JOURNAL OFÊTHE EIGHTEENTHÊSESSION OFÊTHEÊ WESTERNÊJURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE OFÊTHEÊUNITEDÊMETHODISTÊCHURCH HELDÊATÊ THEÊDOUBLETREEÊINNÊINÊTHEÊLLOYDÊCENTER PORTLAND,ÊOREGON JULYÊ16Ê-Ê19Ê2008
EDITEDÊBY KEITHÊANDREWÊHWANG,ÊSECRETARY SUSANÊDEBREE,ÊSECRETARYÊDESIGNATE PAMELAÊOSBORNE,ÊPRODUCTIONÊ Ê CertifiCation
This certifies that the pages in the Journal constitute the official records of the eighteenth session of the Western Jurisdictional Conference and its eighth session under the United Methodist Church, held at the Doubletree Inn, Portland, Oregon, July 16-19, 2008. This Journal includes the offices and personnel of the conference, all preparatory committees, future committees, and elected personnel. It includes the program, daily proceedings, rules, procedures, history, events, reports and action taken by the Western Jurisdictional Conference.
KeithÊAndrewÊHwang Keith Andrew Hwang
Secretary 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe iii
GREETINGS FROM BISHOP HOSHIBATA iV Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
table of Contents
CERTIFICATION ...... II
GREETINGS FROM THE BISHOP ...... III
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... IV
OFFICERS, STAFF AND PERSONNEL OF THE 2008 WESTERN JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE...... 1
COLLEGE OF BISHOPS ...... 1
ACTIVE BISHOPS ...... 1
RETIRED BISHOPS ...... 1
CONFERENCE DELEGATES AND RESERVES ...... 2
DELEGATES LISTED ALPHABETICALLY ...... 2
DELEGATES BY ORDER OF ELECTION ...... 4
PROGRAM ...... 6
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE ...... 8
NOMINATIONS TO GENERAL AGENCY MEMBERSHIP BY ANNUAL CONFERENCE ...... 11
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE USA NOMINATING POOL ...... 10
WESTERN JURISDICTION COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS ...... 15
WESTERN JURISDICTION BY COLLEGE OF BISHOPS ...... 12
NOMINATIONS BY AREA AND CONFERENCE DELEGATIONS ...... 12
WESTERN JURISDICTION LEADERSHIP TEAM ...... 2
DAILY PROCEEDINGS ...... 16
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS ...... 17
REPORTS TO THE WESTERN JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE...... 41
ALASKA UNITED METHODIST CONFERENCE ...... 41
ASIAN AMERICAN COORDINATING COMMITTEÁE ...... 41
EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE ...... 14
WESTERN JURISDICTON COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND MINISTRY ...... 54
COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ...... 59
2005-2008 BUDGET ...... 59
2005-2008 QUADRENNIAL APPORTIONMENTS TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES ...... 64
INTER-ETHNIC COORDINATING COMMITTEE...... 44 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe V
KOREAN MISSION OPERATING REPORT ...... 82
KOREAN MISSION COUNCIL BUDGET 2005-2008 ...... 63
WESTERN JURISDICTION KOREAN MISSION REPORT ...... 46
REPORT OF THE JURISDICTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM ...... 62
MARCHA WEST ...... 49
PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE ...... 50
RULES COMMITTEE ...... 50
TOWN AND COUNTRY NETWORK ...... 57
COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCE ...... 42
NATIVE AMERICAN REPORT ...... 50
URBAN MINISTRY ...... 57
CONFERENCE PROFILES ...... 72
AUDIT ...... 85
WESTERN JURISDICTION CONFERENCE RULES OF ORDER AND PLAN OF ORGANIZATION ...... 87
WESTERN JURISDICTION EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS PROCESS ...... 99
ANNUAL CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES OF THE WESTERN JURISDICTION ...... 85
REPORT OF EPISCOPAL BALLOTS ...... 102
INDEX ...... 104 Vi Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Western Jurisdictional Bishops - active and retired, including, Bishop Jordan, representative of the college of Bishops; Bishop david Brauer-reike, (elca), representing the ecumenical faith community and neWly-elected Bishops, elaine stanovsky and grant hagiya
Western Jurisdiction active Bishops 2008-2012
Mary Ann Swenson Minerva Carcaño Warner Brown Robert Hoshibata
Elaine Stanovsky Grant Hagiya
neWly elected Bishops elaine stanovsky and grant hagiya With host Bishop roBert hoshiBata at the consecration service. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-1
officers and staff and personnel of the 2008 Western Jurisdiction conference college of Bishops Active Edward W. Paup (Carol) Seattle Minerva Caraño Phoenix Robert Hoshibata (Gretchen) Portland Mary Ann Swenson (Jeff) Los Angeles Warner Brown (Minnie) Denver Beverly Shamana (Walter Woods) San Francisco
Retired Melvin E. Wheatley, Jr, (Lucille) Western Jurisdiction retired Bishops Jack M. Tuell (Margie) Wilber W.Y. Choy (Nancy Yamasaki) Leontine T.C. Kelly Calvin D. McConnell (Velma) Melvin G. Talbert (Marilyn) Roy I. Sano (Kathleen Thomas-Sano) Elias G. Galvan (Zoraida) William W. Dew, Jr (Mitzie)
Representative, Council of Bishops Charles Wesley Jordan, North Central Jurisdiction officers Keith Andrew Hwang, Secretary Robert Meyers, Treasurer
SecretaryÕs Staff Thomas Albright, Elections Patty Meyer, Head Teller Larry Warren, Daily Proceedings Dan Hayashi/Gloria Kymn, Nominations Pam Osborne, Journal Production
Program, Arrangements and Local Arrangements Committees Robert Hoshibata, Host Bishop Susan Hunn – Programs and Arrangements Bob Meyers – WJ Conference Treasurer Arvin Luchs/Art Kayser – Local Arrangements Laura Jaquith Bartlett – Worship Lynda Sprecher – Art Show Karen Oliveto – Displays Jo Anne Hayden – Rules Chairperson Geneva Cook – Registrar JoAnn Yoon Fukumoto – Meeting Room Assignments Judy Hill - Communications
Beverly Shamana Page -2 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
ConferenCe delegates and reserVes delegates listed alPhabetiCally
Last Name First Name AC G/J Order L/C Address City ST Zip Telephone Abrams Cynthia CP R 12 C 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington DC 20002 202-488-5636 Azhikakath Deanna Dee DSW R 4 C 715 N Park Ave Tucson AZ 85719 502-623-7575 Barber Russell YS R 4 C 30570 Great Pine Hill Polson MT 59860 406-883-0584 Bartlett Laura Jaquith OI J 2 C 2156 Steelhead Ct. Lebanon OR 97355 541-259-6694 Beckett David AM G 1 C 9051 Cathedral Pl. Anchorage AK 99507 907-344-3025 Bennett David CN C Withdrawn Bolin Karen OI J 2 L 4880 SW Scholls Ferry Rd#13 Portland OR 97225 503-477-6010 Brick Elizabeth CN R 14 C 7222 Pepperwood Knoll #58 Sacramento CA 95842 916-332-0915 Bridgeforth Cedrick CP J 7 C P.O. Box 561765 Los Angeles CA 90056 310-433-3451 Brooks Lonnie AM J 2 L 2020 Muldoon Road, #344 Anchorage AK 99504 907-333-4529 Bullis Mary DSW R 5 C 2936 N Power Rd Mesa AZ 85215-1677 Burnett Steve RM R 7 C 332 E. 2nd Street Casper WY 82601 307-234-9385 Cao Felicisimo CN G 5 C 1222 Sardia Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94089 408-733-1537 Cardin Phil RM J 4 L 10989 Shelbrooke Dr. South Jordan UT 84095 801-253-1923 Chandler-Warren Bonnie PNW R 7 C 6808 Flora St. SW Lakewood WA 98499 253-439-0723 Coleman Campbell Micah PNW R 7 L UPS 1500 N Warner Street Tacoma WA 98416 509-251-9712 Collison Joan OI R 3 L 7360 NW Valley View Dr. Corvallis OR 97330 541-745-7901 Cosner Kathrine PNW R 8 L 141 NW Carter Farms Ct. Bremerton WA 98310 360-286-7350 Crawford Cranford DSW J 3 L 2215 Matheson St N Las Vegas NV 89030 702-642-5291 Dang Bau CP G 2 C 5380 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego CA 92115 619-582-5303 Dapcevich Georgina AM G 1 L 107 Sand Dollar Dr. Sitka AK 99835 907-747-3850 Davies Josh RM G 1 L 1401 Wewatta St., Apt. 214 Denver CO 80202 303-596-2425 Dawson-Peterson Emily RM R 7 L 4124 Flagstone Dr. Johnstown CO 80534 970-587-0512 DeBree Su YS J 2 C 1106 Wilder Helena MT 59601 406-422-0788 Doepken James AM J 2 C POB 994 Girdwood AK 99587 907-783-0127 Dunning Robert CN R 11 L 715 New Valley Road Colfax CA 95713 530-637-4869 Elkins Jenee CP R 13 L 420 E. 20th Street Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-548-3782 Ellis Ken CP G 1 L 11939 Miranda Street North Hollywood CA 91607 818-761-2436 Extrum-Fernandez Renae CN G 2 C 2040 Strand Rd Walnut Creet CA 94596 510-548-4694 Farnum Blanche CN G 5 L 79356 Evolution Rd Portola CA 96122 530-832-0366 Farris Patricia CP G 5 C 1008 11th Street Santa Monica CA 90403 310-393-8258 Feldmeir Mark CP R 13 C 170 Calle Magdalena Encinitas CA 92024 760-753-6582 Fidlin Billie DSW G 2 L 1550 E. Meadowbrook Phoenix AZ 85014-4040 602-705-5797 Flaherty Robert OI R 3 C 1411 Joyce Street Boise ID 83706 208-385-0598 Forbes Janet RM G 1 C 8817 S. Broadway Highlands Ranch CO 80129 303-791-0659 Foster Daniel PNW R 8 C 20024 SE 267th Pl Covington WA 98042 253-630-5868 Fukumoto JoAnn Yoon CP G 3 L 1796 Hoolehua Street Pearl City HI 96782 808-371-7694 Gara Dan CP G 4 L PO Box 6006 Pasadena CA 91102 626-568-7305 Greenleaf Angelica CP R 12 L 260 Windrose Court Newbury Park CA 91320 805-499-9054 Grossman Gail PNW G 2 L 1585 Kathryn Lane Bellingham WA 98229 360-738-1970 Hagiya Grant CP G 3 C 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90018 323-733-4100 Hamman Jane Lee YS R 3 L PO Box 164 Clancy MT 59634 406-933-8203 Harkness Scott OI R 4 C 1505 SW 18th Avenue Portland OR 97201 800-593-7539 Haustedt Debbie CP R 11 L 1818 Lagrange Road Chula Vista CA 91913 619-397-5314 Hayden JoAnne AM R 3 L 3604 E. 18th Avenue Anchorage AK 99508 907-279-4862 Healy Vickie CN J 6 C 1057 E. Decatur Fresno CA 559-224-1947 Herzog Mike CN J 8 L 2490 Emerson St. Napa CA 94558 707-224-2666 Hill Judy RM G 2 L 3642 County Road D Joes CO 80822 970-358-4389 Hilton Karin CN J 6 L 1016 Keeler Berkeley CA 94708 510-847-7317 Hingano Siosifa CN J 8 C 164 Brehler Sanger CA 93657 559-875-1007 Huerta Diana RM J 6 L 1877 S. Sherman St. Denver CO 80210 303-698-2449 Hunn Susan CN G 2 L 5624 Daisy Circle Pollock Pines CA 95726 530-647-9337 Hunter Connie CN R 12 L 4235 Partridge Drive San Jose CA 95121 408-238-0833 Hygh Larry CP G 2 L P.O. Box 6006 Pasadena CA 91102 626-755-6948 Kang Youngsook Charlene RM G 2 C 8110 Greenwood Plaza Blvd Greenwood Village CO 80111 303-733-3736 Kennedy Gary DSW J 2 C 9849 N 105th Ave Ste A Sun City AZ 85351-4706 Kehrberg Norma CP J 8 L 712 Ainapo Street Honolulu HI 96825 808-394-0459 Kim Katherine CN G 4 L 200 Thyme Avenue Morgan Hill CA 95037 408-607-5449 Kim Woongmin CP J 10 C 20 So. Vineyard Blvd. Honolulu HI 96813 808-536-1864 Lieder-Simeon Rachel AM C 20442 Ptarmigan Blvd. Eagle River AK 99577 907-696-2502 WORK 475 Riverside Dr. RM#330 New York NY 10115 212-870-3600 Lindemood Olon RM J 6 C 1840 Deer Creek Rd. Ste. 200 Monument CO 80132 719-481-6448 Lockwood-Stewart Odette CN G 1 C 1403 Grant St. Berkeley CA 94707 916-528-2745 Ma Jin Ming PNW G 1 C 306 NE 4th Street (PO Box 566) Coupeville WA 98239 206-877-3034 Maka Mele CP G 5 L 4469 Appleglen Court Moorpark CA 93021 805-523-2536 Martin Diane YS R 4 L 845 Road 4 Powell WY 82435 307-202-0628 Masundire Peter PNW J 4 L 9342 57th Ave S Seattle WA 98118 206-772-5972 Mauney Devin DSW G 1 L 1800 N. Ranch Dr. Tucson AZ 85715-5569 520-241-5455 Miller Randall CN G 1 L 4015 Adeline Street Emeryville CA 94608 510-420-5841 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-3
Last Name First Name AC G/J Order L/C Address City ST Zip Telephone Moe Sharon PNW J 6 C 4815 California Ave SW, #411 Seattle WA 98116 206-932-3317 Moffatt Wendy RM J 5 L PO Box 2009 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970-945-6645 Moore Mary Elizabeth CP G 4 C Candler School of Theol. - Emory Atlanta GA 30322 404-727-6388 Morton Kama Hamilton YS R 3 C PO Box 6303 Great Falls MT 59406 406-454-3851 Mullette-Bauer Bill YS G 1 C 1505 SW 18th Ave,. Portland OR 97201 503-226-7931 Myer Chuck CN L Unable to attend due to illness Nelson Greg OI G 1 L PO Box 346 Halsey OR 97348 541-369-3572 Nelson Jan OI R 4 L 1845 High St SE Salem OR 97302 503-364-0312 Nibbelink Jim DSW R 4 L 63327 E. Desert Crest Dr Tucson AZ 85739-2159 520-834-7967 Novak Margaret YS G 1 L PO Box 720 (Shp. 242 W. Harrison) Chester MT 59522 406-759.5343 Oliveto Karen CN J 9 C 1299 Mission Rd. So San Francisco CA 94080 650-756-2972 Parker Katherine CN J 10 L 38 Catalpa Avenue Mill Valley CA 94941 415-794-5284 Parrish Craig PNW J 4 C PO Box 13650 Des Moines WA 98198 206-276-2754 Peck Amory PNW G 1 L 868 Sudden Valley Bellingham WA 98229 360-734-5574 Perez-Galang Laddie CN J 9 L 628 Schafer Rd. Hayward CA 94544 510-396-2347 Pettit Bruce CN R 13 L 1750 Castro St. #2 San Francisco CA 94131 415-550-0932 Phelps Alita YS J 2 L 123 Oak Street Whitefish MT 59937 406-863-2884 Pritchard Donna OI G 1 C 440 Maxwell Eugene OR 97404 541-689-3725 Ragland Sharon DSW G 1 C 5540 E. Main St Mesa AZ 85205-8720 480-854-1217 Rhodes-Wickett Sharon CP R 11 C 211 W. Foothill Blvd Claremont CA 91711 909-477-4506 Rosa Melanie RM R 8 C 1390 Brentwood St. Lakewood CO 80214 303-237-7768 Russell Ryan PNW G 3 L 1620 N.E. Northwood Drive, #BB 201 Pullman WA 99163 253-307-2075 Sachen Kristen CN R 12 C 65 Sonora Corte Madera CA 94925 415-891-8567 Sauls Kelvin CN R 13 C 8364 Sunnywood Dr. Nashville TN 37013 615-331-7444 Schuster Chuck RM G 3 C 1005 Stover St. Fort Collins CO 80524 970-482-2436 Secrist Beverly DSW R 5 L 2744 S Emerson Cir Mesa AZ 85210-7610 480-345-9420 Shaffer Barbara Dadd PNW J 6 L PO Box 1784 Stanwood WA 98292 425-210-1399 Shock Kay AM R 3 C 3721 Strawberry Rd. Anchorage AK 99502 907-243-2146 Silva-Netto Ben CN J 7 C 306 Autumn Gold Drive Chico CA 95973 530-895-0922 Simeon Kate AM R 4 L 20442 Ptarmigan Blvd Anchorage AK 99577 Simpson-Stanton Mary PNW J 5 L Whitman College Walla Walla WA 99362 206-412-5441 Smith Bruce PNW J 5 C 2851 30th Avenue Longview WA 98632 360-425-4927 Smith Eric RM J 5 C 710 11th Avenue, Suite L-45 Greeley CO 80631 970-356-5269 Smith Ghetta RM R 9 L 1768 E. 3990 S Holladay UT 84124 801-232-6646 Stanovsky Elaine PNW G 3 C PO Box 13650 Des Moines WA 98198 206-870-6814 Suchocki Marjorie CP J 6 L 1332 North Hills Drive Upland CA 91784 909-982-1147 Suzuki Betty CN J 7 L 19 Parklite Circle Sacramento CA 95831 916-428-3862 Switzer Leah CP J 9 L PO Box 6006 Pasadena CA 91102 626-568-7366 Sygeel Crystal PNW R 9 C 811 5th Avenue Seattle WA 98104 206-947-0115 Taiwo Kunle RM G 3 L 2313 S. Jamaica St. Aurora CO 80014 303-751-0108 Tews Jane DSW R 3 C 1365 E Elliot Rd Tempe AZ 85284-1608 480-838-1446 Thai Eva CP J 7 L 2217 Maple Avenue, Apt. 11 Evanston IL 60201 562-682-8859 Tower Laura CN R 14 L 17265 E. Highway 4 Stockton CA 95215 209-465-4840 Tukutao Sione RM R 9 C PO Box 265 Stratton CO 80836 719-349-9880 Ulrickson Mark CP J 8 C 12741 Main Street Garden Grove CA 92849 714-539-1053 Urda Ana-Haydee CP J 10 L 238 1/2 N. New Hampshire Ave Los Angeles CA 90004 323-733-4100 Valera David PNW G 2 C 18233 SE 43rd Place Issaquah WA 98207 206-234-7824 Vetter Molly CP G 1 C 2111 Camino del Rio South San Diego CA 92108 619-297-4366 Villamin Lily M. CP J 9 C 4300 Bellflower Blvd Lakewood CA 90713 562-429-1441 Virts Ted CN G 3 C 4111 Warren Avenue Sacramento CA 95822 916-374-1501 Washington-Olson Rosa CN G 3 L 705 Barcelona Drive Davis CA 95616 530-753-2088 Waters Carolyn RM J 4 C 690 Colorado Blvd. Denver CO 80206 303-322-0784 Weatherspoon Dale CN G 4 C 1509 Jasper Drive Sunnyvale CA 94087 408-730-5229 Wertz Darren PNW R 9 L 658 N 32nd Court Ridgefield WA 98642 360-397-2337 Wills Ruth RM R 8 L 16717 E. Davies Avenue Foxfield CO 80016 303-693-7365 Wulf Frank CP J 6 C 817 West 34th Street Los Angeles CA 90007 310-435-5502 Yang Kham Dy CN R 11 C 7 Lyon Avenue Sanger CA 93657 559-875-2810 Yoshii Mike CN R 10 C 36 Thurles Pl. Alameda CA 94502 510-523-2337 Page -4 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
ConferenCe delegates by annual ConferenCe Last Name First Name AC G/J Order L/C Address City ST Zip Telephone alaska Missionary ConferenCe Dapcevich Georgina AM G 1 L 107 Sand Dollar Dr. Sitka AK 99835 907-747-3850 Beckett David AM G 1 C 9051 Cathedral Pl. Anchorage AK 99507 907-344-3025 Brooks Lonnie AM J 2 L 2020 Muldoon Road, #344 Anchorage AK 99504 907-333-4529 Doepken James AM J 2 C POB 994 Girdwood AK 99587 907-783-0127 Hayden JoAnne AM R 3 L 3604 E. 18th Avenue Anchorage AK 99508 907-279-4862 Shock Kay AM R 3 C 3721 Strawberry Rd. Anchorage AK 99502 907-243-2146 Simeon Kate AM R 4 L 20442 Ptarmigan Blvd Anchorage AK 99577 Lieder-Simeon Rachel AM C 20442 Ptarmigan Blvd Anchorage AK 99577 907-696-2501 work 475 Riverside Dr. RM#330 New York NY 10115 212-870-3600
California neVada annual ConferenCe Miller Randall CN G 1 L 4015 Adeline Street Emeryville CA 94608 510-420-5841 Lockwood-Stewart Odette CN G 1 C 1403 Grant St. Berkeley CA 94707 916-528-2745 Hunn Susan CN G 2 L 5624 Daisy Circle Pollock Pines CA 95726 530-647-9337 Extrum-Fernandez Renae CN G 2 C 2040 Strand Rd Walnut Creet CA 94596 510-548-4694 Washington-Olson Rosa CN G 3 L 705 Barcelona Drive Davis CA 95616 530-753-2088 Virts Ted CN G 3 C 4111 Warren Avenue Sacramento CA 95822 916-374-1501 Kim Katherine CN G 4 L 200 Thyme Avenue Morgan Hill CA 95037 408-607-5449 Weatherspoon Dale CN G 4 C 1509 Jasper Drive Sunnyvale CA 94087 408-730-5229 Farnum Blanche CN G 5 L 79356 Evolution Rd Portola CA 96122 530-832-0366 Cao Felicisimo CN G 5 C 1222 Sardia Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94089 408-733-1537 Hilton Karin CN J 6 L 1016 Keeler Berkeley CA 94708 510-847-7317 Healy Vickie CN J 6 C 1057 E. Decatur Fresno CA 559-224-1947 Suzuki Betty CN J 7 L 19 Parklite Circle Sacramento CA 95831 916-428-3862 Silva-Netto Ben CN J 7 C 306 Autumn Gold Drive Chico CA 95973 530-895-0922 Herzog Mike CN J 8 L 2490 Emerson St. Napa CA 94558 707-224-2666 Hingano Siosifa CN J 8 C 164 Brehler Sanger CA 93657 559-875-1007 Perez-Galang Laddie CN J 9 L 628 Schafer Rd. Hayward CA 94544 510-396-2347 Oliveto Karen CN J 9 C 1299 Mission Rd. So San Francisco CA 94080 650-756-2972 Parker Katherine CN J 10 L 38 Catalpa Avenue Mill Valley CA 94941 415-794-5284 Yoshii Mike CN R 10 C 36 Thurles Pl. Alameda CA 94502 510-523-2337 Dunning Robert CN R 11 L 715 New Valley Road Colfax CA 95713 530-637-4869 Yang Kham Dy CN R 11 C 7 Lyon Avenue Sanger CA 93657 559-875-2810 Hunter Connie CN R 12 L 4235 Partridge Drive San Jose CA 95121 408-238-0833 Sachen Kristen CN R 12 C 65 Sonora Corte Madera CA 94925 415-891-8567 Pettit Bruce CN R 13 L 1750 Castro St. #2 San Francisco CA 94131 415-550-0932 Sauls Kelvin CN R 13 C 8364 Sunnywood Dr. Nashville TN 37013 615-331-7444 Tower Laura CN R 14 L 17265 E. Highway 4 Stockton CA 95215 209-465-4840 Brick Elizabeth CN R 14 C 7222 Pepperwood Knoll #58 Sacramento CA 95842 916-332-0915 Myer Chuck CN L Unable to attend due to illness Bennett David CN C Withdrawn
California PaCifiC annual ConferenCe Ellis Ken CP G 1 L 11939 Miranda Street North Hollywood CA 91607 818-761-2436 Vetter Molly CP G 1 C 2111 Camino del Rio South San Diego CA 92108 619-297-4366 Hygh Larry CP G 2 L P.O. Box 6006 (P.O. Box 94924) Pasadena CA 91102 626-755-6948 Dang Bau CP G 2 C 5380 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego CA 92115 619-582-5303 Fukumoto JoAnn Yoon CP G 3 L 1796 Hoolehua Street Pearl City HI 96782 808-371-7694 Hagiya Grant CP G 3 C 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90018 323-733-4100 Gara Dan CP G 4 L PO Box 6006 Pasadena CA 91102 626-568-7305 Moore Mary Elizabeth CP G 4 C Candler School of Theol. - Emory Atlanta GA 30322 404-727-6388 Maka Mele CP G 5 L 4469 Appleglen Court Moorpark CA 93021 805-523-2536 Farris Patricia CP G 5 C 1008 11th Street Santa Monica CA 90403 310-393-8258 Suchocki Marjorie CP J 6 L 1332 North Hills Drive Upland CA 91784 909-982-1147 Wulf Frank CP J 6 C 817 West 34th Street Los Angeles CA 90007 310-435-5502 Thai Eva CP J 7 L 2217 Maple Avenue, Apt. 11 Evanston IL 60201 562-682-8859 Bridgeforth Cedrick CP J 7 C P.O. Box 561765 Los Angeles CA 90056 310-433-3451 Kehrberg Norma CP J 8 L 712 Ainapo Street Honolulu HI 96825 808-394-0459 Ulrickson Mark CP J 8 C 12741 Main Street Garden Grove CA 92849 714-539-1053 Switzer Leah CP J 9 L PO Box 6006 Pasadena CA 91102 626-568-7366 Villamin Lily M. CP J 9 C 4300 Bellflower Blvd Lakewood CA 90713 562-429-1441 Urda Ana-Haydee CP J 10 L 238 1/2 N. New Hampshire Ave Los Angeles CA 90004 323-733-4100 Kim Woongmin CP J 10 C 20 So. Vineyard Blvd. Honolulu HI 96813 808-536-1864 Haustedt Debbie CP R 11 L 1818 Lagrange Road Chula Vista CA 91913 619-397-5314 Rhodes-Wickett Sharon CP R 11 C 211 W. Foothill Blvd Claremont CA 91711 909-477-4506 Greenleaf Angelica CP R 12 L 260 Windrose Court Newbury Park CA 91320 805-499-9054 Abrams Cynthia CP R 12 C 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington DC 20002 202-488-5636 Elkins Jenee CP R 13 L 420 E. 20th Street Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-548-3782 Feldmeir Mark CP R 13 C 170 Calle Magdalena Encinitas CA 92024 760-753-6582 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-5
Last Name First Name AC G/J Order L/C Address City ST Zip Telephone
desert southWest annual ConferenCe Mauney Devin DSW G 1 L 1800 N. Ranch Dr. Tucson AZ 85715-5569 520-241-5455 Ragland Sharon DSW G 1 C 5540 E. Main St Mesa AZ 85205-8720 480-854-1217 Fidlin Billie DSW G 2 L 1550 E. Meadowbrook Phoenix AZ 85014-4040 602-705-5797 Kennedy Gary DSW J 2 C 9849 N 105th Ave Ste A Sun City AZ 85351-4706 Crawford Cranford DSW J 3 L 2215 Matheson St N Las Vegas NV 89030-4043 702-642-5291 Tews Jane DSW R 3 C 1365 E Elliot Rd Tempe AZ 85284-1608 480-838-1446 Nibbelink Jim DSW R 4 L 63327 E. Desert Crest Dr Tucson AZ 85739-2159 520-834-7967 Bullis Mary DSW R 5 C 2936 N Power Rd Mesa AZ 85215-1677 Secrist Beverly DSW R 5 L 2744 S Emerson Cir Mesa AZ 85210-7610 480-345-9420 Azhikakath Deanna Dee DSW R 4 C 715 N Park Ave Tucson AZ 85719 502-623-7575 oregon idaho annual ConferenCe Nelson Greg OI G 1 L PO Box 346 Halsey OR 97348 541-369-3572 Pritchard Donna OI G 1 C 440 Maxwell Eugene OR 97404 541-689-3725 Bolin Karen OI J 2 L 4880 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. #13 Portland OR 97225 503-477-6010 Bartlett Laura Jaquith OI J 2 C 2156 Steelhead Ct. Lebanon OR 97355 541-259-6694 Collison Joan OI R 3 L 7360 NW Valley View Dr. Corvallis OR 97330 541-745-7901 Flaherty Robert OI R 3 C 1411 Joyce Street Boise ID 83706 208-385-0598 Nelson Jan OI R 4 L 1845 High St SE Salem OR 97302 503-364-0312 Harkness Scott OI R 4 C 1505 SW 18th Avenue Portland OR 97201 800-593-7539 PaCifiC northWest annual ConferenCe Peck Amory PNW G 1 L 868 Sudden Valley Bellingham WA 98229 360-734-5574 Ma Jin Ming PNW G 1 C 306 NE 4th Street (PO Box 566) Coupeville WA 98239 206-877-3034 Grossman Gail PNW G 2 L 1585 Kathryn Lane Bellingham WA 98229 360-738-1970 Valera David PNW G 2 C 18233 SE 43rd Place Issaquah WA 98207 206-234-7824 Russell Ryan PNW G 3 L 1620 N.E. Northwood Drive, #BB 201 Pullman WA 99163 253-307-2075 Stanovsky Elaine PNW G 3 C PO Box 13650 Des Moines WA 98198 206-870-6814 Masundire Peter PNW J 4 L 9342 57th Ave S Seattle WA 98118 206-772-5972 Parrish Craig PNW J 4 C PO Box 13650 Des Moines WA 98198 206-276-2754 Simpson-Stanton Mary PNW J 5 L Whitman College Walla Walla WA 99362 206-412-5441 Smith Bruce PNW J 5 C 2851 30th Avenue Longview WA 98632 360-425-4927 Shaffer Barbara Dadd PNW J 6 L PO Box 1784 Stanwood WA 98292 425-210-1399 Moe Sharon PNW J 6 C 4815 California Ave SW, #411 Seattle WA 98116 206-932-3317 Coleman Campbell Micah PNW R 7 L UPS 1500 N Warner Street Tacoma WA 98416 509-251-9712 Chandler-Warren Bonnie PNW R 7 C 6808 Flora St. SW Lakewood WA 98499 253-439-0723 Cosner Kathrine PNW R 8 L 141 NW Carter Farms Ct. Bremerton WA 98310 360-286-7350 Foster Daniel PNW R 8 C 20024 SE 267th Pl Covington WA 98042 253-630-5868 Wertz Darren PNW R 9 L 658 N 32nd Court Ridgefield WA 98642 360-397-2337 Sygeel Crystal PNW R 9 C 811 5th Avenue Seattle WA 98104 206-947-0115 roCky Mountain annual ConferenCe Davies Josh RM G 1 L 1401 Wewatta St., Apt. 214 Denver CO 80202 303-596-2425 Forbes Janet RM G 1 C 8817 S. Broadway Highlands Ranch CO 80129 303-791-0659 Hill Judy RM G 2 L 3642 County Road D Joes CO 80822 970-358-4389 Kang Youngsook Charlene RM G 2 C 8110 Greenwood Plaza Blvd Greenwood Village CO 80111 303-733-3736 Taiwo Kunle RM G 3 L 2313 S. Jamaica St. Aurora CO 80014 303-751-0108 Schuster Chuck RM G 3 C 1005 Stover St. Fort Collins CO 80524 970-482-2436 Cardin Phil RM J 4 L 10989 Shelbrooke Dr. South Jordan UT 84095 801-253-1923 Waters Carolyn RM J 4 C 690 Colorado Blvd. Denver CO 80206 303-322-0784 Moffatt Wendy RM J 5 L PO Box 2009 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970-945-6645 Smith Eric RM J 5 C 710 11th Avenue, Suite L-45 Greeley CO 80631 970-356-5269 Huerta Diana RM J 6 L 1877 S. Sherman St. Denver CO 80210 303-698-2449 Lindemood Olon RM J 6 C 1840 Deer Creek Rd. Ste. 200 Monument CO 80132 719-481-6448 Dawson-Peterson Emily RM R 7 L 4124 Flagstone Dr. Johnstown CO 80534 970-587-0512 Burnett Steve RM R 7 C 332 E. 2nd Street Casper WY 82601 307-234-9385 Wills Ruth RM R 8 L 16717 E. Davies Avenue Foxfield CO 80016 303-693-7365 Rosa Melanie RM R 8 C 1390 Brentwood St. Lakewood CO 80214 303-237-7768 Smith Ghetta RM R 9 L 1768 E. 3990 S Holladay UT 84124 801-232-6646 Tukutao Sione RM R 9 C PO Box 265 Stratton CO 80836 719-349-9880 yelloWstone annual ConferenCe Novak Margaret YS G 1 L PO Box 720 (Shp. 242 W. Harrison) Chester MT 59522 406-759.5343 Mullette-Bauer Bill YS G 1 C 1505 SW 18th Ave., Portland OR 97201 503-226-7931 Phelps Alita YS J 2 L 220 Iowa Avenue Whitefish MT 59937 406-863-2884 DeBree Su YS J 2 C 1106 Wilder Helena MT 59601 406-422-0788 Hamman Jane Lee YS R 3 L PO Box 164 Clancy MT 59634 406-933-8203 Morton Kama Hamilton YS R 3 C PO Box 6303 Great Falls MT 59406 406-454-3851 Martin Diane YS R 4 L 845 Road 4 Powell WY 82435 307-202-0628 Barber Russell YS R 4 C 30570 Great Pine Hill Polson MT 59860 406-883-0584 Page -6 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
PrograM
Lonnie Brooks 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-7 Page -8 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 rePort of the CoMMittee on noMinations abbreViations
Clergy/Lay Age Annual Conference Ethnicity Men/Women AUMC Alaska U. Meth. Conf. C-N California-Nevada C-P California-Pacific AfA African American DSW Desert Southwest AsA Asian American Y Youth O-I Oregon-Idaho HA Hispanic American CM Clergyman YA Young Adult PNW Pacific Northwest NA Native American CW Clergywoman OA Older Adult RM Rocky Mountain PI Pacific Islander LM Layman YEL Yellowstone WA White American LW Laywoman Additional Designations
NomCom Person named to general agency Additional Member Nominating Committee PwD Person with Disability 2nd Quad 2nd Quadrennium of service on agency
Additional Name Conf. Ethnicity Status Age Designations GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Dan J. Gara C-P WA LM Elected by General Conference Sharon Ragland DSW WA CW Elected by General Conference CONNECTIONAL TABLE
Kunle Taiwo RM AfA LM Nom Com Ted Virts C-N WA CM Nom Com GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Molly Vetter C-P WA CW Nom Com Adrienne Fong C-N AsA LW Nom Com Amory Peck PNW WA LW Nom Com GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP
Eric Smith RM AfA CM Nom Com Gail Grossman PNW WA LW Nom Com GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES
Michael Yoshii C-N AsA CM Nom Com Bau Dang C-P AsA CM Nom Com Judy Hill RM WA LW OA Nom Com Peter Masundire PNW AfA LM Nom Com Katherine Kim C-N AsA LW Elected by Women’s Division Tupou Seini Kelemeni C-P PI LW Elected by Women’s Division Kumja Lim RM AsA LW Elected by Women’s Division Judi Nibbelink DSW WA LW Elected by Women’s Division GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION & MINISTRY
2nd quad.; Jeffrey Kahjin Kuan C-N AsA CM Nom Com Carolyn Peterson PNW WA CW Nom Com Lonnie Brooks AUMC WA LM OA Nom Com GENERAL BOARD OF PENSION & HEALTH BENEFITS
Phil Brooks YEL WA LM NomCom 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-9
Name Conf. Ethnicity Status Age Additional Designations GENERAL BOARD OF UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE
Janine DeLaunay O-I WA CW Non Com Percell Church DSW AfA CM Elected by 2004 WJC; Class of 2016 GENERAL COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
Cornish Rogers C-P AfA CM OA Jurisdictional President Nominated by GCAH to be an Additional Member; Marjorie Benham RM WA LW not counted in summary below
GENERAL COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY AND INTERRELIGIOUS CONCERNS
Youngsook Kang RM AsA CW NomCom 2nd quad; Georgina Dapcevich AUMC NA LW Nom Com GENERAL COMMISSION ON COMMUNICATION (United Methodist Communications)
Devin Mauney DSW WA LM YA 2nd quad; NomCom. Larry Hygh C-P AfA LM Non Com GENERAL COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE
Barbara Karst YEL WA LW OA Nom Com JoAnn Fukumoto C-P AsA LW Nom Com Dale Weatherspoon C-N AfA CM Nom Com GENERAL COMMISSION ON STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN
2nd quad; Debbie Pitney O-I WA CW Nom Com Ana Haydee Urda C-P HA LW Nom Com D.J. del Rosario PNW AsA CM Nom Com GENERAL COMMISSION ON UNITED METHODIST MEN
Dean Holloman O-I WA LM OA Jurisdictional President DIVISION ON MINISTRIES W/ YOUNG PEOPLE (1 young adult, 1 adult worker with Young People)
Karin Hilton C-N WA LW YA Nom Com Charlene Zuill C-P AfA CW Nom Com
WJC recommends Logan Mauney to be elected as an 2nd quad.; Additional Member of the Division DSW WA LM YA Not counted in summary below. suMMary of general agenCy MeMbers Members by Annual Conferences Ethnicity
WJC Election Totals WJC Election by Totals Nom-Com by other Bodies NomCom Other Bodies
Alaska 2 0 2 5.4% African Americans 6 2 8 21.6%
Cal-Nevada 6 1 7 18.9% Asian Americans 7 2 9 24.3%
Cal-Pacific 6 3 9 24.4% Hispanic American 1 0 1 2.7%
Desert SW 1 3 4 10.8% Native American 1 0 1 2.7%
Oregon-Idaho 2 1 3 8.1% Pacific Islander 0 1 1 2.7%
Pacific NW 5 0 5 13.5% Total Racial- Rocky Mountain. 4 1 5 13.5% Ethnic Persons 15 4 19 55%
Yellowstone 2 0 2 5.4% White Americans 13 4 17 46%
Totals 28 9 37 100% Total 28 9 37 100% Page -10 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Clergy/Lay, Men/Women Age Categories
WJC Totals NomCom Election by other Bodies Totals Clergymen 7 2 9 24.4% Youth 0 Clergywomen 6 1 7 21.6% Laymen 7 2 9 24.4% Young Adults 2 5.4% Laywomen 8 4 12 32.5% Older Adults 4 10.8% Men 14 4 18 48.7%
Women 14 5 19 51.3% Person w/ Disability 1 5.4% Clergy 13 3 16 43.2%
Laity 15 6 21 56.8% national CounCil of ChurChes of Christ in the u.s.a. general board
These names will be submitted to the General Commission on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns and the Council of Bishops to be used in 2011 for possible nomination to the next NCCC General Board. Oh, Kwang Seog AsA CM O-I Campbell-Barton, Kathy WA LW O-I Nickell, Paul WA LM O-I Pritchard, Kate WA LW Y O-I Brown, Agatha AfA LW O-I Lockwood-Stewart, Odette WA CW C-N Kim, Katherine AsA LW C-N Hunter, Connie WA CW C-N Oliveto, Karen WA CW C-N Sauls, Kelvin AfA CM C-N Tenold, Margo WA CW C-N Cramer, Rebecca WA LW C-N Chamberlin, John WA CM C-N Ellis, Ken WA LM C-P Maka, Mele PI LW C-P Thai, Eva AsA LW C-P Switzer, Leah HA LW C-P Farris, Patricia WA CW C-P Jordan, Diane AfA LW PwD C-P Kim, Woong-Min AsA LW C-P Moore, Mary Elizabeth WA CW C-P Rhodes-Wickett, Sharon WA CW C-P Larson, Mary WA LW C-P Vatikani, Poese PI LM C-P Wulf, Frank WA CM C-P Hagiya, Grant AsA CM C-P Haustedt, Debbie WA CW C-P Wilkenson, Jeri HA CW DSW Sombrero, Tweedy NA CW DSW Lansberry, Candace WA CW DSW Montoya, Shirley NA CW DSW Simpson-Stanton, Mary WA LW PNW Smith, Bruce WA CM PNW Schiesswohl, Scott WA CM RM Waters, Carolyn WA CM RM Neely, Emily WA CW RM Strickland, Walter WA CM RM Smith, Gheeta AsA LW RM 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-11 general agenCy MeMbers listed by annual ConferenCe alaska united Methodist ConferenCe Lonnie Brooks General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Georgina Dapcevich General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
California-neVada annual ConferenCe Adrienne Fong General Board of Church and Society Karin Hilton Division on Ministries with Young People Katherine Kim General Board of Global Ministries Jeffrey Kahjin Kuan General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Ted Virts Connectional Table Dale Weatherspoon General Commission on Religion and Race Michael Yoshii General Board of Global Ministries
California-PaCifiC annual ConferenCe Bau Dang General Board of Global Ministries JoAnn Fukumoto General Commission on Religion and Race Dan J. Gara General Council on Finance and Administration Larry Hygh General Commission on Communication Tupou Seini Kelemeni General Board of Global Ministries Cornish Rogers General Commission on Archives and History Ana Haydee Urda General Commission on Status and Role of Women Molly Vetter General Board of Church and Society Charlene Zuill Division on Ministries with Young People desert southWest annual ConferenCe Percell Church General Board of United Methodist Publishing House Devin Mauney General Commission on Communication Judi Nibblelink General Board of Global Ministries Sharon Ragland General Council on Finance and Administration oregon-idaho annual ConferenCe Janine DeLaunay General Board of United Methodist Publishing House Dean Holloman General Commission on United Methodist Men Debbie Pitney General Commission on Status and Role of Women
PaCifiC northWest annual ConferenCe D.J. del Rosario General Commission on Status and Role of Women Gail Grossman General Board of Discipleship Amory Peck General Board of Church and Society Peter Masundire General Board of Global Ministries Carolyn Peterson General Board of Higher Education and Ministry roCky Mountain annual ConferenCe Marjorie Benham General Commission on Archives and History (additional member nomination) Judy Hill General Board of Global Ministries Youngsook Kang General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Kumja Lim General Board of Global Ministries Eric Smith General Board of Discipleship Kunle Taiwo Connectional Table
YelloWstone annual ConferenCe Barbara Karst General Commission on Religion and Race Phil Brooks General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
1. The Nominating Committee has the responsibility to nominate a person for the responsibility of Chairperson of the Jurisdictional Rules Committee. The Committee nominates Jo Anne Hayden. 2. The persons listed below have been selected by the Area or Conference Delegations or the College of Bishops for service on jurisdictional agencies: This report is prepared for your information. Page -12 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 Jurisdiction Leadership Team (JLT) Area/Conference/Group Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age COLLEGE OF BISHOPS Warner Brown AfA Minerva Carcaño HA Robert Hoshibata AsA Mary Ann Swenson WA Grant Hagiya AsA Elaine Stanovsky WA DIRECTORS OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES Alaska Crystal Hayden L W WA California-Nevada Linda Wiberg C W WA California-Pacific Keith Hwang C M AsA Desert Southwest David McPhearson C M WA Oregon-Idaho Scott Harkness C M WA Pacific Northwest David Valera C M AsA Rocky Mountain Skip Strickland C M WA Yellowstone Sue King L W WA ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPRESENTATIVES Alaska To be determined California-Nevada To be determined California-Pacific To be determined Desert Southwest To be determined Oregon-Idaho To be determined Pacific Northwest To be determined Rocky Mountain To be determined Yellowstone To be determined REPRESENTATIVE OF JURISDICTIONAL GROUPS United Methodist Women Pres. Bonnie McOmber (O-I) L W WA United Methodist Men Pres. Dean Hollomon (O-I) L M WA Council on Youth Ministries Pres. or Rep. To be determined Committee of Conference Lay Leaders President Volunteers in Mission Rep. Young Adult To be determined Youth To be determined Secretary Su Debree C W WA Treasurer Diane Knudsen L W WA NON-VOTING MEMBERS Council on Finance & Administration Pres. To be determined Program and Arrangements Barbara Dadd Shaffer L W WA Congregational Development Mike Pearson C M WA Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee To be determined Council on Youth Ministries Coordinator 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-13 CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age Alaska David Beckett C M WA California-Nevada Betty Suzuki (Chair) L W AsA California-Pacific Larry Hygh (V.chair)L M AfA Desert Southwest Jane Tews C W WA Oregon-Idaho Karen Bolin L W WA Pacific Northwest Ryan Russell L M AsA YA Rocky Mountain Ruth Wills (Sec.) L W WA Yellowstone Diane Martin L W WA
JURISDICTIONAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (JCFA) Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age Linda Dunham L W WA Alaska Debra Lindsay-Hudgins C W WA Karen Oliveto C W WA California-Nevada Rob Dunning L M WA Sharon Rhodes-Wickett C W WA California-Pacific Orville Benjamin L M AfA Gary Kennedy C M HA Desert Southwest Beverly Secrist L W WA Ann Bateman C W WA Oregon-Idaho Jamie Kienzle L M WA Sharon Moe C W WA Pacific Northwest Ryan Russell L M AsA YA Olon Lindemood C M WA Rocky Mountain Wendy Moffatt L W WA Doug Morton L M WA Yellowstone Karen McRae C W WA
EX-OFFICIO Treasurer Diane Knudsen L W WA
CONFERENCES COMMITTEE Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age Lonnie Brooks L M WA OA Alaska Peter Perry C M WA Dale Weatherspoon C M AfA California-Nevada Blanche Farnum L W WA Frank Wulf C M WA California-Pacific Norma Kehrberg L W WA OA Mary Bullis C W WA Desert Southwest Jim Nibblelink L M WA Donna Pritchard C W WA Oregon-Idaho Chris Abend L M WA Craig Parrish C M WA Pacific Northwest Mary Simpson-Stanton L W WA YA Page -14 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Phil Cardin L M WA Rocky Mountain Melanie Rosa C W WA David Burt C M WA Yellowstone Lela Peters L W WA
EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age David Beckett C M WA Alaska Georgina Dapcevich L W NA Renae Extrum-Fernandez C W HA California-Nevada Randy Miller L M AfA Molly Vetter C W WA California-Pacific Ken Ellis L M WA Sharon Ragland C W WA Desert Southwest Billie Fidlin L W WA Donna Pritchard C W WA Oregon-Idaho Greg Nelson L M WA Jin Ming Ma C W AsA Pacific Northwest Amory Peck L W WA Janet Forbes C W WA Rocky Mountain Josh Davies L M WA Bill Mullette Bauer C M WA Yellowstone Margaret Novak L W WA
PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age Jo Anne Hayden L W WA Alaska Dan Wilcox C M WA Odette Lockwood-Stewart C W WA California-Nevada Laddie Perez-Galang L W AsA Kathy Wilborn C W AfA California-Pacific Ken Ellis L M WA Cranford Crawford L M AA Desert Southwest Dee Dee Azhikakath C W AsA Courtney McHill C w WA YA Oregon-Idaho Jan Nelson L W WA Barbara Dadd Shaffer (Chair) L W WA Pacific Northwest Bonnie Chandler-Warren C W WA Steve Burnett C M WA Rocky Mountain Diana Huerta L W WA Jane Lee Hamman L W WA Yellowstone Nancy Slabaugh Hart C W WA EX-OFFICIO Conference Secretary Su DeBree C W WA Conference Treasurer Diane Knudsen L W WA Rules Chair Jo Anne Hayden L W WA 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-15
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Conference Name C/L M/W Ethnicity Age James Doepken C M WA
Alaska Lonnie Brooks, Chair L M WA Dale Weatherspoon C M AfA California-Nevada Susan Hunn L W WA Bau Dang C M AsA California-Pacific Norma Kehrberg L W WA OA Gary Kennedy C M HA
Desert Southwest Devin Mauney, Vice Chair L M WA YA Laura Jaquith Bartlett C W WA Oregon-Idaho Karen Bolin L W WA David Valera C M AsA Pacific Northwest Gail Grossman L W WA
Youngsook Kang, Secretary C W AsA Rocky Mountain Judy Hill L W WA Su DeBree C W WA Yellowstone Alita Phelps L W WA
3.The General Conference elected these persons from the Western Jurisdiction to additional general church responsibilities:
Judicial Council Angela Brown Commission on the General Conference Randall Miller Standing Committee on Central Conference Affairs Bishop Minverva Carcaño David Valera Margaret Novak
4.Western Jurisdiction bishops have been assigned to the following agencies:
General Board of Church and Society Bishop Robert Hoshibata General Board of Discipleship New WJ Bishop General Board of Global Ministries Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry New WJ Bishop General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Bishop Mary Ann Swenson Page -16 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
daily ProCeedings eighteenth session of the Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Plenary session 1
Bishop Robert Hoshibata opened the first plenary session of the Western Jurisdiction at 1:00 PM, in the Lloyd Center Ballroom of The Portland Doubletree Hotel. The session was greeted by rousing music from a marimba band from Tigard, Oregon UMC. Opening worship was led by Susan Hunn from Cal/Nevada, and Conference Secretary Keith Hwang. The Conference was welcomed by resident Bishop Hoshibata, recounting the history of mission and the spirit of those early pioneers who blazed the trails for us all. Bishop Hoshibata called the session to order with an antique potato masher from Eastern Oregon. District Superintendent of the Metro Portland District, Bonnie Parr Philipson brought greeting and welcome for the week. Procedural motions were presented by the Conference Secretary, and approved by voice vote, and the bar of the Conference was set.
ProCedural Motions Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
1. That the bar of the Conference includes the area forward of the press and staff tables. 2. That presentations and agenda items are to be arranged through the Program and Arrangements Chair Susan Hunn 3. That the agenda be as presented in the Plenary Number 1. Any necessary changes are to be brought before the conference by the Program and Arrangements Committee. 4. That the Episcopal ballots shall be hand-written. 5. That the area delegations will elect members for Western Jurisdiction committees and councils by convening with their area bishop or his/her appointed representative to preside for the elections. 6. That Larry Warren, Gloria Kymn, Tom Albright, Don Hayashi, Pam Osborne be elected Assistant Secretaries. 7. That speakers state their name, conference, clergy/lay status twice.
Lin Doyle led the group through an orientation to the process for the Conference. Two openings were announced for election to the Episcopacy. The election process will be as printed in the election process which was passed out to all delegates. Nine persons were nominated by Annual Conferences. Other interested candidates must be nominated from the floor. Lonnie Brooks presented the plans for a nominating referendum, to be conducted to allow new candidates to be considered. This will be taken before the break, and a candidate must receive 5% of the votes listed on the referendum ballot to be included in the introductions to the delegations tomorrow. A suspension of the rules was requested in order to follow these printed instructions for elections. The rules were suspended.
Ken Ellis moved that the “Three Simple Rules” from Bishop Ruben Job be used by all delegates as a guideline for our deliberations together. Motion Passed.
Su Debree from the Yellowstone Conference, was nominated by the Council of Bishops to be the new Conference Secretary (M/S/C)
The nominating referendum was begun, and delegates were asked to mark their referendum sheets. Tellers collected the sheets from the delegation heads in each section.
Bishop Hoshibata introduced the active and retired Bishops and spouses present at the conference. Bishop Charles Jordan and Spouse Margaret from the North Central Jurisdiction were introduced, representing the Council of Bishops.
Program and Arranagements Committee Thanks were expressed to Scott Harkness and the Local Arrangements Committee for their hospitality and good work. Over 100 people were involved at several levels of work to coordinate this entire conference, plan the use of facilities, and provide for the needs of all delegates, committees and agencies involved. Graphic artist David Jenkins was thanked for the Conference Logo. Announcements included an emphasis on the Doubletree being a living wage hotel as well as a “green” hotel, and all were asked to support recycling and other environmental efforts during the week. Jim Gates and Cathy Thomas Sano were introduced as monitors for the General Commission on Status and Role of Women and the General Commission on Religion and Race. Susan Hunn, Chair of the Program & Arrangements Committee introduced the members of that group and thanked them for their work.
The Secretary reminded the body that resolution forms must be used by anyone making a motion and given to the pages. Correction forms were made available for mistakes in the preprinted materials. Delegates were reminded that distribution of documents must be approved by the Conference Secretary. Directions were given for the evening programs at First UMC. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-17
Bob Meyers addressed the Conference about the offerings to be taken during the week, and reminded the delegates about turning in reimbursement slips no later than the end of July.
Bishop Hoshibata read the results of the Nominating Referendum. The Conference Secretary asked that these candidates turn in information by this evening for printing by tomorrow: Waters, Carolyn; Dang, Bau; Wulf, Frank; Silva-Netta, Be- noni; Hingano, Siosifa; Vetter, Molly.
Molly Vetter asked that her name be withdrawn.
The Conference recessed for the evening programs and dinner.
thursday, July 17, 2008
Worship began the day, which included the Episcopal address by Bishop Ed Paup on the State of the church. His address follows:
ePisCoPal address bishoP edWard W. PauP
ÒFinally, he reached the end of the trail, at least for that moment in time and for that place. He was on Mt. Nebo, the top of Pisgah. From there he could see it all, from where they had come, to where they were going. And God said, ÒUpon this rock, we can see the story until now. Upon this rock, we can imagine what is yet to come.Ó He was with Moses, invited him to look back, and to look ahead. It was an amazing journey on that wilderness trail, but, by GodÕs grace, the best was yet to come.
Like Moses, we stand “upon this rock” at the Western Jurisdictional Conference of 2008. From where have we come? What are some of the components of our story of this past quadennium?
In the Phoenix Area, the Desert Southwest Conference, we celebrate the Korean new church start in Las Vegas that began out of a campus ministry, as well as a new church start in Maricopa using a church planter from the Dakotas. Our focus on spiritual grounding for all that we do is represented in our 3 yr. partnership with the Upper Room.
In the Portland Area, the Oregon-Idaho Conference, we are committed to the elimination of hunger within the boundaries of our Conference as well as beyond. We also have focused on learning how to be in ministry with young people, includ- ing having a rock concert at annual Conference with the band “Jars of Clay.”
In the Denver Area, the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences, we are grateful for a passion for mission with the Angola Conferences. As a farewell gift to Bishop Brown, Yellowstone committed to raise $30,000 to pay 60 pastors in East Angola in 2009. Rocky Mountain set a goal to raise $50,000 at annual conference for Nothing But Nets. To this date, it has raised over $77,000. Yellowstone is committed to pay apportionments at 95% in 2009 and 100% in 2010. Yellowstone also celebrates Living Waters, a new church start in Bozeman.
In the San Francisco Area, the Cal/Nevada Conference, we give thanks for 100 teams who have responded to Katrina Relief. We celebrate the chartering of 4 new churches – 2 Korean and 2 European congregations. Appointments have included 1/3 cross cultural appointments with annual training workshops for local churches with such appointments. We have also created councils for clergy assessment and congregational development.
In the Los Angeles Area, the Cal/Pac Conference, we continue our mission to be a cup overflowing with grace, compassion, and justice in a spiritually hungry and thirsty world. We give thanks for our on-going commitment to Hope for the Children of Africa with our Nigeria partnership. Our commitment to developing new congregations is represented in expanding Hispanic/Latino growth, ministry with Pacific Islanders, partnerships between Vietnamese congregations in the conference with pastors and churches in Vietnam, and engagement with exciting new congregations in the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission. Our ministry with young people included the entire cabinet participating in Youth Alive. We also celebrate the establishment of the Center for Leadership Excellence between the Conference and Claremont.
In the Seattle Area, the Alaska and Pacific Northwest Conferences, we give thanks for the experience in Alaska through the creative coordination by the Conference Superintendent, Rachel Lieder Simeon, that rotated pastoral leadership from the Conference to the Barrow Presbyterian Church for 3 months, while they were awaiting a new pastor. The model was replicated over the past year in Nome. A mission emphasis raised funds for pensions in OIMC. A Samoan Congregation in Anchorage was chartered. The Conference mandated that 100% of general church apportionments be Page -18 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 paid. Alaska ordained its first indigenous pastor, Rev. Della Waghiyi. Pacific Northwest expanded from 5 districts to 6, with a superintending team appointed to one of the rural districts. Churches chartered included a Korean Church, a Tongan Church, and an Hispanic Latino Church in the metro Seattle area, and a Filipino Church in Vancouver, B.C. (3 yr. Academy for new clergy.) A conference staff position was added for new ministries with an emphasis on new church development. The partnership with the Southern Congo was expanded with a commitment to build a new orphanage.
Yet, like Moses, upon this rock we not only look to the past, but also to the future.
Was that not the essence of the exchange in this morning’s text. Jesus asks, “Who do people say that I am?” …Simon Peter—Upon This Rock; East Pierce County… The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (Nacpil)
Consider the 4 Areas of Focus we centered upon at General Conference: Leadership Development, Congregational Development with an emphasis on new church starts, Elimination of Poverty, Global Health…(the Wesleyan DNA)
Our vision statement in the Western Jurisdiction is ÒA home for all GodÕs people, gathered around a table of reconciliation and transformation: the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church is multicultural and inclusive, engaged in the life of its communities, with confident, effective lay and clergy leadership who, in diverse ministry settings, form disciples who out the Good News of Jesus as global citizens.Ó
Our mission statement is the frame for the vision – the picture of God’s preferred future.
Proposal from the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops This represents what we hope to be engaged in, to accomplish, by God’s grace, but how shall we do it? Is it not by connecting ourselves, our beings and our doings to the power of God, that which is impossible for us to control? When Eugene Peterson in The Message states in John 1 that “the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood,” does it not suggest that our opportunity is to be harnessed to the divine power rather than to control how it is experienced?
(Politics in the Church, and the issues of power and control…)
From Sacred Blood to the Curse and Beyond – Judy Grahn. This is found in a book edited by Charlene Spretnak, “The Politics of Women’s Spirituality.”
Because a group of people once gave me two apple trees for my yard, I arrived at my own definition of the difference between ÒpowerÓ and Òcontrol.Ó This happened to me as a result of understanding the nature of apples, how they came about. An apple is something real which is created; this is power. Only an apple tree can make an apple, no one else can. The wealthiest magnate on Earth cannot make an apple no matter how he might stand in the sun, or squat or contort his flesh. He does not have the power of an apple tree to make apples and neither does anyone else. He can own them. He can fence them, transport them, plant and prune them; he can bulldoze them, line them up in military formation, poison them, grind them up, bore them to death, set fire to them, graft them and use them; and this is control. He can never, from the substance of his body, make an apple as an apple tree can; this is power.
“Upon this Rock” is not about either our power or control. Rather, it’s about how we join that Word, the essence of power, in the Divine One that has already moved into the neighborhood. (The Mostar Bridge - 1566) – “Upon This Rock”
A celebration of transition was held honoring Bishop Paup as he leaves the Episcopacy to take on the leadership of the General Board of Global Ministries. Bishop Mary Ann Swenson represented the College of Bishops in this time of honoring that transition.
Bishop Hoshibata announced the following Jurisdictional elections: SE: Paul Leeland, Ballot 6, July 16, 9:20 PM EST SC: Earl Bledsoe, Ballot 3, 11:35 AM CST
Instructions were given by Rose McLean for the morning times of the “fish bowl” meetings between the delegations and candidates, and rooms and times were assigned, as well as which candidates would begin with each group.
Cynthia Abrams moved to suspend the rules to allow a candidate who was unable to be here yesterday because of a plane delay and confusion about whether she would be able to be here to be added to the list of candidates. Bishop Hoshibata presided. The rules were suspended and the name of Tweedy Sombrero was added to the list.
After announcements the session was adjourned at 10:25 AM, until the afternoon session at 1:00 PM. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-19
Session reconvened at 1:00 PM, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson presiding.
Secretary Keith Hwang offered the name of Patty Meyers as head teller for the election process.
Susan Hunn offered an amendment to the election process presented to the body yesterday:
Insert the words: Òin cooperation with the committee on EpiscopacyÓ after the word ÒcommitteeÓ in line 7. The amendment was accepted by the makers of the original motion and the amendment passed. Election process, as amended, was passed by the body.
The first Ballot was announced by the Secretary and collected by the tellers, after an explanation by Head Teller Patty Meyers.
Bishop Swenson Announced the following Episcopal election: NE: Peggy A. Johnson, Ballot 10, 11:45 AM EST
Ryan Russell presented a plan by the PNW Young Adult Council to raise money for a new boys’ orphanage in the Congo by selling water bottles with a special logo, available from any of the young adults at conference for a donation to the Orphanage.
Marcia Bates brought greetings to the Conference from the General Commission on Religion and Race.
Doug Mills, from the General Commission on Christian Unity and inter-religious Concerns, brought greetings from the agency and reported that the Western Jurisdiction has provided several directors of the agency, who have provided important leadership during the last two quadrennia. He looks forward to Bishop Swenson joining the commission in the near future, and announced a traveling display available in the lobby which depicts the Church of Mary Magdalene in Seattle as a ministry featured in their ecumenical work. A new resource will be available soon to help interpret the new relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the UMC.
Daniel Foster from PNW Conference introduced the administrative assistants for the Bishops of the Jurisdiction, and gifts of appreciation were given to each one.
Bishop Brown said a word about his assistant, Jayne Adams, who was not able to attend because of a recent fall.
Nominating Report Lonnie Brooks brought the report of the Nominating Committee for the coming Quadrennium, noting the lessening of the number of available slots due to the actions of the last General Conference.
Lonnie Brooks moved that the name of Logan Mauney be forwarded by the Nominating Committee to the Division On Ministries with Young People, with strong recommendation that he be elected through the national member process, as an additional member of the Division. The motion passed.
The entire nominating report was accepted as corrected.
Bishop Hoshibata and Bishop Tuell presented a process to be considered later in the day for interpreting the changes in the Book of Discipline by the last General Conference, especially as they relate to the reduction in the number of Bishops in the Western Jurisdiction from 6 to 5.
Sue King presented a report from the Volunteers In Mission Board of Directors, giving a brief history of their work and reporting that a new record number of VIM teams were dispatched due the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Those on the floor who were ever a part of a VIM Team were invited to stand and a majority of the body were on their feet. New ideas were presented about partnering with Annual Conference UMVIM programs to allow collaboration throughout the Jurisdiction, including educational events to highlight the programs available to UM Members throughout the Jurisdiction. She urged the Conference to adopt the VIM program as a ministry of the Jurisdiction.
Report on Ballot #1 – 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, there was no election
Grant Hagiya 32 Frank Wulf 9 Elaine Stanovsky 17 Ben Silva-Netto 7 Renee Extrum-Fernandez 14 Sharon Ragland 6 Youngsook Kang 13 Bau Dang 5 Steve Schroeder 12 Tweedy Sombrero 5 Janet Forbes 11 Siosifa Hingano 4 Donna Pritchard 11 Carolyn Waters 3 Ted Verts 10 Bob Flaherty 1 Page -20 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Ballot # 2 was taken and collected by the tellers.
After a brief break Bishop Swenson announced that a member of the Yellowstone Conference, serving in the Rocky Mountain Conference, Keith McDonald, died suddenly this week in an automobile accident. Bishop Brown offered words of remembrance and a prayer.
Bishop Swenson shared news about Bishops who were not able to be with us this week, including Bishop Wheatley and Bishop Choy, who sent words of greeting, as well as Leontine Kelly, and Elias Galvan
Ballot #2 reported 80 valid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no invalid ballots, no elections.
Grant Hagiya 36 Frank Wulf 10 Elaine Stanovsky 20 Ben Silva-Netto 7 Renee Extrum-Fernandez 19 Ted Verts 6 Youngsook Kang 15 Sharon Ragland 5 Donna Pritchard 13 Bau Dang 4 Janet Forbes 11 Siosifa Hingano 3 Steve Schroeder 10 Carolyn Waters 1 Tweedy Sombrero 0 Bob Flaherty 0 Motion was made and passed to take a thirty minute break to have delegation caucuses, and an additional 30 minutes for inter-ethnic caucus meetings, at 3:10.
Bishop Swenson reconvened the session at 4:20 PM, and began Ballot #3, after prayer by Bishop Dew.
Phil Brooks brought the report from the CF& A for the Jurisdiction. Council nominated the Diane Knutson of the Yellowstone Conference as Treasurer for the next Quadrennium. She was elected
Recommendations 1 and 4-7 were passed as printed on P. 30-31 of the pre-conference Handbook.
Rules Committee Report Jo Anne Hayden presented the rules committee report, as printed on Page 47-53 of the pre-conference handbook. All recommendations for rule changes as printed were adopted as amended, by using the language general agencies and the “connectional table”, instead of “General Programs”. Article XIV, Jurisdictional Leadership team, was adopted. One additional member was proposed, to add the chair of the Local Arrangements Committee in Article XIV, this was adopted.
Adam Neal reported for the Advance for Christ program at the Board of Global Ministries. Churches were encouraged to make use of missionaries in residence throughout the conferences, to help interpret mission needs and the importance of the Advance. He presented a brief video about the Advance’s sixty year history. PNW had the highest percentage of churches participating in the Advance, and Cal/Pac had the highest dollar amount of giving.
The Secretary reported that $1948.12 was received at the Wednesday night service, for support of the hunger ministries of Portland 1st UMC.
The following resolution from the Northeast Jurisdictional Conference was shared by Bishop Swenson: Whereas the California Supreme Court has recently declared that same gender marriages are legal in the State of California; and
Whereas both the California Pacific Conference and the California Nevada Conference went on record this past June in support of United Methodist clergy who choose to perform such marriages as a pastoral response, and as an act of witnessing to the greater United Methodist Church; and
Whereas differences among us do not diminish our respect for the good faith and Christian conscience of such clergy, therefore Be it resolved that the Northeastern Jurisdiction go on record to express respect for such clergy in these conferences who, as a matter of Christian conscience, spiritual discernment and prophetic witnessing choose to bring GodÕs word and blessings not yet approved by The United Methodist Church; and We pray that if such clergy are subjected to church discipline penalties, such penalties will be moderate in consideration of acts undertaken in good conscience 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-21
Report of Ballot #3: 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Grant Hagiya 39 Ben Silva-Netto 7 Elaine Stanovsky 21 Ted Verts 4 Renee Extrum-Fernandez 20 Sharon Ragland 6 Youngsook Kang 16 Bau Dang 4 Donna Pritchard 10 Siosifa Hingano 3 Janet Forbes 9 Carolyn Waters 5 Frank Wulf 11 Tweedy Sombrero 2 Bob Flaherty 4 Steve Schroeder 1
Ballot # 4 was begun, after prayer by Bishop Jordon.
Wan Kie Kim presented a report on the Jurisdictional Korean Mission. A video was shown depicting some of the work of the Mission. Twelve new missions were begun in the last quadrennium and twelve more are hoped for in the next one.
Mike Pearson presented a report on congregational development in the Jurisdiction. Using a “Path One” power point presentation, he presented a plan to look to the future of congregational development in the Jurisdiction. Path One is a new national strategy for development of churches across the denomination, and to start new faith communities to revitalize the church in the United States. The goal is to train 1000 church planters to begin 650 new churches, including 39 new churches in the Western Jurisdiction.
Report of Ballot 4, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Grant Hagiya 41 Frank Wulf 10 Elaine Stanovsky 22 Ben Silva-Netto 8 Renee Extrum-Fernandez 20 Ted Verts 2 Youngsook Kang 16 Sharon Ragland 5 Donna Pritchard 9 Bau Dang 3 Janet Forbes 13 Siosifa Hingano 3 Steve Schroeder 1 Carolyn Waters 5 Tweedy Sombrero 2 Bob Flaherty 1 Charles Shuster 1
Ballot # 5 was begun at 5:30 PM, after prayer by Bishop Paup. Motion made to receive report of ballot #5 at the beginning of the evening plenary session. Motion passed Session was adjourned for the Retirement Dinner, to reconvene at 8:30 PM. Session resumed at 8:35 PM
Report of Ballot 5, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election.
Grant Hagiya 42 Ted Verts 3 Elaine Stanovsky 21 Sharon Ragland 5 Renee Extrum-Fernandez 19 Bau Dang 4 Youngsook Kang 14 Siosifa Hingano 4 Donna Pritchard 6 Carolyn Waters 3 Janet Forbes 15 Tweedy Sombrero 1 Steve Schroeder 1 Bob Flaherty 1 Frank Wulf 12 Charles Shuster 1 Ben Silva-Netto 6 Molly Vetter 1 Mark Ulrickson 1
Report of the Jurisdictional Committee on Theological Education began with a video presentation. The Conference was referred to pages 53-57 of the pre- conference handbook by chair Catie Coots. “Uncharted Waters” a creative presentation around the theme of being afraid of dragons, reminded us that fear of the future and of failure can tie us up in knots and keep us from moving forward into a hopeful future. We were challenged to continue the task of looking for and calling forth new leadership from within the youth and young adults of our congregations.
Bishop Hoshibata led the Conference in a discussion time around the issue of the possible reduction of the number of Episcopal positions in the Jurisdiction. A time of dialogue was begun to help the College of Bishops discern the best way to face this possibility. The Conference was divided into small groups of 6-10 people of various conferences, to discuss the following three questions: Gathering our Collective Wisdom on the mission and ministry of our Episcopal Areas
1. What opportunities for mission and ministry does the Western Jurisdiction provide the United Methodist Church? 2. What guiding values must be part of the conversation and planning? Page -22 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
3. What voices must be included at the table?
The groups were asked to meet for about an hour and report their results to the administrative assistants of the Bishops to be collated and prepared for a report back in the morning.
After announcements by the Conference Secretary the session was adjourned for the night at 9:10 PM.
friday, July 18, 2008 Plenary session 3
After morning devotions at 8:30 AM, which included a sermon by visiting Bishop Charles Wesley Jordan, entitled “The Chosen”, the session began at 9:15 AM, with Bishop Ed Paup presiding.
Bishop Paup announced the following Episcopal election: SE: John Michael Lowery, Ballot #11, 8:16 AM, July 18. Michael Yosmi, representing the Inter-ethnic Caucus, moved to recess for one hour for caucuses before taking the first Ballot. The motion passed, and the session was adjourned until 10:30 AM.
The session was reconvened at 10:30 by Bishop Paup.
Jo Ann Yoon Fukumoto, of the Local Arrangements committee, moved that any candidate with than 5 or less votes not be reported to the body. Motion passed.
Ballot # 6 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Swenson, and collected by the Teller Team at 10:35 AM
Cathy Thomas-Sano reported for the Commission on Religion and Race that they had observed a majority of those serving as tellers and in other roles in the Conference had been white, and that some attention to diversity might be looked at for the future.
Jim Gates from the Commission on Status and Role of Women reported the percentages of those in attendance were fairly evenly divided by gender, but that those who spoke at the microphones had been 70-30 split in favor of men. Similar statistics were offered for ethnic representation at the conference.
Daniel Foster presented courtesies, introducing Amy Stapleton, National Field Organizer for MFSA, Troy Bonner, Executive Director of the Reconciling Network as visitors today.
Paul Dirdak brought a report on the Central Conference Pension Initiative recounting some personal stories from families dependent on the pensions from this new initiative, as well as a written report on the totals of monies collected from all sources toward this fund, which have totaled over $4,000,000.00 since 2003. The goal is to have functioning pension programs in all Central Conferences by 2012, owned and operating by local boards of pensions and eventually self supporting. Paul asked that all conference boards of pensions meet with staff of his agency sometime in the next two years, to continue this effort.
Bob Meyers brought the Jurisdictional Treasurers report. Bob introduced the staff members of his office, and thanked them for their twelve years of work with him.
Dale Weatherspoon moved that rule #21.b2, Article VIII, p. 105 of the`3004 Western Jurisdictional Conference Journal, regarding the 24 hour rule, so that three proposals effecting funding could be brought before the body today. Motion passed.
Report of Ballot # 6, 79 Ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 53 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 42 Stanovsky 25 Forbes 22 Kang 20 Extrum-Fernandez 15 Frank Wulf 8
Ballot # 7 was taken after prayer by Bishop Shamana, at 11:10 AM.
Dave Weatherspoon offered the following resolution: Be it resolved: that the Western Jurisdiction add a part time Director of Communications to: facilitate communications across the Jurisdiction, develop and maintain our Jurisdictional website, and work with Annual Conference Directors of Communications. This person would be hired by, would work with, and would report to the WJ Leadership Team or its Executive Committee. The purpose of the position would be to enable our Annual Conferences to be more fully connectional and to strengthen the Jurisdictional identity and ministry. Resolution Passed. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-23
A resolution on creating a movement on “Extravagant Hospitality” was brought by Elizabeth Moore: Petition to the 2008 Western Jurisdictional Conference TITLE: Movement of ÒExtravagant HospitalityÓ
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Request to JCFA for a minimum of $50,000 for the Director of Communications
Submitted by: Dale Weatherspoon, California-Nevada; Mary Elizabeth Moore, California-Pacific; Kelvin Sauls, California- Nevada; Laddie Galang, California-Nevada; Lonnie Brooks, Alaska; Ryan Russell, Pacific Northwest; Karin Hilton, California-Nevada; Greg Nelson, Oregon-Idaho; Frank Wulf, California-Pacific; and Devin Mauney, Desert Southwest
Resolution: Be it resolved that we name our jurisdictional theme as ÒExtravagant HospitalityÓ for the quadrennium 2008-2012.
Commitments: To extend our hospitality, we will commit ourselves to: (1) Local Churches: Encourage every local church in our jurisdiction to find one way to extend hospitality beyond the present level of their church’s ministry. (2) Website Communication: Sponsor a website to inspire, communicate, inform, guide, share stories, and resource the jurisdictional efforts to expand hospitality. (3) Jurisdictional Event: Offer one jurisdictional training event in mid-quadrennium in which people worship, engage in biblical study on hospitality, and participate in dynamic workshops. (4 ) Annual Conference Themes: Identify one year in which all of the annual conferences of the Western Jurisdiction would collaboratively celebrate the theme of Extravagant Hospitality. (5) Resources: Produce one or more resources during the quadrennium, including perhaps a biblical study of hospitality, a local church study, and/or a book of sermons.
Implementation: To implement these plans, we will: (1) Communications: The Jurisdictional Director of Communications will develop a section or link on the website to communicate and resource our theme of “extravagant hospitality.” This will include gathering and disseminating stories, sermons, and resources to support the theme. (2) Jurisdictional Event: Ask the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee to sponsor the jurisdictional event on extravagant hospitality. (3) Resource Development: Explore partnerships with United Methodist theological schools to communicate and produce resources on extravagant hospitality. Petition Adopted.
