1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

North Alabama Annual Conference 2015
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying
for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s
will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives
worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every
good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1: 9-10
NORTH ALABAMA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PRECONFERENCE BOOK
2015 JOURNAL VOLUME I
Tentative Schedule
The 2015 North Alabama Annual Conference will be a 48-hour worship experience during which participants hear reports, conduct business, experience times of
learning and share testimonies of ministry. The flow of the three days will lead participants through the movements of a worship service: Call to Worship; Proclamation;
Response and Sending Forth.
Sunday, May 31
2 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
3:30 p.m
Express Registration Opens (Front Patio of Bill Battle Coliseum)
ATEM Gathering (United Mehodist Center Chapel)
Annual Conference Orientation (Munger Auditorium)
Kids’ Camp Opens (Harbert Building, First Floor)
Call to Worship: Called by God to a Common Ministry
All people are called by God into a common ministry. The call is recognized and celebrated in the community of faith through the sacrament of baptism.
4 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
Opening Session & Worship, Bishop Watson Preaching (Bill Battle Coliseum)
Cafeteria Opens for Dinner (Norton Center)
Laity Session (Bill Battle Coliseum)
Clergy Executive Session (Munger Auditorium)
Clergy Spouse Cookies and Conversation (Admission Welcome Center)
Monday, June 1
6:30 a.m.
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
Cafeteria Opens for Breakfast (Norton Center)
Health Screenings until 9:30 a.m. (United Methodist Center)
Registration Opens (Theater Lobby)
Special Breakfasts (Norton Center)
Kids’ Camp Opens (Harbert Building, First Floor)
Proclamation: Nurtured in Community
The call to ministry is nurtured in community and God’s people bear fruit. We recognize and celebrate the nurturing community through the sacrament of holy communion.
8:30 a.m.
9 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Noon
Plenary Session 1 (Bill Battle Coliseum)
• Worship with Communion
• Nurturing Leadership in the Wesleyan Tradition - Dr. Chilcote
• Business and Ministry Testimonies
Youth Battle of the Bands (Munger Auditorium)
Cafeteria Opens for Lunch (Norton Center)
Laity Luncheon and other Special Luncheons (Norton Center)
Response: The Community Nurtures the Call to Spiritual Leadership
God calls spiritual leaders for the community. We recognize and celebrate their call to serve and honor their Godly work among us.
We encourage persons who re hearing such a call to respond faithfully.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2
6:30 a.m.
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
Memorial Service (Bill Battle Coliseum)
Plenary Session 2 (Bill Battle Coliseum)
• Leadership Conversations with Bishop Wallace-Padgett & Bishop Watson
• Business and Ministry Testimonies
Cafeteria Opens for Dinner (Norton Center)
ARMS Gathering (Norton Center)
Service of Ordination, Commissioning, and Licensing, Bishop Wallace-Padgett Preaching (Canterbury UMC)
Cafeteria Opens for Breakfast (Norton Center)
Health Screenings until 9:30 a.m. (United Methodist Center)
Registration Opens (Theater Lobby)
Special Breakfasts (Norton Center)
Kids’ Camp Opens (Harbert Building, First Floor)
Sending Forth: Into the World to Bear Fruit for Jesus Christ
Spiritual leaders are sent to plant and nurture communities of faith. With their communities, these leaders go into the world to bear fruit for Jesus Christ.
8:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Noon
1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
Plenary Session 3
• Nurturing Leadership in the Wesleyan Tradition - Dr. Chilcote
• Business and Ministry Testimonies
Cafeteria Opens for Lunch (Norton Center)
Special Lunches (Norton Center)
Plenary Session 4 (Bill Battle Coliseum)
• Leadership Conversations with Bishop Wallace-Padgett & Bishop Watson
• Business and Ministry Testimonies
Closing and Sending Forth Service, Bishop Watson Preaching (Bill Battle Coliseum)
BSC CAMPUS MAP
➊ - ❾ Shuttle bus stops
Traffic loop through campus
➞
One-Way Driving Area PARKING Parking area
Admission Welcome Center Harbert Building
Munger
United Methodist Center
• Clergy Spouses • Kids’ Camp • AC Orientation • Health Screenings
• Clergy Executive Session • ATEM Gathering
Bill Battle Coliseum
Kennedy Art Center • Youth Battle of the Bands
• Plenary Sessions
• Cokesbury Bookstore Yeilding Chapel
• Worship Services
Norton Center • Prayer Chapel
• Laity SessionLibrary
• Cafeteria
• Conference Archives
• Special Meals
College Theatre • Mission Displays
• Registration Team
The tentative program and reports to be presented
to the Annual Conference
of the North Alabama Conference
of the United Methodist Church
May 31-June 2, 2015
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, Resident Bishop of the Birmingham Area presiding
Rev. Clauzell Williams, Conference Secretary
Entrance of Methodism into Alabama through Matthew P. Sturdivant
Alabama Conference, Methodist Protestant Church
Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church
North Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
Central Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church Uniting Conference, the Methodist Church
Merger Conference, the United Methodist Church
Merger Conference, North Alabama Conference and
Central Alabama Conference, Making the North Alabama Conference
1808
Organized 1829
Organized 1846
Organized 1867
Organized 1870
Organized 1876
1939
1968
Organized 1972
The One Hundred Forty-sixth Annual Session
of the North Alabama Conference since organization in 1870.
The Forty-third Session
of the North Alabama Conference since organization in 1972.
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Table of Contents
Welcome from Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett...........................5
Welcome from Steve Lyles, Conference Lay Leader...................6
Welcome from Rev. Clauzell Williams, Conference Secretary....7
Welcome from Gen. Charles Krulak, President of BSC.............8
Directions to BSC.....................................................................9
Parking......................................................................................9
Emergency Contact Number.....................................................9
Reservations
Reservation Process.................................................................10
Meals......................................................................................11
Hotels.....................................................................................12
Childcare / Kids' Camp...........................................................13
Business
PreConference Meetings..........................................................14
Resource Materials..................................................................14
Digital Materials.....................................................................14
Wi-Fi Information..................................................................14
Registering Your Attendance....................................................15
Reserve Member Information..................................................15
Ministry Rationale/Standing Rules.................................... 16-26
Operational Teams..................................................................27
Reports
Advocacy for Social Justice..................................................28
Africa University.................................................................28
Archives and History...........................................................29
Birmingham-Southern College............................................30
Children’s Discipleship........................................................32
Church Health....................................................................33
Community Enabler...........................................................33
Connectional Ministries......................................................34
Deaconess / Home Missioner..............................................35
Disability Ministries............................................................35
Disaster Recovery................................................................36
Disaster Relief Warehouse...................................................36
Ethnic Ministries.................................................................37
Hinton Rural Life Center....................................................39
Huntingdon College...........................................................40
Lake Junaluska Assembly.....................................................41
Lay Ministry Team..............................................................42
McCoy Adult Day Care Center...........................................43
Methodist Homes...............................................................44
Ministerial Integrity............................................................45
Ministry with the Poor........................................................45
Mission and Advocacy.........................................................46
Missionary Directory...........................................................46
Mission2Gather..................................................................47
Ordained Ministry..............................................................47
Reports (Continued)
Resource Ministry Partners..................................................48
Society of St. Andrew..........................................................48
Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center...........................49
Superannuate Homes..........................................................49
United Counseling..............................................................50
United Methodist Children’s Home....................................51
United MethodistTheological Schools
Boston University............................................................52
Candler...........................................................................53
Garrett-Evangelical..........................................................53
Perkins............................................................................54
United Methodist Campus Ministries
Athens State....................................................................55
Jacksonville State.............................................................55
UAB................................................................................56
UNA...............................................................................57
United Methodist Foundation.............................................57
Urban Ministry...................................................................58
Youth Discipleship..............................................................59
Conference Guide
Places of Note.........................................................................60
Special Guests................................................................... 61-62
Worship..................................................................................63
Prayer......................................................................................64
Special Offering.......................................................................64
Mission Displays.....................................................................64
Battle of the Bands..................................................................65
Meals and Gatherings........................................................ 66-67
Laity Luncheon.......................................................................68
Persons with Disabilities..........................................................69
Visitors....................................................................................69
Archives Open House..............................................................69
Concessions.............................................................................69
Information / Lost and Found ................................................69
Health Screening.....................................................................70
Cokesbury...............................................................................70
Items to Purchase....................................................................70
Stay Connected.......................................................................71
Photography Notice................................................................71
Tips for First-Time Members..................................................72
Annual Conference Orientation..............................................72
Frequently Asked Questions.............................................. 73-74
Forms
Journal Order Form................................................................75
Reserve Lay Member Form......................................................77
Reservation Form....................................................................79
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RESIDENT BISHOP
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Birmingham-Southern College, the location of the 2015 North Alabama
Annual Conference. Many thanks to countless United Methodists in North Alabama,
the planning team and Birmingham-Southern College staff and leaders for laying the
groundwork for this mission-driven Annual Conference.
Perhaps you are saying, “Wait a minute. I know what Annual Conference is, but what is a mission-driven Annual
Conference?”
Great question! A mission-driven Annual Conference:
• keeps our vision center stage throughout the experience;
• is designed around our mission of discovering, developing and deploying spiritual leaders to make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world;
• celebrates how God is moving in our churches and individual lives;
• and sends participants forth to their ministry contexts with deepened spiritual leadership capacities.
As we live into the above definition, I believe that we will have an extraordinary Conference. Thank you for your part
in making the 2015 North Alabama Annual Conference mission-driven.
As always, it is a privilege to serve as your bishop.
Blessings,
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Resident Bishop, North Alabama Conference
The Reverend Dr. Debra Wallace-Padgett was elected a Bishop of the United Methodist Church at the
2012 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. At the time of her election, she was the lead pastor of
St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky—an appointment she served for eight years.
During her tenure, St. Luke grew in membership, strengthened its infrastructure, built a $4.5 million
Ministry Life Center and launched a multi-cultural worship service.
Her previous service to the church includes six years as District Superintendent, three years as pastor of
Paris First UMC and 11 years on staff at Lexington First UMC. She served in a variety of roles in the
Kentucky Annual Conference, Southeastern Jurisdictional and General Conference levels. She serves on the
World Methodist Council and as President of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
A graduate of Berea College (B.A. in Physical Education), Scarritt College and Graduate School
(M.A. in Christian Education), Lexington Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Asbury Theological Seminary
(D.Min.), Bishop Wallace-Padgett is married to Rev. Lee Padgett, a deacon in the United Methodist Church,
who serves as the Interim Director of Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center.
They are the parents of Leanndra and Andrew.
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CONFERENCE LAY LEADER
Steve Lyles
Dear Laity, Clergy and Guests,
Welcome to the 2015 North Alabama Annual Conference. Annual Conference is the basic
organizational body of the United Methodist Church and has been since the days of John
and Charles Wesley. The Wesleys saw a need for Christian Conferencing where clergy
could refocus on the disciplines of the church. Much has changed in the church and in
our culture over the last 250 years, but the need to refocus on the disciplines of the church
is still necessary for the clergy and the lay members of United Methodist Conferences.
Our favorite spot to have Conference in modern times has been Birmingham-Southern College, and we are grateful we can
again hold our Conference on the ’Southern campus.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett is spreading a message of change in North Alabama—change in the way we go about doing
the business of our church. This change is contagious. We are not abandoning the disciplines and theology the Wesleys
taught. We are approaching the problems of our time and of our church using a team approach. Undergirding the change
are the principles of the United Methodist Church, which were and still are based on Scripture. I hope you catch a glimpse
of this change and receive blessings from being connected in common community, and living into covenant with each other.
The Annual Conference planning team has worked diligently to plan this year. Please take time to study this
PreConference Journal. This year’s schedule includes a balance of worship, business, reports, and Christian fellowship.
The Laity Session on Sunday, May 31 will feature guest speaker Craig Robertson from SLI (Spiritual Leadership, Inc.).
Craig will give a glimpse of the team process spreading across the North Alabama Conference and the Southeastern
Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.
The Laity Luncheon will be on Monday, June 1 at noon in the Great Hall in Norton Center. Rev. Lee Padgett, the interim
Executive Director of Camp Sumatanga will be our guest speaker. You may pre-purchase your Laity Luncheon ticket when
you make reservations for Conference.
Thanks for giving your time to attend this year. The Lay Ministry Team hopes you take away knowledge that will make
your local church stronger, fit and energized to do the work of God in recruiting new Christians.
Steve Lyles
Conference Lay Leader
Steve is a 46-year member of Alexander City First United Methodist Church. Prior to moving to Alabama, his home
church was in his home state of Kentucky. Through the years, Steve has served many local church positions, including
twenty-plus years as lay member to Annual Conference representing Alexander City First UMC. In 2007, Steve was elected
District Lay Leader of the Southeast District and served in this position until elected Conference Lay Leader in 2011.
Steve served on the District Committee on Ministry in the Southeast District for 18 years. He is Chair of the Lay
Ministry Team and is a member of the Episcopacy Committee, an ex-officio member of the Camp Sumatanga Board, the
Council on Finance and Administration and the Methodist Homes for the Aging. Steve was President of the Board for
the United Methodist Foundation of North Alabama for three years and served on the Board of Ordained Ministry for
three quadrennia. Steve is chair of the Southeast Jurisdiction Committee on Coordination and Accountability.
Steve, a retired PGA Club Golf Professional, is married to Nancy.
They live in Alexander City and have two children and five grandchildren.
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CONFERENCE SECRETARY
Rev. Clauzell Williams
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Welcome to the 2015 North Alabama Annual Conference! The theme for this 146th
Session of the Annual Conference is “Nurture: Growing in Christ.” Once again, the
Annual Conference will be held on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College from
May 31-June 2, 2015.
The Annual Conference Planning team has been busy organizing a 48-hour worship
experience. So please come prepared to spend time together with worship, business, and opportunities to grow in faith
through praise, Wesleyan studies and preaching.
Also, there will be many occasions to fellowship through special luncheons and other gatherings with many of the
conference ministry teams. In addition, there will be opportunities to fellowship with old friends, and perhaps you will
reach out and make new friends.
As you recall, last year we elected delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences for 2016. Please keep these
individuals in your prayers as they have already begun their work to faithfully address the many concerns and issues facing
the church.
It is a pleasure to serve as your Conference Secretary, and I am grateful to work with the Assistant Secretaries – Nancy
Cole, Karen Long, Tim Tatum and Matt Reid. I look forward to seeing you very soon! If I may be of assistance to you,
please contact me at [email protected].
Peace and Blessings Always,
Clauzell Ridgeway Williams
Conference Secretary
Clauzell professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was nurtured in the love of God at Enon United Methodist
Church. She accepted God’s call to the ministry in February 2002, while employed as a Public Relations Manager for the
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta-Birmingham Branch, and began the process for ordained ministry later that year.
She received a B.S. degree from Birmingham-Southern College. Her graduate studies began at Wake Forest University
Divinity School. She completed her studies at Memphis Theological Seminary, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude,
earning her M.Div. In June 2010 she was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in the North Alabama Conference. She
has served Sweet Home UMC in Gadsden, and is currently the Senior Pastor of Springhill UMC in Madison.
Clauzell was appointed by Bishop Robert E. Fannin as the first Convener for Strengthening the Black Church for the
21st Century. Other Conference positions include Committee on Finance, Committee on Ministerial Integrity, Licensing
School, Board of Trustees, Religion and Race, and Administrative Review Board. In 2012, she was elected Conference
Secretary. In the Northeast District she serves on the District Committee on Ministry, the Board of Church Building and
Relocation and the Generative Impact Team. She has served on General Council on Finance and Administration.
Her volunteer opportunities with local community and civic organizations in the Birmingham area include Board of
Trustees for Habitat for Humanity, Loan Executive with United Way, Junior Achievement, Crisis Control Ministries,
Department of Social Services, and Project Business. As a volunteer with Project Business, she taught Business Ethics
to eighth and ninth graders in the Mountain Brook and Birmingham School Systems. In the Huntsville area, she has
volunteered with the Prison Ministry and various Senior Care facilities.
Clauzell is the mother of Micheal Keith Jr., and grandmother of Sheridan, Bethany and Micheal Keith III.
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Reservations
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
Welcome home! Birmingham-Southern College is honored to host your Annual Conference again
this year. We look forward to assisting your leadership team in creating an environment for you to
conference, worship and celebrate. With Bishop Wallace-Padgett at the helm, I know that good
things will sprout forth from this gathering.
Access to education has always been an important ministry for the Methodist movement. John
Wesley, George Whitefield and so many others plowed the ground for the establishment of schools,
for spiritual education of children in the churches and for the scripture to be read by all. In John’s
sermons and his brother Charles’ hymns, we know well the goal for education—“…unite the two so
long disjoined, knowledge and vital piety.”
We continue this tradition and celebrate our United Methodist roots. In the spirit of cultivation it is
our hope as a community college to:
• Cultivate new relationships with clergy and laity, both who are connected to BSC and for
those who have yet to hear our story;
• Grow scholarship resources for the United Methodist students;
• Plant seeds in our collective community through partnerships with United Methodist service
agencies and ministries;
• Nourish our children and youth ministries in the hopes of building relationships with the
next generation of United Methodist college students.
Our best gift to the Church and to God is to be the finest educational institution we can be.
Birmingham-Southern College is committed to the whole student—mind, body and spirit. You
have planted seeds in the young persons you send our way; we continue to nurture the seedling at
BSC through the waters of academic excellence, leadership development, self-understanding, faith
discovery and dedicated service to others. God has great things in store for their growth.
Break out your overalls and gardening clogs! We will grow into ministry together and are proud to
be partners with the North Alabama Conference for cultivating the next great generation.
Forward, Ever!
General Charles C. Krulak
President
Birmingham-Southern College
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
DIRECTIONS TO BSC
Reservations
Birmingham-Southern College is located in Birmingham just west of the intersection of I-65 and I-20/59.
From West:
Take I-20E/59N to Arkadelphia Road (Exit #123).
From Exit #123, turn right onto Arkadelphia Road.
Birmingham-Southern College will be on the right as you top the hill.
From East:
Take I-20W/59S to Arkadelphia Road (Exit #123).
From Exit #123, turn left onto Arkadelphia Road.
Drive over the interstate overpass. Birmingham-Southern College will be on the right as you top the hill.
From North/South:
Take I-65 to the junction of I-20/59.
Take I-20W/59S toward Tuscaloosa to Arkadelphia Road (Exit #123).
From Exit #123, turn left onto Arkadelphia Road.
Drive over the interstate overpass. Birmingham-Southern College will be on the right as you top the hill.
PARKING
The BSC Campus Police will be on hand daily to direct Annual Conference members and visitors to the best available
parking. Follow their instructions as you arrive and as you leave each day.
Each parking area is indicated on the campus map on the back cover of this book. Each parking area will feature a shuttle
stop. Shuttle buses will be circling campus for the duration of each session. No matter where you park, you will be near
a shuttle stop and will only have a short wait for a ride to any location on campus. The parking lot nearest Bill Battle
Coliseum will be designated handicapped parking. Only vehicles with proper Handicap Parking Credentials (tag or
hangtag) will be allowed to park there.
To assure the safety of all participants, students and the campus family whose work continues during Annual Conference,
no parking will be allowed along curbs or off pavement. All parking spaces are lined and designated. Please do not park in
handicap spaces without a tag or hangtag, or in spaces reserved for administrators and housing staff. For safety reasons and
to maintain an efficient traffic plan, automobiles parked illegally may be towed. Always observe the speed limit of 15 miles
per hour while on campus.
EMERGENCY NUMBER
In case of emergencies, Annual Conference members may be contacted at the following number during the Annual
Conference Session: 205-226-4760.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
RESERVATIONS PROCESS
Reservations
Make Your Reservations by May 15!
You will need to take action prior to Annual Conference to...
• purchase meal tickets
• request special accommodations for disabilities
• request childcare for your child or grandchild
• purchase annual conference t-shirts
Please remember, making reservations does not add your name to the 2015 Annual Conference membership roll. Only Annual
Conference Members receive credentials (nametags). For questions regarding your membership status, contact Conference Registrar
Doris McCullers at [email protected], 205-226-7950 or 800-239-7950.
If you make reservations by May 15, 2015, you will receive your meal tickets in the mail prior to Annual Conference.
The easiest way to make your reservations is through Online
Reservations.
1. Go to www.umcna.org/ac15reservations.
2. Click the box for the specific reservations/order you need to make.
3. Complete the online Reservation Form. Note: The online reservation system will allow you to make reservations
for multiple people.
4. Submit your payment. Your reservations are not complete until payment is received.
a. Pay online using a credit card, debit card or PayPal account.
b. Mail a check by May 15, 2015, payable to “North Alabama Conference” to:
Doris McCullers, Registrar
North Alabama Conference
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
You may also make reservations by mail:
1. Find the Reservations form on page 79 in the back of this PreConference Book.
2. Complete the form indicating the meals you are purchasing and any special needs accommodations you are
requesting.
3. Detach the page and mail it, along with a check payable to “North Alabama Conference” to:
Doris McCullers, Registrar
North Alabama Conference
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
Your reservations are not complete until payment is received.
Note: Kids’ Camp reservations must be made online. (See page 13 for more information)
Have questions?
Contact Registrar Doris McCullers at [email protected], 205-226-7950 or 800-239-7950.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
MEALS
Reservations
Annual Conference participants are encouraged to eat on campus for time’s sake and for the opportunity for more
fellowship.
To reserve your tickets go to www.umcna.org/ac15reservations, or mail the completed Reservation Form on page 79.
Reservation deadline is May 15, 2015.
Meal Tickets
The Birmingham-Southern College Cafeteria is located on the first floor of the Norton Center. The “Caf ” is an all-youcare-to-eat venue featuring stations serving home-style entrees, international fare, a grill, deli, pizzeria and salad bar.
• Breakfast $7.75 6:30-9 a.m.
Monday and Tuesday
• Lunch
$10
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
• Dinner $10
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Sunday and Monday
Special Meals
Several groups have scheduled special catered meals during Annual Conference. To participate in one of these special
meals, you must purchase a ticket for that specific meal. Due to price differences, regular meal tickets cannot be accepted
for attendance at a special meal.
Monday Breakfast
• United Methodist Men —$8.50
Monday Lunch
• Laity Luncheon—$18
• Candler Club—$15
• Fellowship of Local Pastors/Associate Members—$15
• Duke Divinity School—$15
Tuesday Breakfast
• COSROW—$8.50
Tuesday Lunch
• Educational Opportunities
• Memphis Theological Seminary-$15
• Asbury Seminary—$15
• Order of Deacons—$15
If you make reservations by May 15, 2015, you will receive your meal tickets in the mail prior to Annual Conference.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
HOTELS
Reservations
Hotels listed below are offering special rates during Annual Conference 2015. To make hotel reservations, please contact
the hotel directly. Identify yourself as a North Alabama Annual Conference attendee or use the special code listed when
you make your reservation.
Reserve online by following links at our website: www.umcna.org/ac15hotels.
Organized by Distance from Birmingham-Southern College
Sheraton Birmingham Downtown
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 (3.2 miles)
• Single Occupancy: $99
• Double Occupancy: $99
Reservations: online or 205-324-5000.
Reservation Cut-off Date: May 25, 2015
Embassy Suites - Birmingham
2300 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (6.7 miles)
• King: $119
• 2 Queens: $129
GROUP CODE: UMC.
Reservations: online or 205-879-7400
Reservation Cut-off Date: May 15, 2015
Hampton Inn - Homewood
30 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (8.4 miles)
• King: $99
• 2 Queens: $99
GROUP CODE: AL5
Reservations: online or 205-313-2060.
Reservation Cut-off Date: May 17, 2015
Holiday Inn - Homewood
492 Wildwood Circle North, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (8.4 miles)
• Single: $95
• Double: $95
GROUP CODE: NAC
Reservations: 205-942-6070.
Reservation Cut-off Date: April 30, 2015
Fairfield Inn & Suites - Fultondale
1795 Morris Avenue, Fultondale, Alabama 35068 (9.6 miles)
• Single Occupancy: $95
• Double Occupancy: $95
• Suite: $110
Reservations: online or 205-849-8484.
Reservation Cut-off Date: May 15, 2015
Courtyard Marriott - Colonnade
3400 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (12.0 miles)
• King: $89
• 2 Queens: $89
Reservations: online or 205-967-4466.
Reservation Cut-off Date: May 15, 2015
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
KIDS’ CAMP / CHILDCARE
Reservations
Annual Conference Kids’ Camp
Kids’ Camp is a great opportunity to involve your children in Annual Conference. Children from birth through those who
have completed sixth grade are welcome to participate if a parent, grandparent or legal guardian is in attendance at Annual
Conference.
Annual Conference Kids’ Camp will be staffed by professional children’s ministers as well as volunteer staff. All staff and
volunteers will be trained in Safe Sanctuary policies and have up-to-date background checks.
You must register online at www.umcna.org/ac15KidsCamp. The cost is $30 per child and includes meals, snacks and a
t-shirt. Registration deadline is May 15, 2015. Please note that your registration is not complete until payment is received
in full. If you must register late or on-site, the cost will be $40 and may not include a t-shirt.
Check In/Out
Your child must be checked in and out each day by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. Photo identification may be
required. There will be stroller access to the check-in site. Registration and check-in will be located at the Harbert Building
(see map on back cover for location).
After you complete online registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to the necessary forms. Please
open this link, print and complete the forms and bring them with you to AC Kids’ Camp. Save this e-mail in case you
need to edit your registration before arrival.
Kids’ Camp Hours:
• Sunday 3:30-8:30 p.m.
• Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Childcare for Worship Services at Birmingham-Southern College
The Children’s Ministry Team will offer childcare for $5 per child during all Annual Conference worship services.
Preregistration is not required; simply bring your children to the Harbert Building. If you registered and paid for Kids’
Camp there is no need to pay an additional $5.
You must be on campus in order to leave your children at childcare.
Childcare will be available during the following worship times:
• Opening Worship: Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m.
• Memorial Service: Monday, June 1 at 2 p.m.
• Closing Worship: Tuesday, June 2 at 3:30 p.m.
Childcare for Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing Service at
Canterbury UMC
Childcare will be available during the Service of Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing at Canterbury UMC on the
evening of June 1. Make reservations online at www.umcna.org/ac15kidscamp or by contacting John Fleischauer in the
Conference Office of Connectional Ministries at [email protected] or 205-226-7963. Make reservations by
May 22.
