So, what s. 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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1 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17) labama ference 2007? new 2 Corinthians 5:17 So, what s Annual Conference 2007 is celebrating the biblical promise (2 Cor. 5:17) of being new in Christ. Some may say Annual Conference this year seems different. Actually this year s session is new - a new location, a new schedule, new opportunities to worship together. So the theme for Annual Conference 2007 is, you guessed it, new. Yet the vision of our work together is still Every church challenged and equipped to grow more disciples of Jesus Christ by taking risks and changing lives. As an Annual Conference, we will celebrate new communities of faith, new clergy, electing new leaders, and churches growing more new disciples of Jesus Christ. So whether this is your first Annual Conference or your 51 st, prepare your heart to join with other North Alabama United Methodists and celebrate the new that has come in Christ.

2 North Alabama Annual Conference 2007 new 2 Corinthians 5:17 The tentative program and reports to be presented to the Annual Conference of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church June 1-2, 2007 Bishop William H. Willimon, Resident Bishop of the Birmingham Area presiding Rev. Sherill Clontz, Conference Secretary Entrance of Methodism into Alabama through Matthew P. Sturdivant 1808 Alabama Conference, Methodist Protestant Church Organized 1829 Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South Organized 1846 Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church Organized 1867 North Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South Organized 1870 Central Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church Organized 1876 Uniting Conference, the Methodist Church 1939 Merger Conference, the United Methodist Church 1968 Merger Conference, North Alabama Conference and Central Alabama Conference, Making the North Alabama Conference Organized 1972 The One Hundred Thirty-eighth Annual Session of the North Alabama Conference since organization in The Thirty-fifth Session of the North Alabama Conference since organization in Vision of the North Alabama Conference Every church challenged and equipped to grow more disciples of Jesus Christ by taking risks and changing lives. Mission Goals Provide Effective Leadership Become Servants Like Jesus Help Children & Youth to be Disciples Establish New and Renewing Communities of Faith Cabinet Priorities New Congregations Natural Church Development Effective Leadership for the 21st Century Empowering a New Generation of Christians

3 Table of Contents Welcome: From Bishop Willimon...4 From Ellen Harris, Conference Lay Leader...5 From Sherill Clontz, Conference Secretary...6 Registration: Registration...7 Meals...7 Concessions...7 Hotels...8 Child Care...8 Visitors...8 Conference Guide: Session Attendance...9 Prayer Chapel...9 Emergency Contact...9 Worship...10 Special Offering...11 Schedule (Tentatiive)...12 PreConference Meetings...14 Special Meals & Events...14 Map of ClearBranch UMC...15 Stay Informed...16 Displays...17 Cokesbury...17 Leadership: Bishop William Willimon...18 Ellen Harris, Conference Lay Leader...18 Rev. Sherill Clontz, Conference Secretary...18 Assistant Secretaries...18 Rev. Don Neal, Parliamentarian...19 Bishop Janice Riggle Huie...19 Voting: Balloting Process...20 Clergy Ballot Corrections...20 Procedures for Balloting...21 Lay Nominees...22 Clergy Nominees...28 Clergy Delegate Eligibility Guidelines...40 Electable Clergy...40 Business: Consent Agenda Journal...44 Leadership Ministry Reports Received...45 Board of Ordained Ministry...45 Board of Trustees...52 Equitable Compensation...53 Institute for Clergy Excellence...58 Lay Ministry Team...58 MetroMethodism...59 United Methodist Pastoral Care & Counseling, Inc...60 Conference Visioning Team...60 Stewardship Ministry Reports Received...62 Commission on Archives and History...62 Council on Finance...63 Board of Pension & Health Benefits...72 Board of Superannuate Homes...74 North Alabama United Methodist Foundaiton...76 Relationship Ministry Reports Received...78 Advocacy for Social Justice...78 Board of Higher Eduction & Campus Ministry...79 Birmingham-Southern College...79 Huntingdon College...82 Wesley Fellowship, Athens State University...83 Wesley Foundation, Univeristy of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)...83 Wesley Foundation, University of North Alabama (UNA)...84 Wesley Foundation at the University of Alabama...85 Candler School of Theology...85 Children s Discipleship Team...87 United Methodist Children s Home...88 Church & Society...91 COSROW (Commission on the Status & Role of Women)...93 Disability Ministries...93 Ethnic Local Church Concerns...94 Evangelism...95 Hispanic Ministries...96 Missionary Reports...96 John & Suzanne Funk...96 Kay Twilley...97 John Elmore...98 Susan Putnam...99 Tyler Davis...99 Rhett Thompson New & Renewing Communities of Faith Religion & Race Restorative Justice Servants Like Jesus Southeastern Jurisdiction Connecitonal Table Sumatanga Camp & Conference Center UMRA (United Methodist Residential Alternatives) UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) United Methodist Women Conference Youth Ministry Resolutions Resolution on Iraq Instructions for Petitions to 2008 General Conference Forms: Journal Order Form Reserve Lay Member Form...119

4 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Welcome from Bishop Willimon A New Conference for a New Day Annual Conference 2007 will meet June 1-2 under the theme of new, rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Our Conference is embarked on a search for new opportunities for ministry whereby we might be more faithful to the new day that is given us by Christ. new I am excited by the innovative vision of our Annual Conference Planning Team. In order to make our gathering more laity friendly, the Planning Team has taken the lead by condensing the business session into two days and moved our gathering to ClearBranch UMC, one of our most dynamic churches. Many have been concerned that laypersons, particularly our younger laity, must take time off from work or school for three days to serve as a member to Annual Conference. This year, most lay members need take only one day off from work to serve in our church s most important annual gathering. 2 Corinthians Although the business session is shortened, in some respects the Planning Team is extending Annual Conference. With two worship services that normally take place at the business session being held at separate times and new locations, the Planning Team hopes to accomplish the two-fold purpose of making each of these services more significant more extended, more focused services and locations that highlight more of the churches in the North Alabama Conference. The Memorial Service will be observed the evening before Annual Conference starts on May 31 at 7 p.m. at Huffman United Methodist Church. The Service of Ordination will be celebrated at Clear- Branch UMC after the Friday business session of Annual Conference on June 1; the Commissioning Service will be held at Trinity UMC - Huntsville on Sunday, June 24 at 4 p.m. The Planning Ann Team is giving us extended opportunities for great worship and for Christian conferencing. One of the greatest challenges we face this year is the election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. I m going to allow the Annual Conference to receive ballot results onscreen as soon as they are available by posting an immediate call for another ballot beginning with our first sessions. In order to expedite the process of balloting, I urge all lay and clergy members to review the nominees in the PreConference Book and to begin prayerfully considering whom you will send to represent us. I also encourage members to prepare for Annual Conference by attending the PreConference meetings. These meetings are the true beginning of our Annual Conference. Please join me in prayer that God will bless these innovative and creative plans by our Annual Conference Planning Team and will give us the gift of new life through our gatherings. North Alabama al Conference 2007 Bishop William H. Willimon

5 North Welcome Alabama from Ellen Harris ual Conference Greetings It is with great pleasure that I send greetings to you from the office of the Lay Leader. We are called into ministry Our task is to partner in ministry with the clergy in such a way that we are growing more disciples for Jesus Christ. The Lay Ministry Team is committed to providing opportunities for learning, leading and discerning. As the lay member to the Annual Conference, you play a key role in providing the link between the Conference and the local church. You should keep up with what is going on in the district and the Conference and then help others connect in appropriate ways. The theme for this Annual Conference, new, is very appropriate in many ways. This Conference is being held at a local church, the Conference will be only two days, and yet the business, individual conferencing, and worship will all go on. There are several things I would like to suggest. Be there on time. After the Conference is called into session, the first thing that lay members will be involved in is the Orientation Session. At this time, you will gather significant information which will be helpful as the Conference proceeds. Second, if you are coming from out-of-town and need to make plans for a hotel, do that as soon as possible. Third, take time to review and pray for God s discernment as you read all of the information about the persons interested in being delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. This is a very important election and you will have limited time to make decisions once you get to the Conference. Fourth, make sure you make reservations for the Laity Luncheon on Saturday, June 2 at 12:00 noon. You can make your reservations when you send in your other information for the Conference. 5 As we make preparations for this Conference, let us covenant to pray for each other, the Conference, the Bishop, and all the Conference leadership. I look forward to greeting you in person when we gather at ClearBranch United Methodist Church for this year s Annual Conference. See you there! Ellen Harris Conference Lay Leader Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

6 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Welcome from Sherill Clontz Dear Annual Conference Member: Welcome to the 2007 Session of the North Alabama Conference. The Annual Conference Planning team along with Bishop Willimon has continued to implement changes to the manner in which we conduct Annual Conference in order to make Conference more efficient and faithful in our work. With a new location and a shorter schedule as well as election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional conferences, you may find that we will do some business a bit differently. new 2 Corinthians Conference will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday morning, June 1 and conclude on Saturday evening with a Sending Forth service at 5 p.m. The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at Huffman UMC, Birmingham. The Ordination Service will be Friday night, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. at ClearBranch. The Commissioning service will be held on Sunday, June 24, at 4 p.m. at Trinity UMC in Huntsville. All requests for greetings to be sent from Annual Conference should be made directly to me in writing (by letter or e- mail) with the complete name and address of the person to receive the greetings. Requests for greetings will not be made from the Conference floor. Please bear with the discomfort of the unfamiliar routines and help us to make this the best Conference ever. I hope that you will take the time to prayerfully read through these reports. I especially want to draw your attention to the instructions for the election of delegates. Because of our new location and schedule, ballots will be conducted differently from years past. Be sure and read over the instructions for balloting. Also, in this book, you will find information on both lay and clergy members who wish to be considered as delegates. I wish to thank all of you for the time and effort you are giving to the Annual Conference and I look forward to worshipping and working with you at ClearBranch this year. If I can be of any service to you before, during or after Conference, please feel free to contact me at (256) ext. 213 or at sherill.clontz@ trinityhsv.org. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Sherill Clontz Conference Secretary North Alabama al Conference 2007 Ann