Petition to the 2008 Western Jurisdictional Conference TITLE: Western Jurisdiction Director of Communications
Submitted by: Dale Weatherspoon, California-Nevada; Mary Elizabeth Moore, California-Pacific; Kelvin Sauls, California- Nevada; Laddie Galang, California-Nevada; Lonnie Brooks, Alaska; Ryan Russell, Pacific Northwest; Karin Hilton, California-Nevada; Greg Nelson, Oregon-Idaho; Frank Wulf, California-Pacific; and Devin Mauney, Desert Southwest
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Request to JCFA for a minimum of $50,000 to contract for the position of Director of Communications
Resolution: Be it resolved that the Western Jurisdiction add a part-time Director of Communications to: facilitate communications across the Jurisdiction; develop and maintain our jurisdictional website; and work with Annual Conference Directors of Communications. This person would be hired by, would work with, and would report to the WJ Leadership Team or its Executive Committee. The purpose of the position would be to enable our annual conferences to be more fully connectional and to strengthen the Jurisdictional identity and ministry. I move that the Western Jurisdiction add $50,000 to its quadrennial budget for communications. This would include $10,000 per year for each year of the quadrennium to contract for the Western Jurisdictional Director of Communications, plus an additional $10,000 to contract for website consultation during the 2008-2012 quadrennium. I further move that the Jurisdictional Leadership Team set an annual ÒTelling Our StoryÓ Sunday with a special offering. The Team would set one Sunday each year during the quadrennium, and the annual conferences would conduct the campaign. The goal is to raise an additional $90,000 for jurisdictional communications.
Explanation: The total of $140,000 would include $25,000 per year for contracting the Director of Communications, plus $10,000 per year for website support and consultation. Resolution passed. Page -24 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Bishop Tuell presented the following information:
OUTLINE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND DISCIPLINARY PROVISIONS RELATED TO REDUCING NUMBER OF BISHOPS FROM 6 TO 5.
The Colleges of Bishops of the Jurisdictions affected by the General Conference decision to reduce the number of bishops have researched the constitutional and disciplinary issues involved in implementing this reduction. The following are some of the conclusions reached, and the constitutional and disciplinary rationale for these conclusions.
1. General Conference determines the number of bishops in each jurisdiction. (Par. 16.10, 405)
2. Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy recommend assignment of bishops to their residences (Par. 522.3b) for final action by the Jurisdictional conference. (Par. 50).
3. Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy recommend boundaries of episcopal areas to the College of Bishops. (Par. 522.3b).
4. The College of Bishops determines “a plan of episcopal supervision of the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and missions within their respective territories” (Par. 48). Judicial Council Decisions 517 and 735 have held that this means this includes setting the boundaries of episcopal areas.
5. Changes in the “number, names and boundaries” of the episcopal areas are to be “effected” (carried out”) by the Jurisdictional Conference even though the number of episcopal areas has been decided by the General Conference and the boundaries are decided by the College of Bishops. (Par. 40; Judicial Council Decision #735).
6. The determining of boundaries of annual conferences in each jurisdiction is not necessarily related to the immediate question of creating five episcopal areas where there have been six. But if annual conference boundaries were to be changed this would be done by the jurisdictional conference. (Par. 27.4). (In the Western Jurisdiction we have a standing rule creating a Committee on Conferences, to which the Jurisdictional Conference may refer matters related to conference boundaries. The Conferences Committee may then make recommendations for changes of annual conference boundaries to the Jurisdictional Conference for its consideration.
Dan Gara moved a suspension of the rules, to consider a new proposal which would include budget implications. Motion passed.
Dan Garrett Moved that an ad hoc committee be immediately appointed by the College of Bishops, reporting to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team, to investigate, evaluate, and prepare a report and plan to inform the denomination and guide the strategy of the Western Jurisdiction, and further that the JCF&A add $10,000.00 to the 2009-2012 quadrennial budget for the work of this ad-hoc committee. Motion passed.
Bob Meyers brought the JCF&A budget presentation, including the 2009-2012 budgets, and the Conference apportionments for the same period, and a report ofthe audit.
Report of Ballot 7, 60 ballots cast, 54 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 43 Stanovsky 29 Forbes 16 Kang 20 Extrum-Fernandez 22 Frank Wulf 11
The Session took a 20 minute break at 11:36 AM
Session reconvened at noon
Ballot #8 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Hoshibata, at 12:05
Dan Gara asked that the Secretary acknowledge in writing the resolution from the NE Jurisdiction which we received earlier in the session, and the body agreed.
Session was adjourned for lunch at 12:07 PM. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-25
Plenary session 4
Session reconvened at 1:35 PM with Bishop Beverly Shamana presiding.
Report of Ballot 8, 80 Ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 41 Stanovsky 30 Forbes 27 Kang 14 Extrum-Fernandez 22 Frank Wulf 11
Ballot # 9 was taken at 1:28 PM
Odette Lockwood-Stewart asked for personal privilege to: 1. Introduce and celebrate the presence of Paul Joseph Kham Dy Yang as the first Hmong ordained elder in the UMC. 2. To ask prayer for Chuck Myer, in hospice care, a member of the delegation, and Becky Goodwin, his wife, and their children. He was unable to be with us, but his love of the Church made him only ask questions about the elections when the delegation called to wish him well
Lyle Hamilton representing Intermountain, a ministry for children in Helena, MT., was welcomed to the conference by Bishop Shamana.
Bishop Shamana thanked all who were involved in planning the retirement dinner, and expressed her appreciation to Jane Tews for being the MC.
The second part of the presentation from the Theological Education and Spiritual Formation Committee: ÒCharting the Way We GoÓ was presented by Cathy Kelsey from Iliff School of Theology. The report centered around the concept of extended relationships, through new visions of connecting with minority populations, non traditional ministries, new ministry styles and strategies, and companioning with these new connections to explore new pathways for the future of the church. The suggestion of the committee is to begin to use the freedom of the Discipline to support creative new ministries which may not yet be envisioned or implemented in our “same old ways”.This may involve risking failures and trusting non traditional leadership and non traditional forms of ministry as well as credentialing standards, educational expectations, and all traditional forms of recognizing the value of new leadership.
Report of Ballot 9, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect. Hagiya 45 Forbes 34 Stanovsky 25 Kang 19 Extrum-Fernandez 11 Frank Wulf 12
Motion made to recess for 30 minutes for prayer and discernment. Motion passed, session recessed at 2:10 PM.
Session reconvened at 2:45.
Ballot # 10 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Carcaňo.
Bishop Shamana introduced Cynthia Abrams from General Board of Church and Society.
Lonnie Brooks added a nomination for the Rules Chair: Joann Hayden.She was elected. He also clarified that the names on page three of the report which were listed as a part of the pool of candidates for national committees are not necessarily elected to those positions at this time, but are only eligible to be asked to serve.
Bishop Carcaňo and Bishop Hoshibata brought the results of the previous evenings’ sharing by small groups around the issues of mission and ministry of the Jurisdiction. The following is a summary of what was collected from the groups:
What opportunities for mission and ministry does the Western Jurisdiction provide the UMC? Relationships are different here – less formal, more welcoming (based upon our pioneer heritage). Our traditions are (extravagant/radical) hospitality and congeniality. (x7) Provide a place for identity, belonging and continue to be a prophetic voice (regardless of number of Episcopal areas); inclusivity (Open means ALL); model inclusivity; each person is valued; inclusion of LGBT communities Large population of unchurched (fertile field) (x6) Page -26 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Issues of immigration; 1st, 2nd, 3rd generations (x6) We show leadership – presenting different alternatives Migrant workers, savvy farmers Culture of immigrants – at least on the coast Next generation youth now speaking English Chance to start to truly be global church with the gateway of the Pacific Rim; thinking bigger; International borders (x5) Diversity is our greatest strength Urban/rural; agricultural, technical; age-diversity; ethnicity/cultural (opportunities for language immersion); acceptance of diversity; ability to “Holy Conference” for greater good; theologically; geographically, economically; ministry settings (x5) Growing population; births and people moving here (Future of the country in the West) (x5) Great mission-giving spirit is part of our culture, including opportunities to invite children into mission activity. Missions fuels growth. VIM opportunities. Next generation – hands-on living of faith (x4) Geography and distance (x3) Unique and appeals to camper, hikers, fisher-folk and other outdoor activities A rich mission field (out the front door) (x3) Safe place – life giving, affirming, enriching. Create places that aren’t polarized; safe places to dialog (x2) Partnership of laity and clergy. Empowering laity. (x2) People willing to take a different approach (Think outside the box) (x2) Secularization of Christianity Great spiritual hunger Sense of radical openness Sense of being able to be faithful without bindings of institutional past High homeless populations in big cities Opportunity to get deeper into multi-culturalism means Ability to disagree agreeably -- allows true diversity Opportunities to nurture leadership; Young and Retiring Young Opportunities to “hook” some of these opportunities together Invitational to fellowships Using (or developing) what works; like cell groups Use resources we have New faith communities Cross conference appointments Agreements between and among Boards of Ordained Ministry Health care and pension issues – maybe pooling resources Evangelical urgency and witness Training and equipping laity Need for communication/ technology Document how we grow the church by 60,000 to help other conferences grow too To explain our faith and our values to others – Core value: togetherness without demanding same beliefs from others. Our connection is in our relationships. Less structure – less accepting of a controlling structure. Perhaps less of a hurdle than some think because of our relationships. For example: Paul had a lot of different communities and he never set out to make them all the same Revitalize churches in urban areas and provide an opportunity for people to come make a difference in prisons and cities. Modeling of starting ethnic churches. Place to show what works – has less UM history Image of foster family, instead of family that is only comfortable with itself Size forces interdependence Gift of allowing youth to be leaders, active and present at Annual Conference, etc. Testimony Street ministry for at-risk youth Strategizing how to grow the church Kids Campus Canadian mission work Unique vision Learning opportunities Seminaries Ecumenical Additional comments: Regarding boundaries: Commonwealth. Episcopal areas, not boundaries. Boundaries porous, fluid, flexible, non- geographical, but still identity based (x2) Zero Conference Budget (??) 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-27
What guiding values must be part of the conversation and planning? (Slightly consolidated) Collaborative appointment (teaching church) Affinity grouping – share, watch learn Be Christ in community Be in ministry where we need to be, not just Sunday at 11:00 WJ Leadership to whole church Focus on mission and ministry to and with people Death to bring something new (resurrection) Change is positive Learn from each other and expect to receive value from others (willingness to learn from each other) “All means all” Permeable boundaries between annual conferences Not wasting resources so that we have more clergy – some [churches?] have too many [clergy?], and some not enough. Wesleyan/UM heritage and values – 3 Simple Rules: Do No Harm, do good, stay in love with God Depends on who the voices are Value of diversity and inclusivity Be intentional Keep in mind whose work we’re about Final decision won’t be 100% acceptable to everyone Listen to everyone, even in disagreement Partnerships between clergy and lay Partnerships across conference lines/small churches across lines/large churches across lines Youth gatherings across jurisdictional lines creating relationships Sharing, not being afraid we’ll lose Something when we share – look at what’s best for the jurisdiction Connect individual members in the churches to the larger church Organizing in such a way that we plan to reach out to the rest of our communities Organize jurisdictional lines where the people are – not what’s comfortable/convenient for us Culture of risk Church members go out to work one on one with helping agencies, etc. Creating places for people to hang out Theology of abundance instead of theology of scarcity Risk takers – start from scratch – erase all the AC boundaries and begin again. Finding what makes us healthier and happier Infinite worth of every individual Not waiting for people to come to us Creating a sense of community Discipleship – following Jesus – a grounded faith Stewardship of resources Accountability for the mysteries entrusted to us A structure based on mission/ministry, rather than available Episcopal leadership Creativity in deployment of leadership
How do we empower disciple-making at the local church? Supporting pastors to live into calling (downsize – cluster for leadership and Sharing resources among/between congregations Creating communication between different ethnic congregations/building, sharing, shared facilities – value of shared and cooperative ministry Flexibility Radical hospitality and inclusiveness Seeking God’s justice and peace Mentoring as a two-way relationship [learn from each other] [those who are change agents expect to be changed] Adaptive change – change in systems, deeper for true change Lightheartedness: celebration, feel free to party: scorn of too much seriousness Realizing vision of transformation, and willingness to change, if needed to achieve Competence and excellence that doesn’t lapse into sterility and conformity but elevates to creativity Openness to working together to achieve shared vision/mission: see WJ as a village Leaders have no true authority! Growing and ability to communicate through upgraded technology Exploring ways to connect across vast distances through cutting-edge technology Amazing and untapped gifts of laity Imaginative, inspired commitments to mission Willingness to build on partnerships that are already present Including, and seeing beyond boundaries Page -28 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Authenticity and honesty — allowing people to be authentic — Eradication of “tokenism” Using new ways to connect. Keeping a commitment to broad participation in questions related to the number of Episcopal leaders. Being willing to empower groups of persons to become new faith communities. Innovative ways to share resources around the jurisdiction Lifting up young adult leaders to reshape the church
What is helpful to the mission and ministry of the Western Jurisdiction? Empower others to fill in the gaps if we’ll be functioning with one less bishop Bishop’s function – important to relate personally to the local church Mission over finance Different ways of superintending (i.e. presiding elders) Border ministries (Canada, Mexico, Pacific Rim) Issues of neglect for more remote areas within the conference/area Number of conferences – consider impact on General Conference representation “No parishioner left behind” Urban verses rural – vast membership differences in urban (percentages) Tension and balance between the bishop’s local church work and general church work – why do we send money THERE, when we need it HERE (people want to see a face from the THERE) Other expectations of the bishop (may need change) Invite the dragons to ministry Video may be a working tool in some situations. May not work for all, but for where it does work could free up Bishop’s time and travel for where it doesn’t.
WHAT VOICES MUST BE INCLUDED AT THE TABLE? Another research & development / professional group (that is not the Leadership Team) to implement our vision X 3 Younger clergy X 2 Administrative issues regarding aligning staff Responsibilities that come with a move Administrative leaders X 2 Rural and urban X 2 Large and small Ethnic Persons / Immigrants / English as a Second Language X 9 People committed to transforming the world People committed to The UMC Voices who aren’t rigid and understand adaptive change Technology experts God / Holy Spirit / Prayer X 3 Those not currently at table – people in business and secular organizations who understand organizational management Leaders of other denomination with whom we are in communion or those with whom we share cooperative parishes/ ministries Youth / Young Adults X 9 Older Adults X 2 The Poor X General Agencies Local Church Other Jurisdictions X 2 Global Church X 2 Bishops X 3 BOOM District Superintendents UMW X 4 UMM X 2 Deaconess Home Missioner Other mission personnel Bring in community members and listen: How can we serve each other? Follow through on what we hear Established power structure voices who are willing to listen to the other voices A United Methodist who has never been a member of a committee Reaching out to find those to contribute Unchurched X 3 Educators X 2 Communicators X 2 DCM X 2 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-29
GCFA / Treasurers / Finance Committees X 3 Outside church: community development Someone with success in cross-cultural ministry and church planting Frame context of the way we do ministry – efficient and effective Utilize Episcopal candidates who are not elected in other leadership Look at leadership in a different way – not expecting bishops to do it all the same Jurisdictional Leadership Team Clergy & laity from every annual conference Episcopacy Committee Committee on Conferences X 2 Pension / Benefits / Compensation X 3 Marginalized (i.e. GLBT) X 6 What about the people “working in the trenches” vs. the perceived “powerbrokers” in this process All Ages X 3 (End of report from small groups)
Report of Ballot # 10 79 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 53 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 45 Forbes 30 Stanovsky 26 Kang 18 Extrum-Fernandez 15 Frank Wulf 9
Ballot # 11 was taken, after prayer by Bishop McConnell
Frank Wulf presented the report of the Committee on Conferences.
The Committee on Conferences prayerfully began its work in 2004 with a clear mandate to explore how the Western Jurisdiction might redraw its boundaries and structure itself for mission and ministry in the 21st Century. Such an effort had not been undertaken since 1984 when the Jurisdictional Conference decided to form the Desert Southwest and California-Pacific Conferences from what had previously been the Pacific Southwest Conference. Much had changed over those two decades. The West had experienced significant shifts in the density and distribution of its populations and with these shifts came transformations of the economic, political and social landscapes. Most importantly, any illusion of cultural uniformity vanished as the West struggled to adapt to deep diversities of ethnicity, race, language, religion, age and lifestyle. By 2004, the time had clearly arrived for the United Methodist Church in the West to reconsider the boundaries it had drawn for mission and ministry in the light of the enormous shifts taking place in the wider culture. The work of the Committee on Conferences took on added urgency because of the threatened loss of an Episcopal area in the Western Jurisdiction. The Committee recognized that the Western bishops were already stretched thin by the vast geographies over which they were called to exercise Episcopal supervision. It understood that deliberations about conference boundaries needed to give significant consideration to the impact potential boundary changes might have on the bishops and their capacities for providing effective leadership to the Jurisdiction. And yet, issues related to episcopacy never became the sole or even the primary driving force for the Committee’s deliberations. Conferences are more than the bishops who give them leadership. As The Book of Discipline reminds us, they exist “to make disciples of Jesus Christ by equipping… local churches for ministry and by providing [connections] for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God.” (Book of Discipline 2004, ¶ 601) Since conferences are the primary ways United Methodists organize themselves for the work of mission and ministry in the world, mission and ministry – broadly conceived – are the central concerns that must guide all of our decisions about boundaries and structure. The Committee, therefore, focused most of its attention on exploring factors that would help conferences develop shared understandings and goals for ministry and facilitate the effective allocation of their human and material resources. It gathered a tremendous amount of data. It considered a number of different factors in the process of doing this work, all of which are listed in our written report on pages 26 to 29 of the Pre-Conference Handbook. Four distinct but preliminary proposals emerged from this research and were reported to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team in 2007. They ranged from leaving conference boundaries as they currently exist to radically redrawing them. Each of them emphasized a different set of concerns and values that are of critical importance to the Jurisdiction and its constituent conferences. Making a decision between them or other as yet undeveloped proposals will require us to engage in further clarification of our values and dreams and to make critical decisions about how we choose to commit relevant resources. Whatever path the Jurisdiction ultimately takes, the committee urges that it be carefully formulated to shape ministry that is missional, relational and incarnational. Conferences are not the same as Episcopal areas. Their values, goals and concerns transcend the tenure of the bishops who are appointed to lead them. We therefore believe that the Committee on Conferences is the body best located in the Jurisdictional structure to keep an eye on the changes in society and church that require realignment of resources and the redrawing of the boundaries we use to organize ourselves. These boundaries must never be walls of division that separate us from one another but rather lines of connection that bind us in a common ministry and mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. They must always be porous enough to allow the free flow of human and material resources as well as the unimpeded blowing of God’s Spirit. To do this, we will need to Page -30 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 explore how we change practices and structures that intentionally or unintentionally keep us apart. These include, but are not limited to, disparities in clergy compensation and benefits. This work is agonizingly complex and sometimes even controversial, but it is work that must be done. We are therefore proposing that the Committee on Conferences be continued for at least one more quadrennium. But, we also believe there is a need for re-structuring the Committee to bring all the skills, resources and voices to the table that are needed to do the job well. We are, therefore, petitioning the Jurisdictional Conference to do so. There is a need for a standing committee that meets regularly and consistently to keep an eye on developments around the Jurisdiction that impact our capacity to do mission and ministry and might suggest appropriate changes in our structures and boundaries. This committee cannot be convened only in response to perceived crises in church and society such as the current crisis over the loss of an Episcopal area. It is part of the due diligence all of us must exercise in response to the calling and responsibilities God has entrusted to us.
The Committee moved the adoption of the following Petition: Petition from the Western Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences to the Western Jurisdictional Conference meeting in Portland, Oregon, July 16-19, 2008
The Western Jurisdiction has not undertaken a sustained consideration of boundaries since the creation of the California- Pacific and Desert Southwest Annual Conferences in 1984.
In 2004, the Western Jurisdiction, through its Rules of Order and Plan of Organization chose to delegate the responsibility for studying and making recommendations concerning annual/missionary conference boundaries of the Western Juris- diction to a Committee on Conferences.
The initial impetus for the Committee on Conferences came from the College of Bishops. The Committee on Conferences met in person three times and via conference call on several occasions during the 2005-2008 quadrennium. The Committee on Conferences took its work seriously. Our work produced a sizeable body of information about demographics, geography and the state of the United Methodist Church in the West. We let all of our deliberations be guided by a concern for effective mission and ministry. Four proposals as well as the many related questions raised by our work were shared with the Western Jurisdictional Leadership Team in January 2007 in Anaheim.
The Committee on Conferences has been honored to engage in this work on behalf of our Jurisdiction. We feel there is still much work to be done. As one quadrennium ends and another begins much of the leadership in our Western Jurisdiction will change. The Western Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy will have new members and an awesome task of supporting the work of our bishops.
In light of the pressing needs for ministry and mission throughout the Western Jurisdiction; our desire to organize as strategically as possible to meet those needs; and due to General Conference 2008’s decision to reduce by one the number of bishops in each Jurisdiction and to prevent the “reinventing of the wheel,” we move the following:
1. The existing Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences shall be continued, restructured, funded, and empowered to continue its work of considering the best options for annual/missionary conference boundaries in the Western Jurisdiction; and
2. The Western Jurisdictional Conference Rules of Order and Plan of Organization be amended as follows: Article XV.a. COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCES Ð To this committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to the boundaries and names of the Annual Conferences, Provisional Conferences and Missionary Conferences within the Jurisdiction; b. The Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences shall be comprised of two members (one lay and one clergy) from each annual/missionary conference chosen by their respective delegations plus one member of each of the following bodies chosen by the respective bodies: College of Bishops, Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, Jurisdictional Leadership Team, Jurisdictional Directors of Connectional Ministries, and the Jurisdictional Council on Finance and Administration. Care shall be taken to ensure adequate representation of lay and clergy voices, as well as gender, age and ethnic diversity. Consideration shall be given to maintaining the continuity of membership from one quadrennium to the next. c. The Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences shall be in conversation with the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee and the College of Bishops, and shall submit timely reports and recommendations to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team for its consideration and input. The Committee on Conferences reports directly to the Western Jurisdictional Conference and shall submit its report and recommendations to the Jurisdictional Conference. The petition was adopted.
Bishop Shamana reminded the body that the passage of the special Sunday offering earlier must be decided by each annual conference because the Jurisdiction cannot mandate such offerings for the conferences.
Kristina Gonzalez reported for the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee, including information provided in the written report found on pages 44 and 45 of this journal. She thanked the College of Bishops, Western Jurisdiction Leadership Team, California-Nevada Conference and general agencies of the church for the success of Living our Vision, Leadership Skills for Inclusive Church, held in February 2008 in conjunction with the WJ Leadership Team meeting. Similiar cutural competency events are being planned in annual conferences of the jurisdiction, ensuring continuation of the work. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-31
On behalf of the committee, Kristina proposed legislation codifying the membership and purpose of the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee in the conference rules.
The report of the WJIECC, including the recommendation to add the Article XIX of the Western Jurisdiction Conference Rules the paragraph described on page 45 of the Journal was accepted and approved by the body.
Won Kie Kim presented the report of the Korean Mission, which is included on pages 46-48 of the Journal.
Basic Recommendations: The Jurisdiction should (1) continue the Mission for another quadrennium and (2) have the College of Bishops assign a Bishop to oversee the mission and announce this appointment at the Jurisdictional Conference at the time of the Area Assignments(-J 563.3). In addition, the Western Jurisdiction should continue the Mission with the following commitments. Purposes: - The purposes of the Mission are (1) to develop local churches among Korean Americans and (2) to nurture mission congregations and chartered churches for full participation in God’s mission through the United Methodist Church. See Attachment 1: “Chartered Churches and Self-Supporting Churches, Possibilities under Exploration, and Start-Up Ministries” and Attachment
2:ÒMission Congregations.Ó Goals for the 2008-2012: - Based on surveys and explorations with District and Conference leadership, the Mission Council proposes that the Jurisdiction start twelve new congregations. The Mission Council also proposes strengthening existing mission congregations and chartered churches so that twenty (20) more of these congregations will become self- supporting, chartered churches that participate in God’s mission through the United Methodist Church. The Mission will work with annual conferences to promote the participation of these churches and their clergy in the district and conference fellowship, training, and celebrations in ministries among children and youth, men and women, among Korean Americans and others. Participation in the United Methodist Church will also include the appointive process, interpretation of the denomination’s missionary outreach, and support for missionary outreach through appointments, advanced specials, and work projects.
Implementation through Partnership: - In order to fulfill the Purposes and Goals, the Mission will promote a collaborative approach in the Jurisdiction, Annual Conferences, and with the General Church.
In the Jurisdiction: (1) the Advisory Council of the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission will oversee the Mission and work with the (2) Mission Council Superintendent to plan, implement, and interpret the mission in order to cultivate participation and support throughout the Jurisdiction. The Mission Superintendent will continue to consult with the College of Bishops, be a member of the network of the Conference Council Directors (and their counterparts), and meet as a member of Jurisdiction Leadership Team (or any succeeding Jurisdictional body for coordination of Jurisdictional Ministries). In the annual conferences, the Mission and its superintendent will work with (a) Resident Bishops and Appointive/Expended Program Cabinets; (b) Conference and District Planning/Strategy Committees and Congregational Development Units; (c) and Conference Korean support groups (caucuses) to plan, interpret, and cultivate joint efforts to fulfill the Purposes and the Goals of the Mission. The motion passed.
Bishop Shamana announced the following Episcopal election: NC: Julius C. Trimble, Ballot #24, 6:15 PM July 18
Rachael Leader-Simeon asked to postpone the report of the Jurisdictional Leadership Team until tomorrow. It was agreed.
Molly Vetter moved to suspend the rules in order to change the rules: Delete article XV, moving points a, b, and c to Article XVI as new points. Motion Passed.
Report of Ballot #11, 80 votes cast, 54 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 45 Forbes 34 Stanovsky 28 Kang 17 Extrum-Fernandez 14 Frank Wulf 9
Devin Mauney moved that we recess for thirty minutes after the next ballot to caucus. Motion Passed
Ballot 12 was taken at 4:00 PM, after prayer by Bishop Tuell. The session was adjourned for thirty minutes. The session reconvened at 4:40 PM. Page -32 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Report of ballot 12, 80 ballots cast, 3 invalid ballots, 53 needed to elect, no election Hagiya 44 Forbes 33 Stanovsky 25 Kang 14 Extrum-Fernandez 13 Frank Wulf 14
Ballot 14 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Dew, at 4:45 PM.
The third portion of the Committee on Theological Education and Spiritual Formation was presented, by David Trickett, President of Iliff School of Theology, Fred Tiffany, president of Northwest House of Theological Studies, and Jerry Campbell, President of Claremont School of Theology.
The changes in cost and needs of theological education, and the distances to school, among other factors, have made debt from theological education a real problem for students.
Dee Dee Azhikakatz and Gary Oba presented a proposal from the committee for a plan to address the need for financial help with the cost of seminary training, and challenged the body not to be afraid of dragons.
Report of Ballot 13, ballots cast 80, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 45 Forbes 33 Stanovsky 31 Kang 14 Extrum-Fernandez 15 Frank Wulf 11
Ballot # 14 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Talbert, at 5:10 PM.
Bishop Shamana announced the assignment of Bishops in the NE Jurisdiction: Susan Hassinger, to the Albany area, she has served there for about two years since the early retirement of Bishop Susan Morrison, Markus Matthews to New York West. All others will continue in their current assignments.
Keith Hwang recognized Bob Meyers for his work as Jurisdictional Treasurer, and presented him with a gift of appreciation.
Petition to the 2008 Western Jurisdiction: TITLE: Resolution on Human Sexuality in Western Jurisdiction Submitted by: Randy Miller, California-Nevada; Josh Davies, Rocky Mountain;
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
The Western Jurisdiction, in searching its collective heart, and in responsibility to our calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, affirms the statement known as The Majority Report, adopted by the Human Sexuality Sub-Committee and the larger Church & Society II Legislative Committee of the General Conference on April 27, 2008, in keeping with Wesley’s general rules to do no harm, and to do good for the glory of God. This statement was and is a product of honest and genuine holy conferencing and represents a reflection of both grace and truth of which United Methodists throughout our connection can be proud. The spirit of this statement is clearly the heart of our future and a reflection, we believe, of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
We will follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and affirm language that communicates a more authentic and truthful representation of the United Methodist Church, acknowledging that we disagree yet all seek a faithful witness and remain in love with God and in ministry together.
A Statement on Human Sexuality as adopted by Church & Society II Legislative Committee, General Conference, April 27, 2008)
We recognize that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church, and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. United Methodists, along with other Christians, have struggled to find principles for applying traditional teachings to contemporary understandings of human sexuality.
We recognize that sexuality is part of the larger human mystery, to be received and acknowledged in grateful responsibility. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us. We deplore all 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-33 forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sexual relations, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and financially responsible. We call for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for children thus abused. We believe that the Church family should support all families in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth, and adults. We challenge all members of our community of faith to commitment, integrity and fidelity in their sexual relationships.
We know that all are God’s children and of sacred worth; yet we have been, and remain, divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Faithful, thoughtful people who have grappled with this issue deeply disagree with one another; yet all seek a faithful witness.
We continue to reason and pray together with faith and hope that the Holy Spirit will soon bring reconciliation to our community of faith. The fire in our disagreements points to a deeper human mystery than we knew. We believe that the Spirit has brought our collective conscience to acknowledge this mystery more honestly, and to make our claims with greater humility before God and our neighbors. We therefore ask the Church, United Methodist and others, and the world, to refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices as the Spirit leads us to new insight. Let us seek to welcome, know, forgive, and love one another as Christ has accepted us, that God may be glorified through everything in our lives.
RATIONALE: The 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church convened under the theme “A Future With Hope” and, beginning with the opening worship service, expressed a new and genuine spirit to move beyond some of the language of the past and affirm new language that is more faithful to witnesses from both past and current holy conferencing, as well as our Scriptural call to live the gospel in the Spirit of Christ.
The members of the General Conference Legislative Committee known as Church & Society II were prayerfully selected to represent a broad scope of faithful United Methodists, both clergy and laity and from all parts of the theological spectrum, in their task of considering petitions submitted by United Methodists spanning our global connection.
The General Conference’s Church & Society II Sub-committee entitled Human Sexuality engaged in lengthy, thorough, and genuine holy conferencing around the subject of Human Sexuality found in ¶ 161 G of the Book of Discipline.
It is our prayer that The 2008 Western Jurisdictional Conference will affirm this statement and allow us to move forward, fully embracing “A Future of Hope”. We feel it expresses a respectful middle ground in an attitude of seeking understanding and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to let this statement guide our own relationships with one another in this jurisdiction with our surrounding culture. Motion Adopted
Petition to the 2008 Western Jurisdiction: TITLE: Western Jurisdiction as a Reconciling and Welcoming Jurisdiction Submitted by: Carolyn Waters, Rocky Mountain; Ryan Russell, Pacific Northwest;
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
In the spirit of “We Will Not Be Silent” adopted by the 2000 and 2004 sessions of the Western Jurisdiction in Casper, Wyoming we continue our witness to the denomination and challenge the wisdom of recent decisions made at General Conference 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas.
We stand with our gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (glbt) brothers and sisters, both lay and clergy, who have been shunned by the United Methodist Church in polity and in deed. We stand with our leaders who must hide an essential part of who they are in order to serve the church. We stand with hope, not for the future, but for our ministry in this time, in our places where people long to be welcomed and included in our communities of faith, long to be recognized in their relationships, and long to be a part of the church at large.
We, the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church name and claim our ministries as welcoming and reconciling throughout the jurisdiction. We open our doors to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, we open our hearts to those who have been shunned, we open our minds to radical obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even when at odds with The Book of Discipline, in order to further the work of God’s justice and the creation of the beloved community.
As a Welcoming and Reconciling Jurisdiction we will take steps of inclusion in the sacred trust of marriage, ordination, and leadership roles for all.
Knowing that we are not all alike, but that we do intend to love alike, we recognize that this statement is made of courage, not agreement; this statement is made on faith, not law; and this action is taken to further the witness of The United Methodist Church, not to disregard its importance. Resolution adopted Page -34 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Petition to the 2008 Western Jurisdiction: TITLE: Western Jurisdiction in Ministry to All of GodÕs Children Submitted by: Amory Peck and Sharon Moe, Pacific Northwest Annual Conference We are United Methodists of the Western Jurisdiction of the United States. We are called to be “a home for all God’s people, gathered around a table of reconciliation and transformation.”
As the church in the midst of an area of great geographic and human diversity, God has blessed us with many kinds of differences, including diversities of sexual orientation and gender identity. We now proclaim that those diversities of gender identity and sexual orientation are good elements of God’s creation.
In particular, we affirm that many of our clergy and congregations are being called upon to witness to God’s enduring love by being in ministry with people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. We encourage all clergy, laity and congregations to be compassionate and bold in their welcome, ministry and love with all people, trusting that we, the clergy and laity of the Western Jurisdiction, do not expect our leaders to withhold ministry from anyone. We charge our clergy, laity and congregations to consider seriously the example of Jesus, who was willing to set aside religious standards of holiness in the interest of a ministry that reached out to all people.
We stand in the tension between changing laws in our some of our communities and the polity of our denomination. Some of our states recognize and honor same gender relationships with marriage or domestic partnership and forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The polity of the United Methodist Church demands that “ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”
In the midst of this tension, we declare that we will be in full ministry with all who come to us and that we will not penalize our clergy or churches for being agents of this ministry in God’s name. We ask that all those with supervisory responsibilities take this statement seriously and find creative ways to implement our intention.
Furthermore, in order to prepare for future changes in the denomination we challenge the Western Jurisdiction to train Boards of Ordained Ministries, Cabinets and Episcopal leadership to equip, empower, recruit and appoint, effective leaders to inclusive and welcoming churches and establish new inclusive and welcoming communities.
Here we stand; we can do no other. Resolution adopted
WESTERN JURISDICTIONÕS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHURCHÕS MISSION ÒMaking Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Mission of the WorldÓ
A Proposal to The Western Jurisdiction Conference, The United Methodist Church Whereas: • The 2008 General Conference stated that the mission of The United Methodist Church is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”;
• The 2000 Western Jurisdictional Conference adopted the “Western Jurisdictional Vision Statement and Organization – 2020: Our Emerging Vision,” with the first five elements focusing on:
1. Multi-cultural, Inclusive Church, 2. Churches Engaged in the Life of the Community, 3. Confident, Effective Leaders, 4. Congregations Forming Disciples, and 5. Diverse Ministry Settings (200 Journal, pp. 107-111);
• The 2004 Western Jurisdictional Conference continued its commitment to the “Western Jurisdictional Vision Statement – 2020: Emerging Vision” as the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization of the Jurisdiction (2004 Journal, pp. 95-99);
• The Jurisdiction conducted a training session, “Living Our Vision,” February 1-3, 2008, Sacramento, CA;
• The mounting presence of a variety of people within the Jurisdiction offers an exceptional opportunity to fulfill the Church’s mission; and
• Recent church growth challenges us to renew the Wesleyan tradition of persons with similar hopes and hurts gathering into small groups (classes and bands) for various functions and different span of time, and these groups were incorporated into an ever expanding connection (societies, districts, and the conference; and, seen by John Wesley, in the Church of England and a part of the Church Universal); 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-35
Therefore be it resolved:
• That the Bishops and delegates of the 2008 Western Jurisdictional Conference commit themselves to work with their respective Annual Conferences to fulfill the Jurisdictional vision and contribute to the mission of The UMC;
• That Bishops with the support of the delegates and the assistance of their Expanded Cabinets will 1. Nurture into the membership of existing UMC Churches persons in language fellowships meeting in their churches, or elsewhere, and the nurturing be done in partnership with their leaders so members will participate in The UMC through their Òprayers, presence, gifts, service, and witnessÓ;
2. Establish in all districts, with the leadership of the District Superintendents, what specific congregations with ministries in one language will become multi-lingual in their ministries, e.g., in separate or combined worship services, as well as in Sunday School classes, youth groups, Women and MenÕs meetings, counseling services, and language training programs; and will specify which congregations with ministries in more than one language will expand those ministries;
3. Work with officers of Annual Conference units to establish specific percentage of racial ethnic minority who will participate in training programs for leaders in Sunday Schools, United Methodist Youth Fellowships, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, campus ministries, as well as camping ministries for youth and worship leaders;
4. Promote with conference staff and officers partnership between local leaders and trainers in church growth, as well as with the resource persons among racial ethnic minority and national ancestry groups (Listed below, Partners in the Mission);
• That the College of Bishops and the Jurisdictional Leadership Team, and the Inter-ethnic Coordinating Committee (2004 Journal, pp 95-99) mutually support and monitor the progress in Annual Conferences at joint annual meetings, January, 2009-2012; that the Jurisdictional Council on Finance and Administration provide funds for the meetings; and that the College, Team and Committee lead the 2012 Western Jurisdictional Conference in a celebrating the growth in membership by 6,000 members. Resolution adopted
Partners in the Mission (Fellowship of Conference Directors of Connectional Ministries are asked to provide contact information in each case for the 2008 Journal.)
Black Methodist for Church Renewal, including e.g., Cal-Pac BMCR, EBONY Prophets, and the General Conference resources in Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century WJ Korean Mission and the Korean National Plan MARCHA WEST, and National Plan for Hispanic Ministries Native American Comprehensive Plan WJ Asian American Coordinating Committee and Asian American National Ancestry Caucuses (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, etc.) Asian American Language Ministry (Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Formosan, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, South Asian, Vietnamese) Pacific Islander National Ministry Plan (Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian) Additional groups as they emerge. Resolution Adopted
Report of Ballot 14, 80 Ballots cast, 54 needed to elect, no invalid ballots, no election. Hagiya 46 Forbes 37 Stanovsky 31 Kang 13 Extrum-Fernandez 11 Frank Wulf 10
Ballot 15 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Swenson, at 5:30 PM.
