Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton opened the Saturday morning session with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the remaining business of this year’s annual conference and encouraging conference members to be committed to loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously.

The Statistician’s report, presented by Rev. Dennis Peay and adopted by the conference body, provides insight into the trends for local church worship attendance, participation in ministries, and giving. Peay said the tables in the report are “discipleship markers” and invited the delegates to review the information provided to help tell the story of each congregation. More details about this report can be found in the financial reports in the Conference Workbook. 

Rev. Dr. Ellen McCubbin then came to the podium to provide a report from the Resolutions Committee. Shelton facilitated the voting on each of the four resolutions submitted to the delegates. The resolutions report provides more information.

Conference Secretary, Rev. Dr. Gray Southern, announced that the 2026 Annual Conference will be held in Greenville from June 18 to 20, 2026, with early registration on June 17, 2026.

At the conclusion of the session, Shelton invited the conference youth to the stage for the gathered body to express appreciation for their presence and the vital role they play in the life of the church. Southern and Shelton then extended thanks to the many staff members and volunteers working behind the scenes to create and execute a successful annual conference. 

The cabinet joined Shelton on stage to celebrate each district and District Superintendent by serenading them with a humorous song she composed to the tune of “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” District by district, the newly appointed clergy were named, and all appointments were fixed.