7 North Registration Alabama ual Why Conference Pre-Register? You need to pre-register for Annual Conference if you need to: correct any personal information (see card included with your PreConference Book). request meal reservations at ClearBranch. (see card included with your PreConference Book). If your personal information is correct and you do not wish to order meal tickets, you do not need to pre-register. You should simply record your attendance at each session of the conference (see page 9). Those making meal reservations will receive a confirmation letter containing meal reservation(s) and meal ticket(s). Remember to bring your meal tickets to Annual Conference. Steps to Pre-Registration Available until May Fill out your registration card correcting any incorrect personal information. 2. Indicate which meals you want to reserve. 3. Make check payable to: North Alabama Conference 4. Send your Registration card (by May 18, 2007) to the following: Annual Conference Registrar, Doris McCullers 898 Arkadelphia Road Birmingham, AL You can also pre-register online at: At-Conference Registration During Annual Conference, the Registration Team will be available to assist you in making corrections to your personal information and to help replace lost nametags. This team will be available: Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - ClearBranch Lobby Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. - ClearBranch Lobby Meals Reserve your meals by completing your Registration Card and returning it to the registrar (see Steps to PreRegistration on the previous page), or fill out the online form at There will be a limited number of extra meals available on a first-come basis. Payment will be collected for these meals at Conference. Please Note: Meal payment should be mailed as you pre-register. Please make checks payable to: North Alabama Conference The Menu: Friday Lunch - $6 Chic-Fil-A chicken sandwiches Chips Slaw Brownie Friday Dinner - $8 Meat Veggies Saturday Lunch - $7 Barbecue Concessions Concessions will be available in the Café just outside the Worship Center at ClearBranch UMC. Concessions are made available by the North Alabama Council on Youth Ministries. All proceeds go to the Youth Service Fund which raises grant money for students and churches to help begin ministries to students in North Alabama, the United States and across the world. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

8 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Hotels A block of rooms has been reserved for Conference members in the following hotels. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Jameson Inn 4730 Norrell Drive Trussville, AL (205) Reservation Code: ClearBranch $72 + tax per night Reservation must be made by May 1, 2007 to receive this rate. Hampton Inn - Trussville 1940 Edwards Lake Road Birmingham, AL (205) Reservation Code: ClearBranch $99 + tax per night new 2 Corinthians Reservation must be made by May 15, 2007 to receive this rate. Sheraton Birmingham 2101 Richard Arington, Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, AL (800) Reservation Code: North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church $109 + tax per night Reservation must be made by May 15, 2007 to receive this rate. Sumatanga 3616 Sumtanga Road Gallant, AL (256) Single Room (1 night): $49/person with no meals $55/perosn with one meal (breakfast) Double Room (1 night): $30/person with no meals $36/perosn with one meal (breakfast) Additional meals may be added as needed. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To make hotel reservations, you must contact the hotel directly. If you have any additional questions about your registration, please contact the Annual Conference Registrar, Doris McCullers, at (205) ; ; or dmccullers@northalabamaumc.org. 8 Child Care Child care for children 3-12 years of age of Annual Conference members will be made available through ClearBranch UMC for the following times: Friday, June 1 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Child care is free, but you must register by May 25, 2007 by contacting Danette Schader at ; or dschader@northalabamaumc.org. Visitors Visitors are welcomed at Annual Conference. There are many exciting times of worship, learning and mission during these two days of Christian conferencing, and it is hoped that many North Alabama United Methodists will drop by to take part. All visitors should remember these guidelines: Visitors cannot vote on matters of business or speak from the floor during times of discussion. During business sessions, visitors should not sit in the designated Bar area of the Conference. This is reserved for voting members only. (See seating chart below) Visitors may purchase meal tickets or individual meals. See p. 7 for pricing and additional information. Meals must be reserved by May 18. North Alabama al Conference 2007 Seating Reserved for Visitors & Guests Ann

9 North Session Attendance Alabama ual It is important Conference that members record your attendance at each business session throughout Annual Conference instead of dropping all your tabs into the basket at one time Go to a registration station at the beginning of To record your attendance... each session. 2. Tear off the appropriate tab attached to your nametag. 3. Drop that tab in the basket. Immediately after each session, members of the registration team will collect the baskets and scan them to register your attendance. The business sessions will be: Friday Clergy Executive Session & Laity Orientation Afternoon Session Saturday Morning Session Afternoon Session Tip: Your nametag holder will hold your nametag as well as the tabs if you fold your nametag as seen here: Prayer Chapel Nametag A prayer chapel will be set up throughout the Annual Conference sessions for anyone who would like to spend time in prayer. The prayer chapel will be located in the Chapel (see p. 15 for location details). Saturday Afternoon Lay/Clergy Session John Wesley Aldersgate UMC North Central new North Alabama Annual Conference 2007 Saturday Morning Emergency Contact (205) Friday Afternoon Directions Nametag In case of emergencies during the business and worship times of Annual Conference, contact ClearBranch United Methodist Church at (205) Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

10 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Worship Memorial Service Thursday, May 31, :00 p.m. Huffman United Methodist Church Rev. Dalton Styes, preaching This special worship service is set aside as a time for the Annual Conference to remember and give thanks for the lives and ministries of those clergy and clergy spouses who have died in the last year. When a clergy is ordained, he or she is no longer a member of any individual congregation. Instead, he or she becomes a member of the Annual Conference. Therefore, it is appropriate for the entire Conference to join in a time of worship to remember and celebrate the lives and ministry of those faithful members of the Annual Conference. new Opening Worship Friday, June 1, :00 a.m. ClearBranch United Methodist Church Bishop William H. Willimon, preaching 2 Corinthians At this year s opening of Annual Conference we will renew the covenant declared at our baptism. Baptism is the sacrament of our adoption into the Christian Community and, in a sense, our ordination into the ministry of all Christians. All of us, whether we are lay or clergy, are called to be ministers. The grace celebrated and received in baptism not only forgives us of our sins, but also empowers us to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are disciples called to grow more disciples. As we remember the promise made at our baptism, we will be reminded of our call. As the water is sprinkled on us, we remember how God s grace rains down throughout our lives giving us the courage and the strength to carry on the ministry of Jesus. We will also sing the hymn that opens Annual Conference, And Are We Yet Alive. Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources for The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship writes, 10 And Are We Yet Alive first appeared in the Wesleys 1749 hymnal, Hymns and Sacred Poems. In 1780, John included it in his A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists as the first hymn in the section titled For the Society... at meeting. It was John Wesley himself who began the custom of opening the annual meeting of Methodists by singing this hymn. The practice was picked up by Methodists around the world, and it largely continues today. As you can see, we will celebrate the ancient and the future, the new and the old, of our faith as we come together to do the worshipful work of Christian Conferencing. Service of Ordination Friday, June 1, :30 p.m. ClearBranch United Methodist Church Bishop Janice Huie, preaching During this Friday night service, the Annual Conference will ordain new Deacons and Elders. The rite of ordination is the climax of a process in which the faith community discerns and validates the call, the gifts, and the effectiveness for ministry by the agency of the Holy Spirit. This is a full process in which all of the baptized share; it is not confined to one sacramental moment. The process begins with the church s discernment of God s call to individuals for service as ordained North Alabama al Conference 2007 leaders, continues with support and scrutiny as they prepare for this work, culminates in electing them to the office and work of a deacon or elder, and is celebrated and enacted liturgically in the service of ordination. Upon ordination, ordained persons become accountable to the entire church, to the community of the ordained, and to the Order. In the rite of ordination, ordinands express loyalty to the United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline; accept Ann

11 North Alabama ual the responsibility Conference of accountability to the bishop and to the annual conference; and are charged with authority for appointment to their places of service Service of Commissioning Sunday, June 24, :30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Huntsville During this service, the Annual Conference will commission new probationary members and associate members. Commissioning may be compared to the experience of the early church in Antioch when the Holy Spirit instructed the community to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. (Acts 13) The probationary period and the mentoring relationship that characterizes it can also be seen in light of the relationship of Paul and Ananias (Acts 9) when the newly called evangelist was guided toward the fullness of his calling by the more seasoned elder. Commissioning implies that the person is being sent by the Annual Conference for service, and the Annual Conference invokes the Holy Spirit to empower commissioned ministers during their time of probationary membership. The probationary period is a time of full service and temporary stage in one s journey toward ordination, and full membership in the Annual Conference ministry is concluded when the person is received as a full member of the Annual Conference and ordained as a deacon or elder, or as a decision is made not to proceed toward ordination. 11 Special Offering Nothing But Nets Collected during the Service of Ordination Nothing But Nets Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, who challenged each of his readers to donate at least $10 for the purchase of an anti-malaria bed net, thousands of people have joined the campaign. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association s NBA Cares, The People of the United Methodist Church, Malaria No More, and Sports Illustrated. Other partners include VH-1, AOL Black Voices, and Rotarian s Action Group on Malaria. Send a Net Every $10 donation to Nothing But Nets pays for the purchase, distribution, and education about the proper use of an insecticide-treated bed net. Bed nets work in two ways. They stop mosquitoes from biting during the night and spreading disease, and the insecticide on the net kills the mosquitoes when they land on it, stopping them from flying on to find their next victim. Bed nets can prevent malaria transmission by 50 percent, and they are distributed through the Measles Initiative a partnership of the United Nations Foundation, American Red Cross, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, UNICEF, and local country governments and ministries of health. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

