Reflections on 2008 Annual Conference

The primary focus of the Annual Conference was to review status on the Imagine Indiana process and then vote on whether to continue toward a single Indiana conference. There were Christian conferencing sessions to inform and determine questions and issues on the minds of the delegates. Friday afternoon the conference as a whole considered the issue and voted by secret ballot on whether to continue the process of uniting into one new conference. The results of the vote will not be announced until the South Conference completes it annual conference this weekend.

Some of the other major reports/ issues were:

1. The pending sale of Oakwood which has been turned back to the Conference because the Foundation of Adult Christian Ministries can no longer operate it in a cost effective manner.
2. The 100-year operation of Methodist Hospital.
3. Report on activities and actions at General Conference which was held in Fort Worth, Texas in April.
4. Status of the capital campaign for camping ministries.
5. Operation Classroom successes.
6. “Nothing but Nets” report with a fundraiser during the conference which raised over $8000. This is the initiative to buy mosquito nets for Africa to eradicate malaria.
7. The budget was reviewed which is in line with reduced giving levels. While many churches are giving the expected tithe, due to the economy, others are not and the conference is adjusting its spending.
8. Pastoral appointments were announced—Pastor Steve and Pastor Chris both were re-appointed to Grace UMC for this year.
9. The conference ended with a worship service commission-ing candidates or ordaining persons as deacons or elders in the United Methodist Church

As in past sessions of Annual Conference, the music and worship were outstanding and much good Christian fellowship took place.

Donna Brownfield – Delegate
David Brownfield – Equalization Delegate

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