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PRECONFERENCE MEETINGS
District
Central
Cheaha
Mountain Lakes
Northeast
Northwest
South Central
Southeast
Southwest
Date
May 3
April 26
May 3
April 26
April 26
May 3
May 3
May 3
Time 2:30 p.m.
4 p.m.
3 p.m.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
2 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
Location
Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC
Pell City First UMC
Christ Central UMC
Northeast District Office
Decatur First UMC
Trinity UMC, Homewood
Trinity UMC, Alexander City
Fayette First UMC
RESOURCE MATERIALS
Any printed reports given on the floor of the conference will be either placed in your chair or handed to you as you enter the
coliseum for each session.
Business
To become better stewards of the gifts God provides, additional printed materials from ministries, agencies and groups
related to the Annual Conference will be available at resource tables on both floors of the coliseum. These measures will take
the place of our member resource bags which have been distributed at registration in previous years.
If you do not wish to keep these materials, recycling bins will be available on both floors of the coliseum.
DIGITAL MATERIALS
Additional Annual Conference materials are available for download from the North Alabama Conference website. To
download the materials go to www.umcna.org/ac15virtualbag.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi (wireless internet access) will be available in Bill Battle Coliseum. To use the Wi-Fi network you must have login
credentials supplied by Birmingham-Southern College. Credentials will be good for use on two devices during the duration
of Annual Conference.
Annual Conference participants may request Wi-Fi credentials through online reservations. Those who make this request
will receive an email a few days before Annual Conference with your login credentials.
Participants may also sign up for credentials on Sunday afternoon at the Wi-Fi Tent outside the lower entrance of the
coliseum.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
REGISTERING YOUR ATTENDANCE
Annual Conference members received a Roll Call card in the mailing with your PreConference Book / Journal Vol. 1. To
register your attendance, sign the Roll Call card and turn it in to the Registration Team at Annual Conference. When you
turn in your signed card, you will receive your nametag, which is your official credentials to participate in the business of
Annual Conference.
Express Registration
On Sunday, clergy and lay members can turn in their Roll Call card and pick up their nametag at the tables outside Bill
Battle Coliseum. In case of rain, the tables will be moved to the rear of the coliseum floor.
• Express registration will be open: Sunday: 2-8 p.m.
Registration Team
Business
Members of the registration team will be available in the Theater Lobby throughout Annual Conference to receive Roll
Call cards and distribute nametags to members.
The Registration Team is also available to assist Reserve Members who need credentials to take the place of a lay member
(see page 77), to help those who need to be added to the Annual Conference membership role and to replace lost
nametags.
• Sunday: 2-8 p.m.
• Monday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 7 a.m.-noon
All Annual Conference members should make sure their attendance is recorded. It is the duty of every member and all
provisional members and local pastors of the annual conference to attend its sessions (¶602.8, 2012 Book of Discipline).
Clergy members who cannot attend any business session of the Annual Conference must report by letter or e-mail to the
Conference Secretary and copy your District Superintendent stating the reason for the absence.
To record your attendance: Turn in your signed Roll Call card and pick up your nametag from the Registration Team
at Annual Conference.
Note: Only Annual Conference Members receive credentials (nametags). For questions regarding your membership status, contact
Conference Registrar Doris McCullers at [email protected], 205-226-7950 or 800-239-7950.
RESERVE MEMBERS
In the event that a Lay Member from a local charge cannot participate in a session of the Annual Conference, a Reserve
Lay Member may officially take the member’s place.
The form on page 77 must be completed for the Reserve Member to receive credentials to participate in the business
of Annual Conference. This form must be completed and signed by the Reserve Member’s District Superintendent and
presented to the Conference Registrar.
Note: During plenary sessions, District Superintendents sit at tables near the front of the coliseum and Conference Registrar Doris
McCullers is with the Registration Team in the Theatre Lobby.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
NORTH ALABAMA CONFERENCE MINISTRY RATIONALE
Vision
Spiritual leaders empowering life-giving congregations to transform the world.
The North Alabama Conference will be led by lay and clergy growing in an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
These leaders will guide the church in transforming the world through making committed disciples, through supporting
vital congregations and through developing critical conference missions and ministries to impact people around the world.
Mission
Discover, Develop and Deploy Spiritual Leaders to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.
Business: Standing Rules
Values
• Working together to create a kingdom-like environment which transforms lives and communities with urgency
• Movement of the Holy Spirit produces personal and social holiness
• Centered in Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God
• The Bible as the inspired word of God which guides our work together
• Integrity—what we say, what we do and what we desire are aligned
What does the North Alabama Way mean?
• Team matters.
• Respond, not react.
• What we do is of critical importance. How we do it is of equal importance.
• The higher the expectations, the greater the outcome.
• Move as quickly as we can and as slowly as we need to, for as long as it takes.
• Following the process and honoring integrity at all levels of the system.
Conference Priorities
• New Faith Communities, Worship Services, Ministries to reach new persons
• Healthy Congregations
• Ethnic Ministries
• Ministry with the Poor
Structure
Teams of servant leaders will be formed to accomplish our mission in accordance with the current Book of Discipline along
with input from the Bishop and Cabinet.
Conference teams currently serving include:
• Administrative Review Board
• Adult Discipleship Team
• Advocacy for Social Justice Team
• Annual Conference Meeting Team
• Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
• Board of Ordained Ministry
• Board of Pension and Health Benefits
• Board of Superannuate Homes
• Cabinet
• Children’s Discipleship or the Children’s Connexion
• Church Health Team
• Commission on Archives and History
• Commission on Equitable Compensation
• Commission on the Status and Role of Women
• Committee on Episcopacy
• Committee on Ministerial Integrity
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Business: Standing Rules
• Committee on Procedures and Petitions
• Communications Team
• Conference Investments Team
• Conference Nominations Team
• Conference Relations Committee
• Conference Trustees
• Connectional Ministries Team
• Council of Finance and Administration
• Disability Ministries Team
• Disaster Response Team
• Episcopal Residence Team
• Ethnic Ministries Team
• Hispanic Ministries Team
• Lay Ministry Team
• Mission Congregation Team
• Missions Team
• Native American Ministries Team
• New Church Team
• Personnel Team
• Religion and Race Team
• Safe Sanctuaries Team
• Stewardship Team
• United Methodist Men
• United Methodist Women
• Youth Discipleship Team
STANDING RULES
1 Annual Conference Ministry Teams
1.1 Leadership Formation. Teams of servant leaders will be formed to accomplish our mission in accordance with the
current Book of Discipline with input from the Bishop and Cabinet.
a. The Conference Lay Ministry Team is composed of the Conference Lay Leader, who is the team leader, the
Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, the District Lay Leaders, the Bishop and the Director of
Connectional Ministries. The Lay Ministry Team carries out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline,
¶631, in connection with the General Board of Discipleship.
b. The Conference Lay Leader is elected by the Annual Conference upon the nomination of the Conference
Nominations Team (2012 Book of Discipline, ¶603.9a). The tenure of office for the Conference Lay Leader is no
less than four years. Should a vacancy occur prior to the completion of the term, the Lay Ministry Team selects a
Conference Lay Leader to serve until the next meeting of the Annual Conference.
c. The District Lay Leaders are elected annually by the Annual Conference on nomination by the members of the
District Conference or, if no District Conference is held, by the members of the District Leadership Team (or
equivalent body). Any vacancy that occurs in the Office of the District Lay Leader between regular meetings of
the Annual Conference shall be filled by action of members of the District Conference or the District Leadership
Team (or equivalent body). At their discretion, districts may elect additional assistant or associate lay leaders as
needed.
d. The Board of United Counseling provides direct counseling services to clergy and laity, training programs
in pastoral counseling and training in congregational health. Its fifteen member Board is nominated by the
Conference Nominations Team in consultation with the Executive Director.
e. The Committee on Ministerial Integrity develops policies and provides training for professional church workers
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in upholding the church’s commitment to high standards of professional conduct and the elimination of sexual
harassment. This committee is composed of five to twelve members who are appointed by the Bishop and is
under administrative purview of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Executive Director of the Board of
Ordained Ministry.
Business: Standing Rules
1.2 Missions Team. In accordance with the Book of Discipline, our structure functionally reflects the General Board of
Global Ministries and the General Board of Church and Society and includes the roles and responsibilities of the
Conference Boards of Church and Society and Global Ministries and are as follows:
a. The Missions Team is nominated by the Conference Nominations Team and elected by the Annual Conference.
These leaders, along with Conference staff assigned to this Team, invite others to join this Team as it carries
out the mission of encouraging persons to be involved in servant ministries, as described in the 2012 Book of
Discipline, ¶633. Anyone who serves on the General Board of Global Ministries is a member of the Conference
Missions Team.
b. The United Methodist Women encourage and support Spiritual Growth, Missionary Outreach and Christian
Social Action as described in the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶647.
c. The United Methodist Men encourage Discipleship, Personal Witness and Evangelism, Outreach, Spiritual
Growth and Faith Development as described in the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶648.
d. The Mission Congregation Team is appointed by the Bishop and includes Cabinet members with mission
congregations within their districts and a representative from the Commission on Equitable Compensation. The
Mission Congregation Team encourages the ministry of congregations that are in special missional situations.
e. The United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Team, along with Conference staff assigned to this Team, invites
others to join this Team as it carries out the mission of recruiting and resourcing UMVIM teams at home and
around the world.
f. The Mission Resource Team, along with Conference staff assigned to the Team, invites others to join this Team as
it carries out the Conference’s ongoing connection with the General Board of Global Ministries and the following
ministries:
(1) Hispanic Ministries;
(2) United Methodist Committee on Relief;
(3) Disaster Relief;
(4) Advance Specials;
(5) Kairos Prison Ministry;
(6) Society of Saint Andrew
g. The Mission Education and Communication Team shall coordinate the Mission Education Programs of the
Conference and promote hands-on mission for local churches through special events and training.
h. The Mission Personnel Team shall be responsible for the recruitment and interview process for prospective
missionaries.
1.3 Ministry Administration. The Ministry Administration Team is composed of the Conference Treasurer/Director of
Administrative Services and the staff and volunteers who support the work of that office, which is described in the
2012 Book of Discipline, ¶619.
a. The apportionments for the Conference Unified Budget to the pastoral charges are prepared by the Conference
Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services, according to an equitable formula adopted by the Annual
Conference and delivered to pastors and/or District Superintendents on or before August 1.
b. The IT Team, supervised by the Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services, is composed of staff
persons who carry out the day-to-day operation of the Conference computers, plus any volunteers that may
support this ministry.
c. The Conference Finance Team is composed of the Bishop, the Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative
Services, a member of the Cabinet chosen by the Bishop, the Conference Lay Leader, the Conference Director
of Connectional Ministries, the Director of the North Alabama Conference United Methodist Foundation and
12 to 14 persons nominated by the Conference Nominations Team and elected by the Annual Conference. The
duties of the Conference Finance Team are:
(1) To provide for the functions of the ministry of finance and administration;
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Business: Standing Rules
(2) To work with the various leadership and ministry teams to develop a budgeting process and annual budgets
that reflect the Conference vision and mission goals, in accordance with the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶¶611614;
(3) To recommend a unified budget to the Annual Conference each year to underwrite the accomplishment of
the Conference vision and mission goals, in accordance with the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶614;
(4) To supervise the receipt and disbursement of the Conference funds;
(5) To provide for an annual audit of the accounts of the Conference Treasurer /Director of Administrative
Services within six months after the close of the fiscal year by a certified public accountant; a copy of such
audits is furnished to the chairperson of the Finance Team and to the Bishop;
(6) To verify that the accounts of all other treasurers handling Conference funds are audited and reported in a
similar manner.
d. Conference funds are invested by the Conference Treasurer / Director of Administrative Services under
the supervision of a Conference Investments Committee. This Committee is composed of six persons: the
chairperson of the Finance Team plus five persons with financial management skills and experience who are
appointed by the Bishop.
e. The Board of Pension and Health Benefits is composed of 30 persons nominated by the Conference Nominations
Team and elected by the Annual Conference, to carry out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline,
¶639, in cooperation with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Consideration will be given to have
one board member from each district.
f. The Conference Board of Trustees is composed of 12 persons nominated by the Conference Nominations
Team and elected by the Annual Conference, to carry out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline,
¶2512.1-7.
2 The Annual Conference Meeting
2.1 The Annual Conference Meeting Team. The Annual Conference Meeting Team plans and coordinates the session
of the Annual Conference. The Annual Conference Meeting Team is convened by the Director of Connectional
Ministries and includes the Bishop, the Secretary of the Conference, four District Superintendents chosen by the
Bishop, the Conference Lay Leader, a member of the Administrative Services Team and others named by the Bishop
or the Director of Connectional Ministries.
The Conference Secretary and the Statistician of the Conference are elected quadrennially at the session of the Annual
Conference immediately preceding the regular session of the General Conference. Assistants are elected annually on
nomination by the Secretary and Statistician respectively. The Conference Secretary makes sure accurate minutes of
the proceedings are recorded.
2.2 Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure. All sessions of the Conference are governed:
a. First, by the Book of Discipline in effect at the time of the Annual Conference;
b. Second, by the Standing Rules of the Conference;
c. Third, by the Rules of Order of the General Conference adopted by the most recent General Conference;
d. Finally, any situation not covered by the above shall be governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
2.3 Presiding Officer. The Resident Bishop, or the presiding officer designated to preside in the bishop’s temporary
absence, shall be the chair of the conference. The chair shall decide on points of order raised by the members.
2.4 Voting at Annual Conference.
a. Voting Area of the Conference (also known as the “bar of the Annual Conference”). The annual conference shall
fix the voting area of the conference at the opening business session and voting on all annual conference matters
must take place within the prescribed area.
b. Identification. Members of the conference and others entitled to be seated within the voting areas of the
conference shall be furnished identification badges. During balloting, ballots will be distributed to and collected
from only those persons wearing proper identification badges.
c. Rules for Debate are contained in Appendix A of the Standing Rules of the Conference.
d. All reports not contained in the published PreConference Book/Journal Volume I are typewritten and presented
in duplicate and are placed on the Conference Calendar in the order in which they are filed with the Conference
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Secretary. The reports (except that of the Annual Conference Meeting Team) lie on the Conference Secretary’s
desk at least one business session before being acted upon by the Conference.
Business: Standing Rules
2.5 Procedures, Petitions and Resolutions. The Committee on Procedures and Petitions is composed of a chair and
five other members nominated by the Conference Nominations Team and elected by the Annual Conference. Total
board voting membership will stand at eight including the Assistant to the Bishop and one Cabinet representative,
appointed by the Bishop. The Annual Conference Secretary is an ex-officio non-voting member.
a. Petitions and resolutions to be presented to the Annual Conference must be in the hands of the Conference
Secretary no later than February 1 of the calendar year preceding the Annual Conference to which it is
submitted.
b. With the exception of those approved by agencies, boards, commissions and committees, councils, task forces,
teams, or other conference entities for inclusion in the PreConference Book/Journal Volume I, the Conference
Secretary shall promptly deliver a copy of each petition and resolution to the Convenor of the Committee on
Procedures and Petitions.
c. The Committee on Procedures and Petitions shall review each such petition and resolution for conformity with
applicable rules (including provisions of the United Methodist Book of Discipline) and shall then refer each such
petition and resolution to the conference agency, board, commission, committee, council, task force, team, or
other conference entity (the “receiving entity”), if any, whose mission is related to the subject matter of such
petition or resolution.
d. Petitions and resolutions dealing with the rules or procedures of the Annual Conference or procedural matters
shall be referred to the Committee on Procedures and Petitions for handling.
e. Upon receiving such petitions and resolutions, the receiving entity will conduct such study and consultation as
it deems appropriate for a thorough and prayerful consideration of the petition or resolution and shall make a
recommendation on each.
f. The Committee on Procedures and Petitions and the receiving entity shall each have the authority to amend
petitions and resolutions prior to making recommendations to the conference. Recommendations from the
Committee on Procedures and Petitions and from the receiving entities shall be forwarded to the Conference
Director of Connectional Ministries at least 10 business days prior to the opening of Annual Conference
for duplication and distribution to all members of the Conference prior to the first business session of the
Conference.
g. All motions to amend any resolution or petition, including motions to amend by substitution, shall be submitted
to the Conference Secretary within 30 days of the publication of such resolution or petition in the PreConference
Book/Journal Volume I or the conference web site. Such motions shall be handled in accordance with the
procedures set out in the paragraphs (2.5 c-f ) above.
h. In order to provide opportunity for Christian conferencing concerning resolutions and petitions to be
brought before the Annual Conference, all persons and entities submitting any resolution or petition pursuant
to paragraphs (2.5 c-f ) shall cooperate with the Committee on Procedures and Petitions and the District
Superintendents in making resources available to the members prior to the Annual Conference. This may
entail participating in presentations or workshops in connection with the PreConference district meetings, or
otherwise assisting the district superintendents in providing forums in which such resolutions and petitions can
be discussed and considered prayerfully by members in advance of the Annual Conference. The Convenor of the
Committee on Procedures and Petitions shall coordinate such efforts with the district superintendents and other
interested parties.
2.6 Reports.
a. PreConference Book/Journal Volume I. Conference organizations submitting reports of substance to the Annual
Conference send such reports as directed by the Conference Secretary. The Secretary edits and publishes a Journal
of these reports, a copy to be mailed to each Member (Clergy, Lay and Reserve) of the Annual Conference and
to the spouse of a deceased clergy upon request, in a reasonable time prior to the convening of Conference, the
expense of which is paid from Annual Conference Meeting Expense Funds. This PreConference book serves
as Volume I of the Annual Conference Journal. Only reports of Conference-level organizations are published.
Amendments to or changes of Journal reports are duplicated by the organization involved and made available to
members of the Conference.
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b. Consent Agenda. In order to expedite the business of the Conference, the Consent Agenda Committee,
composed of the Secretary of the Annual Conference and the Director of Connectional Ministries, in
consultation with organizations or individuals presenting reports, recommendations or resolutions, may present
in the PreConference Book/Journal Volume I a written list of items which shall be considered as adopted by
consent of the Annual Conference unless they are removed from this list at a time set aside for this purpose on
the second business session of the Conference.
(1) Individual items may be removed from the Consent Agenda to be placed on the regular agenda by a motion
requesting it, supported by at least one additional member of the Annual Conference.
(2) When a matter has been removed from the Consent Agenda, it is placed on the regular agenda at an
appropriate time as determined by the Secretary of the Annual Conference.
Business: Standing Rules
2.7 Lay Members of Annual Conference. Each Lay Member and Reserve Lay Member serves for the ensuing Calendar
Year. District Superintendents provide the Conference Secretary with lists of these, including addresses, by February
1 of each year. The Conference Registrar on behalf of the Conference Secretary delivers reservation blanks to all
Conference Members at least twenty days prior to the convening of Annual Conference.
a. Reserves. Reserves may be seated in place of regular members upon written notice to the Secretary.
b. Young Adult Members. Each year, each District will select one young person between the ages of twelve and
seventeen and one young person between the ages of eighteen and thirty as members of the Annual Conference
(2012 Book of Discipline, ¶32).
c. Equalizing Members.
(1) In addition to the provisions for lay members of the Annual Conference as set out in the 2012 Book of
Discipline, ¶32, the following persons constitute members of the Annual Conference to the extent required
to equalize lay membership with ministerial membership and in the following priority:
(a) Lay Team Leaders of Conference Ministry Teams;
(b) Lay persons serving on boards and agencies of the General Conference;
(c) Full-time lay employees of the Conference Staff;
(d) Former Conference Lay Leaders;
(e) District Presidents of United Methodist Women;
(f ) District Presidents of United Methodist Men;
(g) Lay Chairpersons of District Councils (or equivalent body);
(h) Lay District Directors of Lay Servant Ministries;
(i) A student representative from each Wesley Foundation (or United Methodist Campus Ministry Unit).
(j) Former Conference Presidents of United Methodist Women;
(k) Former Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men;
(l) Others as needed, named and prioritized by the leadership and ministry teams of the Annual Conference.
(2) If the number of additional lay persons needed to equalize with the ministerial members does not require all
persons in each of the above categories, the following method of selection for persons in ¶2.7(c) (1) is used:
(a) Persons will be selected from the following categories:
- Lay Team Leaders of Conference Ministries Teams
- Lay persons serving on boards and agencies of the General Conference
- Lay Chairpersons of District Councils (or equivalent bodies)
(b) The Lay Ministry Team determines the order of persons selected in:
- Former Conference Lay Leaders
- Lay District Directors of Lay Servant Ministries
(c) The Executive Committee of the Conference United Methodist Women determines the order of persons in:
- District Presidents of United Methodist Women
- Former Conference Presidents of United Methodist Women
(d) The Executive Committee of the Conference United Methodist Men determines the order of persons
selected in categories (8) and (13):
- District Presidents of United Methodist Men
- Former Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men
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(e) Full-time lay employees of the Conference Staff are selected according to seniority as determined by the
Conference Director of Connectional Ministries.
(3) The number of lay members of the Annual Conference is the number equal to the number of ministerial
members of the Annual Conference as reported in answer to the North Alabama Conference Journal
Business of Annual Conference (also known as the “Condensed Minutes”) question 57. This number shall
be balanced by the number of pastoral charges plus the number of associate pastors as listed in the current
appointments in the Journal.
2.8 PreConference Meetings. Each year the District Superintendent and District Lay Leader convene a meeting
of all Annual Conference Members and Reserves within the District prior to the Conference sessions after the
PreConference Book/Journal Volume I is in the hands of the members for the purpose of considering proposals and
programs which are to be presented to the Conference.
Business: Standing Rules
2.9 Conference Journal.
a. The Conference Journal is produced by the Communication Team of the Annual Conference in cooperation with
the Conference Secretary.
b. The Communication Team may edit reports for brevity, provided that no essential material is omitted. The
Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services of the North Alabama Conference shall provide a
copy of the annual audits of the accounts of the Conference groups for publication in the Conference Journal.
All materials for the Journal must be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] by the tenth day following the
adjournment of the Annual Conference.
c. The duties of the Journal Committee are:
(1) To determine the number of Journals to be published and, prior to the meeting of the Annual Conference,
contract for the printing and mailing of the Journal, with a mailing date no later than October 1. All
expenses involved in editing, printing and mailing the Journal are paid from the Annual Conference
Meeting Expense Fund.
(2) To publish in the Journal the report of the Conference Statistician. Calendar-year reports are filed by each
pastor by January 15.
2.10 Election of Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference.
a. Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences are elected according to the provisions of the 2012 Book
of Discipline, ¶¶34-36, 502. After General Conference delegates are elected, voting begins for Jurisdictional
Conference delegates. The first three clergy and the first three lay delegates elected to Jurisdictional Conference
will serve as reserve delegates to General Conference in the order of their election. After the balloting for
Jurisdictional Conference is complete, three clergy and three lay reserve delegates are elected to the Jurisdictional
Conference.
b. Procedures for self-nomination of clergy delegate candidates.
(1) In order to ensure that all clergy have access to information about those who wish to be considered as
delegates, clergy will have the opportunity to nominate themselves for election as clergy delegates.
(2) The provisions of the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶35, ensure that “The clergy delegates to the General
Conference and to the jurisdictional or central conference shall be elected from the clergy members in
full connection and shall be elected by the clergy members of the annual conference or provisional annual
conference who are deacons and elders in full connection, associate members and those provisional members
who have completed all of their educational requirements and local pastors who have completed course
of study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment
immediately preceding the election.” Therefore, this self-nomination process shall in no way limit the voting
to those clergy who nominate themselves.
(3) Those nominating themselves for consideration as delegates are asked to commit to the following expectations:
(a) Attend both General Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
(b) Attend the meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
(c) Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
(d) Pray for God’s guidance in decision-making.
(4) Those wishing to be considered for election shall complete the Conference Clergy Delegation Nomination
Form and provide a photograph by the deadline set by the Conference Secretary.
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Business: Standing Rules
(5) Nominees statements and pictures shall be included in the PreConference Book/Journal Volume I, which
shall be distributed to all clergy members of Annual Conference.
c. Procedures for self-nomination of lay delegate candidates.
(1) Those nominating themselves for consideration as delegates are asked to commit to the following
expectations:
(a) Attend both General Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
(b) Attend the meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
(c) Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
(d) Meet the qualifications of the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶36, Article V.
(e) Pray for God’s guidance in decision-making.
(2) Those wishing to be considered for election shall complete the Conference Lay Delegation Nomination
Form and provide a photograph and a short paragraph sharing why they feel called to be a delegate by the
deadline set by the Conference Lay Leader.
(d) Procedures for Balloting.
(1) Only eligible clergy and lay members of Annual Conference may vote for delegates. In order to vote,
members must be seated in the designated section of the bar of the conference and show appropriate
credentials.
(2) The bishop may call for a ballot at any time and members of the Annual Conference should be available to
cast a ballot at all times while the Annual Conference is in session.
(3) Persons are elected when they receive a simple majority of the votes (50% +1) as determined by the
electronic vote counter.
2.11 Suspension of Rules. Organizational Rules contained herein (including the rules for Debate contained in Appendix
A) may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, providing such suspension is not
contrary to the provisions of the Book of Discipline.
2.12 Change or Amendment of Rules. The Standing Rules of the North Alabama Conference may be amended by a
two-thirds vote of members present and voting on the next day after the amendment has been presented in writing.
Editorial changes may be made by the Committee on Procedures and Petitions to reflect Book of Discipline references
and to reflect the addition or deletion of various teams mentioned in the Standing Rules.
2.13 Nominations. The Conference Nominations Team nominates persons for leadership in the Annual Conference.
a. The Conference Nominations Team is composed of the Bishop, the Conference Lay Leader, the Conference
Secretary, the District Superintendents, the District Lay Leaders and two additional persons, one lay member and
one clergy member, from each district nominated by the District Superintendent and approved by the District
Conference or the District Council on Ministries. The Conference Director of Connectional Ministries serves as
secretary of the Team.
b. The Conference Nominations Team is responsible for the creation and circulation of a nomination form which
invites persons to indicate their gifts, interests and ministry passions. This form should be completed by those
persons who feel called to serve on Annual Conference commissions, committees, boards, task forces and teams.