12 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Schedule (Tentative) Friday, June 1, :45 a.m. Gathering Music - Worship Center 9:00 a.m. Call to Order, Bishop Willimon - Worship Center Opening Worship Welcome and Orientation, Rev. Tommy Gray Organization of Conference Election of Conference Secretary and Conference Statistician Presentation of Consent Agenda NOTE: The Bishop may call for a ballot at any time and members of the Annual Conference should be available to cast a ballot at all times while the Annual Conference is in session. For all Balloting Procedures, see p :00 a.m. Clergy Executive Session Worship Center First Ballot - Clergy Board of Ordained Ministry Reports Second Ballot - Clergy new 2 Corinthians Lay Orientation Session The City First Ballot - Lay 12:00 noon Lunch $6 Chic-Fil-A Box Lunch Reserve by May 18 Ordination Rehearsal - Worship Center Cabinet rehearsal from 12:00-12:15 p.m. Ordinands, Families and Sponsor rehearsal at 12:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Session Begins - Worship Center Mission Moment 12 North Alabama al Conference 2007 NOTE: Ballots will be taken throughout the Annual Conference sessions at the discretion of the Bishop. Introduction of Cabinet Priorities Transition Team Effective Leadership Board of Ordained Ministry Recognition of Retirees - All newly retired clergy and newly retired clergy spouses should be seated in the reserved section at the beginning of this session. Moment of silence honoring deceased clergy and spouses Nominations Team Lay Ministries Team The Laity Address Natural Church Development Reflection from the work of the UMC in the Texas Conference - Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Ann

13 North Alabama ual NOTE: In order to effectively use our time together, all committees, agencies, groups and persons presenting a report at any time during the session of the Annual Conference should be prepared to present whenever the Bishop calls for their report regardless of the published schedule. 4:30 p.m. Dinner break $8 ClearBranch Reserve 2007 Meals by May 18 5:30 p.m. ARMS Banquet and Newly Retired Banquet - Sumatanga Those with transportation reservations will begin loading at 4:30 p.m. Ordination Dinner - Trussville UMC Those with transportation reservations will begin loading at 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Evening Session - Worship Center Service of Ordination Special Offering - see p. 11 NOTE: A ballot will be taken 15 minutes after the conclusion of this service. All voting members need to be seated appropriately in the bar of the Conference at the time of the ballot. Saturday, June 2, :00 a.m. Gathering Music - Worship Center 8:30 a.m. Devotion, Bishop Willimon 8:45 a.m. Morning Session Mission Moment Administrative Structures 12:00 noon Lunch break $7 Barbecue from ClearBranch Reserve Meals by May 18 Laity Luncheon - ClearBranch 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Session - Worship Center Mission Moment Empower New Generations Introduction of Youth Members of the Annual Conference New Congregations Center for Congregational Development Denman Evangelism Award Mission Moment 5:00 p.m. Sending Forth 13 Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

14 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Pre-Conference Meetings District Date Time Place Central May 6 4:00 p.m. Gardendale - Mt. Vernon UMC Cheaha May 6 3:30 p.m. Oxford First UMC Mountain Lakes May 6 3:00 p.m. Christ Central UMC Northwest May 6 2:30 p.m. Moulton First UMC Northeast May 20 2:30 p.m. Latham UMC South Central May 22 7:00 p.m. Discovery UMC Southeast May 20 3:00 p.m. Trinity UMC, Alexander City Southwest May 20 2:30 p.m. Carrollton First UMC Special Meals & Events Date Time Event Place Contact May 17 6:30 p.m. Denman Evangelism Awards Dinner Canterbury UMC Mary Simpson msimpson@northalabamaumc.org new May 31 11:30 a.m. ATEM Luncheon TBA Cindi Patsios cpatsios@northalabamaumc.org 2 Corinthians May 31 5:00 p.m. Memorial Dinner Huffman UMC Regina Ergle rergle@northalabamaumc.org May 31 After Women in Ministry Gathering Huffman UMC Rachel Gonia Memorial Parlor sosaal@endhunger.org Service rergle@northalabamaumc.org May 31 7:00 p.m. Duke Alumni Dinner The Loop at Mike Holly Trussville s Pinnacle Mall Mike.Holly@canterburyumc.org 14 North Alabama al Conference 2007 June 1 12:00 p.m. Order of Deacons Luncheon TBA Danette Schader dschader@northalabamaumc.org June 1 12:00 p.m. Candler Club Luncheon Cross Point Baptist Peter vonherrman peter@cullmanfumc.com June 1 12:00 p.m. Memphis Theological Sem. Alumni Cross Point Baptist Karl Evans cmeandmme@aol.com June 1 5:30 p.m. ARMS & Newly Retired Banquet Sumatanga, Hutto Regina Ergle rergle@northalabamaumc.org June 2 9:00 a.m. - Clergy Spouses Gathering ClearBranch Rooms Hosted by spouses of the Cabinet 5:00 p.m. 116 A&B June 2 12:00 p.m. Laity Luncheon ClearBranch Doris McCullers The City dmccullers@northalabamaumc.org Ann

15 North Map of ClearBranch Alabama UMC ual A Message Conference from ClearBranch UMC Welcome to ClearBranch! We are so honored to be hosting the 2007 session of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is our prayer that you will feel welcomed. We are here to serve you Please see the map of our facilities below. There are designated parking areas for the Cabinet, Conference Planning Team as well as handicapped parking. If needed, Reserved Parking Missions Tent Handicap 15 Crosspoint Baptist located across the street has graciously offered their parking lot to be used as an overflow parking area. Shuttles and golf carts will be available throughout Conference in both parking lots. There will be someone throughout the conference in our Guest Services area. Please let them know if there is anything you need during the Conference. Room Assignments Clergy Spouses - F-116 A&B Tellers- W103, W104 Cokesbury - W102 Cabinet- W105 Called Meetings - A106 Mission Displays - Lobby, Main Hallway Ushers - W107 Clergy Executive Session - Worship Center Lay Orientation - The City Annual Conference Sessions - Worship Center Child Care - F111, F112 Prayer Chapel - Chapel Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

16 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Stay Informed The Daily Voice The Daily Voice will be ed to Annual Conference clergy and lay members each evening. To be sure you get your copy, include your correct address on your pre-registration materials. Others may also sign up to receive the Daily Voice by Go to prior to June 1, 2007, and click sign up for Daily Voice on the front page. Fill out the online form and click subscribe. To view the Daily Voice and other Annual Conference information online, visit and click the Annual Conference logo or links on the front page. new Conference Website 2 Corinthians Stay connected with the North Alabama Conference throughout the year. Visit for the latest news, messages from conference leaders and more. Bookmark the site and click on it often! Conference Lists Receive North Alabama Conference news and death notices and messages from Bishop Willimon right in your box. Now you can designate the types of s you want to receive from the Conference! Visit to sign up for one or more conference lists. 16 Conference Journal Once again, the North Alabama Conference Journal will be available in three formats: 1. The Journal will be available for download from the Conference website at no cost. The website address is: 2. The Journal will be available on CD for $5 each. Order and payment must be received by July 15, See p. 117 for the Journal Order Form. 3. The Journal will also be available in printed, bound form for $30 each. Pre-orders and payments must be received by July 15, (See p. 117 for the Journal Order Form.) Please note printed copies are only available if you pre-order by July 15. Complimentary printed copies of the Journal are no longer available. Appointment Books The booklet of clergy appointments will be available online only. To view the appointment listing, visit You can print a copy for yourself and all your friends! North Alabama al Conference 2007 Ann

17 North Displays Alabama ual Due to Conference limited space, guidelines for all displays have allowed to have a display been established and will be followed. Register for display space through the Annual Conference website beginning April 2, Deadline for registration will be May 18. No registrations will be accepted after that date. All displays will be confirmed by on Monday, May 21. Displays must be set up on Thursday, May 31, between 1:00-5:00 pm at ClearBranch UMC. Please come to the main entrance of the Sanctuary and register at the information desk to receive your assigned space. Displays should be taken down Saturday afternoon, June 2 by 4:30 pm. Please take all displays through the back entrance at this time. You will be given a badge with your organization s name for you to wear during Annual Conference. Guidelines for Displays for Annual Conference All businesses, agencies, organizations or ministry projects must have prior approval by Annual Conference Planning Committee or North Alabama Conference Staff in order to have a display at Annual Conference. Conference staff will determine the availability and assignment of space for all displays. Organizations submitting a display registration after the deadline will not be provided space at Annual Conference. Due to limited space, Conference Advance Specials will be given first priority. Electricity will be available. No audio devices should be on during sessions and services. Audio should not be distracting to other displays. If audio is too loud, you may be asked to turn the volume down. Only Conference Advance Specials will be allowed to sell products unless given prior approval by the Annual Conference Planning Committee or Conference Staff. All displays must be free standing. Nothing can be attached to any wall. Displays will be grouped by two categories: Mission Fair Only those agencies or ministry projects that have current Conference Advance Special Status will be Any mission organization or agency that is not a current Conference Advance Special will not be considered as part of the Mission Fair; but will be allowed to have a display if they comply with the requirements of Other Organizations. Display registration information will be sent to each Conference Advance Special prior to Annual Conference. 2. Other Organizations Only organizations or ministries that are associated or supported by the United Methodist Church will be considered. These displays will not be part of the Mission Fair and must have prior approval before space is assigned. Cokesbury Christian Book Store Located in the Library beside the Café The Cokesbury Christian Book Store staff will help you find the latest book releases, United Methodist curriculum, and other items. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