Report of Ballot 15, 60 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Hagiya 46 Forbes 34 Stanovsky 33 Kang 11 Extrum-Fernandez 16 Frank Wulf 10
Session was adjourned for dinner at 5:45 PM. Page -36 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Plenary session 5
Session reconvened at 7:30 PM, Bishop Warner Brown presiding.
Ballot # 16 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Jordan, at 7:35 PM.
The final portion of the report of the Theological Education and Spiritual Formation Committee was brought by Catie Coots. The committee wishes to have Board of Ordained Ministries be contacted by the Committee to help get them on board with the work of the committee and gain their perspective on how that work might support Annual Conference Boards of Ministry in their work of recruitment. The video developed by a college student member of the committee was played by request for a second time for the body, after the presentations had been made to put the graphics and visuals in proper context. Catie thanked the members of the committee for their work, and moved the legislation presented in the pre-conference handbook on pages 56-57 of the report. The report was approved.
Phil Brooks presented the budget report from JCF&A, as amended after the actions of the body earlier in the day, representing a 29% increase for the next quadrennium. The budget considered at this time is $703,900. $69,000 addition was for the communications legislation. $30,000 was to allow for an increase of delegates to the conference from 80 to 100, and the costs involved in that change. annual conference apportionments needed to be increased at a higher rate for 2010-2012 because the figures for 2009 have already been budgeted for by annual conferences based on the original budget expectations before the actions of today. The budget was accepted as recommended. Ken Ellis and Molly Vetter invited the Jurisdiction to the Cal/Pac Conference for the 2012 Conference session. Invitation accepted.
Report of Ballot 16, 8:03 pm: 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, one election. Grant Hagiya was elected
A litany of celebration welcomed Grant as a new bishop (Report of votes from ballot 16) Hagiya 54 Stanovsky 36 Forbes 23 Kang 12 Extrum-Fernandez 20 Frank Wulf 7
Ballot 17 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Swenson, at 8:15 PM.
David Valera asked personal privilege to thank the church for the pension initiative for Central Conferences, because of his work in the Philippines.
Ryan Russell reported that $405 has been raised thus far in the water bottle sales by young adults.
Motion made to list all names listed on the next ballot for the body. Motion passed.
Bob Meyers reported back to the body on a question concerning the apportionment amounts for annual conferences. The figures on an earlier paper passed out to the body today were incorrect; the ones on the last two pieces passed out before the vote on the budget this evening are also correct. Previous action on the budget stands. Budget was received and approved.
Report of ballot 17, 80 ballots cast, 3 invalid ballots, 52 needed to elect, no election.
Elaine Stanovsky 33 Janet Forbes 12 Youngsook Kang 11 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 9 Frank Wulf 3 Donna Pritchard 3 Ben Silva-Netta 2 Bau Dang 2 Sharon Ragland 1 Siosifa Hingano 1 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-37
Motion was made to recess for 28 minutes. Motion passed. Session was recessed at 8:32 PM. Session reconvened at 9:00 PM.
Motion made to add an additional 15 minutes to the break for caucusing. Motion passed. Session reconvened at 9:20 PM.
Bishop Brown announced the following Episcopal election: SC: James E. Dorff elected bishop on 23rd ballot at 10:16 pm CT July 18. Bau Dang respectfully withdrew his name as a candidate for Bishop.
Ballot 18 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Paup at 9:25 PM
Report of Ballot 18, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Elaine Stanovsky 32 Janet Forbes 22 Youngsook Kang 15 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 6 Frank Wulf 2 Donna Pritchard 1 Siosifa Hingano 2
Ballot 19 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Hoshibata, at 10:40 PM.
Ken Ellis asked for personal privilege to state that only two of the 19 Bishops elected in 1992 are still serving, Mary Ann Swenson and Sharon Rader. The Body expressed thanks for their long service.
Report of Ballot 19, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election.
Elaine Stanovsky 32 Janet Forbes 24 Youngsook Kang 13 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 5 Frank Wulf 2 Sharon Ragland 3 Siosifa Hingano 1
Sharon Ragland withdrew her name as a candidate for the Episcopacy.
Ballot 20 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Talbert, At 10:05 PM. Report of Ballot 20, 80 Ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election Elaine Stanovsky 33 Janet Forbes 23 Youngsook Kang 12 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 8 Frank Wulf 2 Siosifa Hingano 2
Motion as made for a thirty minute recess for delegation meetings. Motion passed. Session was recessed at 10:10 PM. Session reconvened at 10:40 PM.
Frank Wulf withdrew his name as a candidate for the Episcopacy.
Ballot 21 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Carca–o, at 10:50 PM.
Bishop Tuell presented a retrospective on the Conference in Palo Alto in 1980, where a record 47 ballots were taken before an election. He shared a song put together for that event based on a Gilbert & Sullivan song. (Too bad the entire lyrics did not make it into his recent autobiography)
Report of Ballot 21, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, Elaine Stanovsky 34 Janet Forbes 32 Youngsook Kang 9 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 4 Siosifa Hingano 1 Page -38 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Ballot 22 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Brown at 11:03 PM.
Report of Ballot 22, 80 ballots cast, one invalid ballot, 53 needed to elect, no election.
Elaine Stanovsky 35 Janet Forbes 33 Youngsook Kang 8 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 3
Motion was made to recess for 20 minutes for caucusing. Motion passed.
Session was recessed at 11:20.
Session reconvened at 11:45
Bishop Brown recognized Ardis Letey for her work as resident artist for the conference, especially her work on the glass cross, and communion ware at the head table.
Motion was made to recess 15 minutes for delegation meetings. Motion passed.
Session recessed at 11:60. Session reconvened at 12:10 AM.
Ballot # 23 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Tuell, at 12:12 AM.
Report of ballot 23, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Elaine Stanovsky 40 Janet Forbes 27 Youngsook Kang 9 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 3 Siosifa Hingano 1
Ballot 24 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Jordan, at 12:26 AM.
Report of ballot 24, 80 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 54 needed to elect, no election. Elaine Stanovsky 43 Janet Forbes 24 Youngsook Kang 10 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 3
Janet Forbes withdrew her name as an Episcopal Candidate.
Ballot #25 was taken, after prayer by Bishop Talbert, at 12:43 AM.
Report of ballot 25, 79 ballots cast, no invalid ballots, 53 needed to elect, one election. Elaine Stanovsky was elected at 12:52 AM A litany of celebration followed.
(Report of the ballot) Elaine Stanovsky 53 Youngsook Kang 16 Renae Extrum-Fernandez 10
The session was adjourned at 1:03 AM.
saturday, July 19, 2008 Plenary session 6
Session opened with worship at 8:40 AM, with Bishop Carcaňo presiding.
Leadership Team Kunle Taiwo presented the report of the Leadership Team. First recommendation is to disband the Conferences Committee and refer the Conference boundaries 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-39 discussion to the WJ and Episcopacy Committee. Defeated
Second recommendation was to add the chair of the WJ VIM Board to the WJ Leadership Team. Approved. Third recommendation is that the Chair of the WJ Lay Leaders Committee be added to the WJ Leadership team. Approved.
The structure of the Jurisdiction be changed so that the WJF&A is accountable to the Leadership Team as one of its servant committees or councils. Substitute motion prevailed (see below): Page 50, line 3 of the pre-conference handbook: delete the (,) and add: “and shall collaborate with the JCF&A in the preparation of the quadrennial budget recommendations. The new section would then read as follows: 3) In January of the fourth year of the quadrennium the JLT shall meet prior to and concurrently with The JCF&A at a mutually agreed upon location and shall collaborate with the JCF&A in the preparation of the quadrennial budget recommendation. Substitute motion approved.
Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez and Rev. Youngsook Kang shared a moment of personal privilege to thank the Conference for considering them as Episcopal candidates.
Episcopacy Committee Paul Extrum-Fernandez brought the report of the Episcopacy Committee.
Nominations Committee Lonnie Brooks brought the final report of the Nominations Committee. After introducing those involved in the committee during the last quadrennium, Paul reviewed some of the work of the committee through the four years, including changes in personnel during the quadrennium.
Molly Vetter moved that we direct the WJ Leadership Team to make the formulation and articulation of clear practical strategies for living into our denominational focus area, Jurisdictional Vision, and extravagant Hospitality emphasis in our local contexts, a top priority for its work. Passed.
The following Episcopal assignments are recommended: Denver Elaine Stanovsky Los Angeles Mary Ann Swenson (for a third term, 2/3 vote) Phoenix Minerva Carcaño Portland Robert Hoshibata San Francisco Warner Brown Seattle Grant Hagiya Recommendations approved
Plan of supervision was announced by Bishop Hoshibata: Alaska-Pacific Missionary Conference and Pacific Northwest Conference to the Seattle area Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Conferences to the Denver area California-Nevada Conference to the San Francisco Area Oregon-Idaho Conference to the Portland Area California-Pacific Conference to the Los Angeles Area Korean mission to be supervised by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson
Ceremonies of transition were celebrated on the floor of the Conference by the various delegations for their respective leaders.
Conference Monitor reports: Jim Gates reported on participation of 60% male to 40 % female, and that we had a 77% white and only 23 % ethnic representation in activities on the floor.
Joan Collins observed that candidates of Color were not invited by delegations as often as others.
After announcements by the Secretary, the session was adjourned at 10:10 AM
Su DeBree moved “ I move to close the eighteenth session of the Western Jurisdiction Conference of the United Methodist Church at the close of the service of consecration for our new bishops, as we move forward with boldness on the trail God blazed for us, and make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.” Motion Passed.
The Service of Consecration followed at First UMC, Portland. Session was officially adjourned following the service. Page -40 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 Snap Shots of Con fe re n c e 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-41
rePorts to the 2008
Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe
ALASKA UNITED METHODIST CONFERENCE
Lonnie D. Brooks alaska ConferenCe naMe Change At its 2008 annual conference, the entity that since its creation has been known as the Alaska Missionary Conference changed its name to The Alaska United Methodist Conference. The United Methodist Church in Alaska has historically been conscious of the call of the Gospel to be in special ministry and relationship with the indigenous people of the state. We had become increasingly aware that the word “missionary” carries negative connotations among many of the indigenous people of the Americas because of the un Christ like practices of some of the representatives of Christ of European descent who worked among them. Following preliminary discussion of the issue at the 2007 conference a committee did research and determined that when the General Conference of 1972 created the missionary conference it did not assign a name but left the conference free to choose its own name. In response to all these realities the Alaska Missionary Conference has changed its name to The Alaska United Methodist Conference, authorizing the informal use of the shortened form The Alaska Conference and the abbreviation of the name as AUMC, We respectfully request that the Western Jurisdictional Conference celebrate with United Methodists of Alaska their responsiveness to the concerns of Alaska’s Native People, and we ask the WJC to make all necessary changes in its rules and structure to accommodate the change in name. We also ask that the Western Jurisdictional Conference make every effort to use in reference to the Alaska Conference, and in all its publications as appropriate, one or the other of the approved new forms of the name.
ASIAN-AMERICAN COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Lloyd Wake
The fi rst meeting of the quadrennium was held in January, 2005. The primary agenda was “Visioning for this Quadrennium”. The priorities were: * Developing new Indochinese congregations in Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, and San Francisco Bay Area * Cross-cultural and cross-racial training * Educate and re-educate about importance of connectionalism * Increase inclusiveness within Coordinating Committee by seeking representation from Oregon and Washington At a later meeting of the Committee, developing and strengthening Filipino ministries were added to the list of priorities. Responding to the priorities, “cross-cultural and cross-racial training”, a consultation was held in Seattle, Washington on March 23, 2006. The invitation was sent to all Asian American pastors and non-Asian pastors serving Asian American churches in the Pacifi c Northwest and Oregon-Idaho Annual Conferences. Sixteen pastors from PNW and four from Oregon-Idaho were present. The vast input from participants was collated under three areas of concern: * Cross Racial/Cross Cultural Appointments. * Shared Facilities/Shared Ministries. * Starting Asian American Churches and Congregations. Results and recommendations to address these concerns were sent to Bishops, Cabinets, Directors of Connectional Ministries, Inter-ethnic Ministries Committees, New Church Development Committees. Several social justice issues were addressed: * Participated in a Fact Finding Team to the Philippines on Extra-judicial Killings of the Cal-Nevada Conference with fi nancial support and endorsing Chairperson Michael Yoshii as a member of the team. * Sent letter of commendation to Congressman Mike Honda for his criticism of Prime Minister Abe for denying the Japanese government’s role in sexual slavery during World War II. * Sent condolence letter to all who lost their lives in the tragic event at Virginia Tech Institute on April 16, 2007, and called for healing of the suffering caused by the senseless and violent act. Page -42 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
A consultation was held on January 31, 2008 in Hayward, California with all jurisdictional delegates to discuss Jurisdictional Conference concerns, including episcopacy issues. A Convocation on Asian American Ministries was held in the Epworth United Methodist Church of Portland, Oregon on July 15, 2008. The Committee Officers Chairperson: Rev. Michael Yoshii, Alameda, California Vice Chairperson: Rev. Christine Xavier, Walsh, Colorado Secretary: Bau Dang, San Diego, California Annual Conference/Regional chairperson or representative Cal-Nevada: Ms. Laddie Galang, Pittsburgh, California Cal-Pacific: Rev. Judith Portinga, Los Angeles, California Pacific Northwest: Rev. Allan Ocampo, Seattle, Washington Oregon Idaho: Rev. Kwang Sheog Oh, Lake Oswego, Oregon Hawaii District: Ms. JoAnn Yoon Fukumoto, Honolulu, Hawaii Sub-Ethnic Caucus chairpersons or regional representative Chinese: Rev. Matthew Chong, Temple City, Los Angeles Filipino: Rev. Tony Ubalde, Vallejo, California Formosan: Rev. William Chou, Albany, California Indochinese: Rev. Phu Xuan Ho, Anaheim, California Japanese: Rev. Gary Oba, Claremont, California Korean: Rev. Nak In Kim, Granada Hills, California Ex-officio: Bishop Wilbur Choy, Seattle, Washington Bishop Robert Hoshibata, Portland, Oregon Bishop Roy Sano, Oakland, California Rev. Grant Hagiya, Los Angeles, California Rev. Keith Hwang, Pasadena, California Rev. Youngsook Charlene Kang, Greenwood Village, Colorado Rev. Won Kie Kim, El Segundo, California Rev. Mariellen Sawada-Yoshino, Fresno, California Rev. Ben Silva-Netto, Chico, California Rev. David Vallera, Des Moines, Washington Rev. Lily Villamin, Lakewood, California Staff: Ms. Inday Day, Brewster, New York Consultant: Ms. Kathy Thomas-Sano, Washington, D.C. Consultant and financial officer: Rev. Lloyd Wake, San Francisco, California CONFERENCES, COMMITTEE ON
Frank Wulf
The Constitution of the United Methodist Church gives each jurisdiction the power to determine the boundaries of its annual conferences but does not specify the particular process to be followed in doing so. The Western Jurisdiction has chosen through its Rules of Order and Plan of Organization to delegate the responsibility for studying and making recommendations concerning boundaries to a Committee on Conferences. That committee has met in person or by phone on several of occasions during the 2005-2008 quadrennium. The initial impetus for the Committee on Conferences to meet during this quadrennium came from the College of Bishops. The 2004 General Conference had established a Committee to Study the Episcopacy and asked it to consider changes to the formula used for allocating episcopal areas to the jurisdictions. There was a very real possibility that that Committee would recommend a formula to the 2008 General Conference that would result in the loss of at least one episcopal area in the West. The College worried that this loss would exacerbate the difficult problems of episcopal supervision already caused by West’s expansive geography. The Denver Area was an important case in point. It had historically proven to be too large and unwieldy for a single bishop to provide the ongoing ministry of presence necessary for maintaining the vital sense of connectionalism essential to United Methodism. Episcopal leadership in the West was already spread too thinly; the possible loss of an episcopal area would dilute it even further. Since episcopal areas always consisted of one or more annual/missionary conferences, it had become crucial that the boundaries of these conferences be drawn in a way that facilitated episcopal effectiveness and mitigated the problems posed by the potential loss of episcopal leadership. Many of the issues raised by the proposed reduction in the number of bishops did not come directly under the purview of the Committee on Conferences. Questions about episcopal effectiveness and workload and concerns about the assignment of episcopal areas clearly belonged with the College itself or with the Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy. It was, however, clear that the time had arrived for the Jurisdiction to give serious consideration to the question of boundaries for reasons above and beyond concerns related to the episcopacy. Changes in the demographic, economic and social realities of the western United States compelled the Committee on Conferences to ask how annual conference boundaries might be re-drawn to facilitate the larger mission, ministry and unity of the United Methodist Church in the West as well as addressing the problem of persistent membership decline. While the redrawing of boundaries would not provide a magical solution to the problems facing the West, a change in boundaries could have a significant impact on how we allocated human and financial resources, how we focused our imagination and energy on solving problems and embracing opportunities, how we defined our church culture in relationship to the larger cultures 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-43
around us, and how we established disciple-making communities that were capable of transforming the world. From the beginning, the Committee on Conferences focused its work on how best to draw boundaries to facilitate mission and ministry in the Jurisdiction. The Committee identified several factors that needed to be taken into consideration in any effort to redraw annual conference boundaries: 1. General population figures and expected changes to them over the next 10 years; 2. The number of United Methodists living in particular regions and their capacity for supporting annual conferences; 3. Geographical distances in relation to required traveling times; 4. Cultural and racial diversities; 5. Trading and affiliation patterns (i.e., where people naturally go for medical care/hospitalization, shopping, education, etc.); 6. The logistics and costs involved in making boundary changes; 7. Potential reductions to the number of episcopal leaders in the West; 8. Enhancing the opportunities for bishops to be fully present to their assigned areas. These factors informed the various proposals that the Committee considered and ultimately brought to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team for consideration. Above all, it sought ways for shaping a United Methodist ministry in the West that was missional, relational and incarnational. The Committee considered the possibility of leaving conference boundaries as they currently were in addition to developing three distinct alternatives for redrawing those boundaries in significant ways. Each of the proposals approached the question of boundaries from a different angle. The proposal to retain current conference boundaries looked at the disruption that might be caused by trying to change a structure that already worked nominally well. It asked whether the time and energy required to make changes might not be better spent exploring how to make the Jurisdiction more effective in ministry and mission. A second proposal sought, given the constraints listed above, to remain as true as possible to U.S. state borders. It considered the importance of maintaining a consistent United Methodist presence within established political and cultural regions. A third proposal paid careful attention to issues of geographical size and distance. It focused on minimizing the land area covered by particular annual conferences in an effort to facilitate ease of communication and access to conference resources. The fourth proposal approached the drawing of conference boundaries from the perspective of cultural zones and trading areas. It paid attention to the psychological boundaries that people establish for themselves in the daily living of their lives as they make decisions about where to shop, receive medical care, catch planes, or seek an education. It was a model similar to that used by American businesses in determining marketing and advertising strategies. Each of these proposals has both strengths and weaknesses. Making a decision to adopt one of them or to adopt an alternative proposal will require a further clarification of our values and our dreams as well as a commitment of relevant resources. Whatever direction the Jurisdictional Conference chooses to go in relation to boundaries, the Committee has identified a number of areas of concern that need to be considered as we move into our future. Most importantly, we must explore ways of making our boundaries more permeable than they have been in the past. We believe that the future of United Methodism in the West will depend in large measure on our capacity for viewing these boundaries as lines of connection rather than barriers. To make our boundaries more permeable will require us to explore some or all of the following options: 1. Cross-conference sharing and joint coordination of resources and staff; 2. Employing jurisdictional staff persons to do some of the work currently being done in the annual conferences; 3. Coordinating more ethnic/culture-specific ministries that transcend conference boundaries; 4. Enhancing communication across conference lines; 5. Increasing opportunities for cross-conference appointments; 6. Creating a common Jurisdictional health care plan to eliminate disparities in benefits between conferences; and 7. Finding ways to establish equity and comparability in pastoral compensation and benefits packages across the Jurisdiction in order to facilitate cross-conference moves. While these tasks are not part of the mandate given to the Committee on Conferences, they are crucial issues that will have to be addressed whatever boundaries the Jurisdiction ultimately chooses for itself. Let me close this report by addressing the proposal coming from the Leadership Team to amend the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization in order to eliminate the Committee on Conferences as a standing committee of the Jurisdiction. The Committee discussed this issue at length in a recent conference call. We believe that a decision to transfer the responsibilities of the Committee on Conferences to the Committee on Episcopacy would not be in the best interests of the Jurisdiction. On the one hand, we do not believe that the Committee on Episcopacy has the time or resources to take on these added responsibilities. Their plate is already quite full with the responsibilities that have been assigned to them by The Book of Discipline. The current Committee on Conferences has taken four years to grapple with the complexities associated with the setting of boundaries. We are hopeful that the Jurisdictional Conference will see fit to allow those of us who are able to continue our work to completion during the coming quadrennium. On the other hand, we are convinced that the work of determining annual conference boundaries should remain separate from the work of setting episcopal areas or arranging plans for episcopal supervision. The Constitution of the United Methodist Church gives the College of Bishops responsibility for arranging “the plan of episcopal supervision of the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and missions within their respective territories.” (¶48. Article IV) The Book of Discipline gives the Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy responsibility for recommending “boundaries of the episcopal areas and the assignments of bishops.” (¶522.2.b) The constitution gives responsibility for determining the boundaries of annual conferences, however, to the Jurisdictional Conference itself. (¶27. Article V.4) The Western Jurisdiction has chosen to Page -44 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 fulfill this responsibility by referring “all matters pertaining to the boundaries and the names of the Annual Conferences, Provisional Conferences and Missionary Conferences within the Jurisdiction” to a Committee on Conferences. That committee is charged with submitting its report and recommendations for action directly to the Jurisdictional Conference. (Rules of Order and Plan of Organization, Article XV.a) The boundaries of episcopal areas and plans for episcopal supervision are clearly related to and in some ways dependent upon the boundaries of annual conferences. Nevertheless, they are not the same. The Book of Discipline defines the Annual Conference as the basic body of the United Methodist Church. (¶ 33. Article II) Though annual conferences are supervised by bishops, they engage in mission and ministry that have an importance and an integrity in and of themselves and do not derive from the episcopal office. The Committee believes that the boundaries of annual conferences ought therefore to be determined based on the missional needs and goals of the Jurisdiction and that the process for setting them should, to a great extent, remain independent of the College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy. While dialogue and cooperation between these bodies will always be crucial, they operate with different focuses and have different primary concerns. Annual conferences and episcopal areas are related bodies, but they are not the same and should not be confused. We therefore recommend that the Jurisdictional Conference not adopt the proposal coming to it from the Leadership Team. The Committee is grateful for the opportunity it has been given over the last quadrennium to serve the Jurisdictional Conference in the work of exploring annual conference boundaries. We humbly submit our work to the Jurisdiction in the hopes that it will help move all of us forward in the great work we have been given to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Western Jurisdiction Committee on Conferences: The Rev. David Beckett (Alaska Missionary Conference) Mr. Larry Powell (Desert-Southwest Annual Conference) The Rev. Dan Morley (Desert-Southwest Annual Conference) Ms. Katherine Kim (California-Nevada Annual Conference) The Rev. Dale Weatherspoon (California-Nevada Annual Conference) Mr. Ken Ellis (California-Pacific Annual Conference) The Rev. Frank Wulf (California-Pacific Annual Conference) Ms. D. Joan Collison (Oregon Idaho Annual Conference) The Rev. Donna Pritchard (Oregon Idaho Annual Conference)
Ms. Barbara Dadd Shaffer (Pacific Northwest Annual Conference) The Rev. Mark Williams (Pacific Northwest Annual Conference) Mr. Philip Cardin (Rocky Mountain Annual Conference) The Rev. Melanie Rosa (Rocky Mountain Annual Conference) Mr. Ralph Zimmer (Yellowstone Annual Conference) The Rev. David Burt (Yellowstone Annual Conference)
INTER-ETHNIC COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Kristina Gonzalez
2005-2008 Quadrennium The room is lined with Tapa cloth and woven mats. The banquet tables are heavy with fruit, fish, taro root and roasted pig. The bishops of the jurisdiction are bedecked in brightly woven mantles that connote positions of honor. The voices are big, melodious and true from a deep tradition of sung worship. This is the scene at Centennial United Methodist Church in Sacramento at the opening celebration of Living Our Vision, Leadership Skills for an Inclusive Church. This 2.5 day cultural competency training was produced by the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee in partnership with the College of Bishops, General Board of Church and Society and General Commission on Religion and Race, with outstanding support from the California-Nevada Conference. The skills-oriented event combined formal training and assessment with an opportunity to talk honestly about issues of race, ethnicity and culture in the context of the church. Dr. Mitch Hammer, internationally known interculturalist and conflict negotiator was keynote speaker, assisting participants in understanding intercultural conflict styles and the developmental stages of cultural competency. Dr. Hammer interpreted the group results of the Intercultural Development Inventory, a tool for predicting the general orientation of individuals or groups to cultural difference. Rev. Keith Yamamoto of the Kaleidoscope Center for Leadership in a Diverse, Changing World presented tools developed by Rev. Eric Law, Episcopal priest, author and multiculturalist. The event ended with multiple opportunities for participants to talk with one another in Open Space Technology, a self-directed facilitation method. The Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee is charged with producing one or more consultations during the quadrennium to further the work of an inclusive church. Living Our Vision fulfilled this mandate, and represented the passion of this committee and that of the 2000-2004 quadrennium. Support of the bishops was key to attracting a diverse and committed audience. Approximately 150 persons participated in the event. Evaluations were positive. One person wrote: Thank you for planning this and executing it so well. I have learned much and am eager to take these learnings to the pastors and congregations in our conference. I also know that I need to continue my own learning. In addition to producing Living Our Vision, the committee met in person and by conference call. Meetings of the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-45 offered opportunities for leadership of racial/ethnic caucuses and annual conferences to share information and learnings, and identify common challenges in ministry with racial/ethnic communities. The committee addressed issues at all levels of the church. It sent a letter of concern to the Judicial Council regarding the ruling of the 2004 General Conference combining the Native American Comprehensive Plan and the National United Methodist Native American Center (NUMNAC). It submitted four pieces of legislation to the 2008 General Conference as a means of supporting struggles of oppressed peoples in the United States and abroad. The committee supported the leadership development work of the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission. It requested to be informed of the significant work of standing committees of the jurisdiction to ensure broad representation of diversity in decision-making. The Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee identified barriers to further development of racial/ethnic and multicultural worshipping communities in the United Methodist tradition. Issues include difficulties with shared facilities situations; lack of preparation of congregations and pastors for cross-cultural appointments; absence of representation of racial/ethnic persons in leadership, and in particular racial/ethnic women; dearth of racial/ethnic clergy leadership from all cultures; absence of intentional recruitment strategies for young leadership, particularly those who might be called to the ordained ministry. The Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee worked closely with the Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group (IESDG), a national body with a similar mission. During Jurisdictional Conference, the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee provides a facilitator from among its members to convene the Inter-Ethnic Caucus. This is a facilitation role only; the committee does not advocate for individual Episcopal candidates. Rather, it provides a forum where jurisdictional delegates and observers can talk together about future leadership of the church. The committee discovered that it is not mentioned in the rules of the jurisdiction, and submitted legislation to the 2008 Jurisdiction Conference to include in the rules a scope of work and description of membership of the Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee.
The Leadership Team – Kristina Gonzalez, Rev. LLC Hammond and Rev. Tweedy Sombrero – wish to thank Rev. Keith Andrew Hwang for his staff support, Robert Meyers for his support as WJ Treasurer, the jurisdiction for its commitment to diversity, the College of Bishops for its leadership for an inclusive church, and the committee for it diligence during the quadrennium. It is a privilege to serve the Western Jurisdiction. Respectfully submitted, WJIECC Leadership Team
RECOMMENDATION NO. 1 Add the following paragraph to Article XIX of the Western Jurisdiction Conference Rules of Order and Plan of Organization. c. There shall be an INTER-ETHNIC COORDINATING COMMITTEE. 1.) Duties: a) Provide a forum for persons working in racial/ethnic ministries to share information, ideas and models of ministry across conference boundaries; b) Monitor responses to and implementation of the various ethnic ministry plans of the general church in the annual conferences; c) Assist in staging a quadrennial consultation and any other events as needed to address issues pertinent to continuing development of racial/ethnic and multicultural ministries; d) Make recommendations to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team regarding future work toward an inclusive church; e) Provide a needed communication link throughout the Western Jurisdiction; f) Other work as needed. 1 2.) Membership to include: a) Jurisdictional Caucus Chairs and Staff or designated representative from each racial/ethnic caucus; b) Annual Conference Staff with major responsibility for racial/ethnic ministries and Annual Conference Chair/or designated representative of the agency with a major racial/ethnic ministries portfolio; c) Representative from the College of Bishops d) Other Jurisdictional Racial/Ethnic Staff (for example, Korean Mission Superintendent) e) Designated Annual Conference Director of Connectional Ministries as staff support. 3.) The College of Bishops will convene the committee during the first year of the quadrennium, preside over election of officers and assist with membership changes throughout the quadrennium.
Explanation: the 1980 Jurisdictional Conference established The Western Jurisdiction Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee. Its general purpose and membership was revised through a report to the 1996 Jurisdictional Conference. Inclusion in the rules removes ambiguity of purpose and membership and removes the need for the committee to research and rely on the historical record.
Respectfully submitted, Kristina Gonzalez, Chair, Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Commitee Page -46 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 KOREAN MISSION
Won Kie Kim
HISTORY The 1984 General Conference directed the General Board of Global Ministries to create Jurisdictional Korean Ministries. Following up on that directive, the 1988 Western Jurisdiction Conference created a Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission (“Mission”) for two quadrenniums. The Jurisdictional Conference assigned Bishop Jack Tell to oversee the Mission. The Mission Council, in turn, selected the Rev. Kwang Jin Kim as its Mission Superintendent. In 1992 Western Jurisdiction Conference assigned Bishop Roy I. Sano as the Supervising Bishop of the Korean Mission after Bishop Jack Tuell’s retirement. In the first two quadrenniums, the Mission started 44 new congregations in the Western Jurisdiction. In the light of the contributions of the Mission and the need to continue the Jurisdiction’s outreach, the 1992 Western Jurisdiction Conference decided to continue the Mission for two more quadrenniums, subject to review at the 2000 Jurisdictional Conference (see 1996 Western Jurisdiction Conference Journal, pp 64-67). In 1996 the Western Jurisdiction Conference affirmed the vision and the objectives of the Mission and invited the Rev. Dr. Won Kie Kim to serve as the Mission Superintendent. Later, the 2000 Jurisdictional Conference assigned Bishop Mary Ann Swenson as the Supervising Bishop of the Mission. In 2004 the Western Jurisdiction Conference approved its vision and objectives to continue for another quadrennium (see 2004 Western jurisdiction Conference journal, pp 71-73). In the recent two quadrenniums, seven (7) of the mission congregations were chartered as United Methodist Churches. The following report is provided for the purpose of this quadrennial review.
ACTIVITIES, 2004-2008 The Mission and its Mission advisory Council Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Won Kie Kim, have worked with the College of Bishops, the Jurisdictional Council on Ministries, the Jurisdictional Leadership Team, as well as the General Church Boards and Agencies. The Mission sponsored four major Mission Convocation and Leadership Training Seminars (“Convocation”). These Convocations were held in Lake Tahoe of Nevada, Maui of Hawaii, Seattle of Washington, and Los Angeles of California. The purpose of these programs was to empower and equip both pastors and lay leaders to become more effective in their ministries. These Convocations also provided opportunities to train and educate congregations about their responsibilities to support and participate in the work and mission of the General Church. In partnership with District and Annual Conference leadership, the Mission started twelve new (12) congregations from 2004 to 2008. The Mission presently oversees thirty five (35) mission congregations. Ten (10) of the mission congregations no longer rely on outside financial assistance. In addition, the Mission has worked with the Korean Methodist Church. As part of that collaborative working relationship, the Korean Methodist Church generously hosted in Korea several groups of visiting leaders of the United Methodist Church from the United States. By providing an immersion experience, these trips were valuable in helping the United Methodist Church leaders better understand the background of Korean-American immigrants. These trips also helped build partnerships in mission between the United Methodist Church and the Korean Methodist Church. In the spirit of that partnership, Korean Methodist clergy in the United States have participated in fellowships, retreats, and consultations with Korean American United Methodist clergy.
