liability attributable to North Carolina Annual Conference is $40,730,472 with a 2.5% PSR increase assumption based on a 2015 PSR of $683. Plan funds currently held with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits have a value of $15,384,945 as of January 1, 2013 (for 2015 funding plan).
The difference between the total plan liability and current plan funding is $25,345,527. This represents the unfunded plan liability and will be provided through apportionments and non-plan funds that are held in various investment sources. The Conference intends for contributions to be made within the 7-year period, ending December 31, 2021. The minimum annual contribution due December 31, 2015 is currently estimated to be $3,445,187. D. Funding Plan for 2015: Our conference pays for plan benefits through several potential funding sources. Both the interest and principal of non-plan funds may be available for retirement funding needs. Below is a description of the non-plan assets available to pay the present value of future contributions. Our Conference expects to utilize annual apportionments from the local churches as the primary source for pre-82 pension funding. Our Conference expects to receive annual apportionments in an amount of $3,300,000 for 2015 through 2016. The present value of the expected apportionments is $5,966,460. This apportionment funding was originally approved by the 1991 Annual Conference with revisions approved by the 2013 Annual Conference.
The Conference maintains a General Deposit Account with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits that has a value of $17,164,588 as of January 1, 2015. Both the interest and principal from this account are available to meet future contribution requirements.
The Conference maintains and manages various liquid asset accounts that are available for Supplement One of the Clergy Retirement Security Program funding. The current value of these accounts are $2,919,441 as of January 1, 2015. Both the interest and principal from these sources are available to meet future contribution requirements.
The Superannuate Endowment fund has a value of $541,979 as of January 1, 2015. All of it is available except for the original balance of $87,195.39, from which interest only is available.
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The 2015 funding plan as of January 1, 2013 is summarized below:
Assuming a PSR Increase of 2.5% $40,730,472 Current Plan Funding as of 1/1/13 $15,384,945 Unfunded Plan Liability as of 1/1/13 $25,345,527 Projected Unfunded Plan Liability as of 1/1/15 $22,114,400
Additional Plan Assets: Present Value of Future Apportionments $5,966,460 General Deposit Account (GBOPHB) $17,164,588 Conference Managed Liquid Asset Accounts $2,919,441 Conference Superannuate Endowment Fund (GBOPHB) $454,784 Total Additional Plan Assets $26,505,273
Proposed Past Service Rate: The 2016 CAC for the North Carolina Conference is $71,523. We propose that the past service rate beginning January 1, 2016 be increased to $700 per service year, or 0.98% of the CAC. Assuming 2.5% future PSR increases and 7.0% investment earnings, this increase creates an unfunded liability of $22,908,691. The minimum annual contribution due December 31, 2016 is currently estimated to be $3,557,772.
II. Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) (effective through December 31, 2006) Guidelines for the Ministerial Pension Plan and the Comprehensive Protection Plan are contained in the plan document. A copy of the summary plan document is available on request by contacting pension services in the treasurer’s office. A. Service on and after January 1, 1982 through December 31, 2006 was funded on a defined contribution basis. This plan is basically deferred salary, and creates no unfunded liability because it builds an account of funds for a specific minister as his/her salary is paid. B. These contributions were placed in the individual minister’s Church Account to be available for benefits when the minister becomes eligible for payment in the retired relationship. C. Each minister who is eligible for benefits will be required to designate beneficiaries for the benefits he/she is qualified to receive.
III. Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) (Effective January 1, 2007) Guidelines for the Clergy Retirement Security Program and the Comprehensive Protection Plan are contained in the plan document. A copy of the summary plan document is available on request by contacting pension services in the treasurer’s office. Service on and after January 1, 2007 will be funded on a combined defined contribution/defined benefit basis. A. Defined Benefit (Effective January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2013) 1. The Defined Benefit will be 1.25% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) according to the plan document.
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2. The Defined Benefit portion will be funded based on a percentage of Plan Compensation calculated on a yearly basis using up to the normal cost rate provided by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits factoring in the annual interest rate. The current assumed interest rate is 7.0%. The funding percentage rate through 2013 is 10.4% of Plan Compensation. B. Defined Benefit (Effective January 1, 2014) 1. The Defined Benefit will be 1.0% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) according to the plan document. 2. The Defined Benefit portion will be funded based on a percentage of Plan Compensation calculated on a yearly basis using up to the normal cost rate provided by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits factoring in the annual interest rate. The current assumed interest rate is 7.0%. The funding percentage rate for 2014 is 8.8% of Plan Compensation. C. Defined Contribution 1. Benefits will be provided based on the participant’s account balance at their actual retirement date. 2. The Defined Contribution portion funding is based on three percent (3%) of Plan Compensation. 3. Of the 3% funding, a 2% non-matching contribution will be made to the participant’s Defined Contribution account with 1% matching if the participant makes a contribution of at least 1% to their United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) account. 4. Any funds remaining from a pastor’s non-participation in the matching component will be redirected to fund the liabilities of other components of the pension plan. D. Plan Compensation is calculated by the GBOPHB according to the plan document: 1. Vouchered travel and utilities paid directly to utility companies are not used in Plan Compensation calculations since this is considered by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits to be a local church expense. 2. Clergy couples housing: a. When only one of the spouses is furnished a parsonage, the one furnished the parsonage includes the housing allowance. b. When one spouse is furnished the parsonage and the other a cash allowance, the one furnished the parsonage will use the 25% housing allowance and the other will report the actual cash housing paid. c. When two parsonages are furnished each spouse claims a housing allowance. d. When neither is furnished a parsonage, the actual cash housing allowance may be counted by the person/ or persons receiving the allowance. 3. In accordance with the plan document, the housing allowance for those furnished housing is 25% times the cash salary. 4. Those furnished a cash housing allowance will report the actual amount in accordance with the plan document. E. The Clergy Retirement Security Program contribution from the local church is to be paid monthly by the Church or Charge Treasurer to the Conference Treasurer’s Office. F. The Defined Contribution portions are placed in the individual minister’s Church Account to be available for benefits when the minister becomes eligible for payment in the retired relationship.
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G. Each minister who is eligible for benefits will be required to designate beneficiaries for the benefits he/she is qualified to receive.
IV. Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) A. This part of the program contains provisions for a death benefit and disability income. In addition to the provisions of a death benefit for the pastor, there is a death benefit on the life of the spouse and dependent children under age 18 or who are dependent because of disability. The Comprehensive Protection Plan also includes educational benefits for the children of a deceased minister. This part of the plan is only available to those ministers covered under the CPP, whose charges are paying at least minimum full-time salary. 1. Effective January 1, 2002, the disability benefit equals 70% of plan compensation, with plan compensation capped at 200% of the DAC. (The DAC for 2015 is $66,259 and for 2016 is $67,333) The disability benefit is reduced by any disability benefits payable under the Social Security Act. This revised benefit applies only to eligible clergy whose disability effective date, as determined by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, is on or after January 1, 2002. 2. The Comprehensive Protection Plan contribution from the local church is to be paid monthly by the Church or Charge Treasurer to the Conference Treasurer’s Office. (Effective November 1, 2004) 3. Pastors who have been approved for a leave of absence for military service and who were enrolled in the CPP prior to the date of their leave will continue to be enrolled in the CPP under optional Conference enrollment. 4. Death Benefits provide $50,000.00 as the benefit paid on the death of an eligible active participant. B. Death Benefits in retirement prior to January 1, 2013 1. For participants who retire prior to January 1, 2013, the death benefit payable upon the death of the clergyperson is $19,877.70 for the year 2015 and $20,199.90 for 2016. This is 30% of the DAC. The death benefit payable upon the death of a spouse of an active or retired participant is $13,251.80 for 2015 and $13,466.60 for 2016. This is 20% of the DAC. The death benefit payable upon the death of a surviving spouse of a deceased active or retired participant is $9,938.85 for 2015 and $10,099.95 for 2016. This is 15% of the DAC. C. Death Benefits in retirement after January 1, 2013 1. For participants who retire after January 1, 2013, death benefits payable upon the death of the clergyperson will be fixed at $20,000. The death benefit payable upon the death of a spouse of an active or retired participant will be fixed at $15,000. The death benefit payable upon the death of a surviving spouse of a deceased active or retired participant will be fixed at $10,000. D. Effective January 1, 2007, the cost of the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) will be funded by billing up to the calculated percentage to fund the CPP each year using the rate required by the General Board of Pension. For 2015 the cost is a total of 3% of the actual Plan Compensation up to 200% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). The pastor shall be required to pay 1% of Plan Compensation (up to 1% of 200% of DAC) on an after tax basis and the church or charge shall pay 2% of the Plan Compensation (up to 2% of 200% of DAC). ¶1506.15 in The Book of Discipline 2012.
V. Implementation of the Program The benefit program adopted by your Conference Board of Pension seeks to provide a wider range of support for the minister’s family through death benefits for every member of the family, disability income for the minister in time of great stress, educational benefits for children of deceased ministers, minimum annuity benefits for surviving spouses, and clergy benefits based on the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC).
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A. Costs of the Clergy Retirement Security Program/Comprehensive Protection Plan will be borne by the local charge as an item of ministerial support according to the Plan Compensation of the minister and the category of the charge. 1. Effective January 1, 2007 FULL TIME (Conference Member/Local Pastor) – 10.4% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Benefit portion and 3% of Plan Compensation for CRSP - Defined Contribution portion and 2% of Plan Compensation for CPP (up to 2% of 200% of the DAC) STUDENT (Conference Member/Local Pastor) 10.4% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Benefit portion and 3% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Contribution portion LESS THAN FULL TIME (Conference Member/Local Pastor) 10.4% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Benefit portion and 3% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Contribution portion INTERIM OR RETIRED SUPPLY no pension responsibility 2. Effective January 1, 2014 FULL TIME (Conference Member/Local Pastor) – 8.8% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Benefit portion and 3% of Plan Compensation for CRSP – Defined Contribution portion and 2% of Plan Compensation for CPP (up to 2% of 200% of the DAC) LESS THAN FULL TIME (Conference Member/Local Pastor/Student Pastor) – 11.8% of Plan Compensation for United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP). Of the 11.8% funding, a 10.8% non-matching contribution will be made to the participant’s UMPIP account with 1% matching if the participant makes a contribution of at least 1% to their UMPIP account. Any funds remaining from a pastor’s non-participation in the matching component will be redirected to fund the liabilities of other components of the pension plan. INTERIM OR RETIRED SUPPLY no pension responsibility B. Effective January 1, 2007 Deacons and Probationary Deacons serving in Episcopal appointments to a local church or other entity that falls under the pension plan sponsorship of the Conference shall be enrolled in the plans according to the plan document. C. The pastor will make regular monthly payments to the Conference Treasurer’s Office through the local church treasurer for his/her 1% of Plan Compensation (up to 1% of 200% of the DAC) on an after tax basis for CPP. D. It is recommended that the pastor make regular monthly payments through the local church treasurer for his/her personal taxpaid or taxdeferred contributions to the UMPIP of at least 3%.
(The following, Item VI, was approved by the 1997 Annual Conference to be placed in effect at the conclusion of the Session of the Annual Conference, Year 2000:)
VI. Policies Related to Life and Health Insurance A. The 2017 budget needed to fund health and life insurance, pension grants, administration, etc., is $2,200,000. The 2017 budget to be allocated toward post-retirement health benefit obligations is $500,000. B. Eligibility Policies 1. Clergy persons who retire from the North Carolina Annual Conference with twenty or more full time years of earned pension credit in the North Carolina Annual Conference may receive life and health insurance benefits when the clergy person attains age 62 and receives pension benefits or retires with thirty (30) years of service and receives pension benefits provided at least twenty (20) of the thirty years of pension credit is in the North
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Carolina Annual Conference. The North Carolina pension credit record used to determine insurance funding for retiring Deacons in Full Connection shall consist of eligible North Carolina earned pension credit years in both the lay and clergy pension plans. 2. Effective July 1, 2007, clergy persons who retire at age 59 ½ with 20 or more years may remain on the Conference insurance plan, provided written notification of this intent is provided to the Conference Benefits Manager. The clergy person will be responsible for 100% of the applicable monthly premium until the attainment of age 62 (Report B Section VI B2). At the attainment of age 62, the monthly premium will be adjusted according to the retirement rules in place at the time of retirement. Monthly premiums will then be calculated at the applicable percentages as defined in Report B Section VI D and E. 3. All retired clergy, spouses and surviving dependents must enroll in Medicare part A and part B when first eligible. 4. Effective August 1, 1992, Pastors who discontinued ¶314.1, or Probationary Members, ¶327.6, as well as Conference Members who are retired involuntarily, ¶358.3, who are granted Honorable Location, ¶359; who withdraw to unite with another denomination, ¶361.1; who surrender the ordained ministerial office ¶361.2; who withdraw under complaints or charges, ¶361.3; and Conference Members who are placed on Administrative Location, ¶362 are ineligible to receive retirement health or life insurance benefits when payments from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits begin. [Paragraphs noted are from The Book of Discipline, 2012] C. Retirement prior to January 1, 2004 (Subject to plan changes effective 1/1/2014, section VI.H) Clergy persons who retire prior to January 1, 2004 from the North Carolina Annual Conference will be subject to the current rate policy as outlined below. Effective January 1, 2004, there will be a minimum monthly contribution of $10 per participant (for all surviving dependents and retirees with a clergy retirement date prior to January 1, 2004). Effective January 1, 2012 the minimum monthly contribution as defined above will be increased to $20 per month.
The following policies apply: 1. Before the retired clergy person and/or spouse reach the age of Medicare eligibility (currently 65 years of age), the retired clergy person will pay the amount of premium that he/she paid in the year in which he/she retires. The Conference Board of Pension will pay the difference between the clergy person’s payment and the costs of his/her health insurance. The retired clergy person must continue to pay the amount of premium that he/she paid in the year of retirement until both the retired clergy person and his/her spouse reach the age of Medicare eligibility. Billings will be made monthly from the Treasurer’s Office. 2. If a clergy person who, prior to retirement, has been covered as a single individual for the purposes of health insurance, wishes at the time of retirement to add family members to his/her health care plan, he/she must pay the premium applicable to that type of coverage for the year in which he/she retired. The retired clergy person must continue to pay that amount of premium until both the retired clergy person and his/her spouse reach the age of Medicare eligibility.
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A clergy person who retires from the North Carolina Annual Conference with less than twenty (20) full-time years of earned pension credit in the North Carolina Annual Conference may receive life and health insurance benefits when the clergy person attains age 62 and receives pension benefits or retires with thirty-five (35) years of service and receives pension benefits provided at least twenty of the thirty-five years of pension credit is in the North Carolina Annual Conference. Retired clergy persons and/or dependents with less than twenty years of earned pension credit in the North Carolina Annual Conference will be responsible for the monthly insurance premiums as described in #1 above, with the remaining monthly portion shared by the retired clergy person and/or dependents and the Conference Board of Pension, based on the following formula:
Years of Pension Credit Individual Contribution Board of Pension’s Contribution 1 95% 5% 2 90% 10% 3 85% 15% 4 80% 20% 5 75% 25% 6 70% 30% 7 65% 35% 8 60% 40% 9 55% 45% 10 50% 50% 11 45% 55% 12 40% 60% 13 35% 65% 14 30% 70% 15 25% 75% 16 20% 80% 17 15% 85% 18 10% 90% 19 5% 95% 20 $10 Minimum Remaining Premium
This payment formula remains in effect throughout the participant’s lifetime (clergy person or surviving dependent). D. Retirement after January 1, 2004 (Subject to plan changes effective 1/1/2014, section VI.H) (Eligibility policies can be found in Report B, section VI B) Effective January 1, 2004 the following schedule(s) will apply to all retired clergy and their eligible dependents, whose retirement date is January 1, 2004 or later.
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1. Medicare Eligible (retiree and/or dependents)
Years of NC Pension Credit Individual Contribution Board of Pension Contribution 0-4 Not Eligible Not Eligible 5-9 80% 20% 10-14 70% 30% 15-19 60% 40% 20-24 50% 50% 25-29 40% 60% 30-34 30% 70% 35-39 20% 80% 40 or more 10% 90% 2. Age Less than Medicare Eligible (retiree and/or dependents)**
Years of NC Pension Credit Individual Contribution Board of Pension Contribution 0-4 Not Eligible Not Eligible 5-9 80% 20% 10-14 70% 30% 15-19 60% 40% 20-24 50% 50% 25-29 40% 60% 30-34 30% 70% 35-39 20% 80% 40 or more 10% 90%
3. **The minimum monthly premium billed to the individual will be no less than the active monthly personal portion of the premium for the applicable coverage type. E. Retirement after January 1, 2007 (revised June 2008) (Subject to plan changes effective 1/1/2014, section VI.H) (Eligibility policies can be found in Report B, Section VI B.) 1. Effective January 1, 2007 the Conference Board of Pension will fund only the % above as applied to the Medicare Companion plan rate. Retirees and/or dependents not yet Medicare eligible age will be responsible for the difference between the funded amount as calculated based on the above table(s) and the remaining cost of full coverage. 2. The above % of the Medicare Companion plan premium will be applied to the total active family rate until both the retiree and spouse attain the Medicare eligibility age. 3. Participants who retired under provision E1, (2007 rule) will have their rates re-calculated effective July 1, 2008 to comply with the new E2 provision.
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F. Retirement after July 1, 2009 (Subject to plan changes effective 1/1/2014, section VI.H) (Eligibility policies can be found in Report B, Section VI B.) Clergy under appointment as of June 30, 2009 1. Post retirement insurance plan eligibility for clergy who are licensed, commissioned, or ordained under NC Episcopal appointment to a NC Conference responsible appointment (i.e., eligible for enrollment in the Conference Insurance Plan) as of June 30, 2009 will be determined using years of NC pension credit/pension eligibility accrued through June 30, 2009. Effective July 1, 2009, accrual of future year’s credit toward post retirement benefits will be determined by months of enrollment in the Conference insurance plan with a minimum of 60 months immediately preceding retirement. 2. The retiree must participate in the NC Insurance Plan for 60 consecutive months immediately prior to the date of retirement. 3. In order to maintain insurance benefits after retirement, the retiree must be enrolled in the applicable coverage immediately preceding the date of retirement. 4. Clergy with 60 months of participation in the NC Insurance Plan immediately prior to retirement, but less than 180 months in the plan (over the course of career) will have access to the NC Conference Insurance Plan and contribute the full cost of the applicable coverage of the plan. 5. The retiree may only cover dependents that are covered at the time of retirement. 6. Funding will be based on the chart printed below:
Years of NC Pension Credit/ Individual Contribution Board of Pension’s Years in NC Contribution Insurance Plan 0-4 Not eligible Not eligible 5- 14 100% 0% 15-19 60% 40% 20-24 50% 50% 25-29 40% 60% 30-34 30% 70% 35-39 20% 80% 40 or more 10% 90%
G. Newly appointed Clergy (licensed, commissioned or ordained receiving first time appointment) effective July 1, 2009 (Subject to plan changes effective 1/1/2014, section VI.H) 1. Post retirement insurance plan eligibility for clergy newly licensed, commissioned or ordained effective July 1, 2009, under Episcopal appointment to a NC Conference responsible appointment (i.e. eligible for enrollment in the Conference Insurance plan) will be based on total months enrolled in the Conference Insurance Plan with a minimum of 180 months total enrollment with 60 consecutive months enrollment immediately preceding the date of retirement for funding eligibility.
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2. Participants who meet the 60 consecutive months enrollment but do not meet the 180 months minimum will have access to the plan with no funding from the Conference Board of Pension. The participant will be responsible for 100% of the applicable premiums. 3. Credited enrollment in the insurance plan, once earned, will not be reduced or terminated due to breaks in enrollment. 4. Funding will be based on the following:
Years in NC Insurance Plan Individual Contribution Board of Pension’s Contribution 0-4 Not eligible Not eligible 5-14 100% 0% 15-19 60% 40% 20-24 50% 50% 25-29 40% 60% 30-34 30% 70% 35-39 20% 80% 40 or more 10% 90%
H. Effective January 1, 2014 retirees and covered spouses age 65 or older will be required to obtain their Medicare secondary coverage through the open market with the help of a Conference designated vendor. Funding for the purchase of coverage will be established through the use of a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) based on the applicable retirement rules listed above. Retiring clergy and spouses under age 65 will remain in the Conference active plan until their attainment of the Medicare eligibility age or their request to be removed from coverage. The recommended maximum HRA amount for 2016 is $3,400 with a 3% future increase assumption. I. Life Insurance – A clergy person must have been covered under the conference active life insurance plan in order to retain life insurance benefits after retirement. The Board of Pension does not provide life insurance for dependents of retired clergy. J. Clergy Couples Insurance 1. When one member of a clergy couple retires, medical and life insurance will be paid for the retiree according to the schedules and rules previously listed. 2. Funding of health insurance will be provided for the spouse and eligible dependents of the retired clergy partner according to the rules and schedules previously listed. 3. Each member of a clergy couple would receive credit for the years they were covered under the plan. K. Surviving Spouses Surviving spouses of active participants: 1. Must be enrolled in the health insurance plan at the time of the participant’s death in order to receive health insurance benefits under the current health insurance plan. 2. The Conference Board of Pension will pay the health insurance premiums for surviving spouses and eligible dependents for up to six months following the death of the active clergy person. 3. Premiums thereafter will be determined by the retirement rules in place on the date of death.
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4. When surviving spouses are employed and provided health insurance by their employer, the plan of the Board of Pension will be the secondary carrier. 5. If the surviving spouse remarries, the conference health insurance will terminate. Future benefits under the conference health insurance plan are waived.
Surviving spouses of retired participants: 1. Surviving spouses of retired clergy must be enrolled in the conference HRA plan at the time of the retired clergy’s death in order to receive health insurance funding under the current conference HRA plan. 2. Surviving spouses currently enrolled who married the clergy person after the clergy person’s retirement, can receive funding for Conference sponsored health benefits. The Board of Pension will grant a flat rate of $150.00 monthly towards the funding of the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for the surviving spouse. 3. Surviving spouses of retired clergy who married the clergy person prior to the clergy person’s retirement are subject to the funding schedule applicable prior to the death of the clergy person. 4. Effective January 1, 2001 retired clergy persons may not add new dependents to the health insurance funding plan.
VII. Intent The North Carolina Annual Conference established health, dental, and life insurance plans with the intent of providing coverage for the active pastors. However, the Annual Conference reserves the right to terminate the health, dental, and life contracts, in whole or in part, at any time. The Annual Conference, at any time or from time to time, may amend any or all of the provisions of the health or life plans without the consent of the individual participants.
VIII. Special Provisions The North Carolina Annual Conference Board of Pension is hereby authorized, at its discretion, to arrange with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits for active participation in the CRSP and/or CPP by persons who are eligible under special rules but not automatically included as active participants. (CRSP Plan Document Section 3.3 and CPP Plan Document Section 3.2.)
IX. Conclusion Our constant aim is to provide our retired families with their needs for an adequate income to purchase essentials for living as well as to insure adequate care in case of illness. To these ends our recommendations are directed, and their satisfaction is found in the acceptance of the North Carolina Conference and its membership.
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Report C – Housing Exclusion Allowance (For Income Tax Purposes Only) Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired, Disabled, or Former Clergypersons of the North Carolina Conference
The North Carolina Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, terminated or disabled clergypersons of the Conference:
WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”);
WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation;
WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated and disabled Clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated and disabled Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (“GBOPHB”), any amounts received from the Minister’s Transition Fund (MTF) and including amounts received in this respect from the Duke Endowment, during the year 2013 and 2014 by each active, retired, terminated or disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and 2. THAT the pension, severance or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance designation applies will be any pension, severance or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such an active, a retired, a terminated or a disabled Clergyperson’s pension, severance, or disability plan benefit as part of his or her gross compensation.
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NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state) income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2) and regulations thereunder to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the Clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by the Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion.
Please Note: There is no place on your 1040 Tax Form to list this Housing Exclusion. The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has provided a sample statement to be used: “I received $______from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Incorporated in Missouri; and/or from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline and $______from the Duke Endowment and $______from the Ministers’ Transition Fund (total $______) as reported on the attached 1099 - R’s. I did not include that amount on Line 16b because $______* has been excluded under provisions of IRC Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code as a rental allowance exclusion. As a retired clergyperson, I am entitled to take this rental allowance exclusion.” (*In this blank put the least of the 3 amounts on your Housing Exclusion Worksheet.)
Attach this note to your 1099-R forms.
Report D – Ministers’ Transition Fund
I. The Principles of the Fund – The Ministers’ Transition Fund of the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church (the “Fund”) was established effective November 20, 1937, to assist the minister to more easily make the transition from the active relationship in which a furnished parsonage has usually been provided, to the retired relationship in which the minister provides his or her housing. The Fund has been established by apportionments to each local church in the Outreach Ministries-Fair Share Apportionments and by assessments to each minister who has membership in the Fund. Since all churches have contributed to this Fund, it is the desire of the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church that all ministers participate in the Fund. The Conference does not interpret the churches’ support of the Ministers’ Transition Fund as an additional benefit for their ministers, but as a benefit for all ministers of the Conference. Therefore, the only funds to which a minister can make personal claim are those that he or she contributed to the Fund.
The Conference vigorously emphasizes that the purpose of this Fund is to assist the minister’s retirement transition and not to be an emergency fund available for any other purpose. All participant elections available shall be irrevocable. The Fund is intended to be a church plan within the meaning of section 414(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) which has not made the election under section 410(d) of the Code and is also intended to meet the requirements of a retirement income account under section 403(b)(9) of the Code. The Plan shall be interpreted, wherever possible, to comply with the applicable terms of the Code and all applicable formal regulations and rulings issued under the Code.
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II. The Conference Treasurer – The Treasurer of the North Carolina Conference (the “Conference Treasurer”) shall serve as Treasurer and custodian of this Fund. He or she shall promote this work, receive funds from pastors and charges, and keep permanent records of assessments received and benefits paid.
III. Eligibility for Membership – Membership in this Fund is not mandatory. Each ministerial member of the North Carolina Annual Conference (associate, full, probationary, or full-time local pastor) who is serving full time in a charge or as a district superintendent, a Conference ministerial staff person, or others who are appointed to serve at a North Carolina Annual Conference Institution (Methodist Retirement Home, Inc.; Methodist Home for Children, Inc.; Louisburg College; Methodist College; North Carolina Wesleyan College) or other Episcopal appointment of the North Carolina Annual Conference shall be eligible to join.
In order to remain an active, participating member, the ministerial member of the North Carolina Annual Conference (associate, full, probationary, or full-time local pastor) must continue to serve full time in a charge or other appointment. A full-time local pastor may continue as a member of the Fund only during the time he or she is serving under episcopal appointment. Students under episcopal appointment who have previously served full time and who intend to return to full time service are eligible to continue. Those ministerial members on disability leave, leave of absence, or Conference members with less than full time service, may continue to be active, participating members by meeting the provisions discussed hereafter.
Ministerial members who transfer into the Conference or new ministers receiving appointments for the first time are eligible to join the Fund in January of the year following the Annual Conference session in which their credentials were recognized. Ministers in these categories applying for membership will be assessed on the basis of their total salary and utility allowances for the six months between July 1 and December 31 computed to a twelve-month amount.
Each new member of the Fund shall file an application form. Upon filing of application for membership and paying the recommended assessment for one year, his or her membership becomes effective. The deadline for enrollment for all ministers is January 31 of each year.
IV. Apportionments and Assessments A. Conference Contributions – Funds shall be placed in the Annual Conference budget annually as approved by the Annual Conference. This budgeted amount will be apportioned to charges on the same basis as all other Conference budget items. Funds may also be placed in the fund through special contribution by Annual Conference boards or committees. All such budget or other contributions shall become part of the Fund. B. Minister Contributions – Each minister in a pastoral appointment who participates in the Fund shall be assessed and pay into the Fund on an after-tax basis one percent (1%) of all salary and utility allowances he or she receives each year from the charge he or she is serving and/or Conference sources. (Salary also includes Equitable Salary Fund payments, Duke Endowment Funds, and missionary sources.) Such contributions may be paid in monthly installments by check or electronic bank drafts. C. District Superintendent and Conference Ministerial Staff Contributions – District superintendents and Conference ministerial staff shall be assessed and pay into the Fund on an after-tax basis one percent (1%) of their salary and utility allowances. D. All Other Ministers – All other ministers who participate in the Fund shall be assessed and pay into the Fund on an after-tax basis a sum equivalent to one percent (1%) of their annual salary and utility allowances or one percent (1%) of the Conference Average Salary and Utilities, whichever is greater.
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V. Deadline For Receipt of Assessment – The plan (fiscal) year of the Ministers’ Transition Fund shall be the same as that of the Annual Conference fiscal year, January 1 through December 31. No later than November 1 of each year, the Conference Treasurer shall notify all members their assessment is due. Each member of the Fund shall submit payment for the required assessment no later than January 31 of each year. Such contributions may be paid in monthly installments by check or electronic bank drafts. Assessments received after January 31 will be returned to the minister. If he or she has been a member less than ten (10) years, this lack of payment extends the period for one additional year before dividends can be received. If the minister has been a member over ten (10) years, he or she will receive no dividends for the year involving lack of payment. If any member of the Fund fails to pay his or her required assessment for three consecutive years, he or she shall be required to withdraw from membership in the Fund.
VI. Base Benefits – Base benefits shall be paid to retired members of the Transition Fund as follows: If retired at the end of one year of membership $200.00 If retired at the end of two years of membership 300.00 If retired at the end of three years of membership 400.00 If retired at the end of four years of membership 500.00 If retired at the end of five years of membership 600.00 If retired at the end of six years of membership 700.00 If retired at the end of seven years of membership 800.00 If retired at the end of eight years of membership 900.00 If retired at the end of nine years of membership 1,000.00 If retired at the end of ten years of membership 1,100.00 If retired at the end of eleven years of membership 1,200.00 If retired at the end of twelve years of membership 1,300.00 If retired at the end of thirteen years of membership 1,400.00 If retired at the end of fourteen years of membership 1,500.00 If retired at the end of fifteen years of membership 1,600.00 If retired at the end of sixteen years of membership 1,700.00 If retired at the end of seventeen years of membership 1,800.00 If retired at the end of eighteen years of membership 1,900.00 If retired at the end of nineteen years of membership 2,000.00 If retired at the end of twenty years of membership 2,100.00 If retired at the end of twenty-one years of membership 2,200.00 If retired at the end of twenty-two years of membership 2,300.00 If retired at the end of twenty-three years of membership 2,400.00 If retired at the end of twenty-four years of membership 2,500.00 If retired at the end of twenty-five years of membership 2,600.00
VII. After ten years of membership, and beginning with the eleventh year, the base benefit to be paid is increased by dividends credited to the members account.
Any funds, except as provided below, including apportionments, assessments, forfeitures and earnings thereon, remaining after benefits have been paid to eligible members for the plan year shall be divided into equal parts, in the case of members who remained members through the year, and portions of such equal parts in the case of members who have retired during the year and who are entitled to a part-year allocation, as described below, and
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credited to the accounts of those who have been participating members for more than ten years and are not in arrears for the previous year.
A reserve equal to ten percent of the members’ payments and dividend fund balances as of December 31 each year shall be maintained. Unrealized gains on investments shall be reserved and are not generally eligible to be distributed as annual dividends. The Hearing Committee may supplement the annual dividend from such reserves to maintain the declared dividend in an amount consistent with previous year levels when such action is deemed appropriate considering current investment returns and current economic conditions. The purpose of maintaining these reserves is to insulate the members in any year from market fluctuations and preserve the ability of the fund to consistently provide for housing needs in their retirement.
In the event a member retires during a year after completing ten years of membership, such member may elect to submit payment to the Fund of that portion of their assessment for the year equal to the product of (1) the assessment the member would have paid had the member not retired, and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months in the year prior to the date the member retires, and the denominator of which is 12. If a member pays the assessment described in the preceding sentence, the account of the member shall also receive as an allocation of dividends for such year an amount equal to the product of (1) the amount of dividends which would be credited to the account of such member had the member not retired during such year, and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months in the year prior to the date the member retires, and the denominator of which is 12.
VIII. Limitations on Contributions Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code A. In General – The contributions for any calendar year allocated to a member’s account under Articles VI and VII on behalf of a member under all Qualifying Retirement Plans in which the member participates shall not exceed the member’s Limit on Annual Additions as determined in subsection B of this Article VIII. The provisions of this Article VIII are intended to provide the limit on the amount of contributions to this Fund which are excludable from the gross income of the member pursuant to Code section 415, and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with that Code section. B. Limit on Annual Additions Under Code Section 415 1. A member’s Limit on Annual Additions shall for any calendar year be an amount equal to the lesser of: (a) 100% of the member’s includible compensation within the meaning of Code section 415(c)(3)(E) in such calendar year, or (b) $53,000, or such greater amount as is permitted under Code section 415(c) as adjusted under Code section 415(d)(1)(B).
For purposes of determining a member’s Limit on Annual Additions, in the case of a member who has more than 50% control of an employer (a “Controlled Employer”) within the meaning of Code section 415(h), contributions to a plan of the Controlled Employer that constitute annual additions (as defined in Code section 415(c)(2)) to the member shall be treated as contributions to this Plan. 2. A member’s “includible compensation” for purposes of paragraph (1), above, shall mean the amount of compensation received from an employer within the meaning of Code section 403(b)(3) and 414(e) which is includible in gross income, computed without regard to Code section 911 for the most recent period ending not later than the close of the taxable year which is counted as a one year period of service as defined under
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paragraph (3) below. Such term shall not include any amount received by a former member after the fifth taxable year following the taxable year in which such member was terminated, or utilities to the extent such amounts are not includible in compensation pursuant to Code section 107. 3. A member’s “period of service” for purposes of paragraph (2) above shall be expressed as a number equal to the member’s number of full years of service plus one-twelfth for each one month period of service in addition to his or her full years of service. Part-time service of a member shall be taken into account as the percentage of such service that is equal to the percentage of full-time service served.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Article VIII.B to the contrary, the Limit on Annual Additions of a member who has made an election under Code section 415(c)(7) shall be determined under such Code section and the regulations issued thereunder. C. Prohibition on Before-Tax Salary Reduction Contributions – Before-tax contributions under a salary reduction agreement shall not be permitted under this Fund.
IX. Death Benefits – When a participating member of the Fund dies, the Treasurer shall pay to his or her designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, otherwise to his or her estate, the full amount of the base benefit payments plus the dividends, if any, added to his or her account. In the event that a minister dies prior to the eleventh year of membership, the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or otherwise the estate, shall receive the full amount of the base benefit payments plus the assessments contributed by the participating member. In no case would the beneficiary, beneficiaries or estate receive less at the time of the ministers death than the member’s assessments plus simple interest credited annually at the rate of The United Methodist Foundation, Inc., cumulative dividend yield for the most recent four quarters prior to the date of death.
X. Designation of Beneficiary – Each member shall provide the Conference Treasurer the name(s) of the beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the death benefits described in Article IX are to be paid in the event of death. The designation shall be indicated on a form provided by the Conference Treasurer. A designation shall not be effective unless such form has been duly completed and filed with the Conference Treasurer. In the absence of a designated beneficiary, benefits shall be paid to the member’s estate.
XI. Irrevocable Election Regarding Distribution of Funds – Members actively serving must make, prior to attaining age 59 1/2, an irrevocable election to either terminate from the Ministers’ Transition Fund beginning with the Annual Conference following the attainment of age 60 or to defer termination from the Fund until retirement, as defined in the Book of Discipline, 2012, ¶¶358.1, 358.2a, 358.2b, 358.2c. Such irrevocable election is the responsibility of the member and must be made in writing to the Conference Treasurer by age 59 1/2. Forms can be obtained upon request from the Conference Treasurer. Should the member fail to make the irrevocable election, the member will not terminate from this Fund until retirement.
XII. Payment of Benefits A. In General – At retirement or early termination from the Fund, members who have accrued the same number of years of service credited under the Fund (during the same calendar years) will have exactly the same accrued benefit and will receive exactly the same benefit regardless of their total individual contributions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Fund, all payments under this Fund must be made at least as rapidly as required under section 401(a)(9) of the Code and any proposed or final regulations thereunder, including but not limited to the incidental death benefit requirements of Code section 401(a)(9)(G).
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In no case would the member receive less at retirement than the member’s assessments plus interest computed at the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. cumulative dividend yield for the four most recent quarters prior to the retirement date.
In no case would the member receive less at retirement than the member’s assessments plus interest computed at the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. cumulative dividend yield for the four most recent quarters prior to the retirement date. 1. Ministers With Less Than Ten (10) Years. For ministers retiring between January 1 through Annual Conference, and who retire or terminate from this Fund with less than ten (10) years credit in the Fund shall be paid in a single lump sum immediately following the session of the Annual Conference at which he or she retires or terminates. For ministers retiring between Annual Conference and December 31, payment shall be paid between January 1 and January 10 of the year following the year in which the minister terminates or retires. The benefit shall be the base benefit as prescribed in the table for retired members under Article VI plus minister contributions. 2. Ministers With Ten (10) or More Years. A minister who retires or terminates from this Fund with ten (10) or more years credit in the Fund must make an irrevocable election to receive benefit payments under one of the following options. This irrevocable election must be made no later than ninety days prior to the retirement month or month of termination due to early retirement or disability. For either option selected, total benefit payments shall be the base benefits as prescribed in the table plus the dividends credited. Interest will accrue on the principal balance beginning on the later of the retirement date or July 1 of the retirement year and will continue until the account is paid in full. The interest rate will equal the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. cumulative dividend yield for the four most recent quarters. All payments excluding the payment of member assessments shall be subject to income tax. (a) Two payment option: The first payment shall be equal to the cumulative amount that the member has paid in assessments. The second payment shall be the remainder of dividends and base benefit payment earned during their membership and interest accrued. (b) Six payment option. The first payment shall be equal to the cumulative amount that the member has paid in assessments. The remaining payments shall be five equal annual installments of the remaining dividends and base benefit payment earned during their membership and interest accrued. The six payment option shall not be available to a member following attainment of age 70.
For ministers retiring between January 1 and Annual Conference, under either option, the first payment shall be paid within 15 working days following the adjournment of the Annual Conference following the ministers’ retirement or termination from the Fund. The second and subsequent payments shall be paid annually between January 1 and January 10 of each year following the year in which the minister terminates or retires until the account is paid in full.
For ministers retiring between Annual Conference and December 31, the first payment and second payment for either payment option shall be paid between January 1 and January 10 of the year following the year in which the minister terminates or retires. Unless the minister selects the six payment option, the account shall be disbursed in full in the first January after retirement. If the six payment option is selected, the four remaining installments shall be paid annually between January 1 and January 10 of each subsequent year until the account is paid in full.
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B. Direct Rollovers 1. This Article XII.B applies to distributions made on or after January 1, 1993. Notwithstanding any provision of the Fund to the contrary that would otherwise limit a distributee’s election under this Article XII.B, a distributee may elect at the time and in the manner prescribed by the plan administrator, to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in a direct rollover. 2. Definitions: (a) Eligible rollover distribution: An eligible rollover distribution is any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribution does not include: any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the distributee and the distributee’s designated beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten years or more; any distribution to the extent such distribution is required under section 401(a)(9) of the Code as made applicable by section 403(b)(10) of the Code, any amount that is distributed upon hardship, and the portion of any distribution that is not includible in gross income (determined without regard to the exclusion for net unrealized appreciation with respect to employer securities). (b) Eligible retirement plan: An eligible retirement plan is an individual retirement account described in section 408(a) of the Code, an individual retirement annuity described in section 408(b) of the Code, an annuity contract described in section 403(b) of the Code (including custodial accounts described in section 403(b)(7) of the Code and retirement income accounts described in Section 403(b)(9) of the Code), a qualified plan described in section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code, or an eligible plan under section 457(b) of the Code which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state which agrees to separately account for amounts transferred to such 457(b) plan from this Fund, that accepts the distributee’s eligible rollover distribution. (c) Distributee: A distributee includes an employee or former employee. In addition, the employee’s or former employee’s surviving spouse and the employee’s or former employee’s spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order, as defined in section 414(p) of the Code, are distributees with regard to the interest of the spouse or former spouse. (d) Direct rollover: A direct rollover is a payment by the plan to the eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee. 3. Within a reasonable time before making an eligible rollover distribution from the Fund, the Conference Treasurer shall provide or cause to be provided the written explanation to the distributee required by Code section 402(f). XIII. Disability Leave – A minister who is approved for and placed on Disability Leave granted by the Conference may elect to: A. Continue as an active member and pay one percent (1%) of the disability pay received from all sources. Should Disability Leave be granted between sessions of Annual Conference, 1% of the disability pay received from all sources computed to a 12 month amount shall be paid. B. Be treated the same as a transferring member. C. Receive benefits the same as a retiring member.
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D. Terminate from the Fund and receive all benefits within thirty (30) days following the granting of Disability Leave.
The minister shall notify the Conference Treasurer in writing of his or her choice of option within ten (10) days following the granting of Disability Leave. In no case would the member receive less than the member’s assessments plus interest, determined as described in Article IX. XIV. Leave of Absence – A minister who is approved for and placed on Leave of Absence by the Conference may elect to: A. Continue as an active member by paying 1% of the Conference Average Salary and Utilities while on leave. B. Be treated the same as a transferring member under Article XVI. XV. Less Than Full Time Service – A Conference member who is approved for less than full time service by the Conference may elect to: A. Continue as an active member for no more than three years by paying 1% of the Conference Average Salary and Utilities (within the meaning of Article XIV) while serving less than full time. B. Withdraw from the Fund according to the provisions of Article XVII. XVI. Membership Transferring – Any ministerial member who leaves the North Carolina Conference by transfer to another annual conference of The United Methodist Church cannot make any further payment to the Fund. He or she may leave his or her account (including dividends, if any) in the Fund until retirement. If this is done, the benefit under this Fund will be computed as of the date of transfer from the North Carolina Conference with interest determined in the manner described in Article IX, determined from the date of transfer to the date of retirement. If the account is left, and the minister returns to the North Carolina Conference, he or she may reinstate his or her payments and dividend earnings, effective at the time of transfer back into this Conference. XVII. Withdrawing from the Fund Prior to Retirement – If a member desires to withdraw from the Fund prior to retirement, upon a written request to the Conference Treasurer, he or she shall receive the amount he or she has paid into the Fund, plus interest determined in the manner described in Article IX each year he or she was participating in the Fund. Amounts in the members account in excess of the amount determined under the preceding sentence shall be forfeited and reallocated as dividends for the year of forfeiture pursuant to Article VII.
Each member whose membership is terminated in the Fund in any way will provide the Conference Treasurer with a statement indicating that he or she has received the funds for which he or she is eligible, and that he or she is no longer a member of the Fund. Any minister leaving the North Carolina Conference to join another denomination other than The United Methodist Church will be required to withdraw from the Fund and payment will be made to the minister according to the formula set forth in the first paragraph of this Article XVII. XVIII. Reinstatement – A member who has withdrawn from the Fund may not be reinstated, but is required to begin anew as though he or she were a new member. A minister shall not be permitted to rejoin the Fund more than two (2) times during his or her ministerial career. XIX. Hearing Committee A. The Committee – A Hearing Committee consisting of the Board of Pension Executive Committee, Conference Treasurer, Director of Ministerial Relations, Conference Controller, and the Conference Insurance
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Group Administrator shall have authority to act on behalf of the Board of Pension between Annual Conference sessions concerning matters that relate to, but are not specifically covered by, this constitution of the Ministers’ Transition Fund. The Plan Administrator for the Fund for other plan administrative matters and matters delegated by the Hearing Committee shall be the Conference Insurance Group Administrator. Determinations by the Hearing Committee, the Board of Pension or the Plan Administrator shall be conclusive and binding on all persons and shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted by law. B. Claims Procedure - If a claim is wholly or partially denied, the Hearing Committee shall furnish the member or beneficiary with written notice of the denial within sixty (60) days of the date the original claim was filed. This notice of denial shall provide: 1. The specific reason or reasons for denial; 2. Provide specific reference to pertinent plan provisions on which denial is based; 3. A description of any additional information needed to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such information is necessary; and 4. An explanation of the plan’s claims procedure.
The member or beneficiary shall have sixty (60) days from receipt of denial notice in which to make written application for review by the Hearing Committee. The Hearing Committee shall issue a decision on such review within sixty (60) days after receipt of an application for review as provided in the preceding sentence. Such decision on review shall be made in writing and shall include specific reasons for the decision written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. All decisions and denials of claims by the Hearing Committee shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted by law. XX. New Rules and Constitutional Provisions – The rules and guidelines of this constitution supersede all previous Conference legislation regulating this Fund. The Annual Conference, at any time or from time to time, may amend any or all of the provisions of this constitution without the consent of individual members of the Fund. No amendment shall have the effect of modifying any benefit election of any member in effect at the time of such amendment or modifying the benefit of any member who retired prior to the date of such amendment, unless the amendment expressly so provides. The Annual Conference established this Fund with the intent that it will be maintained for an indefinite period of time. However, the Annual Conference reserves the right to terminate the Fund, in whole or in part, at any time. No amendment, modification or termination of the Fund shall adversely affect the members benefits accrued for his or her retirement at the time of termination of the Fund.