18 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Leadership Bishop William H. Willimon Presiding Bishop of the North Alabama Conference The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon was elected in July 2004 as Bishop of the United Methodist Church. He leads the 157,000 Methodists and the nearly-650 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. new He is the author of nearly sixty books. His Worship as Pastoral Care was selected as one of the ten most useful books for pastors in 1979 by the Academy of Parish Clergy. Over a million copies of his books have been sold. He is chair of the General Conference Commission on Ministry. 2 Corinthians For more information about Bishop Willimon, visit Ellen Harris Conference Lay Leader 18 Ellen has served many leadership positions at the local church level. At the district level she has served as the District Lay Leader, on the Committee on Superintendency, on the Leadership Team, on the Committee on Missions and Church Extension, and other various committees. At the Conference level, she currently serves as Conference Lay Leader, Chair of the Lay Ministry Team, on the Episcopacy Committee, on the Extended Cabinet, the Visioning Team, the Committee on Ministerial Integrity, and the Committee on Finance and Administration. She has also served on numerous Boards and Agencies including the Board of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Sumatanga Trustees, The Board of Ordained Ministries, Methodist Homes for the Aging, and the United Methodist Foundation. Ellen is a member of Crumly Chapel United Methodist Church. She has two children and seven grandchildren. She loves to do things with her family, travel, and read. Rev. Sherill Clontz Conference Secretary North Alabama al Conference 2007 The Rev. Sherill Clontz is the associate pastor for invitational ministries and congregational involvement at Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Before serving at Trinity, she served at McDonnell, Huntsville Korean and Epworth churches. She has a degree in Industrial management from Auburn University and an MBA from Alabama A&M. She received her M.Div. from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Prior to entering the ministry, Sherill worked as an analyst for the Department of the Army and for McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Corporation. Sherill is married to Craig, an electrical engineer, and they have three children. Assistant Secretaries Kathy Clements Rev. Brady (Buddy) McCullough, Jr. Rev. Matt Reed Rev. Paul Hillard Ann

19 North Alabama ual Rev. Conference Donald S. Neal Conference Parliamentarian The Rev. Don Neal currently serves as the Director of the Office of Ordained Ministry and the Office of Superannuate Homes. As parliamentarian, The Rev. Don Neal will advise Bishop Willimon about appropriate rules of procedure during business sessions of the annual conference. These rules of procedure follow the Book of Discipline, the rules of General Conference and Robert s Rules of Order. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Bishop of the Texas Annual Conference Guest Preacher, Service of Ordination Janice Riggle Huie serves as bishop of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, having been assigned there in September It includes Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, Texarkana, Longview, Tyler and College Station. She is also president of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church. Since Bishop Huie s assignment there, the Texas Annual Conference has adopted a bold new missional strategy aimed at making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The primary priorities are as follows: Congregational Excellence (new church starts and re-vitalization of existing congregations), Clergy Excellence (recruiting gifted young pastors and supporting and training current pastors) and Re-aligned Missional Structure. Bishop Willimon said, Bishop Huie is well-suited to speak to our theme of new. She is leading 2007 Laura Belding 19 her conference and the Council of Bishops in innovative ways. Her Conference priorities are our priorities. We hear her gladly. Worship Planning & Leadership Carolyn Davis Teri Lavette Billy Weems Ben Williams Tommy Bozich Mikah Hudson Denise Mullaney Steve West Patti Williams Annual Conference Planning Team Pete Banish Bill Brunson Danette Clifton Dale Cohen Tommy Gray Mikah Hudson Doris McCullers Thomas Muhomba Don Neal Cindi Patsios Dorothy Ann Webster Paulette West William H. Willimon Laura Belding Kathy Clements Sherill Clontz Myrle Grate Ellen Harris Robert Lancaster T. Michael Morgan Denise Mullaney Hal Noble Danette Schader Billy Weems Ben Williams Special thanks to ClearBranch UMC for hosting this year s Annual Conference session! Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

20 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Balloting Process During the 2007 Conference session we will elect lay and clergy delegates to the 2008 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. In order to make voting more efficient, we have divided the bar of the conference into sections for laity, full connection clergy who can vote for General and Jurisdictional Conference delegates, and for other clergy. Ballots in each section will be distributed based on the designation for the section. Please be sure to note where you should sit in order to vote. Tellers will be available to help you find your section. (See the seating chart below). Each lay and full connection clergy member of the conference will receive a list of candidates that have been assigned numbers. Nominated candidates will be listed first and the remainder will be listed at the discretion of the annual conference. Guests Full Connection Clergy Other Clergy 20 Clergy Ballot Corrections If you are a clergyperson who is eligible to be elected as a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference, please check the list on pages to ensure that your name is listed correctly. Corrections should be submitted to: Cindi Patsios Office of Ordained Ministry cpatsios@northalabamaumc.org Deadline for Corrections is May 18, 2007 Laity Guests

21 Procedures for Balloting 1. Seats at one end of each row are reserved for tellers. 2. Ballots will be cast using scan cards. 3. Number Two pencils are provided in the registration packet for marking ballots and members are responsible for having a sharpened pencil available for all balloting prior to the call for the ballot. 4. Only eligible clergy members of the Annual Conference may vote for clergy delegates (see p. 40). Votes for clergy delegates will be marked on the scan card using the Clergy List provided in the registration packet with the names of all clergy eligible for election and the corresponding number to be marked on the scan card. Only those clergy members eligible to vote that are seated in the full connection clergy section within the bar of the conference will be allowed to vote. 5. Following the ordination service, a supplemental list of the new clergy members will be provided and these people will be eligible to vote and will be eligible to be elected as clergy delegates. 6. Only eligible lay members of the Annual Conference (see 2004 Book of Discipline 602.4) may vote for lay delegates. Votes for lay delegates will be marked on the scan card using the Lay Nominees List provided in the registration packet with the names of all laypersons eligible for election and the corresponding number to be marked on the scan card. Only those lay members eligible to vote that are seated in the laity section within the bar of the conference will be allowed to vote. The bar of the conference will include the location of the Lay Orientation meeting if a vote is called for in that session. 7. The bishop may call for a ballot at any time and members of the Annual Conference should be available to cast a ballot at all times while the Annual Conference is in session After a ballot has been tallied, the bishop will receive the results of the ballot and call for those results to be posted on the screens visible to those seated in the bar of the conference. Persons are considered elected when they receive a simple majority of votes (50% + 1). 9. After the results from the initial clergy and lay ballots have been received by the annual conference, only those persons receiving ten or more votes will be reported in subsequent ballot results. 10. Election of the seven clergy delegates to General Conference will be accomplished before the voting begins for the clergy delegates to Jurisdictional Conference. 11. Election of the seven lay delegates to General Conference will be accomplished before the voting begins for the lay delegates to Jurisdictional Conference. 12. Election of the seven clergy delegates to Jurisdictional Conference will be accomplished before the voting begins for the alternate clergy delegates. 13. Election of the seven lay delegates to Jurisdictional Conference will be accomplished before the voting begins for the alternate lay delegates. 14. Once the election of the Jurisdictional delegates for both the clergy and the lay has been accomplished, one additional ballot for the clergy and for the lay will be taken and the top seven clergy persons and the top seven lay persons receiving votes will be elected as the alternates. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

22 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Lay Nominees Each nominee has agreed to the following: If elected I will be able to: 1. Give days for General Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas (April 23 - May 2, 2008) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdicational Conference in Lake Junaluska, NC. 2. Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation (approx. 5-6 meetings). 3. Meet the qualifications of 35, Article V, The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, Commit the time needed to read and study the issues. 5. Pray for God s guidance in decision-making. In addition to agreeing to the following, each nominee was asked to write a short paragraph as to why they feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdicational Conferences. Robert Bentley Hazel Green UMC Northeast As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, I am somewhat familiar with our church polity and I have been a delegate to North Alabama Conference several years. When elections were held four years ago, I felt an urging to become more involved on a higher level. I am a retired veterinarian with time to study and become acquainted with issues our church is facing. I love the connectional system, our representative assemblies, the equality of clergy and laity, the appointment system,and the feeling of acceptance and cooperation with differing ideologies. Most of all, I love our Lord Jesus Christ and desire to work with others to grow into an obedient church. 22 Dr. Neal R. Berte Canterbury UMC South Central I feel called to be a candidate to serve as a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference for a number of reasons. Birmingham- Southern College is a United Methodist institution and it has been a privilege to see the ties strengthened with the United Methodist Church during our 31 years at the College. As an administrator and educator, I believe I could make a contribution to the work of the Church. I have been active at the local church, District and General Conference and Jurisdictional levels. I am now retired and would welcome an opportunity to be a part of the North Alabama Conference delegation Jarvis Brewer Rogersville UMC Northwest After several years as a District Lay Leader, on the Conference Leadership team and other Conference and District Committees, I have learned a lot about the Ministry and needs of the church. As a