The form should be returned to the Conference Nominations Team, to the attention of the Conference Director
of Connectional Ministries.
c. The Conference Nominations Team prayerfully reviews the applications of those who have offered themselves
for service and nominates a slate of servants for all offices and entities mandated by the General Conference as
described in the Book of Discipline and in the Conference Standing Rules.
d. No one is elected to more than one quadrennial organization of the Conference, as defined in the Journal, except
that this rule does not apply to ex-officio members of the Lay Ministry Team or the Committee on Episcopacy.
As defined herein, the quadrennial organizations of the Annual Conference are: The Board of Ordained Ministry,
The Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, The Council on Finance and Administration, The Board
of Pension and Health Benefits, The Commission on Equitable Compensation, The Committee on Episcopacy,
The Lay Ministry Team, The Personnel Team and the Investments Committee.
e. No staff member of an institution, agency or special ministry under the authority of, or receiving funds from,
an agency, board, commission, committee, council, task force, team or organization of the Annual Conference
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Business: Standing Rules
is a voting member of such organization, provided that he or she may be invited to participate as a non-voting
member.
f. Any person from the Annual Conference holding membership on any General Church or Southeastern
Jurisdiction agency, board, commission, committee, council, task force, team, or organization is also a member
of the comparable Annual Conference organization. Membership includes all rights granted at-large members
of the constituted Annual Conference agency, board, commission, committee, council, task force, team, or
organization.
g. Except as otherwise provided by the Book of Discipline, no one is elected for more than two consecutive full
quadrennia to a quadrennial organization, as defined in the Journal, provided that any period of time of two
years or less served in a quadrennium shall not be considered as a full quadrennium and that any time in excess
of two years served in any quadrennium shall be considered as a full quadrennium and provided further that
officers of such organizations may serve until their successors are elected. Unless otherwise stated in the Book
of Discipline or the Standing Rules, no one shall serve more than two quadrennia on an Annual Conference
Ministry Team, as listed in the North Alabama Conference Ministry Rationale.
h. No one is elected as a trustee or director of more than one college or other institution under the supervision
of the North Alabama Conference, including the Annual Conference Trustees, except that this does not apply
to ex-officio trusteeships. The institutions of the Annual Conference are: Birmingham-Southern College,
Huntingdon College, Sumatanga, United Methodist Homes for the Aging, United Methodist Children’s
Home, United Counseling, North Alabama Conference Trustees, United Methodist Foundation, The Board of
Superannuate Homes, The Boards of Directors of Wesley Foundations.
i. Participation in other ministry teams of the Conference does not disqualify someone from serving on a
quadrennial organization or as a Trustee or Director of a Conference institution.
2.14 Conference Personnel. The Conference Personnel Team is responsible for the establishment of employment
policies related to personnel at the United Methodist Center whose salaries are fully funded by the Conference. The
Committee is available for consultation in all personnel matters.
a. The Conference Personnel Team consists of nine members who are independent of Conference funded offices
(Office of Administrative Services, Office of Connectional Ministries, Office of Ordained Ministry) or tenants
in the United Methodist Center.
b. The Conference Personnel Team is nominated by the Conference Nominations Team and elected by the
Annual Conference for a term of three years.
c. The Conference Personnel Team will meet annually with the Bishop, the Conference Treasurer / Director of
Administrative Services, the Director of Connectional Ministries and the Executive Director of the Office
of Ordained Ministry, to review and update the salary ranges for each level of employment at the United
Methodist Center. Any salary included in a funding request submitted shall be within the applicable salary
range.
3 Other Conference Ministries
3.1 The Administrative Review Board carries out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶363.
3.2 The Commission on Archives and History carries out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶641, in
cooperation with the General Commission on Archives and History.
3.3 The Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry is composed of 16 persons nominated by the Conference
Nominations Team and elected by the Annual Conference. The Chair of this Board shall be supplied by the
Conference Nominations Team. These leaders, along with Conference staff assigned to this Team, invite others to
join this Team as it carries out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶634.
3.4 The North Alabama United Methodist Foundation carries out the mission described in the 2012 Book of Discipline,
¶2513. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is elected by the Annual Conference in accordance with their bylaws.
3.5 External and connectional organizations of the Annual Conference are under the purview of respective Boards
of Trustees and are to be elected by the Annual Conference in accordance with their bylaws. To be presented
for election, each of the following organizations list of Board members for the year shall be submitted to the
Conference Director of Connectional Ministries at least 30 days prior to Annual Conference.
a. Camp Sumatanga Board of Trustees, which oversees the ministry of Camp Sumatanga;
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b. North Alabama Conference Board of Superannuate Homes, which provides housing for retired clergy and their
spouses who meet eligibility requirements;
c. The Board of Trustees for the United Methodist Children’s Home, which provides programs and services for
family preservation and foster children in Alabama and West Florida;
d. The Board of Trustees of United Methodist Homes for the Aging, which provide housing and care for senior
adults in Alabama and West Florida;
e. The Board of Trustees for Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, which oversee and provide
direction for the College and its administration;
f. The Board of Trustees for Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, which oversee and provide direction
for the College and its administration;
Business: Standing Rules
4 Districts
4.1 There shall be no more than eight Districts in this Annual Conference.
4.2 The District Superintendent will annually convene a District Conference for the purpose of approving a district
budget, issuing certificates of candidacy for ordained ministry and electing the district leadership team and other
district teams. The membership of a District Conference shall be composed of all pastors, lay members of the Annual
Conference and the district Leadership Team. (2012 Book of Discipline, ¶658)
4.3 Each district shall have a District Leadership Team (or equivalent body) that carries out the mission of equipping
local churches to grow more disciples of Jesus Christ. (2012 Book of Discipline, ¶124 and ¶140 give inclusiveness
guidelines)
Appendix: Rules of Debate
1. Securing the Floor. Anyone desiring to speak to the conference shall move to the nearest microphone and wait to be
recognized by the presiding officer.
a. Unless raising a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, the member shall not speak until given the floor.
b. The member shall first announce her or his name and the name of the church represented.
c. No member who has the floor may be interrupted except for a point of order, a parliamentary inquiry, or a point
of information.
2. Limits on speaking. No member shall speak:
a. More than once on the same question if any member who has not spoken desires the floor;
b. More than twice on the same subject under the same motion;
c. Any longer than three minutes, unless the three minute rule is extended by a two-thirds vote of the conference.
3. Except for a non-debatable motion (rule 8), a report may be debated only after the motion is made, seconded
and restated by the presiding officer. No report shall be adopted or question related to the same decided without
opportunity having been given for at least two speeches for and two against the said proposal.
4. Any member who moves the previous question (that is, that the vote be now taken on the motion or motions pending)
shall also indicate to what it is intended to apply, if any secondary motion or motions are also pending.
a. If said member does not so indicate, it shall be regarded as applying only to the immediately pending question.
This motion shall be taken without debate and shall require a two-thirds vote for its adoption.
b. If it is adopted, the vote shall be taken by the motion or motions to which it applies without further debate.
c. After three speeches for and three against provided no secondary motions come before the floor, the questions
shall be put to the conference automatically. However, the presenter shall be entitled to speak before the vote is
taken.
5. Alteration of Motions. When a motion is made and seconded or a resolution is introduced and seconded; it shall be
deemed to be in the possession of the conference and may not be altered except by the action of the conference.
a. No motion to amend or to amend by substitution may be made to resolutions or petitions appearing in the
PreConference Book/Journal Volume I unless such motion has been previously submitted in accord with
paragraph 2.5.
b. No motions to amend by substitution shall be permitted with respect to resolutions and petitions that do not
appear in the PreConference Book/Journal Volume I.
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6. Rights of the main question. The main question may be opened to debate under the following motions: to adopt, to
reject or refer, to postpone and to reconsider. No new motion, resolutions or subject shall be entertained until the one
under consideration shall have been disposed of.
Business: Standing Rules
7. Precedence of Secondary Motions. If any one or more of the following motions shall be made when one or more other
motions are pending the order of precedence in relation to one another shall be:
a. to fix the time the conference will adjourn
b. to adjourn
c. to take a recess
d. to lay on the table
e. to order the previous question (see rules 4 and 8)
f. to limit or extend the limits of debate
g. to postpone to a given time
h. to refer
i. to amend other than by substitution
j. to amend by substitution
k. to postpone indefinitely
8. Non-debatable motions
a. to adjourn, when unqualified, except for final adjournment
b. to suspend the rules
c. to lay on the table.
(1) No motion which adheres to another motion or has another motion adhering to it can be laid on the table by
itself. Such motions, if laid on the table, carry with them the motions to which they adhere or which adhere
to them.
(2) Items laid on the table will be discussed in the next business session.
(3) This motion cannot be used to kill a motion.
d. to take from the table
e. to call for the previous questions, when in order
f. to reconsider a non-debatable motion
g. to take time for prayerful discernment at the immediate moment
Adopted June 2014. Editorial updates March 2015.
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OPERATIONAL TEAMS
Business
Bishop’s Team: Debra Wallace-Padgett, Leader
Bob Alford, Dale Cohen, Kelly Clem, Lewis Archer, Linda Holland, Robin Scott, Roger Thompson, Ron Schultz, Sherill
Clontz, Steve Lyles
Campus Ministry Team: Creighton Alexander, Leader
Greer Fawley, Jack Hinnen, Jay Robinson, Jay Windham, Linda Williamson, Mike Nakayama
Church Health Team: Nancy Cole, Leader
Henry Prater, Michael Miller, Pam Townsend, Patsy Carlberg, Robin Scott, Tiwirai Kufarimai
Connectional Ministries Team: Linda Holland, Leader
Adlene Kufarimai, Creighton Alexander, Danette Clifton, Emily Chastain, Lonna Lynn Higgs, Matt Lacey, Micah
Dormann, Nancy Cole
Ethnic Ministries Team: Richard Stryker, Leader
Cheryl Hinnen, Dedric Cowser, Gloria Moore, John Carl Hastings, Kenneth Harris, Sonia Gallimore, Thomas Muhomba
Leadership Development: Emily Nelms Chastain, Leader
Allison Reed, Arthur Harrison, Cristin Dedmon, Drew Clayton, Josh Hickman, Katie Gilbert, Laura Sisson, Tommi Peters
Ministry with the Poor Team: Lewis Archer, Leader
Joanne Finley, R.G. Lyons, Rebecca Mabe, Sally Alloca, Tim Kendrick, Tiwirai Kufarimai
New Church Team: Dale Cohen, Leader
Kim Griffith, Matt Jones, Paul Nixon, Ron Martoia, Suzanne Katchke, Tommy Gray, William Chaney
NextGen Leadership Team: Micah Dormann, Leader
Amy Sizemore, Bryan Miller, Mike Arnold, Roberta Ford, Ryan Phelps, Timmy Collins, TJ Phelps
Sumatanga Team: Lee Padgett, Leader
Allison Sligh, Amanda Lamb, Bill Brunson, Byron Fair, Joy O’Neal, Mike Densmore
Central District Team: Bob Alford, Leader
Clinton Hubbard, Denise Cone, Keith Thompson, Kipp McClurg, Marcus Singleton, Marynell Ford, Mike Holly,
Mitchell Williams, Paul Campbell, Stephanie Arnold, Telisa Sullivan
Cheaha District Team: Sherill Clontz
Adlene Kufarimai, Amy DeWitte, Belinda Wilson, Byron Vance, David Carboni, Jay Robinson, Kevin Thomas, Matt
Headley, Teresa Harris
Mountain Lakes District Team: Robin Scott, Leader
Chris Herbert, Neeysa Biddle, Paul Claburn, Ricky Smith, Sherri Reynolds, Steve Baccus, Vicki Mann
Northeast District Team: Dale Cohen, Leader
Allen Wilson, Becky Warren, Betty Zoller, Chris Powell, Clauzell Williams, Donna King, Karen Long, Kim Teehan, Lisa
Wolfe, Ron Martoia, Todd Owen
Northwest District Team: Kelly Clem, Leader
Bo Lloyd, Chris Montgomery, Crissa Letson, Gary Heathcock, Ian Butler, Keith Russell, Liz Bowlin, Mike Simon, Patsy
Carlberg, Robert Lancaster, Sam Hayes, Tony Johnson
South Central District Team: Ron Schultz, Leader
Bill Morgan, Brian Erickson, Charlie Carlton, Mary Bendall, Mike Densmore, Paul Lawler, Sandy O’Kelley, Sheri
Ferguson, Tom Parrish, Wade Griffith
Southeast District Team: Lewis Archer, Leader
Bob Neighbors, Debby Webb, Dorothy Ann Webster, Fred Webster, James Haskins, Joanne Finley, John Hill, Kevin
Payne, Randy Kelley, Russell Hestley, Rusty Tate, Todd Henderson
Southwest District Team: Roger Thompson, Leader
Diane Housler, John Verciglio, Josh Hickman, Lyle Holland, Lynn Gibson, Patrick Gunn, Rock Stone, Steve Strange, Tim
Alexander, Tori Hastings
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REPORTS RECEIVED
NOTE: Additional Annual Conference materials are available for download from the North Alabama
Conference website. To download the material, go to www.umcna.org/ac15virtualbag
ADVOCACY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRIES
The Justice and Advocacy team seeks to help United Methodists in North Alabama connect our faith to issues of justice
and public policy. We do this in several ways. We partner with Alabama ARISE, the Huntsville Interfaith Mission Service,
Greater Birmingham Ministries and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama to provide education and awareness to
people throughout our conference and to provide an avenue for United Methodists to do the work of justice. Alabama
ARISE has conducted a number of educational sessions in United Methodist Churches that educate our people about
important state-wide issues of justice and how we can make a difference by contacting our legislators and attending statewide rallies. This past year, members of this team and United Methodists across our conference worked to stop predatory
lending in the state.
Business
Our justice and advocacy blog provides a platform for United Methodists to learn and converse about how our faith
informs how we respond to social justice issues and current events. In the past year, we’ve blogged about Ferguson, domestic
violence, and abortion among other issues. If you or your church has an idea for a blog article, please submit them to
[email protected]. Our main guideline is that each blog article must be in line with the social principles of our church.
We provide an avenue for United Methodist clergy and laity to advocate for justice at the state level. Some of our clergy
have written editorials about predatory lending, Medicaid expansion, and prison reform. United Methodists have gone to
Montgomery to speak to lawmakers about our concern for the poor.
We are working to revive the UN/Washington trip that Nina Reeves developed and ran for many years. On these trips, youth
from all over the conference connected their faith to issues of justice, heard God’s call on their lives, and discovered their own
spiritual gifts and talents. We believe this trip will significantly live into our mission of discovering and developing spiritual
leaders for our conference. The first trip will take place in the summer of 2016 and will be a biennial trip.
We are deeply honored to be a part of the Wesleyan tradition that emphasizes both personal and social holiness. If we can
be of service to your church in any way, please feel free to contact us.
R.G. Wilson-Lyons, Convener
AFRICA UNIVERSITY
Africa University gratefully celebrates an increase in the North Alabama Conference’s investment in the Africa University
Fund (AUF) apportionment in 2014. We thank the North Alabama Conference for investing 83.25% of the asking to the
AU in 2014, up from 81.86% in 2013. Thank you for your growing investment in nurturing new disciples and sending
them forth to transform the continent of Africa and the world.
As you gather for annual conference, we urge you to embrace 100% support for the Africa University Fund and other
shared ministries as your goal for 2015. North Alabama’s 2014 shortfall in the asking to the AUF was $9,143.17, which
is almost equivalent to the cost of educating two students for a year. This shortfall represents an unrealized opportunity to
help young people to grow in Christ and equip themselves for meaningful service.
Student Enrollment: Full-time student enrollment at Africa University held steady in 2014 with 1,478 young men and
women from 25 African countries. Female students were a record 53.4% of the total enrollment—an achievement that is
worth celebrating in a context where women still lag behind men in access to higher education.
Graduation: In June 2014, 480 young people were awarded degrees from Africa University at the 20th graduation
ceremony, bringing the total number of alumni to just under 5,300. Without your support, a college education would
have been unattainable for the majority of these students.
Training and Research: Africa University is sought-after as a partner in addressing social challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
A collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden supports a new master’s degree program in Human Rights,
Peace, and Development. Africa University is also preparing to launch its first PhD program, which links issues of Peace,
Leadership, Governance and Development, and targets policymakers.
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Leadership and Service: Africa University graduates are answering the call to serve, heal and uplift communities.
Currently, more than a dozen graduates are helping ‘the least of these’ to experience God’s love through service as Global
Mission Fellows and missionaries in Africa, Europe and Latin America.
You have started a good work, but that work is not yet finished. For every individual who has been touched by the ministry
that is Africa University, there are many others—tens of thousands, in fact—who are awaiting the miracle of an answered
prayer.
Africa University is counting on your prayerful support as it continues to contribute to, and on behalf of, our global
church. We pray that your investment will grow and that through your faithfulness, others will experience God’s light and
hope in their lives.
Thank you, North Alabama. May God bless and keep you always in abundance.
James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
Business
The Commission on Archives and History
The Commission on Archives and History strives to record and preserve the stories of those in our Conference as they lead
this magnificent journey.
Each year we ask for nominations for the Glenn and Annie Ford Wheeler Award. This award is for a person who has done
outstanding work in preserving our history. In 2014 the award was presented to Mark (Bruno) Hughes for his work in
preservation of Camp Sumatanga’s History.
The Charter Church Award is available to any church that was in existence when the North Alabama Conference was
organized in 1870. Turkeytown UMC received a plaque confirming their date of organization in 1843. Fayette UMC and
Huffman UMC will receive plaques in 2015.
Archives and History feels strongly that evidence of closing churches and their work should be preserved. Along with
records the District Superintendent collects, the Archives would like to keep official books of membership, baptism,
marriage, pictures and directories (which may also include historical material). Any other material that would help
reconstruct their history should be saved.
Our Conference is fortunate to have Ordained Elders who have been ongoing in their service to our churches and
Conference for fifty years or more. Our Thanks to: Alton Wayne Boulware, William Lowell Gunn, Herbert C Hendricks
Jr., Jimmy Edward Howard, Ezra Earl Jones, Daniel S. Kilgore, Marcus O’Neal Long, Jerry A. Lovett, Clyde Precise,
Thomas Salter, K. Wayne Vickery, all in the Class of 1964.
The Commission of Archives and the Historical Society are available for assistance.
North Alabama Conference Archives
We here at the North Alabama Conference Archives Office continue to serve our patrons daily. Requests come primarily in
the form of emails or telephone calls for information about churches’ ministers or about the lives of deceased family.
I am especially grateful for the help given by our volunteers, particularly Louise Woodall and Becky Scarborough. Louise
organizes and expands the ministerial and personnel files. Becky has been helping me organize the immense amount of
material—largely sermons and publications—left to us by our former bishop Will Willimon.
Publications continue to be a priority. Bill Nicholas’ article on the desegregation of Birmingham-Southern College
appeared last year in the Alabama Review. I have finished copy editing Bill’s book-length manuscript, “Confronting Racial
Injustice in the Deep South: Alabama Methodists, 1954-1974” and will be sending it to a university press after another
scholar has a look at it. The University of Alabama Press hopes to unveil my own manuscript, “Searching for Freedom after
the Civil War: Klansman, Carpetbagger, Scalawag, and Freedman” at the Alabama Historical Association in April 2015.
Historical Society
The North Alabama Conference Historical Society presents two programs of historical interest for United Methodists of
our Conference each year. In addition, it cooperates with the Commission on Archives and History in its important work.
A program was presented at Camp Sumatanga on March 15, 2014. Dr. Ralph Bates presented a paper on “Dr. George
Stuart”, a prominent preacher, lecturer at Chautauqua events, and a mover and shaker in founding Lake Junaluska. Rev.
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Mark (Bruno) Hughes did a slide presentation on Rest and Vision: Images and Remembrances of Camp Sumatanga’s First
60 Years. Copies of a book by that name were made available for sale.
On October 11, 2014, the Society held its second conference wide meeting at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The
emphasis for this meeting was the history of children and youth work in our Conference. Rev. Lonna Lynn Higgs, along
with Rebecca Morris and Louise Iverson, shared “The History of the United Methodist Children’s Home of Alabama and
Northwest Florida.” A second paper, on “Youth Ministry in the North Alabama Conference: from Youth Societies to Youth
Fellowships” was given by Pete West.
Excellent programs are prepared for the Spring and Fall of 2015. Watch the Conference website for announcements
regarding these meetings.
You are invited to join the Historical Society and attend its meetings. Local churches may join the Society for a donation of
$25 per year, while the dues for individuals is $10 per year. Membership qualifies you to receive a newsletter twice a year.
To join, send your name, address, and check to Caroline Thompson, 1424 Montclair Road, Apt. 173, Irondale AL 35210.
Business
Nell R. Berry, Chair, Commission On Archives and History
Guy W. Hubbs, North Alabama Conference Archivist
John P. West, President, Conference Historical Society
BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE
As annual conference opens, General Charles Krulak will be saying goodbye to Birmingham-Southern College as he retires
after four brilliant years as president.
“Speaking on behalf of the entire college community, we are deeply and eternally grateful for General Krulak’s
transformational leadership. After four years of service as president, the General will certainly ‘graduate with
the highest honors.’ His positive and lasting impact on this College is profound; his contributions here will be
remembered, respected and honored. General Krulak has brought enormous energy to the Hilltop and inspired
us all with his commitment to the students and the institution’s mission. He has made a permanent mark here
at Birmingham-Southern.” — Bruce Rogers, BSC Board Chair
Since Krulak took the helm at BSC in 2011, the college has:
• Grown its endowment, reduced its debt, and operated under balanced budgets for three years running
• Refocused on its historical strength of experiential education, launching the rise3 initiative, which gives every
student opportunities for collaborative research, internships, and service-learning
• Reinforced ties with the Methodist church
• Completed its 10 year reaccreditation review and embarked on a strategic planning process
• Received more than $40 million in gifts and pledges
• Been annually honored as one of 40 schools included in the 2013 edition of 40 Colleges that Change Lives and kept
the student at the center of the institution
Krulak has also been honored for his service to the local community, including receiving the inaugural Vulcan Newcomer
Award. He and his wife, Zandi, will remain active in the Birmingham community after his retirement. Krulak will also
continue to support the college.
The college has announced the Campaign for Excellence which offers BSC alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and
other supporters the opportunity to salute Krulak, who announced late in 2014 that he will step down as president of the
college June 1, 2015. The campaign has set a goal of raising $9.85 million that will fund scholarships, support programs
and faculty and go toward other college initiatives.
The College continues to honor the tradition of academics and faith informing each other in Religious Life small groups,
worship, student engagement with the UMC, speakers and loafing programs and service to the community. The familiar
and beloved quote—“The place God calls you to is the place here your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC—is often shared across the campus. It reflects the many ways
academics, service and spiritual growth intersect for students, faculty and staff.
As a Hess Fellow at the General Board of Church and Society, Lindsay Sheets (’15) joined her faith and call to medicine by
working with the department of Women’s and Children’s Advocacy and Organizing “to contribute to the ongoing initiative
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of HIV/AIDS.” Her work is reflected in Season for Change, a four-week downloadable Advent study on HIV/AIDS that
was used across the church, and is available at www.umc-gbcs.org.
Maggie Ward (’16) coordinated BSC’s Veto the ’Squito campaign to support North Alabama Conference’s Imagine No
Malaria project. The BSC team of UMC scholarship recipients showed two films—A Killer in the Dark and Mary and
Martha—with discussion, personalized donor cards to honor and memorialize family, friends or classmates, sold tee shirts
and engaged our UMC youth groups at basketball games in education about malaria. The campaign “purchased” 522 nets.
Students continue to serve the community in great number and with great appreciation for our neighbors. Volunteers are
often found at McCoy Adult Day Care, Urban Kids and West End Community Garden. Volunteers and interns serve at
East Lake UMC’s P.E.E.R. program, Family Promise, First Light Women’s Shelter and tutoring programs in various places
of the city. Canterbury’s Stop Hunger Now meal packing event and Glen Addie’s Community Table were special places to
connect to the church and community and serve Christ in the world.
Business
Depending on the weather, students serve hot coffee or cold water every Thursday morning at Church of the Reconciler.
Depending on the season, students can be found composting, turning soil or harvesting at West End Community
Garden. Alternative Spring Break took students and staff to New Orleans to continue the efforts there to rebuild homes
and communities. Chaplain Jack Hinnen and Bunting Center’s Emily Thornton met with the group for weeks exploring
‘volun-tourism’ and concepts of selfless service, packing their own tools and joining in the build.
Dr. Larry Brasher, emeritus professor of Religion, serves the conference by teaching in local churches, advising and
inspiring students, promoting United Methodist graduate programs and seminaries and nurturing the discernment process
for ministry students. Dr. Brasher, retired after 15 years, continues to teach one class each semester and encourage students
to connect faith and environmental studies. He delivered the address at Baccalaureate in May.
The wisdom, laughter and expectation of Bishop Robert C. Morgan continues to be felt on campus, and as you look
across the conference floor at the faces of young clergy you will see so many he nurtured in theology, church history,
New Testament and vocational discernment. We encourage you to visit www.bsc.edu for more student stories, academic
accolades, community programs and projects and information about your college. To ask a question or recommend a
student, see Rev. Jack Hinnen, Chaplain, Laura Sisson, Director of Church Relations or any Blue Team member.
BSC Trustees
North Alabama Clergy
Class of 2017: Dr. William B. Morgan, Dr. Andrew R. Wolfe
Alabama-West Florida Clergy
Class of 2015: Rev. David Saliba
Class of 2017 Rev. Stephen Reneau
Bishops
Bishop Debbie Wallace-Padgett, North Alabama; Bishop Paul L. Leeland, Alabama-West Florida
Members At-Large
Class of 2015: Dan Anderson, Daniel B. Coleman, Denson N. Franklin III, Dr. Wayne W. Killion Jr., John J. McMahon
Jr., Bruce F. Rogers, George B. Salem, David M. Smith, James T. Stephens, Kevin Richard Stump Sr., John Watts Sr.,
DeLynn M. Zell
Class of 2016: W. Michael Atchison, Brooke Tanner Battle, Shane Boatright, Dr. Sam Gray, Edward L. Hardin Jr., Scott
Selman, Dr. John Kevin Tucker
Class of 2017: Ann E. Adams, John B. Barnett III, Derry Bunting, T. Morris Hackney, Donald E. Hess, Clay C. Long,
Jane P. McDonald, Elizabeth Featheringill Pharo, Hatton Smith
Note: The President of BSC’s National Alumni Board will serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees. Rebecca Beers
began her term serving as President of the National Alumni Board on July 1, 2014.
