NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Transcription

1 Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. Psalm 81:1-2 NRSV NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE PRECONFERENCE BOOK 2017 JOURNAL VOLUME I

2 Tentative Schedule Saturday, June 3 10 a.m. Healthy Congregations Teaching Seminar with Bishop Robert Schnase 4 p.m. Prayer Walk Sunday, June 4 2 p.m. Express Registration Opens (North Hall Corridor) Registration Team Available (Registration Room) 3 p.m. Annual Conference Member Orientation (East Hall 2) 3:30 p.m. Kids Camp Opens (Salons 3/4/5) 4 p.m. Opening Celebration and Worship (North Hall) Bishop Robert C. Schnase Preaching 5 p.m. Cafeteria Opens (East Hall 3) 5:30 p.m. ATEM Dinner (Salon 2) 7 p.m. Clergy Executive Session (East Hall 2) Laity Session (North Hall) Clergy Spouses Gathering (Salon 1A/B) Monday, June 5 6:30 a.m. Health Screenings Open (Salon 8) 7 a.m. Registration Team Available (Registration Room) 8 a.m. Kids Camp Opens (Salons 3/4/5) 8:30 a.m. Plenary Session 1 (North Hall) Teaching Session with Bishop Robert C. Schnase Business and Ministry Testimonies Noon Cafeteria Open (East Hall 3) Laity Luncheon (East Hall 2) Special Meals (North Hall Second Floor) 2 p.m. Memorial Service (North Hall) Rev. Sherry Harris preaching (North Hall) 3 p.m. Plenary Session 2 (North Hall) 5 p.m. Cafeteria Opens (East Hall 3) ARMS Gathering (East Hall 2) 7 p.m. Service of Ordination, Commissioning, and Licensing Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett preaching (Trinity UMC) Tuesday, June 6 6:30 a.m. Health Screenings (Salon 8) 7 a.m. Registration Team Available (Registration Room) COSROW Breakfast (Salon 1A/B) 8 a.m. Kids Camp Opens (Salons 3/4/5) 8:30 a.m. Plenary Session 3 (North Hall) Teaching Session with Bishop James R. King Jr. Business and Ministry Testimonies Noon Cafeteria Open (East Hall 3) Special Meals (North Hall Second Floor) 2 p.m. Plenary Session 4 (North Hall) Kids Camp Presentation Business and Ministry Testimonies Setting of Appointments Closing Worship with Bishop James R. King Jr.

3 VON BRAUN CENTER VENUE MAPS Mission Displays Mission Displays North Hall First Floor Laity Session Plenary Sessions Worship Services North Hall Concessions Concessions Registration Registration Mission Displays Mission Displays Prayer Prayer Chapel Chapel Entrance Entrance North Hall First Floor Foyer Mission Displays North Hall First Floor Main Corridor Concessions Mission Displays Prayer Chapel Registration / Express Registration Salon 4 Salon 5 Salon 3 Salon Salon 6a 6b East Hall Floor Plan Salon 2 Salon 1b Open to Lower Level 7 Salon 8 9 Salon 1a Salon 10 Book Signing North Hall Second Floor Salons Clergy Spouse Gathering Cokesbury Book Store Health Screening Kids Camp Special Meals Nursing Mothers Room North Hall Second Floor Foyer Book Signing East Hall 3 East Hall 2 ARMS Dinner Clergy Executive Session Laity Luncheon Members Orientation East Hall 2 East Hall 3 Cafeteria

4 Von Braun Center Facility Map

5 The tentative program and reports to be presented to the Annual Conference of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church June 4-6, 2017 Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett Resident Bishop of the Birmingham Area presiding Rev. Dedric Cowser Interim 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 Forty-eighth Annual Session of the North Alabama Conference since organization in The Forty-fifth Session of the North Alabama Conference since organization in 1972.

