Annual Conference 2021
June 16-19
A Message from Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.”
– Isaiah 58:11
This strong promise of God will be the scriptural focus for the 2021 Annual Conference Session. We acknowledge the parched places in our lives, in our nation, and our world. We are disappointed that pandemic projections prevent safe indoor gatherings in June. However, we are God’s people, bound together, trusting God’s promises and provision.
The 2021 Session of the Annual Conference will be virtual, using a platform to allow interaction in our worship, celebration, and decision-making. We will work to help all lay and clergy members engage and participate fully. The Rules Committee is working to formulate conference rules for this unique session.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we have Annual Conference?
A voting session of Annual Conference will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021, through an online forum. The Clergy Executive Session will be held online on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. A series of small outdoor ordination services are envisioned on June 18 and 19, carefully planned for the safety of 2020 and 2021 ordinands and their families. Each service will be recorded, and clergy colleagues, congregations, and friends will have access to a viewing of the combined recorded ordination service.
What will be done during the virtual session?
The virtual session will include worship, celebration, and the essential business of the North Carolina Conference. Items that need to be voted on to continue the ministry of the Annual Conference will be brought for a vote on June 17.
How might I participate or contribute to the virtual worship and celebration of the conference?
Contact Jay Locklear (jlocklear@nccumc.org) with your ideas and your contributions.
What will we vote on during the virtual session?
We will vote on items needed to be considered in order to continue the business of the Annual Conference. These items will include Conference Rules and the reports of the Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Pension, Insurance Committee, Commission on Equitable Compensation, and Nominations.
What if I have a question during the virtual session?
Instructions will be provided during the virtual session on how to ask a question.
What if I want to make an amendment?
There will be options through the electronic meeting format to make amendments, ask questions, and make motions. The intent is to allow for full participation in the parliamentary process through the electronic format.
How will I get more information about what I am voting on?
Items being brought for vote will be included in the Conference Workbook. Informational sessions will be held online the week prior to the Annual Conference Session. This will give more information and answer questions on proposals.
How will we honor those who have passed away during the past two years?
A memorial service honoring those who died in the past two years will be part of the online meeting.
Will this affect the appointment of clergy?
This will not change the appointment of clergy or have any impact upon the compensation of clergy. The appointments of clergy for 2021-2022 will be set in the June 17 virtual session.
What about the retiree recognition?
All 2020 and 2021 retirees will be recognized during the online meeting on June 17.
Will there be a retiree luncheon?
Due to implications from COVID-19, a retiree luncheon will not be held in June 2021.
How do we handle resolutions?
Decisions about resolutions will be referred to the Conference Rules Committee. The Rules Committee will meet in early February and will consider how to process Conference rules and procedures.
Will we elect the Conference Secretary, Statistician, Treasurer, and Chancellor?
As we anticipate General Conference being held in Aug.-Sept. 2021, these positions are planned to be nominated and elected on June 17. If there are changes to the schedule of General Conference, we will adapt to be in compliance with The Book of Discipline regarding these elections.
How will we approve our rules?
The Rules Committee will propose rules for this unique session. The rules will be stated in the advance material and approved by ballot – online or paper, as the lay or clergy member chooses.
Will we receive special offerings and if so, what will be our process?
We will invite and receive a special offering during Annual Conference. Offering details will be announced prior to Annual Conference.
Will we receive ministry reports, updates, and plans for 2021-22?
The opening service of worship and the conference agenda will include ministry celebrations and plans. Ministry reports, updates, and plans are continually posted on the conference web page.