Welcome to campus! How can we serve you?
Laura Sisson, Church Relations
Jack Hinnen, Chaplain
Bruce Rogers, Chair, Board of Trustees
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CHILDREN’S DISCIPLESHIP
The North Alabama Conference Children’s Connexion is a group of dedicated volunteers whose purpose is to be
intentional in connecting, empowering and equipping all children’s ministers from the largest to the smallest local church
in the North Alabama Conference.
The Connexion hosts several events and campaigns to fulfill our mission to discover, develop and deploy the spiritual
leaders of Children’s Ministry, so that they can make young disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Contagious is a training event designed for children’s leaders, volunteer or paid, of churches of any size. This year’s event
was hosted at The Gathering Place’s Common Grounds campus in Moody, Alabama, and had more than 250 participants.
This year’s event focused on how to share the love of Christ in our ministries with children and with volunteers. This event
is coordinated by Sheila Freeman of Gadsden First UMC.
Exit456 is a tween retreat designed for fourth, fifth and sixth grade students. It can serve as a precursor/follow-up to
confirmation classes, or it can simply be a weekend retreat for students in these grades. This year’s theme investigates our
own Christian witness, and featured five speakers focusing on our Christian virtues. The event is held at Camp Sumatanga
and boasts nearly 250 participants. Exit456 is coordinated by Mike Arnold of Cullman First UMC.
Business
AC Kids’ Camp is staffed by volunteer children’s leaders, as they work to provide clergy and lay members a safe place for
their children during all sessions of Annual Conference. This event is run by a team of dedicated volunteers led by Amy
Sizemore of Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC and Mike Arnold of Cullman First UMC.
The Pan-Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty exists to affirm the Wesleyan heritage to care for the poor by
encouraging Methodists to serve children and youth at risk to poverty. The campaign challenges and enables all Methodist
churches and seminaries to establish ministries to children and youth at risk to poverty. Rev. Melissa Self Patrick serves as
liaison for the North Alabama Conference.
The Safe Sanctuary Training Team (Micah Dormann, Emily Nelms Chastain, Rev. Lonna Lynn Higgs and John
Fleischauer) has developed tools and resources for every church in the area of Safe Sanctuaries. Certified District Trainers
have now been established in every district. Each trainer is responsible to communicate updates to current policies and
procedures, schedule trainings as needed at each church and conduct those trainings using material provided by the
Conference Safe Sanctuary Team and send attendance rosters to the district office within one week of training.
Finally, we want to thank the amazing team of volunteers that served on the Children’s Connexion for the 2014-15 year.
Without their diligence and faithfulness, none of our work could be done.
Mike Arnold—Cullman First UMC
Lori Baker—Friendship UMC, Athens
Lesley Bondur—REVOLT Ministries
Skip Bondur—REVOLT Ministries
Liz Bowlin—St. James UMC, Florence
Beth Burden—Trussville First UMC
Emily Chenault—Wesley Memorial UMC, Decatur
Shannon Clark—Morningstar UMC, Chelsea
Laura Cox—Liberty Crossings UMC, Birmingham
Cristin Dedmon—Canterbury UMC, Birmingham
Sheila Freeman—Gadsden First UMC
Sherri Hooven—Christ Church UM, Birmingham
Allyson Lewis—Mountain Chapel UMC, Birmingham
Angie Lewis—Jasper First UMC
Bryan Miller—Calera First UMC
Rev. Christy Noren-Hentz—New Horizon UMC, Huntsville
Amy Sizemore—Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC
Cathy Strickland—St. Luke UMC, Decatur
Emily Nelms Chastain, Leadership Development Coordinator
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CHURCH HEALTH
Church Health is one of four Conference priorities announced by Bishop Wallace-Padgett at our 2014 Annual Conference.
The Vision of the Church Health Team is: Spirit-led healthy congregations that are discerning God’s continual call,
developing contagious disciples and demonstrating God’s grace.
In order to reach this vision, the Church Health Team adopted the following Mission Statement: Discover tools, resources
and assessments to determine current spiritual health of churches; Develop tools, resources, and assessments to promote,
encourage, empower and strengthen Spiritual health; and resource and encourage congregations to Deploy Spirit-led
leaders within their congregations who promote church health.
The Director of Church Health leads a Church Health Operational Team that works on a regular basis to fulfill the
vision and mission for healthy churches. Members of the Church Health Team are Rev. Dr. Robin Scott, Rev. Dr. Tiwirai
Kufaramai, Rev. Patsy Carlberg, Rev. Henry Prater, Rev. Michael Miller, Pam Townsend, and Rev. Nancy Cole, Director.
Business
This team is currently developing a process by which churches can use self-assessment tools to determine the areas of
ministry needing the most help and can then be resourced by consultants from our Annual Conference. The name of this
new process is 3D Regeneration based on Ezekiel 37: 1-14. Our prayer is that the Spirit breathes new life into the dry places
within a congregation. The 3D Regeneration process will involve church self-assessment coupled with interviews conducted
by members of the Church Health Team. The Church Health Team will propose a prescriptive plan with suggestions from
our clergy and/or laity consultants. Upon the congregation’s approval of the prescriptive church plan, these consultants will
come along side the church in their journey toward greater health and vitality.
The SLI (Spiritual Leadership Incorporated) ABIDE Process is being implemented in small membership churches willing
to invest significant time into becoming more vital and healthy. ABIDE teams are formed to establish long-term spiritual
and strategic leadership. Teams consist of the pastor and three to ten laypersons from each church. Usually ten to fifteen
congregations participate and embark together on a fifteen month journey to discover in faith and joy how to:
• Abide in Jesus and love one another,
• Learn from the best teachers & coaches available,
• Prayerfully discern the leading of the Holy Spirit for their congregation’s future,
• Trust each other to claim that future for God’s glory and greater fruitfulness.
Thirteen churches completed the ABIDE process last year and there are eight churches in the ABIDE 2 process now.
ABIDE 3 will be launched in August 2015.
Natural Church Development will continue to be a resource tool to help churches determine which areas of ministry are
stronger and which areas need help. Coaching is still available for churches wishing to use NCD as a ministry tool.
For more information on how the Church Health Team can resource your church, contact Rev. Nancy Cole at ncole@
umcna.org or by phone at 205-399-1994.
Nancy Cole, Director
COMMUNITY ENABLER DEVELOPER INC.
I am honored to share the Conference Community Enabler Developer Inc.’s growth over the past year. Community
Enabler Developer, Inc. has served the economically disadvantaged clients in Calhoun County with food, clothing,
household items, school supplies and blankets for the past 42 years. We serve 6,000 persons per year. Community Enabler
helps identify opportunities and eliminates barriers to nutritional education. We help clients plan menus to increase the
knowledge of healthy living.
Community Enabler’s mission is: Enabling the community to become sensitized to the needs of the poor and to
participate in public and private advocacy for the disadvantaged. Developing ministries that will meet the needs of
the disadvantaged.
The Community Enabler is the designated agency in Calhoun County to receive screened referrals from collaborating
agencies to respond with indispensable resources to meet these diverse and essential needs. In 2013, 313 new clients and
5,571 former clients received services and assistance for a total of 5,884 people served. This reflects an increase of 15%
in new clients and 20% in total clients. Poverty and need show no partiality by race, indicated by our services to 3,120
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African Americans (53%), 2,408 Caucasians (41%) and 356 other (6%). Our greatest intensity of client services and
resources is in Anniston where we served 4,854 people (82% of our total assistance). Clients from 14 other surrounding
communities, as well as, the homeless, transient and shelter residents reflect the remaining 18% of service recipients. Based
on our Charity Tracker, clients ranged from newborns to seniors as follows: Ages 0-5: 785 (13%); Ages 6-18: 1,473 (25%);
Ages 19-59: 3,284 (56%); Ages 60 and older: 342 (6%). We served a total of 216 clients with disabilities (4% of our
service population).
With a small, dedicated team of four paid staff and a meager salary budget of $74, 255, three Senior Aides and three
regular volunteers, Community Enabler achieves a significant impact for our community, agencies and referred clients.
They provided more than 85,722 total essential material resources including the following: Nonperishable food: 57,464;
Prepared food/USDA 19; Clothing: 18,323; Coats/blankets: 182; School supplies/books: 6,679; Christmas toys: 3,205;
Household/cleaning items: 1,079 and Hygiene/personal items: 929.
In addition, financial rescues were provided for essential prescriptions: $8,000; utility assistance: $7,500; and other
assistance: $2,085. The Sable Learning Center in Hobson City, Alabama, also provides tutoring, mentoring after-school
care and a summer enrichment program to more than 50 children at risk. It facilitated family engagement, parenting
education, crisis intervention and served as a bridge to improved child development, safety and educational success.
Business
In February 2014, we moved our ministry to the former Carpenter United Methodist Church building located at 104 F
Street, Anniston, Alabama. By God’s grace all the city requirements have been completed for the church and annex. The
Sanctuary became a chapel and free clothing closet half the size of the original sanctuary. We rebuilt the Chapel, clothing
room and a Thrift Store. We moved ourselves with no money. Our faith and God’s grace was enough. Christ has warmed
the cold and fed the hungry.
We held our first service in the new Chapel with one of our older clients who had been homeless for many years. He was
able to get and afford a small apartment and was doing well until he was injured in an accident. One of our workers was
his guardian and made contact with his aunt and uncle and explained what happened. They had previously not wanted
anything to do with him, because of his drinking. However, they attended the service and we explained he was God’s Child
and that’s all that mattered.
Thank you, and keep us in your prayers.
Maudine J. Holloway, Executive Director
CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES
Our goal as Connectional Ministries is to serve the districts as they discover, develop and deploy spiritual leaders for local
congregations, the districts and the annual conference.
In the past Connectional Ministries staff have served as experts focusing on programming in specific ministry areas.
Currently many of our staff wear multiple hats in part time roles. In order to transition to a more effective team-based
system focused on serving the districts, we see our roles as fostering relationships through consulting, coaching and
mentoring. While we will still resource the local churches through the district offices in all areas relating to the life of the
church including children and youth, this restructuring will allow us to also provide focus, clarity and structure to the
process of discovering, developing and deploying laity spiritual leaders specifically.
The roles described are designed for transition and will move us toward fulfillment of the conference vision and mission.
Director of Connectional Ministries/Director of Leadership Development, Linda Holland
The Director of Connectional Ministries is the steward of the vision and will focus on coaching and strategy, acting as a
liaison between conference ministry staff and the Bishop and cabinet.
Leadership Development Coordinator, Emily Chastain
The Leadership Development Coordinator will ensure systems and events are in place to foster and track adults through
the process of spiritual leadership development. Working with the Director of Connectional Ministries and the Next
Generation Leadership Facilitator, this staff person will promote smooth transitions in leadership development and
deployment from cradle to grave.
Next Generation Leadership Facilitator, Micah Dormann
The Next Generation Leadership Coordinator will ensure systems and events are in place to discover, foster and track
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children and youth through the process of spiritual leadership development.
Missions and Advocacy Director, Rev. Matt Lacey
The Missions and Advocacy Director will ensure systems and events are in place to discover, develop and deploy spiritual
leaders through mission service and advocacy. This person also serves as the conference liaison for mission agencies and the
General Church.
Leadership Development Assistant, John Fleischauer
The Leadership Development Assistant will support the leadership development staff by managing administrative tasks.
Linda Holland, Director
DEACONESS AND HOME MISSIONER
Business
Do you know someone who has a call on their life but has discerned it is not to the ordained ministry? Through the
Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner the laity of our church can Discover, Develop and Deploy Spiritual Leaders to
make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. There is a role for the laity to work side-by-side with
our clergy to alleviate suffering, eradicate causes of injustice, facilitate the development of full human potential and be a
prophetic voice in the name of Jesus Christ.
Deaconesses (laywomen) and home missioners (laymen) form a covenant community that is rooted in Scripture, informed
by history, driven by mission, ecumenical in scope, and global in outreach. This community of laity has responded to the
call of God in their lives and has been consecrated by The United Methodist Church to a lifetime relationship of full-time
ministries of love, justice and service.
Those called to serve the North Alabama Conference in ministries of love, justice and service are:
• Joanne Finley, Deaconess [email protected]
Appointment: Haven Chapel United Methodist Church, Lay Supply Pastor
• Carol Gullatt, Deaconess [email protected]
Appointment: Study Leave
• Judy Poole, Deaconess [email protected]
Appointment: McCoy Adult Day Care: United Methodist Center for Senior Citizens, Executive Director
• Minnie Wright, Deaconess [email protected]
Appointment: Enon United Methodist Church, Coordinator of Come to the Well Community Awareness Project
• Jeff Murrell, Home Missioner [email protected]
Appointment: Environmental Project Manager for the US Department of Energy
• Dorothy Barbour, Retired Deaconess
• Susan Putnam, Retired Deaconess [email protected]
ACTION: We need the members of this Annual Conference to spread the word to those feeling a call to ministry in the
areas of love, justice and service.
For more information, contact one of those serving or visit www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/dhm. There you will find a
new video telling more about those called to serve as Deaconesses or Home Missioners.
Judy Poole, Deaconess
DISABILITY MINISTRIES
Our Mission: Making a difference in the world as disciples of Jesus Christ reaching out and ministering to people with
disabilities. We believe our Mission Statement is living out the North Alabama Conference mission of “Discover, Develop
and Deploy Spiritual Leaders to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1. Moody UMC has applied and met the requirements for being a 2014 Bridge Builder Congregation in addition to
those churches honored for being Bridge Builders during the period from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2014. Churches may
apply until December 2015 to become a Bridge Builder Congregation for 2015.
2. Deb Wade led the mission book study, The Church and People with Disabilities, at the 2014 United Methodist
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Women’s Mission U.
3. The Northwest District hosted a Leadership Training Event, “The Many Faces of Depression,” in March 2015 at
Moulton First UMC.
4. Several churches have received grants from our R.A.M.P. (Reaching Accessibility for All Methodist People) Fund.
Churches needing assistance in any area of accessibility may apply for a grant. Grants are given on a “first come,
first serve basis” and based on funds available.
Our website is www.umcna.org/disabilityministries. There you will find links to District Directors of DisAbility Ministries,
information to help with your church’s annual Disability Awareness Sunday, material on Mental Health and more.
Business
GOALS/OBJECTIVES:
1. We pray that every pastor and local church chair of Disability Ministries will sign up for our DisAbility Ministries.
2. We ask that each District Superintendent recognize the district Bridge Builder Churches at the district’s charge
conferences each year. This will help put emphasis on the importance of becoming a Bridge Builder congregation. We
believe DisAbility Ministries involves evangelism and has been proven, statistically, to increase church membership.
3. We hope that the districts will help our team with the cost of holding future workshops via the web.
Deb Wade, Convener
DISASTER RECOVERY
It was announced at the 2014 Annual Conference that the recovery efforts for the Spring storms of April 2011 have been
completed. Since that time, additional money became available for continued efforts for survivors of those storms. Another
UMCOR grant was received for $500,000. This grant was written to help the clients and communities become more
resilient to future storms. This grant money is being used to install seventy storm shelters for clients whose homes we either
repaired or rebuilt after the April storms.
This has been a really exciting time for the people who were impacted by those storms. To see pictures of clients receiving
these shelters, visit www.umcna.org and search for the Disaster Recovery page. Almost $3 million in UMCOR grants has
been awarded to date. Thanks be to God.
Rev. Nancy Cole, Director
Lori Feist, Assistant Director
Teri Butler, Case Manager
DISASTER RELIEF WAREHOUSE
Your Disaster Relief Warehouse located in Decatur, Alabama, covers seven Annual Conferences and five Southern states.
This ministry is run by volunteers and has helped United Methodists reach out to people around the world during times of
disaster.
2014 in review:
• January – We had a quiet start to the year at the warehouse.
• February – We had two people attend the Disaster Academy at Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana.
• March – We held an open house to show what we do and what other United Methodists are doing around the
southeast. March is the time of the year just before tornado and hurricane seasons begin in Alabama and a good time
for all churches to get together.
• April – We shipped a container full of supplies for 20 mission teams going to Central America. The next day
tornadoes touched down in Jefferson, Madison and Limestone counties.
• May – We announced the 6-1-1 Program, a successful program in the Florida Conference used when there is a
house fire or other disaster in the local community.
• June – We sent more than $8,000 in volunteer hours from the warehouse to Limestone County and more than
$9,000 in volunteer hours from the warehouse to Graysville in Jefferson County. We also hosted many VBS field
trips to the warehouse where children learned to help and to be “the hands and feet of Jesus.”
• July – We had two groups from the North Georgia Conference and one group from the South Georgia Conference
volunteering at the warehouse.
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• August – We had a multi-district ERT training at the warehouse.
• September – We distributed Christmas Shoe Boxes to churches.
• October – More than 7,000 filled Christmas Shoe Boxes starting coming in like a flood.
• November – We shipped a full container of Christmas Shoe Boxes to the children of Honduras.
• December – We shipped Christmas Shoe Boxes and medical supplies to the Dominican Republic, located right on
the Haiti border. We welcomed high school and college student volunteers during their Christmas break.
• Additionally, we shipped almost six tons of medical supplies in three shipments to Africa during the Ebola crisis.
The $10 monthly asking from each local congregation allowed us to do all of this and more. Thank you for your support.
The year 2015 has already started with a big increase in ministry. The Tennessee Conference United Methodist Women are
scheduled for two days in May.
Business
We ask your church to volunteer at the warehouse once every three months. This does two things: 1) Helps us to be ready
for the next disaster. 2) Helps your congregation know what supplies are available for FREE for your ministry when a
disaster occurs in your community. Come see us. We are located at 3220 Highway 31 South, Building F, Decatur AL
35603. You can contact us at 256-341-9961.
Ray Crump, Director
ETHNIC MINISTRIES
VISION: A community of believers reaching all people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and thus embracing the
ethnic diversity of the community
MISSION: Empower and encourage a community of believers to discover, develop and deploy Spiritual leaders to
create and strengthen ethnically diverse communities of faith
North Alabama Conference Ethnic Ministries spend the year pursuing the strategic objectives of seeking to: grow ethnic
minority membership in the Conference; strengthen ethnic minority local churches and ministries; and increase the
number of diverse and multiracial churches. Revitalizing African-American, Hispanic, Korean, Asian, Native American and
other ethnic minority churches is an important focus for Ethnic Ministries.
Partnering with General Agencies
This past year has been a good year of enhanced relationships and partnerships with General Agencies as we sought to
discover and develop spiritual leaders in North Alabama. The General Board of Global Ministries Mission & Evangelism
Office awarded six Racial Ethnic “Regular” Scholarships to attend the 2014 School of Congregational Development.
We partnered with General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Dr. Cheryl LaTanya
Walker, Director of Black Congregational Ministry, on the Leverage Church Project. We partnered with General
Commission on Religion and Race, Erin Hawkins, General Secretary, through their grant process on Gathering at
Horseshoe Bend and the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21) Training Event. In the months to
come, we are looking at similar joint efforts. We continue to partner with SBC21, Dr. Fred Allen, National Director, on
multiple levels including the Leverage Church Project and the SBC21 Annual Training in the Conference.
We had the privilege of welcoming to the Conference Rev. Francisco Canas, Director of the National Plan for Hispanic
and Latino Ministry and Rev. Anita Phillips, Executive Director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan. On Oct. 7,
2014, Rev. Canas met with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and the Appointive Cabinet. On Nov. 14, 2014, Rev. Phillips
met with persons of Native American heritage in North Alabama as well as some key Conference leaders. She also served as
the keynote speaker for the Gathering at Horseshoe Bend, and visited with Bishop Wallace-Padgett.
Discovering and Developing Spiritual Leaders
Ethnic Ministries have used various forums to discover potential spiritual leaders and used training events to develop
the skills of spiritual leaders. Developing spiritual leaders involves equipping young people. Twenty-six youth and eight
adults from North Alabama Conference, led by Mrs. Kathy Stallworth, participated in the 18th Annual Youth Harambee.
Harambee is a Youth Conference planned by the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodist for Church Renewal
Harambee Planning Team. The Youth Conference was held on June 25-30, 2014, at Bethune Cookman College in
Daytona Beach, Florida.
As part of the mission to develop spiritual leaders, seven clergy members connected to North Alabama Conference Ethnic
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Ministries attended the School of Congregational Development held at Matthews UMC in North Carolina on August
14-17, 2014. Nine clergypersons participated in the Leverage Church Weekend on September 12-14, 2014, in Wichita,
Kansas. Wichita host churches were St. Mark UMC with Rev. Junius Dotson, and Dellrose UMC with Dr. Kevass Harding.
Leverage Church Weekend, begun by Ethnic Ministries, is an opportunity for lay and clergy participants to visit thriving
African American and multi-racial United Methodist Churches proven to be effective in reaching out to their communities
with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Leverage Church Weekend–Wichita is a result of collaborative efforts of SBC21, GBOD
Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns and North Alabama Conference Ethnic Ministries.
Business
Developing spiritual leaders continued with the SBC21 Annual Training event on Jan. 23-24, 2015. Convener of SBC21
in North Alabama is Rev. Dedric Cowser. More than two hundred persons gathered for the training on Saturday and more
than one hundred attended the Friday evening talent show, “Methodists Have Talent.” The training focused on ministry to
children, youth and young adults. The training event was held for the first time at Camp Sumatanga. Presenters were Rev.
Ronald Bell, founder and lead pastor of the Arise Church; Rori Blakeney, staff of GBOD as the young people ministries’
regional staff for the Southeastern Jurisdiction; Emily Nelms Chastain, Coordinator of Connectional Ministries at the
North Alabama Conference; Melanie Gordon, Director of Ministry with Children in the Leadership Ministries Division
of GBOD; and Rev. Angela Renee Johnson, Associate Pastor at Lithia Springs UMC and Campus Minister at the Wesley
Foundation at Georgia State University. The reports and reviews were positive regarding the training received.
Hispanic and Latino Ministry
Rev. Jeanet Berruecos Xicohtencatl was introduced by Dr. Richard L. Stryker to the 2014 Annual Conference as the new
Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministry in the North Alabama Conference. Her responsibility is to work with the Ethnic
Ministries Teams, the Hispanic/Latino Ministry Team and the Executive Director of Ethnic Ministries in order to help the
conference equip and empower local congregations to reach people of Hispanic/Latino heritage.
The primary task of the Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministry is to help the Conference increase the number of Hispanic/
Latino United Methodist Christians in North Alabama. She also serves as liaison, responsible for networking with the
National Plan for Hispanic Ministries, other United Methodist General Agencies and community agencies that would
help fulfill the responsibility of reaching new Hispanic/Latino persons in the North Alabama Conference. The Hispanic/
Latino Ministry Team and Ethnic Ministries held a dinner meeting on Oct. 6, 2014, with persons involved in Hispanic/
Latino ministry in the conference. The Missionary for Strategy and Ministry of the National Plan for Hispanic and
Latino Ministry Manuel Padilla presented the Vision, Methods, and Values of the National Plan of Hispanic Ministries
and ways that North Alabama can benefit from the relationship. Those present at the meeting were: Alpidio Bernandino,
pastor of Seguidores de Cristo of Morning Star UMC; Leonor Munoz and Fernando Del Castillo, pastor of Riverchase
Hispanic Ministry; Paul Rodriguez, Nathan Raby and Rick Owen of Companeros de Cristo at Trinity UMC Huntsville;
Yenny Laney and Leslie Hand of Cullman First UMC Hispanic Ministry; Michael Carver, pastor of Taylor UMC which
has Hispanic Ministry; Manuela and Severiano Rios from Albertville First Hispanic Ministry; Gene Lankford, former
Coordinator of Hispanic Ministries; Charles Calhoun, chairperson of Hispanic Ministry; Jeanet Berruecos, director
of Hispanic/Latino Ministry and Richard Stryker, executive director of Ethnic Ministries. Many of the ministries have
worship services and English as a Second Language classes. Rev. Berruecos Xicohtencatl continues to work with churches
to discover the ministries in North Alabama Conference that are targeting persons of Hispanic/Latino culture and to
resource those ministries that currently exist.
Native American Ministry
On September 15-19, 2014, the North Alabama Conference Native American Ministries Team took 22 volunteers to
Cherokee, North Carolina, on an outreach mission to persons in that community. Rev. Dale Clem is chairperson of the
Native American Team and made the contact. Rev. Kim Teehan coordinated the work of the mission team. The volunteers
included both clergy and laity and represented 12 congregations from across the North Alabama Conference.
The Native American Ministries Team held the Gathering at Horseshoe Bend on November 15, 2014. The event, held in
the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Davidson, Alabama, was a continuation of the United Methodist Church’s
acts of repentance and reconciliation with Native Americans and other indigenous people. The program for the day
featured Rev. Anita Phillips, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, and the Mystic Wind Choctaw Dancers. This event received
support from General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) for “Growing Diversity, Transforming the World”
project of North Alabama Ethnic Ministries.
Partnerships through Grants
Since the last report, Ethnic Ministries has received two grants from United Methodist General Agencies. The General
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Board of Discipleship, Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns Projects awarded a $3,000 grant towards “Leadership
Development for African American, Hispanic & Multi-racial churches” project and the Board of the General Commission
on Religion and Race approved a grant of $38,400 to the North Alabama Annual Conference to expand “Growing
Diversity, Transforming the World” program. This grant will be awarded over a 20 month period.