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XXI. Miscellaneous Provisions A. Prohibition Against Diversion – Subject to Code section 414(p), there shall be no diversion of any portion of the assets of the plan other than for the exclusive benefit of members and their beneficiaries. B. Delegation of Authority – The Board of Pension, Conference Treasurer and the Hearing Committee may authorize any agent or agents to carry out their duties, and may employ such counsel, auditors, and other specialists and such clerical, actuarial and other services as it may require in carrying out the provisions of the Fund. C. Notification of Mailing Address – Each member and other person entitled to benefits hereunder shall from time to time file with the Conference, in writing, such persons post office address and change of post office address. Any check representing any payment due hereunder, and any communication forwarded to a member of beneficiary at the last known address as indicated by the records of the Conference shall constitute adequate payment to such person and be binding on such person for all purposes of the plan. The Conference, Board of Pension, Conference Treasurer and Hearing Committee shall not be under any obligation to search for or ascertain the whereabouts of any such person. D. Unclaimed Benefits – If any benefits payable to, or on behalf of, a member are not claimed within a reasonable period of time from the date of entitlement, as determined by the Hearing Committee, and if the member cannot be located at his or her last provided mailing address, such member shall be presumed dead and the post-death benefits, if any, under this plan shall be paid to his or her beneficiary if he or she is then living and can be located. If the member’s beneficiary is not then living or cannot be located, or if no beneficiary was effectively named, the member’s account shall be forfeited and treated as dividends pursuant to Article VII. E. Facility of Payment – Whenever, in the Hearing Committees opinion, a person entitled to receive any payment of a benefit under the plan is under a legal disability or is incapacitated in any way so as to be unable to manage such person’s financial affairs, the Hearing Committee may, to the extent permitted by law, make payments directly to the person, to the person’s legal representative, or to a relative or friend of the person to be used exclusively for such person’s benefit, or apply any such payment for the benefit of the person in such manner as the Hearing Committee deems advisable. Any benefit payment (or installment thereof) made in accordance with the provisions of this shall completely discharge the obligation for making such payment under the plan. F. Commingling of Assets – The assets of the Fund may be commingled in a common fund made up of such accounts or in a common fund with other amounts exclusively devoted to church purposes, provided that the part of such fund which equitably belongs to the plan shall be separately accounted for and cannot be used for or diverted to purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of employees and their beneficiaries. The reasonable costs of administering an account may be charged against the account. Such costs may include the reasonable costs of administering a retirement income program of which the account is a part, including costs associated with informing employees and employers of the availability of the program. G. Governing Law – This plan shall be administered, and its validity, construction, and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, and by the laws of the State of North Carolina to the extent not in conflict with such Book of Discipline. If any provisions of the plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective. H. Limitations on Liability – The Conference, Conference Treasurer, Board of Pension and members of the Hearing Committee shall not be liable to any person or entity for any of their acts carried out hereunder in good faith and based upon the information available at the time.
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Report E – Resolution for Less Than Full Time Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) Years Credit for Retirement And Less Than Full Time Years Credit Under MPP and Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) for Health and Life Insurance Credit
WHEREAS, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) counted less than full time years for
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Annual Conference reported such years to participants; and
WHEREAS, allowing these years for those who wish to retire under ¶358.2a of The Book of Discipline, 2012 with twenty years of service regardless of age, and ¶358.2b of The Book of Discipline, 2012 with thirty years of credit regardless of age; and
WHEREAS, it has been our practice to include MPP credit for less than full time years from January 1, 1982 – December 31, 2006;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the less than full time years be counted for pension years credit for MPP years beginning January 1, 1982 – December 31, 2006.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will continue to count MPP credit for less than full time years from January 1, 1982 – December 31, 2006 to compute credit for service years under Health and Life insurance for post-retirement insurance benefits;
AND THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that less than full time years under the Clergy Retirement Security Program be used for computing health and life insurance credit from January 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009 since health and life insurance credit is linked to pension credit until June 30, 2009 at which time credit for post-retirement benefits is determined by enrollment in the insurance plans.
Cashar Evans, Chairperson
90 Board of Trustees North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Annual Conference is charged with responsibilities vital to the mission and ministry of the Conference as defined in paragraphs 2512-2516 of the 2012Book of Discipline. These include holding legal title and managing Conference property; receiving and holding bequests and donations; receiving and managing closed or abandoned churches and other property; recommending action to the Annual Conference regarding sale, lease or acquisition of property to serve the Conference interests and mission; and intervening to protect Annual Conference interests. The United Methodist Building The United Methodist Building was relocated to the current location in Garner in June 2010. The facility has had only a few minor maintenance issues throughout the year and remains in excellent condition. Closed Churches • Andrew’s Chapel – Gateway District – sold February 2015. • Grace – Corridor District – closing 2015. • Hamilton – Beacon District - sold December 2014.
The Board of Trustees continues to receive local church property as they are closed in compliance with the Discipline. The Trustees are working in partnership with the United Methodist Real Estate Foundation for the care of closed church properties. The goal of this partnership is to provide more efficient service for the care, utilization and potential disposition of the properties. The Trustees are thankful for the ways we are able to work with our affiliated institutions for the benefit of ministry of The United Methodist Church in our conference. Conference Parsonages And Episcopal Residence The Board of Trustees currently provides funding for three Conference staff positions with housing allowances in lieu of parsonages. Funding available to pay the staff housing allowances is provided through the Conference budget. In 2013, investments from prior conference parsonage sales were added to the funding generated through district parsonage sales to furnish housing allowances to district superintendents. Funding needed for district superintendent housing allowances is to be generated from earnings on the investment of the sale proceeds from conference and district parsonages. Assets remaining to be used to fund staff housing allowances total $134,895.32 as of December 31, 2014.
The Episcopal Residence is maintained by the Board of Trustees and funding provided by the conference apportionments and the Episcopal Fund, which is managed by the General Council on Finance and Administration. The residence, obtained in 2004, still needs minimal maintenance at this time. Budget requests have been recommended to begin to reserve funding for future capital repairs of the residence in addition to current year operating expenses. Frederick and Closs Peace Wardlaw Bequest In August of 2002, the Trustees received a bequest from the estate of Frederick and Closs Peace Wardlaw with the stated preference of providing a retreat or renewal location for clergy of the Conference. The trustees continue to hold a lot at Somerset Plantation at Kerr Lake purchased from bequest property sale proceeds. The property will be held for resale until property market proves prime for sale and is expected to be placed on the market in 2015.
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The Trustees entered into a partnership with the NC United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center Ministries, Inc., (NCUMCRCM) in 2011 to use funding from the Wardlaw bequest to construct a clergy retreat center on the property of Camp Don Lee. The retreat center was completed in December 2012 and is available for use for clergy renewal, as desired by the Peace Wardlaw family. The NCUMCRCM board and staff own the cottage and provide oversight for clergy retreat opportunities. The Conference Trustees encourage all clergy to use this facility to its fullest to fulfill the wishes of the generous donors and provide a place for renewal of our clergy.
The Trustees have agreed to work with NCUMCRCM over the next year in the development of a second clergy retreat center at Camp Chestnut Ridge. The remaining funds of the Wardlaw bequest continue to be invested with the United Methodist Foundation and have a market value of $387,388.39 as of December 31, 2014. Property Insurance The Book of Discipline provides that one of the responsibilities of local church Trustees is to review insurance annually in order to ensure that the church, its properties and its personnel are properly protected against risks. In evaluating these levels of protection, the Conference Trustees recommend the following types and levels of coverage as guidelines for property and casualty insurance coverage: • Building and business personal property insurance at full replacement cost, • General liability coverage at $1,000,000, • Physical abuse and sexual misconduct liability coverage at $1,000,000, • Pastoral professional liability coverage at $1,000,000, • Employee dishonesty and crime coverage at levels adequate to cover assets held by the church – each church needs to evaluate this coverage independently, • Directors and Officers liability coverage at $1,000,000, • Umbrella policy coverage at $1,000,000, and • Workers’ Compensation coverage at $1,000,000 for all employees whether or not the church meets the minimum requirements under North Carolina law.
Property insurance for the NC Annual Conference property is insured through the denominational insurance provider, United Methodist Insurance (UMI). UMI provides coverage options at competitive costs for local churches that meet all of the recommended coverage levels provided above. The Trustees are excited about the coverage opportunities now available to local churches through the UMI program and see this next step in the development of the program as favorable to the NC Conference churches in the areas of property and liability coverage. Board of Trustees The Conference Board of Trustees seeks to be faithful stewards of the assets of the North Carolina Conference. All financial activities and assets held by the Conference Board of Trustees are included in the audit of financial records of the Conference. Full reports of this activity are available from the Conference Treasurer’s Office. We will continue to manage property of the Conference to the best of our ability in compliance with the Discipline and welcome the suggestions, ideas and input of every person in this Conference. We thank you for your faithful support of the work of the Conference and seek your prayers for the work that is given to us.
Respectfully submitted, Ferrell Blount, President
92 Clergy Medical Leave, Joint Committee on North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CLERGY MEDICAL LEAVE, JOINT COMMITTEE ON
The Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave acts as the advocate for those pastors in the North Carolina Conference who are forced by physical or emotional medical and disabling conditions to seek temporary or permanent relief from their appointment. The committee is given the responsibility to study the problems of clergy medical leave within the Conference, to provide a continuing personal ministry to those clergy on medical leave, and to make recommendations to the appropriate agencies of the Conference for each pastor or deacon seeking Clergy Medical Leave, including the source of their disability income. The Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave has begun a study of the utilization of medical leave benefits in our annual conference and how our utilization compares to denominational and jurisdictional averages. The committee will continue to monitor resource levels needed to fund medical leave benefits as one part of efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of our support for clergy on medical leave.
Persons interested in discovering more about the process of being granted Clergy Medical Leave can contact a district superintendent or the chair of the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave.
The following recommendations are presented to the 2015 session of the North Carolina Annual Conference: I. General Policies
A. The Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave, through the Conference Treasurer’s Office, will make available upon request the necessary forms for any full time pastor or deacon to make application for Clergy Medical Leave. In all cases the applications must be completed by the pastor or deacon, the physician, chair of the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave, Conference benefits officer, and the district superintendent before the request for Clergy Medical Leave can be acted upon. Whenever possible medical leave requests are to be submitted ninety (90) days prior to Annual Conference except in life-threatening situations after that date, or when the disabling condition occurs after that date. Requests presented before May 15 will be included in the Committee’s report to the Annual Conference. B. Definition of Disability: For the first 24 months, an active participant will be considered disabled for the purposes of the Comprehensive Protection Plan or the Basic Protection Plan as of the date the Administrator determines, on the basis of medical evidence, that such active participant was unable to perform the usual and customary duties of his/her employment by reason of bodily injury, disease, or behavioral illness or disorder that will presumably last for at least six continuous months, exclusive of any incapacity resulting from service in the armed forces of any country, warfare, intentionally self-inflicted injury, or participation in any criminal or unlawful act. C. Definition of Clergy: Clergy in The United Methodist Church are individuals who serve as commissioned ministers, deacons, elders, and local pastors under appointment of a bishop (full- and part-time), who hold membership in an annual conference, and who are commissioned, ordained, or licensed. D. A pastor or deacon seeking to be on Clergy Medical Leave secures a disability claim kit from the Conference Treasurer’s Office. The applicant completes Form A, completes the applicant’s portion of Form C, and submits these forms to the Conference Treasurer’s Office for completion. Liberty Mutual reviews the claim and
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recommends a determination to the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) who retains the authority to approve or deny a claim. E. We recommend that pastors applying for Clergy Medical Leave be approved only when the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits grants their request for incapacity benefits through the Comprehensive Protection Plan. F. The Annual Conference and Conference Board of Pension (effective January 1, 2007), will fund pension contributions for the Clergy Retirement Security Program-Defined Benefit Plan in the required annual payment for normal cost as defined by the plan document and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits for all pastors receiving medical leave benefits from the Comprehensive Protection Plan. G. The Comprehensive Protection Plan (effective January 1, 2007), will fund contributions for the Comprehensive Protection Plan and the Clergy Retirement Security Program-Defined Contribution Plan which is 3% of plan compensation as defined by the plan document and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits for all pastors receiving medical leave benefits from the Comprehensive Protection Plan. H. Health Insurance and Life Insurance benefits are subject to the policies outlined in Section III below. I. Pastors on Clergy Medical Leave are required to file for Social Security benefits within 60 days of the effective date of approved Clergy Medical Leave. Failure to do so will result in decreased benefits. Participation in Medicare Part A and B is required at the earliest possible date in order to receive the best health insurance benefits. Participants who choose not to participate in Medicare Part B at that date will receive the same contribution towards the health insurance premium as if they were retired. Refer to Section III regarding benefits. J. Effective July 1, 2008 January 1, 2016, we recommend that a lump sum grant of $4,300 $5,000 be made at the beginning of Clergy Medical Leave. This grant will be available only one time in a pastor’s years of service. K. The Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave will review the progress of each pastor or deacon on Clergy Medical Leave at least annually. This review will include both recommendations from the pastor’s physician and district superintendent as well as opportunities for continuing fellowship with the pastor to develop further possibilities of assistance in his/her disabled circumstances. L. We recommend the following pastors to be continued on Clergy Medical Leave: 1. Vernon Brown, Verona (Jacksonville) CC, Sound District 2. Stephen Compton, St. Francis (Cary) CC, Fairway District 3. John M. Crowe, (Goldsboro) CC, Capital District 4. James Harold Daniels, Stovall (Stovall) CC, Heritage District 5. Victor L. Galipi, Bailey (Bailey) CC, Capital District 6. David William Girod, First (Elon) CC, Corridor District 7. Larry Stephen Grady, Bethel-Lebanon CC, Harbor District 8. Robert Michael Hammond, St. Marks (Raleigh) CC, Capital District 9. Lawrence Clayton Higgins, Rhems (New Bern) CC, Sound District 10. Allison B. Hocutt, Ebenezer (Raleigh) CC, Capital District 11. Teresa Lawrence, Cumberland (Fayetteville) CC, Gateway District 12. Ronda Lee-Torres, Pinehurst (Pinehurst) CC, Fairway District 13. Carolyn Wilkins Lucas, First (Havelock) CC, Sound District 14. Hector Manuel Millan, Avent Ferry (Raleigh) CC, Capital District 15. Cynthia D. Powell, Front Street (Burlington) CC, Corridor District 16. William W Snotherly, Jr, Wake Forest (Wake Forest) CC, Heritage District 17. Clinton William Spence, Calvary (Durham) CC, Corridor District
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18. Debra Starling Watson, South Mills CC, Beacon District 19. William Joseph Wilburn, Windborne CC, Capital District
M. We recommend the following pastors to be placed on Clergy Medical Leave for the first time: William Joseph Wilburn, Effective December 1, 2014 Cynthia D. Powell, Effective December 1, 2014 David Wade, Effective July 1, 2015 Ben Sims, pending
N. Who have been placed on Clergy Medical Leave since the last Annual Conference? William Joseph Wilburn, Effective December 1, 2014 Cynthia D. Powell, Effective December 1, 2014
O. Who have had their Clergy Medical Leave terminated since the last conference session? Ronald J Snider Tommy Lewis Evans
P. Who are to be removed from Clergy Medical Leave at this Annual Conference? Lon William Miller William Rickman Pinner
Q. We recommend that pastors and congregations in the communities in which our disabled pastors reside seek to establish a supportive relationship with those on Clergy Medical Leave to maintain good fellowship and provide for pastoral opportunities. II. Clergy Medical Leave Benefits
GBOPHB:
A. 70% of plan compensation not to exceed 200% of the DAC (2015 DAC = $66,259) as income from CPP. The current range of payments to NC participants is $26,165.46 to $67,383.36 annually (with a 3% annual increase). Payments are coordinated with Social Security Disability benefits when applicable.
B. Benefits afforded active clergy such as pension accrual and the death benefit under CPP.
C. A one-time lump distribution of up to 35% of MPP funds.
NC Conference:
D. Grant of $5,000 to help with the transition from active ministry to Clergy Medical Leave.
E. Insurance benefits through the NC Conference insurance plans (provided the participant was enrolled in the applicable insurance plan prior to the granting of Clergy Medical Leave). Life insurance is paid in full by the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave. Effective January 1, 2011 all participants enrolled in the Conference health insurance plan, pay $10 per month for coverage with the remaining balance of premiums paid by the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave.
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F. Moving expenses paid as outlined in the Itinerant Clergy Moving Expense Report (page 213 of the 2014 Journal).
The Duke Endowment:
G. Duke Endowment annual grant (subject to the guidelines and availability as defined by The Duke Endowment) III. Clergy Medical Leave Policies Related to Benefits
A. Clergy Medical Leave participants will have 60 days from the approved date of Clergy Medical Leave in which to file for Social Security benefits. Proof of filing must be submitted to the Conference Benefits Manager. Clergy Medical Leave participants approved on or before July 1, 2011 will have 60 days from July 1, 2011 to provide proof of their Social Security application. Participants who fail to provide proof of filing within 60 days will be charged 100% of the applicable monthly insurance rate until notification is received by the Benefits Manager.
B. Insurance Coverage – Participants approved for Clergy Medical Leave must be covered under the Conference life and/or health insurance plan immediately preceding the approval date of Clergy Medical Leave in order to have life and/or health insurance coverage after the appointment of Clergy Medical Leave.
C. Life Insurance – i. The life insurance premiums are paid by the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave. ii. Current participants on Clergy Medical Leave who are enrolled in the life insurance are covered as follows: $25,000 life coverage, $10,000 on eligible dependents. iii. Supplemental life insurance premiums are the responsibility of the individual.
D. Health Insurance – 1. Effective January 1, 2012, all persons on Clergy Medical Leave (current and future) will be required to pay the minimum amount of $20 per month for the Base Plan. Additional personal premiums will apply if the participant chooses the Buy-Up Plan (rates published in the Insurance Report Section VIII). 2. Effective January 1, 2014, additional personal premiums will apply if the participant chooses dental coverage. (rates published in the Insurance Report Section VIII) 3. Effective January 1, 2020, all persons on Clergy Medical Leave (current and future) will be required to pay personal premiums according to the following tiered schedule: a. If the participant’s CPP disability income per GBOPHB records is 125% but less than 150% of Conference Full Time Minimum Salary, then the participant’s personal premium will be one-half (1/2) of the Base Coverage personal portion for the participant’s selected level of medical coverage. b. If the participant’s CPP disability income per GBOPHB records is equal to or above 150% of Conference Full Time Minimum Salary, then the participant’s personal premium will be 100% of the Base Coverage personal portion for the participant’s selected level of medical coverage. c. Additional personal premiums will apply if the participant chooses the Buy-Up Plan or dental coverage (rates published in the Insurance Report Section VIII). 4. Participation in Medicare Part A and Part B is required at the earliest possible date in order to receive the best health insurance benefits. Participants who choose not to participate in Medicare Part B at that date will receive the same contribution towards the health insurance premium as if they were retired.
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5. If the participant is enrolled in Medicare (part A and/or B) due to disability, the Conference health insurance will coordinate benefits with Medicare as primary, the Conference plan as secondary. Family members (with no other coverage) will be covered as primary by the Conference health insurance plan. 6. Upon reaching Medicare eligibility due to age and eligibility to retire, clergy receiving CPP benefits will receive the same contribution towards the health insurance premium as if they were retired. 7. Termination policy defined in the Insurance Committee report Section III.16 will be applicable.
Ben Williams, Chairperson
97 Equitable Compensation, Commission on North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
EQUITABLE COMPENSATION, COMMISSION ON
The Book of Discipline mandates that “there shall be in each annual conference a commission on equitable compensation” (¶ 625), whose purpose is “to support full-time clergy serving as pastors in the charges of the annual conference” (¶625.2). Four broad areas of responsibility are outlined in ¶625.2, which are: “(a) recommending conference standards for pastoral support; (b) administering funds to be used in base compensation supplementation; and (c) providing counsel and advisory material on pastoral support to district superintendents and committees on pastor-parish relations”; and (d) submitting an arrearage policy to be adopted by the annual conference.
The Commission seeks equity and fairness for both pastors and local churches. Why should this commission be so concerned about equity and fairness? Our prayerful consideration of scriptural and historical foundations are found in the following: a. Jesus says, “the laborer deserves to be paid,” (Luke 10:7) and Paul reminds us “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of compensation, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, “‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’” (1 Timothy 5:17,18). b. Wesley was concerned that clergy have responsibility not to be “in debt so as to embarrass you in your work” (¶330.5.d.18), which implies that the Church has a responsibility that it neither lead its clergy into positions of embarrassing indebtedness, nor leave them there. c. The Great Commission to “go into all the world preaching, teaching and baptizing” brings with it a cost. Systems of clergy support which foster the use of the right pastor in the right place hold up the hope of seeing the Great Commission bear its promised fruit. d. The Commission on Equitable Compensation embraces the Great Commandment to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” by desiring for each pastor what our members’ desire for themselves – compensation adequate to free persons for the work of pastoral ministry.
Through our prayers, working and considering together as both laity and clergy from across The N.C. Annual Conference, we make the following recommendations. We believe these recommendations will help us move toward fairness for both local churches and pastors as together we support ordained ministry in The N.C. Annual Conference.
The Commission on Equitable Compensation’s mandate and mission is to ensure justice and fairness in salaries of active full-time pastors of our local congregations. While, for many years, we have been recommending a single minimum salary for all full-time pastors serving, we have found that many congregations look at the “minimum salary recommendation” as “the amount we have to pay the pastor.” Clarification of “minimum compensation” may benefit the mission and ministry of the local congregations.
The definition of “minimum” is not the ceiling, or maximum, amount of “the pastor’s salary;” rather, it is the floor, or minimum, of what a full-time pastor is to be paid. No full-time pastor may be paid less than the minimum compensation. We recommend that each congregation review its ability to sustain its pastor independently and only use the minimum salary as just that, a minimum, and prayerfully discern the appropriate level of compensation for its
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called leader. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there is your heart.” When the congregation’s treasure and heart are in the health and effectiveness of both local congregation and pastor, God is glorified!
For the year 2015, the average full-time salary increase was approximately 3.11%. The CPI (Urban South) for the last twelve months ending December 2014 showed an increase of 0.6%. The Commission currently recommends a 1.5% ($630) increase in minimum salary for the year 2016.
I. Recommended Schedule of Minimum Compensation for 2016: A. Salary Schedule We recommend that the student minimum salary be based on 65% of the minimum salary of full-time pastors.
Pastors Under Full-Time Appointment 2015 2016 (Full Connection, Associate, Provisional, Local Pastor) Salary $41,987 $42,617 Student Pastors (Local Pastors or Conference Members) Salary $27,292 $27,701
B. Utilities Expense It is expected that each local charge would provide for utilities expense for parsonages. Utilities have been defined in guidance from the Internal Revenue Service to be electricity, heat, water/sewer, trash pick-up, local telephone, cable and internet access expenses. In order to increase accountability surrounding utility payments and to help ease transitions during appointment changes, the local church shall pay utilities directly to the utilities companies instead of through unvouchered allowances to the pastors.
C. Travel Expense Although travel is reimbursed by the local charge as an item of pastoral expense, it is expected that each local charge would provide at least $4,000 for travel expense. The Commission encourages each charge to establish a plan to reimburse the pastor for all legitimate business mileage at the current rate established by the IRS. Where such a plan is established for reimbursement of business mileage, equitable compensation support shall not be affected by payment of travel expenses. However, where a reimbursement plan is not implemented and a travel allowance is given, any travel allowance in excess of $4,000 will result in a reduction of equitable compensation support.
D. Pension Program Charges receiving Equitable Compensation Funds support are responsible for paying the total amount required for the Clergy Pension Plan and the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) based on the pastor’s cash base compensation (including funds from the Equitable Compensation Fund, Duke Endowment, and any other sources), and housing (percentage of cash base compensation designated by the General Board of Pension/Health Benefits or housing allowance, if provided in lieu of a parsonage).
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E. Vacation Recommendation Vacation and time off is defined as annual leave and weekly time off “which is completely distinct from any other occasions in which the pastor is out of the parish” (1988 NC Annual Conference Journal, page 373) such as Continuing Education events, Bishop’s Day Apart, Order of Elders, Deacons, Local Pastors, Annual Conference, and Convocation/Pastor’s School.
Rationale: In recent times, focus on clergy health has highlighted the necessity of following the mandate of God’s Commandment to “remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8) and, like our Lord Jesus, to take time apart for rest and relaxation. This mandate and example are beneficial to not only the pastor, but also the larger faith community/local church. Many pastors in full time ministry do not take time away increasing the likelihood of burn-out, compromising their health, and reducing their effectiveness in ministry. Right stewardship of time, finances, physical health, relationships with family and colleagues is necessary for effective ministry in the parish. These personal areas often suffer with the lack of a weekly personal day, a weekly Sabbath Day, and an annual vacation time apart. Our Conference Board of Ordained Ministry found in 1988, “Our experience as an Annual Conference with clergy burnout shows that rest and recreation are an indispensable element of a whole and complete ministry.” (1988 NC Annual Conference Journal, page 373).
Recommendations to local congregations: 1. A. That clergy members of the Annual Conference (Book of Discipline 2012 ¶602.1) under full-time appointment to local congregations shall receive one full month of vacation per calendar year. Vacation time shall include four (4) Sundays per year and shall be negotiated between the pastor and S/PPR Committee and may be taken in either segments adding up to one full month or as a whole. B. Part-time pastors under appointment should receive vacation time per calendar year in ¼ increments according to their salary structure. 2. Clergy members of the Annual Conference (Book of Discipline 2012 ¶602.1) under full-time appointment should receive at least one personal day off per week. Changes to a set personal day off should be allowed due to unforeseen circumstances that may arise. This time should be carefully respected and guarded by the district superintendent and the congregation. 3. We encourage annual discussions between pastor/s and the S/PPR Committee where they are appointed concerning provisions for Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth and Sabbatical Leave, found in paragraphs 351 and 352 of the 2012 Book of Discipline. II. Principles Governing Eligibility for Equitable Compensation Funds: The clergy’s base compensation is the responsibility of the charge; therefore, each charge of The North Carolina Annual Conference should be so arranged as to be able to assume full salary support. The Commission urges each charge receiving Equitable Compensation Funds, its pastor, and the district superintendent responsible for that charge, to administer the affairs of that charge to the end that it may move as rapidly as possible toward total self-support. To enable the Annual Conference, the Commission and the district superintendents to carry on their cooperative efforts in understanding, in harmony, and for the greatest good for all concerned, the following principles and procedures are set forth:
A. Base Compensation:In considering the base compensation for the charge, all income, including base compensation, bonuses, and other benefits not specifically excluded, are included as base compensation in determining appropriations from the Equitable Compensation Fund.
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B. Any Equitable Compensation Fund supplement will be terminated immediately upon information that the pastor has taken full-time, secular employment. The supplement may be reinstated at the time the charge’s appointed pastor returns to full-time or student status. Exceptions to this provision will be permitted only by the approval of the executive committee of the Commission on Equitable Compensation upon the recommendation of the district superintendent of the pastor seeking to be employed outside their ministerial responsibilities for emergency reasons.
C. Disbursement of funds from Conference Treasurer’s Office: Equitable Compensation Funds are to be sent to charges that have applied for their use to provide their pastor with the minimum base compensation established by the Annual Conference. The monthly base compensation supplement checks sent by the Conference Treasurer’s office are to be deposited by the charge treasurer into the charge/church bank account. Checks shall not be endorsed nor cashed by the pastor.
D. Application for funds: Churches or charges applying for Equitable Compensation Funds shall submit a request on the appropriate form which can be found online. The pastor, administrative council, and the district superintendent shall carefully review the request. The application form must have the signatures of the pastor and recording secretary of the charge conference, affixed to it, and receive the approval of the charge conference. Applications received that are not completed in full are not eligible for consideration by the Commission until such time that they have been completed and resubmitted.
Application Deadlines for Full time Pastoral Compensation Supplement: 1. Completed applications for the January – December calendar year are to be received by November 1 of the previous year. 2. Completed applications for the July – June appointment cycle are to be received by November 1 of the previous year. 3. The application deadline for those grants limited to superintendent/cabinet initiated applications for the immediate appointment year, providing funds are available, is May 15.
Application Deadlines for Mission-Based Supplement: 1. Completed applications for the July – June appointment cycle are to be received by November 1 of the previous year. 2. The application deadline for those grants limited to superintendent/cabinet initiated applications for the immediate appointment year, providing funds are to be received by May 15.
E. The Commission on Equitable Compensation will not fund any charge that is also receiving funds from The Emerging Church Salary Fund. The Commission on Equitable Compensation is in consultation and study with other Conference boards and agencies to seek ways to more adequately provide for the temporal needs of our pastors and churches.
F. Consideration may be given to make funds available for the deacon when the primary appointment is to a local church. (Book of Discipline 2012 ¶625.4)
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III. Policies Governing Use of Equitable Compensation Funds
A. Charges must be so arranged that no more than one third (1/3) of the total base compensation will come from the Equitable Compensation Fund on the first application of the charge.
1. Charges seeking more than one third (1/3) supplement shall provide specific information with their application, indicating the reasons for their inability to meet these guidelines. Information shall be made available to the Commission on Equitable Compensation and the district superintendent regarding the terms of Equitable Compensation support, giving the date of its inception and the present amount of support being received by the respective charges.
2. When the division of a charge is desired, Equitable Compensation funds will be used only upon the recommendation of the Bishop and the approval of the cabinet. In the division of a charge in which one church seeks to become a station, it is recommended that such a church shall assume total responsibility for base compensation and its proportionate share of all apportionments. a. The remainder of the charge in such a division assumes full pastoral support and proportionate share of all apportionments. In no case will the Commission on Equitable Compensation provide more than one third (1/3) of the base compensation required for such a division. b. When there is a division of a charge forming one or more student appointments, each newly created charge shall pay initially two thirds (2/3) of the pastoral support established by the division. 3. It is expected that each church receiving Equitable Compensation support will pay 100% of its financial responsibilities including apportionments, insurance, and pension benefits, etc.
B. Annual Reduction and Length of Time for Support: 1. Each charge which is receiving, or shall hereafter receive, Equitable Compensation Fund, is expected to reduce this aid by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the original grant each year. 2. Commission on Equitable Compensation grants shall be made annually, renewable for each year, up to five years for mission or charge-support grants, and three years for grants based on The Book of Discipline paragraph 213. 3. At the beginning of the second and subsequent years of receiving grant renewal applications, an evaluation of the charge’s progress toward reaching its own goals will be made by members of the commission following a site-visit and consultation with the charge’s pastor, its leadership, and the district superintendent.
C. Supplementals to Base Compensation:
1. Merit Grant Supplemental to Base Compensation: Each full-time pastor, associate member, or member in full connection of The N.C. Annual Conference, serving full-time, and who, in the opinion of the cabinet and in consultation with the Commission on Equitable Compensation is rendering unusually effective service, may apply for a one-time grant in the amount of $400, when such clergy person’s salary and utilities are equal to the Conference minimum base compensation.
2. Supplemental Compensation for Years of Service: Elders and Deacons who have served continuously as pastors in charge in the North Carolina Annual C onference, at conference established minimum salary, for five years or more, in the sixth year, may apply for this supplemental grant of up to $400. With each annual application, the grant may increase
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incrementally by up to $400 per year until the lifetime maximum of $6,000 has been reached. No single year supplement may exceed $2,000. Special attention shall be given to ethnic pastors serving ethnic ministries (Book of Discipline 2008 ¶625.6). Receipt of this supplemental compensation may be subject to income taxation and will be reported as applicable.
3. Extraordinary Grants: These policies do not restrict the Commission on Equitable Compensation, upon the recommendation of the cabinet, from making additional grants in extraordinary circumstances. IV. Compensation and Benefits Arrearage Policy
A. In the event that a local church treasurer becomes aware that the church will be unable to provide to the pastor full payment of a regularly scheduled payroll or housing allowance installment, or to remit to the Conference Treasurer full payment for regular direct billed benefit payments such as pension and health care, the church treasurer shall immediately notify both verbally (within 24 hours) and in writing (within 3 days) the Pastor, the Lay Leader, and the Chairs of S/PPRC, Finance, Trustees, and the Administrative/Church Council of the impending arrearage. Upon receipt of such notice, the Chair of S/PPRC and/or the Pastor shall immediately (within 3 days) notify the District Superintendent of the impending arrearage. It is the pastor’s responsibility to keep copies of all such written notifications, and to provide additional written confirmation to the District Superintendent when an arrearage has taken place. Failure to document salary or benefit arrearages may result in a loss of compensation and/or forfeiture of pension and benefits.
B. Upon receipt of notice of a pending arrearage, the Chair of S/PPRC shall immediately (within 24 hours) call a meeting of the Pastor, Lay Leader, and Chairs of Finance, Trustees, and the Administrative/Church Council to discuss the financial situation and seek remedies to prevent an arrearage from occurring. Such remedies might include: a. Drawing from invested funds b. An emergency appeal for special giving from the congregation c. Emergency grants from the District or Conference
According to the Book of Discipline ¶ 624, such remedies cannot include a reduction in the Pastor’s compensation until the beginning of the next Conference year.
C. If, after consultation among the Lay Leader and Chairs of S/PPRC, Finance, Trustees, and the Administrative/ Church Council, it becomes apparent that the church may be facing a long term financial crisis, the Chair of S/ PPRC shall notify in writing the Pastor and District Superintendent that: a. An Equitable Compensation Subsidy Grant may be necessary to maintain compensation for the remainder of the Conference year and/or b. A change in pastoral compensation or appointment may be necessary at the beginning of the following Conference year.
D. If the local church becomes delinquent in the pastor’s compensation (i.e. more than 30 days delinquent), then the District Superintendent shall notify the Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC), which on its own initiative may do any or all of the following, but not limited to: a. Sending a representative from CEC to meet with the local church and pastor to seek resolution of the issue.
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b. Developing with the local church a payment plan so that the pastor receives full payment of compensation by the end of the conference year.
The District Superintendent shall be invited to participate in this process.
E. If the local church is already receiving a subsidy grant from the Commission on Equitable Compensation, the Commission may also: a. Determine if all subsidy grant funds allocated to the church were used to pay the pastor’s salary b. Examine the original subsidy grant application to determine if the amount requested to meet minimum compensation was reduced c. Require an outside audit of all church funds in compliance with GCFA guidelines (www.gcfa.org) d. Notify the District Superintendent of its findings and recommendations in writing
F. If a local church becomes delinquent in the payment of the pastor’s direct billed pension and benefits (i.e. more than 30 days delinquent), then the Conference Treasurer shall notify the Conference Benefits Office, the District Superintendent, and the Commission on Equitable Compensation. On behalf of the Conference, the Benefits Officer and/or District Superintendent shall develop a written payment plan with the local church so that the Conference receives full payment of pension and benefits by the end of the conference year.
G. It is the responsibility of the pastor to provide evidence of an arrearage by providing documentation such as: Treasurer’s Reports, Charge Conference reports of adopted salary and compensation, check stubs, W-2 forms, and a Certification of Payment Form (sample provided by Treasurer’s Office staff) signed by the Pastor, S/PPRC Chair, Trustee Chair, Treasurer, and Administrative/Church Council Chair.
H. The statute of limitations for filing a claim for funds from the Annual Conference (i.e., notification to the District Superintendent of the arrearage) for any salary arrearage is one year from the date of the initial arrearage. Once an appointment ends the Pastor no longer has claim on the local church for compensation funds (¶ 342.4).
I. An Administrative Complaint may be filed against a pastor who fails to report an arrearage according to the time lines established in this policy.
V. The Commission reports that 11 (eleven) charges received grants for mission and compensation assistance for a total $145,329.98 in the year 2014. The Commission has awarded grants for the calendar year 2015 for 15 (fifteen) charges for a total of $132,582.
VI. The Commission reports that 1 pastor has been awarded the Years of Service supplemental compensation for the appointment year 2014 for a total of $400.
VII. In the last year, in addition to full-time pastoral compensation requests, the Commission has received grant requests from congregations for additional staff to serve the area of Christian Education. The Commission requested supplemental funding to serve congregations that are in process of renewal, revitalization, and growth.
LaNella Smith, Chairperson
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SAFE SANCTUARIES®, COMMITTEE ON
Rev. Toni Wood, Chairperson
The Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries® was established through annual conference action in 2005 from recommendations of a Safe Sanctuaries® Task Force. The committee was given the task of “providing oversight for the Conference safe sanctuary policy and procedures and to assist and resource the implementation of a safe sanctuary policy and procedures within each local church of the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.” Each and every local church was directed to adopt and implement for themselves a policy and corresponding procedures.
Since that time, the Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries® has provided training for local churches in creating their policy. They have also presented training for all clergy in the conference. In early 2014 the committee trained 18 persons in 7 districts to be trainers. Those persons each received full resources and are available to lead training events in their districts or sub-district gatherings along with individual churches.
Those persons participating in the Train the Trainer event were: Donna Thompson Monica Oakes Suzanne Cobb Farah Davis Amie Stewart Jared Hanson Claire Cox-Woodlief Ronald Oxendine David Hollowell Tara Lain Ed Chavis Helen Champion Mamie Alley Pat Litzinger Ed Mann Benton Watkins Oakes III Donna Franzen Beth Hinson
The scope of work of the committee has expanded in that the original emphasis was on children and youth. Now, the work emphasizes children, youth, and vulnerable adults. One definition of vulnerable adult is any person, 18 years and older, who because of physical or mental infirmity or emotional disability, or other physical, mental or emotional dysfunction may be vulnerable to maltreatment.
The work has also shifted as fewer churches request training for policy development. However, annual examinations of the safe sanctuary related information entered on charge conference reports tells us the work is not done. The review of 2014 Charge Conference data reveals 215 (23.07%) of our local congregations responded ‘no’ to the question, “Has the church adopted a Safe Sanctuaries® policy and procedures?”
Therefore, the committee believes it is time to review the NCCUMC Safe Sanctuaries® policy. The committee also feels the language regarding local church policy establishment needs to be clarified.
ACTION ITEM: Revise the current conference Safe Sanctuaries® policy (below).
ACTION ITEM: Every local congregation of the NCCUMC shall have a Safe Sanctuaries® policy and appropriate procedures trained and implemented by Annual Conference 2016.
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North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuaries® Policy for Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults
Introduction: Our Wesleyan heritage calls us as United Methodists to justice and advocacy for those in our communities whose voices are often overlooked or not heard. The realities of the world around us cause us to focus in particular on the children, youth, and vulnerable adults who participate in ministries of the North Carolina Conference. Among those realities is that fact that during the 2012 fiscal year for the State of North Carolina, there were 129,453 children reported to local Departments of Social Services as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect. The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (NC DAAS) received 19,635 reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation during the same period (data from online 2012 reports at www.ncdhhs.gov).
North Carolina Conference boards, agencies, and commissions are responsible for ensuring a safe environment at any and all Conference events on behalf children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The example and teaching of Jesus tells us that every individual has talents, gifts, and undiscovered possibilities that together make the Body of Christ stronger. God values human life, intending all men, women, and children to have worth and dignity in all relationships with God and others. To this end, the Conference cares deeply about the safety and well-being of all God’s children who come to us to experience God’s love, especially children, youth and those people who fall within the definition of vulnerable adults whose disabilities, health conditions, and/or age result in the need for personal assistance, supervision, and/or other specialized programming.
The Conference realizes that no person, organization, board, agency, or commission can absolutely guarantee the safety and security of all people at all times. However, the Conference believes that the risk of harm to the children, youth, and vulnerable adults who come to programs and events sponsored by the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church can be reduced through the establishment of and adherence to reasonable policies and procedures.
To that end, the Conference implements this “Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults” (hereinafter the “Policy”) for boards, agencies, and commissions in order to: • establish reasonable procedures to reduce the risk of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults as they participate in North Carolina Conference events; • protect our children, youth, and vulnerable adults; • protect our staff and volunteers from false allegations of misconduct.
This policy applies to all staff and volunteers, clergy or lay, who have contact with or responsibility for children, youth, and/or vulnerable adults at Conference-sponsored events. This policy is not intended to supplant or replace any other policy for sexual ethics for clergy, diaconal ministers, and certified lay professionals. Neither does it supplant or replace any policy the North Carolina Conference has in place for the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.
Therefore, in covenant with The United Methodist Church, we adopt this policy and its accompanying procedures for the prevention of abuse of children, and youth, and vulnerable adults in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.
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Theological Foundation: Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. Luke 14:21 (NRSV) A new commandment I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
In the Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus reminds us that God invites all people to the table, where they can be nurtured and transformed to be Christ to others. Today, we continue to recognize that each individual is a child of God and must be allowed to live free of fear, surrounded by love. As Christian adults, we must establish and maintain a nurturing, loving, safe and secure Christian environment, providing support and assistance to our children, youth, and vulnerable adults, remembering that our mandate is not only a responsibility, but also an opportunity to protect the gift that God has bestowed upon each of us.
General Conference Action: In 1996, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a resolution designed to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. This resolution contains the following statement: Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes [a] child…welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God. Jesus also said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones…it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state that “children must be protected from economic, physical, emotional and sexual exploitation and abuse” (¶ 162C). Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse occur in churches both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural, and racial lines. It is real and appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation within churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma. Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse. God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. (From The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church– 2000, pp.180-181.)
Statement of Commitment: The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to conducting our ministry so that children, youth and adults will be safe to grow spiritually. We further commit to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each person will be “surrounded by steadfast love,…established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal” (Baptismal covenant II, United Methodist Hymnal, p.44). We strive to fulfill this commitment to prevent abuse and neglect of our children and youth in programs of both the Conference and its local churches through preventive measures, reporting, education and training.
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Purpose: The purpose of establishing this policy and the related procedures is to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to providing a place where children, youth, vulnerable adults, volunteers and staff can be safe to grow in God, and become the people God intends them to be.
Application: This policy applies to the adults who work with children and youth (age 18 and younger) and/or vulnerable adults in ministries beyond the local church, including but not limited to Conference-sponsored youth events and missions trips.
Under this policy, all adult workers must be Safe Sanctuaries® educated in order to participate in programs beyond the local church. All workers must be at least 18 years of age, have received Conference-recognized Safe Sanctuaries® training, completed the paperwork, and should be at least 5 years older than the youth with whom they work. They must have been members/participants in a local church or campus ministry for a minimum of six months.
This policy for the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults of the North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church shall be reviewed for updates and/or changes at least once every quadrennium and approved by the Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries. Any changes in the policy will be brought before the Annual Conference for adoption.
ADDENDUM INFORMATION: Types of Abuse Child abuse refers to an act committed by a parent, caregiver, or person in a position of trust (even though he/she may not care for the child on a daily basis) which is not accidental and which harms or threatens to harm a child’s physical or mental health or welfare. The following definitions are taken from: “Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth” by Joy Thornburg Melton, pages 29-30 (children) and pages 61-62 (youth). • Physical Abuse: Abuse in which a person deliberately and intentionally causes bodily harm to a child or youth. Examples may include violent battery with a weapon (knife, belt, strap, and so forth), burning, shaking, kicking, choking, fracturing bones, and any of a wide variety of non-accidental injuries to a child’s body. • Emotional Abuse: Abuse in which a person exposes a child or youth to spoken and/or unspoken violence or emotional cruelty. • Neglect: Abuse in which a person endangers a child’s or youth’s health, safety, or welfare through negligence. • Sexual Abuse: Abuse in which sexual contact between a child or youth and an adult (or another older and more powerful youth) occurs. • Ritual Abuse: Abuse in which physical, sexual, or psychological violations of a child or youth are inflicted regularly, intentionally, and in a stylized way by a person or persons responsible for the child’s welfare.
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NORTH CAROLINA STATUTES Because of our commitment to care for all God’s children and protect the vulnerable, activities sponsored by the North Carolina Conference shall endeavor to fully comply with all State requirements to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
Child and adult protection programs are mandated by statute. The State of North Carolina’s current child abuse reporting statute was first enacted in 1975. Section 7B-301 states that “any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused, neglected, or dependent, as defined by G. S. 7B-101, or has died as the result of maltreatment, shall report the case of that juvenile to the director of the department of social services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found. The report may be made orally, by telephone, or in writing. The report shall include information as is known to the person making it including the name and address of the juvenile; the name and address of the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or caretaker; the age of the juvenile; the names and ages of other juveniles in the home; the present whereabouts of the juvenile if not at the home address; the nature and extent of any injury or condition resulting from abuse, neglect, or dependency; and any other information which the person making the report believes might be helpful in establishing the need for protective services or court intervention.” The statute is comprehensive, requiring the reporting of numerous types of maltreatment. The law applies to any child under 18 years of age when a parent or any person responsible for the child’s care: • Causes or threatens to cause non-accidental physical or mental injury; • Has a child present during the manufacture or attempted manufacture of a controlled substance or during the sale of such substance where such activity would constitute a felony violation; • Neglects or refuses to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, emotional nurturing, or health care; • Abandons the child; • Neglects or refuses to provide adequate supervision in relation to the child’s age and level of development; • Knowingly leaves a child alone in the same dwelling with a person, not related by blood or marriage, who has been convicted of an offense against a minor for which registration is required as a violent sexual offender; or • Commits or allows to be committed any illegal sexual act upon a child, including incest, rape, indecent exposure, prostitution, or allows a child to be used in any sexually explicit visual material.