RECOMMENDATIONS Basic Recommendations: The Jurisdiction should (1) continue the Mission for another quadrennium and (2) have the College of Bishops assign a Bishop to oversee the mission and announce this appointment at the Jurisdictional Conference at the time of the Area Assignments(-J 563.3). In addition, the Western Jurisdiction should continue the Mission with the following commitments. Purposes: - The purposes of the Mission are (1) to develop local churches among Korean Americans and (2) to nurture mission congregations and chartered churches for full participation in God’s mission through the United Methodist Church. See Attachment 1: “Chartered Churches and Self-Supporting Churches, Possibilities under Exploration, and Start-Up Ministries” and Attachment 2:“Mission Congregations.” Goals for the 2008-2012: - Based on surveys and explorations with District and Conference leadership, the Mission Council proposes that the Jurisdiction start twelve (12) new congregations. The Mission Council also proposes strengthening existing mission congregations and chartered churches so that twenty (20) more of these congregations will become self-supporting, chartered churches that participate in God’s mission through the United Methodist Church. The Mission will work with Annual Conferences to promote the participation of these churches and their clergy in the District and Conference fellowship, training, and celebrations in ministries among children and youth, men and women, among Korean Americans and others. Participation in the United Methodist Church will also include the appointive process, interpretation of the denomination’s missionary outreach, and support for missionary outreach through appointments, advanced specials, and work projects. Implementation through Partnership: - In order to fulfill the Purposes and Goals, the Mission will promote a collaborative approach in the Jurisdiction, Annual Conferences, and with the General Church. In the Jurisdiction: (1) the Advisory Council of the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission will oversee the Mission and work with the (2) Mission Council Superintendent to plan, implement, and interpret the mission in order to cultivate participation and support throughout the Jurisdiction. The Mission Superintendent will continue to consult with the College of Bishops, be a member of the network of the Conference Council Directors (and their counterparts), 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-47 and meet as a member of Jurisdiction Leadership Team (or any succeeding Jurisdictional body for coordination of Jurisdictional Ministries). In the Annual Conferences, the Mission and its Superintendent will work with (a) Resident Bishops and Appointive/Expended Program Cabinets; (b) Conference and District Planning/Strategy Committees and Congregational Development Units; (c) and Conference Korean support groups (caucuses) to plan, interpret, and cultivate joint efforts to fulfill the Purposes and the Goals of the Mission. In the General Church, the Mission will work collaboratively with the General Board of Global Ministries, and as necessary, with other Boards and Agencies, as well as the National and Jurisdictional, and Conference networks of Korean American congregations and clergy. Budget: The Jurisdiction will support the Mission in the following ways. See details in Pre-Conference Reports, “Budget, Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission, 2009-2012.” The Korean Mission has cleared the previous deficits from the California-Pacific Annual Conference, expecting the surplus from this fall. See Attachments 3: “Western Jurisdiction Leadership Seminars and Mission Concerts” and Attachments 4: “Financial Aids to the Mission Congregations from the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission Office.” Attachment 1: Start-Up Ministries (2004-2008): 1. Bellevue Korean United Methodist Church, Bellevue, Washington 2. Guam Korean United Methodist Church, Guam 3. Kauai Korean United Methodist Church, Kauai, Hawaii 4. Kona Korean United Methodist Church, Kona, Hawaii 5. Kapolei Korean United Methodist Church, Kapolei, Hawaii 6. Jesus Town Korean United Methodist Church, Honolulu, Hawaii 7. Santa Clarita Korean United Methodist Church, Santa Clarita, CA 8. San Ramon Korean United Methodist Church, San Ramon, California 9. Hesperia Korean United Methodist Church, Hesperia, CA 10. Immanuel Korean United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, California 11. Zion Korean United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado 12. Mustard Seed Korean United Methodist Church, Las Vegas, Nevada
Possibilities under Exploration (2008-2012): 1. Las Vegas, Nevada 2. Federal Way, Washington 3. Phoenix/Flagstaff, Arizona 4. Bakersfield/Stockton, California 5. Temecula/Murrieta/Santa Ana, California 6. Salt Lake City/Ogden, Utah 7. Idaho Falls/Boise/Moscow, Idaho 8. Eugene/Medford/Salem, Oregon 9. San Rafael/Santa Rosa/Redding, California 10. Davis/Merced/Modesto, California 11. Boulder/Fort Collins/Grand Junction, Colorado 12. Cheyenne/Jackson/Casper, Wyoming Chartered Churches and Self-Supporting Churches (2004-2008): 1. Cho-Un Korean United Methodist Church, Sacramento, CA 2. Fremont First Korean United Methodist Church, Fremont, CA 3. Fresno Korean United Methodist Church, Fresno, CA 4. Calvary Korean United Methodist Church, Hawaii 5. St. LukeUMC /Immanuel Korean United Methodist Church 6. Joosarang Korean United Methodist Church 7. Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, Ontario, CA 8. Thousand Oaks Korean United Methodist Church, Thousand Oaks, CA 9. Santa Clarita Korean United Methodist Church, Santa Clarita, CA 10. Korean United Methodist Church, Tucson, Arizona Attachment 2: Mission Congregations Alaska Missionary Conference 1. Anchorage Korean UMC, Anchorage, AK California-Nevada Annual Conference 2. Fresno Korean United Methodist Church, Fresno, CA 3. Cho-Un Korean United Methodist Church, Sacramento, CA 4. Fremont First Korean United Methodist Church, Fremont, CA 5. San Ramon Korean United Methodist Church, San Ramon, CA 6. Love Korean United Methodist Church, Marysville, CA California-Pacific Annual Conference 7. Hesperia Korean United Methodist Church, Hesperia, CA 8. Arlington Korean United Methodist Church, Arlington, CA 9. Euclid Korean United Methodist Church, Ontario, CA 10. Brea Korean United Methodist Church, Brea, CA 11. East Light Korean United Methodist Church, Glendale, CA 12. Emmanuel Korean United Methodist Church/St. Luke UMC 13. Joosarang Korean United Methodist Church/ El Monte UMC 14. Pacific Korean United Methodist Church, Pasadena, CA 15. Rock Korean United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, CA 16. Torrance Korean United Methodist Church, Torrance, CA 17. Garden Grove Korean United Methodist Church, Garden Grove, CA 18. Vista Korean United Methodist Church, San Marcos, CA 19. Santa Clarita Korean United Methodist Church, Santa Clarita, CA Page -48 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
20. Thousand Oaks Korean United Methodist Church, Thousand Oaks, CA 21. Bethel Korean United Methodist Church, Santa Maria, CA 22. Jesus Town Korean United Methodist Church, Honolulu, HI 23. Calvary Korean United Methodist Church, Honolulu, HI 24. Kapolei Korean United Methodist Church, Kapolei, HI 25. Maui Korean United Methodist Church, Maui, HI 26. Kauai Korean United Methodist Church, Kauai, HI 27. Kona Korean United Methodist Church, Kona, HI 28. Guam Korean United Methodist Church, Guam Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference 29. Grace Korean United Methodist Church, Portland, OR Desert Southwest Annual Conference 30. Tucson Korean United Methodist Church, Tucson, AZ 31. Arizona Korean United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ 32. Mustard Seed Korean United Methodist Church, Las Vegas, AZ Rocky Mountain Annual Conference 33. Pueblo Korean United Methodist Church, Pueblo, CO 34. Zion Korean United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs, CO Pacific Northwest Annual conference 35. Olympia Korean United Methodist Church, Olympia, WA 36. Bellevue Korean United Methodist Church, Bellevue, WA 37. Federal Way Korean United Methodist Church, Federal Way, WA Attachment 3: “Western Jurisdiction Leadership Seminar and Mission Concerts”
Leadership Seminars: 1. 2004 Lake Tahoe Leadership Seminar Date: August 24-27, 2004 Place: Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, Nevada Participants: 170 2. 2005 Maui Leadership Seminar and Mission Concert Date: August 30-September 2, 2005 Place: Maui Korean United Methodist Church, Maui, HI Participants: 270 3. 2006 Seattle Leadership Seminar and Mission Concert Date: August 29-September 1, 2006 Place: Holiday Inn at Sea-Tec Airport and Des Moines United Methodist Church, Des Mines, WA Participants: 240 4. 2007 Los Angeles Leadership Seminar and Mission Concert Date: August 27-30, 2007 Place: Los Angeles Korean United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, and Marriott Hotel Participants: 250 5. 2008 Kauai Leadership Seminar and Mission Concert Date: August 25-38, 2008 Place: Aloha Beach Hotel, Kauai, HI Participants: Mission Concerts: 2005 Maui Korean United Methodist Church, Maui, HI Christ United Methodist Church, Honolulu, HI 2006 Bellevue First United Methodist Church, Bellevue, WA First United Methodist Church, San Diego, CA Victorville United Methodist Church, Victorville, CA Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, Santa Clarita, CA Wilshire United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, CA Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church, Thousand Oaks, CA Christ United Methodist Church, Honolulu, HI 2007 Los Angeles Korean United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, CA Hesperia United Methodist Church, Hesperia, CA Oakland Korean United Methodist Church, Oakland, CA Pueblo United Methodist Church, Pueblo, CO Korean American United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs, CO 2008 Cho-Un Korean United Methodist Church, Sacramento, CA Fresno Korean United Methodist Church, Fresno, CA Korean United Methodist Church of Santa Clara Valley, San Jose, CA Hesperia Korean United Methodist Church, Hesperia, CA Wilshire United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, CA Pueblo First uUnited Methodist Church, Pueblo, CO Community College Performing Art Center, Kauai, HI Kapolei High School Theater, Kapolei, HI Attachment 4: Financial Aids to the Mission Congregations from the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission Office 1. Mission Aid Funds from the Korean-American Communities 2004 $75,395.00 2005 $193,218.00 2006 $195,650.00 2007 $116,193.00 2008 2. Mission Aids Funds from GBGM: U M Council of Korean-American Ministries Santa Clarita Korean United Methodist Church, Santa Clarita, CA: $40,000.00 Korean-American United Methodist Church of Guam, Guam: $40,000.00 Bellevue Korean United Methodist Church, Bellevue, WA: $40,000.00 Kapolei Korean United Methodist Church, Kapolei, HI: $40,000.00 Jesus Town Korean United Methodist Church, Honolulu, HI: $10,000.00 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-49 MARCHA WEST
Nanette Martinez
Marcha West, the Hispanic/Latino caucus of the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church is best described in it’s mission statement:“As Christians we are called by God to know Christ and make Christ known, Marcha-West will promote and enable Hispanic ministries in all conferences of the Western Jurisdiction.Ó More specifically, Marcha West’s purpose includes some of the following: a) Networking with congregations, caucuses, groups; b) Research and assessment of needs and resources for use in leadership development; c) Assist in facilitating cross-conference Hispanic clergy appointments; d) Promote recruitment of Hispanic young adults for all areas of church ministry; e) Advocate for and inform of Hispanic ministry needs with annual conferences, the W. J. agencies, and the College of Bishops; and f) Assist Hispanic ministry groups in the WJ better relate to the UMC general boards and agencies to secure needed resources; and, g) Collaborate with MARCHA, the national UMC Hispanic/Latino caucus, other UM groups, ecumenical groups, movements, coalitions, caucuses and networks on behalf of Hispanic issues, needs and concerns
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE QUADRENNIUM 1. September 27-30, 2005: NON-HISPANIC CLERGY CONSULTATION This was a major event held at Ocean Park, Washington. Marcha West initiated the plans for this event with support secured from the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries. It was well organized with principal guidance and support by staff and financial resources from the OR/ID AC and the Pacific NW AC and the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries. It was the first Western Jurisdiction-wide attempt for training of Non-Hispanic church leaders in doing ministry with Hispanics. 2. April 28-30, 2006: TRAINING EVENT IN LODI CALIFORNIA This was a focal consultation for Marcha West during this quadrennium for several reasons: • A change in the chairmanship with new adjustments in leadership style. • Location of this consultation was at the Salem Hispanic UMC in Lodi, California. This facilitated the attendance of some new members and church leaders for the first time. • It was an event which included workshops led by Hispanic church leaders who are actually practicing what they shared in evangelization, communications, leadership training for laity, computerized ESL classes, and worship. • It was well attended with over 40 persons registered and others who participated at different times. During this Quadrennium Marcha West has experienced the effects of changing leadership which has included the retirement of some key leaders and the participation of some pastors and laity who are not as familiar with the organizational structures of the annual, jurisdictional and general sections of the church.
OUR MAIN FOCUS FOR THE NEXT QUADRENNIUM A. We need to recruit a group of key leaders from different conferences to help to plan training events. This group will be a task force to will help organize these events. This group can create a module or pamphlet that summarizes this information, so that it becomes available to all conferences. We can prepare a proposal that can be submitted to the Board of Discipleship or other board that can help to fund these events. We need to prepare and equip people with the tools they need to be in mission. We need to investigate what conferences and what the jurisdiction is doing. This information can be disseminated in our web-page, through e-mails, and other means of communications. B. We need to create a lay missionaries training to enable them to seed and revitalize new churches. C. We need to identify youth leadership and plan to create an event where we invite the youth and their pastor on how to empower them in areas of need. D. We will provide a Workshop for Pastors who are new to the United Methodist Church, either because they have come from another denomination or have recently migrated from another country in Latin America. Annual Conferences in the West, because of the shortage of Hispanic/Latino United Methodist trained pastors, are recruiting from outside our church or outside the US. We have seen several situations which such appointments end up in crisis that affect the local churches and create difficult situations for Bishops and Cabinets. It is our observation that these pastors are not adequately train to function within a Church like our with a complex structure and polity. Those who come from other countries have to deal also with the culture shock and even simple things we take for granted have become problems that take time and money to fix at a later time, for example, filing income taxes in a timely basis. Also many pastors form other denominations have difficulty understanding the United Methodist Ethos and therefore unable to relate to other colleagues or function within a hierarchical system. This workshop will seek to address these issues and facilitate their acculturation and make their ministry within our church.
WE ARE NOT ALONE! We are a vital part of the membership in the Western Jurisdiction and we exist as a Hispanic Caucus to help the Western Jurisdiction continue being a racially inclusive entity and a powerful example for all its member United Methodist churches. Page -50 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 NATIVE AMERICAN COMMITTEE
Tweedy Sombrero
The Native American Committee this year looked at how it can support the International Native American Caucus as we geared up for General Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas. We worked closely with the caucus to see what resolutions can be deleted and which ones could be continued. On top of retaining certain resolutions, we also looked at new petitions that would be coming before the General Conference and how we can be visible in support of all the new petitions. There were two petitions that needed to pass, that will affect native people. One of them was the Sand Creek Mas- sacre. This petition was asking that the General Church recognize the atrocity that was committed in the name of Christ. There was a Methodist Lay Pastor that led the massacre against old men, women and children in the early morning, the bodies of the Cheyenne - Arapahoe people were desecrated and left to rot in the midday sun. The National Park Service is willing to put forth some funds to establish a monument in the place of this massacre so people will know what happened and the Cheyenne Arapahoe people will be justified in the recognition. We are very pleased that the General Conference passed this piece of legislation with a $50,000 to go with the funds the National Park Service will put forth. The General Commission on Christian Unity will be working with the National Park Service on this monument. The second piece of legislation that was passed was the Healing Relations petition. In the next upcoming General Conference, the General Commission on Christian Unity along with other church entities will be working on a worship service to bring a formal apology to Native people. It is time for the church to recognize its part in desecrating Native people and start working on healing relationships. There were other important pieces of legislation that were passed but these two that were mentioned were the most important pieces. We thank the church in finally recognizing the steps that will move all of us forward together and not separately.
PROGRAM & ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE
Susan Hunn ÒForward on the Trail God BlazedÓ ÒWhen I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didnÕt drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders.Ó Psalm 119:59-60, The Message. The trail was blazed to Portland, with a mandate from WJC 2004 to be good stewards of our environment and sensitive to the needs of people. We were pleased to find that The Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center fulfilled that requirement in three ways: o Portland is a living wage city o The Doubletree Lloyd Center is an award-winning “green” hotel o All conference venues can be reached by public transportation on MAX, the city’s light rail God blazed a trail of art, as Lynda Sprecher organized an inspiring liturgical art show featuring the works of people from throughout the Western Jurisdiction. Coordinated by Kama Hamilton Morton and Laura Jaquith Bartlett, worship services took a long, careful look at God’s ways, providing inspiration and grounding for the journey. There was no foot-dragging among the gifted and hard-working Local Arrangements Committee from the Oregon-Idaho Conference. Under the leadership of the “A Team”—Art Kayser and Arvin Luchs—the committee took care of all the details, from MAX passes to meal tickets, pages to tellers, planning the candidates’ meet and greet dinner and coordinating site arrangements at 1st UMC. Thanks to the creativity, energy, expertise and footwork of all Local Arrangements Committee members! Steve Sprecher represented the Episcopacy Committee, who again offered candidate forums where delegates were able to meet and dialog with episcopal nominees, and worked with Norma Farris and Louis Chase to arrange the retirement dinner. Quick to offer their gifts, Greg Nelson applied his technical wizardry to audio-visual needs, Karen Oliveto oversaw the myriad displays, Judy Hill handled media relations, Daniel Foster was responsible for courtesies, Joanne Hayden monitored rules changes and JoAnn Yoon Fukumoto coordinated meeting rooms. Elected officers were Susan Hunn, chair; Daniel Foster, vice-chair; and Laura Jaquith Bartlett, secretary. Support and expertise provided by Conference Secretary Keith Hwang, Conference Treasurer Bob Meyers and local area staff Scott Harkness were much appreciated!
RULES COMMITTEE
Jo Anne Hayden
LEADERSHIP TEAM PROPOSAL Proposed Amendment to the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization of the Western Jurisdictional Conference, as found in the Seventeenth Session Journal on pages 108 through 111. (Rules of Order and Plan of Organization found on page 87 of this journal) All references in the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization to the Council on Finance and Administration shall be changed to the Committee on Finance and Administration. Reverse the order of Articles XIII and XIV, which will provide that the article creating the Leadership Team will precede the article creating the Council, now to be Committee, on Finance and Administration. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-51
Change the language of the two articles as herein indicated:
Article XIII XIV Ð Jurisdictional Council Committee on Finance and Administration There shall be a Jurisdictional Council Committee on Finance and Administration, hereinafter called JCFA, to which shall be referred all matters relative to the financial affairs and positions of the Western Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church. The JCFA is amenable to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team and shall advise the JLT on the resource potential of the annual and missionary conferences of the WJC and what the WJC budget should be . a. Membership – One clergyperson and one layperson from each episcopal area in the Jurisdiction shall be chosen by the area delegation. The treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio member. No person receiving salary funded in whole or in part from jurisdictional funds shall be eligible for membership on JCFA. b. Term of Office – The JCFA shall assume its responsibilities at the close of the regular session of the Conference and shall serve until the adjournment of the next regular session. c. Vacancies – Vacancies which occur during the quadrennium shall be filled by the remaining members of the JCFA, upon nomination of the College of Bishops. d. Duties – 1) Take responsibility for all matters relative to the financial affairs and position of the Western Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church including, but not limited to the following: a) Administrative and program expenses of the special and regular sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference and its councils and committees. b) All programs for the support of any Jurisdictional council or committee established by the Jurisdictional Conference which involve apportionments to the local churches, other than or in addition to those adopted by the General Council on Finance and Administration. c) Any other Jurisdictional program involving expenditure not included in the regular apportionments of the established boards and institutions of the church within the Jurisdiction.
2) Consider requests in the intervals between sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference from Jurisdictional Boards or other Jurisdictional institutions or enterprises for inauguration or conduct of campaigns for funds. Such requests must receive the approval and consent of three-fourths of the members of JCFA before such a campaign may be conducted.
3) Nominate the Conference Treasurer. The JCFA shall have authority to fill a vacancy in the office of treasurer “ad interim”.
4) The JCFA shall have the ledgers, accounts, and financial statements of the Jurisdictional Conference in the custody of the treasurer audited within one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the fiscal quadrennium as defined by the current Discipline.
5) The JCFA shall recommend to the JLT a per diem and travel allowance to be paid to regular delegates attending the sessions of the Western Jurisdictional Conference. Any delegate residing outside the bounds of the Jurisdictional Conference shall be compensated for expenses from a central point within the annual or missionary conference from which she or he may be elected, or from the bounds of the Jurisdictional Conference, which ever she or he may choose.
6) Budget recommendations to the JLT Jurisdictional Conference: a) The JCFA shall make a diligent effort to secure full information regarding all conference interests, that none may be excluded, neglected or jeopardized. The JCFA shall invite those Jurisdictional Conference councils, committees, and agencies desiring to secure funding support to present such proposals to the JCFA not later than the first meeting of the JCFA prior to the Jurisdictional Conference. Those agencies requesting funds may appear before the JCFA to present their requests; all JCFA meetings on such matters shall be open to all interested parties. b) Receive recommendations of the JLT regarding the budget asking of the Jurisdictional Conference agencies as they relate to program. c) b) Subsequent to the receipt and due consideration of funding proposals and requests, the JCFA in consultation with the JLT shall prepare a proposed budget and recommend its adoption submit it to the Jurisdictional Conference JLT or recommend procedures to secure such interests, in so far as, in its collective judgement, such funds are available or may be asked. d) c) The JCFA shall recommend for adoption, after thorough and documented study and investigation, to the JLT Jurisdictional Conference, the following: A. The basis or formula upon which apportionments – the financial amount assigned to the Annual and Missionary Conferences required to support the Jurisdictional Conference budget – shall be applied. B. The amount to be apportioned to each Annual and Missionary Conference for the ensuing quadrennium.
7) The JCFA shall receive within six months after the end of its fiscal period a copy of the quadrennial (or annual) audit report of each agency which receives funds from the Jurisdictional Conference. Page -52 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
8) All funds remaining in the budget of the conference at the end of the quadrennium shall become an addition to the General Operating Reserve Fund. The JCFA shall authorize any expenditures from this fund, providing requests related to program areas shall first be recommended by the JLT.
Article XIV XIII Ð Jurisdictional Leadership Team There shall be a Jurisdictional Leadership Team, hereinafter called the JLT, in accordance with the current Discipline. a. Purpose It shall be the purpose of the JLT to carry out the tasks assigned to it by the Jurisdictional Conference. The Council JLT exists to enable: 1) Ministry in areas where effectiveness requires initiation and/or implementation at a level beyond annual conference structures. 2) Constituencies having unique needs that require programs across annual conference lines. 3) Those programs where effectiveness requires coordination between annual conferences and the General Boards and Agencies and/or among Annual Conferences. b. Membership Ð 1) There shall be 25 27 voting members as follows: a) 16 elected members – it is recommended that 5 of the 16 shall have served during the previous quadrennium b) Active Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction c) President of the Jurisdiction United Methodist Men d) President of the Jurisdiction United Methodist Women e) President or representative of the Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries f) President of the WJC Committee of Lay Leaders of Annual Conferences g) Representative of the WJC Volunteers in Mission
2) There shall be 5 non-voting members as follows: a) President of Jurisdictional Council Committee on Finance and Administration b) Chairperson of Program and Arrangements Committee c) Chairperson of Congregational Development Committee d) Chairperson of Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee e) Coordinator or designate of Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries
3) The 16 elected members shall be nominated by the Committee on Nominations and elected by the Jurisdictional Conference. It is recommended that the elected membership shall consist of, as closely as possible, one-third laymen, one- third laywomen and one-third clergy persons.
4) Included in the elected membership shall be two persons from each Conference in the Western Jurisdiction.
5) Consideration shall be given to inclusiveness and balance.
6) Vacancies on the JLT in category b. 1) a), occurring during the quadrennium, shall be filled by the College of Bishops upon recommendation of the Jurisdictional Nominating Committee. c. Organization Ð 1) After its election, the JLT shall be convened no later than January 15 following the closing of the regular Jurisdictional Conference by a bishop designated by the College of Bishops. 2) The JLT shall serve until the adjournment of the next regular session of the Jurisdictional Conference. 3) In January of the fourth year of the quadrennium, the JLT shall meet for programmatic planning prior to and concurrently with JCFA at a mutually agreed upon location. 4) The JLT shall be funded in the regular budget of the Jurisdictional Conference. d. Responsibilities Ð 1) In addition to the responsibilities necessarily implied in the statement of purpose in part a) of this article, the JLT shall receive reports and recommendations from JCFA and the program bodies of the WJC and shall consult with other bodies WJC such as, but not limited to, the College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy. 2) Give due consideration to the recommendations of the JCFA and to the missional needs and objectives of the WJC, the JLT shall propose to the WJC a budget along with other recommendations as it chooses.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF ORDER AND PLAN OF ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE, AS FOUND IN THE SEVENTEENTH SESSION JOURNAL ON PAGES 111 THROUGH 113.
All references in the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization to the Committee on Conferences are to be deleted and the duties formerly assigned to that committee are to be assigned to the Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy.
Change the language as indicated: 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-53
Article XV Ð Committees and Council Chosen by Area Delegations There shall be the following committees and councils which shall be composed of one clergyperson and one layperson from each episcopal area to be elected during a joint meeting of the delegation from the conferences composing each episcopal area. The meeting shall be convened by the Bishop of the area or an appointed representative after the election of the delegation and no later than by the conclusion of the first meeting of the delegation following the start of Jurisdictional Conference. a. COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCES – To this committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to the boundaries and the names of the Annua l Conferences, Provisional Conferences and Missionary Conferences within the Jurisdiction, and it shall submit its report and recommendations to the Jurisdictional Conference. b. a. COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS - 1) Membership – In addition to those elected by the area delegations, the Conference Secretary and Treasurer shall serve ex-officio. 2) Term – Members shall begin their term at the close of the session at which they are elected and serve through the end of the next regular session of the conference. 3) Duties – a) Set place of meeting of the Conference in accordance with Article IV of the Constitution of the United Methodist Church unless otherwise ordered by the Jurisdictional Conference. b) Make all necessary arrangements for the program and entertainment of the conference. c) See that all items of business required by the Discipline are brought to the attention of the Jurisdictional Conference, and to determine the order of their presentation. d) Consider all requests regarding the introduction of official visitors, the extension of privileges of the platform or of the floor of the conference and other courtesies of the conference to those to whom it is due, and any matter of personal privilege affecting the comfort or personal interest of the delegate to the conference or the comfort or convenience of the conference. Any delegate may submit to this committee what the delegate considers a question of privilege relative to the business of the conference. The committee shall determine whether the matter so submitted is or is not a privileged question. Matters approved as constituting Questions of Privilege shall be reported and acted on each day immediately after the report on the Journal. e) Examine the instrument of business and daily proceedings and report to the Conference. f) Prepare and present resolutions of appreciation at the closing session of the Conference. g) Set time and place for meeting of all committees and councils for the purpose of organization, unless otherwise specified, at the site of the Conference. 4) Sub-Committees – a) Rules – The Program and Arrangements Committee shall serve as the Jurisdictional Rules Committee. b) Local Arrangements – The Local Arrangements Committee shall be constituted by the host Bishop and shall take responsibility for all matters relating to the local arrangements for the Conference under the guidance of the Program and Arrangements Committee. c. b. JURISDICTIONAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (See Article XIII for details of membership/duties.)
Article XVI Ð Committees Chosen by Conference Delegations There shall be the following committees which shall be composed of persons chosen by the conference delegations in the manner prescribed as follows. The names of the persons shall be submitted to the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary no later than one-week following the adjournment of General Conference. a. COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS 1) Membership – The committee shall be composed of a delegate from each Annual and Missionary Conference. 2) Duties – This committee shall receive matters of dispute pertaining to the credentials of any delegate and shall make recommendations of resolution to the Jurisdictional Conference. b. COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY 1) Membership – a) The committee shall be composed as provided in the current Discipline and shall serve throughout the quadrennium as defined by the current Discipline. b) No persons shall serve on the Committee on Episcopacy and the Committee on Nominations at the same time. 2) Duties – a) This committee shall fulfill the provisions as required by the General Conference in passing on the character and official administration of the bishops of the Jurisdiction, and report its findings to the Jurisdictional Conference for appropriate action. b) The committee shall recommend to the conference the location of episcopal residences and the assignments of the effective bishops for the ensuing quadrennium. c) To this committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to the boundaries and the names of the Annual Conferences, Provisional Conferences and Missionary Conferences within the Jurisdiction, and it shall submit its report and recommendations to the Jurisdictional Conference. Page -54 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF ORDER
Article II (Order of Business Ð page 101) Rule 5. Presiding Officer. d. Upon recognition of a delegate, and before the delegate speaks, the presiding officer shall ascertain and distinctly announce the delegate’s name and the Annual or Missionary Conference of the delegate.
Article III (Duties and Privileges of Delegates Ð page 101) Rule 8. Recognition. When a delegate desires to speak to the Conference, the delegate shall rise at his/her assigned seat, respectfully address the presiding officer and, after recognition, proceed to the nearest microphone or other designated place. The delegate will announce their name and their Annual or Missionary Conference as a preface to addressing the Conference.
Article V (Motions and Voting Ð page 103) Rule 17. Voting. c. 3) The detailed vote by delegations shall be published in the instruments of business, the daily proceedings and the Journal.
Article XVI (Committees Chosen by Conference Delegations Ð page 113) c. 2) b) The Committee shall nominate one member from each conference to the General Council on Ministries and to each of the General Program Boards The Committee shall nominate Jurisdictional representation from among the conferences to General Program Boards as specified by General Conference in the current Discipline as guided by the Secretary of the General Conference. c) The Committee shall apportion the total Jurisdictional representation on the following agencies among the conferences of the Jurisdiction in direct proportion to the sizes of their respective Jurisdictional Conference delegation s: General Board of Pensions General Board of Publications General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns General Commission on Communications General Commission on Religion and Race General Commission on Status and Role of Women No Conference shall have no fewer than two nor more than six members elected by the Jurisdictional Conference to the total member-ship of these agencies. The Committee shall nominate apportioned Jurisdictional representation from among the conferences to the general agencies in direct proportion to the sizes of their respective Jurisdictional Conference delegations and as specified by General Conference in the current Discipline as guided by the Secretary of the General Conference. Working within the parameters of the current Discipline, in as much as possible, no conference shall have fewer than two nor more than six members elected by the Jurisdictional Conference to the total membership of the general agencies.
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND MINISTRY, COMMITTEE ON
Catie Coots
Preface The Western Jurisdictional Committee on Theological Education and Ministry (WJCTEM) was given the task to reflect and advise on issues of leadership facing the United Methodist Church in general and the Western Jurisdiction in particular. We seek to recognize what God is already doing in Western U.S. cultures and to identify how The United Methodist Church may use its resources to join the work of God both inside and beyond traditionally religious structures. The issues surrounding leadership, the changing nature of the church, and the spiritual needs of a postmodern culture are complex and require careful navigation. Foundational religious assumptions, once at play in the general population, no longer resonate with a growing number of people. With the changing nature of ministry in the 21st century, we need to recruit, engage and train clergy and laity to respond to a culture that is deeply interested in spirituality and yet suspicious of organized religion and its various expressions of religiosity. WJCTEM is aware of the need to hold in balance the deployment of clergy and laity to traditional congregations and other vital ministries; at the same time, we realize the need to invest in new expressions of ministry that are relevant to the emerging culture, ministry that speaks to generations born and raised outside of faith communities who lack basic religious knowledge and yet have very active spiritual imaginations that seek nourishment and expression. Though we cannot expect the 21st century pilgrim to simply conform to United Methodism, Wesleyan theology is well positioned to speak into the creative spiritual realm of postmodernity. Wesley’s paradoxical theology, holding opposites in tension and discovering truth that emerges from the tension, speaks to the growing need for a moderating spiritual voice in a time of religious and political polarity. Wesley responded to the changing needs of the culture and determined to take ministry to the people. Our Wesleyan heritage inspires us not only reach out to, but stand within, the emerging culture.
In response to these needs and issues, the WJCTEM has given particular attention to six key areas: 1) new skill sets for 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-55 emerging models of leadership, 2) attracting younger people to professional ministry, 3) creative models for additional forms of ministry, 4) the financial cost of seminary education, 5) alternative routes to congregational leadership, and 6) Exploring varieties of Theological education that enable formation for effective ministries. Each of these areas contains subsets that further expand the individual topics. For example, different ministries require different particular skill sets. Church Planters, Rural ministries, Urban ministries, Emerging ministries, Campus pastors, etc. share common attributes and yet each ministry requires a particular set of skills not common to all. Attracting younger people to ministry includes a wide variety of issues related to the Methodist system itself: Episcopal appointments, itinerancy, and the long process of ordination. These issues are far beyond the committee’s responsibility and yet we include these concerns in hopes of adding our voice to others calling for serious reflection on the system itself. Alternative routes to ministry continue to be an option for a growing number of people exploring ministry. The Course of Study and other alternative forms of theological preparation do not always deal with the emerging needs articulated above. The WJCTEM realizes the complexity of each of the five major areas and the limitations that we face in addressing them within the quadrennium. The following report reflects the initial findings and action of the committee. The task is great; however, each member of the committee brings a deep level of commitment and passion to the issues we face in the Western Jurisdiction and the entire United Methodist Church.
Background: Enabling Legislation in 2004 At the 2004 Jurisdictional Conference, our committee was asked to pursue 12 Objectives: 1. to discuss leadership formation in the Wesleyan tradition including call to ministry, vocational discernment, and practice of ministry; 2. to identify new models of leadership to meet the changing needs of our churches; 3. to facilitate increased conversation and coordination among the theological schools in the jurisdiction and to strengthen the partnership with the annual conferences; 4. to support the role of congregations and campus ministry in recruitment, leadership development and theological education; 5. to project the future needs of the jurisdiction in the area of Licensing School/Course of Study program; 6. to assess and analyze issues and trends in the recruitment, training, support, and deployment of ethnic lay and clergy leadership; 7. to share and create models for support and training during the probationary period (e.g. Residence in Ministry program) and early post-graduate training (c.f. par 326 in 2004 Book of Discipline; 8. to propose standards, give guidance and other resources for the on-going continuing education and spiritual formation of clergy, including physical wellness and self-care; 9. to make suggestions to and encourage the annual conference Orders in their fulfilling of the functions outlined in par 307 of the 2004 Book of Discipline; 10. to strategize around the issues of financial support for students engaged in theological education and for the seminaries in the Western Jurisdiction; 11. to evaluate, recommend policy, and advocate for the promotion and fair distribution of MEF funds; 12. This body shall have the ability to seek funding in support of initiatives endorsed by the College of Bishops. As our committee began our work, we were aware that trying to accomplish all 12 objectives gave both an incredible breadth to our work and depth. There were times when we were not sure we were making progress. But out of the conversations, we were able to coalesce around several target areas, which cover much of the breadth of the original objectives, and several approaches that we believe will further help with both the breadth and the depth. These approaches and target areas are described in the paragraphs following but the key things are: 1. to promote a Culture of Call, 2. to work on fundraising for theological education throughout the west, 3. to sponsor a gathering of theological schools in the west and to work on the delivering systems of theological education, 4. to work with Western Jurisdictional Boards of Ordained Ministry, 5. to work on fostering new forms of ministry.
We also want to work with Orders in our jurisdiction, Boards of Laity, and to meet with young clergy so we can better address various needs. We know the coordinated use of technology in the west, could be a critical aspect of helping the theological schools be more collaborative, help reduce costs, increase our ability to promote change in the Jurisdiction, and help our Annual Conferences work more strategically together.
Culture of Call One target area is promoting a Culture of Call. In days gone by, local churches understood and took pride in recruiting new leaders within their membership. As our denomination has aged, not only have we recruited fewer younger leaders, but we often don’t properly support those that God lifts up for present and future leadership. It is crucial that we recreate within each local church an environment where all kinds of leaders are lifted up, both for ordained and lay leadership. It is equally crucial that we rekindle the desire to support our new leaders emotionally and financially, making sure both lay and ordained leaders get the training that will help us address the needs of this new millennium. We propose beginning a Jurisdiction-wide campaign to promote the Culture of Call throughout the Western Jurisdiction.
Jurisdictional Financial Support We specifically need to address the financial challenges seminary students face with debt so much as to “embarrass themselves” and the extreme financial pressure on our theological institutions and seminaries. Therefore, we are proposing: Page -56 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
1. Develop an Adopt a Seminarian program and encourage every church as a mission project to provide some level of financial support to a seminarian in their conference. 2. Take a Jurisdiction-wide special day offering on Call Sunday to be used for seminary scholarships within the Western Jurisdiction. 3. Evaluate the possibility of developing a quadrennial special apportioned fund to establish a revolving scholarship/ grant fund for use in encouraging the theological education of future leaders in the church. 4. Encourage conference Boards of Ordained Ministry to use existing MEF funds in a consistent and comprehensive manner to promote theological education. 5. Continue to evaluate the possibility of establishing an endowment, working with the foundations and endowments of the Western Jurisdiction.
Delivering Theological Education In the Western Jurisdiction, our geography provides particular challenges for individuals to come to the specific campuses of theological institutions, whether for Course of Study or for the Master of Divinity. It is vital that we develop delivery systems for theological education that utilize advancing technologies. It is equally vital that we develop ways to make theological education more available and accessible within the jurisdiction. Working together as a jurisdiction, we can provide distance learning that will address a variety of needs, both for the variety of training and schooling that each regional area needs, but also allow our theological institutions other venues in which to fulfill their calling. We need to find concrete and significant means to support efforts already begun by our United Methodist institutions such as Iliff, and Claremont as well as the Northwest House of Theological Studies to address these needs. Our means for accomplishing this will begin with a consultation of all the theological institutions within our Jurisdiction that are willing to work together, and collaborate and coordinate, to increase the ability of students to be able to access a variety of institutions to increase and improve their learning. We imagine that this will also mean that our Annual Conferences will need to be better coordinated technologically, in communication with the College of Bishops, as well as through the tech advisors of each conference.
Boards of Ordained Ministry In our assigned task of addressing leadership needs, no organization in the church is more fundamentally important in feeding that leadership stream that the Board of Ordained Ministry. As we look at what different leadership styles are needed in this new age, and the new forms of ministry in which we need to be en- gaged, what standards and process the Boards of Ordained Ministry follow will have a key impact. While much of that process and standards are provided through the Book of Discipline, every Annual Conference in the West has different ways in which we both interpret and flesh out that process. While this is in constant change both within our Annual Conferences and with what is provided through the General Church, there is still a way in which things seem to stay the same. We propose to have two gatherings of officers of the Boards of Ordained Ministry. The first will have some leader- ship provided by Gil Rendle. As part of that gathering, the individuals Boards will make some choices about changes for the future. There will then be a follow-up gathering to reassess those changes. By gathering our Annual Conference Boards of Ordained Ministry together, we both have the opportunity to provide some stellar leadership, and to help one another make the changes needed so we can move in new directions.
New Directions We live in an age where the church needs to leave our buildings and step out to meet people where they are. This means helping pastors develop new skill-sets, re-envisioning the Ordination process, and how we define what is “church.” We will begin with a consultation with our Boards of Ordained Ministry, and set specific time-bound goals for how to make changes both as specifically legislated at General Conference, but also those things that are in the spirit of the legislation. This will mean looking at the process itself, envisioning what kind of leaders our churches need, and working with our theological institutions to provide those leaders. At Jurisdictional Conference, you will be hearing a presentation that will describe more of what we have done and what we propose doing. We hope you will give it your earnest attention, and decide to support this transformational effort.
WJCTEM Legislation Proposal Western Jurisdictional Vision Statement: A home for all God’s people, gathered around a table of reconciliation and transformation. The Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church is multicultural and inclusive, engaged in the life of its communities, with confident and effective lay and clergy leadership who, in diverse ministry settings, form disciples who live out the Good News of Jesus as global citizens. Proposal: We are asking this body to authorize the following: 1. Continuation of our committee for another quadrennium, 2. With funding provided by the Jurisdiction, in order to meet and to: a. host several events on the Jurisdiction’s behalf, and b. send promotional and fundraising materials to local churches. Rationale The Western Jurisdictional Committee on Theological Education and Ministry was formed at the Western Jurisdictional Conference in 2004. The general goal was to: dialogue, strategize, promote and generate initiatives for laity and clergy around issues of recruitment, leadership development and theological education in the context of our unique ethos as UM in the WJ. We had 12 objectives. In our written report, and in our presentation, you will see what we have done and what we have yet to do. We need four more years in order to meet the Jurisdiction’s original objectives. In addition, in order to move forward in our work, we need to host gatherings and to prepare material for the use of local churches in each Annual Conference and our Alaska Missionary Conference around issues of recruitment and how to promote a culture of 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-57 call within our Jurisdiction. Membership Nominated by the College of Bishops, there will be representation from each Annual Conference, the UM theological schools, and extension houses, one Bishop designated by the College. We will also coordinate with the General Board of Higher Education, Division of Ordained Ministry, inviting participation in our meetings, and sending reports.
Meetings and Officers The Committee will elect it’s own Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Local Arrangements Coordinator. They will meet 6 times during the Quadrennium. They will host a gathering of theological institutions in the west. They will host 2 gatherings of officers of the Boards of Ordained Ministry of each Annual Conference, with the addition of 2 representatives from Alaska Missionary Conference. They will have individuals on the committee make visits around the Jurisdiction to Orders meetings and to meet specifically with young clergy; they will also discuss how to interact specifically with Boards of Laity and other agencies around the issue of promoting the development of lay leadership. Accountability: The Committee works primarily under the direction of the College of Bishops, and will give regular reports to the Conference Leadership Team. They will also coordinate with Mary Ann Moman and GBHEM. Finances: are included as part of the Western Jurisdiction CFA Budget Submitted by: Western Jurisdictional Committee on Theological Education and Ministry; Included on the committee over the quadrennium: Jerry Campbell, John Campbell (Vice-Chair through 2007), Bonnie Chandler-Warren, Catie Coots (Chair), William Dew (Bishop assigned by the College of Bishops), Renae Extrum-Fernandez, Cathie Kelsey, Soomee Kim, Paul Kottke, Jeffrey Kuan, Steven Lewis, Dee Dee Azhikakath Lombardi, Gary Oba, Peter Perry, Fernando Santillana, Debbie Schmidt, Craig Strobel, Fred Tiffany, David Trickett, Maka Vao, TOWN & COUNTRY
Donald A. Ford
The issues still remain: time, distance and money. How do we, as a Jurisdictional Committee, fulfill our mission: The mission of the WJT&C Network is to value ministries in town and country churches and communities, and to nurture and advocate for vitality in those settings. Over the past four years we have met twice. We gathered at Brighton, CO to renew relationships, talk of T&C Ministries in the Conferences that were represented, discuss ways to enhance ministries in those settings and to offer a work shop on the National Town & Country Comprehensive Plan using the Action Guide. The gathering featured Carol Thompson from the GBGM Town & Countries office who presented the plan and offered a mini course on the Action Plan. Folks from around the area were invited and included clergy and lay. They came from as far as 200 miles with over 20 churches represented. Members from the Committee, learned how to present the plan to others and then were challenged to return to their AC’s to present the plan there. The idea that best represented our mission was to establish an email network, Jurisdictional wide, and use it to convey information, ministries and to “keep in touch.” Our second meeting occurred in October, 2007 at the Alton Collins Retreat Center in Oregon. Four AC’s were represented. This meeting focused on T&C issues that were going to be brought before the General Conference and how we could support those issues. The Committee chose to follow the lead of the Untied Methodist Rural Fellowship (UMRF). They had prepared petitions, an advocacy team, and were to have a strong presence at Ft. Worth for the General Conference. The main issue was voting rights for Local Pastors and Associate Members. The result of that effort at GC was a Constitutional Amendment that goes before the Annual Conferences in 2009 to add that Local Pastors who have completed the Course of Study, Associate Members and Provisional Members may vote for the clergy representative to GC from among the Elder candidates. The Chair of the WJT&C has attempted to have at least one representative from each AC attend the gatherings. Even though names were submitted by the Bishops of the ACs, a full representation was not fulfilled. Again the National Comprehensive Plan was discussed and methods, techniques and motivation came forth to encourage each AC to present the Plan to their AC. The Plan is a result of eight years of planning and preparation and is the most useful tool for ministries in T&C settings to enhance effective ministries in those places. “Planting Seeds in Every Place” was the theme at GC and the WJT&C Committee was well represented and contributed to the First ever Saturday morning T&C celebration. The WJT&C Committee intends to meet again in January, 2009 to review the efforts in each AC since the last meeting.