23 Delegate to the 2004 General and Jurisdictional Conferences, I am more aware of the challenges that we face. In Pittsburgh, I voted to continue the Ban on Gay and Lesbian persons from being pastors. We will face a bigger challenge in We must pray and work to keep our focus on growing Disciples and rejecting attempts to divert the church from the teachings of Christ. God Bless his Church. Charlie Carlton Asbury UMC South Central I feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference because it would be a continuation of and compliment to my work on behalf of United Methodist pastors, churches and laypersons. Being both the son and grandson of United Methodist ministers, my particular calling has been to remain a layperson serving the church in various ways, all utilizing my skills as a financial planner. I bring to my work an understanding of the clergy and their congregations coupled with a strong desire to see all churches fulfill their God-given missions. Being a delegate would be an honor and privilege. Frank A. Cooley Morgan UMC South Central The Methodist Church is suffering membership decline from years of Leadership with (Political, Social, and Individual Success) Agendas than following Biblical Truths. There must be a BACK-to-BASICS that lifts up JESUS rather than man programs. Social Agendas (Alternative Life Styles) that are concerned with acceptance and hurting individual feelings above the Soul s eternal salvation must be eliminated. Political Action Committee statements calling for Impeachment of the Leaders 23 (then retracting) over a call for Prayer for those in authority may need funding cut-off. Heather Griffin Priceville UMC Northwest I feel called to be a delegate because as a young adult committed to the UMC and its mission I want to employ my skills in an effort to strengthen young adult ministries. I sense a renewed enthusiasm among young adults who want to serve. I believe having young people in our delegation will send an important message to the whole church. I also feel called to lift up the challenge faced in small and medium sized churches. I grew up in a small congregation and believe all churches are important to our future. Ellen H. Harris Crumly Chapel UMC Central God has called and equipped me for leadership in the church, providing numerous opportunities for me to lead. In the Local church I have held nearly every possible leadership position. Beyond the local church, I have been privileged to serve in numerous leadership positions. I am now the North Alabama Conference Lay Leader and serve with the Lay Ministry Team, Extended Cabinet, Vision Team, Board of Ordained Ministry, Council on Finance & Administration, Episcopacy and numerous other Boards and agencies. I see the opportunity to serve as delegate to General Conference as another way to serve God through leadership in the United Methodist Church. I am deeply committed to doing what I believe God wants me to do. It would be a privilege to serve the North Alabama Conference at General Conference. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

24 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Gloria E. Holt ClearBranch UMC Cheaha I feel that God has been preparing me for such a time as this. I have been blessed to serve in every level of the UMC from my local church to my district, conference, jurisdiction and the general church. A highlight of my life was to give the Laity Address at the last General Conference. I am committed to speaking out for transformation and revitalization of our churches and the entire connectional system. I will continue to be a voice reminding us that our purpose for being is to make disciples for Jesus Christ, working together as partners in ministry. John Hardeman St. James UMC Northwest I have been active in the UMC for many years and want to see that we: *fulfill our mission at home and around the world, *continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ, *grow churches, *equip clergy and lay alike to better serve Christ *be active in making decisions that will help make these things happen. I love the UMC and want what is best for the church. I want to see conservative views promoted. Susan Howard Kellyton First UMC Southeast 24 As 2004 alternate Jurisdictional delegate, attended all the NAC Delegation meetings and SJC, was inspired and humbled to be involved in the decision-making process of our connectional ministry. I am active in both the Central and Alabama Emmaus Communities; have served at local, district, and conference levels of UMW; am Captain of the evangelism Team in my church; am able to consider all sides of issues, determine a course of action; and believe fully in the God-breathed sanctity of the Holy Bible. Betty Likis Vestavia Hills UMC Central I was born into the Methodist Church and am grateful for its nurture. However, it is not all that it can be. We need to recover the good things in our heritage, and be open to the new things God wants for us now. We must look again at Jesus words and deeds, so that we can follow him. We should look again at Wesley s heart-warming experience and his insistence on social holiness. Following their examples, we must reach out to love, and accept all our neighbors, making places for more new disciples. I think I can help. Steve Lyles First UMC Alexander City Southeast My call to be a Delegate comes from desire, age and experience. My desire is to keep the Methodist Doctrine fresh in an ever-changing world, yet preserving the discipline for everyday living that John Wesley gave us. As for experience, currently I am serving on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, The Methodist Foundation Board and for twenty years have been a delegate to annual Conference from my local Church. My age and employment status as a Golf Professional in Alexander City, Alabama affords me time to study and to attend the Conferences in 2008.

25 Pat Meadows Pleasant Hill UMC South Central We are all called to take a stand. As a denomination we must continue being strong witnesses for Jesus Christ. United Methodist organization, doctrines, and desire to share Christ s salvation are unparalleled. Some who claim to be Methodists, unfortunately, do not believe in the authority of God s Scriptures. The General Board of Church & Society, for example, has voted to delete from the Discipline the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, and to affirm the sanctity of marriage between two same-sexed persons. I will oppose these proposals. I stand for Scriptural authority, Fiscal responsibility, and Episcopal accountability. Eric C. Owens Douglasville UMC Southwest I was born with the faith of Jesus Christ, and was baptized as an infant. During my adolescence I strayed, and as a result my adult life seemed half-full. Unfortunately, the death of my grandmother brought me home again. Even then, I continued to run, but God continued to pursue. I found out that God can pursue longer than I could resist so the running stopped. God pursued me to help make the most of what he created. This is why I believe I have been called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences. 25 Elizabeth Perkins St. Paul UMC Northeast I have been a member of the Council on Youth Ministries for five years and a district representative to our Annual Conference for 3 years. The time that I have spent learning about the Conference level church has been some of the best time of my life. I am so thankful that we, as Methodists, can have a fellowship on a broader level than just a city-wide basis. As a youth, the conference level ministry has helped me grow and find the path God meant for me. As a young adult, I would love to delve deeper into the roots of the church and learn more about God in the process. I am passionate in representing the voices of my peers and would be honored to represent them at General and/or Jurisdictional Conference. Zac Riddle Canterbury UMC South Central I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to serve as a delegate to the 2004 General Conference, and I believe that experience will enable me to be more effective in representing the North Alabama Conference as a delegate in I have been blessed to have many opportunities to serve in the church (Conference Youth President, Committee on the Episcopacy, Conference Leadership Team, Sumatanga Trustee, and UA Wesley Foundation President), and I am continually reminded of the need for young people to be more involved in the church. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

26 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome David Rollins Dutton UMC Upper Sand Mountain Parish Mountain Lakes My commitment and calling is to see our Church engaged in meaningful ministry at home and around the world! Through my experience with Rural leadership initiatives (Rural Chaplains Association, Appalachian Ministry Network, Rural Agriculture Hearings), the Upper Sand Mountain Parish cooperative, leading mission teams to Russia, serving as Sunday School teacher, lay leader/speaker, farmer, business owner, husband and father, I feel qualified to assist in guiding the Church to faithfully live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has called me to share the gifts I have been given, and I know I have gifts to share at these Conferences. Scott Y. Selman Vestavia Hills UMC South Central Legislation passed at the 2008 General Conference will have a significant effect on the financial health of the United Methodist Church. The General Conference budget for must be sensitive to the economic realities experienced in local churches. Through prayer and faith in Jesus Christ, I will be a strong advocate for the local church. I served as a delegate to the 2004 General Conference and have served as the Conference Treasurer and Benefits Officer since Sarah Louise Smith First UMC, Tuscaloosa, AL Southwest The United Methodist Church raised me. It claimed me through waters of baptism and I claimed it through a confirmation of faith, a daily covenant with its values, and fellowship and leadership in church and at Camp Sumatanga. That constantly affirming, reciprocal relationship that each member of the UMC builds with the Methodist tradition provides the foundation for a life of faith that is constantly relevant. If elected to General Conference, I would like to network with other young adults so that we might harness the energy of my generation to impact and grow the Church that raised me. Richard P. Stanley (Dick) Cove UMC Northeast I feel a passionate call to leadership as a delegate to the 2008 General/Jurisdictional conferences. My experiences in government, academia, and church leadership have equipped me with the resources and talents necessary to discern the spiritual, doctrinal, and social issues currently facing the church I love and have served for many decades. I am prepared to examine and address the issues that seek to divide and disturb our church s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as to endorse and claim those truths that guard and contend for the Wesleyan Christian faith.

27 Scott Stone Hartselle First UMC Northwest I feel called to be a delegate to the General/Jurisdictional Conference and believe that I can add to giving a balanced decision because of my years of business background and laity leadership in the church. I have served as the District Lay Leader, the Conference Superannuate Homes Board, and the Conference Finance Committee. I will be serving as the NW District Treasurer this year, and am serving as Finance Chairman for my church. My business background includes 25 years in banking and with the FDIC. I have served as Governor for Rotary and 32 years in the Active Army Reserve. Carol Y. Toney St. Paul-Triana UMC Northeast Emma S. Thomas Highlands UMC Northeast That we establish ourselves in a sense of God s presence by continually conversing with him. I take seriously Christ s call to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I feel called to help our church become a better witness in the world. My experience as a leader at all levels of the UMC coupled with serving as a delegate to the 2000 & 2004 Jurisdictional Conferences has prepared me for this task. I am a Sunday School teacher, small group leader, and chairperson of the Church Leadership Team. Serve as Northeast District Lay Leader and V.P. of UMW District Mission Team. Serve on Episcopacy Committee and NAC Lay Ministry Team. Board member, 27 United Methodist Publishing House. Thirtyeight year career as Human Resources Manager. Wife & mother of four children and two grandchildren. Tom Webster Heflin First UMC Cheaha I feel called to be a member of the North Alabama Delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conferences for three reasons. The first reason is that the youth and young adults of our church need to be taking an active role in the leadership of Christ s growing church. I also believe that the opinions of our conference should be expressed by the church s emerging leaders, as well as by the established leaders, so that our church can continue growing successful leaders and disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, a youth on the delegation would add more diversity to the representation. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