An act of child abuse may be committed by a number of persons responsible for the care of any individual who is less than eighteen years of age. The person may be compensated or a volunteer. The person may be routinely entrusted with the care of children, or only entrusted with children for brief times as a part of a licensed day care program. Any person or program which suspects a minor is abused, neglected, or lacks a parent or guardian capable of providing for the child’s care or supervision has a statutory to report the situation to the Department of Social Services.
Disabled adults of any age are protected in North Carolina under State law (N. C. General Statute 108A-102), which mandates that “any person having reasonable cause to believe that a disabled adult is in need shall report such information.” Disabled/vulnerable adults are defined as people over the age of 18 who are mentally or physically challenged, either temporarily or long-term who are unable to fully care for themselves.
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The following definitions were taken from North Carolina General Statute, Chapter 108A, Article 6, the NC Adult Protective Services Statute: • Abuse: means the willful infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services, which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health. • Exploitation: means the illegal or improper use of a disabled adult or his resources for another’s profit or advantage. • Neglect: refers to a disabled adult who is either living alone and not able to provide for himself the services which are necessary to maintain his mental or physical health or is not receiving services from his caretaker.
Within these three areas fall categories of abuse such as: • Abandonment – the desertion of an older adult by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care or by a person with physical custody of the older adult. • Emotional of psychological abuse – the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. • Financial or material exploitation – the illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets. • Misuse of restraints – chemical or physical control of an older adult long-term care facility resident beyond what their physician has ordered. • Neglect – the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an older adult. • Physical abuse – the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. • Self-neglect – characterized as the behavior of an older adult that threatens his/her own health or safety without the understanding of the consequences of his/her decisions. • Sexual abuse – non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult and/or sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent.
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Resolutions Presented to the 2015 Session of the North Carolina Annual Conference
1. Resolution on “Love Your Neighbor”
Whereas Jesus said that in order to inherit eternal life, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself;” and
Whereas he told the story of the Good Samaritan (a deeply hated ethnic and religious minority) in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and
Whereas we have witnessed the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities by religious extremists in other countries, but have also witnessed the protection of Christians by Muslims in Nigeria, Egypt, and Iraq; and
Whereas we have witnessed the verbal and physical abuse of Muslims and other religious minorities in our state, including the murder of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill; and
Whereas that verbal and physical abuse is often the result of misinformation about Muslims and others of Middle Eastern descent.
Therefore let it be resolved that the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church calls upon its pastors and churches to remember that God’s definition of “neighbor” extends to those who may be different and believe differently than do we; and
Be it further resolved that we encourage our churches to enter into interreligious conversations with our neighbors in our communities, especially those in the family of Abrahamic religions: Judaism and Islam; and
Be it further resolved that we encourage our churches to seek partnerships in working with our neighbors of different faiths in those areas we share in common, specifically in efforts of peace, justice, and mercy.
Adopted the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
111 Resolutions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
2. Resolution Against Slavery and Human Trafficking
Whereas Slavery and Human Trafficking continue to exist in the world,
Therefore Be It Resolved that the North Carolina Annual Conference affirms the following efforts to eradicate slavery
And Be It Further Resolved that the North Carolina Annual Conference submit this resolution to the 2016 General Conference to replace Resolution 6021 – “Church Supports Global Efforts to End Slavery” and Resolution 6023 – “Abolition of Sex Trafficking”
The North Carolina Annual Conference by this resolution will: 1. Affirm human rights and dignity of all peoples who are on the move, asserting the right to freedom of movement, and resisting violations and curtailments of such rights through forced migration, including trafficking in persons; 2. Advocate for economic and trade policies that facilitate job development that is accessible to all sectors of societies with wages that allow all persons to thrive according to God’s will; 3. Champion anti-slavery efforts by petitioning the United Nations and the legislative bodies of all countries in which The United Methodist Church has an organized ecclesiastical structure, to demand the freeing of all subjected to modern-day forms of enslavement and bonded labor; 4. Petition the United Nations and governments around the world to abolish slavery through the use of nonmilitary options such as negotiations leading to agreements with binding obligations and corollary sanctions; 5. Encourage swift resolution to civil strifes and armed conflict and engage in coordinated responses to mitigate disasters to prevent traffickers from preying on children; 6. Officially support stock/mutual fund divestment campaigns that urge people to remove funds from organizations and corporations whose 180 actions profit from and contribute to slavery’s existence; 7. Create environments that model safe, healthy and violence-free communities in order to raise children who do not accept violence as normative; 8. Implement children’s ministries that bolster self-esteem and provide educational and economic opportunities for women and children who are especially vulnerable to traffickers; 9. Build a new generation of male leaders across the church who model non-violent, emotionally healthy masculinity, serving as positive change-makers in society. 10. Educate pastors, lay leaders, children and families, teachers, healthcare providers, outreach workers about fraudulent promises of traffickers and the resulting exploitation and abuse; 11. Advocate for local, regional, national and international laws and funds that ensure trafficking victims have access to services that enable them to heal from the trauma including counseling, reproductive 196 health care, education/job training, legal services and shelter; 12. Commit to interrupting the demand for slaves by purchasing fair trade products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, t-shirts, athletic equipment and other goods for personal and ministry-related activities; and, 13. Demand that corporations eliminate exploitative labor in their business practices, and use their influence to eradicate all slavery from their supply chains.
Submitted by: The North Carolina Conference Board of Church and Society
112 Resolutions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
3. Resolution On Caring For The Most Vulnerable In North Carolina
Whereas under the United Methodist Church Social Principles, as disciples following the teachings and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, “we recognize and affirm the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities as full members of the family of God. We also affirm their rightful place in both the church and society.” Our Social Principles further, through active ministry and advocacy, “urge the Church and society to recognize and receive the gifts of persons with disabilities to enable them to be full participants in the community of faith.” And
Whereas, mental disorders are physical brain disorders needing medical care in their own right but often tied inextricably to physical illness beyond the brain. Yet persistent stigma against the mentally ill in all levels of society prevents many persons with mental illnesses from getting or seeking the medical and social help they need; and
Whereas, a study in 2014 by the World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health projected that the global economic costs of mental illness over the next two decades would be more than the costs of cancer, diabetes, and respiratory ailments put together; and
Whereas, according to the U.S. Public Health Service in 2010, North Carolina has almost 335,000, adults with serious mental illness and 99,000 children who live with serious mental health conditions; and
Whereas, untreated mental illness has deadly and costly consequences. Suicide causes more deaths than homicide. About seven percent of people with major depressive disorders will take their own lives; in 2010, suicide was the eleventh-leading cause of death overall and the third-leading cause of death among youth and young adults aged 15-24. During the 2006-2007 school year, according to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, approximately 68 percent of North Carolina students aged 14 and older living with serious mental health conditions and who received special education services dropped out of high school, with serious implications for their financial and social futures; And
Whereas, North Carolina’s public mental health services, set back by misguided and ineffective “reform” in 2001, has become inadequate to meet the growing population of mentally ill citizens. Starting in 2001, North Carolina reduced beds in state psychiatric hospitals in an attempt to move patients to community treatment centers, but not only failed to provide adequate community funding, the state privatized community mental health centers that had been working, turning them into “local management entities” without making sure that there were enough private providers to replace their services. The state legislature, moreover, continues to cut funding for state mental health services in its last two budgets; And
Whereas, as a result, according to a 2014 report, “North Carolina’s Mental Health Crisis,” from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina’s hospitals are seeing admissions to their emergency departments in every higher numbers. Wait times for psychiatric patients in emergency departments waiting for mental health and substance abuse mental health care ranges from “long hours to multiple days;” the average delay for admission to a state hospital in FY 12 was three days and rose to 3.5 days in FY 13.” A 2010 report estimated that more than $7 million is spent boarding people with psychiatric distress in emergency departments; and
113 Resolutions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Whereas, mental health’s burden is growing on law enforcement. According to the same DHHS report, estimates based on national studies indicate that about 17 percent of the jail/prison population has a serious mental illness, 72 percent of which has a co-occurring substance use disorder. The North Carolina prison system rivals the state psychiatric hospitals as the largest provider of mental health treatment; and
Whereas, every community and every congregation is touched by the mental health crisis in North Carolina, where the true individual, social, financial, and spiritual toll is incalculable, a human tragedy demanding Christian response;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church encourages all its local charges to be in ministry to persons with mental disorders or disabilities within our congregations and surrounding communities, including helping to provide access to appropriate treatment, financial and social support, and full hospitality and inclusion within the life of our faith community; and
Further Be It Resolved that the North Carolina Conference encourages all local charges to consider forming spiritual support groups for persons with mental illness and to provide all available education and resources to helping members of our charges understand the nature of mental disorders and help them to look past the fear and stigma associated with mental illness to love and care for those who suffer from them; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the North Carolina Conference encourages all local charges to partner with groups like the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and other mental health associations within the state to develop additional ways of providing ministry and to become active and effective advocatesfor persons with mental disorders on the local and state level — so that some day we can stand before our Lord and say we United Methodists have truly done our best to care for this neglected and vulnerable group of the “least of these.”
Submitted by Ken Ripley, Chair Committee on Disability Concerns
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4. Resolution to the North Carolina Annual Conference of the UMC: Concerning Discriminatory Language in The Book of Discipline
Whereas, the New Testament instructs us to love and care for one another, avoid condemnation and let God be our judge, (Luke 6: 32-38) and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). It teaches us that our neighbor may be very different from ourselves (Luke 10:23-37). We believe as Christians in our local church our role is not to judge or condemn others, but to love those who may be unlovable in our society; to care for those who may not be able to repay us; to do good and care for those who may not be able to return kindness and welcome. We believe our call is to do no harm to others, but instead to offer grace and radical hospitality and allow that God will work in every person’s heart and spirit. We are to be merciful as our Father is merciful, and while the Old Testament Law very specifically identified sins, Love is the greatest power in the world and Jesus set us free from the Law, so that we can love and care for one another, and
Whereas, our Bishop Hope Morgan Ward has encouraged us to be people of grace and has shown great leadership of our Church in her writings about our journey regarding the subject of Homosexuality and the Church within the book, Finding Our Way, (edited by Bishop Reuben Job) stating that: “The term emend, used in the parlance of editing and publishing, helps us reflect upon what happens in our life together. We revised our life from within. We persevered in the United Methodist family to make it better, more whole, more life-giving. The more familiar term amend describes the process of adding something to our life that was not previously present. In this way, that which is amended becomes better, stronger, wiser. Emendment captures our journey more accurately. From within, there arises a greater capacity to live well with differences” and
Whereas, we believe as United Methodist Christians that we should all be a living example of the UMC statement: “Open minds, open hearts, open doors.” It is with the spirit of acceptance and inclusion that we are requesting a resolution from the North Carolina Annual Conference, and
Therefore Be It Resolved that the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church seek for all discriminatory language be identified, considered, and emended from the Book of Discipline and Social Principles by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church so that all persons who profess their faith in Christ can be seen as sinners redeemed by God, accepting his grace, and welcomed into the United Methodist Church regardless of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. We especially implore the General Conference that the following statement from the Social Principles*: “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teachings” be removed. We request that it be replaced with language that is positive, welcoming, and non-judgmental as it does not currently reflect the beliefs of many members of the United Methodist Church.
Submitted by Methodist Federation for Social Action, North Carolina Conference chapter Reconciling United Methodists and Friends North Carolina Epworth United Methodist Church, 3002 Hope Valley Rd., Durham, NC 27707
115 Resolutions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
*Book of Discipline Social Principles Paragraph 161
“We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”
116 Resolutions North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
5. Declare Trinity a United Methodist Historical Site
Whereas, the United Methodist Church affirms the need to remember its past as being an instrumental part of its present and future ministry amid a changing world; the Committee on Archives and History for the North Carolina Conference recommends the following:
Whereas Trinity United Methodist Church in Durham, NC can show a date as early as the 1830’s in its founding history.
Whereas Trinity United Methodist Church has participated in the development and nurture of Methodism throughout the entire community of Durham and its environs.
Whereas Trinity United Methodist Church still continues today to be active in the Durham and world communities;
Be it resolved that the Commission on Archives and History asks this Annual Conference to support Trinity United Methodist Church in its request to become a United Methodist Historical Site.
Commission on Archives and History
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6. Amend The Book Of Discipline’s Paragraph on Abortion (161J)
Whereas, Scripture teaches that each and every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27);
Whereas, Jesus Christ was sent by God the Father and anointed by the Holy Spirit “to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to announce that the time had come when you [Father] would save your people.” (“A Service of Word and Table I,” The United Methodist Hymnal [1989], p. 9);
Whereas, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church universal through the ages has consistently witnessed and ministered, within the Church and to society, to protect all innocent people from death – including the unborn child, and mother, from abortion – and to offer forgiveness and healing, that are available through Jesus Christ, to those who have been involved in morally unjustifiable killing (including abortion) (Dr. Dennis R. Di Mauro’s A Love for Life: Christianity’s Consistent Protection of the Unborn [Wipf & Stock, Eugene, OR, 2008], which includes the witnesses of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Karl Barth);
Whereas, the universal church’s consistent witness on life and abortion is represented by the United Methodist Church’s stated belief in “the sanctity of unborn human life” and “the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child” (paragraph 161j on abortion, the Social Principles, the Book of Discipline [2012]);
Whereas, Paragraph 161J, as presently written, has allowed some in The United Methodist Church to support, in a one-sided way, a broad range of pro-choice politics, policies, and laws – to the point thatmost of our denomination’s public witness on life and abortion clearly contradicts the universal Church’s, and The United Methodist Church’s, recognition of “the sanctity of unborn human life” and “the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child” (Paragraph 161J on Abortion, The Social Principles, The Book of Discipline [2012]; and see the articles on “abortion” on the General Board of Church and Society website);
Whereas, Paragraph 161J is morally inconsistent because it speaks of “the unborn child” and yet supports laws that permit abortion, which always takes the life of the unborn child (Paragraph 161J on Abortion, The Social Principles, The Book of Discipline [2012]); and
Whereas, the 2012 Book of Discipline’s Social Principles’ Paragraph 161J on abortion, as amended below, can lead The United Methodist Church to rejoin historic Christianity’s teaching on life and abortion that aspires to protect the unborn child and mother.
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the 2015 session of the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church hereby charges its Conference Secretary to petition, in a timely and appropriate manner, the 2016 General Conference to amend Paragraph 161J of The Book of Discipline to read: J) Abortion – The beginning of life and the ending of life are the God-given boundaries of human existence. While individuals have always had some degree of control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine when and even whether new individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.
But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child. We recognize tragic conflicts of physical life with physical life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the
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legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures by certified medical providers. We support parental, guardian, or other responsible adult notification and consent before abortions can be performed on girls who have not yet reached the age of legal adulthood. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection or eugenics (see Resolution 3184).
We oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice except when the physical life of the mother is in danger and no other medical procedure is available, or in the case of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life. This procedure shall be performed only by certified medical providers. Whenever the unborn child may be capable of surviving outside his or her mother’s womb, every reasonable effort should be made to preserve both lives. Before providing their services, abortion providers should be required to offer women the option of anesthesia.
We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may cause them to consider abortion. We entrust God to provide guidance, wisdom, and discernment to those facing an unintended pregnancy.
The Church shall offer ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies. We commit our Church to continue to provide nurturing ministries to those who terminate a pregnancy, to those in the midst of a crisis pregnancy, and to those who give birth.
We mourn, and are committed to diminishing high abortion rates. The Church shall encourage ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies such as comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education grounded in Christian teaching, advocacy in regard to contraception, and support of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls around the globe.
Young adult women disproportionately face situations in which they feel they have no choice due to financial, educational, relational, or other circumstances beyond their control. The Church and its local congregations and campus ministries should be in the forefront of supporting existing ministries and developing new ministries that help such women in their communities. We particularly encourage the Church, the government, and social service agencies to support and facilitate the option of adoption as a generally preferable alternative to abortion. (See Paragraph 161L.) We affirm and encourage the Church to assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women find feasible alternatives to abortion.
Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, family, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel. (The Book of Discipline [2012])
Therefore, Be If Further Resolved, that the 2015 session of the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church hereby charges its Conference Secretary, because of the fifty-word limit that has been imposed on the printed rationales in the public listings of General Conference petitions, to include with this petition the following rationale: “The current wording of Paragraph 161J has been treated by some United Methodists as a means for one-sidedly advocating for public policies advancing elective abortion. These amendments to Paragraph 161J would more clearly align our church with biblical, historic Christian teaching that defends unborn children and their mothers from abortion.”
Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth Whiteville United Methodist Church Whiteville, NC
119 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
120 How to Vote Electronically North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Those, Lay and clergy, who receive fewer than ten HOW TO VOTE (10) votes on a ballot vote, will not be carried forward for the next ballot. This does not mean that a nominee is dropped, only that enough votes were not received ELECTRONICALLY to move forward, or to be elected. However, in subsequent ballots, a nominee could be brought back We will use electronic devices at Annual Conference into contention, if they receive ten (10) or more votes 2015 to vote for those we would like to represent us on a ballot. An election is made, if a nominee receives at the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conference. a simple majority of valid votes cast. (Example – for a This process will allow voting to be done quickly and ballot vote of 600, with 590 votes valid, a majority of accurately. We will be electing eight (8) lay delegates 296 would win the ballot (vote) for that particular and eight (8) clergy delegates, to represent us at the ballot.) Once a person is elected, their name and General Conference in 2016; and, eight (8) additional number are removed from the listing, and the lay delegates and eight (8) additional clergy delegates voting continues, until the complete delegation roster to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, plus five is attained. (5) alternate lay and five (5) alternate clergy delegates. We will also use the devices for other votes during the General Sessions and voting will be held in the procedure of the annual conference. Exhibit Hall at the Wilmington Convention Center. Registration for Annual Conference will take place Four digit numbers have been assigned to the Full in the River Concourse lobby at the Wilmington Elders and Full Deacons and the listing is posted online Convention Center. Once you have registered, you at the annual conference webpage. The listing will also will proceed to the electronic voting desk to pick up be included in the AC Registration packets. your keypad. The keypad distribution area will be organized alphabetically, by last name and by lay or The listing of the laity nominees will be posted on clergy. The ID number on the keypad will be assigned or before June 1. Four digit numbers will be assigned to you. This is done to verify your vote, and you will to the laity nominees, once we have received the laity be responsible for returning the unit at the conclusion information forms. There will be opportunity, at the of the conference. beginning of the voting, for nominations from the floor and a voting number assigned by the presiding officer. To familiarize us to the use of the electronic voting procedure, we will start the meeting with “test votes”. In the first round of voting, the Bishop will announce The Bishop will announce the start of a vote and the start of a vote. You will enter the four digit number pose a question. You will be given 30 seconds to vote. of a nominee you want to vote for. Candidates’ Please press 1 for Yes and press 2 for No. Remember assigned numbers will be entered, one candidate to change your vote, simply vote again. The last vote position at a time. Once you have entered a number showing on your handset will be counted. When the on your keypad, press send, your selection will be 30 second interval is over, the presiding officer will wirelessly transmitted to a computer that will record announce that the vote is complete, and shortly all votes and tabulate the final results of each ballot. thereafter, announce the results. To change your vote, simply vote again. The last vote showing on your handset will be counted. These results If you choose not participate in a vote, do not press will be checked by the parliamentarian after each ballot, any buttons. If you enter an incorrect number during and then announced by the presiding officer (the a vote before you press send and would like to change bishop). All of your votes will remain private. it, press the DEL button on the upper left to remove
121 How to Vote Electronically North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
one number at a time. If you, inadvertently, turn conference and ask you to return it. If the unit is your handset off by pushing the power button in the misplaced , lost, and/or not returned, you will be lower RIGHT Corner; press the button again, to turn responsible to pay for it. your handset back on. Pressing any of your handsets other buttons, will have no effect and will be treated The color dot on your handset will indicate your as invalid. voting group: BLUE for the LAITY; and RED, YELLOW, AND GREEN for the CLERGY. You Every handset will be tested before the conference. will be able to vote ONLY on questions for which you If you handset does not turn on or does not show the are an eligible. To avoid any votes coming at an word Received in the display, to confirm that your vote inappropriate time, only the keypads that are has been tabulated, go to the help desk and your required for the current vote will be activated. handset will be replaced with a new one. If you have any questions regarding the electronic Place your handset in the box by the exit when you voting systems or procedures, please contact a teller leave the conference for home. If you forget to turn or visit the help desk in the Exhibit hall. in your handset, we will follow-up with you after the
122 Electronic Voting at Annual Conference North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
ELECTRONIC VOTING AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE Electronic Voting at Annual Conference Electronic Voting at Annual Conference
Getting Ready Getting Ready
Every voter will receive a handset at the check-in desk. Every voter will receive a handset at the check-in desk. Voting Turn on your handset with the Power Button. Voting Turn on your handset with the Power Button.
Yes Yes The Bishop willNo announce the start of a vote. The Bishop willNo announce the start of a vote. Press 1 for Press 1 for Press 2 for Press 2 for For elections, enter the For elections, enter the candidate number and candidate number and press Send. press Send. You will have 30 seconds to You will have 30 seconds to complete your vote. complete your vote. To change your vote, simply To change your vote, simply vote again. vote again. The last vote showing on your Yes - Press 1 The last vote showing on your Yes - Press 1 handset will be counted. No - Press 2 handset will be counted. No - Press 2 If you have a problem with If you have a problem with During voting the visit Meeting the Help Desk. During voting the visit Meeting the Help Desk.
If you leave your seat, take your If you leave your seat, take your After handset the Meeting with you. After handset the Meeting with you.
Place your handset in the box by Place your handset in the box by the exit when you leave the the exit when you leave the conference for home. conference for home.
7001 © 2014 Option Technologies International - www.optiontechnologies.com - 800.776.9974 7001 © 2014 Option Technologies International - www.optiontechnologies.com - 800.776.9974
123 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
124 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
COMPLETED WORKSHEET
FOR ELECTIONS CLERGY INFORMATION
During the 2015 Conference, we will be voting to elect eight delegates to the Jurisdictional and eight delegates to the General Conference. In addition, we will be electing five alternate clergy delegates and five alternate laity delegates. This worksheet is designed to help aid you in planning your ballot selections for each round of electronic voting.
Each ballot will start with three selections. Each worksheet ballot will have a box for the delegate name and their four-digit candidate number, which can be found on the Candidate List. These delegate numbers will be typed into the keypads to create your final ballots.
A vote of 50 percent plus one will create an election of the position. There is also a box that is placed under each ballot for you to write in the name of the elected during each ballot. This will not serve as a write in ballot.
Clergy Elected to General Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Clergy Elected to Jurisdictional Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
125 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Clergy Alternates Elected to General Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
126 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. CLERGY INFORMATION 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8..
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
127 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
128 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. CLERGY INFORMATION 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
129 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
130 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
CLERGY ELIGIBLE TO BE ELECTED
Voting Number Name Conference Status CLERGY INFORMATION 1001 Dennis Marion Adams FE 1002 Anne W. Ahl FE 1003 Lovell R. Aills RE 1005 Benjamin Alexander FE 1006 Gayle T. Alexander RE 1007 J. C. Alexander RE 1008 Danny G. Allen FE 1009 Frank Bruce Allen RE 1010 Julia Ellen Alliger FE 1011 Gary E. Allred FE 1012 William Howard Altman FE 1013 Karen Baker Angel FE 1014 Patricia H. Archer FD 1015 D. Anthony Argo FD 1016 Nathan Arledge FE 1017 Roger Addison Armistead RE 1018 Edward P. Armstrong RE 1019 R. Martin Armstrong FE 1020 Matthew Reeves Ashburn FE 1021 W. Christopher Aydlett FE 1022 Jeffrey Babajtis FE 1023 James E. Bailey RE 1024 James H. Bailey RE 1025 Rochele Bailey FE 1026 Gerald Kevin Baker FE 1028 Janet Lea Balasko FE 1029 Robert L. Baldridge RE 1030 David A. Banks FE 1031 Donna Banks FE 1033 Wilson Edward Barber RE 1034 Berry O. Barbour RE 1035 W. Clark Barfield RE 1036 Randolph Lee Barnes FD 1037 H. Phillip Barrineau RE 1038 Owen Barrow FE 1039 Sally Glenn Bates FE 1040 Robert J. Bauman FE 1041 Joseph David Beam FE 1042 David Jack Beck FE 1043 Gilbert W. Beeson RE 1044 Carl Dean Belcher FE
131 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1045 J. Peter Belec RE 1046 James Douglas Bell FE 1047 Shane Mario Benjamin FE 1048 Ann Giles Benson RE 1049 David C. Benson RE 1050 John K. Bergland RE 1051 Robert E. Bergland FE 1052 Wm Allen Bingham FE 1053 Eilene Zaida Bisgrove FD 1054 Vito Bisogno FE 1055 Lester C. Bissette RE 1056 Bobby C. Black RE 1057 David John Blackman FE 1058 Robert Shawn Blackwelder FE 1059 Randy Coy Blanchard RE 1060 Edward F. Bogie RE 1061 Jesse V. Bone RE 1062 Kay Melvin Boone FE 1063 R. Lawrence Bowden FE 1064 Daniel D. Bowman RE 1065 Lynwood C. Boyette RE 1066 William Alton Boykin FE 1067 Francis C. Bradshaw RE 1068 Johnny H. Branch FE 1069 Kermit L. Braswell RE 1070 William E. Braswell RE 1071 Robert Wayne Brewer FE 1072 A. Ray Broadwell FE 1073 Ernest Ray Brooks RE 1074 Rex Eugene Brooks RE 1075 Cheryl Wynn Brown RE 1076 James Stanley Brown RE 1078 Philip Sherman Brown RE 1079 Ralph A. Brown FE 1080 Samuel H. Brown RE 1081 Vernon W. Brown FE 1082 Wesley Freeland Brown FE 1083 David E. Brownlee RE 1084 Jesse Brunson FE 1085 James L. Bryan RE 1086 Charles V. Bryant RE 1087 Richard L. Bryant FE 1088 Terry A. Bryant FE 1089 Jay Patrick Buckingham FE
132 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1090 Kenneth R. Buckingham RE 1091 Betty Ann Buckley FD
1092 Terry Leigh Buckner FE CLERGY INFORMATION 1093 William Marvin Budzinski FE 1094 Paul G. Bunn RE 1095 Renee Burnette FE 1096 Carolyn H. Burrus FE 1097 Rufus Ernest Butner FE 1098 John D. Butson RE 1099 Leonard C. Byers FE 1100 Roberta Gail Byram RE 1101 Douglas L. Byrd RE 1102 Anthony Calhoun FE 1103 Leanne Calhoun FE 1104 Hugh H. Cameron RE 1105 Curtis W. Campbell RE 1106 Dennis Marion Campbell RE 1107 Elizabeth Campbell RE 1109 Robert L. Carpenter RE 1110 W. Eric Carson RE 1111 G. Rosser Carter FE 1112 Joseph W. Casteel FE 1113 Gerald Stephen Castle FE 1114 Timothy Catlett FE 1115 Marty J. Cauley FE 1116 Daniel Ross Chandler RE 1117 Larry Michael Chandler FE 1118 LuAnn Herring Charlton FE 1119 Patrice Cheasty‐Miller FE 1120 John Michael Check FE 1121 Clyde B. Cheezem RE 1122 Corbin L. Cherry RE 1123 Lily Ker Chou RE 1124 Robert S. Christian RE 1125 Diane M. Christianson FE 1126 Philip Robert Chryst FE 1127 Karen Michele Clark FE 1128 S. Mark Clark FE 1129 Kathy A. Clark‐Dickens RE 1130 W. Thomas Clarke RE 1131 Richard T. Clayton FE 1132 Tracy L. Clayton FE
133 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1133 David S. Clift RE 1134 Margaret Claire Clyburn FE 1135 Arnold Gene Cobb FE 1136 Suzanne Crutchfield Cobb FE 1137 Laurie Hays Coffman FE 1138 Lisa Brown Cole FE 1139 Gayla Greene Collins FE 1140 Sylvia Collins‐Ball FE 1141 Edgardo A. Colon‐Emeric FE 1142 Stephen Charles Compton FE 1143 Sandra J. Conner RE 1144 Charles M. Cook RE 1145 Roger D. Cope FE 1146 C. Michael Coppock FE 1147 John G. Cottingham RE 1148 William T. Cottingham RE 1149 J. Quinton Covington RE 1150 Eugene Cox FD 1151 Richard Lewis Cox RE 1152 Larry D. Crane RE 1153 Stewart Allen Crank FE 1154 Dalma G. Cribb FE 1155 Jerry Wayne Cribb RE 1156 William R. Crowder RE 1157 John Marshall Crowe FE 1158 Karen Crutchfield FE 1159 S. Dufrene Cummings RE 1160 Carolyn Cummings‐Woriax RE 1161 Douglas Brian Currin RE 1162 Thomas A. Danek RE 1163 David E. Daniel RE 1164 M. Francis Daniel FE 1165 Franklin D. Daniels RE 1166 James Harold Daniels FE 1167 Kenneth Leroy Davenport FE 1168 Alice Davis FE 1169 Eldrick R. Davis FE 1170 Gerry G. Davis FE 1171 H. Charles Davis RE 1172 Michael A. Davis FE 1173 Joyce Christine Day FD 1174 Nanette de Andrade FD 1175 Edgar Raymund A. De Jesus FE 1176 Amanda Dean FE
134 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1177 Carol Whitley Dean FE 1178 Murry L. Dehart RE
1179 Clyde A. Denny FE CLERGY INFORMATION 1180 Jan J. Dickens RE 1181 John Van Dickens FE 1182 Ronald E. Dietrich RE 1183 Lewis H. Dodson RE 1184 Scott Dodson FE 1185 Suzanne Dornsmith FE 1186 Dora Russell Dorsey FE 1187 Leonard F. Doucette RE 1188 Para Lee Rodenhizer Drake FE 1189 Howard Dennis Draper RE 1190 Barry P. Drum FE 1191 Judith Bolen Drye RE 1192 Earl G. Dulaney RE 1193 John Farron Duncan FE 1194 Paul Ralph Dunham FE 1195 Laura Autry Dunlap FE 1196 Thomas Judson Dunlap FE 1197 John H. Dutton FE 1198 Christi DeSha Dye FE 1199 Laura G. Early FE 1200 Daniel T. Earnhardt RE 1201 Edwin L. Earnhardt RE 1202 G. Lloyd Edge RE 1203 Martha Wofford Edgerton RE 1204 Harvey Lee Edwards FE 1205 Lindsey Eklund FE 1206 Susan Elaine Eldon FE 1207 Robert Kenneth Eldredge RE 1208 Edward C. Elliott RE 1209 Michael H. Elliott FE 1210 Roger V. Elliott RE 1211 Seong‐il Eom FE 1212 J. Sidney Epperson RE 1213 John Michael Eubanks RE 1215 Matthew R. Evans FE 1218 T. M. Faggart RE 1219 W. Bryan Faggart FE 1220 Leonard E. Fairley FE 1221 John A. Farmer RE 1222 Penny Dollar Farmer FE 1223 Richard L. Farmer RE
135 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1225 Horace T. Ferguson RE 1226 James Scott Finicum FE 1227 Albert Fleet Fisher RE 1229 Ralph Lang Fleming RE 1230 Robert Lee Fletcher FE 1231 Robert C. Flynn RE 1233 Joseph W. Forbes RE 1234 Steven N. Formo FE 1235 Scott Morgan Foster FE 1237 Donna Lynne Fowler‐Marchant FE 1238 Doris T. Fox RE 1239 Everett J. France RE 1240 Joseph Franklin FE 1241 Kenneth E. Frazier RE 1242 R. Carl Frazier FE 1243 Michael David Frese FE 1244 Elizabeth Gaines FE 1245 Alvester I. Gales FE 1246 Victor L. Galipi FE 1247 Kellie Gallagher‐Smith FE 1248 Stanley Gallagher‐Smith FE 1249 Ronald E. Gardner RE 1251 Walter W. Gaskins RE 1252 Michael Francis Gast RE 1253 William H. Gattis RE 1254 Brian G. Gentle RE 1255 Alan C. Gibson FE 1256 Milton H. Gilbert RE 1257 Pamela Jan Gilliam FE 1259 M. David Gira FE 1260 David W. Girod FE 1261 Joseph Conrad Glass RE 1262 Edith Lee Gleaves FE 1263 R. Keith Glover RE 1264 Sherwood A. Godwin RE 1265 Carol W. Goehring FE 1266 David J. Goehring FE 1267 Albert Eugene Goldfinch RE 1268 Ray Thomas Gooch FE 1269 Dennis M. Goodwin FE 1270 Karl Grant FE 1271 Walter L. Graves RE 1272 Harold William Green FE 1273 Thomas M. Greener FE
136 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1274 Richard O. Greenway FE 1275 Susan Pate Greenwood FE
1276 C. Franklin Grill RE CLERGY INFORMATION 1277 Tammie Grimm FD 1278 David R. Grissom RE 1279 Charlene Pierce Guider FE 1280 Edward M. Gunter FE 1281 Ronald Edward Gurganus RE 1282 Charles Martin Hackett RE 1283 Grace Hackney FE 1284 Sidney Gene Hadden FE 1285 William A. Haddock FE 1286 Jacob Milton Hadley RE 1287 Michael L. Hale RE 1288 David P. Haley FE 1289 Shay Joseph Hall FE 1290 Stephen B. Hall RE 1291 Steven M. Hall FE 1292 W. Kenneth Hall RE 1293 William Kenneth Hall FE 1294 Rodney G. Hamm RE 1295 Robert Michael Hammond FE 1296 Madison N. Hankal FE 1297 Jared Andrew Hanson FE 1298 Harold H. Harbin RE 1299 Otto H.C. Hardt RE 1300 William David Harrington FE 1302 James H. Harris RE 1303 Jo Elaine Harris FD 1304 Robert G. Harris RE 1305 Shana Deanetia Harrison FE 1306 David J. Harriss FE 1307 James H. Harry FE 1308 Susan L. Harsh‐Cafferty RE 1309 David L. Harvin RE 1310 John E. Harwood RE 1311 Mary Martha Hatch FE 1312 Jay D. Helms FE 1313 Julian B. Helms RE 1314 James Haywood Henderson FE 1315 Regina Henderson FE 1316 M. Elton Hendricks RE 1318 Charles M. Herring RE 1319 Steven A. Hickle FE
137 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1320 Mark Hicks FE 1321 Phyllis K. Hicks FE 1322 Wayne Marion Hicks FE 1323 Lawrence C. Higgins FE 1324 Lori Ann Higgins FE 1325 Edward Carlton Hill FE 1326 Edward F. Hill FE 1327 Ralph M. Hill RE 1328 Randy A. Hillman FE 1329 H. Mallie Hinnant FE 1330 James L. Hobbs RE 1331 John W. Hobbs RE 1332 Michael B. Hobbs RE 1333 Terry A. Hobbs FE 1334 Allison Brady Hocutt FE 1335 Hubert Howard Hodgin RE 1336 William Ervin Holliday FE 1337 Thomas M. Hollis FE 1338 Teresa Corley Holloway FE 1339 Thomas G. Holtsclaw RE 1340 Elizabeth Hackney Hood FE 1342 Thomas D. Hoogerland RE 1343 Joyce Beal Horn FD 1344 Alvin M. Horne FE 1345 Thurman Horney FE 1346 Cathy McCabe Hoyle FE 1347 William S. Hoyle FE 1348 Robert L. Huckaby FD 1349 Pamela Jo Hudson FE 1350 Terry L. Huffines FE 1351 Bryan Scott Huffman FE 1352 Virgil B. Huffman RE 1353 H. Sidney Huggins RE 1354 Terry Hunt FE 1356 Jack L. Hunter RE 1357 James R. Huskins RE 1358 David Carl Hutchins FE 1359 Charles H. Hutchinson RE 1360 Geraldine D. Ingram RE 1361 Randall E. Innes FE 1362 Robert Julian Irvine RD 1363 Jerry A. Jackson FE 1364 Richard C. Jackson FE 1365 Wilbur I. Jackson RE
138 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1366 Eddie Jo V. Jarrett RE 1367 Jonathan David Jeffries FE
1368 William M. Jeffries RE CLERGY INFORMATION 1369 David Omar Jenkins FE 1370 Edith Dudley Jenkins FE 1371 Gregory Keith Jenks FE 1372 Eugene Ray Jenness FE 1373 D. Douglas Jessee RE 1374 C. Reginald Johnson RE 1375 F. Douglas Johnson FE 1376 George W. Johnson RE 1377 Glenda Noble Johnson RE 1378 J. Donald Johnson RE 1379 Kathryn Rives Johnson FE 1380 Laura Richards Johnson FE 1381 Lawrence E. Johnson RE 1382 Judith Olivia Jolly RD 1383 Donnie L. Jones FE 1384 George A. Jones RE 1385 Harry Jordan RE 1387 Jerry Jay Juren RE 1388 J. Mark Kasper RE 1389 Andrew Keck FD 1390 Diana B. Killian RE 1391 Chang Bae Kim FE 1392 Hyung S. Kim FE 1393 Kwan Seok Kim FE 1394 Carl Hamett King FE 1395 David Lewis King FE 1396 Wallace H. Kirby RE 1397 T. Garland Knott RE 1398 Joseph E. Kossan RE 1399 Robert Kretzu FE 1400 Alice Kirkman Kunka RD 1401 Duke Caldwell Lackey FE 1402 William Douglas Lain FE 1403 Kimberly Strong Lamb FE 1404 Dennis Cecil Lamm RE 1405 Charles Hulbert Lancaster RE 1406 Ecwood C. Lancaster RE 1407 Delores Anne Langley FE 1408 Jessie Shuman Larkins FE 1409 Cheryl Moffett Lawrence FE 1410 Teresa E. Lawrence FE
139 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1411 David Brent Laytham FE 1412 Heather Heinzman Lear FE 1414 Laura Fine Ledford FE 1416 James C. Lee RE 1417 Woo‐Il Lee FE 1418 Ronda Lee‐Torres FD 1419 Jane Lee Leechford FE 1420 Dennis P. Levin RE 1421 Jerry D. Lewis FE 1422 Stanley A. Lewis FE 1423 Robert Wayne Licht FE 1424 Elaine Lilliston RD 1425 Eric N. Lindblade FE 1426 Susan Clayton Lindblade FE 1427 Cynthia Kay Lister FE 1428 Joe D. Lister RE 1429 Stephen N. Little FE 1430 Bill James Locklear RE 1431 Kenneth Locklear FE 1432 Mattheue B. Locklear FE 1433 Thomas E. Loftis RE 1434 Linda Logston FD 1435 Kelly Lyn Logue FE 1436 Henry N. Lovelace RE 1437 James Thomas Lowery FE 1438 Herbert Lowry FE 1439 Samuel W. Loy FE 1440 Frank I. Loyd RE 1441 Roger Leroy Loyd RE 1442 Carolyn Lucas FE 1443 Lawrence E. Lugar RE 1444 Mark E. Lykins RE 1445 Patricia Lykins RD 1446 Audrey Holmes Lynge RE 1447 John M. Mackey RE 1448 Joy Reed MacVane FE 1449 John Talton Madison FE 1450 David Malcolm FE 1451 David O. Malloy RE 1452 James Edward Malloy FE 1453 Tracy A. Maness RE 1454 Robert L. Mangum RE 1455 Barbara Price Mann RE 1456 Milton T. Mann RE
140 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1457 W. Joseph Mann RE 1458 Leslie M. Marsicano FE
1459 Jerry Dean Martin FE CLERGY INFORMATION 1460 Glenn E. Mason RE 1461 Richard Thorne Mathews RE 1462 J. Alexander Maultsby RE 1463 Rhonda Turner Maurer FE 1464 Harold Cleveland May FE 1465 Randall Grey Maynard FE 1466 John Michael McAllister FE 1467 Mary Frances McClure FE 1468 James Elvin McConnell FE 1469 Ellen Margaret McCubbin FE 1470 Steven W. McElroy FE 1471 Gregory L. McGarvey FE 1472 Charles E. McKenzie FE 1474 Carleton P. McKita RE 1475 Horace L. McLaurin RE 1476 Kenneth B. McLean FE 1477 Martha Kimball McLean FE 1478 Walter Emmett McLeod RE 1479 Hannah Pinckney McManus FE 1480 George C. Megill RE 1481 James G. Mentzer FE 1482 Charles H. Mercer RE 1483 Rayford H. Methvin RE 1485 Hector Millan FE 1486 Donald Thomas Miller FE 1487 James H. Miller RE 1488 Lon William Miller FE 1489 Theodore Ralph Miller FE 1490 Jonathan Lee Mills FE 1491 Taylor W. Mills FE 1492 Stuart M. Milton FE 1493 Gregory Carlton Minnick RE 1494 Jonathan Allen Minnick FE 1495 Laura Hayes Mitchell FE 1497 David Moehring FE 1498 Christopher Gregory Moore FE 1499 Deborah Ann Morgan FE 1500 Alvin J. Morris RE 1501 Brigitte Ann Freeman Morris FD 1502 Homer E. Morris FE 1503 Charles K. Morrison RE
141 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1504 J. Edward Morrison RE 1505 Floyd R. Morrow RE 1506 Charles K. Moseley FE 1507 Rachel Tucker Moser RE 1508 Rick A. Moser FE 1509 Joseph A. Motley RE 1510 Roderic L. Mullen FE 1511 James Olen Murphy FE 1512 Miles Murphy RE 1513 Charles Donald Myers RE 1514 Donald C. Nagel RE 1515 Won Seok Namkoong FE 1516 Kong Suk Namkung FE 1517 R. Keith Nanney RE 1518 Russell Graham Nanney FE 1519 Jeff Nash FE 1520 Jeanne Ross Neal FE 1521 Karl Neuschaefer FE 1522 Edward Slee New FE 1523 Judith Mann New FE 1524 Thomas W. Newman FE 1525 Thomas M. Nichols FE 1526 Jan Camille Nicholson FE 1527 J. Crispin Noble FE 1528 Mary Jane P. Norton FD 1529 Carol Noy RE 1530 Robert D. O’Keef RE 1531 Joyce Darnell Odom RE 1532 Marshall R. Old RE 1533 Kirk B. Oldham FE 1534 James R. Oliver RE 1535 William A. Olsen FE 1536 John Kern Ormond RE 1537 Robert T. Osborn RE 1538 E. Powell Osteen FE 1539 JoAnn M. Oulton RE 1540 Travis W. Owen RE 1541 Charles B. Owens RE 1542 Charles E. Owens RE 1543 Lee Roger Owens FE 1544 Milford Oxendine RE 1545 James Herrington Pace RE 1546 Jack Ward Page RE 1547 Rosanna C. Panizo‐Valladares FE
142 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1548 Sang Seon Park FE 1549 Rhonda Parker FE
1550 Richard Henry Parker RE CLERGY INFORMATION 1551 Ryan Paul Parker FE 1552 Carrie W. Parrish RE 1553 Duane Richard Partin FE 1554 John S. Paschal RE 1555 Michael Pasquarello FE 1556 Robert Bruce Pate RE 1557 George Ronald Patton FE 1558 Roger Davidson Paxton RE 1559 Mary Peacock RD 1560 Harvey Worth Pearce RE 1561 James D. Pearson RE 1562 Dennis Peay FE 1563 Jim Pegan FE 1564 Brian D. Perry FE 1565 Francis Gerald Peterson RE 1566 G. Paul Phillips RE 1567 James Donald Phillips RE 1569 Carolyn R. Pilgrim RE 1570 William Rickman Pinner FE 1571 Lee Roy Pittard FE 1572 Charles H. Plowman RE 1573 Sally S. Plowman RE 1574 Elizabeth Polk FE 1575 Charles L. Pollock RE 1576 Reginald Wallace Ponder FE 1577 Reginald W. Ponder RE 1578 Bettye D. Poole FE 1579 T. Arnold Pope RE 1580 Ernest R. Porter RE 1581 Benjamin F. Potter RE 1583 Cynthia D. Powell FD 1584 Daniel P. Powers RD 1585 William M. Presnell RE 1586 Hunter Hadley Preston FE 1587 Tommy G. Privette RE 1588 Nancy Ann Pugh RD 1589 Charles Pullins FE 1591 Joan Malmborg Purcell RE 1592 Julie Forringer Purcell RE 1593 Courtney Randall FE 1594 Francis Roderick Randolph RE
143 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1595 James A. Rawlings FE 1596 Robert H. Ray RE 1597 Timothy Lloyd Reaves FE 1598 James L. Reavis RE 1599 Robert C. Redmond FE 1600 James C. Reed FE 1601 Luis Felipe Reinoso RE 1602 Leonard J. Rex FE 1603 Joyce Ruth Reynolds RE 1604 J. Earl Richardson RE 1605 James Perry Rickards RE 1606 R. Dennis Ricks RE 1607 Elizabeth R. Roberts FE 1608 Frederick E. Roberts FE 1609 Jeffrey L. Roberts FE 1610 Larry Robinson FE 1611 Heather Michele Rodrigues FE 1612 Robert D. Rose FE 1613 Ben C. Rouse RE 1614 Carolyn Roy FE 1615 Ismael Ruiz‐Millan FE 1616 Timothy J. Russell FE 1617 John W. Ruth RE 1618 Michael W. Safley FE 1619 John Neal Salter RE 1620 L. Alan Sasser RE 1621 Sandy Schaller FE 1622 Carolyn Schuldt FD 1624 Paul B. Scott RE 1625 Adam Fenton Seate FE 1626 Billy F. Seate RE 1627 Jeffrey Lee Severt FE 1628 Curtis Keith Sexton FE 1629 Kenneth Bryan Sexton FE 1630 Kenneth Bryan Sexton RE 1631 Richard D. Shannonhouse FE 1632 William Gray Sharpe RE 1633 Caswell E. Shaw RE 1634 R. Branson Sheets FE 1635 Dennis R. Sheppard FE 1636 William W. Sherman RE 1637 Donald Ray Shields FE 1638 Michele Ransier Shields RE 1639 Robert S. Shields RE
144 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1640 Marilyn K. Shipman RE 1641 Mary Anne Link Shivers FE
1642 Albert Shuler FE CLERGY INFORMATION 1643 Bryan Siefert FE 1644 Robert Wesley Simpson FE 1645 Thomas Anthony Simpson FE 1646 William C. Simpson RE 1647 Anne Walker Sims FE 1648 Benjamin Newman Sims FE 1649 Carolyn Kyle Sims RE 1650 K. Carl Singley RE 1651 Leah Farriba Skaggs FE 1652 A. Clay Smith RE 1653 Adolph C. Smith FE 1654 Bess G. Smith RE 1655 Bess Gibbs Hunnings Smith RE 1656 Bobby E. Smith RE 1658 Charles Michael Smith RE 1659 G. Jerome Smith FE 1661 Haywood A. Smith FE 1662 Ira Hildreth Smith RE 1664 James Warren Smith FE 1665 Jerry Thomas Smith RE 1666 Judi Johnson Smith RE 1667 Neil E. Smith RE 1668 Stephen E. Smith FE 1669 William Stanley Smith RE 1670 Colin Llewellyn Snider FE 1672 William W. Snotherly FE 1673 Jack Robert Snyder RE 1674 Kelli Summers Sorg FE 1675 H. Gray Southern FE 1676 Charles E. Sparks RE 1677 George D. Speake FE 1678 Clinton W. Spence FE 1679 William C. Spencer RE 1680 Richard Vann Spivey FE 1681 Sidney E. Stafford RE 1682 Paul T. Stallsworth FE 1683 E. Douglas Stanfield RE 1684 Bruce E. Stanley FE 1685 Richard A. Stanley RE 1686 David Matthew Stark FE 1688 Jesse C. Staton FE
145 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1689 David Curtis Steinmetz RE 1690 Judith Smith Stephens FD 1691 Laura Wacker Stern FE 1692 Ruth Harper Stevens RE 1693 Patricia V. Stewart RD 1694 James C. Stokes RE 1695 John L. Stokes RE 1697 Richard L. Stone RE 1698 E. Russell Stott RE 1699 Jonathan E. Strother FE 1700 Connie Marie Stutts FE 1701 D. Stephen Stutts RE 1702 James L. Summey RE 1703 Thomas Supplee FE 1704 Henry Swanzey FE 1705 Alan P. Swartz FE 1706 Thomas Lynn Sweeley FE 1707 Barbara Elaine Swett FE 1708 Maryellen Phelan Switzer RE 1709 Patricia S. Sykes FE 1710 R. Michael Sykes FE 1711 Jimmie Ray Tatum RE 1712 Berry Lynn Taylor RE 1713 Bruce D. Taylor RE 1714 Harriet Tucker Taylor FE 1715 Linda Taylor FE 1716 Vermel Taylor FE 1717 William V. Taylor RE 1718 Ginger A. Thomas FE 1719 Donna M. Thompson FE 1720 James F. Thompson RE 1721 Leo Thompson RE 1722 Roscoe William Thompson RE 1723 Janet G. Thornton‐Irvine RD 1724 J. Albert Trotter RE 1725 C. Clyde Tucker RE 1726 Stuart Tucker RE 1727 Richard M. Tysinger FE 1728 Bobby P. Tyson FE 1729 John H. Tyson FE 1730 M. Eugene Tyson FE 1731 Vernon C. Tyson RE 1732 John Pendleton Upton RE 1733 Richard C. Vaughan FE
146 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1734 Stephen W. Vaughn RD 1735 Hope A. Vickers FE
1736 Carla Scanlan Vieregg FE CLERGY INFORMATION 1737 David C. Wade FE 1739 Kelli Walker‐Jones FE 1740 C. Arthur Wall RE 1741 Lynn T. Wall RE 1742 Robert L. Wallace RE 1743 Brenda Crawford Walton FE 1744 Richard L. Ward RE 1745 D. Ray Warren FE 1746 H. Robert Warren RE 1747 James I. Warren RE 1748 W. Donald Warren FE 1749 W. Arthur Warren FE 1750 Denise Conner Waters FD 1751 Pamela Jane Watkins RE 1752 Debra Starling Watson FE 1753 James T. Weaver FE 1755 Julia Webb‐Bowden FE 1756 Michael D. Weber RE 1757 Luise Katharine Weinrich FE 1758 William J. Weisser RD 1759 Benjamin E. Wells FE 1760 Patricia Hawkins Wells FE 1761 William M. Wells RE 1762 Woodrow W. Wells RE 1763 John W. Wenberg RE 1764 Marc H. Werner RE 1765 Pearl G. West RE 1766 Karen H. Whitaker FE 1767 Dena McFarland White FE 1768 Jaye White FD 1769 John H. White RE 1770 Susan Harris White FE 1771 James D. Whittaker FE 1772 Carson O. Wiggins RE 1773 William Joseph Wilburn FE 1774 Richard Phillip Wilkerson FE 1775 Deborah S. Wilkins FE 1776 Howard M. Wilkinson RE 1777 Kathie Stevens Wilkinson FD 1778 Scott Taylor Wilkinson RE 1779 Nancy Willard FE
147 HowClergy to Eligible Vote Electronically to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status 1780 Brad Williams FE 1781 David Bennett Williams FE 1782 James E. Williams RE 1784 Kristen Driscoll Williams FE 1785 Samuel A. Williams FE 1786 Gladys R. Williford RE 1787 Malcolm Craig Willingham RE 1788 A. J. Wilson RE 1789 Amanda G. Fleishman Wilson FD 1790 Ben H. Wilson RE 1791 Claude T. Wilson RE 1792 James L. Wilson RE 1793 Jenny H. Wilson FE 1795 C. Scott Wilson‐Parsons FE 1796 Mary Jane Wilson‐Parsons FE 1797 Brian W. Wingo FE 1798 Joseph A. Winston FE 1800 Gilliam P. Wise FE 1801 Ben Witherington FE 1802 Peggy O. Witt RE 1803 William J Witt RE 1804 Laura Wittman FE 1805 Nathan Andrew Wittman FE 1806 Raymond Karl Wittman FE 1807 William Wolfe RE 1808 LaVerne B. Womack RE 1809 Heather Herrin Wong FE 1810 John Robert Woodard RE 1811 Eldon Woodcock RE 1812 Andrea Reese Woodhouse FE 1813 David William Woodhouse FE 1814 Rani Partridge Woodrow FE 1815 James Elton Wooten FE 1816 Johnnie L. Wright FE 1817 Samuel Wynn FE 1818 Lisa Naa‐Shormey Yebuah FE 1819 William Joseph Yow FE
148 Clergy Eligible to be Elected North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
The following person will become clergy eligible to be elected after the Clergy Executive Session on June 10, 2015
Voting Number Name Conference Status CLERGY INFORMATION 1820 David Joseph Allen FE 1821 John David Amon FE 1822 Brian Gregory Belting FE 1823 Kevin Michael Johnson FE 1824 Tara Culp Lain FE 1825 JoAnn Rae Lamplye FE 1826 Stuart Patrick Murphy FE 1827 Daniel Oscar Pantoja FE 1828 Hyun Soak Park FE 1829 Julie Ann Poston FE 1830 Amie Elizabeth Stewart FD 1831 Tyler Kent Williams FE 1832 Toni Lee Wood FE 1833 Kristina Johnson Yeatts FE
149 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Danny G. Allen (1008) Telephone: 252.975.1774 Cell Phone: 252.229.6464 Address: 304 W. 2nd Street Washington, NC 27889 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Washington:First Current District: Beacon
Local Church and District Activities
I began serving as a pastor in the North Carolina Conference in June, 1971 and have served small and large membership churches. Over the years, I have served on and in some instances, chaired District Councils on Ministry, Committees on Superintendency, Committees on Ministry and one District Board of Trustees.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served on the Commission on Evangelism, was privileged to chair the commission for 4 years and was honored with the Harry Denman Evangelism Award. I was trained by Kennon Callahan as one of the consultants for the Vitalization Project for the North Carolina Conference. I have served on the Conference Council on Finance and Administration as Vice President and President and continue as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Methodist Foundation.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have served churches in 9 of the previous 12 districts and bring familiarity with the people, issues, understandings and positions of the United Methodists of Eastern North Carolina. I will bring a personal faith and prayer life, wisdom gained by experience and a sense of balance to the delegation.