Business
Through its own grant award process, Ethnic Ministries gave funding to local churches to help with projects that will
lead to an increase in average attendance, professions of faith and membership. Funding for these partnerships was made
possible through the generous contributions of United Methodists giving to apportionments in North Alabama. At a
Celebration Service and dinner on May 13, 2014, eight local churches received an Ethnic Ministries Congregational
Growth Grant. The recipients were:
• Bethlehem UMC—Multisensory Worship Project
• Goodsell UMC—The Goodsell Tutorial Programs
• Haven UMC Anniston—Vacation Bible School/Outreach Ministry
• Haven Memorial UMC—PANIC (Praisers Anointed in Christ)
• King’s Memorial UMC—Visual System for Contemporary and Traditional Services
• Pleasant Grove UMC—Audio/Visual Ministry
• Powell Chapel UMC—CHAMP (Cultural Heritage and Mentorship Project)
• River of Living Water UMC—RC2Y Ministries (Revealing Christ to Youth)
In support of previous and new partnerships the following churches also received a contribution from Ethnic Ministries for
their outreach programs:
• Carrolton UMC—Wonderful Wednesday Outreach Program
• Central Park UMC—The Learning Village Program
• Cullman First UMC—Hispanic Ministry - English as a Second Language Classes
• East Lake UMC—Community Children and Outreach Ministry
• East Gadsden UMC—The C.L.I.C.K. (Children Learning in Christ’s Kingdom) after-school program
• Morning Star UMC Hispanic Ministry—creating a new community of worshippers
• ONEeighty UMC—Celebrate Recovery Program and BreakOut Ministry of Celebrate Recovery
• River of Living Water UMC—creating multiracial/multicultural worship & the community outreach
Ethnic Ministries began a “250 Growth and Leverage Church Project.” It encourages churches in their growth towards
average attendance of 250. By invitation of Ethnic Ministries and response from the churches, the following churches
entered into this partnership for growth and received up to $5,000 for their work: Lakeside UMC, New Beginnings UMC,
Springhill UMC, St. Paul-Triana UMC and Sweet Home UMC.
This has been an exciting year of discovering the many gifted and spiritual leaders who are committed to growing a diverse
church and developing spiritual leadership through workshops and consultations.
Dr. Richard Lane Stryker, Executive Director
HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER
Hinton Center is a retreat and conference center nestled in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina overlooking
breath-taking Lake Chatuge. For over 50 years, Hinton Rural Life Center has provided opportunities for intentional
faith development while sharing love for Christ with others through service. Each year, we host individuals and groups
for spiritual retreats, group gatherings, and service opportunities. We also partner with small and rural congregations in a
vitality process, exploring congregational call, encouraging creative missional outreach, and sparking new life.
Together in 2014, we were able to:
• Host over 1400 volunteers who worked on campus, in our garden, and in our community to help those in need
• Deliver over 75 loads of firewood to families who could not otherwise afford to heat their home
• Repair 123 homes, making them warmer, drier, and safer
• Provide financial counseling to 50 families; helping two families secure loans to purchase homes
• Host seven poverty simulations to help the community understand the challenges associated with those living in
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generational poverty
• Harvest fresh vegetables from our garden for our guests and donate excess vegetables to Clay County Food Pantry
and Matt’s Ministry, a weekend meal program for children in our rural community
• Lead 18 small and rural churches through Next Step Vitality Ministry
• Engage in 81 worship services with mission volunteers to reflect upon their service in this rural Appalachian
community
• Increase Hinton’s presence throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction, with increased web presence moving from
6,000 website hits in 2010 to 60,909 website hits in 2014
• Increase connections through social media from 358 Facebook friends in 2012 to over 1200 in 2014
• Raise over $100,000, which is two-thirds of our initial goal of $150,000 in our Capital Campaign
What can we do together in 2015?
• Foster Relationships
• Empower People
• Build Community
Business
But, we need your help:
• Pray for Hinton
• Support Hinton Financially
• Participate in Hinton’s Ministries
HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
Huntingdon College opened academic year 2014-2015 celebrating its designation by The Chronicle of Higher Education
as one of the “20 Fastest Growing Private Four-Year Colleges in the Nation” since 2002, and, specifically, the “Fastest
Growing Private Four-Year College in the Deep South!” The College’s enrollment grew from 595 students in Fall 2002 to
1,160 students in Fall 2014, an increase of 95 per cent in 12 years.
To mark this milestone, Huntingdon will formally dedicate its ten acre Cloverdale Campus immediately adjacent to the
main campus on November 9, 2015. Formerly the site of the old Cloverdale Junior High School and purchased in the
early 2000s with gifts from Trustees and other friends of the College, the Cloverdale Campus features new and renovated
facilities housing Charles Lee Field, W. James Samford, Jr. Stadium, the Dr. Laurie Jean Weil Center for Teacher Education
and Human Performance, the Will and Kelly Wilson Community and Athletic Center, the Leo J. Drum, Jr. Theater,
the Huntingdon Intercollegiate Wrestling Center, the Samaritan Counseling Center, the Alabama Independent School
Association, and Pro-Impact Physical Therapy and Sports Performance. Over the last year, the College has also initiated
major renovations to Jackson Home, which houses the College’s Religion Department and the Phyllis Gunter Snyder
Center for Campus Ministries, and Sybil Smith Hall, home of the College’s Music Department and Band and Choral
programs. The College’s Religion Department, with seven faculty committed to the Church’s ministry of teaching and
spiritual formation, is celebrating the upcoming matriculation of six members of the Huntingdon Class of 2015 into
theological studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and The Divinity
School of Duke University. Five of these six students received full tuition merit scholarships. Five are committed to parish
ministry, and one is exploring a vocation in law and social justice within the context of the Church’s ministry.
As President of the College and an elder of the Church, I consider the identification, recruitment and nurture of
outstanding young men and women into the Church’s ministry to be among my highest vocational priorities. Each
academic year, I sponsor an “Asbury Luncheon,” a “Candler Luncheon,” and a “Duke Luncheon” in my office. At each of
these luncheons, a school representative sits with me and with faculty and students to talk about call to ministry and about
the opportunities for vocational preparation at his/her school respectively. Over the years, I have seen many students move
from an interest in ministry to a serious commitment to explore ministry through visits to the various theological schools
and ongoing conversation with their faculty and with Huntingdon’s Religion faculty around issues of ministerial call.
Nothing we do at Huntingdon is more important! I am grateful to Chaplain Woods Lisenby for joining this effort in his
first year of service as Chaplain of the College, particularly through his leadership of on-site visits to each of these schools
during fall semester.
For many years, United Methodist laypeople throughout Alabama and Northwest Florida have talked about the
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importance of Huntingdon’s ministry in “the old days” through the annual summer Senior High Assembly held on the
Huntingdon campus. Many clergy and lay leaders were shaped spiritually for lives of service in the United Methodist
Church through their participation in the mid-20th Century in this program. Now, with coordinated sponsorship through
the Chaplain’s Office, the Religion Department, the Office of College and Alumni Relations, and the President’s Office,
a senior high assembly for the 21st Century will be offered June 11-12, 2015, as the Huntingdon Leadership Academy.
Pastors and youth pastors in the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama Conferences are invited to participate in the
identification and building of future church leaders by sponsoring up to four rising high school juniors and seniors to
participate in the Academy. The nominal cost of $50 per participant covers meals, overnight lodging on campus, class
sessions and recreational activities. For more information visit the Academy’s website at www.huntingdon.edu/huntingdonleadership-academy.
Business
As I complete my 38th year of ordained ministry under episcopal appointment, and 12 years of appointment as President
of Huntingdon College, I continue to thank God for calling me into the Church’s leadership and more specifically now
into the ministry of Christian higher education. The mission of a United Methodist college is most properly directed
toward the fulfillment of one of the denomination’s four areas of focus, namely, “Developing Principled Christian Leaders.”
At Huntingdon, we remain committed to offering the half-tuition Cross and Flame Grant to all United Methodist
students, renewable through graduation, as a partner with local congregations in this ministry focus. All apportionment
offerings received by Huntingdon from the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama Conferences are used to help fund
this scholarship program.
As we affirm in our denominational focus statement on leadership development, so we embrace as the heart of the mission
of Huntingdon College: “The church needs leaders rooted in Christ, who have a vision for changing the world. Today’s
young people have fearless hearts, vibrant ideas and a passion for ministry. Their talents should be nurtured to shape the
church’s path into the future. The church must recruit young people—including women and people of color the world
over—for ministry, equip them to be effective leaders and be open to where they want to lead us. We also must strengthen
lay members, who are ministering at every level of the church.”
Rev. J. Cameron West, President
LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY
On February 10, 2015, Lake Junaluska, the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, the United States,
and the world lost a great leader. Rev. Dr. R. Wright Spears died at the age of 102. He served as a pastor to multiple
churches in South Carolina and as the President of Columbia College for 26 years, a time during which he helped that
institution navigate momentous social changes. Dr. Spears and his wife Mary Blue retired to Lake Junaluska in 1977 where
he continued to promote social justice in all forms. Few organizations have in their history a person as influential as Dr.
Spears. He had a vision for Lake Junaluska, and spent his years here quietly encouraging us all to more fully live into the
Kingdom of God through our mission of Christian hospitality. Arguably the most influential person at Lake Junaluska
in the last 50 years, in both formal leadership roles and quiet behind the scenes work, he understood the importance of
balancing the budget while offering a great experience to our guests. He urged us to offer great programming, and at
the age of 95 was instrumental in launching the Lake Junaluska Peace Conference. Dr. Spears understood that offering
Christian hospitality goes beyond simply welcoming our paying customers. At our best, we are what he envisioned us to
be: a place that welcomes all and provides transforming and renewing spiritual experiences and a place that pays attention
to the bottom line and is operated more like a college than a church camp. We have a long way to go to be the perfect
fulfillment of Wright’s vision for Lake Junaluska, but we are further along that path today and more inspired to fulfill our
mission “to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind, and body” than
ever thanks to his influence.
For the third year in a row, we ended the year “in the black.” We continue to accomplish this without any Operational
Apportionment support from the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Lake Junaluska has embraced the new financial model that
was approved by the 2008 SEJ Conference and we remain committed to always “live within our means.” 2014 was a record
breaking year for charitable giving. We received $1,079,994 from 1,257 individuals. This represents a 34.4% increase in
total giving over 2013 and a 2.6% increase in number of donors.
We continue to refine and implement our plans for improvements to our facilities, grounds, and programs. Plans were
approved in 2014 to begin an extensive renovation of The Terrace hotel, a project that will have a significant impact on
the quality of the guest rooms and public spaces in that facility and will influence the level of service provided to all of our
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lodging guests. We completed all of the projects planned in 2013 including converting the Jones Dining Hall into a year
round facility, renovating the children’s playground at the Wilson Children’s Building, and numerous improvements to the
lake front consisting of a new boat storage area along with a boat dock and fishing pier just to the north of the swimming
pool and a beautiful meditation garden to the south. We are working diligently to refine and improve our existing
programming for youth and adults and continually seek to implement new innovative programs that align with our mission.
As a member of the United Methodist Church within the Southeastern Jurisdiction we want you to know that “your”
asset, Lake Junaluska, is doing very well. You can be very proud of this important organization within the jurisdiction and
the larger United Methodist Church. We are striving to be good stewards of the resources with which you have entrusted
us and to carry on the legacy of Dr. Wright Spears.
If you haven’t already, please pick up a copy of our 2015 program, Discover Lake Junaluska. Peruse its pages to read about
the impact of our programs, to learn about new projects we are working on, and to familiarize yourself with our calendar
of events. We do hope you can come and visit us this year for a conference, a retreat, or a vacation to be transformed and
renewed in soul, mind, and body.
LAY MINISTRY TEAM
Business
The Lay Ministry Team is comprised of the Conference Lay Leader, eight District Lay Leaders and the Director of Lay
Servant Ministries. The Lay Ministry Team subscribes to the Conference priorities in its work for the Conference.
2015 Lay Ministry Team of the North Alabama Conference:
Marynell Ford—Central District Lay Leader
Teresa Harris—Cheaha District Lay Leader
Gail Hiett—Mountain Lakes District Co-Lay Leader
Judy Arnold—Mountain Lakes District Co-Lay Leader
Joey Amberson—Mountain Lakes Assistant District Lay Leader
Betty Zoller—Northeast District Lay Leader
Keith Russell—Northwest District Lay Leader
Charlie Carlton—South Central District Lay Leader
Bob Neighbors—Southeast District Lay Leader
Ray Alexander—Southwest District Co-Lay Leader
Maurice Stuckey—Southwest District Co-Lay Leader
June Wilson—Director of Lay Servant Ministries
The contact information for the Lay Ministry Team is located on the Conference website (www.umcna.org) under the Lay
Ministry tab.
In the fall of 2013 the Bishops team in the team process produced the following document of the minimum recruitments
of any Conference team which includes the Lay Ministry team. Also, a job description for the District Lay Leader was
created and hopefully will become the model for Local Church Lay Leaders. This job description was passed unanimously
by the Cabinet and also by the Lay Ministry Team at the 2013 December Lay Ministry Meeting.
Job Description for District Lay Leader of North Alabama Conference:
1. Have a personal faith in Christ and be committed to Christ as Savior and Lord.
2. Nurture and cultivate spiritual disciplines and patterns of holiness.
3. Teach and model generous Christian giving with a focus on tithing as God’s standard of giving.
4. Acknowledge a call by God to completely give themselves to ministry, following Jesus’ pattern of love and service.
5. Communicate persuasively the Christian faith in both oral and written form.
6. Make a commitment to lead the whole Church in loving service to humankind.
7. Give evidence of God’s gifts for ministry, evidence of God’s grace in their lives and promise of future usefulness in
the mission of the Church.
8. Be persons in whom the community can place trust and confidence.
9. Accept that Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation through faith in God through Jesus Christ; be
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competent in the disciplines of Scripture, theology, church history and Church polity; possess the skills essential to
the practice of ministry; and lead in making disciples for Jesus Christ.
10. Be accountable to The United Methodist Church, accept its Doctrinal Standards and Discipline and authority,
accept the supervision appropriate to this ministry and be prepared to live in the covenant.
11. Complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life. To this end, they agree to exercise
responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity
in all personal relationships and fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and growth in
grace and in the knowledge and love of God.
The District Lay Leader requirements shall include all references and duties assigned to “District Lay Leader” as cited in
the 2012 Book of Discipline.
Business
Additional North Alabama Conference District Lay Leader Requirements:
1. Be a resident of the District in which the Lay leader lives and a Member of a church in the District.
2. Represent the Laity of all churches in the District.
3. Serve as the District Superintendent’s laity counterpart in promoting District and Conference programs.
4. Serve as an active member on the primary programs of the District and serve as an honorary member on any other
committees the District Superintendent may identify and assign.
5. Serve as a member on the District Planning and Program Committee, Nominating Committee and the Budget
Committee.
6. Represent the District on the Conference Lay Ministry Team which is a directional team of the Conference.
7. Serve as liaison between the District Lay Servant Committee and the District.
8. Attend as many functions as possible that are District and Conference related.
9. Develop relationships between the District office and the local church Lay Leaders.
10. Develop Associate Lay Leaders to assist the District Lay Leader in all duties that the 2012 Book of Discipline defines.
11. District Lay Leaders are required to attend a minimum of two Conference Lay Ministry meetings in a calendar year
and attend Annual Conference.
Recognizing that all Districts are unique, any additional requirements for the District Lay Leader job description will be
added at the discretion of the District Superintendent and the District Lay Leader, subject to review as needed.
The Lay Ministry Team feels we are not alone in the work we do in the name of the United Methodist Church and you are
not alone in God’s work that you do in your local church and community.
The Lay Ministry Team hopes all local churches support our mission agencies that are providing mission outreach for the
hurting people that live in the North Alabama Conference.
We hope you have read the monthly laity articles this past year. These are located on the Conference website. We also
want your input and communications, so we may help you and your local church be better prepared to grow more new
Christians for the United Methodist Church.
Steve Lyles, Conference Lay Leader
McCOY ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
The McCoy Adult Day Care Center is celebrating our 30th year in ministry. For these last 30 years we have been
committed to meeting the needs of fragile and frail adults in the Birmingham area through a variety of services including
adult day care and transportation. We provide services that enhance the quality of life for persons while allowing them to
maintain their dignity.
Adult Day Care services prevent at-risk elderly from wandering, falling and becoming isolated. Caregivers receive much
needed respite that allows them year in ministry. As the number of fragile and frail adults increase and the baby boomers
reach 65, the church must respond to their needs. Caregivers also need support and services to help them. The United
Methodist Church remains on the forefront of providing services to address the growing and changing needs of this Our
ministry alleviates the suffering of the caregivers struggling with caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke,
Parkinson’s disease, etc. Yet to me one of the most important things we do that sets us apart is assuring that the clients are
treated with dignity. It is also our call to be the voice for our frail and fragile adults—that they not be forgotten. God has
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not forgotten them and it is our role to remind the Church and our society that these, who are the bridge that brought us
here today, the children of yesterday, not be forgotten.
ACTION: We need YOU! It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a whole Annual Conference to assure this service
is available for our caregivers. There are many volunteer opportunities for you to give some hands-on help. Visit www.
McCoyAdultDayCare.com, open the volunteering tab and click on volunteer opportunities to find your special niche.
GOALS FOR FUTURE: Our newest exciting component will be Music and Memory. Helping our clients to come “Alive
Inside” as the program directs will be a joy and a blessing. Come help get this new program off the ground and experience
the blessings first hand.
Business
You can come, be like Mr. Man below and find a place you are truly needed!
We all have the need to be needed. Mr. Man has so much energy and wants to be everywhere all the time. He has so
many friends and “cousins” as he calls us. He knows everybody by name and tells them so. No one comes through the
door without Mr. Man exclaiming: “I know your name!!” If he really doesn’t know your name, he will give you one
like Nue-Nue (a favorite) or cookie monster - his love.
It seems to me there is a Biblical tie in this – God calls us all by name and knows every hair on our head. Sometimes
we act like God doesn’t really know our name and all about us, but just like Mr. Man, He does!
Mr. Man’s need is to be busy and have his nose in everyone’s business. SO... Mr. Man is now our greeter. He also
works hard at other jobs: he is the one to bless the food, pass out the sanitizer for clean hands, take up the instruments
after Music Therapy and the Hymnals for sing-along. We are so blessed that our Adult Day Care Center can
accommodate him with his need to be busy with constructive jobs.
Mr. Man actually hired me as his boss one day. And YES, I am grateful!.
Judy Poole, Deaconess, Executive Director
METHODIST HOMES
The Administration on Aging predicts that by the year 2030, almost 72 million people will be over the age of 65 in the
United States, up from 40 million in 2010. It is estimated that one-half of those persons will need care in a nursing home
at some point. The elders of the next generation are unlikely, however, to be content with the current nursing home
system. Methodist Homes is taking steps to transform the current system, and specifically the culture of care for the aging
in Alabama, creating communities and nursing homes that provide a true sense of home to our elders. You can be proud of
this journey we are on, and here’s why.
By and large, today’s nursing homes are full of great people who care deeply about what they do and provide excellent care.
But our country developed and passed down to us a system of warehouses for the old and frail – nursing homes – where
caring staff are reduced to performing assembly-line work. Although certainly not intended, good people are trapped in a
deeply flawed system.
Most of us already know the current system of nursing homes in this country is broken and that is why we fear it so. Upon
admission, elders are stripped at once of privacy and home - much of what we value as human beings is gone in an instant.
It is no wonder that many elders slip from a state of well-being, because they become completely disconnected from their
humanity - by loss of familiar places, personal possessions and the complete loss of hopes and dreams.
Methodist Homes embraces and advocates a new culture of nursing home transformation that has emerged in recent
years. In the words of a pioneer of this effort, we are “replacing the institutional culture and its environmental trappings
with surroundings that foster warm, personal relationships; where small groups of elders, supported by self-led teams of
employees, determine how to live and build community.” It’s about creating “home instead of institution, valuing person
over system, and operating by self-determination and shared decision making rather than subordination.”
This transformation is a process, and will require building remodeling and renovation, as well as reallocation of resources
and transformation of staff processes, task assignments, and authority. It is said that only about 3% of the nation’s 16,000
nursing homes have begun this process. It will not happen overnight, but Methodist Homes is committed to the change,
which is already well underway both physically and culturally at Fair Haven in Birmingham.
Something that will never change, however, is Methodist Homes’ commitment to providing financial help for elders who
live with us and find they can no longer pay entirely for their care. Your partnership in maintaining and growing the
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Fountain of Love Fund ensures that elders get the care they need regardless of their financial circumstances.
Thank you for supporting Fair Haven, the Fountain of Love, and all our Methodist Homes in the Conference. I look
forward to sharing with you an exciting future in elder care.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CLASS OF 2018
Dr. Charles Gattis – Owens Cross Roads
Rev. John Mount – Birmingham
Margaret S. Odom – Birmingham
Scott Russell – Birmingham
Rev. Sam Williamson – Birmingham
Christopher Tomlin, President & CEO
MINISTERIAL INTEGRITY COMMITTEE
Business
The Ministerial Integrity Committee considers it an honor to be able to serve the North Alabama Conference through
training, advocacy, and response in the area of clergy integrity. Every effort is taken to make sure our training events are
relevant to current ministry issues and ministry settings. Through constant evaluation and feedback from the community
of clergy and laity we serve, we continue to shape and improve our training presentations to meet the changing needs of
our people. We are very aware of our Conference Mission to “Discover, Develop and Deploy Spiritual Leaders to make
Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World” and are working to equip our leaders with the best integrity
training available.
After establishing a core group of integrity training sessions over the past several years, the committee has added sessions on
financial integrity, legal issues, and internet/social media. These additional sessions consistently receive high marks on our
evaluations. Legal issues and internet/social media are also used in our Refresher Trainings that are required every four years
for clergy under appointment. Our training events are normally held at Camp Sumatanga in February and August. We also
provide additional Refresher Trainings in strategic locales during years in which we have a higher than normal number of
clergy needing Refresher Training.
Our team looks forward to continuing to serve the North Alabama Conference. We work well with the Board of Ordained
Ministry and are very appreciative of the relationship we have with Camp Sumatanga. I want to share a heart-felt thank
you to our team that works hard to do our work well.
Ricky L. Smith, Chair
MINISTRY WITH THE POOR OPERATIONAL TEAM
Last year, the North Alabama Conference adopted ministry with the poor as one of its conference wide priorities. The
Operational Team for Ministry with the Poor exists to make this priority a reality in every United Methodist Church
in North Alabama. We are developing a Ministry Action Plan that will deepen, transform and widen the impact of the
United Methodist Church in communities of need all over North Alabama.
Our vision is that every United Methodist Church in North Alabama will engage in excellent, capacity building ministry
with a community of need in their area. Our vision is that every engagement with a community of need will have as a
core component the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ and creating new communities of faith. In order for us to be
Disciples we have to reach out to our communities, otherwise we are denying the Lord who has placed us where we are.
We are spiritually bankrupt if we don’t extend ourselves in love and service to our neighbors.
Our strategy is to assess the ministries with the poor of churches in the Annual Conference. We are working to develop a
“best practices” approach to ministry with the poor that is incarnational, humble, evangelistic and culturally appropriate.
We will discover and develop spiritual leaders called by God for ministry with the poor. We will equip them for ministry
and help deploy them to the field that needs them most.
Team members are Lewis Archer, Rebecca Mabe, R.G. Lyons, Tiwirai Kufarimai, Tim Kendrick, Sally Alloca and Joanne Finley.
Lewis Archer, Team Leader
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MISSION AND ADVOCACY
I constantly struggle with Christ’s command to serve the poor and love my neighbor. “How long should I help?” “What if
the help is wasted?” “How much can I give, and is it ever enough?” are often questions that I wrestle with, and I know local
churches in North Alabama struggle with them as well.
However, the local churches and organizations in North Alabama have surprised me. They have come up with creative,
sustainable, high impact projects and programs in their communities: a program which visits those in prison, another
which helps address food insecurity of local children in poverty, just to name a few.
These churches and organizations have listened to their communities and rather than coming to the table with a plan that
says, “We need to do this,” they instead go out into their communities and ask, “What is it you need us to do?”
As the church struggles with declining membership and divisive issues, it is uplifting to see so many churches focusing on
what is truly important: Christ’s call to love our neighbor.
May God grant us the wisdom, patience, courage and humility needed to serve those around us.
Rev. Matt Lacey, Director
Business
MISSIONARY DIRECTORY
Missionaries, Deaconesses and Employed Workers representing the North Alabama Conference
Crawford, Tim—Development Manager, Red Bird Mission
70 Queendale Center, Beverly KY 40913 • [email protected]
Elmore, John—Chile
Casilla 441, Amunategui 1041-1065, Iquique, Chile • [email protected]
Finley, Joanne—Deaconess
1239 Finley Road, Camp Hill AL 36850 • [email protected]
Friday, Patrick L.—Director of In Mission Together, GBGM
[email protected]
Gullatt, Carol—Deaconess
3922 Broadmor Road, Huntsville AL 35810 • [email protected]
Murrell, Jeff—Home Missioner
1103 Julia Street NW, Huntsville AL 35816 • [email protected]
Poole, Judy C.—Deaconess
McCoy Adult Day Care, 730 Eighth Ave. West, Suite 102, Birmingham AL 35204 • [email protected]
Thompson, Rhett J.—Panama
Apartado 0830-00070, Rep. de Panama • [email protected]
Twilley, Katerine (Kay)—Individual Volunteer, Bolivia
Casilla 51, Montero, Bolivia • [email protected]
Wright, Minnie—Deaconess
[email protected]
Retired Missionaries and Deaconesses
Caufield, Rev. Robert L.—Bolivia
4326 US Highway 87, Port Lavaca TX 77979
Cobb, David and Eleanor—Congo
928 Frye Gap Road, Arab AL 35016
Goodwin, Rev. James W.—Brazil
Rua Gumercindo, Couto e Silva, 284/Apt. 101, 31710-050 Belo Horizonte, M.G., Brasil
Martin, Rev. Tunnie—India
5261 Valley Road, Minerva Park, Columbus OH 43231
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Prestwood, Bette (Carrie E.)—Taiwan
1215 McClelen Way, Decatur GA 30033
Putnam, Susan—Retired Deaconess
[email protected]
Sherrill, Fred O.—Costa Rica
PO Box 1028, Hartselle AL 35640
Sherrill, Margaret Enslen—Bolivia
430 River Haven Circle, Hoover AL 35344
Stokes, Mrs. Marilyn T.—Korea
1704 N. Third Street, Lanett AL 36863
Tribble, C. Ray—United States
3470 Chiswick Court, #43-1E, Silver Spring MD 20906
Business
MISSION2GATHER
Thank you for your support of the Advance Specials that made up Mission2Gather. The 5K runs at Annual Conference
were a blast and the Ashes to Action program helped us learn and serve.