URBAN MINISTRY NETWORK
Nancy Butterfield
The goal of the Western Jurisdiction Urban Ministry Network is to facilitate resource and empower the turning around and/or planting of 100 congregations in the Western Jurisdiction. This quadrennium the Urban Ministry Network held meetings in the Cal-Pac, Cal-Nev, Desert Southwest, and Pacific Northwest Conferences, with a representative on the steering committee from all seven Annual Conferences in our Jurisdiction. The network also held a jurisdictional training event for urban practitioners with a focus on small churches, at the Echo Park UMC in Los Angles, California. Bishop Mary Ann Swenson opened the training with worship. Trainers included, Rev Kelvin Sauls, from the General Board of Discipleship, Rev James Conn, former urban strategist for Cal-Pac and Rev Grant Hagiya, district superintendent, Cal-Pac. Members of the Western Jurisdiction Urban Ministry Network also worked with the Page -58 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
National Urban Strategy Council and the General Board of Global Ministries on Urban Ministry legislation to the 2008 General Conference. The new Disciplinary language dealing with the “use of sale proceeds from urban church property” (Discipline Paragraph: ¶2548.7 championed in the local church committee by Alan Jones) was approved along with the approval of the revised “Holy Boldness Plan: Pathways to Transformation 2009-2012. The focus of the Western Jurisdiction Urban Ministry Network is Reclaim- Revive- Reveal! Rebuilding the Beloved Community in Our Urban Centers. The mechanism is a retooled Urban Academy, designed to fit the context of the Western Jurisdiction. Working with a Global Ministries trainer, our goal is for each Annual Conference to design and implement an Urban Academy for their area needs. Due to the large geographical area of the Western Jurisdiction, it is often difficult for constituents to attend meetings and trainings. We are therefore looking into the possibility of holding four conference calls per year that would focus on diverse Urban Ministries topics to allow more practitioners in the Western Jurisdiction, the opportunity to participate in the network without the cost of travel and lost time from their ministries. Thanks to Diane Johnson of the General Board of Global Ministries for the support of the office of urban ministries which helps keep the Western Jurisdiction Urban Network alive and growing. And thank you to the Western Jurisdiction Annual Conferences for your continued support of our ministry.
NEW OFFICERS FOR THE 2009-2012 QUADRENNIUM: Chair: Karen Vannoy, Desert Southwest, Vice Chair Nancy Butterfield, Rocky Mountain 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-59 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Bob Meyers
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE 2008 CONFERENCE
Recommendation No. 1 Delegate Travel, Food and Lodging The Council recommends that delegates and committee members make their own travel arrangements. When making their arrangements, the following guidelines should be observed: • Air travel will be paid or reimbursed at the 30-day advance reservation rate. •¨Travel by automobile will be reimbursed at 14¢ per mile. Automobile travel is encouraged for delegates traveling within 500 miles of Portland, Oregon. •The Conference will reimburse delegates for the following incidental costs: 1. Transportation to and from the airport 2. Airport parking cost 3. Meals while in route to the conference site or the return trip home (Wednesday breakfast & lunch and Saturday evening dinner. Reimbursement based on actual cost not to exceed the GSA per-diem allowance for meals & incidental expenses) 4. Saturday night stay for Alaska and Hawaii delegates
Recommendation No. 2 Nomination of Jurisdictional Conference Treasurer The Council nominates Ms. J. Diane Knudsen of the California-Nevada Conference as Treasurer of the Jurisdictional Conference for the 2009-2012 quadrennium.
Recommendation No. 3 2009 - 2012 Quadrennial Budget The Council recommends the adoption of a Program and Administration budget of $764,300. This is a 28.83% increase over the previous quadrennium. The program budget has the concurrence of the Jurisdictional Leadership Team.
Recommendation No. 4 2009 - 2012 Quadrennial Budget Apportionment Formula The Council recommends that the adopted budget be apportioned between the Annual and Missionary Conferences of the Western Jurisdiction based on the 2009 General Conference World Service Apportionments. The annual apportionment will be a percentage of the total as follows: 2009 – 22%, 2010 – 24%, 2011 – 26%, and 2012 – 28%. The attached schedule provides the detail of the apportionments based on information furnished by GCFA.
Recommendation No. 5 Expenditures of Program Budgets The Council recommends that the Program Budget be expended at the level of 80% of the budgeted amount until such time in the quadrennium that apportionment receipts indicate that a different level of expenditure is warranted. Further, in view of the cash flow position of the Conference, budgets may be utilized only in equal annual amounts for the quadrennium within this 80% provision unless the Council on Finance and Administration approves special arrangements.
Recommendation No. 6 Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission The Council makes the following recommendations regarding the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission: • Continue the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission through the next quadrennium (2009 - 2012) with the total budgeted apportionments remaining the same as the current quadrennium (2005 - 2008). The amount, $392,000, will be apportioned between the Annual and Missionary Conferences of the Western Jurisdiction using the formula established for the Jurisdictional Apportionments (see recommendation #4). This funding has the support of the Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission Council. • All Western Jurisdiction Mission contributions for the support of mission churches are to come directly to the Western Jurisdiction Treasury. The Mission Superintendent shall authorize the appropriate disbursements.
Recommendation No. 7 Other Fiscal Matters The Council recommends the following for approval by the Conference: • That all requests for new funding shall be referred to the Council on Finance and Administration prior to their recommendation to the Conference. That all Program matters should have the approval of the Western Jurisdiction Leadership Team prior to being presented to CF&A. • That all agencies be encouraged to carry their financial balances in the Jurisdictional Treasury. This will assist with the cash flow requirements of the Jurisdiction and allow those ongoing programs to receive its necessary funding on a regular basis. • That those agencies not using the Jurisdictional Treasury as their depository shall provide audited financial statements (Balance Sheet and Operating Statement) on an annual basis (calendar year). That these statements be furnished to the Jurisdictional Treasurer no later than May 31st. Agencies not submitting the required statements by the due date shall not receive further funding until the appropriate statements have been furnished. Page -60 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
WESTERN JURISDICTION CONFERENCE THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2009 - 2012 BUDGET
2005 ‐ 2008 2009 ‐ 2012 APPROVED REQUESTED APPROVED BUDGET $ $ % Increase ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Jurisdictional Leadership Team $32,000 $36,000 $38,000 18.75% Adjunct Staff 7,000 7,000 5,000 ‐28.57% Council on Finance and Administration 9,000 10,000 9,000 0.00% Committee on Episcopacy 26,000 38,000 32,000 23.08% Committee on Program and Arrangements 17,000 20,000 20,000 17.65% Committee on Conferences 0 5,000 10,000 new Conference Journal 2,000 7,500 6,000 200.00% Conference Secretary 8,000 5,000 5,000 ‐37.50% Conference Website 0 18,000 0 new Conference Treasurer 21,000 24,000 22,500 7.14% Audit 5,000 6,000 6,000 20.00% Archives & History 400 500 400 0.00% Court Appeals 5,000 5,000 5,000 0.00% Conference Sessions 18,000 20,000 18,000 0.00% Delegate Travel, Food, & Lodging 100,000 125,000 140,000 40.00% Contingency 5,000 10,000 5,000 0.00% Total Administrative Budget $255,400 $337,000 $321,900 26.04%
PROGRAM BUDGET Interethnic Coordination $50,000 $52,000 $52,000 4.00% Asian American Ministries 28,000 24,000 24,000 ‐14.29% Native American Ministries 15,000 10,000 5,000 ‐66.67% Pacific Islander Ministry 20,000 20,000 20,000 0.00% BMCR 21,000 45,000 35,000 66.67% Hispanic Ministry (MARCHA‐WEST) 21,000 37,800 30,000 42.86% Small Church Town/Country 7,500 16,000 2,000 ‐73.33% Urban Network 10,000 20,000 10,000 0.00% Council on Youth Ministries 5,000 5,500 1,500 ‐70.00% Congregational Development 12,000 36,000 25,000 108.33% UMC Congress of the Deaf 4,000 0 0 ‐100.00% Women Clergy Caucus 2,000 0 0 ‐100.00% Volunteers in Mission 0 50,000 48,000 new Committee on Theological Education & Ministry 54,000 76,000 59,000 9.26% Communications 0 0 60,000 new Emerging Needs 41,500 35,000 10,500 ‐74.70% Total Program Budget $291,000 $427,300 $382,000 31.27%
TOTAL JURISDICTIONAL BUDGET $546,400 $764,300 $703,900 28.83% 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-61 Page -62 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-63 Page -64 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-65 Page -66 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-67 Page -68 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-69 Page -70 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-71 Page -72 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
2008 CONFERENCE PROFILES THE ALASKA CONFERENCE: A MISSIONARY CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2008 Conference Profile A. Geographical Location & Description The Alaska Conference encompasses the entire state of Alaska—a state with 640,000 residents and covering 570,374 square miles. Because of its size, there are great variations in topography, geology, and weather within the state. Most of the churches are clustered in the Anchorage area, along the Kenai Peninsula, and between Anchorage and Fairbanks, which is on the road system. Other churches in the Southeast and West are not connected to other communities by road, and travel must be by airplane or Alaska Marine Highway (ferry system). The conference, in an attempt to provide supportive ministries and programs among churches, established four Regional Program Councils which meet periodically either in person or by teleconference (due to the distance and travel costs). B. Demographics a. Clergy Members (as of 07/01/08): 29 active elders;1 deacon; 1 diaconal; 1 deaconess; 4 local pastors and a number of folks who are in retirement status from their home conferences but have made their home in Alaska. b. Lay Members: 4,070 full members with an average attendance of 2,568 (2006). c. Church Membership: 2 with 500-1000 members; 12 with 100-500 members; 14 under 100 members. C. Conference Mission Statement The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Held and supported by the transforming relationship with God through Christ, we of the Alaska Conference seek to be a community that creates a home for all peoples, finds our hope through grace, and journeys together into God’s preferred future (approved on May 31, 2003). D. Political/Social Makeup a. Political make-up: Alaska is a frontier state, often attracting persons who wish to be as independent and “free” as possible. This tends to result in a more conservative political stance, emphasizing individual rights, though also resulting in the _expression of personal behaviors that may be considered more liberal or contrary to the “norm” of society. The majority of the State Legislature is Republican, as are the three Congressional delegates of the state. b. Political issues include conflict between/with: major urban areas and rural communities; Native and non- Native groups; development and environmentalism; the Permanent Fund Dividend; and state funding. c. Church trends: Over the past twenty years the membership of the United Methodist Churches in the state has remained basically constant, despite the fact that the population of Alaska has increased significantly during that period. Current membership in the conference is: 87% white; 2% Asian; 6% Pacific Islander; 3% Native American; .5% Hispanic; .3% mixed race; and .8% black. The churches of the Alaska Conference are mostly progressive, offering an alternative to the prevailing conservative voice of the state. d. Social Environment: There are high ratios of alcohol and drug abuse throughout the state, as well as child abuse and domestic violence. Many rural areas located outside of the major urban areas have high poverty rates, with the lack of employment opportunities, subsistence lifestyle, limited economic infrastructure, and high cost of living continuing the poverty. There is a high “turnover” rate of persons moving into the State and then returning “home,” as well as persons who come for seasonal employment. There is an increasing influx of ethnic minorities to the state, especially Pacific Rim peoples. For instance, in the Anchorage school district caucasion students are now the minority, and nearly 100 primary languages are spoken. There are five main Native cultures in the state, which are interrelated for political and social purposes in the Alaska Federation of Natives. There is a very high percentage of military personnel around the bases in the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas. e. Ecumenical environment: Ministry throughout the state of Alaska was divided between a number of denominations many years ago in the Comity Agreement, which has influenced church development in various areas and has limited United Methodist Church presence in bush Alaska. Several ecumenical organizations exist, including the Alaska Christian Conference. Three of the churches in the AC are federated with the United Presbyterian Church. The conference is also a part of the University Community Ministry in Anchorage, and United Campus Ministry in Fairbanks. In the past year, conversations among the previous comity agreement partners has been ongoing concerning shared ministry opportunities in places where mainline presence is not strong. A unique model of this occurred in 2007, where we were asked by the Presbyterians in Barrow, Alaska to provide clergy leadership while they awaited their called pastor. Five of our clergy and lay spent a few weeks each in Barrow to provide this necessary bridge for clergy leadership. It was widely and deeply appreciated by the Barrow Presbyterian church, and we continue to be in on-going conversation should the need arise again. Opportunities for further ecumenical involvement in this way have occurred concerning Nome and St. Lawrence Island, the Mat-su Valley, Angoon, Kake and Metlakatla in the Southeast to name a few. E. Financial Status: a. Clergy compensation: Ranges from $34,850(conference minimum) to $60,000, with a cost of living adjustment for areas with higher costs. b. Apportionments and AC finances: The Alaska Conference has usually been one of the highest contribution per member rates in the denomination, but this is offset by the higher cost of living, the small membership local churches, and the costs of operating the conference. In 2007 apportionment receipts were 94%. c. Very recently, the conference has been the recipient of significant funds (more than $2,000,000), with more to be processed as we work through the property that was recently given to us from the General Board of Global Ministries. The leadership of the conference will need significant guidance, support and vision in order to deal with these monies wisely. F. Issues a. Clergy issues: Isolation from colleagues; distance from family; membership in home conferences as it relates especially to the lack of guaranteed appointment in The Alaska Conference; health benefits; relating to the General 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-73
Board of Global Ministries; travel for fundraising outside of the conference; ordination of indigenous leadership; and local pastors being the only members of the AMC; and strengthening lay leadership within both the local churches and the conference. b. Lay issues: training; time and cost for traveling to meetings; access to leadership in the conference; dependence at times on VIMs and outside sources of funding and understanding themselves in the context of a connectional denominations. c. Conference strengths: Lay School of Theology; Regional Program Councils; strong UMW; active camping program; small enough to feel like family (this carries with it both the benefits and struggles of being a family); annual conference missional priority, unusual and easy access to episcopal, conference, jurisdictional and general church leadership; a proven and on-going ability to be flexible and creative. d. Areas for improvement: Reach more native and ethnic persons; revitalize conference youth ministry; adequate strategies for utilizing emerging funding streams; continue to work at hospitality to new and existing members. G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations a. The Bishop needs to be actively involved in the life of the Conference, being present as often as possible (especially Annual Meeting, Fall Meetings, Winter Meetings, and the February Professional Church Worker Retreat). b. She/he needs to be appreciative of the Alaska Conference and the state, willing to be engaged in the various activities that the AMC affords. There must be a willingness to travel throughout the state. c. Leadership in the continued development of what it means to be missionary clergy in this Conference, addressing such issues as clergy membership, the role of local pastors, commissioning, and our relationship with the General Board of Global Ministries. d. Ability to identify, attract, and support potential clergy from conferences throughout the country and the world, and to be discerning of gifts and grace for ministry in the Alaska Conference. e. Be a strong advocate for the AC within denominational structures, especially the General Board of Global Ministries, General Board of Pensions, and the Advance. f. Be willing to work ecumenically as much as possible. g. Be willing to work collegially and closely with a very small conference staff. h. Be willing to understand and work with the uniqueness of the role of Conference Superintendent, as opposed to District Superintendent, and be willing to invest both time and energy in creating a collegial relationship with that office. i. Be willing to be adventuresome in both travel and ideas, inviting the conference to do the same. j. Be or be willing to become culturally competent as it pertains to Native Alaskans and their unique gifts.
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 Conference Profile A. Geographical location and description a. California counties of Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern (except for that portion extending from the easterly side of the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and that portion extending from the southerly base of the Tehachapi Mountains described as Antelope Valley), Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba, and the town of New Cuyama in Santa Barbara County. Nevada counties of Carson, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe and White Pine. b. The conference spans the northernmost boundaries of the states of California and Nevada, which include seashores, mountains, valleys, deserts, large suburban and urban areas, and vast agricultural lands and communities. B. Demographics a. Clergy members – active elders 2007: 344 b. Clergy members – active deacons 2007: 16 c. Clergy members – probationers 2007: 37 d. Clergy members – licensed local pastors 2007: 59 Our appointed work force is about the same as thirty years ago. e. Clergy members – retired 2007: 292 f. Lay members 2007: 83,031 In 1975 membership was about 106,000. We have experienced a steady decline to the current level . g. Deaconesses 2007: 6 g. Average Attendance 2007: 39,214 In 1975 worship attendance was slightly above 40,000. It reached a high of about 47,000 in 1998, and since has declined to the current level. h. Churches 2007: 360 Over the past 30 years we have averaged a loss of 1 church per year. C. Conference Vision Statement Passion In Jesus Christ – Compassion for All Diverse Cultures-Diverse Geography- One in Christ By extending Christ’s Invitation to a joyous life our vision challenges us to live as visible and contagious examples in our communities. We celebrate our diversity and unity in Christ by welcoming a future where every congregation names and embraces our identity, bearing fruits of respect, love, and mutual ministry. Holding up compassion with the Heart of Christ calls us to service through outreach ministries – face to face, hand to hand, with the poor, the least, the outcast and the hungry. Out of passion for the Mind of Christ our movement is towards a future where Page -74 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
every Faith Community is in fact a Spiritual Transformation Center. D. Financial Status a. Clergy minimum cash compensation 2007: $31,150 plus housing b. Clergy average compensation 2007: $54,211 c. Apportionment Collections d. 2007: 70.0%; 2006: 71.2%; 2005: 71.5%; 2004: 72.5%; 2003: 72.8% Adjusted for inflation apportionment collections are at the same level as in 1981. e. # of churches paying 100% in 2007: 143 (40%)
2) Conference Issues 1) Revitalization of existing congregations and planting of new ones. 2) Fiscal crisis evidenced by a growing gap between conference receivables (particularly apportionment collec tions) and the rising cost of clergy benefits. 3) The tension between our social reality regarding the presence and participation of GLBT persons and the limi- tations of ministry imposed by the current Book of Discipline. 4) A new conference wide effort in congregational and clergy assessment and accountability seeking a more effec- tive lay and clergy witness. 5) A pressing need for active recruitment, training and mentorship of young lay and clergy leaders. 6) Challenged to achieve greater relevance of the local church to diverse ministry settings including rural, urban, and multi-cultural (with a special need for greater effectiveness among Hispanic populations). 7) Key social concerns include the economy, immigration and documentation, greening, health care, public edu- cation, and the current housing crisis. 3) Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations 1) Is a Spiritual Leader 2) Track record of ability to shape a vision and inspire commitment to it. 3) Committed to lay and clergy leadership development. 4) Supports emergent and new church development. 5) Actively engaged in providing strong fiscal management. 6) Has passion for and proven results in the revitalization of existing congregations. 7) Will lead the development of ministries to diverse communities. 8) Will respect our theological diversity while providing bold leadership from a progressive perspective. 9) Will seek personal involvement with the leaders and congregations of this Annual Conference. 10) Demonstrated competency in effective communication patterns. 11) Experienced in crisis management and crisis intervention. 12) Proven skill and sensitivity in personnel management 13) Is a risk taker 14) Theologically and biblically keen
4) On scale of 1 to 5 (1=mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun) what is your conference level of accomplishment in fulfilling the 9 elements of the Jurisdictional Vision Statement. 1) A multicultural, inclusive church 2.25 2) Churches engaged in life of the community 2.5 3) Confident, effective leadership 3 4) Congregations forming disciples 3.5 5) Diverse ministry settings 2.25 6) Congregations living as global citizens 3.25 7) A church that thinks and acts regionally 3.5 8) Fully accessible churches 3 9) Ministry enabled by technology 3
CALIFORNIA-PACIFIC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 CONFERENCE PROFILE A. Geographical location &description The California counties of Imperial, Inyo, Kern (only that portion described as the Antelope Valley to the base of the Tehachapi Mountains and that portion extending easterly from the Sierra Nevada Mountains), Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara (excluding the town of New Cuyama), Ventura, and excluding the cities bordering the Colorado River (namely Blythe, Needles, and Fort Yuma,) and the entire State of Hawaii, the Territory of Guam and other territories of the United States in the Pacific Region. The Cal-Pac Conference includes beaches, mountains, islands, deserts, large urban areas, suburban communities, agricultural lands, and sparsely populated areas. The number of square miles covered by land and sea is huge, covering seven time zones and crossing the International Date Line. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-75 B. Demographics Clergy Members 752* Active elders 398 Active deacons 16 Probationers 56 Licensed Local Pastor 66 * Retired and on-leave included in 752, excluded below. Lay Members 87,300 0-99 members 123 churches 100-199 members 100 churches 200-599 members 128 600-999 members 16 1000-9999 members 6 Churches 373 C. Conference Mission Statement To Be the Cup Overflowing in a spiritually thirsty, physically hurting world, so that all might “have life, and have it abundantly.” * Overflowing with Grace: people being disciples to make disciples; people walking the Wesleyan Way, creating communities where Òthe least, the last and the lonelyÓ may experience GodÕs transforming grace, are nurtured along their journey of faith, practicing WesleyÕs Acts of Piety. * Overflowing with Compassion: communities of believers being “the Body of Christ” in specific places of ministry, expressing God’s transforming compassion through WesleyÕs Acts of Mercy. * Overflowing with Justice: the Body of Christ fulfilling God’s prophetic call to speak truth to power on behalf of the powerless, so that grace, compassion and the life abundant may abound for all. D. Political and Social Makeup * Political environment: complete spectrum of very liberal to quite conservative; slightly more registered Democrats than Republicans in California. Primary issues are: rapid growth and development combined with rising housing costs leading to displacement of lower-income families, plus the increase in commuting (and congestion) and therefore stress; immigration (documented and undocumented); homelessness; quality and accessibility of primary education; affordability of health care, growing concern for the environment, living wages; and violence (gang and juvenile). * Church trends: there is wide theological diversity in the conference, bound together by a commitment to ministries of compassion and justice. Styles of worship cover the whole spectrum. Church membership continues to decline, however worship attendance is stable with modest growth. All congregations continue to struggle with financial commitments and aging physical infrastructures. A strong focus on the common mission of the Church is beginning to take hold, strengthened by successful management of shared long term pension commitments, leading to several bold initiatives focused on leadership and strengthening congregations. Diligent efforts in new church starts are still waiting to bear fruit. A delicate balance between the number of clergy and available appointments continues. A process of accountability has been implemented for clergy and congregations (“Covenant for Vital Ministry.”) The concern over the nominal presence of young people in ordained leadership is accelerating. Response to the Council of Bishops’ invitation to join in reclaiming “the Wesleyan Way” has been positive. * Social environment: the ethnic make-up of the Conference is extremely diverse, with strong continuing growth of Hispanics and Asians in the general population; African-Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to be significantly represented, with Anglos predominant in most U.M congregations. Every church is either in or within easy driving distance of areas of extreme poverty, highlighting the increasing gap between the upper and lower economic classes. * Ecumenical environment: ecumenical and interfaith efforts are primarily focused at the local level in ministerial associations, ecumenical/interfaith councils or council of churches. The Conference has celebrated the new sharing of communion with the Lutheran church; Bishop Swenson meets her counterparts in other faith groups on a regular basis. E. Financial status: Apportionment receipts have risen from 77.5% in 1997 to 85.6% in 2006, the highest receipts since 1992. Giving per member continues to rise to $845 per member. Apportionments as a percentage of local church giving has dropped from 20.14% in 1977 to 16.7% in 2006. F. Issues: * The primary issues of the annual conference transcend lay and clergy, and are issues of the whole Body of Christ. These include an aging population of professional (appointed) and volunteer (resident) leaders/members, plus a declining infrastructure in the midst of a young, exploding and extremely diverse population that is enamored of the newest and shiniest that the southern California culture epitomizes and makes readily accessible. The ideal question— “Can the UMC in this region move to the leading edge of spiritual leadership and social transformation?” is becoming reduced to “Will the UMC be evident in this region 25 years from now?” * Clergy issues: stress in all its forms, evidenced by high insurance claim rates; conflicting desire for yet fear of genuine accountability, with an accompanying insistence on clarity of purpose and thus priorities for “what am I supposed to do that I will be held accountable for?”; doubt and therefore anxiety about the future capacity of the Church to meet its promises to current and future retirees; lack of fruitfulness in calling the next generation into discipleship, and then some into professional ministry. * Lay issues: A strong desire for lay leadership training and development; a request for assistance in dealing with clergy who are partially or wholly ineffective; concern for the future well-being of local congregation; lack of fruitfulness in calling the next generation into discipleship, and then some into professional ministry * Conference strengths: strong lay and clergy leadership at the local and connectional levels plus strong Episcopal leadership with strong support; growing clarity of vision and shared purpose; explicit desire to move forward Page -76 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 and make a difference as The Church in its assigned region, especially on issues of social justice; extraordinary ethnic diversity with all its opportunities and challenges; a pattern of (relatively) strong apportionment support and special giving, compounded by the positive status of funding for pension obligations; often an excess of appointable clergy compared to openings. * Areas for improvement: continue the shift from a survival mentality to one of abundance; strengthen the willingness to see liabilities (church property) as assets to be used creatively; need to eliminate a sense of entitlement among clergy, and of parochialism among congregational leaders (lay and clergy;) need to radicalize a sense of shared responsibility for communications in an era of increasingly dense, high quality media. g. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations: Resident Bishop Mary Ann Swenson is a strong, positive, dynamic leader who clearly shapes this Conference’s expectations of future leadership. Therefore, this conference looks for someone who~ * Shows and practices a passion for healing the world. * Builds the Kingdom of God, not a denomination. * Sees him/herself working as part of a team, opening and inviting many to the table. * Represents the church of the future, not of 30 years ago. * Can propel the conference forward on its path to its own transformation and the transformation of the world. * Is hands-on with the mission of the Conference. * Acts decisively knowing the consequences. * Engages young people in leadership, making pathways for them into leadership. * Is willing to “turn the conference upside down.” * Is ready to get serious about ineffective pastors. * Is willing to get arrested [for causes of justice.] * Has a demonstrated capacity to think and implement outside the box. * Is at least bi-lingual. * Demonstrates self-care and care for the environment. * Embraces diversity. * Listens deeply. * Stays connected (communicates readily, constantly.) * Builds consensus and then acts boldly. H. Nine Elements of the Jurisdictional Vision Statement On a scale of 1 to 5 (1= mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun;) What is your conference doing towards fulfilling the jurisdictional vision of~ 3 1. A multicultural, inclusive church 3 2. Churches engaged in life of the community 2 3. Confident, effective leadership 4 4. Congregations forming disciples 2 5. Diverse ministry settings 4 6. Congregations living as global citizens 4 7. A church that thinks and acts regionally 3 8. Fully accessible churches 2 9. Ministry enhanced by technology
DESERT SOUTHWEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 CONFERENCE PROFILE A. Geographical Location & Description: Desert Southwest – Arizona, Southern Nevada, Colorado River border cities in California. Includes desert, mountains, canyons with ranching, farming, tourism, and miscellaneous industries. . B. Demographics: a. Three large metro areas: Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas; rapidly growing population (two fastest growing counties in the nation) b. Significant growth in Hispanic population c. Large senior adult population d. Large number of high school dropouts e. Large areas of Native American reservation land C. Conference Vision, Mission Statement: We believe God’s vision is a transformed world through Jesus Christ, thus Our Mission is to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world – One with Christ, One with Each Other, One in Ministry to All the World. D. Political/Social makeup: Political makeup: Historically, area has been politically conservative, though changing as area grows e.g. Arizona has Democratic Governor, Republican legislature Political issues: a. Funding for quality education b. Growing poverty segment c. Immigrant issues d. Need to develop broader high tech, higher education base for future 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-77
e. Water and land preservation f. Child welfare Church trends: a. Mega-church influence in cities b. Large Mormon and Roman Catholic influence c. Declining church membership despite high population growth in area Social environment: a. Multi-cultural influence very strong b. Large population of retirees and winter visitors c. Wide variation between very rich and very poor: i.e. much wealth within boundaries but much deep poverty Ecumenical environment: a. Arizona Ecumenical Council influential in Phoenix area with growing influence in Tucson b. Nevada has the Religious Alliance in Nevada (RAIN) which focuses primarily on social issues c. Some communities have active interfaith councils d. Despite being major presence in area, LDS church does not participate in many ecumenical endeavors E. Financial status: a. Generally good b. Major Campaign in process (Forward in Their Footsteps) to raise endowment funds for church starts c. Long history of building industry boom but currently in slump d. General Church apportionments paid at 100% e. Annual Conference apportionments usually received at 90% plus F. Issues: Clergy Issues: a. Lacking strong church start leadership b. Not enough strong leaders c. Isolation d. Need to provide counseling to assist in exiting ministry e. Personal health resulting from stress not cared for properly f. Clergy’s role in the church not well understood by congregations g. Young clergy drawn to other professions are forms of service Lay Issues: a. Need strengthening of lay leadership b. Better communication to laity c. Need stronger biblical and theological foundation d. No local seminary of opportunity for educational advancement, e.g. certification, though we are working on some possibilities for addressing this in partnership with Claremont School of Theology Conference strengths: a. Conference mission partnership with the Methodist Church of Mexico b. Support of ethnic congregations c. Commitment to growth d. Financial giving e. Strong staffing at Conference Center-good for providing resources and enabling churches f. Sidewalk Sunday School g. Social involvement h. Strong Communications Office Areas for Improvement: a. Development of effective leadership b. Understanding and acceptance of United Methodist beliefs and practices c. Commitment to spiritual growth d. Strengthen youth, young adults e. More ethnic churches, pastors f. Increase pace of new church starts to meet population growth G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations: a. Strong leadership skills b. Use “team” approach c. Spiritual leader d. Pastor’s heart e. Passion and knowledge for ethnic ministries f. Acceptance of strong laity involvement g. Ecumenical Participation h. Good sense of humor Page -78 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
H. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun;) what is your conference level of Accomplishment in fulfilling the Ò9 Elements of the Jurisdictional Vision StatementÓ 1. A multicultural, inclusive church 3 2. Churches engaged in life of the community 2 3. Confident, effective e leadership 3 4. Congregations forming disciples 4 5. Diverse Ministry settings 3 7. A church that thinks and acts regionally 3 8. Fully accessible churches 3 9. Ministry enhanced by technology 3
OREGON-IDAHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 Conference Profile A. Geographical location and description * The Annual Conference is comprised of the entire state of Oregon and 75% of the state of Idaho, encompassing two time zones. * The geography is diverse stretching 1200 miles from the Pacific Ocean and Willamette Valley in Western Oregon to the mountains and plateaus of Eastern Oregon and on to the fertile farm lands and high desert of Idaho. B. Demographics * There are approximately 190 active clergy members serving 213 churches and other ministry settings. Approximately 27 clergy members are in school or in various leave categories; about 166 are retired. Our total clergy membership stands at 382. * At the close of 2006, local church membership stood at 33,171, down from 33,752 in 2005. C. Conference Mission Statement (abridged) Boldly Making Disciples of Jesus Christ Vitalizing the Church, Transforming the World The mission/vision is to be carried out following these missional priorities: Practicing Personal and Social Holiness. (Mark 12:29-31) The promise and power of the gospel spring from the personal encounter with God through Jesus Christ… By affirming this priority, the annual conference commits to leading persons to commend their lives to God, nurturing persons to give God their best in Christian living, and reaching out to the world in love as disciples that live compassionately and justly.
Making New Disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20) É Disciple-making is not reserved for those within the fellowship of the congregation, but is extended graciously to those beyond the congregation through respectful invitation, compassionate caring, and words and deeds that heal and free. By affirming this priority, the annual conference commits to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action and to seek, welcome and gather persons into the body of Christ.
Encouraging Excellence in Lay & Clergy Leadership. (Matthew 5:14-16) É The church is vitalized and the world transformed when lay and clergy leaders strive for excellence by recognizing, affirming and developing their spiritual gifts for leadership. By affirming this priority, the annual conference commits to developing lay and clergy leaders that give God their best so that through their leadership, the church may give God its best.