150 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Gary Allred (1011) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.801.0157
Address: 104 Ryder Cup Circle Raleigh, NC 27603 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Holland's Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Local Church: Currently serving, and beginning the 8th year, as lead pastor of 1400 member congregation with an average worship attendance of 500.
-- Preach, teach, leadership development, administration
-- Four worship services: relaxed traditional, traditional,
non-traditional (contemporary), non-traditional (coffee house)
-- Previously served rural and suburban churches
-- Successful planting pastor of new church, 1996-2003
District: No current activity. Previously: District Committee on Ordained Ministry 1998-2006, chair 1999- 2006) ... District Committee on Church Location and Building 2007-2009, chair 2008-2009)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Evangelical Fellowship
Conference: No current activity. Previously: New Faith Communities Lead Team 2004 - 2012, chair 2008- 2012 ... Conference Connectional Table 2008- 2012 ... Congregational Development Fund, Inc. 2008- 2012 ... Conference Commission on Stewardship 2000-2008 ... Conference Commission on Camping Ministries 1994-1998
Civic & other activities: Garner Rotary Club ... Heart of Carolina Emmaus Community
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
My passion for ministry is to do all I can to invite and equip people to follow Jesus. In doing so, I am committed to work for the extension of God's Kingdom through the ministries of our denomination. I also seek to do good and add value to people in any way I can. My theological stance would be best characterized as Wesleyan Orthodox Evangelical.
As a Delegate to GC or JC I will employ the gifts with which God has blessed me to fulfill the above statement and in the context of the spirit of that statement.
151 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Patricia Archer (1014) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.231.6611 Address: 384 Semmes Dr. Wilmington, NC 28412 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Pine Valley - Wilmington Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
• Pastor of Discipleship at Pine Valley UMC-Wilmington
Oversee discipleship ministries for all ages
Worship Leader for the contemporary worship service
Clergy leader for Celebrate Recovery (Christian 12 Step ministry)
• District Committee of Ordained Ministry (1997-present), past Committee Chair for five years
Annual Conference and Other Activities
• Conference Connectional Table since 2008, current team leader of the Leadership team
• Chair of the Administrative Review Committee
• Mentor for Ministry Candidates
• Past Chair of the Order of Deacons 2000-2008
• Board of Ordained Ministry 1999-2008, member of Executive Committee (2001-2008) and other related committees (Conference Relations Committee, Sexual Ethics Committee and District Relations Committee).
• Delegate to General Conferences 2008 & 2012
• Delegate to Jurisdictional Conferences 2008 & 2012
• Secretary for the 2012 Delegation
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I am willing to pray and listen to God’s direction as the United Methodist Church makes important decisions for ministry in our changing world. I’m willing to give my time, focus and prayerful commitment for this important work. If I am elected, it will be my privilege to serve the North Carolina Annual Conference.
152 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Nathan Arledge (1016) Telephone: 919.943.6797 Cell Phone: 919.943.6797
Address: 326 Oakland Dr Burlington, NC 27215 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Front Street Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
District:
District Mission Strategy Team
Local Church:
Developed sister church relationship with La Resurrecion Metodista in Puerto Rico. The church in Puerto Rico not only receives our teams but also sends a team in the summer for two weeks to help Front Street journey and connect with our Hispanic brothers and sisters of Burlington.
Grew a thriving missions ministry at Front Street through multiple international: Haiti, Honduras, and Costa Rica. By product of these international mission experiences it has influenced and grown the local awareness and contribution to our own neighbors in town. In the life and heartbeat of Front Street one of the first questions now asked before we do ministry is, "how will this help us connect with and transform our local community?" It is now about working with and not giving to.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Vice Chair of Church and Society
Vice Chair of Young Adult Committee
Candidacy Mentor
For the past two years I have been a member of Pastores Caminantes at Duke Divinity School. Through this program I have had an opportunity to grow my voice and awareness of the need for our church to walk alongside with our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Best things learned actively listening, hearing with compassion and acting with our neighbors.
"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God. Whoever loves someone who is a parent loves the child born to the parent. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep God’s commandments. 3 This is the love of God: we keep God’s commandments. God’s commandments are not difficult, 4 because everyone who is born from God defeats the world. And this is the victory that has defeated the world: our faith. 5 Who defeats the world? Isn’t it the one who believes that Jesus is God’s Son?" 1 John 5:1-5
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a delegate I will contribute a genuine, transparent and authentic voice on behalf of the NCCUMC. I will be a strong representative by living into our gospel conviction - to truly love our neighbors - this will be the lens and voice I will speak and read going into General and Jurisdictional.
153 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 G. Kevin Baker (1026) Telephone: 919.622.1750 Cell Phone: 919.622.1750 Address: 112 N. Main Street Suite 301 Graham, NC 27253 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Graham First UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
1994-1997 Pastor of Creswell Charge
1997-2004 Associate Pastor of Reconciliation UMC
2004-2011 Lead Pastor of Reconciliation UMC
2011-2015 Lead Pastor of First UMC Graham
Annual Conference and Other Activities
1995-1997 Member of Conference Commission on Church and Society
1997-2000 Member of Conference Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns
2000-2004 Member and Chair of Conference Multicultural Ministries Circle
2001-2011 Member of Conference Hispanic Ministries Circle
1997-2001 Served as member and chair of Durham District Taskforce on Hispanic Ministries
2004-2010 Member of Commission on Congregation Development for NC Annual Conference
2007-2010 Member of Durham District on Superintendency
2011-2015 Member of AC Delegation and delegate to 2012 SEJ Conference
2013-2015 Residency In Ordained Ministry (RIOM) Group Leader
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
While many predict the continuing demise of our church, citing both our decline in membership and growing concerns about schism, I remain hopeful and even boldly confident. I firmly believe that Christ is still Lord of the UMC and still has a unique calling and task for the people called Methodists, especially in our increasingly fractured and broken world.
I grow weary of the reductionist categories of "us vs. them" and "conservative vs. liberal" that often dominates so many of our meetings, conversations, and conferencing as a body. Mistrust and fear has become too much a part of our common life together. If elected, my hope would be to serve as a voice that represents those who desire both unity as well as fidelity to the faith, even as we engage around hard conversations that call for us to embrace compassion, justice, and scriptural holiness.
154 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 David Beam (1041) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.603.3553
Address: 4111 Airport Road Pinehurst, NC 28374 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Pinehurst UMC Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Lead Pastor—Pinehurst UMC (2012-Present)
Associate Pastor—First UMC, Rocky Mount (2009-2012)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference Connectional Table (2012-Present)
Christian Formation Committee (2012-2013)
Worship Committee (2012-Present)
NC Preaching Festival Advisory Team (2014-Present)
Academy for Leadership Excellence Fellow (Class of 2016)
Young Clergy Focus Group (2009-2012)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
For the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of serving the wildly diverse congregation of Pinehurst UMC. How diverse is our church? Let’s just say our core leadership team consists of a black republican working in healthcare, a white democrat serving in the military, a Texan-born broker who grew up in New York City, and a long-time resident of Moore county who has never left home.
Needless to say, it’s a complicated place.
As a church, we represent many different backgrounds, theologies, political persuasions, and social values. We disagree on much, yet through the work of the Holy Spirit we have watched God bless our community. In just 3 short years, we have seen an increase in worship attendance of over 33%, moving from an average of about 300 weekly worshipers in 2012 to over 450 in 2015.
I believe the greatest strength of the United Methodist church is our diversity—12 million members, 12 million opinions, 12 million backgrounds all worshiping in one place. This type of diversity is not easy to navigate, but it is beautiful watch. One of my great passions is working with people from every background in the church’s shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ. General Conference provides a unique opportunity to bring together the entire connection in this work. I would love the privilege to share in this effort. While I know it will not be easy, I trust that God’s spirit will make it beautiful.
155 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Bob Bergland (1051) Telephone: 252.991.5318 Cell Phone: 252.469.9818 Address: P.O. Box 1423 Wilson, NC 27894 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: First: Wilson Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
I have served appointments that include a student appointment to large membership congregations with multiple staff members. Henderson: City Road (1979); Bahama: Mount Bethel (1983); Clinton: Grace (1988); Elizabethtown: Trinity (1991); Apex (1999); First:Rocky Mount (2005); First: Wilson (2012). At the district level I have served as chair of the former Rocky Mount District Committee on Ordained Ministry; member of District Committees on Superintendency in former Wilmington, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount Districts.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Currently serving of the Board of Ordained Ministry and member of the Camping Commission Board. Past chair of the Order of Elders; past member of Executive Committee Board of Ordained Ministry; Delegate to the 2008 & 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conferences; Council Member of the 2011 World Methodist Council (Durban, South Africa); degate to the 2006 World Methodist Conference (Seoul, South Korea); Past member of the Board of Visitors at NC Wesleyan College; Instructor at various UMW Schools of Christian Mission (NC Annual Conference & Holston Annual Conference); former Board Member of Apex Chamber of Commerce (1999-2004)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
My entire ministry has been given to serving the local church. I have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the local church today and an equally deep conviction that the local church continues to be "the most siginificant arena through which disciple-making occurs." My experience as a delegate to previous General and Jurisdictional Conferences as well as two World Methodist Conferences have given me the opportunity to establish working relationships with other United Methodists world-wide. I will be able to draw upon these relationships and my understanding of the process to provide steady and faithful leadership as a delegate representing the NC Annual Conference.
156 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Allen Bingham (1052) Telephone: 252.523.2441 Cell Phone: 252.361.2985
Address: 1206 Woodberry Rd Kinston, NC 28501 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Queen Street Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
Currently: Pastor of Queen Street. Member of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and Candidacy mentor and supervisor.
Prior: Pastor of Rehoboth-Harris, Swansboro (associate), Nashville, and Pinehurst. Chair of District Committtee on Ordained Ministry, Chair of District Council on Ministry.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Currently: Teach Transformation Leadership for the Course of Study program at Duke Divinity School, congregational coach with the Conference Connectional Team, and supervisor in the Residency in Ordained Ministry program. Provide personal coaching through Passion In Partnership for fellows in the Academy of Leadership Excellence and Residents in Ordained Ministry programs across the connection.
Prior: Member of the Conference Connectional Table, Board of Ordained Ministry, and Chair of the Commission on Congregational Development.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Our unity as a church is being challenged by multiple forces within and without the denomination. Our unity is ultimately rooted in finding the middle way, the via media, that holds the tension of current struggles together with the faith of our mothers and fathers. I am willing to live in this middle way as we discern together where the Spirit of God is calling.
157 How to Vote Electronically North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Robert Brewer (1071) Telephone: Cell Phone: Address: 815 W Market Street Greensboro, NC 27401 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Greensboro College Current District: N. Piedmont District/Capital District
Local Church and District Activities
For the past 10 years I have served as the chaplain and assistant professor of religion at Greensboro College. I preach and teach regularly in local congregations in both the North Carolina Conference and the W. North Carolina Conference.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I am actively involved in helping churches be more hospitable towards young adults and college students through teaching and guest preaching in local congregations.
I am a participant in the Reynolds Academy for Campus Ministry.
I have been an adjunct professor of preaching at Wake Forest Divinity School.
I have written for "Feasting on the Gospel," and "Abingdon's Theological Companion to the Lectionary."
I am a contributor to the new Common English Student Study Bible, which will be published this summer.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a college chaplain and professor, I have the honor to work with students who are discerning their relationship to the church and for many their call to ministry. I seek to foster greater ways for the church to be supportive and welcoming of young adult leadership so to create a culture where students can explore their call to ministry. The students I work with lead in worship, intern at local churches, volunteer in local agencies, and teach bible studies regularly.
I believe the United Methodist Church has a great future, because I see it everyday. I would love to bring this perspective to General/Jurisdictional Conference and help the church grow into the future God has in store.
158 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 James L.(Jerry) Bryan (1085) Telephone: 336.376.1123 Cell Phone: 336.214.3739
Address: 741 Kennette Drive Graham, NC 0 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Retired Full Elder Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
My Charge Conference Membership is Cedar Cliff UMC, Graham, NC. I am an active participant and supporter of this fine and vitally active local church. I serve on the Council, and assist as called upon by my pastor. I participate in various District activities as my DS requires, and have been active, throughout my ministry, in a wide variety of District Work Activities. I have served several local churches in and around the Corridor District as Interim Pastor, on many occasions over the years, as my retirement has been, and continues to be,an active involved one.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have been elected to serve as NCC Secretary 5 times, which puts me in my 18th year in the position. The various requirements of the office call for me to be committed to serve the wide ranging population of the NCC, and to help plan and produce our yearly Conference. This requires coordination skills and experience, that I have gained over 50 plus years of ministry in the parishes of the NCC, and as an US Army Chaplain (Retired). I am able to work across a broad spectrum of people with many cultural and varied church experiences. I have made many friends, and contacts, over the years that serve to cooperate with people from many of the Conferences which make up the UMC, It was the Methodist Church which nourished me as a young person, and led me to make my commitment to Jesus Christ early, and fostered my growth as a Christian. I am committed to the biblical stance of the UMC and the social movement that has been and continues to be our message to the world.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a Delegate to the GC and/or SEJ because my understanding of life and the Christian Church and its movement was, and is, grounded in the historical and existential life of the modern day Christian. I believe my experience has given me an ability to work across many societal boundaries, with people and organizations. I understand the structure and the movement called the United Methodist Church. And I feel that the Local Church and the Annual Conference are the places whereby we as a united people can and will make a difference in this marvelous creation our God has made available to us, to signal his love and salvation for all mankind. With this understanding I believe that I can represent a wide swath of Jesus' people, in the larger arena of our denomination. I would like to feel that I have made a worthy contribution to such a movement as our denomination can and will, I believe, make in the years ahead.
159 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Tim Catlett (1114) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.306.5841 Address: 100 S. Hughes St. Apex, NC 27502 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Apex UMC Family Current District: Fairway District
Local Church and District Activities
Over the last seven years, I have served as a church planter, a campus pastor, and currently as the managing executive pastor for the Apex UMC Family of Faith Communities.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Team
Board of Ordained Ministry, Secretary
Academy for Leadership Excellence
Academy for Leadership Excellence, Curriculum Team
Young Clergy Network, NCCUMC
Leadership Development Incubator, NCCUMC
Young Clergy Initiative Grant, NC Ministry Fellows
The George Washington University Executive Leadership Program, Doctoral Candidate
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I love our church. I love our denomination. I believe the power of the Holy Spirit is still alive and at work in this movement called Methodism. I also believe that when we stay united and connected together, our local church has an incredible power to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I have witnessed this life change and continue to witness it all the time through the work of Jesus Christ in and through our local churches and across our connection.
During my experience in the local church, across our denomination, and in the corporate context, I have witnessed and experienced significant organizational and institutional change. Over the last two years, I also have spent time in a doctoral program focused on Human Organizational Learning and Leadership with a focus on exploring organizational leadership, organizational culture, adult learning, and organizational change. This program has offered insight into large global institutions, inside and outside the church, that have had to navigate the difficulties of complex institutional changes.
160 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Marty Cauley (1115) Telephone: 252.955.6200 Cell Phone: 252.955.6200
Address: 720 Eagles Terrace Rocky Mount, NC 27804 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Director of Coaching & Content for New Faith Communities: North Carolina Conference Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
• Local Church – I have served a variety of churches since my first appointment in 1992. Having served rural, suburban, and urban congregations ranging in size from eight to more than two hundred I am keenly aware of the struggles and issues facing the local church.
• District – I have served as district coordinator of youth ministries, congregational development, and evangelism in four districts across the NC Conference.
• General Church – I was privileged to spend five years as the Southeastern Jurisdiction Director of Ministry with Young People. Working for the SEJ allowed me to work with a variety of General and Jurisdictional Church organizations. I served on the SEJ Congregational Development team, coordinated the SEJ Youth/Young Adult Coordinators Networking Group, facilitated the SEJ Multi-Cultural event at Lake Junaluska, and assisted with the coordination of other events including the SEJ Conference, SEJANAM’s annual events, and planned and implemented all SEJ youth events.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
More than a twenty years ago I began serving the North Carolina Conference on the Commission on Evangelism. Realizing that the local church is the hope of the world, I was instrumental in designing the first Academy of Christian Witness, the Lay Academy of Christian Witness, and the Clarity Academies to train teams for local church. These academies continue to train pastors and lay persons in effective evangelism strategies. Additionally I have served as an adult on the CCYM, and have served on design teams and staff at dozens of conference sponsored youth events. Currently I serve as Director of Coaching and Content for New Faith Communities. I strive to assist them to remain connected and increase their personal and evangelistic effectiveness while they launch new missional initiatives for the NC Conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
The local church is the hope of the world. It is the only organization that can reach into every community and make a difference spiritually, socially, and culturally. Having worked with all levels of the General Church I believe that I would be able to advocate for the needs and ministries of the local church and assist those agencies to realize that they serve best when they resource and serve the local church. As I strive to be a faithful United Methodist I embrace an evangelical faith balanced with a desire to bring justice and be in mission with those around the corner and around the world. To find out more about my perspective and beliefs as well as my spiritual journey visit: www.MartyCauley.org
161 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Laurie Hays Coffman (1137) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.491.1426 Address: 906 Leon St Durham, NC 27704 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Croasdaile Village Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Chaplain for 640 residents at United Methodist Retirement Homes
Interfaith Hospitality Network overnight volunteer
Panelist/Presenter at Fairmont UMC and Duke Memorial UMC
Participant in Corridor District Sabbath Day at the Farm
Mentoring Divinity students
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Co-leader of Bishop's Unity Dialogue
Conflict Transformation Minister
National officer for Methodist Federation for Social Action
Planner/Host for Jack Crum Conference on Prophetic Ministry
Taize worship participant
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
After meeting Christians in other countries (South Africa, Palestine/Israel, Scotland, France, Costa Rica), I yearn to be a bridge builder for the church. Having pastored the first reconciling church of the carolinas and serving fifteen years on the Unity Dialogue, I understand some of the plight of those who have often felt marginalized by the church. I have recently been trained in Conflict Transformation and see this as useful skills to help the UMC resolve some of its inner dissension. I care about racial justice, care of the poor and elderly, and openness to the new life Christ's Spirit is bringing through fresh voices.
162 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Edgardo Colon-Emeric (1141) Telephone: 919.471.9181 Cell Phone: 919.630.5301
Address: 1120 Orange Factory Road Bahama, NC 27503 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Duke Divinity School Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
At New Creation UMC I assist with preaching and presiding on a quarterly basis.
I also preach in the Butner Prison Complex on a quarterly basis.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
The chief way I am active in the annual conference is by forming clergy for ministry through my teaching of theology and Methodism at Duke. I also serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry.
At the denominational level, I serve on the UMC Committee on Faith and Order, the UMC-Roman Catholic Dialogue, and I chair the Joint Committee of the ELCA-UMC.
At the international level, I direct the Methodist Course of Study for Central America and the Methodist Certificate Program in Guatemala. Also, I am a member of the World Methodist Council-Roman Catholic Dialogue.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I do not believe that I can provide adequate reasons for why I should be elected, that would be presumptuous on my part. But if elected, what I would contribute to the church's spiritual conferencing is my service in theological education, my work in ecumenism, my passion for ethnic reconciliation, my love for the church, and my commitment to the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ.
163 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Eugene Cox (1150) Telephone: 252.717.4772 Cell Phone: 2527174772 Address: 4005 Corey Road Winterville, NC 28590 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Covenant Church Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
Campus Pastor / Covenant ECU (multi-site of Covenant Church)
Collaborative Team / Wesly Foundation - ECU
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
To represent the voice of the rising generation of young men and women who champion the Wesleyan theology and spirit of the United Methodist Church.
To help continue its tradition of scriptural Christianity in a time of great moral relativism.
To help support the mission of the UMC in "making disciples of Jesus Christ that will transform the world."
164 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Dalma G. Cribb (1154) Telephone: 910.628.7427 Cell Phone: 910.234.0682
Address: 307 Trinity Street Fairmont, NC 28340 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Trinity/Olivet Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
The activities in the local church where I serve include and are not limited to Youth Club, UMW, UMM, food pantry, outreach, Armenia shoe box ministries, Christmas for the UM foster children of Robeson County, local missions of food, clothes and construction, mission team leader to Leon, Nicaragua, mission team leader to Red Bird in Beverly, Kentucky, counseling and visitation. The activities in the district where I serve are Robeson County Church and Community, Partners in Ministry, and UM Children's Home in Lumberton. I mentor the local pastors of the Gateway District who have not completed Basis Course of Study and I have been selected to serve on the Bishop's Conflict Transformation Ministries Team.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
The annual conference activities where I serve are 3MC and I am a certified disaster response person through UMCOR. I support Pilgrimage by taking the youth of the church and I am an active leader in two Emmaus Communities. The district ministries where I serve that are also conference wide activities are Robeson County Church and Community, Partners in Ministry, the UM Children's Home and the Bishop's Conflict Transformation Ministries Team.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference because of my love for God, His people and the organized Church. God has pressed upon my heart a desire to serve as a leader among leaders at General Conference; using my God given talents that I have been using at a local level for many years. Too many churches are facing a reduction in attendance having forgotten their original purposes in life. It is time to remind the Church that our main purpose in life is to be devoted to God and His Kingdom through loving service, missions and outreach. It is time for the church to look beyond the walls of their buildings and see what God is doing within their communities. Through serving at General and/or Jurisdictional Conference, I hope to make a difference for God and help transform the minds and hearts of our people to be the church created by God for God's glory.
165 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Eldrick Davis (1169) Telephone: 252.281.4063 Cell Phone: 910.964.3414 Address: 3402 Wembly Pl Apt A. Wilson, NC 27896 Email: Edavis9133aol.com
Current Appointment: Bailey/Pleasant Grove Current District: Capitol
Local Church and District Activities
33rd year as a pastor
Churches served- Walls Chapel, Mt Zion, Cool Springs, Philedelphia, Harry Hosier, First UMC Havelock, Bailey UMC, Pleasant Grove
District Board of Ordained Ministry, Rockingham District, Fayetteville District, Newbern District, Rocky Mount District, Capitol District
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry -8 years-3 years as Vice Chair and 1 year as Chair
Served twice on the Conference Connectional Table, currently finishing my second term
Served on Board of Evangelism, Missions, Zoe Ministries, Strengthen the Black Church
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have attended General and Jurisdictional conference many times as an observer. It would be a humbling opportunity to have my Brothers and Sisters to give me the chance to be one of the representatives for our conference. I have a lot of experience from years of service. I have good listen skills. My conviction is strong, yet, I have a heart for collaborative exchange to seek core values of unity in the midst of diversity.
166 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Rev. Edgar Raymund De Jesus (1175) Telephone: 910.430.0059 Cell Phone: 919.418.0682
Address: P.O. Box 156 Richlands, NC 28574 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Richlands United Methodist Church Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
Lead Pastor of Richlands United Methodist Church from 2013 to present, a 600-member growing, diverse and missional-focused congregation in the Sound District with missions locally and globally.
Lead Pastor, Cornerstone United Methodist Church (2010-2013)
Senior Pastor, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (2006-2010)
Pastor of Missions, Edenton Street United Methodist Church (2003-2006)
Pastor of New Church Start, Raleigh District (2003-2005)
Lead Pastor, Saxapahaw United Methodist Church (2000-2003)
Member, Raleigh District Committee on Superintendency (2003-2006)
Member, Raleigh District Board of Missions (2003)-2006)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Delegate, Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (2012)
Delegate, Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (2008)
Page to the General Conference, 2012, 2008, 2000
Alternate Delegate of Philippines Central Conference to General Conference 1992 & 1996
Representative, World Council of Churches 10th Assembly (South Korea, 2013)
Representative, World Council of Churches 9th Assembly (Brazil, 2006)
Delegate, World Council of Churches 8th Assembly (Zimbabwe, 1998)
Youth Steward, World Council of Churches 7th Assembly (Australia, 1990)
Delegate, World Methodist Council & Conference (South Africa, 2011)
Delegate, World Methodist Evangelism Institute (USA, 1997)
Delegate, Global Gathering (Missouri, 1997)
Delegate, Global Gathering (Indiana, 1993)
Delegate, Christian Conference of Asia Assembly (South Korea, 1994)
167 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Delegate, Christian Conference of Asia Assembly (Philippines, 1990)
Delegate, National Federation of Asian-American United Methodist Convocation (USA, 2010)
Member, North Carolina Conference Commission on Evangelism (2012-2016)
Chairperson, North Carolina Conference Commission on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns (2008- 2012)
Member, North Carolina Conference Connectional Table (2008-2012)
Delegate, North Carolina Council of Churches (2008-2012)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As Asian-American clergy, I have a strong hope for the United Methodist Church now and in the future. I am passionate and yearning for the unfolding of God's new vision for the United Methodist witness globally, missionally and connectionally. I am strongly Wesleyan in belief and theology adhering to the power of God's grace that sustains, liberates and empowers us to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The North Carolina Conference is made of diverse and multicultural Christian communities and our delegation should reflect this current reality. As a delegate, I will contribute to the freshness, richness and diversity of the theological conversation and decision-making processes at the General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
168 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Laura Early (1199) Telephone: Cell Phone: 252.332.9072
Address: 1116 Hexlena Rd Aulander, NC 27805 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: All God's Children UMC Current District: Beacon
Local Church and District Activities
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Connectional Table
Disciple Making Way Coach
Chair, Outreach Team, Connectional Table
Passion in Partnership Coach
Racial Reconciliation Task Force
RIOM Mentor
Candidacy Mentor
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a pastor of a multi-racial congregation for 19 years, I have deep passion for offering a voice for inclusivity. A deep calling to speak for the least among us, the most vulnerable...our children...and the impoverished, under resourced brothers and sisters. I want to continue to shine a light on our Methodist roots to step out of our comfort zones and out of our sanctuaries to build beloved communities who will break barriers of racism and classism. I am deeply concerned about our gap between discipleship and mission. I hope to bring a fresh and entrepreneurial vision to the call of Jesus to "cross the road." I have tried to live and lead by example. My only agenda in serving will be to offer witness and testimony to the love God has for all God's children and our openness to grow churches which reflect our words with our actions.
It will be my prayer that we will continue to strengthen The United Methodist Church by reclaiming our roots as stated in our Social Principles, "Scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice, and renewal in the life of the world." I bring passion and conviction to this calling, believing it will bring an authentic voice to General Conference.
169 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Leonard E. Fairley (1220) Telephone: 919.615.1285 Cell Phone: 919.924.8715 Address: P.O. Box 1367 Cary, NC 27512 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Saint Francis: Cary Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
District Committee on Ordained Ministry
District Committee on Superintendency-Chair
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Current Activities:
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Conference Episcopacy Committee
Passion in Partnership Coach
Past Activities:
Conference Vitalization Consultant
Chair: Conference Congregational Development
Vice Chair-Conference Finance & Administration
Vice Chair-Conference Board of Church & Society
North Carolina Transition Team
Jurisdictional Conference Delegate- 2004
General Conference Delegate-2008 & 2012
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
The United Methodist Church has important issues ahead of it that will determine its future. It is often in the midst of chaos that God does a new and wonderful thing, forever reminding us that the risen Christ is the Lord of The Church. We have before us the opportunity to see the possibilities and live the promise. It would be my highest honor to serve the church as a delegate in these historic and prayerful times.
170 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 David Haley (1288) Telephone: 919.693.3237 Cell Phone: 252.883.0839
Address: 415 Hancock Street Oxford, NC 27565 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Oxford UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
2011-Present Pastor, OXFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Oxford, North Carolina
2007-2011 Pastor, WINSTEAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Wilson, North Carolina
2002-2007 Pastor, LITTLETON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Littleton, North Carolina
In the Rocky Mount District of the NC Conference: Chair of the District Connectional table (2009-2011), District Missions Secretary (2006-2008), District Committee on Ordained Ministry, District Committee on Superintendency, and District Board of Trustees.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
NC Conference Committee on Mission Personnel Chair (2013-Present)
NC Conference Project Agape Chairperson for Armenia mission project (2008-2013)
Member of the NC Conference Missions Team, Conference Board of Missions, and Executive Committee.
Represented the NC Annual Conference at the World Methodist Evangelism Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2010.
Key Taylor Award (2005) while pastor at the Littleton United Methodist Church.
UMVIM Team Leader in the NC Conference. Have led 35+ short-term mission teams to El Salvador, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria, as well as, domestic teams in NC and Florida for hurricane relief..
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
It would be a great privilege for me to serve our annual conference and our denomination as a delegate to General Conference and/or the Jurisdictional Conference. I deeply believe in our doctrinal and missional heritage. My desire is for our denomination to focus on ways that we can positively impact our local communities and our world for Jesus Christ.
171 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 David Harvin (1309) Telephone: 919.932.9640 Cell Phone: 919.423.6433 Address: 2438 Kornegay Pl. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Retired Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Missions coordinator, Christ UMC, Chapel Hill, NC
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference coordinator, imagine No Malaria Campaign
Mission Interpreter, Encounter With Christ Permanent Fund of the General Board of Global Ministries, Develoment Consultant for Non profit organizations, Board Member of Christians For Far Witness In The Middle East
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I bring the perspective of a mission entrepeneur to the General Conference and our delegation. I have international experience, and general church experience. I would be happy to share this experience with the delegation.
172 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 James Haywood Henderson (1314) Telephone: 919.550.4037 Cell Phone: 919.333.6078
Address: 224 Wyndfall Lane Clayton, NC 27527 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: The Sanford District Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Fairway District Buildings and Location Committee
Harnett County Alliance of Churches
Chaplain Associate, Moore Regional Hospital
Principal Investigator, Comprehensive Health Ministry The Sanford Circuit
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Chairman, Strengthening the Black Churches Committee
Higher Education and Campus Ministry Committee
Communications Committee
Rural Church Fellow, Thriving Rural Church Initiative
Board of Directors Member, North Carolina Conservation Network
Clean Air Ambassador, EarthJustice (National Organization)
Environmental Advocate, National Council of Churches of Christ
Student Intern Supervisor, Duke Divinity School and Hood Theological Seminary
2015-2016 Fellow, The Academy for Leadership Excellence
Conflict Resolution Team
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a Delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference help assist the Untied Methodist Church in being able to poise itself to be in a key biblical and theological position to make an impact upon the current 21st Century trend of the increasing number of "dechurched" and "unchurched." I bring a wealth of experience,knowledge, expertise, and wisdom that will prove invaluable to the United Methodist Church in charting a path forward in the 21st Century in making disciples of Christ.
173 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Regina Henderson (1315) Telephone: 919.616.4462 Cell Phone: 646.589.1954 Address: 475 Riverside Drive, Room 324 New York, NY 10115 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, Associate General Secretary for Justice & Relationships Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Regular Worshipper, Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church, New York, New York
Mission Advocate to 15+ local congregations across the connection
Fayetteville (Gateway) District Board of Ordained Ministry, 2009-2011
Wilson Temple UMC, Raleigh, NC, July 2011-June 2013, Pastor
Harry Hosier UMC, Fayetteville, NC, July 2006-June 2011, Pastor
Sanford Circuit Charge, Harnett & Lee Counties, NC, July 2005-June 2006, Pastor
Duke University Chapel, Durham, NC, July 2002-May 2005, Founding Director, Duke Chapel Pathways Program
University UMC, Chapel Hill, NC, July 2000-June 2002, Associate Pastor
St. Mark’s UMC, Raleigh, NC, July 2007-June 2000, Associate Pastor
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Jurisdictional Delegate – Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church (2012-2016)
Connexional Conference UMC Clergy Delegate – Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), Guyana, South America (2015-2018)
Board of Directors - Faith Partnerships, Incorporated, Raleigh, North Carolina (2015-2018)
Global Ministries Leadership Experience (2013-2015):
-UMC Representative for Europe Commission on Mission (ECOM), Dusseldorf, Germany (October 2013)
-Annual Meetings: Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Vientiane, Laos; Bangkok, Thailand (2013 & 2014)
- “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference, Bethlehem, Palestine (March 2014)
-Roundtable Conference Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo (August 2014)
-UMC Clergy Delegation, 100th Celebration of Methodism, Wembo-Nyama, Democratic Republic of Congo (August 2014)
-South Caribbean Roundtable, St. George’s, Grenada (May 2015)
174 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Design Team Member – 2014 School for Congregational Development, Charlotte, North Carolina
Design Team Member – 2015 School for Congregational Development, Indianapolis, Indiana
Design Team Member - 2014 & 2015 Carolina Clergy Leadership Retreat, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Design Team Member - Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches, 2007-present CLERGY INFORMATION
Director - General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tennessee, 2008-2012
Member - NC Conference, The United Methodist Church, Board of Ordained Ministry, 2004-2008
Design Team Member - Harambee Jurisdictional Youth Conference, 2003-2005
Mission Team - Mutare, Zimbabwe and Africa University, May, 2004
Mission Team Leader - Four mission work teams to Lima, Peru, 1996-2002
Member - Conference Personnel Committee, 2005-2008
Member - New Conference Structure (from Conf. Council of Min. to Connectional Structure), 1998-2000
Co-Chairperson - State Commission on Campus Ministry, The United Methodist Church, 2000-2003
Guest Preacher - Duke University Chapel 11:00 Worship Service (2002), MRI Youth Revival, Cleveland, Ohio (2014), Jerusalem UMC, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa (2014)
Memberships: Black Methodist for Church Renewal; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe God is calling me to utilize my gifts in administration and teaching to continue to represent the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. My experience as a 2012-2016 delegate can help strengthen the work of the delegation as it addresses the legislative matters of the church. In response to my baptismal covenant and ordination vows, I am committed and attentive to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world while tending to the cares, promises and possibilities of the local church and her community.
175 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Steven Hickle (1319) Telephone: 919.412.3548 Cell Phone: 919.412.3548 Address: 712 Mordecai Towne Place Raleigh, NC 0 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Stop Hunger Now, Faith Outreach Director Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
* Active in life of Trinity (Bloodworth St) in Raleigh; serving as liaison for Love Wins, now sharing space at Trinity; serve as usher; play trumpet with choir;
* Trumpet player (17 years) for The Fairmont Gospel Revue
* Served on board of Urban Ministries of Wake County (6 years), served on and chaired board of Stop Hunger Now (6 years), chaired and served on board of Mission House for Women (6 years), friend of The Healing Place of Wake County (14 years), volunteer with and advocate for NAMI
* In the community, I work with Congregations for Social Justice and am a friend of the Triangle Interfaith Alliance
Annual Conference and Other Activities
* Mission Team, member (representing Stop Hunger Now)
* Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relations (member)
* Formerly chaired Commission on Archives & History, also chaired Board of Church and Society
* Served on Conference Council on Ministries, Commission on Status and Role of Women, Commission on Religion and Race, and Conference Summer School Committee
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
We are a people of both Matthew 25, sharing with "the least of these," and Matthew 28, going "into all the world" to make disciples. Those passages embrace the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus!
As the United Methodist Church becomes a more global movement, my role as Faith Outreach Director for Stop Hunger Now, as well as 40 years in the NC Conference, helps to position me to embrace the global nature of the church and work toward the changes such growth invites.
As the ecumenical church regroups, my 15 years on the NC Council of Churches governing board (now president) positions me to work for greater Christian unity.
Working with the executive committee (in support, not by office) of the World Methodist Council has further grounded me in the breadth and width of our world wide Wesleyan movement.
The NC Conference can offer the United Methodist Church a wonderful blend of solid Wesleyan tradition and the Wesleyan thinking that can explore the next chapters of church life in a rapidly changing world.
Please give me the opportunity to be part of the United Methodist Church's discovery of God's preferred future for the people of John Wesley. It is time we reclaimed the whole world as our parish!
176 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Elizabeth (Beth) Hood (1340) Telephone: 910.791.5071 Cell Phone:
Address: 1401 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Wesley Memorial UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
I have served as a pastor in a variety of settings from a small rural congregation to a mid-sized town church, a staff member of a large membership congregation, a District Superintendent, and lead pastor of a large membership congregation.
