The Asian Ministries Committee invites Asian clergy and laity, along with their families, to the 2026 NC Conference Asian Convocation, from July 20, 2026, at 5 pm, through 1 pm on July 23, 2026, at the Trinity Center (618 Salter Path Rd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512).

This year, the Asian Convocation creates space to reflect on how our imagination is shaped and often constrained within a racialized world. We may find ourselves keeping our distance from one another or relying on stereotyped assumptions to make sense of each other. At times, we also limit our own potential by confining it within narrow institutional frameworks. Over time, these patterns can shrink what we believe God makes possible in our shared life.

Recognizing these limits, we invite participants to boldly reimagine how we might honor and hold our differences while also seeking a deeper sense of unity and a creative openness to God’s leading. Through the teachings and conversations of our two speakers and through the lived experiences they share as pastors and leaders, we hope to witness how friendships can open new ways of living together.

The program includes morning worship and prayer, conversations with the speakers, Bishop Gregory Palmer and Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee, and small-group sharing. The afternoons are largely set aside for rest and informal fellowship, offering not only a space for learning but also a time for renewal. Individual and family registration fees are $150 and $200, respectively, both including room and board. Each room includes one double bed and one single bed, and additional charges apply for more than two rooms. Details can be found on the registration form. 

If this invitation resonates with you, we warmly invite you to consider joining us. For any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Seyun Hwang, Chair of the Asian Ministries Committee, at seyun.hwang@nccumc.org.

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Speakers

Bishop Gregory Palmer is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church and currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops, as well as Senior Adviser to the Texas Methodist Foundation. He has served in a variety of leadership roles across the denomination, including episcopal leadership in the Iowa and Illinois Areas and as President of the Council of Bishops.

Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee was born and raised in South Korea. She received her M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics from Duke Divinity School. She was ordained as an Elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC in 2008, and after serving in several cross-racial appointments, she began serving as District Superintendent of the Uwharrie District in 2025.