June 1, 2015
In the News
Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion: Thirty-three clergy and clergy spouses who passed since the 2014 AWF Annual Conference session were remembered today during the Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion. Bishop Paul L. Leeland offered the opening prayer and Rev. Spencer Turnipseed of Point Washington UMC delivered the inspiring and uplifting sermon based on Joshua 4:1-7 entitled, "Meaning in Stones." A capacity crowd remembered those who gave many years of service to the conference. Robert McMichael and Jarvis Wilson, guest musicians and worship leaders at this year's conference, provided comforting music through their rendition of, "If You Could See Me Now." Rev. Virginia Kagoro gave the Epistle Lesson, Revelation 12:1-6a. Surviving family members were hosted at a special luncheon by the AWF Commission on Archives and History. To see photos from this service, click here.
Business Session: Rev. John Brooks, Montgomery-Prattville District Superintendent, welcomed everyone on behalf of the host district. Dr. Neil Epler led the conference in approving the bar, secretarial staff, journal, agenda and consent agenda. Paulette Thompson, chair of the Episcopacy Committee, presented her report and expressed her appreciation to Bishop Leeland over the past year. She invited Janet Leeland and Jolynn Lowry, wife of Bishop Mike Lowry, to the stage and presented roses to them. She told of the many selfless hours they spend as spouses of a bishop. They were honored with a standing ovation.
Commissioning & Ordination Recognition: Those approved for commissioning and ordination as deacons and elders were introduced by Rev. Libba Stinson, Rev. Emily Kincaid and Rev. Dan Morris.
Local Pastors: Those local pastors receiving their license for the first time were introduced and recognized by Rev. Libba Stinson and greeted by Bishop Leeland during today's afternoon business session.
Extension Ministers: Members of our annual conference that are in extension ministry (appointments outside the local church) introduced themselves and briefly told of their appointments.
Rev. Stinson honored the outgoing Director of Ministerial Services, Rev. June Jernigan, and invited her to the stage for a few words. She was honored with a standing ovation.
2016 General & Jurisdictional Delegation: The conference is electing the 2016 General & Jurisdictional Delegation during this annual conference. Several ballots were taken in Monday's afternoon session. The results are below.
Ballot One
Steve Furr, laity
No election, clergy
Ballot Two
Pat Luna, laity
Lawson Bryan, clergy
Ballot Three
Ballot three was taken at the end of today's business session. The results will be announced at 8am tomorrow morning.
Retiring Clergy Recognized: Fifteen clergy were recognized upon their retirement by Dr. Jim Sanders during today's order of the day. Together, the following clergy have over 440 years of service in our conference. Rev. Neil McDavid spoke on behalf of the retiring class. He also proudly spoke at the 1974 Annual Conference on behalf of the incoming class of ordained elders in Flowers Hall at Huntingdon College. At the time he received a lighted torch from Rev. Dan Whitsett who represented those retiring. The retirees are:
Stanley Carter
Mary Ann Gantt
Paula E. Gilbert
Tony Hughes
Charlie Kendall
Bill Kundo
Neil McDavid
Mike McKnight
Dan Nixon
Donald Phillips
Wesley Syfrett
Allen Tucker
Steve Vanlandingham
Reba Wiley
Hwan-Kee Yong
"To God Be the Glory" was sung in unison celebrating this dedicated group. A reception was held Monday afternoon in honor of the retiring clergy.
Service of Commissioning & Ordination: The Service of Commissioning and Ordination was held this evening in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The congregation represented family members and special friends of those being commissioned and ordained. Prior to the start of the service, the cathedral choir of Montgomery First UMC presented worshipful music led by Jack Horner. A special gift was given to Jack by the AWF Board of Ordained Ministry in appreciation of his dedication in leading the music for this service. Jack is retiring at the end of this month after a fruitful career in music ministry. The service included the commissioning of two provisional deacons and six provisional elders and the ordination of one deacon in full connection and four elders in full connection. Bishop Mike Lowry of the Central Texas Conference preached a sermon entitled, “No Reservation, No Retreat, No Regret” based on Psalm 46:1-3 and Acts 28:30-31.
A special offering was collected for the Ministerial Education Fund. To see photos from tonight's service, click here.
Health Screenings: Tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the Annual Health Screenings in the Cokesbury Room at Frazer Memorial UMC. The hours are 6:30-8:30am. This is offered as a part of our health and wellness initiative designed to help you maintain good health. For more information, click here.
UMCOR Relief Kits: Bring your UMCOR relief kits and supplies to the truck in the parking lot during annual conference. All assembled and unassembled kits and supplies are welcome. The truck will be open to receive the kits and supplies during these hours:
Tuesday: 7:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-11:00am
Multimedia
Photos
View photos from the 2015 Annual Conference session (added daily, all photos by Luke Lucas).
Live Streaming
Watch selections of the 2015 Annual Conference LIVE from your home or work.
Remaining Streaming Schedule
All sessions available at www.frazerumc.org/live. All times are CST.
Tuesday, June 2
-Conference Business Session: 8:00am
-Bible Study with Rev. Jorge Acevedo: following morning business session
-Conference Business Session: 1:30pm
Wednesday, June 3
-Conference Business Session: 8:00am
-Sending Forth Service: 11:00am
Social Media
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Hashtags: Use #awfac15 to join the Twitter conversation and to tag your Instagram photos.
Stay connected throughout Annual Conference at www.awfumc.org/ac2015.
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