I presently serve on the district Board of Ministry and district Mission Strategy Team.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Presently, I serve as:
Chair of the NC Conference Christian Formation Team (2012- present)
Member of the Connectional Table (2012-present)
Vice-chair of the Conference Episcopacy Committee (2012- present)
Conference Coordinator of the Residency in Ordained Ministry Process (2012- present)
Previously, I have served on the:
NC Conference Board of Ordained Ministry as Secretary, Vice-chair, Chair, and Cabinet Representative
NC Conference Equitable Compensation Committee
Board of Trustees for the United Methodist Retirement Homes Inc.
NC Conference Secretarial Staff
Task Force for Healthy Congregations & Effective Leaders
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was a delegate to Jurisdictional Conference in 2004, 2008, & 2012 and a delegate to General Conference in 2008 & 2012. I am presently a member of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee. I have learned a lot about the issues raised, the institutional processes, and the implication of decisions. I am willing to offer my experience to the delegation as well as my time, attention, and prayers.
177 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Terry Hunt (1354) Telephone: 910.536.1238 Cell Phone: 910.374.0706 Address: 2204 N Chestnut St Lumberton, NC 28358 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Conference Staff-Leadership Team Coordinator Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
For the past three years, I have been serving faithfully as the Leadership Team Coordinator for the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. In this leadership role I have been able to help various churches throughout this Annual Conference understand the meaning of, and become, the Church of Jesus Christ.
I have also been able to continue my ministry connection with a local congregation through the gracious invitation of this wonderful and loving congregation, and the nurturing support of Its Spiritual Leaders and Pastor, Rev. Trey Harris. Since my becoming part of this congregation I have had numerous opportunities to teach and preach, (here and at other churches), as well as, become part of the outreach ministry where my gifts are being utilized to help the Kingdom of God
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I was recently reminded of the wonderful quote “God does not call the equipped, he equips the called.” This was certainly true for Jeremiah, who was called into God’s service as a prophet at the ripe old age of eight years! God came to Jeremiah when he was yet a child and said, “Before you were in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
It is rare indeed that we feel equipped to do God’s work, and many of us may still feel we are still but children on the faith journey, yet we are called nonetheless into God’s service! Called to teach, preach, and baptize. Called to share with the world the good news that Christ lives and because Christ lives we have the promise of new life as well. I have been blessed to be in ministry with the people of God in the North Carolina Annual Conference, witness all manner of good things unfolding and our collective response to God’s call to each of us and to our community of faith as a whole.
As the Leadership Coordinator of the North Carolina Conference, I will offer in the following few lines, a brief synopsis, although not exhaustive, of my ministry involvement in the 2014 calendar year.
Each new year I begin contacting each of the chair persons of the committees that fall under my ministry area of Leadership. Building a relationship of confidence and trust is integral to any ministry. Our conversations were guided by three questions:
1. Where do you feel your current ministry is at in fulfilling our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
2. What is your vision for your current ministry, in the coming quadrennial year, for as you seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
3. How can I, or the office I represent from the North Carolina Annual Conference, help you and your committee fulfill your vision of ministry that will help you fulfill the conference mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
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From those meetings until now I have been in constant dialogue with each committee through face to face meetings, phone calls, and e-mail, in efforts to strengthen each ministry area while aligning their vision and goals to the vision and goals of the Annual Conference.
In the area of Speaking Engagements, I have had the opportunity to fill the pulpits of several of our local churches: New Philadelphus, Prospect, Ashpole Center, Coharie (preached week long Leadership CLERGY INFORMATION Revival), Coats, Reconciliation, Elevation, Sandy Plains, First Church Pembroke, Galilee, Trinty, Grace, and Asbury.
I spoke at a Thanksgiving Breakfast at grace UMC having been invited by the United Methodist Men on the topic of Conference Mission: Your Dollars at work.
In the area of Leadership Training, I have been in the New Bern District at a Pastor’s meeting leading a session on what the conference has to offer local congregations in the areas of ministry; the Sanford District ;Coaching and Visioning with Disciple Making way with the following churches: Elevation, Littleton, Mt Pleasant, Angier; the Rockingham District working with Ashpole Center, New Hope, and New Zion in partnering with South Robeson High School and Its staff, with ministry presence and support, in an effort to make a positive impact on both the school and community.
I have also been working with Peg Aldridge and Passion in Partners, and the Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministries, in developing a Coaching Summit that seeks to build up and strengthen the Body of Christ as represented by the Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministries and give them the ability to “envision and become involved in ministry they would not do individually” calls for a shift in identity from the “entity” to the “endeavor”. Currently the independent churches maintain autonomy in many ways gathering for cooperative activities on an as needed basis. Their current identity is closely related to the “entity” of the local parish. This initiative will strive to create the structure and process by which the members of the cooperative serve together in mission and ministry across church identity and leverage gifts and strengths of the individual across the delineation of the local church. The desired outcome would be for the individual, as a member of the cooperative would have greater ownership and identity based on the mission and ministry in which they serve or the “endeavor”. This has been a two year process.
I have done considerable committee training in the local churches.
I have worked with the Conference Connectional team in re-designing a Disciple making Way Model that is being used by the local churches in our conference to develop a systematic way of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
In the area of Worship Leadership, I’m currently working with Sandy Plains in developing a more Passionate worship through the development of a Praise Team and using media in worship and creating a more visual worship style.
I am also being sought out by other churches that hope to pursue this type of worship experience in 2015.
In the area of Missions Leadership, I have been involved with the Robeson Church and Community Center in the efforts to raise monies to provide ministry in the Robeson County area. I also served at the annual Day of Caring and Sharing on Thanksgiving Day by Sacred Pathways Ministry. Both of these ministries receive financial and spiritual support from our Annual Conference and are ecumenical.
I have also begun working with the North Carolina Academic Center for Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention as they seek solutions to youth related violence in our schools and communities.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have been a clergy member of this Annual Conference since 1994 and have never been in a ministry setting which would allow me to serve in this capacity. It would be a true honor for me to represent my
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Annual Conference in the both rewarding and challenging time of General Conference. Ultimately, I want to give something back to the ministry and work of the North Carolina Annual Conference which has nurtured, supported, and encouraged me since my becoming a member in 1990.
180 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jerry Addison Jackson (1363) Telephone: 252.822.5304 Cell Phone: 336.675.5515
Address: 1217 Bethlehem Road Rocky Mount, NC 27803 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Rocky Mount: St. Paul Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
I began serving the church as a License to Preach in 1970 as a student at Methodist College - Served Mariettia: Olivet UMC in 1971-1972
Served as the first Full Time Director of Camp Rockfish - 1972- 1975 - Left to attend United Theological Seminary to Specialize in Outdoor Ministry and Retreat ministry.
Since being ordained a Deacon in 1976 and an Elder in 1979, I have truly had a passion to serve in the pastoral ministry with an emphasis on Bible Study and Evangelism with the message of Offering All Christ. Served rural and county churches in Wanchese, Elizabeth City, Roxboro, Currituck, Hubert, Jacksonville, Goldsboro, Burlington, Wilmington and Rocky Mount. Churches have all emphasised a relationship with a loving Jesus to every person. Confession of Faith is always the ministry of the Church.
41 Mission Work Teams Leader (Youth & Adults) to Helton, Kentucky, Robeson County, North Carolina; Pasaguila, Mississippi, Gulfport, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisana; Lewisburg, West Virginia; Panana City, Panana; St. Anne Bay, Jamaica;
President of PUMP (Person United Methodist Parish) Ministry
Coordinator for New Bern District Habit for Humanity House in Hubert, NC,
Goldsboro District Board of Ministry.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Camp Don-Lee Local Committee - 1988 - 1996
Disaster Response Committee - 1989 -1999 - Chair of Committee - 1996-1999 (During Hurricane Bertha & Fran)
Commission on Evangelism - 2008 - 2016 - Chair of Commission 2012-2016 - Harry Denman Evangelism Award -2010 Receipent.
Methodist University Alumni Association - 2005 - 2015 - President 2014-2015 - Baccleurate Preacher - 2015
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have served many of the struggling churches in rural North Carolina and I bring the issues, understanding, and struggles of many of our rural and urban churches. My heart and soul is in the pastoral ministry where the lives of each individual becomes important and every child has the right to approach the throne of God and to recieve his love, blessings, miracles and forgiveness. I bring a strong Biblical message where the Word of God is to be lifted up above all else. I bring a strong passion to help
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equip the saints to do ministry in their community so that Jesus is offered to all. I shared the compassion of all people of faith to be true Witnesses of the Spirit of God in their lives.
As a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference, I will give my best to lift up the message of God and to hold the North Carolina Conference high as a voice that is calling out in the wilderness the Name of of Lord and Savior through the Power of the Holy Spirit.
182 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jonathan Jeffries (1367) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.602.0310
Address: 12421 Angus Drive Laurinburg, NC 28352 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: First United Methodist Church, Laurinburg Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
1. Served as a youth director for three years (96-98)
2. Have served as a pastor for 17 years (98-Present)
3. Have led and organized traditional and contemporary worship
4. Have been trained in and used the 3DM model of Discipleship
5. Served on the Durham District and Heritage District Board of Ordained Ministry
6. Currently serve on Gateway District Mission and Strategy team
7. Have led and participated on local and national work teams including disaster relief efforts in eastern NC, SC, CA, and Fl.
8. Have led and served on several international work teams through UMVIM and other organizations in Jamiaca, Haiti, Chile, and Costa Rica which focused on serving and sharing the gospel with the people
9. Served as President of the Raleigh Board of Missions - helped with formation of Race of Grace and transitioning Board into district missions coordinator
10. Have led January workshops on the Alpha Course
11. Have led, helped planned, and implemented building and financial campaigns for new construction, renovation and programs to build God's kingdom
Annual Conference and Other Activities
1. Currently serve on Conference Evangelism Team - Have helped lead workshops at Lay/Clergy Witness events and helped with formation of CLARITY events
2. Have led over 2500 people through The Alpha Course at three different Methodist Churches
3. Hosted and led leadership team fro Raleigh Alpha Conference held at Edenton Street UMC
4. Have trained hundreds of pastors and laity in our conference, Bishop Leland's conference, Bishop Willimon's conference and the Conference on Evangelism in Nashville, on how to run the Alpha Course
5. Served on Conference task force for Bishop's Initiative for children hunger and poverty
6. Member of the Order of the Flame for the UMC - one who has been equipped and commissioned to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ
7. In 2008, completed my Doctor of Ministry in worship and spirituality
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8. Have been active in the Heart of Carolina and the Sandhills Emmaus and Chrysalis communities.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
God's calling on my life has always been to help Him bring revival to His Church, especially the United Methodist Church. This calling has led me to encourage and equip the church to engage, grow and develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit in and through one's life. I believe it is through this relationship that we respond to God's love to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ throughout our communities and world.
As we look around our connection, we see great benefits of our connection, including UMCOR, connection benevolences, sending forth missionaries, and educational endeavors, but we also see a growing church throughout the world and a dying UMC church in Western culture, especially in the United States.
I believe we need continued revival right here throughout the American jurisdictions. I believe we need to help God continue to breathe his Spirit on the church in the Southeastern Jurisdiction and the North Carolina Annual Conference. I believe we need to strengthen our Wesleyan roots of claiming Scripture as our foundation and growing in personal and social holiness. I believe our future life and unity can only be achieved by reclaiming and uniting around Jesus' mission for the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all of my commandments. I believe we have to claim and live into a ministry that focuses solely on the lost and least - this is the key for a widespread revival. I believe this must be our vision regardless of times of persecution, changes in societal norms, and/or strains of disunity and disagreement in the church.
I desire to serve as a delegate to General and/or Jurisdiction Conference to help God bring revival to His Church and to strengthen the United Methodist Church.
184 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Andrew Keck (1389) Telephone: 919.643.1094 Cell Phone: 919.643.1094
Address: 1491 Branston St Saint Paul, MN 0 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Luther Seminary/Faith UMC Saint Anthony Village Current District: Twin Cities
Local Church and District Activities
In my local church, I'm involved in adult education and music ministries while also regularly serving in a monthly community meal. I also occasionally preach in my home church as for other local congregations.
At Luther Seminary (my primary appointment), I initiated a Methodist House of Studies and continue to help facilitate relationships among United Methodists.
Annual Conference and Other Activities in 2008-2012, I served on the Board of Ordained Ministry of the North Carolina Annual Conference. More recently in Minnesota, I've been consulting with Project Eli, a college internship program designed to encourage young clergy.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
While General Conference may seem like a place where primarily big ideas are debated and big speeches are made, much of the actual work of General Conference comes outside the plenary sessions within individual pieces of legislation, individual committees, and well, individuals. The task of the delegate is managing the flow of information, the flow of processes, and the flow of people while holding on to the highest values and vision of the UMC. As the director of a seminary library, this sounds like very familiar work! The North Carolina delegation, trying to seek a balance and mix of skills, would benefit from my skills in these areas.
Despite my current geographic distance, I believe that I can still represent the congregations and leadership of the North Carolina Annual Conference.
185 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Laura Ledford (1414) Telephone: 919.280.6675 Cell Phone: 919.280.6675 Address: 1805 Hackney Lane Durham, NC 27703 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Associate Director of Ministerial Relations Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Our family worships at All Saints' United Methodist Church in Raleigh, where I serve as a liturgist, lector, preside at communion and preach throughout the year. I also serve as the leader for the Transition Team in the merger between All Saints' UMC and Bethesda UMC.
As a part of my current appointment, I serve as a liaison between the Office of Ministerial Relations, Board of Ordained Ministry and District Committees on Ordained Ministry. This work includes resourcing District Committees in their ministries with candidates and local pastors, as well as nurturing candidates who are discerning a call to ministry and embarking on the process of licensing or ordination.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Through my current appointment, I coordinate the candidacy program of the NCC, the Taste & See College Internship Program, oversee Licensing School for new pastors, interface with seminary students and serve as a resource for the Board of Ordained Ministry and candidates seeking ordination.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
One of the things for which I am most grateful as a United Methodist and is the wide umbrella that is cast for people of varying backgrounds, experiences and beliefs. My deep hope and prayer for the 2016 General Conference is that we are able to celebrate and confirm that wide umbrella and find a way to remain in communion even in the midst of divides and differences. My commitment as a delegate will be to seek a way forward with a focus on Christ who calls us to be reconciled as a family, even when we disagree. I will seek to live out Wesley's question: "though we do cannot think alike, may we not love alike?"
186 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jerry Dean Lewis (1421) Telephone: Cell Phone: 252.204.4133
Address: 420 Bobby Jones Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Extension Ministry--Air Force Chaplaincy Current District: Sound District
Local Church and District Activities
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I will be returning to the NC Conference this summer after serving for thirty years as a military chaplain appointed to the Air Force. Over the last six years I have served as a senior U.S. AF Chaplain in Africa, Afganistan, Iraq, while also leaving in Qatar and traveling to other Middle East locations as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahran. I also lived in Germany and traveled quote a lot in Southern Europe. These real life experiences provide deep appreciation for our African and European brothers and sisters, with whom I was privileged to worship, attend many conferences and meetings.
These life experiences provide a unique frame of reference, knowledge and wisdom which I humbly believe could be beneficial as a member of our conference to the General and/or Jurisdictional Conference. It has been a honor to represent you in the military chaplaincy and I am excited about returning as a pastor once again to NC this summer. I am grateful for your benevolent consideration and support.
187 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Trip Lowery (1437) Telephone: 919.720.3752 Cell Phone: 919.720.3752 Address: 4506 Guy Court Old Hickory, TN 37138 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (Director of Young Adult Ministry Discernment and Enlistment) Current District: Capital District, NC / Cumberland District, TN
Local Church and District Activities
+ Youth Pastor, Genesis UMC
+ Associate Pastor, Genesis UMC
+ Senior Pastor, Mighty Wind UMC
+ Senior Pastor, Wendell UMC
+ District Committee on Ordained Ministry
+ Candidacy Mentor (during previous model)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
+ Academy of Christian Witness
+ Group Candidacy Mentor
+ Board of Ordained Ministry (during transition to current model)
+ The Academy for Leadership Excellence
GENERAL CHURCH / AGENCY ACTIVITIES
+ Group Candidacy Mentoring, Trainer
+ NetVUE, Member/Participant – vocational discernment in theological education
+ Denominational Leadership Training, Participant – ecumenical training through Duke’s Leadership Education for young leaders in their respective denominations
+ ExploreCalling.org, Executive Developer – rebrand and development of GBHEM’s vocational discernment website
+ UMConnector.org, Team Member – development of Discipleship Ministries’ (previously GBOD) youth/collegiate ministry website
+ RevItUp!, Presenter – GBOPHB conference on financial wholeness in young clergy
+ GBOPHB/GBHEM Lilly Grant for Clergy Indebtedness, Writer/Team Member – grant to research and address clergy financial health across the denomination
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+ Exploration (Denver, Orlando, Portland), Executive Director – denomination-wide vocational ministry discernment event
+ The Young Clergy Initiative, Executive Director – initiative created by GC 2012 to increase the number of young clergy with intermediate results to be shared at GC 2016 in hopes of being continued for 2 more quadrennium. CLERGY INFORMATION + Journey Toward Ordained Ministry, Executive Director - ethnic/racial minority ordained leadership development
+ Seminary Indebtedness Task Force, Team Member – charged with researching and addressing seminary-induced debt across the denomination
+ Spark, Executive Director – entrepreneurial young clergy leadership development
+ Global Youth Convocation 2014 (Philippines), Presenter – Discipleship Ministries’ (previously GBOD) global legislative conference for youth and young adults
+ Youth 2015 (Orlando), Presenter/Team Member – Discipleship Ministries’ (previously GBOD) global conference for youth
+ Global/General Book of Discipline, Team Member – document proposal to be offered at GC 2016
+ General Conference 2016 GBHEM Legislation, Team Member – GC legislation involving GBHEM, UM education, ordination/candidacy/endorsement/licensing, and/or leadership development
+ Called: One Word Many Ways, Executive Director/Editor – new vocational discernment experience resource for local churches across the denomination
+ Mid-Quadrennial BOM Trainings, Presenter/Team Member
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
The UMC is experiencing the growing pains of becoming something new. Our Wesleyan heritage prepares us to adapt so we can love God and neighbor even when we struggle together to see where God is moving and to live together with neighbors we don’t always agree with. General Conference is the holy conferencing we engage in to discern how and where God is calling us to go – together.
As long as we are working together, in the fullness of our diversity, to love God and each other, there will be conflict. I have a heart for Christ’s peace in the midst of that holy struggle as well as the skillset and experience to productively navigate the work of Jurisdictional and General Conference.
My work has blessed me with an experience of ministry on the ground as well as the work of The UMC at 30,000 feet – a unique perspective of our work, both local and global. This perspective is an asset in conversations about the present realities and future possibilities for the UMC.
In short, I have 1) a passion for the continued growth of the NC Annual Conference, 2) a heart for the holy conferencing required to help our denomination discern its future, and 3) strengths that help our work together be meaningful when people are passionate and opinions are varied.
189 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Herbert Lowry (1438) Telephone: 910.488.2350 Cell Phone: 910.729.2794 Address: 4557 Rosehill Road Fayetteville, NC 28311 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Gardner's Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
After my conversion on April 9, 1984, I became involved in a local congregation. I served as Lay Leader and Evangelism Chairperson, taught Sunday School and lead Bible Studies.
I was called by God into Pastoral Ministry and in 1990, I began my first appointment as a Student Pastor. I have served as a Student Pastor, Part-Time Pastor and I am now an Elder in Full Connection.
On the District level, I have served on the District Board of Ordained Ministry, District Board of Trustees, District Committee on Superintendency, and District Connectional Table.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have been in Pastoral Ministry for 25 years. My appointments have carried me to two different conferences, five districts and six local congregations. I currently serve on the Conference Finance and Administration Committee. I have served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Committee on Episcopalcy, Task Force for District Realignment, and I am a member of Pastors serving cross-cultural appointments. I will be commissioned at Annual Conference as part of a team and a member of the first class of Conflict Transformational Leaders.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
When I was converted, the only person I knew who went to church regularly was my late uncle. Uncle James was a member of a local United Methodist Church. Thus, I invited myself to accompany him to church. I had a desire to grow in the Faith and serve the Lord. My desires have not changed over the years nor has the memory of my conversion dwindled. I have never had a desire to leave or divorce this Lady (UMC) who has fed and nurtured me. God has used The United Methodist Church to serve as a spiritual womb and an incubator for me. In many ways, I am who I am and where I am because of the "People called Methodists."
It is out of a deep sense of gratitude and love that I offer myself up as a candidate to General Conference. I believe I can add Spiritual depth to our delegation. I believe in the primacy of scripture, personal faith, holiness of heart and life, speaking the truth in LOVE, and the need for Theological reinvigoration.
Please pray for All who attend General Conference.
190 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 James Malloy (1452) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.736.4919
Address: P.O. Box 961 Fairmont, NC 28340 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: New Hope Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
New Hope UMC in Rowland,NC
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Member of Commission on New Faith Community
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Delegate to General Conference
191 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Mary Frances McClure (1467) Telephone: 910.496.6287 Cell Phone: 910.496.6287 Address: 3908 WIllowick Park Dr. Wilmington, NC 28409 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: WOW: Wesley of Wilmington and Associate Pastor at Wesley Memorial UMC in WIlmington Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Currently serve as Director of WOW: Wesley of Wilmington campus ministry and Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministry at Wesley Memorial UMC in Wilmington
Designer for Youth Ministry Boot Camp training event for the Harbor District youth leaders
Organized Reaching Out in the Rock evangelism training event for clergy and laity in the Rockingham District
District Youth Coordinator for the Fayetteville District, the Gateway District and the Harbor District
Presenter and Coordinator for District Lay Training workshops in multiple Districts
Spiritual Leader for a Volunteers in Mission Team to Mexico
Oversee one of the largest pumpkin patch fundraisers in the USA
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Some of my Annual Conference and General Conference activities include:
Campus Minister for WOW: Wesley Of Wilmington
Member of Order of the Flame through the World Methodist Council
Member of the Commission on Evangelism
Ex Officio member of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Dean of the Academy for Christian Witness for the Commission on Evangelism
Presenter and worship leader for the Academy for Christian Witness
Member of the design team and small group leader for IGNITE, Youth Academy
Presenter at LIMITLESS, the United Methodist Women’s mentoring conference for the General Church and the Annual Conference
Presenter at FOCUS, the General Church conference on children’s ministries
Participant in Living the Word Ministry in Red Springs through the NC Conference Outreach Team
Technical support team and blogger for the Annual Conference
Member of Conference Council on Youth Ministry and member of Pilgrimage Planning Team
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Dean of Women and small group leader for Summer Breakaway youth event
Reynold's Foundation Campus Ministers Academy Member
First Parish Project member through the Hinton Rural Life Center
Rural Youth Ministry Colloquium: Youth at the Center attendee through Duke Divinity School CLERGY INFORMATION
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference in order to help shape the trajectory of the General Church for the future. God is not done with the United Methodist Church yet! In fact, God has created a future with hope and grace for us to lean into.
I have a keen understanding of issues and challenges for Millennial and Generation Z members of the Church and how we as the Church can include and challenge them. My strengths include being an activator, communicator, ideator, and encourager. I enjoy working towards consensus and helping everyone feel heard. I also am a fan of social media and will be able to help keep people informed and involved in cyberspace.
193 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Rev. James McConnell (1468) Telephone: 252.746.3852 Cell Phone: 919.599.3056 Address: 4168 Terrace Dr Ayden, NC 28513 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Ayden UMC Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
I am an Ordained Elder serving in the Local Church for the past 5 yrs.
Served 3 years as Youth and College Director at University UMC
Helped to plan and lead several district gatherings.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Board of Directors for NCCUMC Camp and Retreat Ministries (5 yrs)
Board of Directors for Wesley Greenville (ECU)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I listen twice as much as I speak. I have a moderate voice and a heart for the church. I believe that we are stronger together than apart, and that this unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit not to be ignored.
I hope to serve the church as a delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional conference because I believe in the importance of the work Christ has called us to as his church, and I hope to lend my services to the task of being the body of Christ; broken, blessed and given for the life of the world.
194 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jonathan Mills (1490) Telephone: 252.944.1671 Cell Phone: 252.944.1671
Address: P.O. Box 96 White Oak, NC 28399 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Bladen Charge UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Lead Pastor of the Bladen UM Charge -- among the largest Charges in average attendance in the USA, Director and Organizer of Fan the Flame ministry offering small and rural church revitalization through the Bladen Charge, Harbor District Mission Strategy Team, Robbins Area Christian Ministry Leader, Bladen County Clergy Council Representative, Chairperson and Keynote speaker for Relay for Life, Preacher for Charge Conference Session.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Thriving Rural Communities Fellow, Pastor of a Thriving Rural 2.0 Church, At-Large Member on the Connectional Table, Advisory Board Member of the Rural Faith Development Community Development Corporation, Presenter at Project Bountiful, 2015 Angel Tree Award Winner from the United Methodist Home for Children, Preacher at Annual Conference Session for Youth, Member of the NCC Contingent attending the 2012 UMC International Quadrennial Planning Meeting, member of the Conference Stewardship team, Elder Representative at the Conference-Wide Candidacy Retreat, Candidacy Mentor, Thriving Rural Communities Mentor
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Through my involvement on the Connectional Table I have been able to participate and view the importance of our connectional system and the need for diverse voices. I would like to serve as a Delegate because I believe I can provide a unique and needed voice in this space. I believe I could be an asset at General and Jurisdictional Conference due to my representation of the rural church and at age 30, young clergy. I have been blessed to serve and lead thriving rural congregations. Despite the general decline in rural church attendance and giving over the past few decades, rural churches continue to make up the vast majority of our congregations both in the NCCUMC and the connection at large. I have had many opportunities for leadership and listening across our conference and I believe my ages gives me a different perspective, specific to the underrepresented generation in churches today. I trust the Holy Spirit will guide us, as a Conference, to send the delegates that will represent and help grow God's Kingdom. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
195 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Taylor Mills (1491) Telephone: 919.683.1386 Cell Phone: 919.594.0266 Address: 215 North Church Street Durham, NC 27701 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Trinity Durham Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Pastor 2010-present
Trinity United Methodist Church, Durham, NC
Board Member 2011-2014
Durham Congregations in Action, Durham, NC
Adjunct Staff Chaplain 2011-present
Pastoral Services, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, NC
Pastor 2006-2010
Avent Ferry United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC
Pastor 2001-2006
First United Methodist Church, Williamston, NC
Board Member 2006-2010
AventWest Community Development Corporation, Raleigh, NC
President c. 2004-2006
Martin Co. Ministerial Association, Williamston, NC
Coordinator 2003-2006
Chaplaincy Services, Martin General Hospital, Williamston, NC
Member 2002-2004
Williamston Rotary Club, Williamston, NC
Coordinator 2001-2003
Greenville District UM Youth Ministry, Greenville, NC
Intern (C.P.E.) 2000
Pastoral Services, Duke Hospital, Durham, NC
Youth Minister 1998-2001
Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC
196 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Parliamentarian 2014, 2015
NC Annual Conference, United Methodist Church
Fellow 2013/2014 CLERGY INFORMATION
Leadership Fellows Program, Academy for Leadership Excellence, Raleigh, NC
President 2013-present
NC Conference Partners in Caring, United Methodist Church
Chairperson 2012-present
Financial Discipleship Committee, NC Annual Conference
Secretary (member since 2011) 2012-present
NC Annual Conference Board of Institutions, Inc.
Chairperson 2008-2012
Communication Committee, NC Annual Conference
Member 2008-present
Conference Connectional Table, NC Annual Conference
Assistant Spiritual Director 2009
Walk to Emmaus, Pamlico Emmaus Community
Member 2008-2010
Board of Directors, Raleigh Wesley Foundation
GBCS Young Clergy Leadership Forum/Ecumenical Advocacy Days, 2007
SEJ Quadrennial Training, 2009;
United Methodist Association of Communicators annual meeting, 2008
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I am interested in serving God through the local church and the larger United Methodist connection. My ministry in settings like the local church, Conference communications, campus ministry, youth, camping, and hospital chaplaincy have given me a broad base of experiences from which to serve.
This is a critical time for The United Methodist Church but I believe that God has blessed us with enormous resources, very talented people, and most of all the Holy Spirit. It would be an honor to support the church that has supported me by offering God my best at General and Jurisdictional Conference.
197 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Christopher Moore (1498) Telephone: 919.294.9073 Cell Phone: 919.368.6342 Address: 1817 Round Rock Blvd Durham, NC 27703 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: All Saints' UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Lead and Founding Pastor, All Saints' UMC
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference Worship Team
Teach at LLPS
Teach at Course of Study, Duke Divinity School
Academy for Leadership Excellence Advisory Board Member
NC Preaching Festival Advisory Team Member
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to represent the NC Conference as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference by expressing the best of our Wesleyan heritage while helping us move into a living and vital future together.
198 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Roderic Mullen (1510) Telephone: 252.456.3150 Cell Phone:
Address: P.O. Box 356 Norlina, NC 27563 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Norlina UMC Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
In the past Norlina UMC has had an Angel Food ministry as well as an After School Program. At the district level I have been a regular participant in small cluster groups and have benefitted from the wisdom and encouragement of my fellow pastors.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Have served on various Conference Boards and study groups, including Board of Health and Welfare, Social and Ecumenical Concerns, as well as the Board of Missions. Past chairperson of Project Agape board.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a lifelong Methodist, I believe that we must continue to listen to one another in love to work through the issues that concern us. With an advanced degree in Biblical Studies, I believe I have a broad understanding of the Scriptural foundations of our Christian faith. Ours is a worldwide faith and we are called to listen carefully to what our sisters and brothers in other lands are saying.
199 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Won Namkoong (1515) Telephone: 910.673.4623 Cell Phone: 910.639.3159 Address: 645 Seven Lakes North West End, NC 27376 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: West End United Methodist Church Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
District Level:
In the past
Served the Lord as a member of District Committee on Superintendency,
Served the Lord as Chair of District Council in Ministry,
Served the Lord as a member of District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Served the Lord as a member of Church Building and Location
Currently
serves the Lord as a member of District Mission
serves the Lord as a member of Board of Ordained Ministry
Currently serve the Lord as a member of District Committee on Mission Team
a
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Served the Lord in the past
as a district superintendent
as a member of Conference Staff Committee
as a member of Board of Ordained Ministry
as member of Religion and Race
as a member of Special Task Force Team for Conference Renewal
as a member of Connectioonal Table
as a delegate to General Conference Reserve in 2004, 2008
as a delegate to Jurisdictional Conference in 2004, 2008, 2012
Currently serve the Lord
as a secretary of Episcopal Committee
as a member of CF&A
200 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
as a member of Multi-Cultural Team (Bishop Initiative) as a member of Advisory Board of Conflict Transformation Team
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? CLERGY INFORMATION
The United Methodist Church must major in major things in the life of the church. The greatest mission of the church is to proclaim the Gospel to save the unsaved. We have neglected our call by majoring in minors.
I want to help the UMC to major in major things for the transformation of the world without neglecting church's mission to the world. Speaking the Truth in love I want to change the spirit of the UMC through prayer and passion for the Lord, Jesus Christ.
201 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 E. Powell Osteen, Jr. (1538) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.818.2225 Address: 900 Arendell St Morehead City, NC 28557 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: First UMC Morehead City Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
I have served as an associate pastor, founding church planter, senior pastor, lead pastor of a multi-site congregation, extension ministry and as a District Superintendent.
I have chaired District Councils on Ministry and District Committees on Ordained Ministry. I have served as presidents of Habitat for Humanity Chapters, Food banks and homeless shelters, and pregnancy care centers.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Associate Pastor of Highland UMC, Raleigh, Founding Pastor of Resurrection UMC, Durham, Senior Pastor of Garber UMC, New Bern, District Superintendent, Wilmington District, Lead Pastor, Apex UMC Family of Faith Communities, Executive Director of Marriage Matters, New Bern. Currently - Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Morehead City.
Past:Chair of Theology & Doctrine for Board of Ordained Ministry, Chair of Study Team for Board of Institutions, Board member of United Methodist Foundation; Alternate Delegate to SEJ Jurisdictional Conference, 2008
Current: President of Church Development Fund, Inc; member of New Faith Communities Lead Team; member of Board for Academy for Leadership Excellence
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would be honored to serve as a Delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference. I hold strongly to our Wesleyan convictions and value the role of the local church in the mission of Christ. I would bring a breadth of experience and a depth of prayer. I earnestly want to see the United Methodist Church hold fast "the faith once delivered" and reach the world with the redeeming and transforming grace of Jesus Christ.
202 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Tim Reaves (1597) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.876.0386
Address: 241 Stonewall Jackson Dr. Wilmington, NC 28412 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Pine Valley United Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Lead Pastor, Pine Valley UMC
Lay Servant Ministry Instructor
Wesley of Wilmington Campus Ministry Board of Directors
District Committee on Ordained Ministry
2014 NC Azalea Festival Chaplain
Leader in 2014 Wilmington City-Wide Inter-denominational National Day of Prayer and Global Day of Prayer Services.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
General Conference Delegate 2012
Jurisdictional Conference Delegate 2008 and 2012
Currently on Conference Board of Ordained Ministry Since 2012
Past Chair of Conference Commission on Evangelism
Past member of Conference Connectional Table
Recipient of 2003 NC Conference Denman Evangelism Award
Key Taylor Award given to Windsor United Methodist and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches while I was pastor there.
Bladen Charge became one of the Duke Endowment's Thriving Rural Congregations during my pastorate there.
Founder and Creator of Fan the Flame, A Small Membership Church Revitalization Event that has been going since 2007.
Past Dean of the Conference Academy of Christian Witness
Past Instructor and Current Preaching Coach for Local Pastors School.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have experienced ministry in both a rural and urban setting as pastor of the Bladen Charge for 15 years and now as pastor of Pine Valley UMC in Wilmington. I feel that my experience in my own churches, my
203 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
training in Church Revitalization, and my service as a 2012 General Conference delegate will allow me be a helpful and positive voice in leading the United Methodist Church to a hopeful future.
204 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Liz Roberts (1607) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.210.4682
Address: 9121 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Windborne UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Pastor of Windborne UMC, Raleigh (2008 – present), Associate Pastor, Seaside UMC, Sunset Beach (2002-2008); Director of Christian Education and Nurture, First UMC, Morehead City (1997-1999)
In the past I have served on the District Committee on Ministry (in the former Wilmington and Raleigh districts) and as the Wilmington District Youth Coordinator.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Member of the Conference Connectional Table (2012-present), Vice chairperson of the Board of Ordained Ministry (2012-present), Member of the Board of Ordained Ministry (2008-present), volunteer leader with Conference Youth Ministries (1999 – present), Board of Managers Chairperson of the Duke Convocation and Pastors’ School (2011-2014), Member of the Raleigh Wesley Foundation Board of Directors (2009-2013), Volunteer Chaplain for local police department (2006-2008), VIM experiences in Bosnia, Jamaica, Macedonia, Mexico, and the southeast US.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe in and have witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through the United Methodist Church to transform lives. While I treasure our strong heritage, I am excited about where God is continuing to lead the church out into the world. Being part of the team that represents our Annual Conference to the place where discussions are heard, the Gospel is proclaimed, and decisions are made would be an honor and task I do not take lightly.
205 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Carolyn Roy (1614) Telephone: 252.438.6080 Cell Phone: 252.915.1243 Address: 1785 Kittrell Road Kittrell, NC 27544 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Plank Chapel Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
I became a licensed local pastor in 2003, serving Belgrade and Tabernacle for 5 years. In 2008 I served Dover and Shady Grove. In 2010 I moved to Plank Chapel where I am continuing to serve. In 2011 I was ordained an Elder in full connection. I am humbled and privileged to serve the rural church. In my current appointment I have organized local Stop Hunger Now Food packaging opportunities as well as coordinate a team of leaders for a youth group that includes three churches. I team lead a seniors program at Plank Chapel that serves rural aging adults who are isolated and alone.
While serving in the New Bern District I held the positions of District Missions Secretary and District Youth Coordinator. In that capacity I collaborated with other youth leaders to organize Stop Hunger Now Food Packaging Events.
I currently serve as District Missions Secretary for the Heritage District, as well as a member of the District Committee for Ordained Ministry.
I am privileged to serve as coordinator with local Vance County Pastors as we engage in ministry and mission together as well as being a part of an ecumenical group of pastors; the Ministers Community Partnership in Henderson. I am a Trained Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist and receiving training as part as a Conflict Transformation Team.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Currently serve on the conference Missions Team
Have served on staff at conference youth events: Global Vision, ACS, Breakaway, and Kaleidoscope. As the New Bern District Youth Coordinator, I served on the Conference Council on Youth Ministry.
Previously I served on the Committee for Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. In that capacity, I attended the National Conference on Christian Unity for two years.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
God's church is in the midst of transformation and I believe my gifts of seeing possibilities and honoring history are vital in this transformational work. Transformation is never easy or simple. As God continues to transform His church and this vital part of it called United Methodist, I believe I can give voice to the hopes and the fears of those who serve as part of a diverse body. I am not afraid to engage in the difficult work of serving and leading. I love the United Methodist Church. I have been privileged to be part of this global church in Huntsville, Alabama, in San Clemente, California, in Spokane, Washington and now here in North Carolina. I believe I have the gifts to articulate the vision of our future as it becomes revealed through the process of holy conferencing.
206 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ismael Ruiz-Millan (1615) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.323.9158
Address: 941 Homestead Park Drive Apex, NC 27502 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Duke Divinity School Hispanic House of Studies Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
My charge conference is Apex UMC:Fiesta Cristiana Campus. I occasionally preach there, celebrate Holy Communion, and lead Bible Studies. I also serve in the Generosity Team.
I had been a mentor for candidates of the Fairway District.
Also, I have been a resource for the district in matters related to H/L Ministry and Intercultural and Multicultural Ministries.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served the H/L Committee since 2004.
I served the Multicultural Committee from 2005-2012.
I am also a member at large of the Connectional Table and serve the Christian Formation Team.
I also serve the Missions Committee as the General Board of Global Ministries Director.
I am a member of the Consultation between GCORR and our Conference on Intercultural Competency for Healthy Congregations and Effective Leaders.
I am a member of the Ministerial Education Funds Scholarship Committee, and I have also been a part of the team that develop the Seminary Debt Repayment Program.
I served the North Carolina Council of Church Governing Board from 2012-2014.
I have serve the NC Hispanics in Philanthropy Funders Collaborative since 2014.
At the General Church Level:
I am a director of the General Board of Global Ministries.
I am a member of the Executive Committee of the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry .
I am an ex-officio member of the University senate.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe in holy conferencing and holy conversations. And, I believe that the more voices we have on the table the better the outcome we will get. A reality we face as a denomination is that often not all voices are well represented in our conversations. By having the chance to serve as a delegate, I will be intentional about voicing the concerns of the voices that often are not on the table.
207 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Timothy Russell (1616) Telephone: 910.620.1993 Cell Phone: 910.620.1993 Address: 700 Waterfield Ridge Pl Garner, NC 27529 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Assistant to the Bishop/Director of Ministerial Relations Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
My current charge conference is Horne Memorial in Clayton. I serve on the Worship Committee, teach Sunday school and preach and lead worship as needed.
My appointment history includes a 2-point charge in Warren County, a small town church, as an associate at a large membership church, the pastor of a church that grew into a large membership church, and as a district superintendent in two different districts and as an interim superintendent in a district.
I have chaired the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and served on the District Trustees, the District Committee on Superintendency, the District Committee on Nominations and the District Committee on Church Location and Building.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served as the secretary on the Board of Ordained Ministry as well as chaired the committee on Residency in Ordained Ministry.
In my current appointment I serve on several committees and boards for the annual conference. Much of my work is spent resourcing the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
My first experience in serving as a delegate to both the General Conference and the Jurisdictional Conference was in 2012. That experience, with its highs and its lows, will help me better prepare for 2016, if elected. I know how the process works, how the subcommittees work and how the conferences operate.
My work on the appointive cabinet, with the bishop's office and with ministerial relations has helped me meet people from across the denomination and particularly from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction. I am more aware of the issues facing our denomination and thus better prepared to deal with the issues we will be grappling with in 2016.
208 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Branson Sheets (1634) Telephone: 252.355.0123 Cell Phone: 252.531.2532
Address: 4005 Corey Rd Winterville, NC 28590 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Covenant Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
I am currently serving in my 10th year at Covenant in Greenville and previously served a two point charge in Bailey. During these years I have served as the chair of the DCOM, the district representative for evangelism, and on the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I served two terms on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, served as the teaching director of the Local Pastor's Licensing School, and led the Wellspring Academy for Christian Leadership. I have also taught for a number of years at the Academy for Christian Witness.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
While I have never submitted my name before, I believe that this General Conference will be a watershed event for our denomination. I therefore humbly submit my name and am willing to serve if elected. I will do my best to represent our conference and our Lord Jesus well.
209 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Anne Sims (1647) Telephone: 336.597.4242 Cell Phone: 336.597.4242 Address: 1511 Wesleyan Road Roxboro, NC 27573 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Warren's Grove Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
I have been a pastor in the NC Conference since 1999 and an elder since 2004. Between field education placements and appointments I have served in most parts of the annual conference. In that time I have served churches from small (the Salem-Harris Chapel charge) to large (Associate Pastor, Ann Street UMC) and in between. I have served on worship teams for two districts, connectional tables/district councils on ministry in two districts, and have helped to bring quality continuing education events for pastors to the districts I have served.
I am a founding member of the Person County Warming Centers, designed to provide shelter to vulnerable community members during extreme cold weather, a member of the Person UM Parish, a local mission/benevolence group, and a leadership team member for local church and community Griefshare groups, in addition to my role as pastor of Warren's Grove UMC.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have been a member of the Communication Team since the last quadrennium and serve as Vice Chair at present.
I also lead 3 week online seminars with the Oates Institute, dedicated to creating an online global learning community for spiritual caregivers. Courses have included Salve to the Soul on story-sharing as a means to wholeness and healing, The Power of Story on narrative research in ministry, The Power to Bless on recognizing and using our gifts to help others heal, a book intensive on Joseph Myers' "The Search to Belong", Leaving Church on the rise of the SBNRs and how to engage with those who profess to be spiritual but not religious, and others.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a younger clergy person, a pastor who is also female, and a member of a clergy couple, I believe I have a broad view of the issues facing the church. As a lifelong Methodist, I have a deep love of our Church and desire to see it continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As a part of my pastoral calling, I have a passion for helping people connect to God and to one another in transformative ways that lead to wholeness, healing, and salvation. I believe that as a delegate to General and/of Jurisdictional Conference, I can be a part of helping strengthen communication and connection between Methodists, and between the UMC and the world as we lean into a future that calls for the grace and hope we have to offer.
210 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Kelli Sorg (1674) Telephone: 252.515.2785 Cell Phone: 252.515.2785
Address: 5129 Highway 101 Newport, NC 28570 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Harlowe-Oak Grove Charge Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
I serve on the dCom, as well as the new Sabbath Chaplain as that program begins in our district. I am committed to spiritual formation and discipleship as the primary activities of the local church that lead to expressions of mission and ministry inside and outside the walls of the churches I serve.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
On an Annual Conferences level I serve on the Spiritual Life Committee, and have received 3DM training as well as Passion in Partnership Coaching training. In 2014, I published a book on spiritual formation and discipleship called Living Into the Mystery that outlines a Wesleyan way of living with and hearing from God in our sacred and secular lives.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
In these days of questions and fears, I feel called to put my name forward for this responsibility. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind", we are told in 2 Timothy. All my life, God has been teaching me about walking with Him in resisting fear, living with it and through it. Perhaps those are lessons that can be valuable in these days.
I don't covet the responsibility of being a delegate for personal or professional reasons but because I love the church as the body of Christ in the world. I want to serve using the intellect, my love of God and the grace I have been given to do whatever I can.
211 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Gray Southern (1675) Telephone: 919.303.9426 Cell Phone: 919.812.5114 Address: 100 South Hughes St. Apex, NC 0 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Apex Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Apex UMC Lead Pastor
RIOM Coach
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Chair, Board of Institutions
Member, DISCIPLE Bible Outreach Ministries Board
Member, Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave
Member (ex officio), Board of Pensions
Connectional Table
Member, Board of Trustees
Instructor, Duke Divinity Course of Study
Member, General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
It was through the ministries of The United Methodist Church that I met the love of Jesus and came to know his power. It is through our church's ministry that I have seen people renewed and remade. I want to continue that ministry by helping to reshape our future as Wesleyan Christians, eager to embrace our future, utilizing the best of our past and claiming the future God has for us. Our Conference has honored me and allowed me to be a part of that work throughout my life; I want to continue to see that work more fully completed, including the crucial work of General Conference 2016 and Jurisdictional Conference 2016.