Aligning with Our Strategic Direction. (Matthew 7:24, 25) Profound need and abundant grace call the church into action. A vital church is clear about its purpose and is an effective agent of transformation in the world when it “keeps the main thing the main thing.” By affirming this priority, the annual conference commits to devoting its energies and resources to its mission and vision, aligning ministries with the missional priorities and freeing itself from those things that distract and detract. D. Political/Social Make-Up * Political Atmosphere - With an independent spirit typical of the people of the Pacific Northwest, we are politically, theologically, and sociologically diverse. Though our congregational perspectives and positions are moderate on the whole, urban and suburban areas tend to be more progressive while town and country areas tend to be more conservative. * Political Issues - The economy (poverty, hunger and employment); conflicts and tensions in the Middle East; education and school funding; economic development and taxes; the environment; and agriculture are among the top concerns. * Church Trends - 65% of all Oregonians are unchurched. In Idaho, 50% identify with a church but only 2.7% are United Methodists. * Social Environment - The ethnic and cultural make-up of our region is rich and diverse although our churches do not mirror this diversity. We face the same issues of poverty, health care, and dwindling resources for social programs faced by other areas of the country. * Ecumenical Environment - In Oregon, we are a part of the statewide organization of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. In Idaho, the influence of the LDS church is widespread. The Northwest House of Theological Studies is a proven success and the Bishop of Oregon-Idaho has signed a partnership agreement with the Bishop of the western Oregon Episcopal Church for joint ministries in United Methodist Camp and Retreat Centers 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-79
E. Financial Status * The average clergy compensation for 2008 is $48,824 which includes housing. The minimum cash salary for elders in full connection is $33,200 (not including housing). * In 2006 we paid 82.9% of our apportionments, up 1.4% from 2005. However, our 10-year average for percentage of apportionments paid is now at 85.4%, and apportionments have not been paid at a rate over 83% since 2001. F. Issues * Clergy - Morale is improving due to the personal touch of an inspiring bishop who is free to focus on making connections in just one conference. Our orders have also been working to improve connectedness among those in a profession which experiences high stress profession and low compensation. Increasing support and accountability are a priority, including greater requirements and resources for continuing education. A clergy wellness initiative is gaining wider participation. * Laity Ð Laity energy is growing thanks to the bishop’s leadership and presence around the conference. Conference staff morale has risen through a new sense of focus and support. Communication from the conference has improved. Concerns include greater connection and participation beyond the local congregation; financial strains; longevity of pastorates. * Conference Strengths Ð Under the leadership of Bishop Hoshibata we are experiencing a rebirth. A focused and useable mission statement has been reinforced through the preaching, writings, and presence of our bishop and through annual goals shared with churches. An newly effective and productive Conference Leadership Team (Connectional Table) now operates under the bishop’s leadership. We are entering a capital campaign to upgrade camping facilities. Other strengths include nationally-known camp and retreat ministries; the Bishop’s hunger initiative which has generated great energy; the conference website and electronic newsletters. * Areas for Improvement - Financial support at the local and conference level; more lay involvement; ethnic ministries; new church starts; creativity in working together across a broad geographic area as well as diverse theological positions; and the continued rejuvenation of conference-level ministries including outreach to youth and young adults. G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations * Continuity of leadership as we continue our transition into a conference “Boldly making disciples, vitalizing the church and transforming the world” * Leadership in completion of the camp and retreat ministries capital campaign * Spiritual and visionary leadership that gives direction while encouraging participation * Keep Oregon-Idaho a priority when balancing time in and out of the Episcopal area.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 CONFERENCE PROFILE Geographical Location and Description 267 United Methodist churches in Washington and northern Idaho in partnership with a wide variety of related institutions and extension ministries make up the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. This region of oceans, mountains deserts, wheat fields, orchards, lakes and rivers was first home to Native American people. European settlers began to immigrate during the 19thcentury. Immigration continued and continues today to bring people to the northwest from around the world. Today the northwest is home to a widely diverse population including Native Americans, Euro Americans, African Americans. Asians Americans. Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, including recent immigrants from many language groups. The United Methodist churches of the region strive to reflect the diversity of the population but fall short. Many area churches do not adequately reflect or serve the variety of ethnic persons in their communities, nor do they effectively engage younger generations. There are some congregations who effectively are engaging their communities in vital ministry and are thriving. While the population has grown consistently for decades, most United Methodist Churches have experienced decline in participation over the past 30 years. The conference developed an innovative program of training capable laypersons to lead small churches in areas of declining population. The northwest is known historically for its low rate of church religious affiliation compared with other regions of the country. Still, theologically conservative churches have been planted and flourished during this same period at a much higher rate than United Methodists churches have. The United Methodist Church in the northwest is theologically diverse, socially progressive, yet spiritually expressive. There is a lively spirit of ecumenical and interfaith cooperation in the region, both at the grass roots and among denominational leaders. Demographics Clergy Members: Active elders 230 Active deacons 11 Probationers 15 Licensed Local Pastors 21 Lay Members 465 Churches 267 Conference Mission Statement The mission of the church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Consistent with this mission, the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference “is called to be a community, diverse and united in God’s saving love, engaged in vital ministry for Jesus Christ.” The purpose of the Annual Conference “is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church, all to the glory of God. Page -80 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Political/Social Makeup Broad multi-cultural mission opportunities, rapid population growth, church decline and the Council on Finance and Administration report to the 2001. Annual Conference Session speaking to increasing costs making it difficult for local churches to remain full time, combine to produce anxiety among clergy and laity. Congregations need to change rapidly to respond to changing circumstances and reconnect to their communities. Pastors are asked to lead in ways for which they often do not feel equipped and supported. Conflicting definitions of the “problem” prescribe widely varying solu- tions. Inherited, unwritten rules about clergy deployment fail to serve current needs but new practices and experimenta- tion contribute to a sense of uncertainty and lack of confidence in the appointment process. In addition, as is common anymore, the membership of many local churches is reflecting more and more a diverse denominational background. Persons from other Christian faith traditions are freely becoming United Methodist without familiarity of the history of the United Methodist way of ministry. An exciting event in our area has been the establishment of the Philippine UMC in British Columbia. Very creative, certainly “out of the box” thinking about church starts. There continues to be small growth in the number of Reconciling Congregations, with Sedro Woolley being the first Western WA church north of King County. A richness of our area certainly is the diversity of cultures, including a diversity of faiths. The potential for interfaith understanding is rich here. Financial Status Recent years have shown a notable turnaround in the prior trend of declining payments of apportionments. The past two years have shown significant and steady increase in the level of apportionments paid and the number of churches paying 100% of their apportionments. That being stated, there is still significant room for improvement in this arena of connectional support. Conference leadership is working diligently to continue this trend toward a stronger payment of apportionments. Recently relocated, the conference office is more efficient and less expensive. Intentional management maintains a healthy conference budget in spite of the less than full payment of apportionments. Issues Clergy Ð Aging clergy population with corresponding need to be more intentional about recruitment of clergy of all ages. Clergy morale is slightly improved but still is an issue for consultation/consideration. Clergy work very hard is difficult ministry settings and expectations. There are many very capable clergy serving very well in such circumstances. Laity Ð Laity remain central to the leadership of our conference. Many give significant time and energy to the management of existing ministries and programs and sustain a deep sense of spiritual grounding. Laity are looking for continued training in order to continue their roles in leading both the local church and the districts and the conference. Conference Strengths Ð Slight resurgence of “clergy cluster” support groups and sharing of ministry concerns and opportunities. Creating “missional church” mentality. New interest is local churches partnering in ministry projects/ settings. Multi-cultural character of the conference continues to strengthen. Conference strengths include an openness to looking at new ways of doing ministry, a bishop and cabinet open to change, an awareness of the potential of this area of “non-church but spiritual” populations. Areas for Improvement Ð Each of the areas listed above could still be improved upon. We face a quickly changing culture in search of spiritual stability. As a denomination we have every opportunity to offer spiritual stability to our principally non-churched environment. We must learn to do so at the local church level with a willingness to engage in new forms of worship expression while maintaining the central function of ministry, which is reconciliation and restoration of health both within the church and the communities where we serve. Strengthening our commitment to BOTH the Personal Gospel and the Social Gospel will be much of our work in the years to come. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations For the quadrennium 2008-2012 the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference needs the following qualities in its Episcopal leader. Proven ability as an administrator in finance and personnel A visionary leader capable of motivating the Annual Conference around a vision of ministry. A commitment to inclusiveness A advocate for social justice A commitment to ecumenical cooperation and collegiality A willingness to know constituents and be known by them. An ability to recognize strong team members and work with them effectively An ability to take risks and lead an organization through change An ability to lead the conference in developing multicultural and ethnic ministries. Ability and commitment to oversee both the PNW Conference and the Alaska Missionary Conference. Advocate for the recruitment of young clergy. Nine Elements of the Jurisdictional Vision Statement On a scale of 1 to 5 (1= mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun;) what is your conference level of accomplishment in fulfilling the: 3 1. A multicultural, inclusive church 2 2. Churches engaged in life of the community 2 3. Confident, effective leadership 4 4. Congregations forming disciples 2 5. Diverse ministry settings 2 6. Congregations living as global citizens 1 7. A church that thinks and acts regionally 4 8. Fully accessible churches 3 9. Ministry enhanced by technology 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-81
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE PROFILE 2008 A. Geographical Location & Description Imagine a Google search of the RMC-UMC: Colorado, Utah and 2/3’s of Wyoming are roughly the dimensions. From southern mountains and desert through vast stretches of stunning wilderness, passing by fossil beds, orchards, ranches, verdant fields of grains and produce, zipping around multiple National Parks of startling beauty and the journey through prairies, around lakes would be but an appetizer. Two urban corridors anchored by Denver and Salt Lake City are magnets for creative enterprises, sports complexes, and educational institutions. Ski slopes and solar energy, extraction industries (including coal and coal bed methane, natural gas, oil, and minerals) with some energy boom towns, and geographical tourist meccas are prominent opportunities in this area. Or, just consider the words, “Wow! Amazing . . . .” and the incomplete sentence, “What holy possibilities . . . !” B. Demographics (2006) We have 360 active clergy (and a couple of not so active that we won’t be discussing here…) made up of: 251 Elders, 29 Deacons, 42 Licensed Local Pastors, 1 Associate Member, and 37 Probationers. Among them are stewards of multiple parishes, cooperative parishes and Large Church Initiative pastors. We have 247 retired clergy, many of whom share their wisdom and courageous faith. A few just fish for trout. Lay membership is 67,293 with average worship attendance, a respectable 32,557. We celebrated 1,871 new members by profession of faith and 1,270 baptisms. We have some little bitty churches and some of the healthiest and largest churches in the WJC. About half of our churches are under 100 active members, but we also have more 1000-plus member churches (13) than any other conference in the Jurisdiction. C. Conference Mission Statement The Mission of the Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist Church is to participate in growing and sustaining local churches and spiritual communities as they attempt to fulfill their calling as Christians and United Methodists in the world. D. Political/Social Makeup Political Environment: The region enjoys a robust diversity of political practices and activism with a Western U.S. flavor. There are deeply conservative theological centers in Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City and there are large pockets of independents and progressives. Both Wyoming and Colorado are currently represented by Democratic governors. Wyoming and Utah have Republican legislatures. The United Methodist churches reflect this theological diversity and articulate a covenantal hope to reach . . . .beyond our differences. The region has a strong history and current reality of a military presence: multiple military bases, the nuclear missile strike force, NORAD, and the Air Force Academy among the many. As a large and complex geographical area, many issues of local intensity are but a bubble in the larger region. Thus, at best, a brief review of issues that dominate the public arena would include: * Water and drought management in the midst of climate change (Ski slope melting is a hot topic, too.) * Intense debate over the nature and quality of public education * Growing urbanization processes . . . * and Growing ethnic populations * Affordable & “responsible” housing * Resort living * Immigration, especially growth of Hispanic/Latino population * Traffic and commuting to work and to play * Environmental issues Church Trends: In the spirit of entering the 21st century, it is fair to say we experiencing some areas of wild ecclesial growth and scenes of both urban and rural churches aging, shrinking, and reconfiguring. There is increasing use ofless-than-full-time spiritual leadership and local pastors as $$ issues confront these same churches. Opportunity is abundant as well! We see ministry settings thriving from the full spectrum of UMC theological expressions. Thus: * There is movement toward strategies with affinity groups and specialized training such as Young Clergy, Small Church Initiatives, Mountain Resort Ministries, Cooperative Parishes, & Spiritual Directors * Increasing use of indigenous lay staff in local churches * Social witness challenges: Immigration, food, housing, race, inclusion * Mission Field opportunities–Only 25% of region professes a relationship to a church community. * Movement toward the active, intentional Christian discipleships D. Social Environment: * Experiencing rapid increase in immigrant populations * Increasing ethnic diversity in our communities * Influence in our communities and life-styles by young adults and youth * Chasm between poverty and means * Concerns about insurance and healthcare * Increasing population over 65 as more people retire in the region Ecumenical Environment: * Growing interest in interfaith dialogue and activities * Openness to ecumenical new church starts / tradition of shared church ministries * Strong community and ecumenical leadership among lay and clergy Page -82 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
* The Iliff School of Theology as mentor of interfaith relationship E. Financial status * In 2008, we will receive apportionments in the form of a tithe of 11% of church expenses. * The 2008 clergy minimum cash compensation is 29,673, plus either a parsonage or additional compensation to afford adequate housing in the community. * The 2008 Conference average compensation is: 50,293. * The percentage of apportionment collections in the last four years is: 2006: 82.3%; 2005: 78.8%; 2004:80.3%; 2003: 80.7%. * Critical mortgage issues exist at conference camps. * Extravagant benevolence giving is: 205,043 F. Issues Clergy Issues: * Clergy health (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) and health care costs, isolating geography, self- discipline and self-care issues * Respectful (most of the time) dialog between different theological opinions, including clergy covenant * The dance of trust between clergy/churches/cabinet/bishop * New Effectiveness Plan leading to church/clergy/conference dialog * Balancing worship trends (tradition, contemporary, emergent and, “You are doing . . . What?”). * Orders events increasing collegiality Lay Issues: * Deep participation in Volunteers in Mission and the Transformation of the World * Strong desire for sharing in training and development for spiritual leadership * Focus pulled toward the BIG TWO: Wider Mission $$$ (Apportionments) and Appointments * Radical hospitality to stranger and guest Conference Strengths: * Strong, dedicated men and women, lay and clergy leaders * Theological diversity * Communications * Iliff School of Theology * Beauty of geography (location, location, location) * Commitment to social issues * General constructive Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors--except in windy Casper & Boulder! Areas for Improvement: (We are at a Missional Moment for Pairing Growth and Ministry to Grace-Fully Emerge . . .) * Equipping ourselves to respond to our communities’ ethnic diversity and to our communities’ young adult populations * Embracing the geographical fullness of our conference * Committing to new church starts and then to their sustainability * Fueling growing congregations * Growing a dynamic understanding of evangelism * Being/Doing/Practicing the sense of identity as United Methodist * Effective ministry with non-white population * Expanding ministry with the poor and the rich. We are primarily serving the middle class. * Seeking to commit to Less Whining G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations * Embodies trust with all people including laity, church and conference staffs, and clergy * Aims for excellence in the appointive process so that churches radiate constructive love that is able to transform in healing and holy ways the culture and world about us * Exemplifies a delightful model of what it means to be progressively available to the future AND steadfastly faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as expressed in the best of our shared Wesleyan tradition * Communicates regularly with the WHOLE of our Conference * Demonstrates the ability to be relational and listen, as well as to be prophetic and visionary * Models service, worship, prayer, study, cooking multi-cultural communion bread, cheering Rockies & Jazz * Shows responsible care and respect for theological diversity * Is nimble in bridge-building and conflict resolution * Shines as a great example of the Artist of delegation, authority and responsible/authentic leadership
H. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1= mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun;) what is your conference level of accomplishment in fulfilling theÒ9 Elements of the Jurisdictional Vision StatementÓ 1. A multicultural, inclusive church 3 2. Churches engaged in life of the community 2 3. Confident, effective leadership 3 4. Congregations forming disciples 3 5. Diverse ministry settings 4 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-83
6. Congregations living as global citizens 2 7. A church that thinks and acts regionally 2 8. Fully accessible churches 4 9. Ministry enhanced by technology 2 Whimsically speaking, these averaged out to “2.77,” meaning we aren’t there yet, we remain “mixed- results”! A VISION of WHAT CAN BE. The Rocky Mountain Conference is potentially and uniquely positioned to lead the larger church into a living witness of Igniting Ministries!
An Episcopal leader with this spirit and vision will be able to lead us in an adventure that the larger UMC at its best dreams of becoming. We are at the cusp of dramatic leadership choices. We can help the church evolve a healthy progressive Christianity, conservative and liberal together. In a world of closed hearts, minds and doors, we will have a dynamic place at the larger table of constructive responses to interfaith tensions around this country and the world. We have a vibrant and strong Conference with brilliant theological leaders and gifted practitioners of a wide diversity of faith styles, both lay and clergy. Rocky Mountain is poised to explore the real possibilities and has the resources to take some bold and holy steps. These, joined with a visionary Bishop who is able to knit us together, to provide linkages and to creatively engage the fullness of our churches, can move the whole UMC denomination forward into living its advertising. Amen, and . . . Only the faithfully foolish need apply.
YELLOWSTONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008 CONFERENCE PROFILE A. Geographical location &description Yellowstone Conference encompasses the state of Montana, northern Wyoming and two churches in Idaho for a total of 184,318 square miles. B. Demographics Clergy Members Active elders--50 Active deacons--1 Probationers--2 Licensed Local Pastor--15 Elders from other conferences--5 Elders from other denominations--7 Retired members under appointment--9 Supply pastors--4 Lay Member--17,000 Churches--130
C. Conference Mission Statement We send leaders to serve disciples who offer the gospel to the world. The primary purpose of the Conference is to serve and support local churches in their ministries.
D. Political/Social Makeup Political Makeup: The political makeup tends to be independent leaning to conservative. Political Issues: Environmental issues around the extractive industries of mining, forestry, coal bed methane, oil, gas & coal. Traditional family issues such as abortion and parents’ rights, gay issues, agricultural issues such as subsidies and global free trade, Native American issues of self-governance, water rights, substance abuse, health issues, and generally, poverty, war and peace are all issues of importance. Church Trends: Population trends and therefore, church attendance trends, go hand in had. We are losing population in most rural areas. Churches are struggling here. Social Environment: Ethnically the geographical area includes 93.4% of the population white, 3.1 % Hispanic and 3.4% American Indian. Other ethnic populations are less than 1%. There are 8 Indian reservations within the bounds of the Conference representing 13 tribes. US Census projections regarding age of the population for the next 15 years indicate the “graying” of the residents of this geographical area. The economy is based on agriculture, extractive industries, tourism, service industry, government, education and health services. The per capita income ranges from $15,086 to one county of $38,260. The Indian Reservations experience unemployment as high as 80%. The largest city in the geographical area is Billings, MT; population 97,149.Gambling is a huge social issue. There is a rural vs. urban tension due to population shifts.
E. Financial status 2007 clergy minimum cash compensation for elders with no experience is $23,731; for 20 years of experience $29,664. The Conference average compensation for clergy is $37,090. The 2008 Conference budget is $1,552,504. The budget has not been met through apportionment giving for the past several years. In 2006, 76 of 132 churches paid their apportionments in full.
F. Issues Clergy issues: Most clergy are immersed in the realities and issues of their local church community. Many deal with survival issues, inter-church squabbles, time management. They are concerned about the future of Yellowstone Annual Conference and how changes will affect their lives and ministry. Pastors are concerned about conference apportionments. There is some anger toward churches and other ministers who do not seem to make much effort to see their Page -84 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
apportionments paid. The rising cost of health insurance is an issue. Lay Issues: Most lay people are mostly concerned about their local church issues. The church for them is the local church. The primary issue seems to be that Conference apportionments are too high. Conference strengths: Our remarkably dedicated lay persons who stick with the church through great difficulties. The goodness of our geographical location and lifestyle, affirmed by national acknowledgment. There is even a frontier mentality that is proud of doing well in the face of difficulties including economics weather, isolation, financial problems, and on and on. We are problem solvers often reaching unconventional solutions. Because of our small numbers we can see the results of those solutions more quickly. We have gifted the general church with a disproportionate number of talented individuals in national and jurisdictional leadership positions. Our newest church, Living Waters, can serve as an example to other churches. Areas for improvement: We need to see ourselves as we really are--as a place of mission on the frontier, rather than yearning for the “old days.” We need to give more—to be better stewards. We need to develop churches in the growing regions of the state while developing alternative forms of ministry in areas that are losing population. We need to open new churches. We close far too many instead. G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations The info below is the core of what Rocky is working on. They are concentrating on such issues below because of a lack of response here has been their greatest problem. I think we also shared in these issues. The information that Janet Forbes has shared with me indicates that these concerns will be key in the assignment procedure for us. * A ministry of presence, even when that presence cannot be physical. Communication skills that will use new technology to share the Bishop’s ministry with us. * Attendance, whenever possible, to clergy gatherings. Mingle with clergy members and get to know them. Also attend major church events in the conference. * Has and communicates a clarity concerning sexual ethics, boundaries, practices, and enforcement of abuses. * Cares for the Yellowstone conference, has a sense of personal vulnerability, can listen and take advice, is a learning leader, visible to as many lay people as possible, and shares with us as we seek solutions for our future ministry together. * Helps the conference become more inclusive. H. Nine Elements of the Jurisdictional Vision Statement On a scale of 1 to 5 (1= mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs work; 5=no work begun;) what is your conference level of accomplishment in fulfilling the
4 1. A multicultural, inclusive church 3 2. Churches engaged in life of the community 3 3. Confident, effective leadership 4 4. Congregations forming disciples 4 5. Diverse ministry settings 3 6. Congregations living as global citizens 2 7. A church that thinks and acts regionally 2 8. Fully accessible churches 3 9. Ministry enhanced by technology 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-85
ALASKA CONFERENCE: The entire state of Alaska Page -86 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
MaP of annual ConferenCe boundaries of the Western JurisdiCtion 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-87
Western Jurisdictional Conference Rules of Order and Plan of Organization
Section A -- Rules Of Order Article I - The Meeting of the Conference Rule 1. Time and Location. a. The quadrennial session of the Western Jurisdictional Conference shall meet at such hour and place as shall be determined by the Committee on Program and Arrangements or by the Conference itself in accordance with the current Discipline. b. A special session of the Jurisdictional Conference may be called as provided in the current Discipline. Rule 2. The Convener. The Conference shall be convened by the Bishop of the episcopal area in which the Conference is held. Rule 3. Holy Communion and Memorial Service. There shall be a service of Holy Communion and Memorial during the first day of the Conference.
Article II - Order of Business
Rule 4. Organization of the Conference. a. The roll call of the Conference shall be made by the Conference Secretary and shall be constituted as follows: 1) Names of the bishops of the Western Jurisdiction. 2) The roll of delegates by Annual and Missionary Conference shall be presented in writing by the chairperson of each conference delegation. If a delegate is absent, the chairperson of the delegation to which the absentee belongs shall report the name of the absentee in writing to the Conference Secretary together with the name of the reserve who is to be seated in the delegate’s stead. b. If a quorum is present, the Conference shall proceed to complete its organization by the election of a Secretary. (See Article X.) A quorum shall be defined as follows: a majority of the delegates qualified to sit in the Jurisdictional Conference shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a quorum may meet and adjourn. c. The Secretary shall nominate and the Conference shall elect such assistant secretaries, as it may deem necessary. Rule 5. Presiding Officer. a. The Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction shall preside at all the sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference in an order to be arranged by the Committee on Program and Arrangements of the Western Jurisdiction. b. The presiding officer shall take the chair at the appointed hour according to the order of the Conference. c. The presiding officer shall decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Conference. In case of such appeal, the question shall be taken without debate, but the appellant shall be given opportunity to state the ground of the appeal, and the presiding officer shall state the ground of the decision. Rule 6. Daily Order. a. Devotional services. b. Approval of daily proceedings by delegates after written reports have been distributed daily to them. c. Report of Committee on Program and Arrangements. d. General business. e. At whatever time during the Conference the Nominating Committee presents its report to the Conference there shall be a time interval before final action is taken. f. On the evening of the first day of the conference (and before the second ballot), the local arrangements committee shall provide for a “special event” for all conference delegates.
Article III - Duties and Privileges of Delegates
Rule 7. Excuses. a. A delegate who leaves the session of the Conference shall request an excuse from the head of his/her delegation. b. The head of the delegation shall secure the replacement for the excused delegate from the reserve delegates from his/her Annual or Missionary Conference. Rule 8. Recognition. When a delegate desires to speak to the Conference, the delegate shall rise at his/her assigned seat, respectfully address the presiding officer and, after recognition, proceed to the nearest microphone or other designated place. The delegate will announce their name and their Annual or Missionary Conference as a preface to addressing the Conference. Page -88 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 Rule 9. Order and Courtesy. a. No delegate shall be interrupted when speaking, except by the presiding officer to call the delegate to order when delegate departs from the question, uses disrespectful language, or otherwise violates the order and procedure of the Conference. b. Any delegate may interrupt to call the attention of the presiding officer to any statement which delegate deems out of order or which delegate construes misrepresentation. Rule 10. Privilege. a. When a delegate desires to speak to a question of privilege, the delegate shall state briefly the nature of the question in open conference, and it shall not be in order for the delegate to speak to the Conference until the presiding officer shall have decided that it is a legitimate privileged question and one of such a nature as to prevent its reference to the Committee on Program and Arrangements. b. Questions of privilege are limited to the rights and welfare of the individual delegate or to the comfort or convenience of the whole Conference. Rule 11. Limitations. No delegate shall speak more than once on the same question until every delegate who is disposed to speak shall have spoken, nor shall any delegate speak more than twice on the same question nor more than ten minutes at a time. Rule 12. Alternate Debate. No delegate shall speak for or against a pending matter immediately after another delegate favoring the same side has spoken unless no speaker on the opposite side desires the floor. Rule 13. Influence. Demonstration of approval or disapproval during the process of debate shall be deemed a breach of order.
Article IV - Youth Representation
Rule 14. Youth Observers. a. Two youth representatives from the Western Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries shall be seated in the Conference with voice but without vote. b. The expenses of the youth representatives shall be paid in the same manner and extent as in the case of an elected delegate. Rule 15. Youth Coordinator. a. The Jurisdictional youth coordinator, if not an elected delegate, shall be entitled to attend the Conference as a shepherd to the youth representatives. If the youth coordinator is an elected delegate, the WJCYM shall be entitled to select another adult worker with youth to attend. b. The expenses of the youth coordinator or other adult worker with youth shall be paid in the same manner and extent as in the case of an elected delegate.
Article V - Motions and Voting
Rule 16. Motions. Motions made from the floor shall be presented in triplicate to the Conference Secretary. Rule 17. Voting. a. Voting shall be by the upraised hand; but if a count vote be ordered, then the delegates shall stand until they have been counted. b. Delegates voting in the minority or abstaining may have their votes recorded. c. Votes may be taken also by written ballot if ordered by a majority of the delegates. Written ballots shall be in the following manner: 1) The Secretary shall prepare uniform ballots upon which each delegate shall vote. 2) These ballots shall be returned to the several chairpersons of Annual and Missionary Conference delegations, who shall pass them to the Secretary for recording. 3) The detailed vote shall be published in the instruments of business, the daily proceedings and the Journal. d. Voting for Bishop. 1) A two-thirds majority of valid ballots cast shall be required to elect. 2) A ballot shall be taken when the presiding officer orders it and after the presiding officer has indicated the number of persons required to be elected. 3) If there are more names on the ballot than offices to be filled, the entire ballot is invalid. 4) In counting the ballots, the intent of the voter shall be allowed regardless of mistakes in spelling, omission or mistakes in Christian name or initials, etc. 5) If the tellers are not able to agree unanimously on the intent, the vote for that name only shall not be counted. 6) The results of each ballot shall be delivered only to the presiding officer after the tallying and after the results have been 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-89 signed by the duly elected chairperson of the tellers in the presence of the other tellers. 7) The presiding officer, or other person designated, shall announce the ballot by reading the names and number of votes cast for each person who received two or more votes, who will be assigned a number. 8) The results of the ballot shall be announced as soon as possible, preferably before the adjournment of the session where the ballot is taken. 9) Any other procedure shall be voted on by the body (e.g. sealing the ballot before counting at a later time). 10) As soon as the ballot results are announced, the bishop will immediately call for a vote on whether to call a recess. If the vote is negative, the conference will proceed immediately to the next ballot. If the vote is positive, a motion will be required to establish the length of the recess. e. Episcopal Election Process. The episcopal election shall proceed as follows: 1) During the opening plenary session, following the orientation of delegates, the first ballot shall be taken. 2) Clergy receiving 5% of the valid votes cast on any ballot will be considered a “Nominee.” 3) The Jurisdictional Secretary will provide a Nominee Profile Form and up to 3 support Statement Forms to any new Nominee not previously nominated by an annual conference or identified as a Nominee on a previous ballot. The forms shall be completed immediately and returned to the Jurisdictional Secretary. Copies of the form will be distributed to all Jurisdictional Conference delegates. 4) Following the presentations by the Nominees, the annual conference delegations will meet to coordinate attendance at Nominee Forums, so that the delegation can hear the highest number of nominees possible. 5)Nominee Forums shall be scheduled in 25-minute time blocks with 5-minute breaks between Forums. Nominees will have 25 minutes to interact with Jurisdictional Conference delegates participating in the Forum. Up to 5 minutes of that time can be used by an individual speaking on behalf of the nominee. Nominees will speak at only one forum. Jurisdictional Conference delegates will remain in place and receive up to 3 nominees for discussion and interview. 6) Annual conference delegations will have time for a meeting following the Nominee Forums to share what was heard in the Forum setting. 7) The second and subsequent ballots will be taken in accordance with Rule 17 d.
Article VI – Reports and Resolutions from Committees
Rule 18. Written Reports. Resolutions and reports from committees shall be presented in quadruplicate for the presiding officer, the Jurisdictional Conference secretary, the chairperson of the committee making the report, and submission to the instruments of business and daily proceedings. Rule 19. Reports. a. A report of a committee signed by the chairperson and secretary shall be considered to be in the possession of the Conference after it shall have been published in the instruments of business and daily proceedings. If there are two or more such reports, they shall be considered in alphabetical order. b. A minority report, signed by at least one-fourth of the members of the respective committee, shall bear the same serial number, with proper notations, as the report for which it is substituted. Such minority report shall be considered to be in the possession of the Conference after it has been printed in the instruments of business and daily proceedings. c. All reports shall be prepared in quadruplicate to be distributed to the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary, the instruments of business and daily proceedings, the chairperson of the committee making the report, and the presiding officer. d. They shall be written upon paper bearing at the top; the name of the committee, the number of the report, the number present at the time the report was adopted, the number voting for the report, and the number voting against the report. e. Reports of commissions and committees, except the Committee on Credentials, and that portion of the report of the Committee on Program and Arrangements dealing with matters of privilege, shall be published in the instruments of business and daily proceedings before being presented to the Conference, and they shall not be read unless by its order. f. When the chairperson of a committee is not in harmony with the report adopted, it shall be the chairperson’s duty to state the fact to the committee, which shall elect one of its members to represent it in the presentation and discussion of the report in the Conference; but if in such a case the chairperson’s committee fails to select a representative, the chairperson shall designate a member to present the business, and said representative shall have all the rights and privileges of the chairperson in relation to such report. g. The delegate selected by the signers of a minority report to present their report shall have all the privileges in reference to the minority report that are given to the chairperson presenting the regular report, except that the chairperson presenting the regular report shall have the right of closing debate on the question of substituting the minority report for the regular report. Page -90 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Article VII - Petitions, Resolutions and Papers
Rule 20. Communications. Resolutions and communications to the Conference may be read by the Secretary. Rule 21. Deadline. a. Petitions, resolutions and miscellaneous papers for reference to a committee must be delivered in quadruplicate to the Secretary prior to the opening session of the Conference. b. On occasion, issues and organizational needs arise during Jurisdictional Conference which need to be brought to the Conference but have not been submitted in writing prior to the meeting. Petitions, resolutions and miscellaneous papers may be brought directly to the floor of the Jurisdictional Conference after the following procedural steps have been taken: 1) The matter shall be submitted in writing using the form outlined in Rule 22 to the Committee on Program and Arrangements for scheduling. 2) The matter shall be presented in writing to all delegates twenty-four hours before it is voted upon. 3) The matter cannot come before the Jurisdictional Conference unless a majority of the delegates vote favorably for its consideration. c. Materials to be distributed during the Conference Session must first be submitted to the Conference Secretary for approval by the Committee on Program and Arrangements. Rule 22. Proper Form. a. Delegates presenting such petitions, resolutions and miscellaneous papers prior to the Jurisdictional Conference meeting for reference shall indicate at the beginning of the first page the items in order as follows: 1) Name of delegate presenting the paper. 2) Annual or Missionary Conference to which the delegate belongs. 3) Annual or Missionary Conference, society, board, delegate, clergy or lay member, church and/or organization from which the paper comes. 4) Subject to which it relates. 5) First name on the petition. 6) Number of other petitioners. b. Upon receipt, the Secretary shall add to these items the names of the committee to which the document is referred with the date of reference. c. Petitions, resolutions and miscellaneous papers prepared according to Rule 22.a. shall be published in the instruments of business, the daily proceedings and listed in the Journal.
Article VIII - Fiscal Policies
Rule 23. Referrals of Financial Matters. a. All matters relative to the financial affairs and position of the Western Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church shall be referred to the Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration. (See Article XIV.) b. No action shall be taken on such matters by the Conference until the Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration has reported to the Conference.
Article IX – Rules
Rule 24. General Conference Rules. In all matters not specified herein, the proceedings of the Conference shall be governed by the rules of the General Conference. Rule 25. Proposed Rule Changes. Proposals for changes in the rules may be made by any individual or group within the Jurisdiction. Such proposed changes shall be submitted in writing to the Rules Chairperson by August 1 of the year preceding Jurisdictional Conference. Rule 26. Suspension of Rules. These rules may be amended or suspended at any time by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting during a session of the Conference.
SECTION B -- PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
Article X - Officer--Secretary a. Election--The Secretary shall be nominated by the College of Bishops and elected during the opening session of the Conference. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-91
b. Term of Office--The term of office shall be four years. If the position will be filled by a new individual, that person shall serve as an assistant secretary during the session at which s/he is elected and shall assume full responsibility on January 1 following the adjournment of the regular session of the Conference. c. Vacancy--If a vacancy shall occur between sessions, it shall be filled by the College of Bishops. d. Duties— 1) Prepare and call the roll at the opening session of the Conference. 2) Nominate, for election by the Jurisdictional Conference, assistant secretaries to serve during the sessions of the Conference. 3) Receive petitions, resolutions, and miscellaneous papers and refer same to a committee for consideration prior to the opening session of the Conference. 4) Receive materials for approval by the Program and Arrangements Committee prior to distribution during the Conference session. 5) Serve ex-officio on Program and Arrangements Committee. 6) Examine journals of the Annual and Missionary Conferences to ascertain whether they conform to the rules established by the General Conference and report the findings to the Jurisdictional Conference. 7) Serve as recording secretary during the sessions of the Conference. 8) Edit the Journal for publication and make such changes in wording as may be helpful provided that such changes do in no way alter the meaning or intent of any portion of the motion, resolutions, or actions. 9) Print the instruments of business and daily proceedings. 10) Receive the lists of officers of all committees to print in the instruments of business and daily proceedings. 11) By April 1 of the year of episcopal elections, mail Nominee Profile Forms and Support Statement Forms, which have been approved by the Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, to all annual conference secretaries or each nominee to complete. The completed forms will be returned by the annual conference secretaries to the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary as soon as possible, but no later than June 21. 12) Mail completed Nominee Profile Forms and Support Statement Forms for persons nominated by annual conferences to all delegates two weeks prior to Jurisdictional Conference. Provide blank Nominee Profile Forms and Support Statement Forms to Nominee who surface during the balloting process and distribute the completed forms to the delegates at the site of the jurisdictional conference.
Article XI - Officer--Treasurer a. Election--The treasurer shall be nominated by the Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration (JCFA) and elected by the Conference. b. Term of Office--The treasurer shall serve for the quadrennium beginning January 1 following the close of the regular session of the Jurisdictional Conference or until a successor is elected. c. Vacancy--If a vacancy occurs between sessions, the JCFA shall have the authority to fill the position “ad interim.” d. Duties-- 1) The duties of the treasurer shall be those normally incident to the office and others as assigned by the JCFA. 2) Shall serve as ex-officio member of JCFA. 3) Shall serve as ex-officio member of Jurisdictional Program and Arrangements Committee. 4) Shall serve as treasurer of the Jurisdictional Leadership Team (JLT). 5) Shall serve as adjunct staff to JLT and attend the meetings of JLT.
Article XII - Rules Chairperson a. Election--The Rules Chairperson shall be nominated by the Jurisdictional Nominating Committee from those persons elected by the conference delegations to serve on the Program and Arrangements Committee. The Rules Chairperson shall be elected by the Conference. b. Term of Office--The Rules Chairperson shall serve for the quadrennium beginning January 1 following the adjournment of the regular session of the Conference. c. Vacancy--If a vacancy occurs between sessions, the Committee on Program and Arrangements shall have the authority to fill the position. d. Duties-- 1) Serve as a member of the executive committee of the Program and Arrangements Committee. 2) Receive and formulate for presentation to the Jurisdictional Conference for action all requests for rules changes from individuals and groups prior to the Conference. 3) Monitor rules and propose changes as needed to insure that all are in keeping with Disciplinary provisions. 4) Codify all action taken at the site of the Jurisdictional Conference affecting the rules and present these to the Conference for adoption. 5) Work with the Conference Secretary to insure all rules are in proper order and format for inclusion in the Jurisdictional Conference Journal. Page -92 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Article XIII - Jurisdictional Leadership Team There shall be a Jurisdictional Leadership Team, hereinafter called the JLT. a. Purpose--It shall be the purpose of the JLT to carry out the tasks assigned to it by the Jurisdictional Conference. The JLT exists to enable: 1) Ministry in areas where effectiveness requires initiation and/or implementation at a level beyond annual conference structures. 2) Constituencies having unique needs that require programs across annual conference lines. 3) Those programs where effectiveness requires coordination between annual conferences and the General Boards and Agencies and/or among Annual Conferences. b. Membership-- 1) There shall be 27 voting members as follows: a) 16 elected members -- it is recommended that 5 of the 16 shall have served during the previous quadrennium b) Active Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction c) President of the Jurisdiction United Methodist Men d) President of the Jurisdiction United Methodist Women e) President or representative of the Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries f) Chair of the Jurisdiction Committee of Lay Leaders g) Chair of the Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission Board 2) There shall be 5 non-voting members as follows: a) President of Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration b) Chairperson of Program and Arrangements Committee c) Chairperson of Congregational Development Committee d) Chairperson of Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee e) Coordinator or designate of Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries 3) The 16 elected members shall be nominated by the Committee on Nominations and elected by the Jurisdictional Conference. It is recommended that the elected membership shall consist of, as closely as possible, one-third laymen, one- third laywomen and one-third clergy persons. 4) Included in the elected membership shall be two persons from each Conference in the Western Jurisdiction. 5) Consideration shall be given to inclusiveness and balance. 6) Vacancies on the JLT in category b.1)a), occurring during the quadrennium, shall be filled by the College of Bishops upon the recommendation of the Jurisdictional Nominating Committee. c. Organization-- 1) After its election, the JLT shall be convened no later than January 15 following the closing of the regular Jurisdictional Conference by a bishop designated by the College of Bishops. 2) The JLT shall serve until the adjournment of the next regular session of the Jurisdictional Conference. 3) In January of the fourth year of the quadrennium, the JLT shall meet prior to and concurrently with JCFA at a mutually agreed upon location and shall collaborate with the JCFA in the preparation of the quadrennial budget recommendation. 4) The JLT shall be funded in the regular budget of the Jurisdictional Conference. d. Responsibilities— 1) In addition to the responsibilities necessarily implied in the statement of purpose in part a) of this article, the JLT shall receive reports and recommendations from JCFA and the program bodies of the WJC and shall consult with other WJC bodies such as, but not limited to, the College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy. 2) Give due consideration to the recommendation of the JCFA and to the missional needs and objectives of the WJC, the JLT shall propose to the WJC a budget along with other recommendations as it chooses. Article XIV - Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration There shall be a Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration, hereinafter called JCFA, to which shall be referred all matters relative to the financial affairs and positions of the Western Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church. The JCFA is amenable to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team and shall advise the JLT on the resource potential of the annual and missionary conferences of the WJC and what the WJC budget should be. a. Membership--One clergyperson and one layperson from each conference in the Jurisdiction shall be chosen by the conference delegation. The treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio member. No person receiving salary funded in whole or in part from jurisdictional funds shall be eligible for membership on JCFA. b. Term of Office--The JCFA shall assume its responsibilities at the close of the regular session of the Conference and shall serve until the adjournment of the next regular session. c. Vacancies--Vacancies which occur during the quadrennium shall be filled by the remaining members of the JCFA, upon nomination of the College of Bishops. d. Duties-- 1) Take responsibility for all matters relative to the financial affairs and position of the Western Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church including, but not limited to the following: a) Administrative and program expenses of the special and regular sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference and its councils and committees. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-93
b) All programs for the support of any Jurisdictional council or committee established by the Jurisdictional Conference which involve apportionments to the local churches, other than or in addition to those adopted by the General Council on Finance and Administration. c) Any other Jurisdictional program involving expenditure not included in the regular apportionments of the established boards and institutions of the church within the Jurisdiction. 2) Consider requests in the intervals between sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference from Jurisdictional Boards or other Jurisdictional institutions or enterprises for inauguration or conduct of campaigns for funds. Such requests must receive the approval and consent of three-fourths of the members of the JCFA before such a campaign may be conducted. 3) Nominate the Conference Treasurer. The JCFA shall have authority to fill a vacancy in the office of treasurer “ad interim”. 4) The JCFA shall have the ledgers, accounts, and financial statements of the Jurisdictional Conference in the custody of the treasurer audited within one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the fiscal quadrennium as defined by the current Discipline. 5) The JCFA shall recommend to the JLT a per diem and travel allowance to be paid to regular delegates attending the sessions of the Western Jurisdictional Conference. Any delegate residing outside the bounds of the Jurisdictional Conference shall be compensated for expenses from a central point within the annual or missionary conference from which she or he may be elected, or from the bounds of the Jurisdictional Conference, whichever she or he may choose. 6) Budget recommendations to the JLT: a) The JCFA shall make a diligent effort to secure full information regarding all conference interests, that none may be excluded, neglected or jeopardized. The JCFA shall invite those Jurisdictional Conference councils, committees, and agencies desiring to secure funding support to present such proposals to the JCFA not later than the first meeting of the JCFA prior to the Jurisdictional Conference. Those agencies requesting funds may appear before the JCFA to present their requests; all JCFA meetings on such matters shall be open to all interested parties. b) Subsequent to the receipt and due consideration of funding proposals and requests, the JCFA shall prepare a proposed budget and submit it to the JLT. c) The JCFA shall recommend for adoption, after thorough and documented study and investigation, to the JLT, the following: I. The basis or formula upon which apportionments--the financial amount assigned to the Annual and Missionary Conferences required to support the Jurisdictional Conference budget-- shall be applied. II. The amount to be apportioned to each Annual and Missionary Conference for the ensuing quadrennium. 7) The JCFA shall receive within six months after the end of its fiscal period a copy of the quadrennial (or annual) audit report of each agency which receives funds from the Jurisdictional Conference. 8) All funds remaining in the budget of the conference at the end of the quadrennium shall become an addition to the General Operating Reserve Fund. The JCFA shall authorize any expenditures from this fund, providing requests related to program areas shall first be recommended by the JLT.