The group felt like this collaboration was a great idea but never got the momentum needed to continue. Therefore we
disbanded in December 2014. Please continue to pray for and support the mission and outreach agencies of your Annual
Conference. We are connected and in this together. We need your partnership to fulfill our missions of serving others.
Think about us this Annual Conference when you aren’t being begged to run a 5K!
Anniston Community Enabler
Community Church Without Walls
Highlands Community Ministry
Kairos Outside
McCoy Adult Day Care
P.E.E.R., Inc.
The Learning Village
Upper Sand Mountain Parish
Urban Ministry Inc.
ORDAINED MINISTRY
The North Alabama Conference Board of Ordained Ministry faithfully fulfills its role in accordance with ¶635.2 of the
2012 Book of Discipline. We are proud to embrace the vision of our conference to grow Spiritual leaders empowering life
giving congregations to transform the world. To see this vision become a reality we take seriously our role to discover and
develop clergy leadership for the future.
We have renewed our commitment to discover those called by God to lead congregations through a reshaping of our
candidacy process with an annual candidacy retreat focusing on growing those candidates early in their process. In addition
the Board of Ordained Ministry has partnered with the Bishop and cabinet to increase our visits to our seminaries to
support our students already attending, and to recruit promising graduates to our conference.
One of the most exciting dimensions of the work of the board this year has been in developing clergy leadership and
supporting that development in significant ways. The Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) Committee with resources
provided through the faithful giving of our churches through apportioned funds and the benefits from a gift by a generous
donor was able to increase our support of seminary students. Our MEF distribution for 2014 was $170,000, and we hope
to increase that in 2015. In addition, the Board is proud to continue work with Clergy Agency for Life-long Learning
(CALL). Groups are forming and beginning their process for creating a life-long plan for continued learning and growth
throughout their ministry.
In an effort to support many other areas of the development of spiritual leaders the Board is excited to support the work
of the team establishing a process for persons interested in training and certification in Spiritual Direction. This process is
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slated to begin soon.
As always the Board of Ordained Ministry is diligent in its role in the process of ministry. We thank the clergy and lay
members of our district boards for their faithful work. I want to say a special thanks to the members of our Conference
Board. Their prayerful, faithful, and thoughtful work plays a vital role in helping to provide effective clergy leadership for
the future of the North Alabama Conference.
Our board wants to say a special word of thanks to the Office of Ordained Ministry. Executive Director Don Neal’s
leadership keeps us on task. Cindi Patsios and her commitment to the work of the board and her attention to the details
enables the board to run smoothly. In addition we want to thank Regina Ergle for her faithful work with the board.
The Board of Ordained Ministry looks forward to being a vital part of Discovering and Developing Spiritual leaders to
make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Rick Owen,Chair
RESOURCE MINISTRY PARTNERS
Business
Resource Ministry Partners was formed in 1999 to serve United Methodist churches in the areas of stewardship,
fundraising and the development of clergy and lay leadership. As a non-profit ministry we have provided capital campaigns
for more than 140 churches across 16 United Methodist Annual Conferences located in 15 states over the last 15 years.
Resource Ministry Partners has raised over $210 million to benefit church capital and ministry programs.
This year we have helped churches develop strategic ministry plans. We have conducted feasibility studies to help churches
decide whether or not to renovate, expand or relocate a facility. In 2014 we helped raise in excess of $8 Million in total
funds for churches; our most successful year ever.
Over the past eighteen months, as part of our staff, Dr. Ron Martoia, has assisted churches to enhance, energize, and
engage the mission and ministries of local churches. Ron’s focus has been to help churches get “unstuck” and understand
how to reach their next growth hurdle. Our changing culture makes doing ministry as great a challenge as ever.
Resource Ministry Partners employs a professional staff to assist in church development. They include Dr. Bill Crosby,
Senior Campaign Consultant; Dr. Ron Martoia, Director of Strategic Ministry; Ben Williams, Director of Marketing
and Project Manager; David Vaughn, Videographer; Zack Nichols, Creative Design and Art Director; and Carolyn Pevey,
Financial Assistant.
If you have questions, or if Resource Ministry Partners can be of assistance to your church, please feel free to contact us at
1-866-404-4769 or visit www.resourcemychurch.org.
Charlie Carlton, President
SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREW
A designated Advance Special ministry of the North Alabama Conference, The Society of St. Andrew – Alabama Gleaning
Network puts surplus fresh fruits and vegetables on the tables of families in Alabama. Through the assistance of the North
Alabama Conference, the Society of St. Andrew was able to assist 173 agencies that supply nutritious meals to those who
are at risk of being food insecure. In addition we were able to glean 983,072 pounds of surplus food through 692 events
utilizing 4618 volunteers. Our Program Coordinator, Mary Lynn Botts, has continued to impact more agencies and
involve more volunteers for greater success. Because of this success in 2014, our Alabama office was able to open again in
the Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church in Roebuck Springs. Our new director for Alabama, Rev. Mark E. Mangum,
began work on January 1. Rev. Mangum states “2015 promises to be another year of increased ability to glean and
transport the surplus food of Alabama to reach additional agencies and to impact the nearly 942,576 Alabamians that are
at risk for food insecurity (alabamapossible.org).”
In order for 2015 to be successful we rely on the support of the North Alabama Conference, the faithful churches and the
dedicated volunteers from dozens of congregations. This coordinated effort deploys volunteers into the fields to dig, cut,
pick and bag fruits and vegetables that would otherwise end in a landfill. Spiritual leaders are born and grow from these
efforts and many return for ongoing support and the development of spiritual maturity. As these food items are shared
with agencies throughout this conference, by those serving as disciples of Jesus Christ, lives are transformed by feeding
poor, undernourished and at-risk children, youth, adults and seniors from every culture, race and background.
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The Society of St. Andrew derives its name from the disciple Andrew, who (in John’s gospel) brought a boy to Jesus with a
few loaves of bread and some small fish. With those loaves and fish, thousands ate their fill and baskets full were left over.
As we glean Alabama’s fields, we find abundance where others see little and we use that abundance to feed God’s children.
We welcome churches throughout the North Alabama Conference to join with us in 2015 and beyond, in gleaning to feed
our neighbors, in prayer, in study and in giving, that God’s abundant love may live in each of us and be shown through
our lives and our actions.
Rev. Mark E. Mangum, Regional Director for Alabama
SUMATANGA CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Our newly defined Mission at Sumatanga is to create sacred spaces dedicated to Christian faith development by
intentionally providing opportunities that reflect our values. Our Values include: 1) Sacred space to encounter God, 2)
Christian hospitality, 3) Christian faith and discipleship, 4) Developing Christian spiritual leaders, 5) Caring for and
appreciating God’s creation, 6) Collaborating with churches and other agencies, 7) Unconditional love and justice.
Business
2014 was an exceptional year for Sumatanga. Financially we ended the year very solvent. Careful management of
resources and culling wasteful contracts cut spending significantly. An intentional focus on raising the quality of the entire
Sumatanga experience is beginning to show benefits. Investments in maintenance and improvements is helping to raise the
quality of the facilities and grounds attracting and retaining guests which ultimately results in increased revenue.
The staff of Sumatanga are highly committed and hard working servants striving to make the Sumatanga experience the
best it can be. Energy focused on our excellent staff team has proved fruitful. Jurisdictional, national, and local training
opportunities have not only increased certain staff skill levels, but have also motivated staff to new levels of commitment.
Our new director of hospitality and programs, Amanda Lamb, is working hard to raise the quality of the summer
camp program and the summer camp staff, as well as the overall hospitality experienced by our guests. She brings years
of experience from another very successful United Methodist camp program. A new full time position of Director of
Marketing and Sales will not only increase awareness of Sumatanga, but will bring in new guests and campers. A redefined
position of Director of Development will continue the fine work of our outgoing director, Mark Parris.
The new Equine program got off to a great start with very successful summer horse camps and some year round retreat
usage. Partnering with The Red Barn ministry has proven very beneficial. Year two has promise of even greater usage and
ministry with our horses.
The Sumatanga Operational Team is now in its second year. Dedicated to developing strong spiritual leaders, the team is
focusing on raising the quality of Sumatanga in all areas. This team concept is being utilized in other areas of ministry at
Sumatanga with good results.
As stated in the mission, Christian faith development is a priority. Thousands of children, youth and adults find
Sumatanga to be Holy Ground each year. Lives are changed for Jesus Christ, persons are called into ministry, and faith in
God is strengthened at Sumatanga.
Partnering with the local church, Sumatanga is an increasingly strong evangelistic arm of the church. We hope you will
claim the amazing ministry of Sumatanga and celebrate with us a great year just past and look forward to an even greater
year ahead.
Lee Padgett, Interim Executive Director
SUPERANNUATE HOMES
Report No. 1
The Board of Superannuate Homes thanks Reverend Don Neal for his service as Director from June 2006 through his
retirement in June 2014. During the 2014-15 conference year, Don has continued to serve part-time as Director of
Ordained Ministry, and he has been very helpful to the Board of Superannuate Homes during this transition period.
The Board of Superannuate Homes maintains 125 homes and usually builds one new Humphrey Home from funds
provided by the Humphrey Trust each year. A pastor interested in having a new home built at the time of retirement must
have served at least 15 years in full time ministry. A letter requesting a home must be submitted to the Board at least 18
months before retirement. The home award and a building lot provided by the pastor require approvals from the Board of
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Superannuate Homes and the bank trustee of the Humphrey Trust.
Pastors who would like to be considered for an existing home may submit a letter stating the anticipated year of retirement
and preferred location. Regina Ergle continues her excellent service as Administrative Assistant for Superannuate Homes.
Her office is located in the Methodist Center. She is available Monday through Thursday during regular office hours. The
phone number is 205-226-7968. Regina’s email is [email protected].
In June 2014, the Board named Charlie Carlton as Director of Administrative Services. In October 2014, the Board
named Ted Leach as Director of Community & Property Care. Ted’s phone number is 205-760-9106. This is also the
number to call during off hours and Friday through Sunday. Ted’s email is [email protected].
In the 19th Century, there was no clergy pension program and there was no provision for retired clergy housing. Pastors
lived exclusively in church-owned parsonages and upon their retirement generally there was no retirement income and no
place to live. The first home for retired clergy was donated in 1902.
Business
Over time, the Board of Superannuate Homes was created to receive donations of property and money and to provide
housing for retired clergy. The single greatest gift in support of the superannuate homes program came in the 1972 gift of
$3 million to establish the Annie Sue Kelley Humphrey Trust to build homes for retired clergy and their spouses. More
than half of the present homes have been built using interest money from this most generous gift.
The Board of Superannuate Homes thanks everyone who supports this important ministry. The annual conference
encourages each congregation to annually celebrate a Sunday (usually in June) that is convenient to the congregation as
“Superannuate Sunday” when retired clergy living in the community are recognized and honored for their years of ministry
and service.
Superannuate Homes are located throughout the North Alabama Conference. These residents—like all retired clergy—can
be important assets for a nearby local church. Likewise, some local churches can be great partners by helping with work
projects at superannuate homes (painting, landscaping, etc.) If your church would like to become more involved in this
ministry, please contact Ted Leach.
One excellent example of this partnership is the 30-year relationship between the Centre First United Methodist Church
and Rev. Sammy Stabler. When Sammy retired in 1984, he moved into a new Humphrey Home within walking distance
of the church. In 2014, after living in the home for thirty years, Sammy moved to an assisted living facility. For three
decades in his retirement, Sammy and Centre FUMC have been partners in ministry through the legacy of the Humphreys
and many others who have contributed to the Superannuate Homes.
The Board welcomes financial gifts to the Superannuate Homes ministry as well as gifts of appreciated assets such as stocks
or real estate. For more information, contact Charlie Carlton at 205-919-5614.
Report No. 2
Assignment to an existing home during 2014 was made to Rev. and Mrs. Jeff Lyles at Gardendale. A new home was
completed for Rev. Sandra Felkins and husband, Charles Felkins in Northport. In 2014 four homes were sold. These were
homes in Scottsboro, Talladega, Jasper and Albertville and the proceeds went into the Operating Funds.
Report No. 3
Superannuate Home Care, a fund that assists any retired clergy living in their own home or a Board owned home,
continues to provide a ministry to those with financial need. This fund enables the Board to respond to critical needs of
those requesting assistance with costly home repairs and maintenance. Your financial support for this fund is appreciated
and encouraged. If you would like to know more about ways you can contribute to this important ministry or request
assistance, please contact Regina Ergle in the Office of Superannuate Homes at 205-226-7968 or 800-239-7950.
Report No. 4
The Board has received gifts during this year from Rev. and Mrs. Ralph Bates, Lester Memorial UMC, Suzy Maples
Rutledge, Rev. Joe Elmore, Rev. and Mrs. Bobby Green, Rev. and Mrs. Buzz Barrett and Rev. and Mrs. Hillard Vance.
Jerry S. Swafford, Chairperson.
UNITED COUNSELING
At United Counseling, we take seriously aligning our organization with the priorities of the North Alabama United
Methodist Conference. Our mission statement is to nurture and undergird the psychological, emotional and spiritual
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health of the people of the United Methodist Church in North Alabama. This year’s Annual Conference theme, Nurture:
Growing in Christ, is important to us as we are committed to supporting and nurturing our pastors in their ministry
settings. We believe it is our way of living out the Conference Mission to Discover, Develop and Deploy Spiritual Leaders
to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.
For more than 45 years, United Counseling has offered individual, marital and family counseling. We have a staff of six
counselors and a psychiatrist. We have offices in Birmingham, McCalla, Shelby County and in the Huntsville area.
We offer coaching on self-care, seminars on Healthy Congregation principles and Conflict Transformation. United
Counseling is in its ninth year of offering our Pastoral Care Specialist Certificate Program for the North Alabama
Conference Residents in Ministry. We consider it an honor to be connected with the North Alabama Conference. Without
the generous support we receive, we would not be able to provide the services that we do. We are most grateful to be
partners in ministry with so many of you.
Rev. Sheri Ferguson, LCSW, LMFT, Executive Director
Rev. Julie Holly, Board President
UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Business
The United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) will enter its 125th year of operation in 2015. I believe we will look
back on the year 2014 and note that it was a major turning point in the direction of UMCH. In this brief report I will
highlight the vital statistics of our work in 2014, as well as summarize the programmatic highlights and changes.
• In 2014, UMCH served 65 youth through eight group homes in Alabama and Northwest Florida. UMCH also
served 55 children through its therapeutic foster care program in Alabama. In addition, UMCH served 58 children
through its Florida Foster Care program.
• With regard to non-residential services, UMCH served 176 families through its Family Preservation Program
in Dothan and Andalusia, which represented 674 individuals. This program has a success rate of over 90% in
preventing family dissolution due to child neglect. UMCH also served 20 families through its adoption services
program, representing 44 individuals.
• Of the 982 individuals served through our programs, 12 of these were young men and women in our new higher
education scholarship program. This past fall, UMCH enrolled 7 young men at the University of Alabama and 5
young women at the University of North Alabama. Our young men are housed at our Tuscaloosa group home and
our young women are residents of our Florence group home. 100% of the cost of their higher education is being
paid for by the generosity of our United Methodist Churches and their members.
• As of June 2014, UMCH transitioned the Crestview Group Home into the Crestview Teen Center to offer services
to foster parents and youth. Through the various programs, UMCH served 11 with mentoring services and 36
within the other classes offered. By utilizing various mentoring and support programs and classes, our goal is to help
youth and families reach their personal, educational and spiritual goals.
• In July of 2014 The United Methodist Children’s Home Volunteer and Mission Team set out to serve the hungry
and homeless community in New York City. In partnership with Youth Services Opportunities Projects, 15 UMCH
youth and staff members participated in various service projects across the city. Not only did this trip play an
intricate role in expanding our youth’s world views, but it taught them how to be the hands and feet of Jesus by
caring for those less fortunate.
• UMCH is engaged in ongoing dialogue with several children’s agencies about how to expand the scope of our work
to children and families in metro Birmingham. Previous planned renovations to the Overton Road group home have
been put on hold while these planning discussions take place. We anticipate investing heavily in services for children,
youth and families in metro-Birmingham in the near future but want to do so in a way that has maximum impact
with the resources our churches and private donors have entrusted to us.
• UMCH began the pre-planning phase of strategic planning in September of 2014. The pre-planning phase
began with a staff and board study of Jim Collins’s book, Good to Great in order to create a unified framework
for planning in 2015. This phase outlined five key areas of focus in the coming year of planning: 1. Ministries
and Services, 2. Facilities, 3. Funding/Finances, 4. Marketing/Branding, 5. First Who Then What: Recruiting,
Training and Retaining the Right People. In addition, a UMCH clergy advisory board was created to keep clergy
in both conferences informed about UMCH’s ministry and to receive sustained feedback and counsel regarding the
ministry’s strategic direction.
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The United Methodist Children’s Home is a ministry of the Alabama/West Florida and North Alabama Conferences of the
United Methodist Church to the hurting and forgotten children of Alabama and Northwest Florida. With God’s help and
the support of our United Methodist churches, we are developing new and creative ways to fulfill the greatest and most
ageless mission an organization could hope to have: “To follow the example of Christ by embracing all God’s children...
one child, one family at a time.” God bless you, churches and believers of this great annual conference, for seeing the great
needs of our children and responding so faithfully!
K. Blake Horne, Ph.D., President/CEO
UNITED METHODIST THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS
Boston University School of Theology
Greetings in the Spirit of Jesus Christ! In this anniversary year, Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) celebrates
175 years of seeking God, building knowledge, and equipping leaders for the church and society. We especially celebrate
our students, alums, and church partners, with whom we seek to serve God as transforming leaders in a multitude of local
and global communities.
Business
BREAKING NEWS
• The Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership is well underway with outstanding students and
eager teachers. In its first year, the program has attracted two cohorts of students from three countries, eight faith
traditions, and a variety of church, educational, health care and other faith-based contexts.
• BUSTH celebrated art and creativity with four major art exhibits and receptions: James Crane’s motive cartoons;
Robin Miller’s “African America in Art and Poetry”; John August Swanson’s poster art; and Beth Neville’s paintings.
• The STEWARD program, funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, is preparing students for stewardship of all
of life, including spiritual, physical and financial life.
• Raices Latinas, funded in part by the United Methodist Church Young Clergy Initiative, has begun! It invites and
supports Latino/a young adults toward a life-giving journey in ministry. BUSTH also works closely with the UMC
in leadership of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy. Both focus on education, mentoring, service learning and
spiritual formation.
MILESTONES
• 175 Years: The founders of BUSTH were abolitionists, pastors and lay leaders who envisioned a school to carry the
spiritually rich, socially transformative, leadership-forming legacy that centered their own lives. Our annual theme,
Leading in Transformation, honors that vision and reflects on how to reshape it in response to changing social realities.
• Women in the World: This year, the Anna Howard Shaw Center celebrates 30 years of its Women in the World
Conference, a witness to women’s leadership in the church and a celebration of their brave, audacious ministries.
PARTNERING FOR TRANSFORMATION. Preparing students for ministry means meaningful partnerships with the
local spiritual community.
• Partnering in transformational learning through courses in congregations with church leaders and students together.
• Serving the church through workshops and mutual projects, especially in church renewal, mission, and the
cultivation of difficult conversations that enhance dignity and justice.
• Traveling across the globe through seminars where students engage with diverse cultures and traditions. In this
year, students and faculty have explored the Arizona-Mexico Border, Israel and Palestine, Ephesus, and Mexico.
CELEBRATING JUSTICE: From Selma in 1965 to the Arizona-Mexico border and the streets of U.S. cities, we celebrate
transformational leadership and explore paths to just peace.
• Retracing history by commemorating civil rights milestones with: Walter Fluker, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor
of Ethical Leadership; and a panel of alumni and faculty on “Selma at 50, Ferguson Today.”
• Moving forward to understand and build justice, engaging with Cornell William Brooks—BUSTH alumnus and
President of the NAACP—and with our students, faculty and alumni who seek to build justice in Boston, Ferguson,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Uganda and beyond.
As we look back on the last year—and the last 175 years—we celebrate transformational leaders who have loved God and
cared mightily for God’s world. Their living legacy gives us hope and courage for the future.
Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dean
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Candler School of Theology
For 100 years, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has prepared real people to make a real difference in the
real world. Since our founding in 1914, more than 10,000 students have graduated from Candler, where they have been
shaped as Christian leaders who put faith and love into action, transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Here,
students are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and immersed in Christian service from the first day they
arrive on campus. This unique approach ensures that our graduates are ready to serve wherever God leads.
One of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler is grounded in the Christian faith and shaped
by the Wesleyan tradition. We are one of seven graduate professional schools of Emory University, a top-tier research
institution offering extensive resources and a rich context for study. Our location in the city of Atlanta offers a learning
environment that reflects the highly diverse communities of the 21st century world. There is no better place for ministry
preparation that addresses our major denominational priorities: developing leaders, starting and growing churches,
ministry with the poor, and improving global health.
Business
During the 2014-2015 academic year, Candler celebrated its Centennial, marking our 100th anniversary with a series of
commemorative events highlighting memories of the past and visions for the future. The yearlong celebration began in
the fall of 2014 with the dedication of the final phase of our new LEED-certified building and the premiere of Religion
and Reason Joined: Candler at 100, a new book on our history. The commemoration continued through the spring of
2015 with guest lectures, exhibits, and “Prophetic Voices,” a major academic conference addressing the challenges and
opportunities facing theology in the 21st century.
Not only has Candler expanded its physical space this year—we have expanded degree offerings as well. In response to the
changing needs of the church, Candler introduced five new degrees to equip Christian leaders: the Doctor of Ministry,
the Master of Religious Leadership, the Master of Religion and Public Life, and two dual degrees with social work and
development practice.
Candler’s student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful. Our enrollment stands at 447, with 320
seeking the Master of Divinity, 43 the Master of Theological Studies, 14 the Master of Religious Life, 20 the Master of
Theology, 29 the Doctor of Ministry, 10 the Doctor of Theology, and 11 enrolled as Non-Degree students. The student
body is 52 percent women, 35 percent people of color (U.S.), and the median age of the entering class is 27. Students
represent 42 denominations, with nearly half identifying as United Methodist.
Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship with The United Methodist Church. Our
ability to fulfill our mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world depends
upon your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our
denomination. Visit us in person in Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler prepares real
people to make a real difference in the real world.
Jan Love, Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Early in the calendar year, I met with various constituencies of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, including alums,
faculty, staff, trustees, and students regarding their hopes and concerns for the school. As a result, we began the 2014-2015
academic year with the following priorities:
• To prepare and equip our graduates as public theologians,
• To nurture a more diverse community so that the entire community develops cultural competency,
• To value and promote inclusivity, and
• To construct a sustainable model for theological education.
Public Theology
This year we launched a Public Theology Lecture Series to help the Garrett-Evangelical community understand more
about the intersection of theological perspectives and shared values held in the public arena as persons in ministry work
with others toward the common good and the well-being of all persons and creation. The lecture series included:
• Rev. Janet Wolf, Director of Haley Farm and Nonviolent Organizing for the Children’s Defense Fund, lectured on
various Children’s Defense Fund programs including restorative justice, mass incarceration, cradle to prison pipeline,
and freedom schools.
• Dr. Mark Lewis Taylor, Maxwell M. Upton Professor of Theology and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary
considered structures of the global orders and everyday living which public theologians may claim to engage and
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where “the powers and principalities” are always in contestation in “public” life.
In the fall, we will offer a course, “Public Theology in the City,” taught by Dr. David Frenchak, former president of
Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE). The class will collaborate with the mayor’s office in
Evanston on an anti-violence initiative. Dr. Frenchak will also provide a Public Theology lecture this spring.
Cultural Competency & Inclusivity
As part of the commitment to nurturing a more diverse community, we welcomed a new Vice President for Academic
Affairs, Dr. Luis R. Rivera, our first Latino Academic Dean. Our current ethnic/racial profile is:
• 20% black; 6% Asian; 3% Hispanic/Latino; and 54% White; 14% International
• More than 33 religious traditions, four continents, 15 countries and 36 states are represented
• 232 students are United Methodist with 25 additional students from other Pan-Methodist
• 94 new students began studies at Garrett-Evangelical this fall, raising total fall enrollment to 365 (FTE of 305)
• The average age of the entering Master of Divinity student is 31
• 52% of the student body is women
Business
Consistent attention to issues of inclusivity, justice, and grace within the seminary setting are critical for preparing future
leaders to enter an increasingly diverse world. To respond to these concerns, Garrett-Evangelical will offer a number of
Circle of Trust conversations this spring for trustees, faculty, staff, and students. Our goals are: 1) to provide safe space to
discuss difficult topics, 2) to reduce any gap between stated values and actual behavior, both personally for participants and
institutionally; and 3) to update our 1997 statements of inclusivity in the student body denominations.
Sustainable Theological Education
Garrett-Evangelical is beginning work on a Sustainable Theological Education Model for the school. We are guided by a
commitment to generational stewardship of our resources and to maintaining a thriving seminary for the future. We will
attend to the areas of business, academics programs and external programs.
Our priority continues to be making seminary education affordable. To this end we award more than $2.5 million in
scholarship aid to students each year and we lead all United Methodist seminaries in the Dollars for Scholars program
with 45 recipients. In October, the seminary publicly launched The Final Lap of its $100 million Forging Our Future
campaign, and announced that $88 million has been received to date. Much has already been accomplished, but
more remains to be done (expanding the number of new leadership scholarships from 80 to 100, renovating Sherman
apartments, endowing several more faculty positions, continuing to grow the unrestricted endowment). Gifts for any of
these goals are always welcome.
Thank you for your continued interest in our work. We are dedicated to serving The United Methodist Church and the
church at large. For more information about Garrett-Evangelical and our work, I encourage you to visit www.garrett.edu,
and to visit us on campus.
Lallene J. Rector, President
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
Perkins School of Theology celebrates our vital connections with the North Alabama Annual Conference. We are
particularly pleased to begin offering our Certification in Spiritual Direction Program within the bounds of the North
Alabama Conference this fall – the only location this opportunity currently is offered apart from our Dallas campus.
Total enrollment at Perkins exceeds 400 students, of which approximately two-thirds are United Methodist and more than
one-third are ethnic minority students. Master’s degree programs comprise approximately 51% female and 49% male
students. The D.Min. program includes students from southern Asia taking classes in Singapore and Dallas. Our Ph.D.
program comprises 30 active students, including two Latino Ph.D. students supported through a grant from the Luce
Foundation to Perkins’ Center for the Study of Latino/Christianity and Religions.