212 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Paul T. Stallsworth (1682) Telephone: 910.207.6389 Cell Phone: 910.642.3376
Address: 902 Pinckney Street Whiteville, NC 28472 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Whiteville United Methodist Church Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
*Whiteville United Methodist Church (Pastor)
*Circles of Hope/Columbus County (Local Advisory Board)
*Living Hope Pregnancy Support Services (Board of Directors)
*Covenant Group (Whiteville-area Pastors)
*District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Annual Conference and Other Activities
*Communications Committee
*The Unity Dialogue (on the Church and Homosexuality, Co-chair)
*Conflict Transformation Minister
*Christian Unity Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches
*Editor/President of Lifewatch (1987-Present)
*Editor: The Church and Abortion (Abingdon, 1993), The Right Choice
(Abingdon, 1997), and Thinking Theologically about Abortion (Bristol
2000)
*Editor: "The Durham Declaration" (1991), "An Ecumenical Confession for Life" (2010), and "Pro Ecclesia (For the Church): An Ecumenical
Confession" (2011)
*Editor: The Encounter Series (Eerdmans, 1986-1993): Sixteen conference books, of which Rev. Richard John Neuhaus was the
General Editor, on religion and public life.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
To serve Christ and His Church -- that is, "to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), and to strive to increase the unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity (marks of the Church from The Nicene Creed) of The United Methodist Church.
213 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Bruce Stanley (1684) Telephone: 919.850.9363 Cell Phone: 919.801.2992 Address: 1029 Cedarhurst Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: President/CEO Methodist Home for Children Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
District Committee on Building and Location (Raleigh and Wilmington)
Chair of District Committee on Ministry (Wilmington)
Evangelism Chair, Wilmington District Council on Ministries
Mission Chair, Wilmington District Council on Ministries
Member, District Committee on New Church Plant (Raleigh)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Served 6 different congregations as Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor or Sr. Pastor
Director of Field Education, Duke Divinity School - Placed and evaluated 200 students per academic year in congregations and non traditional ministries across the Jurisdiction and beyond
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (10 years)
Associate Director, NCC Council on Ministries for Missions and Evangelism
Executive Director, Board of Missions, Inc. (5 years)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was ordained in the United Presbyterian Church, USA and made a conscious choice to transfer my credentials to the United Methodist Church in 1985. Like many "converts" my enthusiasm for our connection remains great. I want to make certain we remain united. We may not all sit on the same side of the Communion table but we are all called to sit AT the same table.
I am convinced we serve an abundant God and our challenge is not lack of resources but a great need to align our dollars, talent and energy strategically. The Methodist Home for Children where I serve has a nearly 15 million dollar budget, over 200 employees, and presence across the state is bigger than many Annual Conferences in size and geography. I would like to take what I have learned about strategic thinking and help apply it to the general church. I have two "Twenty Somethings" and I want them to inherit from Mr. Wesley the best church we can bequeath.
214 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Connie Stutts (1700) Telephone: Cell Phone: 252.671.7143
Address: 1035 Washington Post Road New Bern, NC 28562 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Beech Grove - Rhems Charge Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
I have served as pastor at CaVel UMC in Roxboro, Union Chapel in Kittrel, Rowland UMC in Rowland, and am currently my tenth year at the Beech Grove - Rhems Charge in New Bern.
I am currently serving as the District Missions Secretary and I am a member of district strategic missions team. Over the years I have led numerous ecumenical groups that cross racial and ethnic boundaries. One of my greatest privileges has been to serve as a supervisor for Duke Field Education students. My work in the local congregation has allowed me to connect to nations. As such, I have been invited to share with other local churches and UMWs about mission work locally and globally.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
-Refugee and Immigration Committee
-Board of Missions, INC, secretary
-Conference Missions Team, secretary
- mentor for candidates in the candidacy program
-RIOM group leader
-Partner Pastor with Thriving Rural Communities, a program with Duke -Divinity School and The Duke Endowment
-Alumni of Academy for Leadership Excellence
- participant in the initial dreaming for Project Bountiful
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have had the privilege of serving in the small rural church setting for over 18 years. During that time, I have benefited from numerous programs, other pastors, and hundreds of parishioners. My heart and my calling is with the small membership church that believes in a big God. I hope to represent this population with voice at General and/or Jurisdictional Conference. I pray that I will serve as one willing to listen and to speak with wisdom and discernment.
215 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Alan Swartz (1705) Telephone: 252.455.9610 Cell Phone: 919.210.9120 Address: 16 Wood Duck Ct Southern Shores, NC 27949 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Kitty Hawk UMC Current District: Beacon
Local Church and District Activities
Churches Served: Salemburg Charge, St. Paul Associate (Goldsboro), LaGrange, New Hope (Goldsboro), Oxford, Mebane, Horne Memorial (Clayton), Kitty Hawk
Previously served as District Youth Coordinator (Goldsboro District), Chair of District Council on Ministries (Goldsboro District).
Currently serving as member of District Committee of Ordained Ministry (Current, Beacon District)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Have previously served as member of the Planning Committee, Parliamentarian, and Chair of the IT Committee.
Currently serving as Chair of the Committee on Resolutions, Chair of the Insurance Committee, Member of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe that I represent the broad middle of our theological tradition and earnestly work to build consensus in making decisions in the church. I also believe that we must be people who are willing to make decisions contrary to our personal interests and preferences if we are to faithfully lead the church in serving its mission.
216 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Linda Taylor (1715) Telephone: 910.352.0504 Cell Phone: 910.352.0504
Address: 700 Waterfield Ridge Plaza Garner, NC 27529 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Sound District Superintendent Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
As the Sound District Superintendent I serve on the District Mission Strategy Team, District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Lay Servant Ministry Team, District Building and Locations.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served on the Conference Trustees, Spiritual Formation Team. Currently I serve on the Conference Hispanic/Latino Committee, Wesley Foundation of East Carolina Board, Methodist Retirement Homes Board.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference because I believe I will bring energy, confidence and commitment to the work of the delegation. I have a deep love for The United Methodist Church and believe I offer the gifts and graces needed to be a faithful, prayerful delegate.
217 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Hope Vickers (1735) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.360.4797 Address: P.O. Box 268 Oak Island, NC 28465 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Epworth -Durham Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Senior Pastor at Epworth- active missional church of 900+ members., District committees over the years have included Missions, DCOM, Superintendency, Children's Ministries, Racism, Justice Ministries, UMW missions speaker. Led Epworth through process to be a Reconciling Congregation.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Currently CFA, previously: Missions, Disability Concerns, Children's Ministries, Evangelism, Episcopacy Committee
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I served as a volunteer marshal in 2012 General Conference and would now like to return representing our NC Annual Conference. I understand the work involved and can give the necessary time and effort to the work as a newly retired clergy. I want to carry the voice of inclusion for all people to General Conference on behalf of those who have ever felt rejected by our beloved UMC. I strongly believe that the Spirit of God is guiding us to new understandings of what it means to be part of the Body of Christ and I hope to share that sense with a grace filled people.
218 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ben Williams (1781) Telephone: 919.870.5824 Cell Phone: 919.218.0315
Address: 4801 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: St. Mark's UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Millbrook UMC: Associate Pastor (2002-2005)
St. Mark's UMC: Lead Pastor (2005-present)
Local Church and Community:
Recovery Ministry Advisory Team
Backpack Buddies Leadership Team
North Raleigh Ministries
North Hills Clergy Gathering
District:
District Committee on Ordained Ministry (2006-2012)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Annual Conference:
Board of Ordained Ministry (2012-present): Team Leader
Executive Committee of Board of Ordained Ministry (2013-present)
Duke Convocation and Pastors' School: Board of Manangers
Insurance Committee: member
Clergy Medical Leave Committee: Chair
Bishop's Culture of Call Task Force
Young Clergy Task Force
NC Preaching Festival: Advisory Team Member (2014-present)
NC Camping Board: member (2006-2014)
General Conference 2012: 1st alternate delegate
Jurisdictional Conference 2012: delegate
Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation:
219 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 How to Vote Electronically North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Graduate (2005)
Retreat Leader (2007, 2014)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Every time we baptize an individual we, the church, promise the person that with God's help we will proclaim the good news, live according to the example of Christ, and surround him or her with a community of love and forgiveness so that he or she may grow in their trust of God and be found faithful in their service. I look at this opportunity to serve as a delegate as my way of continuing to live out this promise in very concrete ways. While it may not be glamorous, it takes leaders at all levels of the church paying close attention to spiritual as well as temporal affairs to create these communities of love and forgiveness both locally and globally. I am willing to pay great attention. I am open to giving myself over to this kind of challenging work so that my children, your children, and all children, both within our conference and around the globe, might be welcomed into such grace filled, Christ centered communities.
Having served as a delegate in 2012, I have a clear sense of what is involved and what is possible. I am committed not just to voting what I may think, but rather to serving you and representing our conference. If given the chance to serve, I will spend the year leading up to General and Jurisdictional Conference engaged in prayer and listening to that which matters to you.
Many say our days as United Methodists are numbered. Others say we are doomed to split. I wholeheartedly disagree! I am absolutely convinced that our best days are still ahead. Unified, together, and with our eyes on Christ, I trust that all things are possible and that in and through our work together, the kingdom of God can and will come on earth as it is in heaven!
220 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Gil Wise (1800) Telephone: 910.322.0100 Cell Phone: 910.322.0100
Address: 412 Captains Cove Unit F Edenton, NC 27932 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: District Superintendent Current District: Beacon
Local Church and District Activities
I grew up in Black’s Chapel UMC, in rural Cumberland County, part of a two point Charge. I am a graduate of Methodist College (1983) and Duke Divinity School (1988). Ministry settings in which I have served include Camp Rockfish as Camp Counselor and Assistant Director. I served in student field setting placements at Maysville, Hopewell, High Falls, Fair Promise, Cool Springs and Carbonton United Methodist Churches. I served Buie, Parkton, Zion and The Rock United Methodist Churches before planting Solid Rock United Methodist Church in 2001. During the Solid Rock appointment, I provided leadership for a multi-million dollar budget with over 40 full time employees. During the time of my service with the local church I have supervised and mentored 17 Duke Field Education Interns.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I served on the Conference Camping Commission as a member and Chairperson. I have served on the Annual Conference Staff. I have been trained as a coach with Passion in Partnership. I have also served as a member of the District Council on Ministries. In 2008, I became a part of the Thriving Rural Church Initiative with Duke Divinity School and the Duke Endowment. I have served on the Emmaus Community Board of Directors and served on several walks. In 2013, I was asked by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward to serve as the Beacon District Superintendent. This District is located in the Northeast corner of the state encompassing 15 Counties, 85 Churches, 65 pastors and over 4,000 members of the United Methodist Church.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, I have a heart for the rural church. It is my belief that reclaiming the movement of Methodism will reconnect all our churches, regardless of size or location, to a calling that is still deep in our roots. I believe I can bring a witness to General and Jurisdictional Conference that will speak the heart and minds of United Methodists across Eastern North Carolina.
221 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Sam Wynn (1817) Telephone: 910.426.0205 Cell Phone: 910.426.0205 Address: 595 East Lake Ridge Rd Raeford, NC 28376 Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Gateway DS Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Presently serving as the cabinet Rep to Equitable Compensation
I have served on a number of Conf comt s. and Bds. as well as several General Church agencies
Most importantly, I have as deep love and commitment for the local church and its future in the 21st century.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Attended General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As United Methodist, we are facing extraordinary challenges - unless we come to a firm decision about our polity, I don't believe we will survive as a connectional church. I believe the 2016 General Conference is a watershed GC - I hope and pray we will not get so distracted with social issues that we overlook what is central to the church. The complexities of our society must not over shadow what is central to our faith. I believe the UMC is an intercontinental web of relationships not only in a global society but with our neighbor next door. The decisions we make will have a impact for in NC as well as in our global church.
I am orthodoxy in my theology and convictions, I believe we must strengthen the local church by equipping the laity, developing discipleship classes that are relevant, practical and inspiring which hold true to Wesleyan doctrine and theology.
222 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Lisa Yebuah (1818) Telephone: 919.218.8763 Cell Phone: 919.218.8763
Address: 228 W. Edenton Street Raleigh, NC 27603 CLERGY INFORMATION Email: [email protected]
Current Appointment: Edenton Street United Methodist Church Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Pastor of Inviting Ministries at Edenton Street United Methodist Church
Former Associate Pastor at Millbrook United Methodist Church
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Faculty--AFLE Leadership Fellows Program
Advisory Team member--North Carolina Preaching Festival
Facilitator--Licensing School for Local Pastors
Discernment Team member--Board of Ordained Ministry
Executive Committee member--Board of Ordained Ministry
Design Team member--SEJ Clergywomen Gathering
Preacher and participant--The Aldersgate Covenant Gathering
Board member--General Board of Church and Society
Board member--Alliance Medical Ministry
Former member--Duke Divinity School Board of Visitors
Former member--Annual Conference Worship Committee
Former participant--Young Pastor's Network
Former Board member--Methodist Home for Children
Speaker at various Conference and non-Conference events
Crossfitter
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
It's been a joy sharing in life together, dreaming for our local congregations, and co-laboring alongside one another. However, what excites me most right now is getting the opportunity to glimpse Christ's resurrection power displayed in the lives of individuals who bump into Jesus by way of the United Methodist Church. I am confident--even as we navigate significant cultural shifts--that our best days as a denomination are ahead!
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And it's out of this Christ-centered hope where I'm sensing a call to serve as a possible delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference. I want to serve as a voice who's persistently declaring God's ability to make beautiful things out of ashes, and also out of our disagreements, and our denomination when we're not at our best. I want to serve as a "holy wrestler" for unity when breaking-up seems tempting. I want to share the gifts God has grown in me--specifically the ability to graciously and theologically approach difficult conversations--as an offering in service to our connection and as a means of serving Christ.
224 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
COMPLETED WORKSHEET FOR ELECTIONS LAITY INFORMATION During the 2015 Conference, we will be voting to elect eight delegates to the Jurisdictional and eight delegates to the General Conference. In addition, we will be electing five alternate clergy delegates and five alternate laity delegates. This worksheet is designed to help aid you in planning your ballot selections for each round of electronic voting.
Each ballot will start with three selections. Each worksheet ballot will have a box for the delegate name and their four-digit candidate number, which can be found on the Candidate List. These delegate numbers will be typed into the keypads to create your final ballots.
A vote of 50 percent plus one will create an election of the position. There is also a box that is placed under each ballot for you to write in the name of the elected during each ballot. This will not serve as a write in ballot.
Laity Elected to General Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Laity Elected to Jurisdictional Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
225 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Laity Alternates Elected to General Conference Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
226 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. LAITY INFORMATION 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
227 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
228 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. LAITY INFORMATION 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
229 Completed Worksheet for Elections North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Ballot ______Selection Candidate Number Candidate Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
230 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Sheila Ahler (2001) Telephone: 919.233.7186 Cell Phone: 919.610.0459 Address: 3521 Pinnacle Drive Cary, NC 27518 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Apex UMC Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Current church (past 9 years) Apex UMC:
Past member (6 years) and chair (2 years) of Finance Committee
Led the team obtaining financing for a new construction program
Past member of Administrative Council
Current member (2nd year) of SPRC
Current Usher and Communion Server
Current member of Chancel Choir
Current member of small prayer group (9th year)
Involved in District activities
Previous church (25 years) – St. Andrew By-the-Sea UMC, Hilton Head, SC
Chair of Church Council
Treasurer
Member of SPRC
Member and chair of Finance Committee
Member of Building and Fund-raising committees for construction of a new sanctuary
Treasurer of Fall Festival
Sunday School teacher
UMYF counselor
Member of Chancel Choir
Involved in District activities
Annual Conference and Other Activities
NC Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) – vice chair (4 year term) – current chair (3rd of 4 year term)
Current member - Connectional Table (3rd year)
231 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Current board member - NC United Methodist Foundation (7th year), on Exec Committee (3rd year)
Current member - Stewardship Committee (3rd year)
Current member - Seminary Debt Repayment Task Force
Current instructor – Academy for Leadership Excellence, teaching Holistic Stewardship (4th year)
Current instructor – Licensing School – teaching Ministerial Taxation (3rd year)
Current instructor – Duke Graduate School – teaching Grad Student Taxation (4th year)
Previous Instructor - Duke Seminary – teaching Ministerial Taxation
Attended CFA training – Jacksonville, FL – Feb 2013
Attended GCFA Financial Leadership Conference – Ft. Worth, TX – Mar 2011
Attended NC Annual Conference – 2009 through 2015
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was born a Methodist; my father was an Elder in the North Alabama Conference. I have been actively engaged in Methodism my entire life –from childhood vacation Bible school, teen years in MYF, to adulthood teaching Sunday School. I am a partner in a Certified Public Accounting firm, just completing my 38th tax season. Serving on the NC CFA has been a blessing as I have been allowed to merge my professional skills with my faith.
Serving the Annual Conference for the past seven years has opened my eyes to the impact our conference can have at the General and Jurisdictional Conference levels. I see many of the obstacles facing our denomination and believe informed, dedicated members need to help find solutions. Many of these issues can only be resolved at the General or Jurisdictional Conference levels and I would sincerely like to represent NC Annual Conference in this process.
232 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 George Balch (2002) Telephone: 910.875.4410 Cell Phone: Address: 4204 Phillippi Church Road Raeford, NC 28376 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Sandy Grove Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Lay Delegate
Lay Leader
Member od Pastor Parish Relations Committee
Finance Chairperson
Certified Lay Servant Certified Lay Speaker for 25 years
Substitute Sunday School Teacher
Member of UMM
Member of Church Shepard Committee
Member of Church Cemetery Committee
Worship Servant
Offering Counter
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay Delegate
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? No
233 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ellen Beasley (2038) Telephone: 910.897.2350 Cell Phone: 910.658.4618 Address: 506 South 10th Street Erwin, NC 28339 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Raleigh Wesley Foundation/Erwin UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
I am currently a student at NC State University where I am heavily involved with the Raleigh Wesley Foundation where I currently serve as the Ministry Team President. I have served on the RWF Board of Directors for the past year on the fundraising committee as well as on the personnel committee.
I am also a member of my home church, Erwin UMC in the Capital District. In the past, I have served as youth group president, served as the youth representative on the Administrative Board, assisted with Sunday School, bible school and children's choir, and I was chosen as the 2013 Lay Person of the Year.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have been attending Annual Conference since 2009, starting as a youth delegate and now a lay delegate for the Raleigh Wesley Foundation. I served as the 2012-2013 NCCUMC Youth President. My duties that came along with being Youth President was serving on the Conference Connectional Table, Board of Laity, the Committee on Episcopacy, Annual Conference Planning Team, and 3MC Board of Directors. I also assisted in leading the Conference Youth as the Conference Youth Council chair which assisted in the decision making and planning of conference youth events.
I was also a Young Adult delegate to the GYPC-LA: Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly (Youth and Young Adult's version of General Conference) in 2014.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have always known that the United Methodist Church existed outside of the NCCUMC as well as around the world, but I had never thought about how the United Methodist Church is truly a Global church. While at GYPC-LA, I was able to hear from my brothers and sisters in Christ and see how our work here in the North Carolina Conference affects not only us, but the church as a whole. The UMC and the NCC has impacted my life tremendously and I feel that, if chose, through serving as a delegate to General Conference I will be able to express my passion for the UMC and the NCC and share my passion with my global church family in holy conferencing.
234 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jacob Beasley (2052) Telephone: 910.897.2350 Cell Phone: 910.658.4622 Address: 506 South 10th Street Erwin, NC 28339 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Erwin UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
I have attended Erwin United Methodist Church my whole life.
I am currently orchestrating our Imagine No Malaria donation of $4,000.
I have taken part in our Last Supper Dramatization for the past three years
I participate in NCCUMC Youth Events, which include Breakaway, ACS, Pilgrimage, and Global Vision.
I have participated in many Stop Hunger Now meal-packaging events and I am currently planning one for Erwin United Methodist Church.
Youth Service Projects
Coats-Erwin United Methodist Church Youth Group
Raking leaves for the elderly
Backpack Buddies packing and donations
Served at His Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at Coats UMC
Stop Hunger Now events
Morehead City, NC Mission Trip with the Coats-Erwin UMC Youth Group during the summer of 2012
Seaside Heights, New Jersey Mission Trip with the NC Baptist Men and First Baptist Church of Dunn during the summer of 2014.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church Youth President.
As President, I sit on the Board of Laity, the Episcopacy Committee, Methodist Men’s Ministry Center (3MC), the Conference Connectional Table (CCT), the Conference Mission Team and Annual Conference Planning Team. I also serve on the planning teams of our conference youth events.
I served on the Conference Youth Council for the 2013-2014 year. I helped plan and organize events.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As a delegate, I hope to bring diversity and a different perspective as a youth to General Conference. I was raised United Methodist and harbor a strong love for the church and this conference. I feel God leading me down this path and I am committed to anything that needs to be done in order to follow His
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ways. With His guidance, I hope to be the voice of the youth and what we stand for as youth and as United Methodists.
236 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Michael Beasley (2003) Telephone: 910.897.2350 Cell Phone: 910.658.4623 Address: 506 S 10th St Erwin, NC 28339 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Erwin UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Erwin UMC Lay Leader & Delegate to Annual Conference
Sunday School Teacher
Prayer Chain / eMinistries coordinator
Confirmation teaching assistant
Certified Lay Servant
Class work complete for Lay Speaker and CLM - organizing interviews and paper work to be ready for next Charge Conference
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Teller in 2014
Attended Annual Conference since 2001 as Delegeate
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I feel God's graceful nudge telling me to be a Delegate to the General Conference. Many years ago I attended Lay Speaker training at Lake Junaluska and met a wonderful lady that was the Conference Director of Lay Speaking for Mississippi. In our conversations she told me she would see me at General Conference one year - and I feel that now is the time that God is calling me to go. I have many years experience serving God in the Methodist Church and have completed the new Lay Speaker training and the online CLM training. I feel God is preparing and equipping me for this delegation.
237 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Johanna Berg (2005) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.734.7579 Address: 3908 Willowick Pk Dr Wilmington, NC 28409 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Wesley Memorial UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
I am an active member of our church youth group, and attend church, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, and bible study regularly. I help to make decisions regarding our youth group's budget, theme, donations, events, and activities by serving in an active roll on our church's youth council. I sing in one of our youth praise bands, and in our youth choir. I love to go and help lead worship at one of the local nursing homes when the youth are invited to go. I go on our annual mission trips with the rest of the youth, and love to go on other youth and church activities. I have also been able to serve on the Harbor District Youth Council.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I annually attend North Carolina Conference youth events such as Breakaway, Pilgrimage, Kaleidoscope, and this year, ACS. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as a representative to the Conference Youth Council, and on the Conference Council for Youth Ministry. This year at ACS, Annual Conference Session for youth, I plan on running for Harbor District Representative.This past year, I had the opportunity not only to attend Annual Conference, but to also serve as a voting delicate, as I will again this year.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a delegate at General Conference to give the youth a voice. As the people of the next generation, we will soon be picking up the mantle of the church and service in Christ. And as such, we will be the people who the decisions made here will most effect. I also want to give the perspective of people my age. I hope that this opportunity does not pass me by, as I see this as an opportunity to leave my mark on the church and on our mission in the world.
238 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jacob Blount (2048) Telephone: 910.299.5151 Cell Phone: 252.675.0473 Address: 110 Forest Drive Clinton, NC 28328 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: First UMC Clinton Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Founder of praise and worship service held every Sunday; served as the main worship leader 2013-14
Youth Ministry representative on the Administrative Council 2012-14
Youth Ministry Executive Team member 2012-14
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference Youth Council, 2012-2014
Youth Ministry Secretary, 2013-14
Conference Communications Team, 2013-present
NCC Pilgrimage Planning Team, 2012-present
Director of Communications Search Team, 2013-14
Delegate to Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly in Philippines, 2014
Annual Conference News Team member, 2013-present
Media Coordinator/Counselor at Camp Don Lee, 2015-present
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was first introduced to the work of the North Carolina Conference and the United Methodist Church as a whole beyond the local church level during the summer between my sophomore and junior year at ACS. Upon this introduction, I immediately developed an interest to become more involved in the work of the UMC at the level of the NC Conference. I joined the Conference Youth Council (CYC) after my first year attending and served for two years before being elected as the Conference Youth Ministry Secretary the summer before my senior year. In my role on the CYC, I helped plan and staff youth events and this is where I fell in love with the NC Conference and what initiated my love for the global United Methodist Church. I joined the Pilgrimage Planning Team after serving as a youth staff member in 2012 and have continued in the role of Assistant Technical Director ever since. My role as the Youth Ministry Secretary was to manage all youth communications to include updating social network platforms, creating a monthly newsletter, taking notes at meetings, representing the youth ministry on the Conference Communications Team, and completing other small tasks. My work on the Conference Communications Team led to an appointed position on the Director of Communications Task Force in 2013-14 and a position on the Annual Conference on-site News Team. I share all of this to explain that I have found through my personal faith a love for the connection and overall body of the United Methodist Church. This love was confirmed once more when I traveled to the Philippines for the Global Convocation and Legislative Assembly and worshipped with United Methodists from all over the world. The work completed during legislative sessions as a united body has inspired me to serve as a delegate to General Conference and
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the South Eastern Jurisdictional Conference. I would be honored to represent the NC Conference at both the General and South Eastern Jurisdictional Conferences and to fully participate in all legislative sessions. I also have an interest in running to be a member of the Division on Ministries with Young People through Global Young People and the General Board of Discipleship for the next quadrennial.
240 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Adam Bock (2006) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.667.3834 Address: 201 Stockbridge Place Hillsborough, NC 27278 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Mount Bethel UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
I am currently a member at Mount Bethel UMC in Bahama. As part of Mount Bethel, I currently serve as the representative to Annual Conference. In the past, I have served on the appointment committee and as the youth representative on Mount Bethel's Administrative Council.
I am currently attending UNC-Chapel Hill. At UNC, I am a member of UNC's Wesley campus ministry where I am the junior class representative on Wesley's leadership team. In the past, I have served as Worship co-leader and have also helped lead multiple small groups and helped run many other activities. As of June, I will also be the Co-Chair of Wesley's Board of Directors
While at UNC, I also regularly attend Christ UMC am heavily involved with the young adult group there.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
In addition to attending Annual Conference the last two years, I have also attended Pilgrimage (a conference youth event) many times and served as a Taste and See pastoral intern last summer at Pine Valley UMC in Wilmington. This summer I will be working at Chestnut Ridge, a camp ministry of the North Carolina conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
The love of God and the ministry of the United Methodist Church have been integral parts of my life. In response, I feel called to serve as a delegate to General Conference so that I can aid in perpetuation of these (sharing the love of God and continuing the ministry of the United Methodist church). Moreover, as young adult who is well versed in matters of the United Methodist Church, I can bring a different perspective to General Conference while being acutely mindful of United Methodist practices, policies, and teachings. I am also discerning a call to ordained ministry in service to God through the United Methodist Church. I believe that participating in General Conference will aid me in continuing to hear what God is calling me to do with my life, be that ordained ministry or ministry of some other sort.
241 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Eston C. Brinkley (2007) Telephone: 910.458.3325 Cell Phone: 910.352.7380 Address: 5730 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28405 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Wesley Memorial UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
As a member of Wesley Memorial UMC since 1976 I have served on many committees such as Delegate to Annual Conference, Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, SPRC, Finance, Evangelism, Nominations, Vision Planning Team, Trustee, Administrative Board, Stephen Minister, Emmaus Lay Director, small group leader, Lay Speaker.
District: 15 + yrs. director of Lay Speakers, co-director of Lay Servant ministries, board of Laity, LS instructor, Evangelism and District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Annual Conference and Other Activities
2012 SEJ delegate, Vice Chair or the Commission on Evangelism, Delegate to Annual Conference, 8 yrs. on the Board of Ordained Ministry, 8 yrs. on Extension Ministry committee, Conference 2010 recipient of the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have been blessed with a variety of local, district and conference experiences as a team member working with many Ordained, Local Pastors and lay Leaders across the conference. I am familiar with the Book of Discipline and our Social Principles. As a denomination we need direction and a clear vision as we face challenges and an uncertain future.
242 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Katie B. Brinkley (2008) Telephone: 910.458.3325 Cell Phone: 910.297.0873 Address: 5730 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28405 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Wesley Memorial UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Delegate to Annual Conference, Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, Lay Servant - Speaker, Community Lay Director for Coastal Carolina Emmaus, Kairos Prison Ministries, Chrysalis Youth Ministries, Sunday School teacher, finance comm., confirmation Mentor, Mission Vision Comm., Staff Parish Relation Comm., Chaired Parsonage Comm., VBS teacher, former Choir member, Disciple Bible Study facilitator.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Delegate to Annual Conference, 2012 delegate to SEJ, facilitator for Board of Ordained Ministry Prayer Ministry, Lay Witness team member, Board of Pensions committee.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I love our church and as a committed member, leader and disciple I offer myself in His service as needed. I have leadership training with business and Church application. I am grounded in the Wesleyan Way, familiar with our articles of faith, Book of discipline, teach the Social Principles and offer the experience of serving on various local, district and conference committees and boards.
243 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Deborah Carter (2009) Telephone: 252.685.0023 Cell Phone: Address: 600 W Academy St. Robersonville, Nc 27871 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Robersonville Current District: Beacon
Local Church and District Activities
Teach adult Sunday school; assist with back pack buddies program, and various church activities (dinner & a movie, food programs during various holidays, etch.)
Annual Conference and Other Activities
This is my first conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to help in any way that I could be of use. I use a cane to walk but it doesn't stop me.
244 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Martha Caves (2010) Telephone: 336.599.7037 Cell Phone: Address: 4404 Burlington Rd. Roxboro, NC 27574 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Warren's Grove UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Local Church: Lay Delegate to Annual Conference; Missions Team; Choir; United Methodist Women; Past President United Methodist Women; SPRC, Finance Committee.
District: Lay Leader; District Committee on Ministry; Mission Strategy Team; Building and Location Committee; Lay Servant Ministries Committee; past President United Methodist Women
Annual Conference and Other Activities
2012 General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdiction Delegation reserve Delegate; Conference Board of Laity Committee; Education & Nurture Committee; Dean of North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Mission u; United Methodist Women Leadership Team; Insurance Committee.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was honored to serve as a reserve delegate for the 2012 General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference. I spent time observing the process, subcommittees and general sessions of the General Conference, giving me a better understanding of how both Conferences operate and what is expected of each delegate. I would like to represent our Conference on the decisions made which will affect the future of our United Methodist Church. I have leadership experience, a desire to learn, and passion to do God's will, which will help me prepare for the work of General Conference.
245 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Claire Cox-Woodlief (2011) Telephone: 919.362.9992 Cell Phone: 919.414.7010 Address: 4141 Summer Ridge Court Apex, NC 27539 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: St. Francis UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
I have served in a number of leadership capacities in my local church for over 20 years including Church Council, Building Committee and Lay Coordinator of Adult Discipleship. I have taught children and adult Sunday School classes and have led and participated in a number of Bible Studies and other adult formative small groups. I have also served in various mission opportunities. I am currently the Chair of the Social Concerns Ministry Team in my local church and am a Certified Lay Servant, working to become a Certified Lay Speaker.
For the past 3 years I have served as the Assistant to the District Superintendent in the Capital District and support the District Committee of Ordained Ministry, the District Board of Church Location and Building, the District Committee on Superintendency and the District Board of Trustees. I also serve on the District Mission Strategy Team, the District Spiritual Formation Team and the District Hispanic/Latino Ministry Team. I am responsible for communication in the district, write a weekly column “Claire….ification” and support the clergy and laity in our 100 congregations in a variety of different ways.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
As the Capital District Assistant to the District Superintendent, I serve on Bishop Ward’s Leadership Team. I also serve as a Conflict Transformation Minister and am on the Conference Conflict Transformation Advisory Team. I serve on the Conference Multi-Cultural Task Force and have served for 9 years on the leadership team of the NC Academy for Spiritual Formation. I participated in the Bishop’s Wesley Heritage Tour in 2014 and am leading the effort to take a group of young adults to Taizé, France to attend an international Gathering Towards a New Solidarity this August with our Bishop.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I am often called upon to answer questions regarding UM Polity and I have had an opportunity to learn a great deal about The Book of Discipline and some of the resolutions of our church. I have made a point of studying our Social Principles with others and I have been vigilant in trying to remain informed about the complex issues that our church and society are faced with. I believe that rekindling our Wesleyan heritage is a key to a bright future in the Methodist Church. If I were elected to serve as a delegate, I would maintain my conviction that maintaining unity in spite of some of our differences is in our best interest and I would seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance when called on to vote as a delegate from our conference, seeking to engage in collaborate exchanges that will move our church forward. It would be my honor to represent our conference laity in this holy conferencing and I would commit to sharing what takes place utilizing various social media and other communication outlets during and after this crucial work takes place.
246 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ann Davis (2045) Telephone: 252.756.6371 Cell Phone: 252.916.7516 Address: 3806 Blarney Street Greenville, NC 27834 Email: [email protected]. LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: St. James UMC Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
Local Church
Administrative Council, Nurture Committee Chair, Leadership Team, Evangelism Chair, Church and Society Chair, Sunday School Teacher, Mission Committee Chair, Council on Ministries Chair, Finance Committee, Small Group Leader, all offices of UMWC, Stephen Minister
District
Current District Lay Leader, Mission Strategy Team, Lay Servant Ministry Team, Laity University Committee, Superintendence Committee, UMW President, UMW Secretary, Nominations Chair, Board of Laity
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference
Delegate to NC Annual Conference, Connectional Table, Vice Chair Board of Laity, past UMW President, past UMW Secretary, Outreach Team, Annual Conference Planning Committee, Nominations Committee, Lay Servant Ministry Team, Assistant and Dean of School of Christian Mission
General Church
2012 General Conference and Jurisdictional Delegate, National UMW Board Member, Role and Status of Women Board Member, Assistant Dean and Dean of South Atlantic Regional School
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have a working knowledge of the United Methodist Church at all levels and understand our connectional system. My experience serving in all levels of the church along with my desire to be a servant follower of Jesus enable me to make decisions that are pleasing to God. I have an intense interest and desire to be a part of the challenges and decisions that our denomination is facing in our global society. I look forward with fresh lens at the amazing grace from God. I offer myself as a candidate to ensure that the Love Of God is represented in a manner that is inclusive of the local, rural, urban communities and of the world view, giving insight to what God has called me to do in sharing a bold, loving and faithful heart.
247 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Christine Dodson (2012) Telephone: 919.779.6115 Cell Phone: 910.890.2415 Address: 700 Waterfield Ridge Place Garner, NC 27529 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Mt. Moriah UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
• Local Church – I am currently serving on the Finance, Audit and Staff Parish Relations Committees for Mt. Moriah UMC. I am the treasurer for the church building construction account. I have previously served on Administrative Council for Mt. Moriah UMC.
• District – I have participated in and led sessions in districts for Lay Leadership workshops or Lay Rallies. These sessions have included financial leadership and accountability, stewardship, building risk management, property management, the role of local church trustees and finance committees, etc.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
• Conference – In my role as Conference Treasurer, I am responsible for the overall financial and business management for the annual conference. I work with various committees and boards within the annual conference including the Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Trustees, Board of Pension, Insurance Committee, Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave, Equitable Compensation, Stewardship and the United Methodist Foundation. In addition, I served as a member of the 2012 North Carolina General and Jurisdictional Conference delegations.
• Jurisdiction - I represent our annual conference at the jurisdictional level in serving as Vice-chairperson on the Southeastern Jurisdiction Council on Finance and Administration and Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
• General Church – I am currently serving as a board member of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) where I am Chairperson of the Audit and Review Committee and a member of the Coordinating Committee. I have previously served as President of the National Association of Annual Conference Treasurers, a Steering Committee member for the Association of United Methodist Conference Pension and Benefit Officers, a member of the General Council on Finance and Administration Pension Study Group and the Economic Advisory Committee.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I offer myself in service to the NC Annual Conference as a 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conference delegation member because I believe that I can offer perspective from all levels of The United Methodist Church to the delegation. I am willing to put in the work to study the issues before the conferences, make myself informed on the decisions to be made and vote to implement the policies that will do the most to promote the work of God’s people in the most efficient manner - all to bring glory to God in all that we do. I am a member of a small rural UM congregation and can offer that small membership church perspective to the delegation. We are at a critical juncture in the life and mission of The United Methodist Church and our delegates must work hard to fully represent the NC Conference during this critical time. I pray that all
248 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 of the work that I do and all the ways I can contribute will be blessed by God. I pray for wisdom such that my only role is in carrying out God's vision and fulfilling God's purpose in my life and Christ's church.
LAITY INFORMATION
249 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 John Dooley (2047) Telephone: 919.362.0811 Cell Phone: Address: 7304 Cateswood Apex, NC 27539 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Apex Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Worship as AV tech, lay speaker, liturgist, communion steward
Current Admin council, past trustees
Several local mission / home repair ministries
Past and returning, Prayer ministry
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay representative to annual conference, or alternate, or guest since 1992
A few Board of Ordained ministries reviews (not as member)
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have seen how our interconnectedness affects both our local churches and the conference level. I have a passion for good structures which can help people work together (or not when the structures are not good). I have seen many parts of our NC conference and believe I understand many of the concerns and opportunities that face us and would be honored to represent them to our larger body.
250 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Beverly H. Geer (2013) Telephone: 910.628.7814 Cell Phone: 757.570.1038 Address: 1363 Hardin Farms Rd. Fairmont, NC 28340 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Bethesda Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Bethesda : PPRC. Worship Committee, UMW, Co-Chair Media Center
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay Member
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
251 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 John Hall (2040) Telephone: 919.477.5802 Cell Phone: 919.696.5803 Address: 1509 Imperial Drive Durham, NC 27712 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Aldersgate UMC Durham Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
During our 26 years at Aldersgate I have been honored to serve in various leadership capacities, including Church Council chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee, Trustees, and Lay Leader. I was blessed to serve the Corridor District as the United Methodist Men district president. I currently serve as a Certified Lay Minister, Church Council chair, and a member of the Corridor District Building and Location committee.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay Delegate
Men's Ministry Specialist
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I grew up in a small, rural United Methodist church in Randolph County. Recently I have felt called to be more engaged in the administration and ministries of the Church. Having served as a lay delegate to multiple Annual Conferences, I now feel prepared to represent our Annual Conference as a delegate. I appreciate and understand Holy Conferencing as a means of grace where there is an expectation to encounter God, and pray that we would be led by God's Spirit as together we discern His will for His church. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve our Annual Conference as a delegate.
252 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Vicki Hardee (2043) Telephone: 919.779.7590 Cell Phone: 919.616.0338 Address: 139 Dullis Circle Garner, NC 27529 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Holland's United Methodist Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
In the past or currently I have participated or am participating in the following areas of ministry:
Sunday School Teacher
Children's Department Director
Chancel Choir
Children's Council
Administrative Board
Council on Ministries
MYF Counselor
Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Stewardship Committee
United Methodist Women
United Methodist Women's Circle
Disciple Bible Study Teacher
Vacation Bible School
Youth Council
Women's Ensemble
Small Group Studies/Bible Study Committee, Chair
Personnel Support Management Team
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Heart of Carolina Emmaus
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I grew up actively participating in the Methodist Church. As an adult, I have been an active member of Holland's. My parents and grandparents were active in their Methodist church----my roots run deep in the Methodist Church, and I have a passionate heart for the Church.
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It has been said that the church is one generation away from disappearing. We have a responsibility to maintain and cultivate the Church so that our children and youth will be nurtured and grow up in the way of the Lord while we continue to involve, support and address the needs, spiritual formation and deepening of our faith in our young, middle age and senior adults. The Church has the responsibility to provide what is needed for people to find a passion for, and follow, Jesus. I believe the Methodist Church has a strong and bright future to fulfill this mission--one that will be shaped in 2016 and beyond.
Believing in the Methodist Church, it's doctrine, The Book of Discipline and our Wesleyan heritage, it would be an honor to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference.
254 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 CJ Hart (2014) Telephone: Cell Phone: 919.770.2042 Address: 3241 Seth Drive Sanford, NC 27330 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Hickory Mountain UMC Current District: Fairway
Local Church and District Activities
Clergy Spouse
Certified Lay Speaker - Have 4 courses complete toward Certification as Lay Servant Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Teach Bible Study
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
255 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Fred M. Hight III (2037) Telephone: 252.237.1594 Cell Phone: 252.245.4282 Address: 1201 Branch Street Wilson, NC 27893 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Winstead UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Chair or Church Council
Member of Finance Committee
Sing in adult choir, Praise Band, and Winstead Quartet
Active in Hand and Hand Ministry
Mentor weekly at Vick Elementary School
United Methodist Men
Hope Garden worker
Driver for the Zebra Bus to pick up children and church members
Building Committee member
Core Leadership Team member
Sunday School teacher
Vacation Bible School teacher
Troop Committee chair for local Boy Scout Troop 89
Chair of Capital District Board of Superintendency
Member of District Mission Strategy Team
Task Force member for La Estrella Resplandeciente
One of the organizers for our recent Capital District event, Impact
District Board of Trustees
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay delegate for NC Annual Conference for a number of years
Mission Endowment Team member
Sexual and Professional Ethics Team member
Southeastern Jurisdictional Delegate 2012
256 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I am grounded in scripture and know the Book of Discipline, and I believe in the United Methodist tradition. I think it would be a privilege to serve in the General Delegation and to serve again in the Southeastern Jurisdictional Delegation.
I believe I am able to listen to others' ideas. I am guided by my understanding of church and society, which will enable me to make sound decisions concerning the future of the United Methodist Church. LAITY INFORMATION I believe I have adequate experience with the local church, the district, and North Carolina Annual Conference, and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference to make me qualified for this delegation. My experience with numerous mission trips has helped me gain understanding of the needs and mission of the United Methodist Church.
If elected, I will take the responsibility seriously and serve to the best of my ability.
257 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Curtis Hildt (2015) Telephone: 910.324.1117 Cell Phone: 910.545.8582 Address: 104 Perfect Court Richlands, NC 28574 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Haw Branch UMC Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
Certified Lay Speak for approximately 23 years. Severed as a Delegate at the Annual Conference approximately since 1992 for Northwoods UMC and Haw Branch UMC. Treasurer, Nominations, Finance, trustee and other positions. Lay Leader for 6 years.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Ran as a General Conference Candidate. Served on the Conference Board of Laity for 4 years and as New Bern District Lay Leader. Lay Leader for Northwoods United Methodist Church. Member of Emmaus. Served on advisory board for Reverend Yuko Miller. Serving last 19 years team member and now team captain for Onslow County Rely for Life. 30 years Boy Scouts of America and WoodBadge trained. Life Member Disabled America Veterans.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Coming from a small church and serving the laity and pastors as a district Lay Leader for the New Bern District, I have a good vision of God's mission for me. I serve God in my church and as a Reading Specialist at Coastal Carolina Community. I work happily with students that have been told that they would never make anything of their lives. I believe that God helped me survive the Vietnam War because he has a mission for me. My experience in the classroom and as District/Conference positions have established me as a sound choice to serve as a delegate to the General Conference to represent the North Carolina Annual Conference.
258 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Mary Hunt (2016) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.734.3017 Address: 223 Crestwood Dr Lumberton, NC 28360 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Branch Street Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Teaching Sunday school, working with the finances of the church and attending meetings with the pastor when requested
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Attends and votes on all aspects put before me. I always stay from beginning to end
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I feel that what happens with the UMC is very crucial to the lives of many people. Anytime I attend these meeting I make sure that I study the material and make sure that i know what is going on and how it will effect the lives of the people that i represent. I also make sure that I know what the word of God says about the material.
259 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Emily Innes (2041) Telephone: 919.435.0531 Cell Phone: 910.777.1109 Address: 8324 Wycombe Ridge Way Wake Forest, NC 27587 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Wake Forest UMC Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
Local Church: Over the years I have served in the following ways: DISCIPLE Bible Study facilitator (5 years), Administrative Board, Administrative Council, Mission and Outreach Chair, Evangelism Chair, UMYF Leader, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Building Committees, Chancel Choirs, Local UMW President, Christian Drama Director
District: Former Burlington District: Board of Laity (8 Years), Board of Managers Christian Enrichment Event (8 Years), Board of Mission Treasurer (6 years), District UMW President (4 Years), Committee on Hunger and Human Need (4 years), District Youth Council (3 years), Workshop Leader and speaker for Districts and Local Churches throughout the Conference
Annual Conference and Other Activities
NC Annual Conference: Delegate to the NC Annual Conference 1993- 1996, 1999-Present, Episcopacy Committee 2004-Present (Chair 2012-Present), Conference Connectional Table 2000-Present (Chair 2004-2012), Conference Lay Leader 2004-2012, Conference Board of Laity 2000-2012 (Chair 2004- 2012), Member of the Bishop's Ministry Cabinet 2004-2012, Conference UMW President 2000-2004, Annual Conference Planning Committee 2000-2012, Conference Nominating Committee 2000-2012, Conference Staff Relations Committee 2004-2012, Insurance Committee 2004-2012, Mission Team and Board of Missions Inc. 2004-2012, Formation and Leadership Development 2004-2008, Leadership Team 2008-2012
Southeastern Jurisdiction: Member of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy 2008- Present (elected by the Committee as Vice Chair 2014-Present), President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference Lay Leaders 2010-2012, Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference Planning Committee (2010-2012, 2014-Present)
General Church: Elected by the NC Annual Conference to serve as a delegate to the General and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences in 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012. Then was elected by the delegation to serve as Vice Chair of the Delegation 2008 -2012 and Chair of the delegation 2012-Present. At General Conference 2012 was elected to Chair a Legislative Committee (Global Ministries), General Church Connectional Table 2012-Present, Council of Bishop's Vital Congregations Operations Team 2014-Present, Delegate to the World Methodist Council and Conference 2011 (South Africa), Director of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) 2004-2012, GBGM Executive Committee 2006-2012, GBGM Personnel and Search Committee 2006-2012, Director of Women's Division 2004-2012 (Vice President 2006-2012), GBGM Evangelism and Church Growth 2006-2012 (Chair of Missionary
260 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
Placement 2010-2012), General Commission on the Status and Role of Women 2004-2008, Board of Directors Methodist Home for Children 2002-2010
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? LAITY INFORMATION I have a deep desire to serve Jesus Christ through the United Methodist Church, which I love. Having previously served as a delegate to four General and Jurisdictional Conferences, I am fully aware of the tremendous and extremely important responsibility of this particular calling, With God's help I will faithfully serve, pray, listen, study the issues, and represent United Methodist in the North Carolina Conference with integrity and dedication.