28 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome Clergy Nominees Each nominee has agreed to the following: If elected I will be able to: 1. Give days for General Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas (April 23 - May 2, 2008) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdicational Conference in Lake Junaluska, NC. 2. Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation (approx. 5-6 meetings). 3. Meet the qualifications of 35, Article V, The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, Commit the time needed to read and study the issues. 5. Pray for God s guidance in decision-making. In addition to agreeing to the following, each nominee was asked to write a short paragraph as to why they feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdicational Conferences as well as write their vision for the United Methodist Church. Steve Baccus East Gadsden Mountain Lakes UMC I have served the North Alabama Conference since 1991, first as a Lay Supply Pastor and then a Student Local Pastor. I was ordained in A person I greatly respect asked me to pray about making myself available to be elected as a delegate. I did - and so I am. I strongly believe in our Wesleyan principles of holiness of heart and life, and the primacy of scripture along with tradition, experience, and reason. If elected, these, along with much prayer, will guide me as I represent Christ, the Church, and the Conference. Following Christ is all about taking risks, but changing lives comes through the activity of the Holy Spirit. My vision for the United Methodist Church is that we strive to offer Christ in new and creative ways without selling out to our consumer culture or compromising scriptural holiness. Jesus said the Spirit is like the wind. When atmospheric conditions are right the wind blows. I believe with all my heart that when conditions are right within the church, the wind will blow. 28 Dr. Robert L. Ballew Bellevue Mountain Lakes UMC In 1980 I was a page at General Conference and know how it works, plus I have attended two others since. I am not politically motivated, and my desire is to advance the kingdom. My personal history is that I am thoughtful, committed, vocal and fearless. I stand committed to: biblical Christian faith and values, evangelical outreach, designated giving, and out of the box thinking to solving problems. My vision for the United Methodist Church is to see our church, and churches boldly reaching people with word in new and meaningful ways; training them in godliness how to live successful lives for Christ and winning others to the kingdom. I believe we need more unity and less diversity in our doctrinal theology. I hope every local church would be winning souls by evangelism, rather than hoping for demographic shifts.

29 Tim J. Barnes First UMC of Northport Southwest I have been a member of the UMC for over 45 years and have felt God s call on my life for most of that time. For the past 10 years I have felt God calling me to get involved in helping move this great church of ours into a new century and a bright future and the only way I can do that is through the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. My vision for our church is that we might recover our evangelical roots and become a church that is growing because we are focused on offering people the saving power of Christ. At the sametime we can not neglect the call of Matthew 25 to help the forgotten of our world. My dream for the United Methodist Church is that we become a church focused on changing our world by reviving God s biblical mandates of making disciples and caring for one another. Kenny R. Baskins Ninth Street UMC Northwest I have a love for the United Methodist Church and believe that we have the potential for great kingdom work in the future. For us to continue as a vibrant church we must remain true to our Christian faith as revealed in scripture. Our tradition has always maintained the truthfulness of God s revealed word and we must hold fast to this Christian heritage. I have been a leader in the Church first as a layperson and since 1988 as a clergy person. I have led local congregations as well as being active in District and Conference leadership positions. I believe God is calling me to seek broader ways in which to serve the cause of Christ. We are to be the people of God and serve as instruments of His grace. We should seek to address the injustices of this world as Jesus did in 29 His time. We must be people of God who come together to worship and go into the world to touch others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must faithfully fulfill the call that has been placed upon us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and be instruments of God s grace in making disciples of others. Our church has a history of the powerful presence of God and I believe God has a great future for His people called United Methodist. Thomas Edward Betts Assistant to the District Superintendent Central I have served in both traditional parishes and most extensively in various Appointments to Extension Ministries. I feel I can bring a wealth of experience from both to the deliberations at both conferences. Too often, with the exception of district superintendents, the ministries of those on campuses and in the various chaplaincies are woefully under represented. My call is to be at least one who can speak from the ATEM perspective. The UMC offers the world a balanced, evangelical, Scripture-based, actively engaged faith that welcomes dialog, diversity and opportunities to engage the world in Christ s call to discipleship. In North Alabama the UMC is taking positive, measurable steps to increase its witness through drawing more people into Christian faith and discipleship. Reverend Sara F. Cameron Lakeside UMC Northeast As an active, responsible, and dedicated member of the Methodist Church, called from nursing and teaching, I bring to clergy ministry wholesome well rounded gifts. I feel called to be a delegate Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

30 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome to General/Jurisdiction Conference because I have made a commitment to not just attend every one since becoming an Elder, but to read and understand all the materials before, during and after so that I can be informed and an informer to other pastors and laity on the process and polity of the Church. Because others have recognized my acuity, I will be co-leading a workshop for the SEJ Clergy Women on this very process in late March It is and will always be my passion to continue at all levels (local, district, jurisdiction and general) of the Church to serve God and be about growing more disciples in the process, whether it is as Dean of the UMW School of Mission, Officer of BMCR and SBC-21, part of the Connectional Staff or volunteer, Mission work in my back yard, Latin or Central America, working with youth and campus Ministries, just to name a few. Thanks in advance for your support! My vision for the UMC is the same as the Conference to grow more disciples. I am a prophetic and spiritual leader who is willing to take on the second part of our vision of taking risk and changing lives. I believe this can and is being done through the process of Natural Church Development. I am currently coaching two very different congregations through this process while leading, empowering and being a permission giving pastor at Lakeside. I am excited by the word change when it is for improving weaknesses and enhancing strengths. Through the Youth Revivals with youth preachers and Bible Study with college students which are happening at Lakeside, more of today s generation will become disciples of Jesus Christ. Dale R. Cohen ATEM- Director of Connectional Ministries South Central 30 As Director of Connectional Ministries I have been working with the various levels of the United Methodist Church attempting to acquire and provide resources that will help the Annual Conference fulfill its mission of challenging and equipping local churches. With my understanding of how the General Church operates and with my contacts throughout the General Church, I feel I can help the General Conference see that the heart of ministry is at the local church level and all legislation must support the local church. My vision for the UMC is for it to be a catalyst for making disciples for Jesus Christ who share God s love with all persons, who minister to all who are in need, and who actively share their faith with others. The UMC needs to be an integral part of our culture that helps to shape the future in such a way that the Kingdom of God is more fully realized on a day-to-day basis. This can only be accomplished by making more disciples for Jesus Christ. Glenn D. Conner District Superintendent, Central District Central I have been fortunate to have served in several local church situations, from small membership to fairly large memberships, and to have served as a DS. These experiences have given me some insight into the needs, problems, and hopes for the local church. I believe I can speak and will vote in a way that will strengthen the local UMC. Now is a pivotal time for our delegates to know and respond for the common good of our church. I believe I can do this with God s help. My vision for the United Methodist Church is that each church will gain vitality and be a local point of sharing the gospel, and strengthening disciples for Jesus. From this foundation, we then will be able to reach out to the world and to the needs of God s people here and abroad. The Methodist church has much work to do to reclaim vitality in congregations. We must step up to the challenge, not of splinter groups, but of the great commission. I believe now is a time when churches, clergy and laity are wanting leadership to help us meet this challenge. May God help us as we move forward.

31 Chris Denson Fort Payne First UMC Mountain Lakes Our Annual Conference and our Church are at a crossroads. We cannot afford to merely turn to institutional self-preservation. Not only does the world around us see through this, but we ourselves instinctively know that the church does not exist to preserve itself. Instead I believe the words of Jesus are still true... whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it. I am encouraged by Bishop Willimon s challenge for us to be the Church in the best sense of the word, and I offer myself to be a part of responding to this challenge. I believe the Methodist perspective of the Christian faith offers a powerful way to engage our world... without having to reinvent the wheel. Our heritage is in making disciples not only in the Wesleyan way, but in the way Jesus modeled. The post-modern world in which we live is not very interested in preserving institutions, but it is hungry for an authentic way of living. I believe the reason the early Methodist movement was so powerful was because they found a fresh way to tap into the authentic life of which Jesus taught. Our future is not merely repeating Wesley s tactics, but rather in translating the wisdom which guided and empowered him into the 21st century. Mahlon Felkins Retired South Central I have no personal aim for gain, or appointment. We need leaders who will out live, love, and serve the rest of us. I will work to establish the Holy Bible and the Book of Discipline. We need to follow order. 31 I will pray and work for the church to regain its vision and purpose of spreading scriptural holiness around the world. Will L. Garrett Christ Church UMC South Central Serving as the second alternate to General Conference and delegate to Jurisdictional in 04, the process and work for both conferences is familiar. Beyond stating the obvious, honor and privilege of representing the North Alabama Conference, I have felt the Lord s prompting, even urging to partner with laity/clergy delegates who have great hope for the future of the United Methodist Church as the body of Christ. I desire to be characterized by and am called by God s Spirit to be a local pastor/delegate guided by Scripture, faithful to Wesleyan theology, and a practitioner of sound orthodoxy. May the United Methodist Church continue to be the body of Christ in God s world by serving uniquely through its Wesleyan heritage. May it continue to be a faithful disciple-making church; a church reaching out to the lost, the least, and the last with the good news of God s saving grace in Jesus Christ. May our proclamation and outreach forever declare that God loves the world and that Christ gave his life for all. May our witness as the church be lived out through: personal witness and the practice of social concern and involvement as incarnational people of Christ Jesus. Tommy Gray ClearBranch UMC Cheaha Why does your face look so sad, the King asked Nehemiah. His reply, The city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins. Our church has much to celebrate and much to change. Our decline in membership, Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