Article XV - Committees Chosen by Conference Delegations There shall be the following committees which shall be composed of persons chosen by the conference delegations in the manner prescribed as follows. The names of the persons shall be submitted to the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary no later than one-week following the adjournment of General Conference. a. COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCES 1) To this committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to the boundaries and the names of the Annual Conferences, Provisional Conferences and Missionary Conferences within the Jurisdiction. 2) The Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences shall be comprised of two members (one lay and one clergy) from each annual/missionary conference chosen by their respective delegations plus one member of each of the following bodies chosen by the respective bodies: a) College of Bishops b) Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy c) Jurisdictional Leadership Team d) Jurisdictional Directors of Connectional Ministries e) Jurisdictional Committee on Finance and Administration Care shall be taken to ensure adequate representation of lay and clergy voices, as well as gender, age, and ethnic diversity. Consideration shall be given to maintaining the continuity of membership from one quadrennium to the next. 3) The Jurisdictional Committee on Conferences shall be in conversation with the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee and the College of Bishops, and shall submit timely reports and recommendations to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team for its consideration and input. The Committee on Conferences reports directly to the Western Jurisdictional Conference and shall submit its report and recommendation to the Jurisdictional Conference. b. COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS 1) Membership--In addition to those elected by the conference delegations, the Conference Secretary and Treasurer shall serve ex-officio. Page -94 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
2) Term--Members shall begin their term at the close of the session at which they are elected and serve through the end of the next regular session of the conference. 3) Duties-- a) Set place of meeting of the Conference in accordance with Article IV of the Constitution of the United Methodist Church unless otherwise ordered by the Jurisdictional Conference. b) Make all necessary arrangements for the program and entertainment of the conference. c) See that all items of business required by the Discipline are brought to the attention of the Jurisdictional Conference, and to determine the order of their presentation. d) Consider all requests regarding the introduction of official visitors, the extension of privileges of the platform or of the floor of the conference and other courtesies of the conference to those to whom it is due, and any matter of personal privilege affecting the comfort or personal interest of the delegate to the conference or the comfort or convenience of the conference. Any delegate may submit to this committee what the delegate considers a question of privilege relative to the business of the conference. The committee shall determine whether the matter so submitted is or is not a privileged question. Matters approved as constituting Questions of Privilege shall be reported and acted on each day immediately after the report on the Journal. e) Examine the instrument of business and daily proceedings and report to the Conference. f) Prepare and present resolutions of appreciation at the closing session of the Conference. g) Set time and place for meeting of all committees and councils for the purpose of organization, unless otherwise specified, at the site of the Conference. 4) Sub-Committees-- a) Rules--The Program and Arrangements Committee shall serve as the Jurisdictional Rules Committee. b) Local Arrangements--The Local Arrangements Committee shall be constituted by the host Bishop and shall take responsibility for all matters relating to the local arrangements for the Conference under the guidance of the Program and Arrangements Committee. c. JURISDICTIONAL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (See Article XIV for details of membership/duties.) d. COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS 1) Membership--The committee shall be composed of a delegate from each Annual and Missionary Conference. 2) Duties--This committee shall receive matters of dispute pertaining to the credentials of any delegate and shall make recommendations of resolution to the Jurisdictional Conference. e. COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY 1) Membership-- a) The committee shall be composed as provided in the current Discipline and shall serve throughout the quadrennium as defined by the current Discipline. b) No persons shall serve on the Committee on Episcopacy and the Committee on Nominations at the same time. 2) Duties-- a) This committee shall fulfill the provisions as required by the General Conference in passing on the character and official administration of the bishops of the Jurisdiction, and report its findings to the Jurisdictional Conference for appropriate action. b) The committee shall recommend to the conference the location of episcopal residences and the assignments of the effective bishops for the ensuing quadrennium. c) The committee will design a Nominee Profile Form to include specific data about the nominee, as well as provide individual expression of positions on relevant issues. In addition they will design a Support Statement Form which will allow up to 3 others to write statements of support for the nominee. d) A lay member of this committee from the host conference will convene a meeting of the lay and clergy heads of each delegation. The meeting will take place during the morning of the first day of the jurisdictional conference, prior to the opening session. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the procedures of election and to have dialogue among the heads of the delegations. The heads of the delegations will be encouraged to meet at least once a day during the conference for continued dialogue. e) The committee shall design an orientation session for potential Episcopal nominees (not limited to those nominated by their annual conferences) on the first morning of the conference, prior to the opening session. This should be scheduled to avoid conflict with the meeting of heads of delegations. The committee shall provide a moderator (lay person) to field questions and to monitor the time for each nominee during Nominee Forums. f. COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 1) Membership -- a) The committee shall be composed of a clergyperson and a layperson from each Annual and Missionary Conference delegation. b) No person may serve on the Committee on Nominations and the Committee on Episcopacy at the same time. 2) Duties -- a) The Committee shall meet in accordance with the current Discipline and shall meet at least one day before the opening of Jurisdictional Conference. b) The Committee shall nominate apportioned Jurisdictional representation from among the conferences to General Agencies and the Connectional Table in direct proportion to the sizes of their respective Jurisdictional Conference 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-95
delegations and as specified by General Conference in the current Discipline as guided by the Secretary of the General Conference. Working with the parameters of the current Discipline, in as much as possible, no conference shall have fewer than two nor more than six members elected by the Jurisdictional Conference to the total membership of the general agencies. c) At least thirty percent (30%) of the total representatives from each conference to the agencies listed shall be, as far as possible, racial ethnic persons. d) The committee shall nominate the Jurisdictional Leadership Team. e) The committee shall nominate the Rules Chairperson. (See Article XII) f) The committee shall nominate others as directed by the Jurisdictional Conference.
Article XVI - Committees Nominated by the College of Bishops There shall be the following committees which shall be composed as indicated and nominated by the College of Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction: a. COMMITTEE ON APPEALS 1) Membership--The committee shall be composed of four elders, one diaconal minister, one full-time local pastor, and three lay persons who must have been members of The United Methodist Church for at least the six preceding years, and an equal number of corresponding alternates, nominated by the Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction, and elected by the Conference. No member shall participate in the hearing of an appeal who is a member of a conference in the Episcopal area of the appellant. 2) Officers--A bishop designated by the College of Bishops shall convene the committee at the site of Jurisdictional Conference for the purpose of electing officers. The committee shall elect its own president and secretary and shall adopt its own rules of procedure, and its decisions shall be final, except that an appeal may be taken to the Judicial Council only upon questions of law related to the procedures of the Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals or under the provisions of the Discipline. 3) Duties--This committee shall exercise the duties prescribed in the current Discipline, and shall serve until its successors have been elected. b. COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION 1) Membership--The committee shall be composed of four clergy in full connection and three professing members (with not more than one from each Annual or Missionary Conference, if possible), nominated by the Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction in consultation with the jurisdictional episcopacy committee and elected by the Conference. The committee should reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The United Methodist Church. Six alternate members, three of whom shall be clergypersons in full connection, and three of whom shall be professing members shall be elected in the same manner. 2) Officers--The committee shall elect a chairperson and organize at the Jurisdictional Conference. 3) Quorum--Seven members or alternates seated, as members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and a vote to adopt any charge or specification shall require five votes. 4) Duties--This committee shall exercise the duties prescribed in the current Discipline, and shall serve until its successors have been elected.
Article XVII - Organization of Committees a. Time and Place--The committees and councils shall meet for organization at an hour and place to be announced by the Committee on Program and Arrangements unless other provision is made in the rules. b. Convener--A convener for each council and committee shall be appointed by the college of Bishops. c. Procedure--Each committee shall organize by the election of a Chairperson and Secretary, and such other officers as may be required and all business shall be conducted according to the Rules of Order and Procedure of the Conference so far as they can be applied. Immediately after the organization of committees, the officers shall be reported to the Conference Secretary. The name and address of the chairperson and the secretary shall be printed under the roster of committees. d. Committee Vacancies--Vacancies which occur in Committees between regular sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference shall be filled by the College of Bishops.
Article XVIII - Other Committees a. There shall be a COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, an auxiliary to the General Commission, to be composed of representatives of member conferences as stated in the by-laws of the Commission on Archives and History. The responsibilities of the Commission on Archives and History shall include the collection and preservation of archival materials, supervision of the jurisdiction depository, and the provision of resources and support to annual conference commissions. b. There shall be a COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION without claim on the budget of the Western Jurisdiction. 1) Membership--One member from each Annual and Missionary Conference to be named by each Annual or Missionary Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry or equivalent structure, with up to three additional members to be named by the Presidents of the seven United Methodist schools of the Jurisdiction, and two campus ministers to be named by the Western Jurisdiction members of the National Committee on Campus Ministry. 2) Duties--To establish Jurisdiction-wide programs to give attention to issues bearing on the mission of Christian higher education including encouragement of young persons to enter the United Methodist schools of the Jurisdiction and promoting resources available to assist the students. Page -96 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
c. There shall be an INTER-ETHNIC COORDINATING COMMITTEE 1) Membership to include: a) Jurisdictional Caucus Chairs and Staff or designated representative from each racial/ethnic caucus; b) Annual Conference Staff with major responsibility for racial/ethnic ministries and Annual Conference Chair/or designated representative of the agency with a major racial/ethnic Ministries portfolio; c) Representative from the College of Bishops d) Other Jurisdictional Racial/Ethnic Staff (for example, Korean Mission Superintendent) e) Designated Annual Conference Director of Connectional Ministries as staff support. 2) Duties: a) Provide a forum for persons working in racial/ethnic ministries to share information, ideas and models of ministry across conference boundaries; b) Monitor responses to and implementation of the various ethnic ministry plans of the general church in the annual conferences; c) Assist in staging a quadrennial consultation and any other events as needed to address issues pertinent to continuing development of racial/ethnic and multicultural ministries; d) Make recommendations to the Jurisdictional Leadership Team regarding future work toward an inclusive church; e) Provide a needed communication link throughout the Western Jurisdiction; f) Other work as needed. 3) The College of Bishops will convene the committee during the first year of the quadrennium, preside over election of officers and assist with membership changes throughout the quadrennium.
Article XIX - Limitation of Terms No person shall serve on any one Jurisdictional Committee for more than two consecutive quadrennia beginning in 1988 unless otherwise provided for in the Discipline. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-97 bishoP Jordan address - friday, July 18, 2008
When Laura Jackworth Bartler talked with me about this service, she reminded me that it was 20 or 30 minutes, and so I said, “Well the, how long do I have to preach?” And she said, “Well, don’t worry about that.” She said, “You can preach until the Holy Spirit tells you to stop, or twelve minutes, whichever comes first.” So I have been duly instructed. Let us pray: Gracious God may the words of my mouth, and the meditations of all of our hearts together, be acceptable in your sight, our strength and our Redeemer. When I was under active assignment in the Iowa area, I remember well that Conference had a tradition of annual mission endeavors. These were mission festivals, all on the same weekend in five different locations across the state, and quite exciting events with arts, and crafts, and quilts and food and missionary speakers. You name it, they had it. I went to one of those events, but you could only go to one because they were so distant. They were on Saturday and you could go to one each year. I never told people which one I was going to. So I went to this one, and as usual it was extremely crowded, congested with cars all lined up. There I was, I drove up in front of the church there was a long lines of cars going into the parking lot and I had just about decided that I was going to need to drive maybe 2, 3 or even 4 blocks away when the young people, the youth concert folk were parking cars. One of them recognized me and he hollered to the others, “Hold up! It’s the head dude of the conference!” Make sure he has a special place. Jesus came to Nazareth, his hometown, went to the synagogue, and was given the scroll of Isaiah. He opened that scroll to a place that he had selected. He wasn’t concerned about the head dudes. He spoke, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; that he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He set me to proclaim release to the captives, to recover sight to the blind, let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Isaiah’s words described the mission of the prophet in servant terms, strongly emphasized Jesus’ own mission alluded to by Jesus in the response to John the Baptist’s disciples who approached him and said, “Are ye who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus said, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard.” Blind receive their sight. The lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, the deaf hear, and the poor have good news preached to them. In this picture in the synagogue, Jesus engages in public ministry, reading that which is a proclamation of who he is—spirit filled, anointed, chosen. The words are action loaded, with a substantive ground in spirit. Anointed. Chosen. Our identity as disciples of Christ is anchored in our being chosen. Our faithfulness is informed by our chosen-ness, and our chosen-ness inspires choices that are congruent with that chosen-ness. John’s gospel of Jesus preached to the disciples in those final discourses: “You didn’t choose me. I chose you, and I appointed you to bear fruit, fruit that will last.” Being chosen is awesome. Acknowledging that we are sons and daughters of God, disciples of Christ, and that the Spirit has been laid on us, like that old spiritual, “I know the Lord.” I know the Lord has laid his hands on me. He’s laid his hands on me. It brings tears and joys in the midst of our journeys and leads to acts of compassion when suffering is observed, and holy rage when we witness peace and justice being denied. A few years ago I had a breakfast conversation with an episcopal colleague, Bishop Kent Carter. He made the observation that John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience, you know—the heart strangely warmed, he trusted in Christ and Christ alone for salvation and sins being forgiven, said the he became mostly socially engaged after this experience, and during this time he went to Newgate Prison, during this time following Aldersgate, to minister to prisoners, and we shared this conclusion, and our conclusion was that Aldersgate was not truly authentic without a Newgate. The heartwarming experience of trust in Christ and salvation and sins forgiven of necessity leads to engagement with the Newgates of this world. There are those who may join us in the Newgate places, whose faith tradition or other experiences may not include Aldersgate, per se, but those of us who are in this tradition, who know the heart strangely warmed, we are compelled and led by the spirit to go to the Newgates of this world. To go to the Newgates of this world, we are compelled to be led by the spirit. The day before the invasion of Iraq, and of course I wasn’t aware it was the day before, but it was the day before—I was watching a newscast on television, and it was soldiers, men and women in Iraq, at least men and women wherever they were, preparing for what was to be the invasion. They were returning to camp at the end of the day after a hard training day. They were relaxed, sitting around in a leisure moment, playing cards in social conversation and singing, singing what I would call the old camp songs. Some were secular, and some religious. One of those songs they sang was “I’m going to lay down my burden down by the riverside. I ain’t gonna study war no more.” I’m going to lay down my sword and my shield, down by the riverside, I ain’t gonna study war no more—the irony of singing a song of peace while preparing for war, and yet these are the contexts; the contexts of which we are to engage as chosen folk. When songs of peace are sung, and war is not only prepared for but engaged in, proclaiming justice while folks allow injustice to stand in the way, preaching openness and inclusion while modeling forms of exclusion, talking welcoming and hospitality while walls are being erected and gates being closed attitudinally as well as literally, expressing concern for the poor while placing serious solidarity with the poor on the back burner, reluctant to storm the bastille of systemic economic injustice. Yes! All of this, but we--we are chosen. Spirit filled. Divinely called, but also vulnerable servants, sinners saved by grace, having to be reminded on more than one occasion that ours is to do more than read Isaiah, more than quote Jesus, and more than remember Wesley. One of my favorite prayers from the old ritual, the old communion ritual is that prayer of humble access. “We do presume to come to this thy table, trusting in our own righteousness. But in thy manifold and great mercy, we are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table, but thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore gracious Lord, so to partake of the sacrament of thy son Jesus Christ that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into his likeness, and may evermore dwell in Him and he in us.” Yes, sinners are we, saved by grace, but we’re chosen. We’re chosen. We’re chosen, and in those words of Paul as he concluded his second letter to the church at Corinth, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in vain. Trust yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?” Chosen. Chosen. Oh thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift! Glory hallelujah! Amen! (start transcribing 11/26/08 at 11:45 a.m.) Page -98 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 ePisCoPaCy address – Western JurisdiCtion ConferenCe -- thursday, July 17, 2008
Bishop Mary ann swenson to Carol and Bishop ed paup
It’s true that through the years that through the years, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Oregon-Idaho, and Alaska and the Pacific Northwest have come to know you more intimately, but you belong to all of us, both of you. We claim you and we love you. It’s really kind of fun to learn that a while back in the PNW one of the young people that was active in the conference youth ministry was introducing him at some event and he introduced, “Now I will introduce you, Bishop Pay- up.” And in fact, he did, as a matter of fact, because they have been able to increase their apportionment giving 8% over three years. And it is a long, long time coming. Steve’s talked to you about the baseball star that became a preacher. Even before that, as a little boy, he happened to be the one who saw his father who had fallen off a ladder and had died. And he loved his mother and he loved his sisters, and he loved the man that his mother married. You have loved to talk about the way he dresses, and that’s because he earned his way through college working at a men’s store and learned to dress. Sure enough, in one of their early ministries in Colorado, the oldest daughter, Tammy, went sick in an incredible way. She today is a miracle of life for all of us because they never thought she would make it to twelve, and now she is not only living in and gracing the parsonage in the Seattle area, but she has also brought her pets with her. They have two other daughters, Jenny and Wendy, and wonderful grandchildren, and it was my pleasure in Colorado to officiate at Jenny’s wedding. I wanted to tell you about that because it is really fun and it gets to explain something that has become a part of Ed’s life. You see, at the wedding reception, the father of the bride has to dance with people. So the father of the bride had to dance with his mother, with his mother-in-law, with his wife, with his three daughters, with his sisters and with his Bishop. We kept him busy that night. He welcomed me to Rocky Mountain when I became a new bishop, giving me my first Rockies memorabilia, even before the Rockies had their first game. He was serving at that time as the District Superintendent on the western slope in Colorado and all of the state of Utah. He became Assistant to the Bishop and his assignment was to carry my purse. Then, in 1996 you elected him and consecrated him, and we were in Seattle at that time and you assigned him to the Portland area which included Oregon-Idaho and Alaska, and he has been here and has given you a great graphic display of his gifts and leadership Ed demonstrated during those years. We also know that he took a lot of those great retired pastors from Rocky Mountain and sent them off to Alaska, didn’t he, and stole some of your best and put them to work in a great way. As he moved on then in 2004 to Seattle I wanted to share that one of the most difficult things was just that year, at the General Conference, we were in Pittsburgh that year and Ed was serving as the President on the General Council on Ministries, and the General Conference voted to eliminate that agency. So while we were all sitting there in Pittsburgh, it was his assignment to leave for a day and fly to Dayton Ohio and tell the people who had worked there, the staff who had worked there, that there would be no more agency and there would be no more place for them. He has had to carry heavy burdens and responsibilities, but he has done all of that with grace. These last four years, the people in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska have come to acknowledge that as he has worked with them he has helped to create an environment of hope and possibilities, restoring six districts and a superintendent, and of course, creatively requesting for another bishop to come and give superintending oversight for a region for a period of time, and then inaugurating the system of presiding elders to assistant superintending, and in another case having people share superintending. You’ve heard some of that, even in the report. One is also a pastor in a rural area and another is a conference educator traveling in the conference. The energy and the vision and the guidance that Ed and Carol have brought has helped congregations to understand their roll as being mission outposts in their community--all of this, while he has been preaching and visiting, and leading and promoting, and helping to establish the Filipino congregation in Canada, and meeting with people who are discontented, and confirming the confirmands, the fact of the matter is his can-do optimism has been transforming in the conferences that he has served, and in our jurisdiction, and in the General Church. And now, as Steve has said, he transitions again in a really unexpected way for him, for Carol, and for us. He is not retiring, but he is being sent differently—sent into mission for all United Methodists, and he will be sent around the world. As Jack Tuell has commented just yesterday, he is being sent to one of the most difficult and challenging positions in the United Methodist Church. His assignment is to help us live our mission in the world. Four years from now he won’t be here with us laying hands on the newly consecrated bishops. Between now and then he will be laying hands on missionaries that we commission and send around the world. We know that he will go to help them with all of the creativity, the outside-the-box thinking, all of the can-do optimism that he has so much used to help us. I thought about bringing in the purse; he won’t be carrying the purse of the Bishop, but he will be carrying the purse of the missionaries, and as you know as you get an Advance bag, that’s exactly what he will do. But what I want to share with you as we close this time, and as Joel comes to lead us in the statement of affirmation with them, that first of all he couldn’t be going into this position right now, as he said to us yesterday, had he not had the shaping and the forming you have given him through the years of ministry. When he came into this work in 1996, he wasn’t yet ready to do the work towards which he’s been assigned now, and you have shaped and formed him in the last 12 years, so that he is able to go forward to this work. As he and Carol transition now, they need their connection with us more than ever. They may be living outside the geographic boundaries of the Western Jurisdiction--well, what is currently the Western Jurisdiction- -but they are a part of the Rocky Mountain Conference, and they are a part of all of us. They need our prayers, they need our support, and they need our love, and we have it to give as we say to them, thank you for these years. Thank you for the way you have lived them, the way you have administered them, the way you have been the sermon and the word made flesh in the neighborhood, and for the years to come, we say yes! We love you, and we are with you. Go forth and be our witness. 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-99
Western JurisdiCtion ePisCoPal eleCtion ProCess
Prior to the Opening of the Jurisdictional Conference Session
Nomination by an Annual Conference: As outlined in the 2004 Book of Discipline, Par. 406, ÒAn annual conference, in the session immediately prior to the next regular session of the jurisdictional or central conference, may name one or more nominees for episcopal election.Ó
Profile Forms: By June 1 of the year of episcopal election(s), all members of the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee will forward to all annual conference secretaries and any other appropriate individuals, “profile forms” for each nominee and other interested individuals to complete. These forms will be designed to include specific data about the nominee, as well as provide individual expression of positions on relevant issues. The completed forms will be returned to the individual designated by the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee as soon as possible, so that the information can be posted on a jurisdictional web-site accessible to all.
Meeting of Lay and Clergy Heads of Delegations: At the site of the Jurisdictional Conference, during the evening prior to the opening session, the lay and clergy heads of each (new) delegation will meet together. This meeting will be convened by the lay member of the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee who is from the host annual conference. The purpose of the meeting will be to thoroughly discuss the procedures of election and to have dialogue among the heads of delegations. Issues which may be addressed will include coordination of interviews, expectations of delegations regarding roles of nominees’ spouses, appropriate interchange between delegations, and any relevant concerns that arise during the process. It is recommended that the group meet at least once each day during the Jurisdictional Conference session to continue the dialogue and develop a sense of unity, although unanimity may not be possible.
Nominee Orientation: All nominees will be encouraged to attend an orientation for nominees to be held at the site of the Jurisdictional Conference, during the evening prior to the opening session. This meeting will be open to all persons who are being lifted up as nominees by annual conferences and/or other groups. The orientation will be conducted by members of the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee, assisted by Bishops and/or former nominees who were not elected and who are not current candidates. This will be scheduled to avoid conflict with the meeting of heads of delegations.
During Jurisdictional Conference Sessions
Orientation for all Jurisdictional Conference Delegates: During the opening plenary session of the Jurisdictional Conference, following the organization of the Conference, time will be allotted on the agenda for an orientation for all Jurisdictional Conference delegates. The orientation will focus particularly on revisions to the procedures. This is will be a part of the official business of the Jurisdictional Conference and attendance will not be considered optional.
Nominating Referendum Taken: During the opening plenary session, following the orientation of delegates, the first action of the episcopal election balloting process will be to hold a nominating referendum. The purpose of which will be to identify all additional nominees. (Annual Conference nominees are automatically included in the pre-balloting processes established by the Jurisdictional Conference.) Each delegate may must submit up to as many names on their referendum form ballot as there are vacancies available for the episcopacy for the upcoming quadrennium or the ballot referendum form will be considered invalid. Any eligible United Methodist elder being named on receiving 5% or more of the total possible number of referendum forms or more of the valid ballots cast will be considered a “nominee” (in 2004, 5 % of the total votes possible = 5). The numerical results of this referendum will not be announced, only the names of those placed on receiving 5% or more of the total possible number of referendum forms will be reported sufficient votes.
Additional Profile Forms Distributed: The Jurisdictional Conference Secretary will provide a profile form to any new nominee not previously nominated by an annual conference. The nominee will need to complete the form immediately and return it to the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary will distribute copies of the form to all Jurisdictional Conference delegates.
Nominee Presentations to the Jurisdictional Conference: All persons who have been nominated by annual conferences and/or by the nominating referendum process receiving 5% or more of the votes cast on the nominating referendum at Jurisdictional Conference will be given the opportunity to make a five-minute presentation to the Jurisdictional Conference as a whole. The content of this presentation will be entirely at the discretion of the nominee. The presentations will be made during an official session of the Jurisdictional Page -100 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
Conference scheduled prior to the first episcopal ballot. No other business will be conducted, since this will be specifically designated for presentations only, and attendance will not be considered optional. During the presentation by each nominee, all other named nominees will be asked to absent themselves from the session. Video tape of the session will be made available to allow any nominee who is a Jurisdictional Conference delegate to see and hear any or all of the other presentations after the session. (NOTE: This 5-minute presentation before the entire Jurisdictional Conference will be made available only to annual conference nominees and those nominees who surface on the nominating referendum.)
Pre-Balloting Process Session: Following the five-minute presentations by all nominees, the Jurisdictional Conference session will invite those same individuals to participate in any and all other pre-balloting process(es) that the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee has identified.
First Delegation Meeting: Following the conclusion of any such process(es), the annual conference delegations will meet. The purpose of this time together will be to coordinate attendance of delegation members at “Nominee Forums” that may follow. A schedule will be provided to inform the delegates of the time and location for each of the “Nominee Forums.” Delegations are encouraged to divide themselves evenly and send delegates to all the forums to the fullest extent possible.
Nominee Forums: A 25-minute forum period will be provided to each nominee in an assigned room to allow more interaction direct dialogue between the nominee and Jurisdictional Conference delegates. The forum process will be designed by the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee. Up to 5 minutes of that time can be used for someone else to speak on the nominee’s behalf, but the focus will be for the nominee to interact directly with Jurisdictional Conference delegates. A moderator (a lay person) will be provided by the Jurisdictional Conference to introduce the nominee, to field questions (priority being given to Jurisdictional Conference delegates), and to monitor the time for each nominee. There will be a 5-minute break between nominee forums. Delegates will be asked to stay in the same room to hear the two or three nominees who may be assigned to that room. This will facilitate the tight time schedule the forums will be on, and will give more even initial exposure to all nominees.
All-Conference Special Event: It is recommended that the local arrangements committee hold the “special event” for all conference delegates on the evening of the first day of Jurisdictional Conference. This will provide time for conversation and fellowship between delegations as well as the opportunity for building community as a total jurisdictional conference before actual episcopal balloting takes place.
Second Delegation Meeting: Annual conference delegations will meet for the second time to share observations and insights from the nominee forums.
Balloting Begins Continues: After delegates have had opportunity to become acquainted with the nominees through the 5-minute presentations, the nominee forums, and the delegation sharing, the balloting will begin continue. The cycle will proceed as follows:
Silent / Spoken Prayer / Meditative Words
Ballot Taken: All Western Jurisdiction delegates must place as many names on their ballot as there are vacancies available at the time of the balloting or the ballot will be considered “void.” Western Jurisdiction Rules of Order, No. 17.d.1 states: Òd. Voting for Bishop. 1) A two-thirds majority of valid ballots cast shall be required to elect.Ó (in 2004, 2/3 of 88 delegates = 59 required to elect)
Ballot Results Announced: When the ballot count has been completed, the presiding bishop will interrupt the conference business at an appropriate point and announce the results of the ballot.
Clergy receiving 5% of the valid votes cast on any ballot will be considered a “nominee.”
Vote on Recess or Ballot: As soon as the ballot results are announced, the bishop will immediately call for a vote on whether to call a recess. If the vote is negative, the conference will proceed immediately to the next ballot. If the vote is positive, a motion will be required to establish the length of the recess.
Balloting Continues until Election(s) Completed
Possible Additional Meetings During This Process: Additional Delegation Meetings: During recesses, delegations will have the opportunity to meet 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-101 together for a time of sharing. Invitations may be extended to nominees to come to the meetings for further dialogue. Delegations may choose to meet with another delegation.
Caucus Meetings: Caucuses may wish to call meetings during recesses of the Jurisdictional Conference. Announcement of the meetings can be made through the Jurisdictional Conference Secretary.
Meeting of Lay and Clergy Heads of Delegations: (see reference above)
Jurisdictional Conference Continues
Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee Meets with all Bishops regarding their Assignments Announcement of Assignments & Celebrations Consecration of Bishop(s) Annual Conferences’ Receptions 2008 – 2012 Western Jurisdiction Episcopacy Committee Organizational Meeting Western JurisdiCtion ePisCoPal eleCtions
WJ YEAR SITE ELECTED Ballot FROM
1st 1940 San Francisco Bruce R. Baxter 13 Ore 2nd 1944 Salt Lake City 3rd 1948 Seattle Glenn R. Phillips 2 SC/Az Gerald H. Kennedy 13 Neb Donald H. Tippett 17 SC/Az 4th 1952 Santa Barbara A. Raymond Grant 6 CN 5th 1956 Colorado Springs 1958 Pennsylvania W. Maynard Sparks EUB 6th 1960 San Jose Everett W. Palmer 8 SC/Az 1960 Ohio Charles F. Golden 3 Central Jurisdiction 1962 Michigan W. Maynard Sparks EUB#2 7th 1964 Portland R. Marvin Stuart 6 CN 1966 Illinois W. Maynard Sparks EUB#3 8th 1968 Honolulu 9th 1972 Seattle Jack M. Tuell 12 PNW Melvin Wheatley 19 SC/Az Wilbur W. Y. Choy 27 CN 10th 1976 Salt Lake City 11th 1980 Palo Alto Melvin G. Talbert 4 PSW Calvin D. McConnell 47 RM 12th 1984 Boise Roy I. Sano 4 CN Elias G. Galvan 14 PSW Leontine T. C. Kelly 17 VA 13th 1988 San Diego William W. Dew 38 CN 14th 1992 Las Vegas Mary Ann Swenson 31 PNW 15th 1996 Seattle Edward W. Paup 24 RM 16th 2000 Casper Beverly Shamana 3 CN 16th 2000 Casper Warner H. Brown, Jr. 19 CN 17th 2004 San Jose Robert T. Hoshibata 12 PNW 17th 2004 San Jose Minerva Carcãno 26 OI 18th 2008 Portland Grant Hagiya 16 CP 18th 2008 Portland Elaine Stanovsky 25 PNW Page -102 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008 Report of Episcopal Ballots (1/4)
Ballot Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ballot Cast 80 80 80 80 80 79 80 Invalid Ballots 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Valid Ballots 80 80 80 80 80 79 80 Needed to Elect 54 54 54 54 54 53 54 Hagiya, Grant 32 36 39 41 42 42 43 Elected Stanvosky, Elaine 17 20 21 22 21 25 29 Elected Extrum-Fernandez, Renee 14 19 20 20 19 15 16 Kang, Youngsook 13 15 16 16 14 20 22 Forbes, Janet 11 11 9 13 15 22 20 Wulf, Frank 9 10 11 10 12 8 11 Pritchard, Donna 11 13 10 9 6 Silva-Netta, Benoni 7 7 7 8 6 Ragland, Sharon 6 5 6 5 5 Waters, Carolyn 3 1 5 3 3 Dang, Bau 5 4 4 3 4 Hingano, Siosifa 4 3 3 3 4 Verts, Ted 10 6 4 2 3 Sombrero, Tweedy 5 0 0 2 1 Flaherty, Bob 1 0 4 1 1 Schroeder, Steve 12 10 1 1 1 Schuster, Charles 1 1 Vetter, Molly 1 Ulrickson, Mark 1
Report of Episcopal Ballots (2/4)
Ballot Number 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Ballot Cast 80 80 80 80 80 79 80 Invalid Ballots 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Valid Ballots 80 80 80 80 77 80 80 Needed to Elect 54 54 54 54 51 54 54 Hagiya, Grant 41 45 45 45 44 45 46 Elected Stanvosky, Elaine 27 25 26 28 25 31 37 Elected Extrum-Fernandez, Renee 14 11 15 14 14 14 11 Kang, Youngsook 22 19 18 17 14 15 13 Forbes, Janet 30 34 30 34 33 33 37 Wulf, Frank 11 12 9 9 13 11 10 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-103
Report of Episcopal Ballots (3/4)
Ballot Number 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Ballot Cast 80 80 80 80 80 79 80 Invalid Ballots 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Valid Ballots 80 80 80 80 77 80 80 Needed to Elect 54 54 54 54 51 54 54 Hagiya, Grant 46 54 Elected Stanvosky, Elaine 33 36 33 32 32 33 34 Elected Extrum-Fernandez, Renee 11 20 9 6 5 8 4 Kang, Youngsook 16 12 11 15 13 12 9 Forbes, Janet 34 23 12 22 24 23 32 Wulf, Frank 10 7 3 2 2 2 Prichard, Donna 3 1 Silva-Netta, Ben 2 Hingano, Siosifa 1 2 1 2 1 Ragland, Sharon 1 3
Report of Episcopal Ballots (4/4)
Ballot Number 22 23 24 25 Ballot Cast 80 80 80 79 Invalid Ballots 1 1 0 0 Valid Ballots 79 79 80 79 Needed to Elect 53 53 54 53 Hagiya, Grant Elected Stanvosky, Elaine 35 40 43 53 Elected Extrum-Fernandez, Renee 3 3 3 10 Kang, Youngsook 8 9 9 16 1 Forbes, Janet 33 27 24 Page -104 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe 2008
index
Agenda, ...... 6 Apportionments Western Jurisdiction, ...... 60 Asian American Coordinating, Committee on ...... 41 Bishop’s Photographs, ...... VI Boundaries of Annual Conference, ...... 85 Budget Western Jurisdiction, ...... 64 College of Bishops, ...... 1 Committee on Credentials Membership, ...... 8 Committee on Episcopacy Membership, ...... 14 Committee on Nominations Report, ...... 8 Conferences Committee Membership, ...... 13 Council on Finance and Administration, ...... 59 Daily Proceedings, ...... 16 Delegates and Reserves Listed Alphabetically, ...... 2 Delegates by Annual Conference, ...... 4 Episcopal Address, ...... 17 Episcopal Ballots Reports, ...... 102 Episcopal Election Process, ...... 99 Episcopal Elections of the Western Jurisdiction, ...... 101 Episcopacy Committee Membership, ...... 14 Inter-Ethnic Coordinating Committee ...... 44 Jurisdictional Committee on Credentials, ...... 13 Jurisdictional Program and Arrangements, ...... 50 Korean Mission Report, ...... 44 Marcha West Report, ...... 49 Minutes. See Daily Proceedings Nominating Committee Report, ...... 8 Nominations To General Agency Membership (By Annual conference), ...... 11 Officers, Western Jurisdictional Conference, ...... 1 Operating Budget Report, ...... 60 2008 Western JurisdiCtional ConferenCe Page-105
Program and Arrangements Committee Report, ...... 50 Report of the Committee on Nominations, ...... 8 Representative from the Council of Bishops, ...... 1 Rules Committee, ...... 50 Rules of Order, ...... 50 Schedule. See Western Jurisdictional Conference Program ...... 6 Secretary Staff, ...... 1 Town and Country Network Report, ...... 57 Western Jurisdiction Conference Agencies Membership, ...... 11