Dr. Jack Levison (Ph.D., Duke, 1985) joined the Perkins faculty as the third appointee to the W.J.A. Power Chair of
Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament Interpretation. Dr. John Martin, new director of Development, came to Perkins after
serving as president of Roberts Wesley College in Rochester, New York. Following a nationwide search, a senior scholar
and teacher eligible for appointment to the Lois Craddock Perkins Chair in Homiletics is expected to join the Perkins
faculty in fall 2015.
Perkins restructured its Master of Divinity degree, effective spring 2015, enabling full-time students to complete the
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program in three years and reducing overall cost of the degree. The M.Div. now requires 73 term hours of academic credit,
including the nine-hour internship.
A new “Master of Arts in Ministry” (M.A.M.) degree has replaced the C.M.M. The M.A.M. offers five tracks: two
previously-existing tracks in Christian Education and Urban Ministry, and new tracks in Theology and Social Justice,
Christian Spirituality, and Evangelism and Mission.
A $2.5 million gift to SMU will establish the new Susanna Wesley Centennial Chair in Practical Theology at Perkins.
Perkins thanks our many colleagues, friends, and alumni/ae across the connection for generous support in many ways,
including referrals of prospective students, as we continue our vital mission of preparing women and men for faithful
leadership in Christian ministry.
William B. Lawrence, Dean and Professor of American Church History
UNITED METHODIST CAMPUS MINISTRIES
Business
Wesley Fellowship At Athens State University
Year TEN at Athens State University has been a most rewarding one. From a welcome night of pizza and board games for
new students, participating as a group in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a fall farm party, movie nights to more serious
times of Bible study and prayer, we have gone from strangers to good friends. We are experiencing growth as a result of
having a table at the Transfer Days at ASU and the students inviting others to join us.
Being in service to others is important to us. Every month we play bingo at a local assisted living facility. The residents
enjoy the special prizes and gifts we take each time, and they, as well as our group, look forward to these special nights.
Fun is key in developing a strong group and we certainly excel in fun! Attending the Athens Christmas parade followed by
dinner is an annual treat. A girls’ spend-the-night party was a great send-off for one of our girls who is interning at Disney
World for eight months. We have our favorite board games and enjoy sharing them with new students. Students love to eat
so that is also one of our favorite activities! Pool parties and cookouts will be held in late spring.
Christmas shopping for our sponsored DHR children and senior adults is one of the highlights of our year. Profits from
our booth at the annual Fiddler’s Convention are used to help others throughout the year, including these special people.
One of our favorite activities is hosting college students who are in Athens to work on Habitat houses during their winter
or spring breaks. We have a meal together and play board games as a way to help them relax and unwind after working on
the houses.
We hope we are starting a new tradition- a weekend retreat with the Wesley Foundation at University of North Alabama.
Our first one will be held the first weekend of March at the Hartselle Campmeeting facility.
Our annual conference, the Northwest District and Hartselle First UMC continue to be strong supporters of our ministry.
It would not exist without their support. They help us make a real difference in the lives of these wonderful young people.
Year TEN has been a blessing and we look forward to ELEVEN to see what God has in store for us.
Sherri Bassham, Director
Wesley Foundation at Jacksonville State University
The Wesley Foundation at Jacksonville State University is an alternative community for students to hang out, to study, to
explore their spirituality, to ask questions, to serve God and others, to belong. Our facility is open every day for students
to gather, to study, to use our internet connection and public computers, to eat, to hang out. And since 20 students live in
residence in our student dorm, we quite literally have students in our facility around the clock.
The development and mentoring of student leadership lie at the heart of the Wesley ministry. We are constantly seeking
to find new ways to move students from seeing themselves primarily as the consumers of religious goods and services to
seeing themselves as the primary producers of ministry, from asking “what do I get from this,” to “what can I give to this?”
This represents an ongoing process of change as we move from an “attraction” based model of ministry, where the primary
goal is to get students to “come” and “participate,” to a “relational-missional” model of ministry based on student led small
groups that are learning to lead, grow, and serve together.
The goal of student leadership is not programming or event planning, though those can be important practical things that
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come from small groups in the spirit of service to the larger community. We strive for a process of relationship building
that is intentional, invitational, inclusive, and relational. The small groups themselves are the means by which others are
invited and included in the community, in lives of service, and in deeper growth of faith. We see leadership as a process,
and we coach teams and team leaders on a weekly basis. The focus is on mentoring students and providing space where
student-led ministry can prosper.
This ongoing change in our ministry focus is reflected in our understanding of the purpose of our student dormitory. We
now see our facility not so much as a dorm that houses students but rather as a leadership center that houses the core of
our student leadership team. Student residents go through a leadership application, interview, and training process. We
expect that all Wesley dorm residents are in process to be the leader of a small group. We have been working toward this
change in our ministry focus for our student dorm for several years, and while we still have much to do, we are well into
the process of instilling this change into our student culture. The most significant learning for us in this process is the need
for us to better identify and intentionally recruit, high-capacity students for our leadership program.
We attempt to maintain a close mentoring relationship with students who are working in local church and especially with
those who are preparing for ordained ministry. We believe that mentoring relationships are an indispensable component of
the ministry of Wesley, and they represent a significant commitment of the campus minister.
Business
JSU Wesley is blessed with a dedicated Board of Directors:
Class of 2015:
Julie Talley, Karen Gregg, Josh Talley, Jason Wright
Class of 2016:
Mike Hindman, Jeremy Clayton, Kim Stevens
Class of 2017:
Matt Headley, David Cunningham, Mandi Lee
Jay Robinson, Director
Wesley Foundation at UAB
2015 has been an exciting time to be involved with the UAB Wesley Foundation. Wesley has hired three new individuals
to help oversee and implement God’s vision for the United Methodist Church’s campus ministry on the Southside.
Joshua Blount, Tyler Cantrell, and Wesley alumni Cory Swinford are now leading the ministry. All three individuals
are committed to not only sharing Christ with UAB Wesley students, but also building relationships with local United
Methodist Churches.
In addition to Tuesday night worship on campus at Heritage Hall, The Wesley Foundation is now hosting a weekly book
study at Dreamland Barbecue on Mondays. The lunch is designed to provide a free lunch to UAB students and create an
environment that is welcoming to students visiting Wesley for the first time. Local churches and Dreamland have taken
turns sponsoring the lunch for students.
UAB Wesley has also reached out and engaged the Blazer community in new and exciting ways throughout campus.
You can expect to find Wesley involvement at UAB campus tour days, freshman orientation, dorm move in days, Blazer
athletics, along with various sororities and fraternities. Add in a strong presence on social media through Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest and you can see many of the ways Wesley is serving Christ and reaching students around
Birmingham.
After going through a year-long renovation, the Wesley House has been reopened for fellowship and rental opportunities
for Wesley students. Having the house reopened is vital to UAB Wesley’s mission in creating a family atmosphere on
campus. Look for multiple small group studies and special events to be hosted at the Wesley house during the 2015-16
academic year.
2015 has also seen UAB Wesley make a strong return to local missions. Wesley students have engaged in missions with
Highlands UMC and Church of the Reconciler serving many in the homeless community. Students have also been active
in helping raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research.
The Wesley Foundation has also started new fundraisers to help raise money for the campus ministry. The first ever UAB
Wesley Golf Tournament was hosted and coincided with annual conference. Look for the tournament to be a yearly staple
with UAB and UMC personalities taking part. Wesley will also be starting an annual three on three basketball tournament
to raise funds and build community with more students.
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Look for more exciting announcements about UAB Wesley throughout the next year! Please email [email protected] if
you are interested in sponsoring one of our lunches or special activities.
Tyler Cantrell
Wesley Foundation at the University of North Alabama
2014 was a great year at the Wesley Foundation at UNA! Our campus ministry is growing in so many different ways.
We had almost 400 students attend our UNA Welcome Week event this year, and a great time was had by all enjoying
volleyball, hamburgers and hotdogs cooked on the grill, plus the opportunity to make new friends. We have many new
members of the Wesley family and look forward to seeing even more new students at our free lunches served during our
Fall and Spring semesters. Lunches are served every Thursday and are provided by our local UMW’s, SS Classes and our
churches. We average 75-100 students per meal.
Our student leader’s continuation of Sundown Coffee provides an outlet for the members of our Wesley family to show
their creativity via open mic night in addition to supplying good, wholesome fellowship. It is an excellent opportunity for
our students to work furthering their leadership skills. At the Wesley Foundation we know that the future leaders are the
student leaders of today, and we strive to prepare them for life after college.
Business
We have successfully incorporated a number of students from different faiths and cultural backgrounds through our
various community outreach programs, such as worship through music and Bible studies. We do not try to force Christ
upon them we live in the hope that through being an active part of the Wesley and seeing the faith of others on a daily
basis, these individuals will find the light of Jesus Christ. Though we may be different ethnically and culturally, we are all
God’s children, and as such, deserve the love and respect of our peers.
The Wesley Foundation has been a safe haven for so many years to college students who attend UNA. For many of these
students this is their first time to be away from home. Not only have they left their families and friends, they have left their
home churches. We continue to offer these students a safe Christian place where they can stay connected to God and are
loved and accepted as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
By providing a strong focus on Christian living and showing our love for each other, we hope to continue to change the
lives of the people in our community. For information on how students can become involved or how your church can
help, please contact us at 256-366-0398 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to another great year at
the Wesley Foundation at UNA, our home away from home.
Rev. Linda Williamson, Campus Pastor/Director
UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION
The North Alabama United Methodist Foundation functions much like a trust department for the Annual Conference,
managing over $40 million in assets. The Foundation’s mission is to help the church fulfill its mission to make disciples
of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Foundation assists local churches in their efforts to develop
a comprehensive stewardship ministry as a crucial element of disciple formation. Charlie Carlton has served as the
Foundation’s Executive Director since 1990. You can reach Charlie at 205-503-5655 or 205-919-5614 (cell).
We are pleased that Rev. Sam Huffstutler joined the Foundation in June to assist in local church development.
The Foundation has broadened its responsibilities by assisting in administration of The Board of Superannuate Homes.
With over 122 residences, Superannuate Homes is the largest clergy residence program in the United States. Charlie
Carlton, was named as Director of Administrative Services for Superannuate Homes. Rev. Ted Leach has transitioned from
the Foundation to assist Superannuate Homes for retired clergy as Director of Community and Property Care.
Clif Christopher, in Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate, describes three “pockets” of giving. (1) the earned income pocket,
which receives most of the local church’s efforts as we encourage persons to tithe or to move toward or beyond a tithe in
giving out of their current income; (2) the appreciated assets pocket, which can consist of securities, real estate, retirement
savings, or collectables, which churches tend to forget except when engaged in a capital campaign; and (3) the estate pocket,
which generally is ignored by local churches. Religious groups receive 33% of Americans’ charitable giving, but only 8% of
Americans’ estate giving—simply because we never ask for it. One way to address this is to put a simple reminder to “Please
Remember the Church in Your Will” placed occasionally in the church bulletin, newsletter or website.
The Foundation assists individuals, churches and United Methodist agencies with each of these three “pockets.” We assist
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individual donors with financial planning, with finding creative ways to give to their local church or to United Methodist
missional agencies and with wills and estate planning. By invitation, we can provide a 30-45 minute program for the local
church about “How to Identify and Protect Your Assets.”
The Foundation Trust Fund is a key service available to local churches. The Foundation Trust Fund pays one-half to
one percent more than local bank certificates of deposit plus giving local churches maximum flexibility for withdrawals.
Interest is posted monthly. The Foundation also offers a balanced fund, an income fund and an equity fund which invests
according to the United Methodist Social Principles. To enhance investment performance, the Foundation has recently
hired as investment advisor the United Methodist General Board of Pensions, which manages over $20 billion. Dana
Aycox, the Foundation Controller, is available to help individuals making stock gifts to their local church or a United
Methodist agency through the Foundation, and she is available to help local churches open or maintain an investment
account with the Foundation. You can reach Dana at 205-503-5656.
Business
The Foundation assists with the establishment, development and administration of permanent endowment funds for
churches. The Foundation offers Charitable Gift Annuities as a way for individuals to receive lifetime income and, upon
their death, to make a deferred gift to their local church or a United Methodist agency. Donors receive an excellent annuity
rate during their lifetime as well as a charitable gift tax deduction. With a charitable gift annuity, an individual can earn up
to 9% in income and leave their church the remainder.
Through the Foundation, more than $12 million has been raised in planned lifetime gifts to benefit local churches and
United Methodist agencies, including the United Methodist Children’s Home, Camp Sumatanga, Birmingham-Southern
College, Huntingdon College, Urban Ministry, Homes for the Aging and SIFAT.
Charles B. Carlton, Executive Director
Dr. William B. Brunson, President
URBAN MINISTRY
For 39 years, Urban Ministry has faithfully nurtured and grown disciples of Jesus Christ and enabled tens of thousands
of people to engage with our dynamic ministries of compassion and wholeness. From the 1970s economic crisis as
Birmingham’s steel mills closed, to our founding by then Birmingham East and Birmingham West Districts, to our move
to the West End Community in the 1980s, and to the 21st Century, where we have deepened our relationships and
ministry priorities to address poverty’s deep and stifling effects in one of the most statistically poor zip codes (35211) in
Alabama, and ranking near the bottom nationally.
Compassion for Today—Wholeness for Tomorrow
We offer a connection for people seeking our services, as well as connection for thousands of United Methodists who have
partnered with us to serve alongside our community. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we provide spiritual formation
alongside volunteer opportunities, where people are developed and deployed to help change lives and be the Gospel in
action and transforming lives every day.
2014 Impact Report
1. 14,599 meals were served to 900 people
2. 1,270 people received emergency care assistance, including 322 who received emergency food assistance and over
100 neighbors received weekly fresh bread, another 22 neighbors received weekly free produce May-November.
3. More than 1,000 community members participated in WE Community Gardens health and wellness education,
gardening, and work-share programs for healthy produce.
4. 22 Urban Kids (grades 3-6) gained an average 8-10 months in reading and math during our Summer Learning
Program, and a total of 30 Urban Kids and their 67+ family members benefited from after school snacks, health
and wellness education from UAB Nurses, and free, healthy lunches and snacks for 8 summer weeks.
5. More than 100 people received free, healthy snack bags weekly (Oct-Dec) through our new Crisis Intervention &
Hospitality Hour (social worker led) on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
6. Over 500 people participated in weekly WE Markets, purchasing affordable healthy produce in the West End
Community (via Princeton Baptist Medical Center).
7. WE Gardens gave 4,707 lbs. of fresh produce to our community, and another 5,352 lbs. was sold affordably in our
community (compared to 2,900 in 2013).
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8. More than 20,000 lbs. of fresh bread/pastries/gleaned produce/donated food distributed through Urban Ministry.
9. Estimated 650 volunteers gave over 6,000 hours towards our food security/health and wellness initiatives.
10. More than 675 volunteers helped paint 22 homes (many of them owned by vulnerable seniors).
As the “walls” for the Community Church without Walls, Urban Ministry works in reciprocal partnership with this
dynamic mission congregation. We (especially our youth) are making a big difference in the West End Community, and
we are investing in leadership and training for the future of the church and community development and transformation.
We also rely on the voices and leaders (including Evanne Gibson, West End Community President) of Community
Church to guide our ministry to be even more responsive to community needs.
Business
2014 was a year full of transitions, challenges, and blessings. We said good-bye to our beloved “Ms. Belle” Carlisle who
directed our Community Kitchen and cooked more than 20,000 meals annually for more than 31 years. We also said
good-bye to Kuryne Lee and welcomed Wanda Larosiliere as our Urban Kids Director. We have welcomed Lisa Jones
(Trinity UMC Homewood member) as our Director of Development & Communications, and McKinzie Harrison as
our WE Eat Café Chef Assistant. We have EXCITING, new plans for transforming our soup kitchen into WE Eat: An
Urban Community Café, where everyone eats, pays what they can or offers volunteer support, and where people learn
healthier ways to eat and to live. Thank you for supporting our ministry and for your prayers which undergird us and give
us strength!
Melissa Self Patrick, Director
YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP
Youth ministry over this past annual conference year has been one of exciting growth and dynamic changes. It has been
amazing to watch how God is using your leaders to impact the kingdom of God in your local churches. God is moving
and it is exciting to be a part of what is happening. We are celebrating God’s movement in discovering, developing, and
deploying next generational leaders. Below are just a few things that happened this year.
Developing Adults for Youth Ministry
• Bread&Butter was a one-day, inexpensive, youth ministry training event August 23, 2014, at Gardendale-Mt.
Vernon UMC in Gardendale, Alabama, Bread&Butter focused on investing into the heart of your student ministry
leaders. We are excited about the developing of your leaders at the 2015 Bread&Butter event.
Developing a New Generation of Leaders
Conference Youth Ministry offers events designed to support the local church and raise up students to become the North
Alabama Conference’s future leaders.
• Encounter: This year, Encounter (our annual Gatlinburg Winter Retreat) continued its tradition of greatness with
speaker Jared Herd and worship leader Red Mountain Standard from Cullman, Alabama. More than 300 students
representing 20+ churches from North Alabama attended to worship and to connect with other churches. The
2015 theme was “Encounter Together.” Students connected through small groups, dynamic worship, and powerful
teaching. We hope that you would consider sending your students to the 2016 Encounter event.
• Battle of the Bands: At Annual Conference 2014, we saw six youth praise bands step onto the stage to lead
worship in Munger Auditorium. Our winner, Cove Church Student Band, led worship at Encounter, Exit 456, and
Bread&Butter during the annual conference year. We’re offering this contest again this year. Come hear the future of
the UMC in Munger Auditorium on Monday, June 1, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• District Youth Events: Numerous youth ministry events are taking place across the conference led by some of the
best youth workers in our conference. Check your district newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things youth ministry!
This second year of Conference Youth Ministry has been one of great challenge and growth. I’m extremely excited to see
what God has for next generation ministries and their leaders. 2015-2016 is going to provide a brand new landscape for
North Alabama and Next Generation Ministries. The best part is God is leading us as a conference to Discover, Develop,
and Deploy future leaders.
For more information on Conference Youth Ministries, visit www.umcna.org/Youth. God bless you all and thanks for
allowing me to serve with you as we help our communities have a genuine encounter with Christ.
Micah Dormann, Next Generation Leadership Facilitator
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PLACES OF NOTE
Conference Guide
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Archives—Library
ATEM Gathering—United Methodist Center
Battle of the Bands—Munger Auditorium
Cafeteria and Special Meals—Norton Center
Clergy Executive Session—Munger Auditorium
Clergy Spouses Cookies and Conversation—Admission Welcome Center
Cokesbury Bookstore—Kennedy Art Center
Express Registration—outside Bill Battle Coliseum
Health Screening—United Methodist Center
Kids’ Camp—Harbert Building
Laity Session —Bill Battle Coliseum
Member Orientation— Munger Auditorium
Mission Displays—Norton Center
Plenary Sessions—Bill Battle Coliseum
Prayer Team—Yeilding Chapel
Registration Team—College Theatre
Worship Services —Bill Battle Coliseum
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
GUEST SPEAKER
Bishop B. Michael Watson
Bishop B. Michael Watson is the resident bishop of the North Georgia Episcopal Area
where he has served since 2008. He was elected to the episcopacy by the Southeastern
Jurisdictional Conference in 2000 and was assigned to the South Georgia Area where he
served until 2008.
He was born into an active Methodist family in Dothan, Alabama. He received a
Bachelor of Science degree in finance and real estate from The University of Alabama, a
Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and
earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University. In 1972, he was ordained deacon by Bishop W. Kenneth
Goodson, and in 1976, he was ordained elder by Bishop Carl J. Sanders.
As a member of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference, he served Aldersgate UMC in Molino, Florida, Christ
UMC in Milton, Florida, Covenant UMC (founding pastor) in Dothan, Alabama, and Dauphin Way UMC in Mobile,
Alabama. He received the Denman Evangelism Award in 1990.
Bishop Watson is currently the president of World Methodist Evangelism, chair of the World Methodist Evangelism
Institute, and on the Steering Committee of the World Methodist Council. He is the secretary of the Council of Bishops
Leadership Team on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations. He is a past president of the Southeastern Jurisdiction
College of Bishops and is the immediate past chairperson of the Board of Directors of the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits. He also served as vice-chairperson of the General Commission on United Methodist Men.
Conference Guide
Bishop Watson is married to the former Margaret Lee and has two children, Ben Watson and Elizabeth Watson Riddle. He
is also the proud grandfather of Alex and Andrew Watson, and Camilla, Watson and Emmaline Riddle.
GUEST SPEAKER
Paul W. Chilcote
Paul W. Chilcote is Academic Dean, Professor of Historical Theology & Wesleyan
Studies, and Director of United Methodist Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary
in Ohio. He has been involved in theological education on three continents, serving as
a missionary with his wife Janet in Kenya, and as a founding faculty member of Africa
University in Zimbabwe. He has taught as well at the Methodist Theological School in
Ohio and Duke Divinity School, and helped to launch the Dunnam Campus of Asbury
Theological Seminary in Florida.
He is the author of twenty books, including The Works of John Wesley, vol. 13; John & Charles Wesley; Making Disciples in
a World Parish; Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit; Early Methodist Spirituality; The Study of Evangelism, and Recapturing the
Wesleys’ Vision.
He is past President of The Charles Wesley Society and the Academy for Evangelism, and enjoys a special relationship with
Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon as a Benedictine Oblate. Dr. Chilcote is a frequent speaker and workshop leader in applied
Wesleyan studies, particularly in the areas of spirituality, worship, discipleship, and evangelism.
Janet is an ordained Elder of the Florida Conference. They have five daughters and four grandchildren.
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EMCEE
Chris Greene
Conference Guide
Chris has been in youth ministry for over two decades and a worship pastor for 14
of those years. He has a passion for making disciples and a heart for local and foreign
missions. Chris led several trips to Latvia, where he helped develop youth and worship
leadership among the Latvian United Methodist Churches. He serves as a board member
of Behold Ministries and has been at Christ Harbor UMC in Northport since 2002
where he serves as Youth Pastor and Director of Worship Ministries.
LAITY SESSION SPEAKER
Craig W. Robertson
Craig W. Robertson is founding member and Development Partner of Spiritual
Leadership, Inc. Besides the work of developing relationships and discovering areas
where SLI’s particular ministry might serve best, Craig’s project focus is on large regional
areas containing 800-1200 churches, European coach development and projects and
serving on SLI’s lead team providing strategic direction to the organization.
Craig’s business experience includes founding and serving as President of Lightpath,
Inc., an engineering systems integration firm. This company was purchased by one time fortune 500 company Ogden, Inc.
an environmental engineering firm where Craig became National Technical Director. He was then hired by Ogeta Services
a Geographic Information Services firm to serve as the Chairman of the Board and CEO.
Craig has served in many roles within the church including lay leader, district lay leader, Director of New Church
Development and Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Craig has been serving within SLI since 2000.
He is married to Jill and they have two children, Amy and Jacob.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
WORSHIP
The 2015 North Alabama Annual Conference will be a powerful opportunity for North Alabama United Methodists
to experience God’s grace together. This year’s Annual Conference will be a 48-hour worship experience during which
participants hear reports, conduct business, experience times of learning and share testimonies of ministry.
Here are some special acts of worship the Conference will experience together.
Opening Worship
Sunday, May 31, 2015 • 4:30 p.m. • Bill Battle Coliseum
Bishop Michael Watson, preaching
The Opening Worship will serve as the Call to Worship for the 48-hour worship experience. The theme is “Called by God
to a Common Ministry.” All people are called by God into a common ministry. The call is recognized and celebrated in
the community of faith through the sacrament of baptism.
Memorial Service
Monday, June 1, 2015 • 2 p.m. • Bill Battle Coliseum
Dr. Andrew Wolfe, preaching
The Memorial Service is a holy time of remembrance for the faithful service of clergy and clergy spouses who were received
on the other side of eternity since the previous year’s Annual Conference. Families of the deceased join members of the
Annual Conference to celebrate the life and resurrection of their loved ones.
Service of Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing
Monday, June 1, 2015 • 7:30 p.m • Canterbury United Methodist Church
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, preaching
This beautifully liturgical service is rooted deeply in the traditions of Methodism. The congregation will join the Bishop
and Cabinet, the Board of Ordained Ministry and all the clergy of The North Alabama Conference in affirming persons as
they accept God’s call to serve in the representative ministry of the church.
Conference Guide
Directions to Canterbury UMC (350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham AL 35213)
• Leaving the BSC campus turn left on Arkadelphia Road.
• At the bottom of the hill, take I-20E/59N toward downtown Birmingham.
• At the first exit (#124A) take I-65 South.
• Travel for 6.6 miles.
• Take the Lakeshore Drive exit (#255)
• At the top of the exit turn left on to Lakeshore Drive.
• Travel east on Lakeshore Drive toward Homewood/Mountain Brook for 5 miles
Landmark Notes: After passing Brookwood Mall on your right you will cross under US-280. The road now
becomes Mountain Brook Parkway. Continue straight to the second traffic light past the US-280 intersection.
• Turn left onto Overbrook Road.
• Canterbury UMC is on the left after approximately 1/2 mile.
Closing and Sending Forth Service
Tuesday, June 2, 2015 • 3:30 p.m. • Bill Battle Coliseum
Bishop Michael Watson, preaching
During the Sending Forth Service the congregation will recognize that we each are sent into the world to bear fruit for
Jesus Christ. Spiritual leaders are sent to plant and nurture communities of faith. With their communities, these leaders go
into the world to bear fruit for Jesus Christ.
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PRAYER
The Prayer Team will be active throughout Annual Conference. Volunteers will be praying in Yeilding Chapel during all
sessions, and prayer request cards will be available in strategic locations around the campus. In addition, prayer requests
can be emailed to [email protected] or shared on social media outlets using the hashtag #umcna15prayer.
The Prayer Team is developing experiential prayer activities for Annual Conference attendees, such as:
Labyrinth: A prayer labyrinth near Yeilding Chapel for walking and praying.
Rocking Chairs and Prayer Shawls: An experience of the comfort prayer brings.
Prayer Beads: A worktable with supplies and instructions on how to make and use protestant prayer beads.