261 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Phil Isaacs (2033) Telephone: 336.376.6530 Cell Phone: 336.516.2553 Address: 5287 Lindley Mill Rd Graham, NC 27253 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Cedar Cliff Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Lay Leader from 1995 to present, Delegate to the NC Annual Conference since 1992. Served on all of the committees of the church and as chairperson of several. Methodist Men President. Member of the District Board of Churches & Buildings. Burlington District Lay Leader, District Board of Laity, and District committee on Superintendency
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Lay Representative to the Conference Connectional Table, Delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Conference Board of Laity. Past member of the Eli Whitney Ruritan Club, currently the VP of the Alamance County Electrical Contractors Association and a member of the Cedar Cliff UMC team for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
Having been a member of the UMC and Lay Delegate to Annual Conference for most of my life, I feel that I understand the policies and positions of our conference. I believe that the Word of God is the only rule that we need to follow to live our Christian faith. Making disciples of Jesus Christ, through the love of GOD & Neighbor & Self is the Mission statement at Cedar Cliff UMC. I believe that by following this mission statement and the book of discipline with God's guidance I can serve as a faithful representative for our conference.
262 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Sam Isley (2017) Telephone: 919.834.6042 Cell Phone: 919.559.5410 Address: 1422 Mordecai Dr. Raleigh, NC 27604 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Edenton St. United Methodist Church Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Facilitator for Sacred Worth Care Group at Edenton St. UMC.
Disciple Bible Study substitute facilitator at Raleigh Correctional Center for Women.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Treasurer-Methodist Federation for Social Action-NC Conference.
Member-Reconciling United Methodist and Friends of NC.
Jurisdictional Conference Delegate-2012.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As an infant, I was baptized and grew up at Davis St. United Methodist Church in Burlington, NC. I support the Connectional nature of our United Methodist Church and uphold John Wesley’s approach for us of forever moving toward perfection. Are we perfect as individuals and as a church? No, but through our words, deeds, and actions, we can strive to welcome all persons to our United Methodist Churches, evangelizing, worshiping, and fellowshipping together, by celebrating the many, many things we have in common and recognizing and even celebrating the areas where we do not agree. Is there tension at times in our churches in the midst of our disagreements? Yes, but we can work together to harness that tension and turn that in to an energy where we can do good things for others, lifting them up when they are down and letting them know that God loves them. Will there be tension in Portland at General Conference 2016? Yes and at General Conference, I would strive to work with others to find that common ground centered in Jesus Christ and move forward as a church celebrating what we have in common, recognizing our differences, and bringing people to Jesus Christ. I want to be part of the glue that holds us together as a world-wide church. When my partner and I are at Surf City, NC, we attend Faith Harbor United Methodist Church’s 8am worship service held at a pavilion right on the beach. As the members of Faith Harbor serve those gathered communion, I look out at the vast expanse of ocean and I am so grateful to be a part of a church family where one day all will be welcome at God’s table.
263 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Henry Jarrett (2018) Telephone: 919.787.3122 Cell Phone: 919.606.5674 Address: 3405 White Oak Rd Raleigh, NC 27609 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Fairmont United Methodist Church Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Currently serve as chair of the Outreach Team, Served as Church Council Chair twice, and have led work teams from Fairmont since 1998. Also was a Senior High Youth Counselor for 12 years.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Served on conference Board of Church and Society 1988-92, Conference Board of Social and Ecumenical Ministries 92-95 , and Chair conference Board of Church and Society-1995-2000. Served on conference Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry 2004-2012 and currently serve as chairperson of conference Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I love The United Methodist Church and I think there is bright future ahead for it. I believe my broad background of service and leadership enable me to understand the challenges that face the church and help it grow not just in numbers but spiritually as well.
264 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Phillip Jefferson (2046) Telephone: 919.604.2431 Cell Phone: 919.604.2431 Address: 1001 Avent Hill B4 Raleigh, NC 27606 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Avent Ferry UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
As a member at AFUMC I have had the pleasure of beginning my involvement at church by providing special music as part of the worship service. As a trained musician, music in worship is very special and sacred to me and a way to make a joyful noise unto the lord. I began active participation at AFUMC early on by becoming a part of the Communication team and shortly after joining the Mission Outreach team. During that time I had the opportunity to learn about the reconciling movement in our church and became very involved with RUMNC and have since become coordinator for churches in the conference where we work closely with RMN as well as other conference groups such as MFSA. For the last four or more years, I have served and currently serve as our Missions Outreach and Evangelism Chair, where we have worked hard to bring on new ideas to reach out to the community and make people of all backgrounds feel welcome at our church. We've done this through our missions arts fellowship, joining UMC Rethink church strategies, outdoor spritual movies and food events, spiritual dance, bible giveaways and many more. I am also a member of our church council. Thanks to the support of our pastor we have great new outreach activities in the works. I also have had the pleasure of serving as youth leader to the junior high level at our church and showing them ways of supporting the community through small mission projects at church and outside of the church. They are our future and I continue to work to show them God's love for all people. They look up to me and I learn from them the direction for our church.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have participated in annual conference for the last number of years with MFSANC and RUMNC and representing RMN. I find social justice and inclusion to be the work of Christ and learning to continue to love one another. I've had a chance to learn and experience more and more at conference and connect with clergy and laity throughout the NC conference. I have been able to volunteer at exhibit tables for our organizations and experience conference floor activities. This year will be my first year as an at large delegate for the Capital District.
I am Program Director at Wake Technical Community College for the Architectural Technology department, a member of the American Institute of Architects where I am on the AIA Triangle Board of Directors, and chair the AIA Triangle Tour of Residential Architecture. I serve on committees at Wake Tech as well as advise our student club. Youth are the future for our global community and we should continue to help them grow and learn to be leaders that will shape tomorrow.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I see the UMC as a part of my youth. I grew up in the UMC and learned so much from my parents about god and our church over these 37 years. My great great grandfather, on Amelia Island, Fl, helped to start our family church, Franklintown UMC. I have seen it evolve over the years and continue to see it grow with the world and reach out to its community eventhough it is a small church. I see my current church, Avent Ferry UMC, the same way, evolving, growing and welcoming all people to the love of Christ. Our global church also has to grow and welcome all of our communities through open hearts, open minds and open doors to share in the love of Christ. I want to help our entire church carry on the legacy that my
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great great grandfather, my grandparents and my parents worked so hard to do during their lives with a small congregation, show God's love in our communities and have a presence for people of all backgounds to experience the love of Christ. Our youth can also show us where our church is going. We need to show them that we hear them and want them to be our future leaders in the United Methodist Church and should teach them how to love our neighbors as ourselves.
266 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Earl Jones Jr. (2049) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.391.8321 Address: 224 Lofton Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Harry Hosier UMC Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Former PPRC Chair
Former Youth Coordinator
Currently On Finance Committee
Assistant Youth Coordinator
Member of Methodist Men
Church Council Member
Former District Committee Member
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Attended Last two Annual Conferences
Member of CFA
Executive Committee Member of CFA
Chair of Housing Subcommittee for CFA
In-Coming Chair of IT Subcommittee for CFA
Member of BMRC
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
If provided the opportunity to serve as a Delegate to General or Jurisdictional Conference I would bring over 35 years of corporate experience in decision making, problem solving skills with the current methodologies standards, along with a Christian perspective. I possess the necessary objectivity and visionary skills set to contribute to a legislative process. Last as a retired technical professional I would bring my critical thinking and analytical skills.
267 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jimmy Kennedy (2019) Telephone: 910.422.9955 Cell Phone: 910.734.8837 Address: 2850 Butler Rd. Rowland, NC 28383 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Trinity Fairmont Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Lay Leader, UMM, Mission Work (local & international), Volunteer at Partners in Ministry, Laurinburg, NC recruiting mission teams, and Chair of our Outreach Committee.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
NCC Disaster Response Committee, Badged ERT, and UMCOR Certified ERT Trainer, and Laiety representative at Annual Conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As people are lost without Jesus Christ in thier lives. It is important that we provide a haven for them to find shelter, and be informed that they too can recieve the Holy Spirit. And at the United Methodist Church we can provide that without comprimising the laws of God. The trials of life can be difficult at times for many, but determined faith will prevail. The UMC and God above has saved my spiritual life and for that I am eternally grateful.
Therefore if there is anyone my input may save I am willing to humbly serve you, my brothers and sisters in Christ at General Conference.
268 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 LaVohn Lewis (2020) Telephone: 252.291.9190 Cell Phone: Address: P.O. Box 97 Sims, NC 27880 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Sims UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
269 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Gary Locklear (2021) Telephone: 910.521.3160 Cell Phone: 910.734.4070 Address: 667 Locklear Road Pembroke, NC 28372 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Sandy Plains Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
I am a Sunday School teacher for more than 45 years. I have served in almost every capacity in leadership in my church from Council Secretary to Chair of the Administrative Council to the chair of the SPRC.
I am currently serving on the District Mission Strategy Team. Each year I lead workshops in my District Training events.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I am currently serving as Conference Lay Leader. I chair the Board of Laity and the Connectional Table. Part of the duties that come with being Conference Lay Leader is serving on the Leadership Team. I also serve on the Insurance Committee, The Committee on Episcopacy, The Mission Team, The Annual Conference Planning Team and the Committee on Native American Ministries.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe I have a lot of experience in working at many levels of the church form the local setting to the General Conference. I am a Missionary and my experience there has allowed me to see a broader prospective of the church that I could not see from the local church pew. I believe my many years of broad experience in our church prepares me for key decision making for the future of our church. I have a passion for the Local Church especially in the Rural setting where so many of us worship and live.
270 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Robert Macy (2022) Telephone: Cell Phone: 910.318.1738 Address: 15661 Jerusalem Road Laurinburg, NC 28352 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Saint Luke UMC Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Lay Speaker
Lay Delegate to the Conference
Food Pantry Manager
Kairos Prison Ministry: planted local board and volunteer
Epiphany Ministry: served youth of the Methodist Home for Children
Walk to Emmaus: team member for numerous weekend
Chrysalis: table leader
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Conference Youth Event Servant x 7 years
Academy of Christian Witness x 2
Multi-Cultural Conference, 2013
UMM National Gathering, 2010 & 2014
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
With 20 years active military, I have had the opportunity to experience different cultures around the world and serve those who had little or no hope. Additionally, I've completed my criminal justice undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and believe I can bring a different perspective to the table.
I look forward to connecting and working with others as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
271 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Duncan McMillan (2023) Telephone: 910.920.2301 Cell Phone: 910.818.5220 Address: 3301 Kentrye Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Haymount Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
HUMC Discipleship team
Young Adult Small Group
HUMC Preschool Board
HUMC Visioning Team
Active worship attendance
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Program Director of Camp Rockfish
Reserve Delegate for General Conference 2008
General Conference Delegate 2012
Secretary of the District Supt. Committee 2012
Chair of Rules Committee to the Commission of General Conference
Delegate to Commission to General Conference
NCC Board of Laity
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
It has been my priviledge to serve as a delegate to General Conference. I have found it to be inspiring and meaningful to be involved in the process of decision making. The NCC has been and remains to be a powerful influence in my life. Through this conference I have been given friendship, guidance, support, nuture and witness. Serving as a delegate would allow me to continue to serve.
272 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Allen O. Morris (2024) Telephone: 910.488.5090 Cell Phone: 910.309.2461 Address: P.O. Box 2864 Fayetteville, NC 0 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Camp Ground United Methodist Church (CGUMC) Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
• Local Church – Past: Vice-President and President of the Methodist Youth Fellowship; Youth Coordinator at CGUMC, Administrative Board, Council on Ministries, Vice-President of the UMM, Sunday School teacher for youth. Current: Sunday School co-teacher of the Men’s Bible Class, Sing in the chancel Choir, Sing with the Kingsmen (men’s choir), Member of the Grooms Gang (maintains the yard, cemetery, buildings, equipment).
• District – President, Gateway District of the United Methodist Men; District Lay Rallies, District classes. Emmaus Community.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served as a full time volunteer for Concerned Methodists, inform annual conference members of issues important to the United Methodist Church through its information display, Concerned Methodists’ publications to include books, the “Monthly Update” and as Editor of The Christian Methodist Newsletter. As the Gateway District president of the United Methodist Men and a member of the 2012-2016 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, I have served as a Lay member to Annual Conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have a passionate desire to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to bring people into a relationship with Him. I believe that the Wesleyan Doctrine is the best in terms of helping people everywhere understand how to live their lives in the fullest way possible according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. But up until now we have sustained an unbroken 46-year decline in membership; we need to recognize the problems in our denomination so that we can implement solutions. The United Methodist Church has had a rich heritage; we can have an even more brilliant future. What we need is authentic, spiritual revival.
As the Executive Director of Concerned Methodists, I am engaged in full time volunteer work; my full- time focus is on the actions needed for revival in the United Methodist Church. In the twenty-five years I have been doing this, I have studied thousands of pages of information and data, analyzed the reasons for our church’s problems, and formulated what I believe can spark a turnaround and the reversing of our decline. As one who has talked with people and churches from Florida to Fairbanks, Alaska, and to the Sunset District in San Francisco, California, I have a wide grasp of the concerns expressed by a cross- section of United Methodists, both laity and clergy. As the Editor of The Christian Methodist Newsletter with a circulation of 17,000+ all over the United States and up to 31 foreign countries to include Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, we can have an influence that reaches out to other countries as well.
My interest in the future of the United Methodist Church is evidenced by my actions. In addition to my participation in District and Conference activities, I was an active member and participant of the Southeastern Jurisdictional delegation during this past quadrennium. I have attended all General Conferences since 1996 and General Commission of the United Methodist Men quadrennial Conferences since 1997. I have been active in researching and informing General Conference members of issues important to the UMC thru Concerned Methodists’ website, books, and The Christian Methodist
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Newsletter. I am the author of nine books addressing renewal in the United Methodist Church, with the last being Jude (Contending for the faith in the United Methodist Church); advocated on the thirty-two amendments to the constitution of the UMC to pass those beneficial to the church and defeat the detrimental ones, sending information to include the book On the Brink to all 2008 General Conference delegates around the world; submitted petitions to 2008 General Conference. Attended 2001 World Methodist Conference in Brighton, England.
274 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Dr. Richard G. Morrison, Ph.D. (2025) Telephone: 910.616.5091 Cell Phone: 910.616.5091 Address: 1000 Bay Head Circle Wilmington, NC 28405 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Wrightsville UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Annual Conference Laity from Wrightsville UMC
SPRC of Wrightsville UMC
Finance Committee of Wrightsville UMC
Board for Sierra Leone "Mission of Hope"
Administrative Council of Wrightsville UMC
Sunday School Teacher (now part-time)
Former Chair of Building Committee
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Board Member of Board of Ordained Ministry
Board Member of Methodist Home for Children
Laity Delegate from Wrightsville UMC
Advocate of the Academy for Leadership Excellence
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
It will be an honor for me to serve as a Delegate to the General Conference where I can share ideas/suggestions for the ongoing work of the Methodist Church. I am very interested in the growth of the Methodist Church and I am especially interested/committed to Mission activities abroad. We live today in a different world than just a few years ago and I am confident I can be of help in shaping our Church for the future. Please know that I have lived in many countries as an executive of a major USA Pharmaceutical Company and have traveled to West Africa to help restore a much needed Methodist Hospital in Rotifunk. I am VERY interested in International Church growth and development, as well as ongoing growth in the USA. I know I can make significant and meaningful contributions as a Delegate to General Conference.
275 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Mack Parker (2036) Telephone: 919.279.8078 Cell Phone: 919.279.8078 Address: 2204 Laurel Valley Way Raleigh, NC 27604 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: North Raleigh Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Current member of Capital District Board on Superintendency; North Raleigh UMC (NRUMC): Past Chair Administrative Board, Staff Parish Relations Committee and Finance Committee; Chaired Admin Board when NRUMC made the decision and broke ground to build $3.2 million new sanctuary; Gave leadership to Stop Hunger Now meal packing event in 2006 that packaged approximately 40,000 meals with 150 volunteers (This was a joint effort between NRUMC and the Rotary Club of North Raleigh when I served as the Rotary Club president); Led joint effort between NRUMC and Rotary District 7710 to help with Hurricane Sandy relief in New Jersey (Feb 2013); Completed Disciple I and II Bible Study Programs at NRUMC, and served as a leader for Disciple I; Participated in annual January Bible Study Series led by Dr. Mickey Efird from 1997 to 2014.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Delegate to 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 General and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences; Past President NC Conference United Methodist Men; Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc. (Board chair when decision was made and broke ground to build $15.5 million new UMRH facility in Lumberton, NC); Past Vice Chair NC Conference Council on Finance and Administration; Past member of NC Conference Board of Pensions, Connectional Table, Board of Laity, Equitable Compensation Committee and Board of Directors for Zimbabwe Orphan Endeavor (now called Zoe Ministries); The NC Conference encourages support for hunger relief: Presently serve on the Executive Committee of Stop Hunger Now, who shipped 10.6 million meals to Haiti in 2013 (I visited Haiti in October 2010, after the January earthquake, and saw the need to help school children. Meals provided in schools encourages children to get an education.); An extended ministry of the NC Conference is the Walk to Emmaus: Served as Lay Director in 1991 and 1997 for the Cape Fear Emmaus Community; Past member of the Board of Directors for the Cape Fear and Heart of Carolina Emmaus Communities.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe that experience and leadership ability are critical factors in making a contribution as a General Conference Delegate. I have been blessed to serve the United Methodist Church at North Raleigh, the Capital District (formerly Raleigh District), the NC Conference, the Southeastern Jurisdiction (UMM officer) and at the General Church level as a member of the Board of Directors for the General Commission on United Methodist Men, and a four time General Conference delegate. This is in addition to civic leadership positions as a Rotary District Governor and member of the Executive Committee of Stop Hunger Now (Nominating Committee chair). I believe in the primacy of Holy Scripture as God’s instructions to us as demonstrated by the life of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I want to serve in the General Conference Delegation because, by God’s grace, I am able to combine my leadership experience with the love I have for Christ, and to make the commitment to faithfully serve the Church at this level, and at this time in our history.
276 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Donna Pinckney (2051) Telephone: 910.798.0136 Cell Phone: Address: 3821 Gillette Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Wrightsville UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
I have been on staff at Wrightsville UMC since 2002 where I serve as the Director of Spiritual Formation. In this role I have the opportunity to both plan and implement our adult discipleship programming as well as oversee the Directors of Youth Ministry and Children’s Ministry. It is my privilege to work with an exceptional team of clergy and lay staff in service to our great congregation. I have attended various District workshops and events throughout my time in North Carolina. In my past volunteer roles at church and throughout the communities where I have lived, I have served in various leadership positions and have learned through each role.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Currently I am serving my 7th year as a member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. I also serve on the Executive Committee of this Board. Previous to that, I served on the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Committee. I have attended Annual Conference every year since I returned to North Carolina in 2001.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I offer myself to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference because I believe that I can provide a perspective born of many different experiences that could be valuable to the Delegation. As a military spouse I have lived in many different regions and gained insights from each. I believe that equips me to bring a different perspective to the work of the Delegation. My position as church staff also brings with it a perspective that is unique and broad. I believe my background can be of benefit. I know that there is a great deal of work required of Delegates and I am willing to take this work seriously and put in the effort and time required. It would be an honor and privilege to serve the North Carolina Conference in this capacity.
277 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ken Ripley (2035) Telephone: Cell Phone: 252.314.5731 Address: P.O. Box 185 Spring Hope, NC 27882 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Gibson Memorial UMC Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
I am Annual Conference representative and serve on related local church committees. I am a recently approved lay speaker under 2012 format, am vice chairman of district committee of lay servant ministries, and serve as regular pulpit supply for Whitakers UMC and other courses as well as am a scheduled preacher at Nash Correctional Institution.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I am chairman of the Disability Concerns Committee, serve on Christian Formation Team, and join district chairman in participating in conference committee on lay servant ministries. I am active in prison ministry, leading a Yokefellow group in local state prison and former Disciple leader in same prison as well as chairman of its Community Resource Council. I serve on the statewide board of Yokefellow Prison Ministry. As a newspaper editor and publisher, I am very active in my community. I am chairman of the Spring Hope Library board and the town planning board. I serve on the board of Braswell Library in Rocky Mount and am now working to create a county library system. I am also an active advocate for mental health reforms and care for those with mental illnesses.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I have a mixed background that combines to make me useful in making and implementing policies affecting the United Methodist Church. I am an evangelical Christian who strongly affirms the traditional values and theology of the church, including a passion for evangelism and the need for true discipleship in our lives and in the life of the church, yet as a professional journalist and political moderate, I also have a passion for social justice and ministry to "the least of these." I have an ability, proven over the years, to combining those passions to both build up God's Kingdom and the world around me. Spinal and other problems have put me in the category of "disabled," which is a category sorely lacking among delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences. I cannot walk with two canes, and that with difficulty, yet my mind and mouth work very well. As an independent newspaper owner, I have the ability to set my own schedule (around issues, of course) and can take the time, if elected, to do what needs to be done. My life, church and secular, is devoted to the service of Jesus Christ, and I very much wish to apply that devotion to serving as a delegate to General or Jurisdictional Conference.
278 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Susan S. Robbins (2026) Telephone: 910.285.5426 Cell Phone: 910.604.1612 Address: 378 Crooked Run Road Willard, NC 28478 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Westview Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
Local church committees - Trustees, Membership Care, Worship, SPPR, Finance
Teacher - Sunday School, VBS
MYF president
District - Committee on Superintendency, Board of Ministry
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Youth Delegate
Adult delegate - 2003-present
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
As the Westview Annual Conference delegate since 2003, I have become more aware of the larger picture of UMC business. While Holy Conferencing is necessary, the committee reports and resolutions require prior study and prayer.
As a delegate I have invested my energy and prayer to be prepared for discussion and votes. I have also kept Westview members informed of issues before Annual Conference and do a follow-up report after attending.
If chosen as a delegate for General and/or Jurisdictional Conference, I would be willing to invest the time and energy to the preparation and prayer needed for this endeavor.
279 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Paul Roodhuyzen (2027) Telephone: 919.340.4593 Cell Phone: 919.340.4593 Address: 440 Rocky Ford Rd Louisburg, NC 27549 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Trinity United Methodist Louisburg Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
Stop Hunger Now, Imagine No Malaria, Pilgrimage, Youth Leader and Sunday School. Southside Emmaus and Chrysalis. Gleaning with St Andrews
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? To help anyway I can to make it easier for others.
280 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Gretchen Shea (2028) Telephone: 919.608.4164 Cell Phone: 919.608.4164 Address: 12229 Norwood Rd Raleigh, NC 27613 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Soapstone UMC Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Since May of 2014 I have served on staff at Soapstone UMC as the Director of Discipleship. From August 2005 - April 2013 I served as the Director of Youth Ministries at SUMC.
1996 - 2005 - Served as the Director of Youth Ministries at Front Street UMC in Burlington.
1998 - 2005 - Served on the District Youth Committee for what was then the Burlington District.
2000 - 2004 - Served on the local camping board for Camp Chestnut Ridge.
2005 - 2013 - Was an active member of YOWO (Raleigh Area Youthworkers).
Annual Conference and Other Activities
1997 - 2013 - Served on staff for conference youth events (Summer Breakaway and ACS - many years for Breakaway and three years for ACS. I also served one year on the staff for Global Vision.)
2007 - 2011 - Served on the conference board for our NCC camps.
2006 - to present - Member of the North Carolina Conference Chapter of Christians Engaged in Faith Formation
2010 - to present - Member of the national CEF
2012 - Lay Delegate, Alternate, to Jurisdictional Conference
2013 - to present - Serve as the president of the NCC chapter of CEF
2013 - 2014 - Member of the Education and Nurture Committee of the conference
2014 - present - Serve as the president of the Education and Nurture Committee
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
My faith and theological understanding is rooted in my upbringing as a United Methodist. As a college student I chose to stay in the UMC and as an adult chose to work in local UM churches. I raised my now young adult children in the UMC and I want them to be able to raise their children in the UMC.
In 2004 I was an observer at General Conference where I was blessed to see the church at its best and brokenhearted to see the church in confrontation. I believe God is calling us beyond the confrontation to find a new path; a path of love, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and humility.
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Representing our Annual Conference as a lay delegate would be an honor and I would do my best to be faithful to the people of our conference. I would serve with a listening ear, an open mind, and a heart for God's will to be done in and among us.
282 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Jacquelyn (Lynn) Shuffler (2034) Telephone: 910.285.4302 Cell Phone: 910.289.5362 Address: 131 McMillan Avenue Wallace, NC 28466 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Pine Valley UMC Current District: Harbor
Local Church and District Activities
I served as a local church Lay Leader for many years as well as on most committees as a result of this. I also taught Sunday School and lead an interdenominational ladies Bible study for 12 years. I now lead a small group at Pine Valley. I currently serve on the Leadership Team for Celebrate Recovery in Rose Hill. I was a certified Lay Speaker for 20+ years under the old system and have now completed the courses required for Certified Lay Servant Ministries. I was a graduate of the first class of the Academy of Leadership Excellence. I was a delegate to annual conference several years before becoming District Lay Leader.
On the District level I have served as Harbor District Lay Leader since it's inception and serve on the District Committee on Superintendency, the District Strategy Team and the District Lay Servant's Ministries Team. I head up the Harbor District Prayer Team. I help lead workshops for our Lay Leaders.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I am currently the Harbor District Lay Leader and by virtue of this attend Annual Conference each year. I am a member of the Conference Board of Laity. I have served as a Table Leader for Chrysalis Walks
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would consider it an honor to serve as a delegate to General Conference. I feel that the future of the United Methodist Church will be decided at next year's conference. I have a passion to see unity in the UMC of the future as we come together in love. I do believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and desire to see Spiritual Revival in our denomination. I think God is calling us to love one another as we look at the challenges that we face. I pray that we are led by the Holy Spirit as we join together in Holy Conferencing and make important decisions about the church of the tomorrow.
283 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Blake Smith (2053) Telephone: 252.558.0566 Cell Phone: Address: 1801 Fox Den Way Unit 5 Greenville, NC 27858 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Covenant Church Current District: Sound
Local Church and District Activities
My wife and I are both involved in the Beaufort County campus of Covenant. Over the last 5 years, I have been one of the leaders on the production team and have assisted with worship at all three locations and our online campus. I have a heart to reach people for Jesus Christ and my background in IT has gone “hand in glove” in assisting our evangelism ministry.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have served in a number of ministry opportunities through our church’s work in the Washington area:
*The Beaufort County Christmas Village Toy Store, where we have moved from a “give away” mentality to restore dignity to families who need assistance to be able to provide for their families at Christmas. Our team served dozens of families by allowing them to purchase gifts for their children at a greatly reduced cost. The transformation in families usually degraded by a system that keeps then trapped as victim of poverty was amazing! There were connection with the community in Washington and the surrounding county like has never happened before.
*The Washington Summer Music Festival Outreach is an annual event where the church seeks to have a presence in a festival that brings thousands of residents downtown in Washington. Last year, we stood and offered people water and gave donated items away and were able to meet somewhere between 400 and 500 new people. We WERE noticed by the city officials, the school board members, and many locals residents. A huge thunderstorm hit the festival and tornado-like winds ripped down booths and tents. We were one of the only groups with a van and people in Washington are still talking about our service to them helping them get out of the weather and back to safety because we offered them our van. Many of the people who attend our church campus in Washington first heard of us through this evangelism event.
*The NCC Disaster Preparedness Team is very active Beaufort County because of recent hurricanes and tornadoes. Teams from Covenant Beaufort County partnered with our conference team and have ongoing relationship to be the hands and feet of Jesus for people in their times of greatness need. I was and will continue to be active in this partnership.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I believe that our conference has welcomed a place for younger voices. I am a 30 year old man with a passion to serve Christ. I grew up in a small rural church so I understand the unique needs of that context. I am member of one of the largest church in the conference and worked with staff and lay teams to serve Christ effectively in this context. I now am back in a congregation that has the unique opportunity of being a part of the large church with a smaller church feel. This new form of church planting is exciting and gives the UMC many possibilities to relevant and reach any demographic.
I would be honored to serve our conference as a delegate to General Conference.
284 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 LaNella Smith (2039) Telephone: 919.471.0774 Cell Phone: Address: 1215 Shady Lane Durham, NC 27712 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: New Creation UMC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
At New Creation, I serve on the Trustees and the Building Committee. In my local UMW unit, I serve as treasurer.
For the Corridor District, I serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Mission Strategy Team. Recently, I led the Lay Servant Ministry advance course of Methodist Heritage.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have the honor of serving as the conference president of United Methodist Women (UMW). For the National UMW, I have lead workshops on "Acting for Justice" at their national Leadership Development Days.
I am a member of the following conference committees: Financial Discipleship Committee, the Connectional Table, the Mission Team and the Liberia Task Force. On the Equitable Compensation Committee, I serve as chairperson. I also serve as a board member of United Methodist Men Ventures where I am a member of the Finance Committee.
Additionally, I am the assistant to Belton Joyner, the secretary of the Judicial Council.
In the Durham Community, I serve on the board of Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA) as its secretary. DCIA is a multi-faith network offering care and support for the most vulnerable and forgotten in our community, and planting seeds in new initiatives to change lives in Durham. Its mission is to bring together congregations to promote understanding across boundaries of faith, race and ethnicity and build an inclusive community of justice and peace
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
One of my favorite songs is “Lord, I’m Available to You.” As I have walked my faith journey, I have made myself available to God in numerous ways through leadership, through service and through witness. As I have made myself available to God, I have grown in faith through the joys and challenges of serving. The opportunities afforded me to serve God in multiple ways have prepared me to be an effective delegate to General Conference. My service has allowed me to become knowledgeable about the polity and structure of the UMC and the issues and the challenges of our denomination.
I keep informed about issues of the UMC through reading The Interpreter Magazine, reading the weekly email from United Methodist News Service and other electronic media distributed by the denomination.
I love the Lord as He is my constant traveling partner. The unconditional and everlasting love of God has sustained me all of my life. And I love the United Methodist Church and its strong support of mission and its work for justice. I would like to serve as a delegate because of my love for the church and because I feel prepared to serve as a result of my work in the church.
Serving as a General Conference delegate for the North Carolina Conference would be an honor.
285 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Kenneth Sorensen (2029) Telephone: 919.362.6617 Cell Phone: 919.815.4321 Address: 5316 Dutchman Dr Raleigh, NC 27606 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Macedonia United Methodist Church Current District: Capital
Local Church and District Activities
Many officers and committees over 40 years.
Sunday school teacher
Visitation of Seniors
President of Swifters senior organization for food, fellowship and fun !
Annual Conference and Other Activities
None
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? Not really.
286 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Sue Stutz (2030) Telephone: 614.876.4206 Cell Phone: 614.551.7260 Address: 4602 Oak Hill Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Epworth UMC,Durham Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
UMW
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
287 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Steve Taylor (2044) Telephone: 919.780.4141 Cell Phone: 919.780.4141 Address: 410 West 18th Street Lumberton, NC 28358 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Sandy Plains Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Local Church – I am an active member at Sandy Plains UMC, a rural congregation near Pembroke. As such, I have preached, taught Sunday school, developed missional programming for Vacation Bible School, tutored community children, and have provided a conduit for Global Ministries engagement.
District - I have led workshops in all districts; have provided training in discipleship formation, risk-taking ministry, and ministry across the many boundaries -- ethnicity, economic, class, etc. -- that limit our witness of Christ's boundless love. I have led dozens of congregational groups in biblical animation, an experiential bible study that brings scripture to life in one's own community. I have worked extensively with the United Methodist Women, facilitating numerous district MissionU gatherings and other missions events. I have provided extensive coaching for dozens of congregations in congregational vitality, evangelism, and outreach. I have worked with numerous rural congregations to develop collaborative ministry models in their communities. I have also been deeply blessed to lead Advance Lay Servant ministry sessions on several occasions.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Annual Conference - Since 2001, I have served as Director of Missions and Outreach Team Coordinator for the NC Conference. In this role, it has been my responsibility to help guide the outreach mission and ministry of the Conference. I work with a number of boards and agencies within the conference, to include the Outreach Team, Missions Team, Project AGAPE, Board of Missions Incorporated, Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries, and others. I was recently selected for the position of Director of Connectional Ministries and in this role it will be my responsibility to focus and guide the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church within the annual conference.
General Church – In 1999, I was commissioned as a United Methodist missionary serving in the role of Church and Community Worker. From 2001, I have worked in partnership with UMCOR, United Methodist missionaries, other Annual Conferences, and mission personnel at Jurisdictional and General Church levels. I developed and facilitated the “Messaging New Ways of Leadership” workshop for United Methodist Women (Global) Assembly 2014. I co-led the “Engaging Coaching” plenary for the 2014 United Methodist Deaconess/Home Missioner Convocation. I have been very engaged in a multiplicity of United Methodist ministries around the world, developing outreach, working with missionaries and Global Ministries, and advancing ministry in such places as Russia, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Chile, El Salvador, Armenia, and others. I was a Conference delegate to 2008 and 2012 General Conferences. I am a certified Home Missioner candidate scheduled to be consecrated at 2016 General Conference.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
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In the recent Council of Bishops gathering, a vision for a missional direction for the next quadrennium was cast: It includes “partnering with schools to help end poverty, starting new faith communities, building a culture of call, reaching children with life-saving interventions, and equipping congregations with disciple- making processes to continue making new disciples and increasing the number of vital congregations.” I rejoice in this quadrennial vision and rejoice in actions of the people called United Methodist here in the NC Conference, for we are already leaders in this vision. It has been my great blessing to have taken part in the development and leadership of many such ministries. I believe we are at a critical juncture in our world and it is only through these actions of congregational vitalization, care of the most vulnerable, LAITY INFORMATION discipleship formation, and loving evangelism that we can hope to bring the saving grace and life giving reality of Jesus Christ to a broken world.
Such acts of ministry have been our Christian covenantal call since Jesus called us to love God, love our neighbor, and make disciples across the world. In such acts, we proclaim our Methodist DNA of personal holiness and social holiness – love and justice. To remember and enact God’s love and justice is to remember that there is special connection between divine revelation and the poor, between Sabbath practice and the assurance of abundance, and between blessing and hospitality. To live love and justice is to demonstrate Jesus’s particular interest in those who are given little space at the table: the poor, the outcasts, the leper, the woman with blood, and those perceived as unworthy. To live out such reality is to live the will of God. The prophets claim this reality over and again. Mary announces the same in her birthing song and then Jesus claims it in his inaugural address when he proclaims that he has come “...to preach good news to the poor...to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
My deep desire is to proclaim the love of Jesus that knows no bounds, that unites a tax-collector and a Zealot, that always makes space for the “least-of-these,” and that forever offers the promise of resurrection life. It is sacred space indeed. It is in this spirit that I offer myself as a delegate for General Conference 2016.
289 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Shirley Townsend- Jones (2050) Telephone: 910.844.9849 Cell Phone: 843.862.5166 Address: 62-2 Gaddys Mill Rd. Maxton, NC 28364 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Piney Grove UMC Current District: Gateway
Local Church and District Activities
Presently I am serving as Chairperson of the Ministry Teams (Christian Formation, Leadership, Outreach Ministry and Stewardship), member of the mass choir, an usher and always willing to assist when and wherever I am needed to support the ministry and mission of our church. I have served in many other leadership positions in my church.
I have participated and supported various district events and served in various leadership capacity when it was the former Rockingham District.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I serve on the Committee on Native American Ministries and in the past have served other boards, agency and committees To name a few Board of Missions, Board of Education and ELCC. I am the lay delegate to Annual Conference. I have attended and supported various conference events.
I serve on various committees, boards and agencies in my home and work communities.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I would like to serve as a delegate to the Jurisdictional Conference. I have the knowledge and experience of working in the church and it has prepared me to serve the church on this level. The broad range of experience I have gained for 34 years as a missionary has enabled me to see the church from a local to a global perspective. The local, jurisdictional, national and global experiences have prepared me and with God's guidance will enable me to make some important decision for the future of our church.
290 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Darrell Vickers (2031) Telephone: 910.494.1092 Cell Phone: 910.494.1092 Address: P.O. Box 268 Oak Island, NC 28465 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Epworth UMC, Durham, NC Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
Older Adult Ministries, Hispanic Council, Lay Speaking, Sunday school teaching, Technology, but most importantly I drive the bus. I have provided leadership on overseas mission trips, work teams and disaster response.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I have been active in the UMC for over 35 years and have served in numerous positions from Office Modernization to the Chair of Stewardship. My interest has been in Small Membership Church growth. Being a clergy spouse has given me an arms-length viewpoint of the issues confronting a pastor, her congregation, and the church in general. Having served as a sounding board for many years I feel uniquely qualified to understand many issues facing the church at large.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I am an Engineer, Entrepreneur, and Educator – retired. I think like an Engineer, manage by consensus, make decisions with facts and figures, and seek always to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that I think, say, and do. I attended the 2012 General Conference of the UMC in Tampa as a guest, and can attest to the need for some level-headed discussion and decision making. The approach that I bring to the mix is my greatest qualification to serve as a delegate.
I also have an extensive background in the International arena. I have travelled out of the country hundreds and hundreds of times. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I have been called upon to witness to my faith on many occasions. I wish that the enthusiasm and hunger for the Word that I have seen in developing countries was as evident here in America.
291 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Tom Walden (2032) Telephone: 919.554.1284 Cell Phone: Address: 1504 Highway 96 East youngsville, NC 27596 Email: [email protected]
Current Church: Wake Forest Current District: Heritage
Local Church and District Activities
Currently serve as District Lay Leader
I have served in many local church leadership positions.
Teach Lay Speaking Courses
Annual Conference and Other Activities
Board of Laity
Thustee Emeritus
Member of Board on 3MC Center in Goldsboro.
Past president Methodist Men. \
Coordinator of Lay Witness Missions.
Denman Award Winner
Society of John Wesley Fellow Methodist Men
Life Member United Methodist Men
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference? I want to see that we continue the Bible as our direction and do not yeald to various pressure group.
292 North Carolina Annual Conference 2015 Ken Walker PhD (2042) Telephone: 336.234.0071 Cell Phone: 919.280.4797 Address: 142 Crystal Bay Semora, NC 27343 Email: [email protected] LAITY INFORMATION Current Church: Concord Current District: Corridor
Local Church and District Activities
I am the Lay Leader of Concord UMC, a thriving middle sized rural church in the Corridor district. I am a Lay speaker and preach frequently both at smaller and larger Methodist churches in the area. I have filled in for neighboring pastors who were on sabbatical or out for surgery and rehabilitation. My experience preaching at a number of churches has given me a greater appreciation for the diversity and issues facing the Church.
I teach an adult Sunday School class, am Finance Secretary, Witness and Evangelism chair, an active Stephen minister, and am a Certified Lay Minister with my ministry covenant focused on building and strengthening disciples.
Annual Conference and Other Activities
I am active in the Emmaus community. I have met individuals from across the conference as I have taken advanced lay servant courses in a number of the districts for Lay Speaker qualification. I have attended different events organized by the Academy for Leadership Excellence including most recently the N.C. Festival for Preaching.
Why would you like to serve as a Delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference?
I was not "born into" Methodism, but it was in the Methodist Church that I encountered the incomprehensible love of Jesus and his power to transform. I have a deep love for the Methodist Church and pray intently for it. As a previous leader of a large business and as a member of the National Academy of Science and Engineering, I have experience dealing with complex problems and large organizations. I desire to use my leadership experience, keen desire to learn, and disciplined preparation to serve as a delegate because of my passion for God and my gratitude for how I have been blessed by the Methodist Church.
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2015 LAY MINISTRIES Beacon District
Bethany Chowan UMC and Pilmoor UMC, Gleaning Ministry Disciples working beside of local farmers answer the commandment to feed the hungry. Together we glean fresh fruits and produce that is then donated to local church food pantries and the Food Bank of the Albemarle. In Northeastern NC, where the Beacon District is located, 19.5% of residents deal with some food related issue. One of every four children suffers from food insecurity; they simply don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Our gleaning ministry, in its inaugural year, provided thousands of pounds of fresh nutritious produce free of charge to anyone who needed it.
Colington United Methodist Church, Colington Connecting with Children & Community In response to the Bishop’s C4C Initiative, Colington UMW’s enthusiasm for Student of the Month receptions immediately resulted in others in the church joining them in order to share the joy of serving and sharing God’s love with children, their families and school staff. This monthly ministry demonstrates God’s love as we serve in the school. Our women have helped teachers with special projects and have met specific children’s needs. Members read/listen to children. Ten children have purchased books with our United Methodist Women’s Book Fair Scholarship donation.
Edenton UMC, Reconciliation Group of EUMC This group started by hosting a community event showing the movie RACIAL TABOO: A CONVERSATION ABOUT RACE. Approximately 150 black and white church and community members met for the movie, a panel discussion on racial attitudes, and lunch for “table talk.” The group continued to meet regularly, and over the course of a year, we have discussed the horrific racial events which have occurred across the country. Our concerns for the welfare of black youth have prompted invitations to local school and law enforcement professionals and volunteer groups that work with youth such as Smart Start, Boys & Girls Club, and “I AM SOMEBODY,” a youth ministry in a black congregation.
Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro UMC Prayer Shawl Ministry The impact of this ministry is two-fold. First, it gives many of our members who aren’t able to get out and about a chance to service our church and community by making shawls and chemo caps for women with cancer. Second, it gives those who receive a shawl a real and tangible sign of God’s love and the knowledge that they are being prayed for. It has allowed connections with our neighbors like never before and has spread hope and comfort to many, many people in Murfreesboro and beyond. It spreads the word of Jesus’ love!
Newland UMC, Prayer Walk & First Fruits Ministry This ministry has grown over the year. We began with a prayer walk throughout the community by separating into small groups and going door to door asking people if we could pray for them or for someone they knew. Also, one of our local farmers offers his first fruits to us when he has vegetables ready, so the ministry has grown into, not only a prayer walk, but also a food and toiletry distribution. We began to distribute toiletries knowing that individuals can’t buy toiletries with food stamps. It is a blessing for the community, because they are witnessing the body of Christ in action.
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Pilmoor Memorial UMC, Pilmoor Food Pantry Pilmoor’s Food Pantry is meeting the hunger needs in our community. In 2014, we provided groceries for 97,560 meals to Currituck County residents. When it became apparent that many of our Food Pantry clients had limited knowledge of basic nutrition as well as buying and cooking healthy low-cost foods, the Food Pantry volunteers began conducting monthly Nutrition Education and Cooking Classes. Also, with guidance from the Food Bank of the Albemarle, we have begun assisting our clients who are food stamp eligible through the maze of the governmental application process.
Riverside United Methodist Elizabeth City, JC Sawyer Elementary School Partnership During Advent, as a part of our continuing partnership with JC Sawyer Elementary School, we celebrated “Undie Sunday” and filled a Christmas tree with packages of underwear for the students as well as mittens and gloves, along with handmade scarves and hats. Our hope is that as we participate in being the hands and feet of Christ, the students, faculty and staff will see that we love them, and that we do this because we truly care for them. We want them to see this as an act of love for Jesus as we are his ambassadors.
Sharon UMC, Poplar Branch, School Partnership Mission This ministry’s primary focus is to support educational efforts at two local elementary schools. We provide much needed supplies and learning materials for students, many of whom are in special need. As a result of this partnership, our church along with several other churches combined to present a Christmas Cantata at one of the schools. We had a huge attendance and raised $1100, which will be used as scholarship money for a student from our community. Attendance was one of the largest ever for a presentation of this kind on our entire county.
Spirit and Truth UMC, Back to School /After School Ministry This ministry is a powerful outreach tool to assist single parents as well as many underprivileged families. It encourages young students to pursue excellence in education. It also has a profound impact on parents who need to know that God cares. This year we provided over 40 students with free haircuts as well as school supplies. Churches from different denominations brought children, and it was a time of fun and fellowship. We also provide an after school tutoring program that has benefited the community as well.