32 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome attendance, and influence is sad. Like Nehemiah, I want to be part of the solution. Having served churches from six to 1,900 members I believe I can be a valuable member of a team that calls for a new day of growing more disciples. I am committed to maintaining the discipline on key issues while also building bridges across divides. I embrace our stated mission:...make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs. I believe six commitments enable this mission to become reality. The church should be centered in Christ, biblically based, great commission oriented, spreading personal and social holiness, developing quality lay and clergy leadership, all while expressing a grace-filled orthodoxy. This leads to a church of irresistible influence. The greater church should serve the local church in the fulfillment of this mission. Lower general church budgets, greater accountability, and stronger leadership are essential. Rudy Guess Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC Central My commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ leads me to seek this opportunity. My gifts of leadership, that have enabled every church I ve served to grow in worship, membership and stewardship, can be useful to the delegation. My experience as a member of the last three delegations is a strength. The last two Jurisdicational Conferences I served on the Nominations Committee. That experience calls me to seek another opportunity to serve. I also feel called because of a deep concern over some issues that continue to face our Church: Renewal, Biblical Authority, Fair Representation, Election of Bishops and Homosexuality. My Vision for the United Methodist Church is that we become a Church committed to the Mission of growing more fully committed Disciples of Jesus Christ. To accomplish that vision, we must rediscover the Wesleyan commitment to making the world our parish. Evangelism must once again 32 become the priority in our Church, both in every local congregation and in our world missions. It is also my vision that our Church rediscover the Wesleyan commitment to Scriptural Authority, Scriptural Holiness and Accountable Discipleship. Alan Head Trinity UMC, Tuscaloosa Southwest In a time of cultural change I feel called to give voice to the hopes an emerging culture has for Christ s church. The vision cast at General/Jurisdictional Conferences can overshadow or cast a light of hope upon the church s future. As a father of three and pastor of a campus church I possess an anticipation for what this emerging culture will accomplish for the Kingdom of God. I want to give these hopes voice in a way which does not negate the service of those who have gone and still go before us building the Body of Christ. My vision for the United Methodist Church is that of a community where searching people can belong, believe and become in Jesus Christ. To be such a church requires a two fold focus: evangelism (inviting and guiding people toward an encounter with the Living Christ) and transformation (equipping and sending followers into Christian service in order that they might live in the likeness of Christ). It is through the making and sending of disciples that the culture around and within us is transformed into something resembling the Kingdom of God. Todd Henderson Sylacauga First UMC Southeast I feel called to be a delegate because I believe that serving God in this way is a responsibility, duty, and honor. In the past, as a young minister, I supported and appreciated those who were willing to

33 serve our Church in this capacity, and now feel that is my time and place to get involved and to make a positive contribution for Jesus Christ. I would be honored to serve the Church in this way as part of living out my call to bring people to Jesus, build up believers, and to bless the world. My vision for the United Methodist Church is that it will be a people that loves God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loves others as a result of faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. It is my vision that we will be passionately devoted followers of Jesus Christ that truly makes a difference for God in this world. It is my vision that we will grow toward being incarnational and indigenous in our presentation and service of Jesus Christ in the world that will glorify God and transform lives in the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul D. Hillard, Jr. Saint Paul-Triana UMC Northeast As an Elder ordained for the Word, order, and sacraments; I sense the call to be a delegate to our policy-making and/or Episcopal electoral bodies, General and Jurisdictional Conferences, respectively. I am committed to a judicious study of all issues and to fasting and prayer in discerning their spiritual resolution in consultation with our entire delegation. My love of God and the United Methodist Church affirm my commitment to be its faithful servant. Sr. Pastor, St. Paul-Triana, Northeast District Leadership Team, BOOM, Director ATEM, Conference Vision Team, Conference Transition Team, Licensing School Staff, Natural Church Development Coach. John Wesley near his own death uttered a prophetic warning; he was not afraid that Methodists should ever cease to exist! But he was afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. My hope and prayer is that the United Methodist Church will recapture its power, vitality and relevancy in the life, spirit and soul of America and the world at large through fulfilling its mission. This will happen only if we hold 33 fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they (early Methodists) first set out. Jeff Lyles Chaplain, St. Clair Correctional Facility, Alabama Department of Corrections Mountain Lakes It would be my privilege to serve as a delegate to the General and/or Jurisdictional Conferences and offer my life experiences and observations. I believe my life experiences and observations would be beneficial to these Conferences. In the course of my life journey I have come to understand the responsibility to assist the Church in acclimatizing itself to a shifting paradigm of Christians, which is not really new at all, while returning to the perspectives and principles of our predecessors. It is my wish to offer the Conferences my unique perspective and insights in achieving these objectives. It is my vision that the philosophy of this church return to those thrilling days of yesteryear and be more concerned with sharing the message of God s grace and mercy with a hurting world and less concerned with the security of the boat, much the same as the early pioneer carriers of the Gospel. It is also my vision that we constantly endeavor to become disciples of Jesus Christ while helping others to become disciples of Jesus Christ by taking real risk and actually helping lives to be changed. Dr. Elston D. McLain Center Grove UMC Northeast I feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences because I want to be a refreshing 21st Century thinker that perpetuates our Wesleyan Heritage without negotiating our basic Christian principles. I also want to Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

34 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome be a part of The North Alabama Team of intelligentsia and integrity that will pray, study, organize, debate and take risks together in making solid, sound and sacred decisions about growing more disciples for Jesus Christ. My vision for The United Methodist Church is, Reconnecting the Conference, Church, Community and Culture to Christ as one, so the people called United Methodist will continue to exist as a living organism in growing more disciples. Bill Morgan Canterbury UMC South Central I had the honor and challenge of being in 2000 & 2004 General Conference delegations. The 12-hour days and the rapid flow of debate and decision are a bit like drinking from a firehose and running a marathon at the same time. I believe my prior experience and acquaintance with a number of people across the church help equip me to faithfully represent our conference. Because of my position in the 2004 delegation, I serve on the SEJ Episcopacy Committee. This is the group that will make assignments for our bishops in the 2008 quadrennium. My participation in the delegation will help me continue the communication and relationships that will aid my effectiveness with the Episcopacy committee assignments. I am presently on the General Board of Discipleship. I played a part in the GBOD locating its annual national children s ministry event in B ham this February. I believe God is calling and equipping the UMC for disciple formation, to make more disciples for Jesus Christ, to enable us all to grow in personal and social holiness. This happens in congregations that practice spirited-deep rooted worship, life guiding Bible study, and hands on service with people in the world who are at risk. I believe God uses the partnership between giftedequippeds laity and effective-accountable clergy. I believe in a Bible based-grace centered Methodism that welcomes all people and yet calls us to 34 the highest standards of moral-ethical life such as integrity in relationships and sexual faithfulness within the bounds of marriage. T. Michael Morgan South Central District Superintendent South Central My calling is and has always been to make disciples of Jesus through the United Methodist Church at all its levels of our connectional structure. My personal passion is to connect people to Christ and the United Methodist Church. My history of working at the General and the Jurisdictional levels as a delegate and as a member of two different general agencies has given me the opportunity to influence our denomination in ways that invite people to Christ and equip people and all boards and agencies for service to Christ and the Church. My vision for the United Methodist Church is to reach people for Christ and to help all the manifestations of our church to be incarnational expressions of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Donald S. Neal Executive Director, Superannuate Homes & Board of Ordained Ministry Cheaha There have been tremendous changes within the church in recent years. More changes and challenges appear to be on the horizon coming from both within the church as well as from our society and world. I believe that my background and leadership in the Boards of Ordained Ministry and Pensions and Health Benefits coupled with my 6 years as a District Superintendent would enable me to serve as a delegate to the General and the Jurisdictional Conferences. I further believe that my present

35 responsibilities with Superannuate Homes and Ordained Ministry give me extremely good insight into many of the issues facing and needing to be addressed by the General Conference or Jurisdictional Conference. The United Methodist Church was born in a time of change. We have been in the middle of significant change in this country and around the world for most of our existence. This spiritual and social heritage continues to inform us and shape us as we seek to address the spiritual needs of new generations. We must continue to make disciples of and for Jesus Christ. Mark D. Parris Pell City First UMC Cheaha I have long had a passion for renewal and growth in the UMC. In our conference I have worked as a bridge builder among various groups and cultivated relationships in diverse groupings. I dearly love our church and have proven I am willing to work long, difficult hours at General and Jurisdictional Conferences to impact the future of our church. I feel called to make a difference in preserving our Wesleyan heritage of faith and service, and advancing the cause of Christ through bold proclamation, love and mercy, helped by sound GC and SEJ legislation and voting integrity. My vision for the United Methodist Church has its foundation in prayer for wisdom. Then in response to prayer we choose the wisdom and guidance of Christ and scripture. Through embracing our unique heritage and committing afresh to following our living Savior our church can rise in witness and effectiveness in Christian ministry. With vital local church ministries and sound Annual and General Conference leadership, we can begin to turn the corner on declining Methodism. The vision of head and heart, heart and hand is our Wesleyan and biblical call, and a vision to a life producing future. 35 Hughey D. Reynolds Latham UMC Northeast Rural churches whose parsonages I grew up in shaped my core values: prayer, integrity, hard work, neighborliness, storytelling and stewardship of the land. Today rural areas get no new churches or serious congregational renewal. Many rural Baptist and Pentecostal congregations flourish while ours decline. This correlates to our divestment in rural Methodism. I have served rural, urban and suburban churches. I own and spend days off at a small farm in rural Clay County that keeps me close to my roots. I will work to keep rural biblical values and the churches producing them at the heart of United Methodism. The church exists by the Word of God proclaimed in Biblical preaching and made visible in the Sacraments that extend grace to all. Recognizing God s gift of redemption in Christ obligates us to share it with the lost as we grow by grace as his disciples. Our ethics derive from free grace. We speak, act and give to uphold the value of all human beings for whom Christ died and was raised. We fight AIDS and genocide. We oppose the degradation and annihilation of any viable life form, offering ourselves as conciliatory alternatives to abortion, the death penalty and war. John Rutland, Jr. Birmingham First UMC Central I m convinced God still has a special purpose for our church, to which I ve given my life. To fulfill his purpose, we need to recover the core of Wesley s theology grace-based, a heart for the world and love for all people, dedication to evangelism with integrity and not adopt today s populist theology. I believe my experience as Pastor of almost every size church, over 20 years Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

