Reflections on 2008 Annual Conference

Our 2008 Annual Conference was quite different from the previous conferences that I have attended at Purdue University. The regular business of the conference was limited and most of the committee reports that usually generate discussion, debate, and votes from the floor of the annual conference were placed on the Consent calendar with no discussion required. It seemed very evident that this Annual Conference was going to center on the Imagine Indiana proposal for a new Indiana Annual Conference and the questions surrounding the sale of the Oakwood Retreat Center. Those were the only issues upon which we had any Christian conferencing and significant voting. Because of the magnitude of these two issues, the focusing upon them was appropriate.

Grace UMC was well represented with David and Donna Brownfield, Chuck and Nancy Hefley, Leanna and Melissa Zimmerman, and Renee’ Roberts as our representatives. Pastors Steve and Chris were also present as voting members. We were pleased to see Val Harris present as well. As a retired clergy he was present and voting on Friday.

While the vote on the Imagine Indiana proposal was sealed until after the South Indiana Annual Conference votes, it seemed that there was overall support in North Indiana for the new structure and ministry plan. Many questions remain unanswered as to the details of the proposal however.

It was a pleasure to have Jim Williams recognized at the All Conference Dinner on Friday evening as he received the Bread and Basin Award for excellence in mission and ministry by a lay person of the Annual Conference. We are also very proud to announce that Leanna Zimmerman was elected as the Secretary of the Annual Conference Youth Council. Congratulations to them both!

Our Annual Conference meeting this year was a transition time as we look forward to the possibility of a new Annual Conference. If the North and South Conferences vote in favor of the new structure, please mark your calendars and hold October 4th for a joint merging session of the conferences. It will be held at the Indiana State Fair Grounds, if needed. We will also conduct a celebration worship service that day that all of our congregation will want to participate in.

At our Administrative Council meeting last Monday it was requested that, if the votes of the two conferences are in favor of the new Imagine Indiana Annual Conference, that I offer a “Town Meeting” to explain as best we are able the new structure and how it may affect the people of Grace UMC. If the vote is affirmative at both conferences, we will schedule a “Town Meeting” for those who are interested in learning more about the Imagine Indiana proposals.

Grace to you,

Stephen Beutler

 

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