Wanchese: Bethany UMC, Bethany’s Table Led by our youth ministry, we began using a soup kitchen model. But, after the first meal and only a few guests, we packed up the remaining food and delivered it to the elderly and impoverished in our community. This is now our regular practice. On the surface, Bethany’s Table is feeding 120-140 people in their homes. On a deeper level, souls are feeling the love of Christ as they humbly receive a meal from a child’s hands, and older people, especially, are delighted when a child brings a meal into their home. The children are having contact with people they may not have contact with otherwise. They are learning to serve their neighbors.
Capital District
Edenton Street UMC, Loads of Love (LOL) Loads of Love (LOL) was born from ESUMC Homelessness Task Force in June 2012. The members of LOL make weekly excursion to the Laundromat at Cameron Village with the purpose of building relationships with downtown neighbors through paying for one wash and dry, offering opportunity for friendly conversation, implicit approach to discuss about faith, worship and Bible study, invitation to church’s block party and sharing of devotional materials.
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LOL ministry has built a community serving many homeless or near-homeless men and women on a regular basis and sharing in the joys and struggles with our brothers and sisters.
Edgerton UMC, Single Mothers In Lending Each other Support (SMILE) Edgerton United Methodist Church has supported its surrounding community through Single Mothers in Lending Each other Support (SMILES) in Christ. The ministry seeks to feed single mothers and their children physically and spiritually every Wednesday evening. While single mothers gather for small group study and prayer, their children are fed and tutored, providing the means for single mothers to feel loved in the local church and community.
Eureka UMC, Backpack Buddies Since 2012, Eureka United Methodist Church has provided meals for students with enough food to sustain each day they are not in school, including weekends, school breaks and summer vacation through its ministry Backpack Buddies. Northeast Elementary School has named Eureka UMC an official business partner and has confirmed that the ministry is vital to the needs of the children. Today, the ministry serves 47 children, and 15 of these students have made the honor roll in the last grading period. Through partnerships with Mt. Nelson Baptist Church’s Women’s Society and Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Pikeville, NC, Backpack Buddies receives monthly monetary donations in its response to Jesus’ command to care for the children and the needy.
Holland’s UMC, WINGS Holland’s United Methodist Church founded WINGS Consignment Sale in August 2005 with the initial purpose of raising funds for church missions. After a short time, the church’s ministry expanded to provide much needed items in the community and support organizations such as H.O.P.E. Ministries, Hospice House, ABLE to Serve Ministries, Mission to Haiti, Campus Outreach, Global Scholars, Garner Area Ministries, Me Fine Foundation and many more.
Salem United Methodist Church & Westwood United Methodist Church, Take-Away Day Salem United Methodist Church and Westwood United Methodist Church partnered together to serve the downtown Goldsboro community in May 2014, providing free food, clothing and household goods free of charge. Take-Away Day represented the two churches’ joint efforts to respond to Christ’s imperative to minister to the poor in providing tangible goods, as well as prayer and hope. In the process, the Salem UMC and Westwood UMC congregations built relationships and grew close to each other and to the Wayne County community, receiving far more than they gave.
Westover UMC, Zach Tree Westover United Methodist Church’s ministry Zach Tree shares the gospel and love of Jesus Christ with members of the community who live in group homes and are mentally and physically disabled. Through singing hymns, sharing devotions and the all important snack, as well as praying together, Westover church members share the joy of Jesus Christ with an average of 40 group home participants at each gathering. The ministry serves as an example of Westover UMC’s vision of “Walking in the World for Jesus Christ,” exemplifying its core values of hope, healing and hospitality.
Corridor District
Bethany UMC, Durham Crisis Response Center The congregation was able to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a baby shower the Sunday before Christmas. The executive director of Durham Crisis Response Center was at the shower to open the gifts, which were to be used by clients at the center. Also, during the year, one circle collects hygiene products and paper goods for use at the center.
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Bethany is helping these victims know they are loved and supported as well as making our congregants feel they are serving others as instructed by Jesus. DCRC works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support and prevention.
Center UMC, Caring Team Ministry Our Caring Team started about three years with basically four members and has grown to eight members. Our “card Lady” decided to start a card ministry and let the other members of the team take care of visiting the shut-ins. She sends over a thousand cards per year now, with no one receiving the same card twice and her ministry has spread, not only in the church, but throughout our neighboring communities. If we see a need arise that we feel someone needs encouragement, we try to fill that need. To know that we are maybe making someone feel cared for and not forgotten is truly a blessing for this Team and we are constantly striving to make sure that everyone, not only in our church, but also in our surrounding neighborhoods feels God’s love through this ministry.
Concord UMC, J.O.Y. Fellowship The purpose of this ministry is to provide a venue for seniors in not only our church, but as an outreach to the un-churched in our community and to all county churches in a safe place of fellowship amongst a caring and loving environment. Each monthly meeting begins with a devotion or a testimony of how God has carried a speaker through their faith journey with Jesus. We have been blessed with the opportunity to have speakers that bring not only spiritual messages, but practical messages also regarding insurance needs, estate planning and other topics of interest that assists in creating an environment that make people comfortable to attend for the first time. Together with monthly meetings the day trips have become an important part of the fellowship that brings all together. The trips provide the draw for some and opportunities for others of becoming better acquainted with fellow sisters and brothers and some un-churched neighbors as an important part of our fellowship time as we travel, break bread and build memories together.
Duke Memorial UMC, Mobile Market The Mobile Market, held on the third Saturday each month, involves coordinators and volunteers from the supporting churches and a Durham based African American fraternity working the entire day to make food available to local low income Durham residents, delivered by the Interfaith Food Shuttle and includes a variety of food items gleaned from local businesses. Volunteers prepare food in two areas at Duke Memorial: one area is set up to enable individuals (around 150-175) and families to come to the church and select food to take home; a second area is set up to create food boxes that are delivered (175-200) to sick and shut in members of the community who can’t make it to the church. Volunteers deliver the food to homes once they are prepared
Epworth UMC, Tutoring Program The Epworth tutoring program has over 30 people who participate in tutoring, preparing snacks and growing in relationship with the children from Hope Valley Elementary school. Our volunteers are called to service on Mondays and Wednesdays and they serve as a wonderful example of reaching out in love to our neighbors. Epworth impacts children at Hope Valley Elementary who need help with reading in particular. There are many children who do not have parents who speak English at home and therefore have no help with their reading and homework. We are providing children the opportunity to have a safe place to study and learn after school each week.
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McMannen UMC, McMannen Children’s Ministry McMannen Children’s Ministry has started a CLUBS ministry (Christ’s Love Uniting Brothers and Sisters*) with CLUBS Movie Nights held the third Friday of each month. The community is invited to come watch a movie, enjoy snacks and fellowship with others and children are encouraged to watch for examples of the Christian theme in the movie. LEGO CLUBS is an exciting new opportunity for children to learn about God (the Master Builder), the Bible and its many different stories, and to build their faith brick by brick using Legos, while incorporating the keys components of a CLUBS experience--valuing, affirming, encouraging and praying for each child. Pathfinders Park Ministry CLUBS goes out into our local parks one night a week, in the spring through the early fall, to meet the children and families where they are and get to know our community better. Activities include tossing a football, kicking around a soccer ball, blowing bubbles and coloring with chalk while talking to, learning about and making new friends in our community.
Mt. Sylvan UMC, Prayer Shawl and Prayer Quilt Ministry The Prayer Shawl and Prayer Quilt ministry has about 25 people involved in making quilts and shawls, but the entire congregation is involved in the ministry by praying for those who will receive the quilt/shawl. The prayer shawls and prayer quilts are given to folks who are sick, undergoing treatments, suffering the loss of a loved one, or in some time of crisis, but also for times of celebration of marriages and baptisms. We offer a prayer square for those entering or returning to military service; quilts were also presented to several area principals at the beginning of the school year where we have teachers and students to remind them that we are praying for them as they daily provide care for children in our community. Each quilt/shawl is placed on the communion rail on Sunday and the congregation is given an opportunity to lay hands on and pray over the quilt or shawl. We have just begun to make quilts for Duke Hospital for children with terminal illnesses.
Pleasant Green UMC, Kids Connect This ministry is focused on teaching the younger children in our church and community how to be disciples of Jesus Christ through mission work in the church and community. The targeted age group is ages 3-11, but older children and youth are encouraged to participate as well. The traditional Sunday school hour is not always well-attended; therefore, Kids Connect meets on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons (and other flexible times) to reach children that do not always attend Sunday school, and to involve them in active mission work as disciples for Christ.
Prospect UMC, Puppet Ministry This ministry is a powerful tool to create interest in learning mission and ministry of the church, not only for adults but also for the children. The puppet characters teach how ordinary people can learn to be disciples of Jesus Christ through their entertaining and interactive presentations. It brings much joy to our VBS, Wednesday Night Alive Events, and special Sundays.
Trinity UMC, The Trinity Bag Ladies This effort brings in members of Trinity, and other churches, to work together. Their efforts generate funds to support our mission teaching Christianity and English to children in Suemeg, Hungary. These ladies – from our congregation and others – sell home-made knit bags, crafts and baked goods several times a year. They share the tasks and joys of working together, getting to know each other, and working in common purpose for a worthy goal. The ministry thus builds our Christian community both within our church family, and beyond its walls.
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University UMC, Children’s Choirs The children’s choirs are a valuable part of our worship life together at University UMC. The creative and lectionary based choral arrangements the children learn and share help to shape our children from a young age as disciples of Jesus Christ. Not only does our church have vibrant children’s choirs, but it also has a thriving youth choir that takes annual tours across the country and globe sharing the gift of Christ in the music and performances they hold. The children’s choirs are a foundation for our youth choir and the broader Christian formation of our congregation.
Walnut Grove UMC, Prayers and Squares Fifteen to twnety women have made119 prayer quilts and military squares dedicated and given to people in need of prayer. The important part of this ministry is not the quality of the workmanship, but it is the prayers that are spoken for the person who is receiving the quilt. Every Sunday two or three quilts are presented and everyone in the congregation, young and old, comes forward to the altar to tie knots and say a prayer for the person who is to receive the quilt. Walnut Grove has earned the reputation as a “Praying Church” in the community. Quilts have been shipped all over the country with eight Military Squares shipped over-seas to our men and women in the military last year.
Warren’s Grove UMC, SPRING Youth Ministry SPRING is a youth group for elementary students meeting weekly, where we teach them about Jesus in child-friendly ways, and so we try to point to God in our everyday surroundings. We want to talk about God “when we are at home, and when we are on the road,” or during whatever else we might be doing. We do seasonal activities, like holding a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party, and we take field trips, like to the Conservators Center, where we see how uniquely God has created both the animals and us. We memorize entire passages of scripture, usually from the Old Testament, so that we can “hide His word in our heart.” Our goal is for them to take God’s Words to heart and make them their own; use God’s Words in everyday life and to come to know Jesus for themselves.
Fairway District
Apex UMC, The Peak, 519, & Fiesta Cristiana, Faith In Action Weekend Faith in Action calls each us as disciples of Jesus Christ to transform our world & community, we did just that as 1600 people from across our Faith community gathered & served not only in our community but around the world. Apex UMC Family of Faith Communities had over 500’particants that ran in the Haiti Run to raise money to support Family Health Ministries efforts in Haiti to provide women’s programs & health care at the Carmelle Voltaire women’s health center. In addition, 350 volunteers assembled 40,000 meals to be shipped to Haiti for further support and Community Garden volunteers are helping us feed hungry neighbors in our community.
Ellerbe United Methodist Church, The R.O.C.K. Reading Outreach The R.O.C.K. (Reading Outreach for Children of the King) is a two month summer outreach ministry that provides reading and writing support for children who otherwise might suffer from proficiency loss during their summer break. In addition to providing academic support, the children and their families experience a safe, hospitable Christ-loving community of faith who invite them (not by mandate) to participate in other areas of community mission and outreach. Through the R.O.C.K. program we help provide two nourishing breakfasts and snacks a week, as well as making food boxes available to the families for other meals throughout the week since many of the children receive free and reduced lunch during the school year which is not available in the summer months. Additionally, there exists in this rural community, racial and cultural divisions, the R.O.C.K. will reach out to all children and will
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provide a space in which peoples of different cultures and races can lovingly and constructively interact: helping to build bridges of friendship and peace throughout the local community
Evergreen UMC, Circles Chatham The ministry works at two levels: individual families and the community in removing barriers to moving out of poverty so that everyone in the community has an opportunity to thrive. We collaborate with multiple churches of various denominations, community social agencies, non-profits, businesses, and individuals to reduce or eliminate barriers to moving out of poverty. In fulfilling our mission of bringing the community together to solve the issues of poverty, we model discipleship by bringing together people across all racial, socio-economic, and religious boundaries. We learn from each other, we work together, and we celebrate successes like a family. There is a fitting quote from St. Francis of Assisi: “Go and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. Use words if necessary.”
Fuquay Varina UMC, DISCOVERY middle school retreat Five years ago FVUMC held its first DISCOVERY retreat for middle school students led by high school students. In 2014, high school students prepared and gave talks about their own faith experiences centered around themes like God’s love, friendship with Christ, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit and living as a joyful Christian which they explored in greater depth in small discussion groups. They prepared related skits and videos, led music and worship, prayed with and for other students as well as planned and participated in group games. As a result, 60+ middle school students were mentored in the faith and 20+ high school students grew in discipling others. This weekend also enables our adults to fulfill their baptismal promises to foster our youth in the faith, it takes 100+ adult volunteers behind the scenes preparing and serving meals, setting and resetting facilities, preparing materials for the small groups and praying throughout the weekend.
Genesis UMC, The Leadership Center/ Honduras The Leadership Center’s (TLC) 25 students are young women from poor families who have finished high school in Honduras but cannot afford to further their education. Work for them is scarce, in one of the hemisphere’s poorest countries. TLC sent a team of eight to Honduras to teach English, business and leadership skills, and provides mentoring to help the students launch their own businesses in their hometowns after three years of study. With their hard work building, teaching and talking, American volunteers let these students know that God loves them and intends to provide for them. The students and full-time volunteer staff of TLC teach Christian discipleship to teams like ours by the many public ways they live out their faith.
Goldston UMC, Senior Lunch Senior Lunch is a ministry of outreach in Christian love to our elderly neighbors. This ministry provides an opportunity for the elderly in our community to learn together, pray together, experience Christian fellowship and enjoy a delicious meal. The meal is hosted 3rd Thursday each month and seniors from across the community are welcomed. Aspects of senior living are shared in information sessions, such as health insurance, exercise and stretching techniques. Special holiday events are added for additional fun and fellowship.
Holly Springs UMC, Men’s Bible Boot Camp Bible Boot Camp was developed to help individuals become more comfortable with their Bibles with the ultimate goal to help participants overcome any fear/anxiety that prevented them from reading their Bibles while also sharing different ways to read the Bible; thereby encouraging individuals to spend time with God through their Bible reading. This year God called us to offer a men’s version of Bible Boot Camp. All the principles above still apply but this version allowed seven men the opportunity to learn in a safe environment. Five of the seven have committed
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to reading the New Testament in 2015 by reading 5 chapters a week and given these men have never read the Bible previously this is a huge step in their Christian journey.
Jonesboro UMC, El Refugio/The Refuge The call to make disciples and transform the world necessitates relationship, El Refugio/The Refuge is an extension ministry of Jonesboro UMC, Sanford, with the goal of building cross-cultural community to improve the quality of life for all. In its first year, a key element in the progress of El Refugio/The Refuge was learning and relationship building among its Spanish-speaking and English-speaking leaders (all of whom are JUMC members). Even mundane tasks such as developing a budget, creating job descriptions, setting leadership roles and holding meetings provided opportunities to explore widely varied perspectives and meld positive aspects of disparate worldviews in the name of Christ. The Festival Latino in April held on the church grounds, featured information tables, a children’s Latino dance troupe, children’s crafts and games, plus food trucks. Conversation classes—presented concurrently to learn English and to learn Spanish—kicked off in June, with a second 8-10 week session in the fall and several planned for 2015. .
Lemon Springs UMC, Lemon Springs UMC Nursing Home Ministry Several years ago, what started as very informal visits to one nursing home in Sanford, NC has grown into an intentional ministry effort that includes weekly services at three nursing homes. Within the congregation, our Nursing Home Ministry has provided an opportunity for members to serve beyond the walls of the church, every week; they are able to give of their gifts through music, testimonies and loving presence. While this ministry has invited church members to grow in their discipleship, it has also sent them out into the world to truly make disciples of Jesus Christ, by the gift of worship every week, residents at the nursing homes have grown in their love of one another and developed a deep sense of Christian community. Many have reaffirmed their faith during worship, and some have even professed faith in Christ for the first time. While the original mission of the ministry was to bless the lives of nursing home residents, by the grace of God, the love and faith of the residents have breathed new life into our church family and moved us into deeper relationship with one another.
Love Joy UMC, Knot Alone United Methodist Women Our UMW sponsored ‘Knot Alone’ prayer and blanket ministry serves those recovering from surgery; individuals who have lost loved ones; people facing serious, sometimes terminal illness; neighbors in rehabilitation from accidents; and relatives or friends living alone following major life adjustments. These are just some of the recipients of the knitted prayer shawls and handmade blankets lovingly constructed by Love Joy United Methodist Women. These Prayer Shawls and Blankets are each taken into the Love Joy United Methodist Sanctuary and placed before the altar of our Lord while members of our UMW offer prayer for the individual receiving these blankets.
Meroney UMC, Meroney Food Pantry The Food Pantry provides members of our church an opportunity to reach out to the people of our community but also people outside of the immediate area. We have partnered with Goldston Baptist in performing this work from Meroney UMC. We serve people from Lee, Wake, Chatham and Moore counties. These recipients spread word of the Food Pantry but also the ministry provided with our devotion and fellowship time before the Food Pantry opens. The recipients become messengers spreading God’s word and love to areas beyond our community.
Norman Charge, God’s Garden We arrive at God’s Garden with all kinds of differences. Then we pray and our common work begins. Through those moments of sacred service, we are all made more into the likeness of Christ. And as we are transformed, the world is
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transformed...one conversation at a time, one bead of sweat at a time, one green bean at a time. Thanks be to God! All ages, all backgrounds United Methodists, Presbyterians, Southern Baptists, Iglesia de la misión members, Catholics, Cooperative Baptists, Church of God members, young, old, and in between--all gathered to live out their faith in a tangible way in God’s Garden.
Pinehurst UMC, UMW Chocolate Festival February 2014 marked the second bi-annual Chocolate Festival organized by the UMW of Pinehurst United Methodist Church, this event and the Café Chocolat Retreat that followed in March, fulfilled the call to “make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world” in several ways. Nearly 200 women from congregation participated in the planning and we reached out to the community and state to invite people through the doors of our church home. More than 1600 visitors attended the Chocolate Festival during which time we promoted our follow-up one-day retreat, attracting 37 participants. The Chocolate Festival generated $21,814.15 to support local and state charities: Bethany House, and Boys’ and Girls’ Club of the Sandhills, both in Moore County, and the Methodist Home for Children. In addition, we tithed to our church and were able to assist with funding for UMW, UMM, and youth projects.
Saint Francis UMC, Appalachia Service Project Youth and Adult Missions Saint Francis UMC has sent mission teams of high school youth and adults to Appalachia Service Project since 1995, the groups have ranged in size from 7 to 77 people. The last 2 years there have been groups of adults that served in the Fall for a long weekend, they have gone with the call to make homes warmer, safer and dryer and to meet the people “right where they are” in their understanding of God. Travelling from Cary, NC to the hollers of Appalachia exposes everyone, especially the youth, to people and a way of life completely different from theirs. The faith of the participants is strengthened as they share themselves with the family they are serving and see that family’s faith and love returned, this is a life changing experience on their path of discipleship.
Saint Luke’s UMC, Blessed to Be a Blessing This ministry began when people in our small town were suffering as a result of the recession, and the original urge was to provide warm clothing to those who needed it, exactly as John the Baptist said: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none.” Second, as an outreach ministry, Blessed to Be a Blessing is a form of witness, and there is the great hope that those who come to help, or to receive help, will be inspired to draw closer to God and become better disciples for Christ. We were blessed to see this come full circle this weekend during our 8:30 Contemporary worship service when we were visited by an individual who was drawn to our church because they had received Blessings during one of these events.
Sunrise UMC, Fireproof Sunrise United Methodist Church hosts a youth praise band “Fireproof” - a vital and thriving youth lay ministry in Holly Springs, NC, the youth and leaders of Fireproof worship the Lord with one heart and voice and are on fire with a passion to transform the world according to the example of Jesus Christ. The opportunity to serve as young worship leaders is available to all youth, 6th to 12th grade, the ministry team continues to thrive and expand in its depth within the local congregation as well as its presence in the North Carolina Annual Conference. Through the words of praise contained within the music learned, the faith of our participants is reinforced alongside the expression of significant musical talent. The foundation laid for students within this music ministry continues to bear fruit upon graduation from high school, with two Fireproof graduates participating in praise bands on their college campuses.
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West End UMC, West End United Methodist Food Pantry Food Ministry has always been a vital means to serve the poor, the disadvantaged and the needy. West End UMC Food Pantry provides an opportunity for more than 30 members of our church and the community to serve as disciples in this service. Other local churches and community organizations also provide financial support through their mission efforts; Duke Endowment has provided several grants. Every day from our local Food Lion we receive and pick up free baked goods and meats that are coming off of their shelves. On a weekly basis we shop at the Food Bank of North Carolina for whatever is available. Finally we shop in order to provide a balanced box for our participants.
Gateway District
Cumberland UMC, Feed the Children Cumberland UMC’s Backpack Program has grown from an initial size of 14 backpacks to its current impact of a whopping 46 backpacks every weekend. Each bag is filled with nutritious foods, in support of hungry children at the nearby Cumberland Mills Elementary School.
Galilee UMC, Galilee Soup Kitchen The impact in our community that the Galilee Soup kitchen provides is that of giving a hot meal to the sick and shut-in and all who visit the site. Our ministry continues to help alleviate hunger in the community and surrounding areas as well as the volunteers witnessing the love of Jesus Christ. This is our fourth year of operation and we average serving about 100 persons a week. (which is an increase from 70 persons a week during the 2013 year) Visitors come from all over the county and surrounding areas and we continue to offer “Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds” to Galilee United Methodist Church. (There are approximately 10 volunteers that help in the Galilee Soup Kitchen.)
Harry Hosier UMC: Harry Hosier’s Outreach Ministries, Lighthouse LANDS Agricultural Apprenticeship Program The Lighthouse LANDS Agricultural Apprenticeship Program works to overcome hunger and poverty in the rural countryside of Haiti by teaching sustainable gardening techniques to women over a two year period. During the first year of the program, Lighthouse LANDS female farming apprentice receive over 52 hours of agricultural education provided by volunteer American agricultural specialist and Haitian farmers. Within the second year of the agriculture program, apprentices continue to focus on farming practices while receiving additional business and general education training. In November 2014 Harry Hosier UMC organized a SHOES FOR HAITI Drive, where the congregation donated a total of 50 (fifty) pairs of new and gently worn shoes and a donation of $200.00 to help defray the cost of shipping.
Hay Street UMC, Open Gym Hay Street UMC has partnered with Margaret Willis Elementary & Methodist University to offer an after-school/ open gym program, in fostering cooperation/partnerships between Margaret Willis Elementary, Hay Street UMC, and Methodist University, and provides an opportunity for Methodist students and Hay Street UMC members to volunteer and provide a positive influence for the youth, who would not otherwise have such an opportunity. Most importantly, this ministry provides an opportunity for the Margaret Willis students to engage in a positive, fulfilling, and Christ-centered activity in the important after school hours, when many students could be vulnerable due to an absence of immediate parental supervision. Instead of possibly engaging in detrimental activity, the children are welcomed in an environment that fosters love, positive relationships, and meaningful activity. It also fulfills a
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community-wide mentoring initiative that is underway in Fayetteville, with the ultimate goal of reducing youth violence.
John Wesley, Prayer Shawl Ministry/The Least of These The prayer Shawls, lap blankets begin with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Anyone can receive one of the handmade garments. There are only two of us who crochet the garments and may take some time to make enough for blessings and distribution. As it is wrapped around the shoulders or to cover the head for each person with prayer. The Least of These is a ministry that serves the sick and shut-ins of the church/community with a hot meal and a choice of groceries or fruit depending on the need.
Laurel Hill UMC, Red Bird Mission Trip Several churches from around the state gathered to unite as a whole in unity to fulfill God’s call in helping others. Assignments were give, we were all assigned team leaders and helpers. The assignment was the Willie Lawson House, to replace the kitchen and dining room floor and strengthen the dining room wall. Repairs to a home as completed. The impact was to see and witness God’s grace upon them and us as we were blessed to work together helping others being the hand and feet of Jesus Christ, serving.
Mount Olive UMC, Mount Olive UMC Outreach Ministry The ministry increases participation and growth within the church by giving persons opportunities to make better disciples, self-improvement, and allowing others to see examples of Jesus Christ’s disciples at work. The impact of the community allows the members to visit the community; to share small gifts. The members of the group come in contact with all the people, inside and outside this ministry to help keep our church’s name and present out in the community. We are trying to allow others to see and copy us, thereby making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world. Helping and carrying others in a small way.
Olivet UMC, Little Dresses and Shorts for Nicaragua In March 2014 we continued our mission to send dresses to Nicaragua with a goal of 100 dresses. By not making our goal we teamed up with a twelve of ladies from Chestnut UMC in Lumberton where in two different days the dresses was completed. Prior to the second meeting one of the young girls ask “what about the boys there, I understand they need shorts”? As a result of this 12 year old interest in mission work we were able to complete 101 dresses and 52 pairs of shorts. We have already began working on the dresses and shorts for this coming years tip to Nicaragua.
Partners in Ministry In 2014, the ROAR (Rehab, Outreach, And Repair) program provided Urgent Home Repairs to 19 families in Robeson and Scotland counties and our Summer Program had its most successful year ever. This six week program met for five days each week for six hours each day and had an average daily attendance of 75. In October, Partners In Ministry launched the SYSTEM after-school program. This program, like our summer program, offers skills reinforcement to make sure that the information students are learning in school is being retained with a focus on the STEM subjects as well as Reading and Writing. This program currently has 120 kids enrolled with the capacity to serve 160. The YES Youth Leadership and Mentor program has 104 kids enrolled that are both in and out of school.
Salem UMC, SMASH/EMERGE Smash/Emerge is an after school ministry for needy and at risk children. The children gather at the church after school and finish homework, have a snack and have recreation time. The main goal of Smash/Emerge is to get our middle school children in the atmosphere of the church and to make disciples.
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St. Matthews UMC, Matt’s Kitchen In 2006, Matt’s Kitchen began with a grant given in memory of a church member. Matt’s Kitchen is a monthly free lunch that is available to anyone in the community. In 2010, it was expanded to include a monthly free breakfast. Matt’s Kitchen provides a hot mean and a great place to socialize in a safe Christian atmosphere, and also provides take outs to the shut-ins of the community and the church. Matt’s Kitchen is a way in which we can show and share God’s love with the community in which God has placed us.
St. Pauls UMC, Maxton, Tasty Tuesday Serving a free meal ever Tuesday in the name of Jesus. This ministry is called Tasty Tuesday and comes under the umbrella of comprehensive outreach program we call M25 based on Matthew 25, the meal is followed by a worship service. We currently prepare and serve between 50-75 meals each week. M25 also includes Joseph’s Coat Closet and FLOW (Fishes Loaves Outreach and Witness). FLOW distributes food once a month to citizens in our community age 55+. We are a relatively small church as our average Sunday attendance is 62.
Harbor District
Dixon Chapel UMC, Kicks For Jesus Kicks for Jesus is a nonprofit Christian atrial arts organization that offers free martial arts instruction combined with Biblical teachings to encourage spiritual, physical and emotional growth. We believe and preach that the Bible is the Word of God and that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, crucified for the sins of the world. We believe and teach that salvation is by repentance, grace and faith. This ministry was begun at Dixon Chapel in April of 1988.
Faison UMC, New Life Thrift Shop This ministry was established in July, 2014 as a non-profit ministry in the community with a three-fold mission. We wanted to provide people in the community, who lack basic necessities, a place to get those items for little or no cost. Second is to give the people in the community a place to rid themselves of any excess that clutters their closets and clogs their spirits. Third and perhaps greatest purpose is to provide the folks of Faison UMC a place where they can go and be active in meeting, mingling with and building relationships with others in the hopes that the name of Jesus may be praised.
Grace UMC, Sunset Park Elementary School Prayer Partners There is a prayer partner for each teacher or staff person who indicates interest paired with a Grace UMC volunteer at the beginning of the school year. Each month they receive a card and small remembrances on their birthday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. At Christmas and End of School Year they receive a small gift. Once a month they find a special “something” in their school mailboxes or in the teacher’s lounge, made with love for them to enjoy. These range from a “Pay Day” candy bar to muffins, specialty coffees, etc. At an end of school luncheon they find out the name of their prayer partner.
Hampstead UMC, CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) The CERT team members have been trained by Pender County Emergency Management to be able to respond in the local community during a disaster which overwhelms the professional emergency responders. A CERT volunteer’s tasks may include: traffic control, emergency shelter work, manning comfort stations for rescue workers, flood mitigations and can also include actual rescue and administration of emergency medical aid in a severe disaster. Our volunteers are Christian witnesses to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 10:25-37 which teaches “love your neighbor as yourself.”
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Herring’s Chapel UMC, Bread Ministry This ministry serves an average of 12-15 individuals each Friday night. Many of those picking up bread also take bread to their neighbors allowing them to help others as well as themselves. The bread is available throughout the weekend and the remainder is donated to Pender Christian Services on Monday. This ministry allows us to be instruments of God’s grace to the community and to show others the love of God by fulfilling the call to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Live Oak UMC, Sarah Smith Day This fund raiser was carried out by Live Oak members to assist the family of Sarah Smith, a little girl who battled cancer for over 8 years before her death in the summer of 2014. It included a Bike-a thon, a silent auction, craft and yard sales, a breakfast and a BBQ luncheon with proceeds of $8,150. This ministry impacted not only our church community but the greater community as well by using the talents of many. It unified us as a community and brought us together to focus our attention outside of ourselves and onto the needs of those around us.
Ocean View UMC, Soup On Saturday This ministry, which is open to anyone who wishes to come to the church for lunch on Sat., feed on average 35 people each week. A calendar is passed around about once a month to get names of members who are willing to be in charge of preparing the meal which doesn’t have to be soup, it can be chili, spaghetti, hot dogs, etc. This is a great time of fellowship for people in the neighborhood as well as some church members who attend…just another way of being the hands and feet of Christ.
Pine Valley UMC, Common Thread Chocolate Extravaganza This is an annual fundraiser for the Common Thread Pillowcase Ministry, which provides butterfly print pillowcases for the comfort of all patients associated with the Partners in Caring AIDS Ministry, regardless of race, gender or religion. Each pillowcase is inscribed with the scripture from Psalm 4:8, “I will lie down and sleep in peace. For you Lord, make me dwell in safety.” In 2014, the Chocolate Extravaganza raised over $1,800, which provided funds for over 400 pillowcases.
Rose Hill UMC, FORCE Youth Group FORCE, which stands for Focus On Receiving Christ Every day is hosted and run by young adults in the congregation, and centers itself on discipling all possible youth of the parish. The group represents people from all ages, races and social-economic backgrounds as it tries to seek to know God and make God known. Through January of this year, the youth group has grown in discipleship as seven of the youth have made first time professions of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Seaside UMC, S.T.A.R.S. (Seaside Teaching and Reaching Students) This is a six week summer literacy and enrichment program serving rising second grade students from JMMES. Approximately 80% of Jessie Mae students qualify for free or reduced lunches. The program is designed to provide a safe environment for learning, character development and enhancement of education through a half day morning literacy program and afternoon program that includes arts, science, music and other opportunities in a distinctively Christian environment. Beyond the six week program, the children and their families are invited to attend Seaside worship services and special events held throughout the year.
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St. Paul’s UMC of Carolina Beach, Agape’ Inn Puppet Ministry Set on the Boardwalk of Carolina Beach, this ministry provides an open air theatre for families to be entertained as the puppeteers present the Bible through story and song, doing 2-3 thirty minute shows a night…each show different. The youth are dedicated and willing to “sweat it out” in order to bring the WORD to the tourists at Carolina Beach. They also go to the Christian Puppet Convention in Charlotte, N.C. each year. The puppeteers learn how to represent themselves as Christians, not only to the public, but also to each other.
Trinity UMC, Southport-Kairos Ministry Kairos is a ministry that takes the Word of Christ into the prisons to those who are in need. The throwaways, the guys and gals who need someone to show them that Christ’s love has been with them through it all. We do a 4 day weekend inside the prison, twice a year, once in the Spring and Fall. We also go in every first and third Saturday of each month for two hours. Through this ministry we show them that Jesus loves them deeply and created them in His image, that their life has value.
Wallace UMC, The Ladies Bible Study This ministry was created to serve the spiritual needs of the women of WUMC and the surrounding community. A simple format includes sharing God’s Word, fellowship and light snacks. It also provides a safe environment where women can share with confidentiality their struggles in trying to live a Christian life. This led to the church hosting a women’s breakfast conference, “Embracing God’s Love,” which had over 100 women in attendance from all denominations. The men of the church served a delicious breakfast while a mother/daughter praise team shared God’s love through music and a noted speaker inspired the women to feel truly embraced by God’s love.
Wesley Memorial UMC, Wilmington-Bible Study Breakfast Club for Students Every Monday and Thursday morning during the academic year, students from WMUMC (along with some of their friends) gather to fellowship, study scripture and pray with one another in two different locations…in order to encompass all middle and high schools in the area. During this hour together, students make connections with one another, with the Bible, and even with the people who work at the restaurants where they meet. This gives us the opportunity to witness and minister to the employees as well as the people in the restaurants, who wonder what a large group of teenagers is doing with Bibles in hand so early in the morning.
Wesleyan Chapel UMC, Community Holiday Assistance Program We, as Christians, are called to serve those in need. This ministry offers opportunities for our congregation to fulfill this call in a variety of ways and takes the participation of the entire church. At Thanksgiving we provided 27 families with a Thanksgiving meal and gift cards. At Christmas, we assisted 31 families, consisting of 133 people, of whom were children who received gifts, along with 10 children through Methodist Children’s Home and 25 bags to residents of Davis Health Care Center. Our Visiting Disciples group delivers the gift bags and food boxes during their annual Christmas caroling.
Westview UMC, Backpacks and Boxes Westview is a Little Big Church that has committed to helping transform our corner of the world by fighting food insecurity in the lives of the children of our community. On a weekly basis we provide food for weekend meals for 67 children attending the local schools to supplement the nourishment they receive from school programs. In addition we furnished 50 family boxes of food at Thanksgiving and 55 boxes at Christmas. These holiday boxes, weighing about 60 lbs., included staples, a turkey breast or other meat along with games or puzzles fur each family at Christmas. Through these programs, our church is growing strong…a well-watered garden tended continually by the Lord.
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Windsor UMC, Celebrate Recovery This ministry reaches out to the churched and unchurched providing safe harbor for anyone to experience the grace of God by accepting the truth of His nature as they seek healing from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We provide a meal, a worship service and small group time for sharing with each other. It is the only Christian based recovery program in Bladen; therefore, he impact will be huge!
Heritage District Banks UMC The church has a live nativity scene during Advent. Over 120 cars pulled into the driveway to see the reenactment of the birth of Jesus. During this time the church also collected food. The food was taken to the local food bank.
Banks, Gray Rock and Bethel Churches, Strum and Sing These services are held at the churches with guitars and local singers. The service is geared to youth in the area. At Gray Rock UMC, young people share skips and testimonies. At Banks UMC, Communion is served. The program offers a more relaxed service. This is allowing the churches to work together in a program to reach youth.
First Church-Roanoke Rapids, Bethlehem Food Pantry The food pantry of the church provides needed food to families in the area. Each family is prayed for. The people helped know that the church is concerned with their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.
Flat Rock UMC, Summer Reading Program The summer reading program was started to help children identified by the local school who were needing help in reading. Students were picked up by the church van. In addition, the students were taught a new song about Jesus Church members were ready and willing to help with the program.
Jackson UMC, Food Bank Ministry The church had a local food bank to provide food to needy families in the Jackson area. Numerous youth and adults helped distribute the food. They wanted the community to know that the church was interested in their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.
Red Oak UMC, Fruit of the Spirit This ministry is in two parts. The first part is a 5k run walk to raise funds to support a program that reaches children from K-3. Children are tutored in reading and comprehension. A huge part of the ministry focuses on Jesus Christ. The pastor visits homes to make sure the families are receiving all the help available to them.
Sandy Cross UMC, Caskets for Stillborn Infants This ministry to grieving parents who have suffered the loss of infant allows the family to take the child home and to a family resting place with dignity. The hospital staff is also blessed to present the small caskets. This is a gift of love at a time of deepest grief.
Shocco UMC The members were told about a single mother living in a mobile home that needed many repairs. The members of Shocco repaired doors, put in a new floor and improved electrical service. The church also provided money to help with utilities and heating bills.
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Wake Forest UMC, Club 4/5 Club 4/5 is designed for fourth and fifth graders to provide a special experience as they begin the transition from children’s ministry to youth groups. The children meet and share a meal together, have a Bible Study lesson and various activities. Through Club 4/5 the church is planting seeds, making disciples and growing children in their faith and service to others.
Sound District
Ann Street UMC, LOGOS Logos is an approach to Christian nurture designed to work in churches of all sizes and denominations, in rural areas, suburban towns and inner cities. At Ann Street LOGOS is a ministry that engages young people in the life of the church by giving them opportunities to build relationships with mature Christian adults in the church, experience what the early church in Acts lived out, study, fellowship, a shared meal, and the practice of worship, and learn and practice what it means to be a child of God of a disciple of Christ. LOGOS can bring energy and vibrancy to the entire congregation.
Beech Grove UMC, Little Dresses for Africa This ministry brought 38 women, young and old, to work together by donating fabric, money, time and effort to create 140 dresses for little girls in Africa. It was our hope by making these dresses that the children receiving them would be less likely to be sold into human trafficking because someone will now these children matter to someone and would be missed if they were kidnapped. These children will also feel better about themselves receiving possibly the first new clothing item they’ve ever owned. Our church is small and the community support for this project was overwhelming. All the women involved felt their efforts were part of something much bigger than what was visible.
Calvary Memorial UMC, Greene County UM VBS We are called by the Discipline to “teach the children” and this is the reason that 4 of the UM charges in Greene County have worked together over the last 3 years to have a county wide VBS. It has met with some reasonable success involving the small number of children at all the Greene County Charges. The point is to open this ministry up to all children of Greene County. We will continue this effort and make an opportunity to teach all the available children of Greene County each summer.
Cherry Point UMC, Café’ Summer This ministry has engaged our entire congregation as disciples of Jesus Christ. Nearly every single member participates either in the actual Summer Café’, packing the weekend support bags during the school year, collecting supplies and stuffing backpacks, assisting with healthcare support, participating in Trunk or Treat & The Great Cookie Give Away or in many other ways. This ministry provides over 3,000 hot meals to children out of school for summer and Christmas, as well as their families. With help from our partners we distributed thousands of pounds of fresh produce to families in need. We have added healthcare screenings and have been able to provide follow-up dental, vision, and healthcare services including transportation to some of our participants. This ministry has become an integral part of our community.
Clark’s UMC, Gift Packages for Nursing Homes Our Young Adult Sunday School Class put together 60 gift packages and delivered them to a nursing home. They contained necessary and luxury items to help brighten the life of the recipients. It brightened the lives of the
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recipients, but even more it gave those delivering the gifts a great blessing and a desire to do more for those who cannot help themselves and often feel they are forgotten.
Jarvis Memorial UMC, Slam Dunk Upward Basketball connects sports and community through the church. The community of faith is strengthened through Upward Basketball by putting their faith into action. Coaches. referees, assistants, and other volunteers team up to provide a Christian setting for boys and girls (along with adults) to be active and learn about the game of basketball. Upward Basketball Coaches give a brief devotion at the weekly practices. These devotions include a Bible story and a real life situation that relates to it.
Merrimon UMC, Samaritans Purse A community can see that as small congregation we can contribute generously. A small shoe box can teach a child about the love of God. We fill shoe boxes for a girl or boy in certain age categories. The boxes are filled with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to the child. Filling these shoe boxes allows an opportunity for all to participate, members and neighbors alike.
Rainbow UMC, Wednesday Women We bring Christ and nourishment to children who don’t have food for the weekend during the school year. The Wednesday Women strive to serve the community with many projects. We are giving backpacks of food to 5 children at Greene County Intermediate School. This is our 3rd year supporting the children of the school. Each year we work with the counselor at the schools to identify children in need and take on those children.
Rhems UMC, Raising Refugees to Lead One of the facets of this program is the establishment of an ESL class using laptops and Rosetta Stone. This program has allowed individuals to work at their own pace and learn the English language. As they have become more confident in their English skills, they have been more confident in taking leadership roles in the church. This program has a great impact on the community at large. It has impacted the refugee community because it empowers them in the community and the work place. It equips them for better jobs and for more involvement in the community.
Richlands UMC, Thrift Shop The Richlands Thrift Shop has fulfilled our church mission for thirty years. This risk taking ministry serves an average of 150 people (elderly, unemployed, housewives, etc.) every week, uses 21 volunteer assistants each week, has donated $75,000 back to Richlands UMC of which 10% is given by United Methodist Women to various mission projects, and has supported local schools, Richlands Community Outreach Ministries, homeless veterans, nursing homes, cancer patients, women’s shelter, senior center, and literacy council and etc.
Riverside UMC, Sack Lunch Ministry Our twice monthly Sack Lunch Ministry is providing lunches for the hungry, as well as trying to provide for those who need more than lunch through our food pantry, and with grocery store gift cards. We also let those in need know of other area agencies which may be able to provide additional assistance. Although our program is small, and run entirely by donations, we are looking to obtain funding from grants and community partnerships which will allow us to expand our ministry. The ministry has grown from serving as few as two, to as many as thirty people during the lunch times. An adult Sunday School class provides donations of food and water, as well as funds to K
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St. James UMC, Keep God’s Children Warm St. James has offered a food pantry for many years, and this year on of our laity felt the call to add a clothes closet during the winter months to provide warm coats as well as other clothing to those in need. Through this ministry, our members are able to donate coats and clothing to a good cause. Because this ministry is connected to the food pantry – which is well known in our community – those who come for food are now blessed by this new opportunity.
St. Peter’s UMC, A Gift for You The Evangelism and Witness Committee entered a float in the Morehead City Christmas Parade as an opportunity to exhibit radical hospitality and give the citizens of Morehead City a personal invitation to come and see what people living together in a Christian community look like. As the float processed along the parade route, the laity place over 800 printed invitations directly into the hands of people on the parade route. The invitations announced an event at the church that afternoon featuring free food, a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, Skeedaddle the Clown, and a coloring contest with prizes. The back of the invitation listed all of our worship services for the season of Advent. We had about 300 attendees for the outreach event. Out of those attended we have welcomed some unchurched families into our fellowship and we have had one profession of faith.
Trinity UMC, Prayer Shawl Ministry Members of Trinity Kinston were asked if they could knit a prayer shawl for a family member who was battling cancer. That request blossomed into a ministry that has reached out over 60 persons both inside the church and out into the community. More than half of the prayer shawls dedicated at worship have been given to persons who are not members of Trinity. Request have come from members who ask that we show the love of Christ through the love and prayers knitted into the prayer shawls.
Webb Chapel UMC, Gospel Garage This group moves the congregation to a closer awareness to the community and their needs. Not just with worldly needs but with the Holy Spirit as they pray with family members in the hospital but also at their homes. They truly bring the Gospel and Jesus to the door in the times of need. They also bring the community food and clothing as well as fellowship in Christ and make the community aware of the of the fact that Jesus is there for all of God’s people
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c Understanding Parliamentary Procedure North Carolina Annual Conference 2015
UNDERSTANDING PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Interrupt speaker?
Each time you want to First give your name and Second needed? do this: your district, and then say this: Motion debatable? Amendable? Main Motionsas tools to introduce new business Vote? Introduce business “I move that...” no yes yes yes majority Take up matter previously tabled “I move that we take from the table” no yes no no majority Take up matter previously tabled “I move that we reconsider...” no yes * no majority
Secondary Motionsin order of preference
Adjourn “I move to adjourn...” no yes no no majority Recess “I move we recess until...” no yes no no majority Suspend debate without calling “I move that we table” no yes no no majority for vote End debate “I move the previous question” no yes no no 2/3 majority Limit debate “I move debate be limited to” no yes yes yes 2/3 majority “I move to postpone this matter Postpone to specific time no yes yes yes majority until...” Have matter studied further “I move we refer this matter to...” no yes yes yes majority “I move to amend by...” Amend a motion or substitute no yes yes yes majority or “I move to substitute...” Postpone indefinitely “I move to postpone indefinitely...” no yes yes yes majority
Incidental Motionsgrow out of the business the conference is considering
Correct error in parliamentary Chair “Point of order” yes no no no procedure rules Obtain advice on parliamentary Chair “I raise a parliamentary inquiry” yes no no no procedure rules Request information “Point of information” yes no no no None
*Yes, if the matter was debatable. No, if the matter was not debatable