36 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome on Board of Ordained Ministry, representing the Board at Jurisdictional meetings, serving on other Conference boards such as Missions and BSC Pastoral Advisory equipped me to be helpful in Jurisdictional and General Conference responsibilities. My vision for our church is that we ll be renewed by keeping the main thing the main thing. We re distracted by theological labels, worship wars, gender-inclusive language, and mainly homosexuality. We must get beyond homosexuality and center on making disciples of Jesus Christ. Our stand on homosexuality is clear, right, and it s enough. We can be firm on standards for ordination, while keeping our commitment to minister to all people. We should focus on bringing persons into the Kingdom rather than on whom we want to exclude. At this time in our Conference, friends, it s about evangelism. James H. (Jim) Savage Riverchase UMC South Central We are facing very important issues at General Conference. I also believe it is very important for us to introduce and vote on legislation that will better focus on making disciples, evangelism, new church starts, missions, and other key elements of our current stated goals that seem to be neglected nationally. I feel that I can honestly listen to all points of view while maintaining our current and historic biblical documents. The 2007 Discipline offers words of gracious orthodoxy that need to be maintained, but we must move the UMC forward with legislation that helps us truly make disciples! I believe we have a great future and can truly make more disciples with renewed efforts at GC2008. We must maintain our current mission programs, but gain more focus on a national level for church growth, evangelism, and new churches. We must take the good things happening in our conference, and help them to happen in other conferences. We are truly a church with Open Hearts, Open 36 Minds, and Open Doors. We need to redirect budgets nationally and globally that better match our mission statement. We can maintain gracious orthodoxy, and still reach the world for Christ! Robin B. Scott First UMC Guntersville Mountain Lakes I am committed to maintaining the present orthodox statements in our Discipline while focusing energy on ways to make disciples and grow churches and involve the laity of our church in ministry that changes lives. I am convinced that the enemy has used several social issues that have distracted us and kept us from focusing on the main issues. We need delegates who will hold fast to our orthodoxy but who will also bring fresh ideas for growing our church into the future and making disciples for Jesus Christ. I believe our church can once again be a strong, growing, life changing institution if we return to the goal of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land. This holiness includes both personal transformation and social justice. There indeed is no holiness without social holiness. The world is desperately looking for something they cannot find anywhere else, this only comes through Jesus Christ. The church needs to be the church with its primary goal being to introduce Christ as Lord and Savior. Out of that life changing transformation we will change the world through loving charity and sacrificial living. Amelia Sims Minister of Discipleship, First UMC Trussville Cheaha I feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences because I am concerned about the future of the UMC. God has given me the gifts of faith, administration and leadership, all

37 three of which are applicable to being a delegate. As a minister, mother of a five-year-old, and a wife, I bring a unique voice and perspective to the future of our denomination. God has called me to serve, and I believe God is asking me to serve as a delegate from North Alabama. My vision for the United Methodist Church is to be the true embodiment of Christ: reaching out in love to all, making disciples, and growing in faith Edward A. Soule Cameron/Chestnut Grove UMC Northeast I delayed this until the last minute because I wanted to make sure this was not an ego trip; but I have the strong urge to place my name in the ring. I believe that someone familiar with the needs of small membership churches needs to have a voice in the larger church councils. With my 24 years of service mostly in churches with less than 100 in attendance, I can add a perspective that is sometimes missing when only large church pastors make up the North Alabama delegation. I believe that United Methodist Church has made some great strides in following the Lord in recent years. I see the task of the General and Jurisdictional Conference as making sure those strides continue. As we move forward, we will be faced with new challenges, and the need to creatively minister to new generations with the timeless gospel of Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Church can be a great tool for reaching the world with the Good News of Christ. 37 Robert Sparkman First UMC of Hartselle Northwest As a denomination we are stuck. We have made decisions, but they are fought over again and again. We lost our original vision and unifying direction. How can we become an inspired church, moving forward with unity. I studied issues and structures, and tried to work with responsible people also called to create change. We sponsored changes in representation to strength the witness of growing areas with vitality. But structures are unchanged; we need reformation now. I feel called to elect new bishops and work for radical change to lead us to an inspiring vision and new directions. The UMC and conference visions include To Make (grow more) disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a motivating, clarifying vision for local churches if we have focus, unity, and spiritual power. To find this, we need positive movement forward in the general church. We can try a new Vision 2020 program or missional priority on evangelism, but they will not succeed without spiritual and worship renewal. A renewal from the growing areas of the church could be key. I believe in our vision and our future as great change and new inspiration comes with an inspiring movement of the Holy Spirit. Dalton Styes Vestavia Hills UMC Central My call to serve as a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences rises from a desire to represent the North Alabama Conference as a member of a delegation united by our mission of making more disciples of Jesus Christ. I seek to serve the United Methodist Church by supporting the efforts of effective Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms

38 Forms Business Voting Leadership Conference Guide Registration Welcome and faithful leadership committed to growing the church through evangelism, worship, and mission outreach, while maintaining the highest biblical standards in all areas of Christian life. My vision for the United Methodist Church is that of a church using its resources to identify and equip effective lay and clergy leaders who are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. I envision the United Methodist Church growing by planting new churches and growing existing congregations as a faithful response to our Lord s call to evangelism and mission. I have great hope for the United Methodist Church as a community of Scripture based Christians serving Christ through personal and social holiness. Roger K. Thompson Langdale UMC Southeast Having served for the past several years as Chair of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, I have a deep appreciation for the work of the church as a whole. It has been my privilege to represent the North Alabama Conference in both national and jurisdictional meetings related to Ordained Ministry. I think that my work over the past few years would help me to well represent the North Alabama Conference if elected as a delegate. My vision for the Church is that it continue to be a vital voice for Jesus Christ in the world. Making disciples of Jesus Christ is our central mission and everything else we do as a church should be focused through that lens. At Langdale United Methodist Church, our ministry statement is To know God and make God known throughout our community with Christ-like care, love, and maturity. I believe that the challenge for every church is that of knowing God and making God known. 38 Sheryl Thornton Canterbury UMC South Central My calling is best expressed in local church ministry. I connect with God s work in helping people make new discoveries in faith and life, then direct that energy in serving others. Where is God s Spirit at work in this person? and Where is God leading this team of people? are my guiding prayers. Our unique expressions of ministry are unified in the broader church, more fully reflecting Christ through our connectional ministries. As we seek God s guidance for the church s future, I m simply available to represent you on the delegation if I represent for you our shared ministry. The longer I serve in ministry, the more intentionally I choose to be United Methodist. Along with our flaws and struggles, I am most thankful that our ministry remains centered on the life-changing love of God most fully expressed in Jesus. Our future continues in connecting searching people with the grace of God. Our shared call is in equipping the followers of Jesus to invest their faith and gifts to serve, befriend, and connect others with the love of God. It s through authentic relationships that God works to change lives and change the world. Alan B. Weatherly Asbury UMC Northeast I am fortunate to be the senior pastor of a large and thriving congregation. Asbury UMC is a prayer and missions oriented church that has the responsibility to offer special gifts to the larger United Methodist Church. Although my natural inclination is to remain focused on vision casting and shepherding this congregation I feel that it is my duty as the spiritual leader of Asbury to be involved in decision making and shaping the future of the United Methodist Church. If

39 called by my conference I will be more than willing to serve. My vision for the UMC is that we will have, Hearts of prayer, hands of mercy, and words of life. I believe that the historic calling of the church is just as relevant today as any time in the past. We are called to be a people whose hearts are filled with the presence and love of Christ through prayer and worship. We are also called to be sent by our Jesus to share the good news of salvation through Christ alone in both deed and word, going to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Steve West Grace UMC Northeast I believe the Spirit is moving in our Church. I d like to offer the gift of a non-anxious presence. I hope to listen and converse with people of many different perspectives in order to seek common ground. So much of our conferencing has become polarized over hot topics. But I think most Methodists are somewhere in the middle, and that middle needs a voice. God s people want to press on in mission and ministry and move beyond gridlock. I am excited about ministries like starting new churches and believe my eye for liturgy and spiritual formation would be helpful, too. Wesley capsulated the gift of the Church when he said our aim was to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land. Today I would say he was equipping people for spiritual formation. Our gift is that we are in touch with a grace that draws us beyond ourselves. I desire growth, but there is no growth without a cross. Our passion is to make disciples, rather than giving growth lip service out of institutional anxiety. Restoring this vision will have a price. Some aspects of institutional life will need to die in order for new life to breathe through us. 39 Andrew Wolfe Trinity Birmingham UMC, Homewood.. South Central My calling to serve the church as a General Conference Delegate is an extension of my call to ministry. That calling has been to be faithful to the Gospel in making disciples; to equip the church for servant ministry; to creatively live out our uniquely Wesleyan emphases on heart/hand and holiness/wholeness of life. I believe that we are called to the highest standards of faithfulness to the scriptural witness in all areas of our private and community life together in Christ as those are expressed in our Book of Discipline. I am committed that working to address those issues will make us more effective in our ministry in the local church. My vision of the church is a community that actively reaches out to invite people into a transforming relationship with Christ; to assist person in that ongoing journey of sanctification through the transforming love of Christ; so that we may become servants of Christ offering healing, wholeness and redemption to the world. That vision best finds expression in the local church, with the connectional structures designed to empower the work of the local church. As a long time member of the Board of Ministry, I am concerned to work to see that our structures for ministry meet the needs of the church and to create a culture of growth for our church. Welcome Registration Conference Guide Leadership Voting Business Forms