Artistic Expression: A worktable with a variety of materials in Yeilding Chapel encouraging participants to “play and pray.”
Body Movement/Posture: Participants may assume different postures in relation to the cross while praying.
Praying the Scriptures: A center with several copies of the Bible in different translations to make use of lectio divina.
SPECIAL OFFERING: MINISTRY WITH THE POOR
Last year, the North Alabama Conference adopted ministry with the poor as one of its conference priorities. The
vision is that every North Alabama United Methodist Church will engage in excellent, capacity building ministry with
a community of need in their local area and that every engagement with a community of need will have, as a core
component, the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ and creating new communities of faith.
Conference Guide
The Operational Team leading this priority is working to develop a “best practices” approach that is incarnational, humble,
evangelistic and culturally appropriate. This year’s special offering will be seed money for developing new initiatives
and resources for this priority ministry area. The offering will be received June 1 during the Service of Ordination,
Commissioning and Licensing. Local congregations are invited to send their contributions to this ministry with their
Annual Conference member.
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MISSION DISPLAYS
During meal times on Monday and Tuesday, there will be Mission Displays set up at the Norton Campus Center. This will
be a chance to learn more about educational and missional opportunities for your local church.
Each meal will feature a different group of North Alabama Conference Advance Specials, institutions, ministries, and
affiliated seminaries. Annual Conference participants are encouraged to visit the Mission Displays during each meal to
connect with ministries happening throughout North Alabama.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
This year, we will host another Battle of the Bands for youth at Annual Conference. Register online at www.umcna.org/
botb. Then start rehearsing, because we’re expecting some fierce competition, just as we did last year.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Pre-registered bands must arrive by 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2015, for registration with competition scheduled
from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Battle takes place in Munger Auditorium on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College.
• $60 registration fee must be received by May 22, 2015, in order to participate.
• Each band must be sponsored by a local United Methodist Church in the North Alabama Conference.
• Each band is allowed one adult member 19 or older. All other band members must be current high school students
with a graduation date no earlier than 2015.
• Limit of ten bands.
• A house drum kit and bass amp will be provided.
• Bands will be allotted 40 minutes for set up, sound check, performance, and break down. Set length cannot exceed
15 minutes. Bands must be present and ready to perform 30 minutes before assigned time. Bands will be penalized
for being late or running over time allotment.
• Bands will be on stage at 9:30, 10:05, 10:40, 11:15, 11:50, 1:30, 2:05, 2:40, 3:15 and 3:50.
Bands must play a three-song set:
1. Any hymn from the United Methodist Hymnal.
2. “This I Believe” (Creed) by Hillsong Worship or “You Make Me Brave” (Bethel)
3. Praise/Worship song of your choice (cover or original).
Conference Guide
Winners will be announced Monday afternoon from the main stage at Annual Conference in Bill Battle Coliseum.
Prizes:
First Place: $200 gift certificate to Guitar Center, a Monday night stay at a local hotel in downtown Birmingham, a time
slot to lead worship at Tuesday afternoon’s session of Annual Conference , contract to lead worship for Bread&Butter 2015
place to be determined, free tickets and contract to lead worship at *Encounter 2016 (February 19-21 2016) and *Exit 456
(March 11-12, 2016) at Camp Sumatanga
Second Place: $150 gift certificate to Guitar Center and a contract to lead worship at *Contagious Conference on January
29, 2016. Location to be determined.
Third Place: $100 gift certificate to Guitar Center
*Locations and dates are subject to change.
In the event that the winning band cannot lead worship for Bread & Butter, Exit 456 or Encounter, the invitation will be extended to second
and third place winners in that order, and the free Encounter tickets will be forfeited to the replacement band.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
MEALS AND GATHERINGS
See page 11 for meal ticket information.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
8:30 a.m. Prayer Walk
Birmingham-Southern Campus
Lyn Cosby
205-226-7972
[email protected]
Sunday, May 31, 2015
2:30 p.m. ATEM Gathering
Chapel
United Methodist Center
Cindi Patsios
205-226-7970
[email protected]
3 p.m.
Members’ Orientation
Munger Auditorium
Linda Holland
205-226-7954
[email protected]
5 p.m. Caf opens for dinner
Norton Center
7 p.m.
Clergy Spouses
Admission Welcome Center
Cookies and Conversation
Deborah Thompson
[email protected]
Monday, June 1, 2015
6:30 a.m. Caf opens for breakfast
Conference Guide
7 a.m.
United Methodist Men
Breakfast
SGA Room
Second Floor
Norton Center
Tony Wallingsford
256-259-2242
[email protected]
Noon
Laity Luncheon
Great Hall
Third Floor
Norton Center
Steve Lyles
[email protected]
Noon
Candler Club Luncheon
Luncheon
Executive Dining Room
Third Floor
Norton Center
David Teel
[email protected]
Noon
Duke Divinity School
Alumni Luncheon
Formal Conference Room
Second Floor
Norton Center
Dale Clem
256-533-6083
[email protected]
Noon
SGA Room
Second Floor
Norton Center
Donna Godwin
[email protected]
Great Hall C/D
Third Floor
Norton Center
Regina Ergle
205-226-7968
[email protected]
11:30 a.m. Caf opens for lunch
Fellowship of Local Pastors
and Associate Members
Luncheon
4:30 p.m. Caf opens for dinner
5 p.m.
ARMS Dinner
By reservation only
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
MEALS AND GATHERINGS
See page 11 for meal ticket information.
Tuesday, June 2
6:30 a.m. Caf opens for breakfast
7 a.m.
COSROW Breakfast
Great Hall A
Third Floor
Norton Center
Eula Thompson
205-252-3492
[email protected]
Noon
Asbury Seminary Alumni
Luncheon
Executive Dining Room
Third Floor
Norton Center
Sharon Ams
[email protected]
Noon
Great Hall C/D
Third Floor
Norton Center
11:30 a.m. Caf opens for lunch
BSC Pastoral Advisory
Board Luncheon
Invitation only
SGA Room
Second Floor
Norton Center
John Bailey
[email protected]
Noon
Educational Opportunity
Great Hall B
Third Floor
Norton Center
Eric Bell
[email protected]
Noon
Lay Leaders
Owenton Conference Room
Second Floor
Norton Center
Steve Lyles
[email protected]
Noon
Memphis Theological
Seminary Luncheon
Great Hall A
Third Floor
Norton Center
Angela Martin
256-672-8309
[email protected]
Conference Guide
Noon
Deacons Luncheon
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
LAITY LUNCHEON
The North Alabama Conference Lay Ministry Team invites everyone—laity and clergy—to attend the Laity Luncheon.
The Luncheon will be at noon on Monday, June 1 in the Norton Center Great Hall immediately following the morning
plenary session.
The Laity Luncheon is a long-standing tradition of the North Alabama Conference and a great way to celebrate the
connection! This upscale event will feature a pre-set meal—no standing in line or going through a buffet! Tickets are $18
and can be purchased through online reservations at www.umcna.org/ac15reservations or by returning the Reservation
Form on page 79 along with your payment.
Conference Guide
GUEST SPEAKER
Rev. Lee Padgett
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Rev. Lee Padgett is an ordained Deacon and member of the Kentucky Annual
Conference. Lee served for 24 years as Director of Aldersgate Camp and Retreat
Center in eastern Kentucky. He served 12 years on both the Southeast Jurisdictional
and National Camping Committees. On the national level he served as vice chair and
National Event chair for three National conferences (one held at Sumatanga in 2007).
Lee and his wife Debbie have been attending events at Sumatanga since 1983.
Lee was born in Dallas, Texas, and lived there until he was 9 years old when his family
moved to Malvern, Arkansas. Lee loved Arkansas and lived there through college.
After attending Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tennessee, he moved to Kentucky to follow his wife-to-be, Debbie
Wallace.
Lee and Debbie have two children - Leanndra, who is teaching English in South Korea; and Andrew, a junior at the
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Lee is currently serving as the interim Executive Director of Camp Sumatanga. He is
excited to serve at Sumatanga and very optimistic about the future ministry there.
GUEST MUSICIAN
Ken Watson
Ken Watson is Minister of Music and Pastoral Care Director at Mountain Chapel UMC in Vestavia Hills. He holds
degrees in piano performance from Birmingham-Southern College and The Juilliard School. In addition to being a
respected worship leader and singer, Ken spent many years as a concert pianist across the U.S. He was keyboardist for the
Alabama Symphony Orchestra before joining the staff of Mountain Chapel UMC in 2005.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
In our efforts to better follow the example of Jesus, we want to ensure members with disabilities know they are welcome at
the North Alabama Annual Conference. The planning team works with the Conference Disability Ministries Team to offer
accommodations when possible. These include accessible parking, sign language interpreter, hearing assistance devices,
wheelchair accessible shuttle bus and extra large print handouts.
If you or a visitor attending Annual Conference with you need accommodations, please indicate your special needs
through the reservations process at www.umcna.org/ac15reservations or by completing and returning the Reservation
Form on page 79.
During Annual Conference, the Conference Disability Ministries team will have a table on the floor of Bill Battle
Coliseum. Designated handicap seating will also be available on the floor of Bill Battle Coliseum.
For more information contact North Alabama Conference Disability Ministries Team Convener Deb Wade at 256-7787783 or [email protected].
VISITORS
Visitors are welcomed at Annual Conference. There are exciting times of worship, learning and mission during these days
of Christian conferencing and we hope many North Alabama United Methodists will take part.
All visitors should remember these guidelines:
• Visitors should sit in the seating reserved for guests.
• Visitors cannot vote on matters of business or speak from the floor during times of discussion.
• Visitors may purchase meal tickets. See page 11 for pricing and additional information.
ARCHIVES OPEN HOUSE
Conference Guide
Conference participants are invited to visit the North Alabama Conference Archives on Monday of Annual Conference, from
10 a.m.-3 p.m. When you take a fascinating journey through the Conference Archives, you may see your church’s file, your
pastor’s file and the Archives’ displays and books. The Archives are located in the Birmingham-Southern College Library.
CONCESSIONS
The Concession Stand located on the second floor of Bill Battle Coliseum will be open during all Annual Conference
sessions as an alternative meal option. All proceeds from the concession stand will benefit Sumatanga Camp and
Conference Center.
The Concessions Menu includes
• Chicken and sausage biscuits, muffins, fruit
• Hot dogs, chicken salad sandwiches, chips
• Crackers, candy, homemade treats from the Sumatanga kitchen
• Water, soft drinks, juice, coffee
INFORMATION / LOST AND FOUND
Volunteer hosts will staff an Information Table on the floor of Bill Battle Coliseum. You can stop at the table to ask for
assistance at any time during Annual Conference.
The Information Table will also serve as the Lost and Found. If you find an item, please leave it with a Conference Host or
Usher. If you lose an item, check with a host at the Information Table to reclaim your item.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
HEALTH SCREENING
The North Alabama Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits will offer Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness
Health Screening on Monday and Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 a.m. as part of the 2015 HealthFlex healthy living incentive
program. The program identifies risks related to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disorders,
anemia or iron overload disease and prostate cancer.
There is no charge to HealthFlex participants. The health screening will be available in the First Floor Conference Room at
the United Methodist Center. Pre-registration is suggested.
For best results, individuals should fast for a minimum of eight hours (except water) before the health screening.
The campus of Birmingham-Southern College gives Healthflex participants a grand opportunity to rack up steps on their
Virgin Pulse pedometers. Below is an estimate of steps between buildings you may visit during Annual Conference.
• Battle Coliseum to Norton Center: 315 steps
• Battle Coliseum to Munger Auditorium: 545 steps
• Battle Coliseum to United Methodist Center: 770 steps
• Battle Coliseum to Kennedy Art Center: 205 steps
• Battle Coliseum to College Theatre: 175 steps
COKESBURY CHRISTIAN BOOK STORE
Conference Guide
The Cokesbury Christian Book Store will be located in the Kennedy Art Center/Azar Studios complex. Mary Cook,
our North Alabama area Cokesbury Community Resource Consultant, will be available to help you find the latest book
releases, United Methodist curriculum and other items to support your congregation’s ministry.
Cokesbury is the retail division of The United Methodist Publishing House. Founded in 1789, The United Methodist
Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to The United Methodist Church and the greater Christian community.
ITEMS TO PURCHASE
T-shirts
2015 Annual Conference T-shirts are available for $12 if ordered by May 15, 2015. To order a t-shirt complete the online
reservations process at www.umcna.org/AC15reservations or complete and return the reservations form on page 79. Preordered t-shirts may be picked up in the Theater Lobby during Annual Conference.
A limited number will be available for $15 at the registration table in the Theater Lobby on a first-come, first-served basis.
2015 Journal and Directory
The 2015 Journal will be published in two volumes. Journal Volume I is this book, the PreConference Book. Journal
Volume II will be the record of information required by ¶606.3 of the 2012 Book of Discipline. Journal Volume II will be
published this fall.
Order Your Journal and Directory Before July 15.
• Volumes I-II of the Journal are available for download free of charge on the Conference web site.
• Volumes I-II of the Journal are available on one CD for $15.
• Additional printed copies of Volume I of the Journal (PreConference Book) are available for $15 each.
• Printed copies of Volume II of the Journal are available for $35 each.
• Printed clergy directories are available for $15 each.
Your order and payment must be received by July 15, 2015. See page 75 for Order Form or visit www.umcna.org/
journalorders.
DVDs, CDs and mp3s
Recordings of the Worship Services, Bible Studies, Presentations and Business Sessions will be available for purchase from
GNTV. You may place an order at the GNTV table, located in the Coliseum during Annual Conference, or place your
order online at www.gntv.info.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
STAY CONNECTED
The Daily eVoice
The Daily eVoice will be emailed to Annual Conference members and subscribers during Annual Conference 2015. To
make sure you are on the e-mail list:
• Visit www.umcna.org
• In the right column under the heading Subscribe to our emails, enter your name and correct e-mail address and click
submit.
• You will be directed to a page where you can choose the enewsletter you wish to receive. For Annual Conference
news choose “Annual Conference Updates (Daily eVoice)”
• If you have active email subscriptions, the website notes that your email address has been found and you will receive
an email with a link to complete your subscription.
To view Annual Conference information online, visit www.umcna.org/ac2015.
Conference Web Site
You can stay connected with the North Alabama Conference throughout the year through the Conference web site. It
provides the latest news, resources and other ministry information to help your congregation discover, develop and deploy
spiritual leaders. Bookmark the site and visit often: www.umcna.org.
Facebook
Find the North Alabama Conference on Facebook at www.facebook.com/northalabamaumc.
Twitter
Follow the North Alabama Conference on Twitter at www.twitter.com/umcna. If you plan to tweet from Annual
Conference 2015, we invite you to use the hashtag #umcna15.
Instagram
We invite you to post pictures from Annual Conference and tag them with the hashtag #umcna15.
Conference Guide
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE
Please be aware that The North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church has designated representatives to
photograph and/or videotape during this session of Annual Conference, dated May 31- June 2, 2015. As a participant,
your likeness and/or voice may be utilized by the North Alabama Conference for information sharing and ministry
purposes.
Unless we receive a written request from you to not use your voice or likeness, we will assume that your presence is
consent.
Office of Communication staff and designated volunteers will act as Annual Conference photographers. GNTV will act as
Annual Conference videographers and sound recorders. Since this is a public event, media coverage may also occur.
This consent will remain in effect until such time as you give written notice of your removal of your release of information
to The North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church.
If you have any questions, contact Director of Communication Danette Clifton at 205-226-7973 or [email protected].
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEMBERS
Prior to Annual Conference
• Read this PreConference Book. This will be the best way to prepare for the important role you are about to play in
the life of the church.
• Attend your District’s PreConference Meeting (see page 14 for date, time and location).
• Visit www.umcna.org/ac2015. More information and announcements about Annual Conference will be posted on
the Conference webpage.
• Order your meal tickets or make reservations to be part of special meals (see page 11).
• If you are from outside the Birmingham area and need accommodations, make reservations at a hotel (see page 12).
The special Annual Conference block rates expire in early May, so don’t delay.
Arriving at Annual Conference
• Bring this PreConference Book, your Roll Call Card and any meal tickets you received in the mail.
• Visit the Express Registration Area to turn in your signed Roll Call Card and to pick up your nametag. This is how
you officially register your attendance at Annual Conference 2015.
• Read through the additional materials passed out by the Ushers. The handouts labeled with a letter will be a part of
the official business and voting of the Conference.
• On Sunday afternoon, attend Member Orientation (see below).
Conference Guide
During Annual Conference
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• Wear your nametag to each session – you will need it to sit in the bar of the Conference.
• There’s a bar at Annual Conference? The bar is what we call the sections of the coliseum where voting members sit.
You will need to be in one of these designated sections to participate in Annual Conference business.
• Annual Conference often includes a summer rain shower, a powerful air conditioner in Bill Battle Coliseum and lots
of walking through campus. Bring an umbrella, a sweater or light jacket and comfortable shoes!
• If you have questions during Annual Conference, look for one of the volunteer hosts or visit the Information Table
on the floor of the coliseum.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE ORIENTATION
Anyone attending Annual Conference for the first time—or for the first time in a long while—is invited to join Director
of Connectional Ministries and Leadership Development Linda Holland for a brief orientation on Sunday, May 31 at 3
p.m. in Munger Auditorium. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions regarding your role and responsibilities.
For more information, please contact Linda Holland at [email protected], or 205-226-7954.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why did I get this PreConference Book in the mail?
You received this book because you are a member, reserve member or invited guest of the 2015 North Alabama Annual
Conference.
Why was there no nametag or attendance tabs included with this
PreConference Book?
This year each voting member of Annual Conference will pick up her/his nametag from the Registration Team at
Conference. Turning in your Roll Call card, which was included in the mailing with this PreConference Book, and picking
up your nametag is how you officially register your attendance at Annual Conference.
Where do I pick up my nametag?
On Sunday afternoon, Express Registration will be located outside Bill Battle Coliseum for members to pick up your
nametags. (In case of rain on Sunday, the tables will be moved to the rear of the coliseum floor.) Throughout Annual
Conference, Registration Team members will be available in the Theater Lobby.
Why did I not receive a bag at registration this year?
In the past, Annual Conference members were able to pick up a bag of resource materials at Registration. These bags
included a mix of printed reports on the business agenda of the Annual Conference as well as additional information from
ministries, agencies and groups related to the Annual Conference. Sometimes the amount of paper in the bags was simply
overwhelming! This year, instead of bags, materials will be distributed based on whether it is a business-related report or
additional information. Any printed reports presented to the Annual Conference will be either placed in members’ chairs
or handed out by the ushers as members enter the coliseum for a plenary session.
Conference Guide
To become better stewards of the gifts God provides, printed materials from ministries, agencies and groups related to the
Annual Conference will be available at resource tables on both floors of the coliseum. Please visit a resource table and select
the information and resources that will be most beneficial to your congregation’s ministry.
What do I do with all the paper I receive at Conference?
Read it. Annual Conference is a goldmine of information that is valuable to your congregation’s ministry. Sometimes three
days is not enough time to digest all this important information, so you may choose to take the papers home to study at
a later time and to share with other leaders in your congregation. However, if you do not wish to keep these materials,
recycling bins will be available on both floors of the coliseum.
For what do I need to register online?
It’s probably best to think of the online process as “reservations” instead of “registration.” The online reservations process
allows you to order meal tickets, request special assistance for disabilities, register your child for Kids’ Camp or childcare,
request Wi-Fi credentials and purchase items such as Annual Conference t-shirts. You can also make these reservations by
mail using the Reservation Form on page 79 of this book. Remember, your reservations must be received, either online or
by mail, by May 15, 2015. Your reservation is not complete until payment is received.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I miss the May 15 reservations deadline?
There may be a few meal tickets and t-shirts for sale at Annual Conference in the Registration Area in the Theater Lobby.
The Registration Team will sell these on a first-come, first-served basis during the Annual Conference event. However,
there will be a limited number available and potentially long lines. It is best to make your meal ticket reservations by the
deadline to be guaranteed meals.
Who are the voting members of the Annual Conference?
The voting membership (clergy and lay) of the North Alabama Annual Conference is established by the 2012 Book of
Discipline and the North Alabama Conference Standing Rules (see page 17). The roll of Clergy Members of the North
Alabama Conference is kept up-to-date by the Office of Ordained Ministry. The roll of lay members is developed as each
charge reports its lay member(s) through the charge conference process. The equalization process laid out in the 2012 Book
of Discipline and Conference Standing Rules is followed to include additional laity serving in leadership.
I registered online. Why am I not on the membership roll?
The online registration process is actually best thought of as “reservations.” It is a way everyone who attends Conference –
members and guests alike – may purchase meal tickets, request accommodations, etc. The Annual Conference membership
roll is formed independently from the reservations process. The roll is developed based on the rules laid out by the 2012
Book of Discipline and the North Alabama Conference Standing Rules. Local churches submit the names of their lay
members in the fall through Charge Conference reporting.
Conference Guide
What if I am a reserve lay member participating in the place of my
church’s lay member?
Please see the Reserve Lay Member Form on page 77. If you are called upon to replace the sitting member for your
church, you will need to have your District Superintendent sign the form and present it to the Conference Registrar. The
Registration Team will be in the Theater Lobby during Annual Conference.
Why are we using shuttle buses on campus?
Buses seemed the most cost efficient and safe way to shuttle individuals to and from their vehicles on this large and
beautiful campus. Using church buses and vans was considered, but we did not want to exclude the drivers, who are many
times active church members, from attending Conference activities.
What do I do if I can’t find the car keys/cell phone/glasses/wallet/purse I
came with?
The Information Table, located on the floor of Bill Battle Coliseum, also serves as the Lost and Found. This is where our
hosts, tellers and ushers collect items found during Annual Conference. Check with the host at this table to see if your lost
item has been found.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
2015 JOURNAL ORDER FORM
Deadline to order is July 15, 2015. Online orders must be paid online. If you use this form, payment should be
included when you mail it to us. Your order is not complete until payment is received.
The North Alabama Conference Journal is available in three formats.
Journal Online
The 2015 Journal will be available on the North Alabama Conference web site at www.umcna.org/journal at no cost.
Journal on CD
A CD version of the 2015 Journal may be ordered for $15 each. CDs include both Journal Volume I and Journal Volume II.
Printed Journal
The 2015 Journal will be published in two volumes. Journal Volume I is also known as the PreConference Book.
Journal Volume II is published following the Annual Conference meeting and will be mailed in the Fall of 2015.
Clergy Directory
Printed 2015 Clergy Directories will be available for purchase and mailed in the Fall of 2015.
Personal Information
Name:_____________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________________State:___________Zip:_____________________
District:_________________________Church:__________________________________________
E-mail Address: _________________________________ Phone: ______________________
Choose Journal Type
o Printed/Bound - Volume I - $15 each
Quantity: __________Amount: __________
o Printed/Bound - Volume II - $35 each
Quantity: __________Amount: __________
o CD (Vols. I-II on one CD) - $15/each
Quantity: __________Amount: __________
o Clergy Directory - $15 each
Quantity: __________Amount: __________
TOTAL: ___________
Mail Form and check payable to North Alabama Conference to:
Forms
Journal of the North Alabama Conference
Attn: Mary Simpson
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
2015 RESERVE LAY MEMBER FORM
Dear Reserve Lay Member:
You have received this workbook to prepare yourself in the event you are seated in a session of the Annual Conference.
If you are seated in any session of the 2015 Annual Conference, please complete the following form, ask your District
Superintendent to sign the form and present the signed form to the Conference Registrar at the Registration Table,
located in the Theater Lobby.
This is the official record of your attendance.
Clauzell Ridgeway Williams
Conference Secretary
Complete and Present to Conference Registrar
To: Conference Registrar
The following reserve member will be seated for one or more sessions of the 2015 North
Alabama Annual Conference meeting:
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
District: _____________________________________________________________________
Charge/ChurchName:_______________________________________________________________
The reserve member is seated in the place of: ______________________________________
Name of Lay Member
Signature of Reserve Member: __________________________________________________
Signature of District Superintendent: ______________________________________________
Forms
Please remove this page from your workbook and present to the Conference Registrar when being seated in place of the lay
member from your church.
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Forms
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
2015 MAIL-IN RESERVATION FORM
Deadline May 15
Name:____________________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:_____________________________________________________________
Phone Numbers:____________________________________________________________
I am a  Lay Member  Clergy Member  Visitor
Church:______________________________ District:______________________________
Meals: Sunday Dinner
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$10
Monday Breakfast
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$7.75
o United Methodist Men—$8.50
Monday Lunch
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$10
o Laity Luncheon—$18
o Candler Club—$15
o Local Pastors & Associate Members—$15
o Duke Divinity School—$15
Monday Dinner
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$10
Tuesday Breakfast
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$7.75
o COSROW Breakfast—$8.50
Tuesday Lunch
o Meal Ticket for Caf—$10
o Memphis Seminary Luncheon—$15
o Asbury Seminary Alumni—$15
o Order of Deacons—$15
T-Shirts:
o Adult Small—$12 o Adult Medium—$12 o Adult Large—$12 o Adult XL—$12 o Adult XXL—$15
Special Needs Assistance:
Are you a person with disabilities? o YES o NO
If yes, what is your diagnosed disability? ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please indicate the assistance options you need. (Select all that apply)
o Accessible Parking (must have tag or decal)
o Assistive Listening Device
Forms
o Extra-Large Print on Handouts
o Sign Language Interpreter
Detach the page and mail it, along with a check payable to “North Alabama Conference” to:
Doris McCullers, Registrar
North Alabama Conference
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
Your reservation is not complete until payment is received.
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NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
80
BSC CAMPUS MAP
➊ - ❾ Shuttle bus stops
Traffic loop through campus
➞
One-Way Driving Area PARKING Parking area
Admission Welcome Center Harbert Building
Munger
United Methodist Center
• Clergy Spouses • Kids’ Camp • AC Orientation • Health Screenings
• Clergy Executive Session • ATEM Gathering
Bill Battle Coliseum
Kennedy Art Center • Youth Battle of the Bands
• Plenary Sessions
• Cokesbury Bookstore Yeilding Chapel
• Worship Services
Norton Center • Prayer Chapel
• Laity SessionLibrary
• Cafeteria
• Conference Archives
• Special Meals
College Theatre • Mission Displays
• Registration Team