Recognition of 2020 and 2021 Retirees
Rev. Sheila Ahler, chair of the Board of Pension, led the recognition of 2020 and 2021 retirees.
Financial Reports
Dr. Christine Dodson, Conference Treasurer, introduced the financial reports from:
–Anne Lloyd, Chairperson for the Council on Finance and Administration
The proposed 2023 budget (pg. 36 in the Conference Workbook) shows a reduction of 0.51% (-$78,170) from the approved 2022 budget. The requested 2023 budget is $15,394,544.
At the request of the Cabinet, there is no proposed change to 2022 salary for District Superintendents.
“Through your connectional giving support, despite the pandemic, and support from Conference reserves, we celebrate funding the North Carolina general and jurisdictional apportionments again at 100%,” said Anne Lloyd.
–Rev. Dennis Goodwin, Chairperson for the Insurance Committee
(pgs. 56-62 in the Conference Workbook)
The recommendation is to continue the self-funded plan with no proposed benefit changes.
There would be a 3% premium increase in the 2022 monthly premiums. The proposed premiums can be found on pgs. 61-62.
Life insurance, dental, and wellness programs would continue at the current level of benefits and current cost.
–Rev. Sheila Ahler, Chairperson for Board of Pension
(pg. 63-77 in the Conference Workbook)
The proposed Past Service rate would increase 2.5% over 2021 Pre-82 pension plan.
The Board proposed a 3% increase for retiree Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs).
–Rev. Johnnie Wright, Chairperson for the Commission on Equitable Compensation (pg. 28-35 in the Conference Workbook)
The committee recommends that the 2022 minimum salary for full-time elders and local pastors increase by 1.6% to $47,373; and student pastor salaries increase by 1.6% to $30,792.
There will be a report in 2022 on the student pastor salary study.
An amendment to the pastor vacation allowance (pg. 30 in the Conference Workbook) was proposed by Julie Poston for Section I, E, 1. to read “That clergy members of the Annual Conference (Book of Discipline 2016 ¶602.1) under appointment both full or part time to local congregations shall receive one full month of vacation per calendar year.” This amendment was approved.
Anne Lloyd moved that the Financial Reports be approved as amended and the conference approved these reports.
Report of Ordained Ministry
Rev. Laura Fine Ledford introduced the report from the Board of Ordained Ministry.
The Rev. Kenneth Locklear, Dean of the Cabinet, gave the Cabinet Witness Report.
New Faith Communities
Executive Director, Rev. Tim Catlett, and pastors in New Faith Communities shared thanks for Bishop Ward’s support in their ministries.
Duke Divinity School
The conference welcomed and celebrated the selection of Edgardo A. Colon-Emeric, a clergy member of the NC Conference, as the Dean of Duke Divinity School.
Nominations
Dr. Christine Dodson gave the report from the Nominations Committee (pgs. 20-23 in the Conference Workbook) and highlighted changes to the report that are noted in the Addendum to the Conference Workbook.
The members approved the Nominations Report.
Conference Communications Committee
Rev. Mary Frances McClure, chair of the Communications Committee, shared an update from the Communications Committee and congratulated Derek Leek, Director of Communications, for receiving UMAC Communicator of the Year.
Rev. Gary Henderson, Chief Relations Officer at United Methodist Communications, presented Leek with the Epikoinonia (Epi) Award for excellence in communication ministry.
Outreach Ministry Updates
Jaye White, Director of Outreach Ministry introduced the Outreach updates from Armenia and Vietnam, UMCOR/Global Ministries, David Rockefeller (Director of C4C/UMAPS), Al Miller (Director of Disaster Ministries), and Rev. Larry Bowden (Mission Team Chair).
Special Offering – UMCOR COVID-19 Response
Members of the conference are encouraged to contribute to the UMCOR COVID-19 Response Fund offering. (nccumc.org/ac2021/offering)
COVID-19 Response
Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Health and Human Services shared a message about COVID-19 vaccines and how churches can help in ending the pandemic.
Fixing of Appointments
Each District Superintendent prayed for clergy who are appointed to churches in their district.
Gil Wise, Beacon District Superintendent and Gray Southern, Capital District Superintendent, were recognized and thanked as they move to other appointments.
David Blackman, who will become the Beacon District Superintendent and Chris Brady who will become the Capital District Superintendent were recognized and welcomed.
The day ended with friends, colleagues, and family celebrating the life and ministry of Bishop Ward as she moves to retirement on Sept. 1. If you would like to offer retirement prayers and well-wishes, please visit nccumc.org/bishop/retirement.