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7 Table of Contents Welcome Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett... 7 Steve Lyles, Conference Lay Leader... 8 Rev. Dedric Cowser, Interim Conference Secretary... 9 Reservations Reservation Process Meals Hotels Childcare / Kids' Camp Venue Directions to Von Braun Center Parking / Shuttle Service Places of Note Seating Chart Conference Guide Cokesbury Concessions COSROW Breakfast Disability Accommodations Frequently Asked Questions Guest Speakers Health Screening Information / Lost and Found Items to Purchase Laity Luncheon Meals and Gatherings Member Orientation Mission Displays Photography Notice Prayer PreConference Meetings PreConference Seminar Registering Your Attendance Reserve Member Information Special Offering Stay Connected Tips for First-Time Members Visitors Wi-Fi Information Worship Standing Rules Ministry Rationale / Standing Rules Conference Operational Teams Conference Priority: New Faith Communities Conference Priority: Healthy Congregations Conference Priority: Ethnic Ministries Conference Priority: Ministry with the Poor Adult Discipleship Advocacy for Social Justice Africa Uniersity Archives and History Birmingham-Southern College Black Methodists for Church Renewal Children's Discipleship Communication Connectional Ministries / Leadership Development COSROW Deaconess / Home Missioner Disability Ministries Disaster Response and Recovery Equitable Compensation Evangelism Finance and Administration Greater Birmingham Ministries Higher Education and Campus Ministry Athens State Wesley Fellowship Jacksonville State Wesley Foundation UNA Wesley Foundation Hinton Rural Life Center Huntingdon College Kairos Prison Ministry Lake Junaluska Assembly Lay Ministry Team Lay Servant Ministries McCoy Adult Day Care Center Methodist Homes Ministerial Integrity Missions Nominations Ordained Ministry Pension and Health Benefits Procedures and Petitions Ban the Box Resolution Domestic Violence Resolution Medicare Supplemental Premiums Resolution Planned Parenthood Resolution Follow-up Resource Ministry Partners Safe Sanctuaries Policy Seminary Candler School of Theology Memphis Theological Seminary United Theological Seminary Society of St. Andrew Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center Superannuate Homes Trustees United Counseling United Methodist Children s Home United Methodist Foundation United Methodist Women Upper Sand Mountain Parish Urban Ministry Youth Ministry Youth/Young Adult Members of Annual Conference Additional Conference Teams and Advance Specials Proposed Amendments to UMC Constitution Forms Journal/Directory Order Form Reserve Lay Member Form Reservation Form

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9 Welcome Welcome 5

10 Welcome 6

11 Resident Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett Dear Friends, Welcome to Huntsville for the 2017 North Alabama Annual Conference. In light of the great experience we had at our 2016 Annual Conference, I am excited to see what the Von Braun Center staff, Annual Conference planning team and Northeast District hosts have in store for us on June 4-6. Thank you to the many volunteers and staff who have worked throughout the year to ensure that Annual Conference 2017 is an inspiring and energizing 48 hours of worship, networking and business. Two goals and a theme have shaped the planning of this Annual Conference. Goal 1: It will be mission-driven. This requires that everything we do and say moves us toward our mission to discover, develop and deploy spiritual leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Goal 2: It will be a 48-hour period of worshipping God, fellowshipping with others and doing the business of the Annual Conference. Theme: We will focus on healthy congregations and "Singing God s Song in Tune and Rhythm." We envision participants returning home on the evening of June 6th knowing that we have accomplished the work of the Annual Conference in the presence of God and God s people. As usual, we have outstanding leaders and speakers for our North Alabama Annual Conference. Bishop Robert C. Schnase from the Rio Grande Conference and recently retired Bishop James R. King Jr. will be our guest preachers and teachers. Both of these leaders have promoted church health throughout their ministries. Thank you for your part in making Annual Conference 2017 a rich and inspiring time together. I look forward to seeing you soon in Huntsville. As always it is a joy to serve as your bishop. Blessings, Debra Wallace-Padgett Resident Bishop, North Alabama Conference Welcome The Reverend Dr. Debra Wallace-Padgett was elected a Bishop of the United Methodist Church at the 2012 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. At the time of her election, she was the lead pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky an appointment she served for eight years. During her tenure, St. Luke grew in membership, strengthened its infrastructure, built a $4.5 million Ministry Life Center and launched a multi-cultural worship service. Her previous service to the church includes six years as District Superintendent, three years as pastor of Paris First UMC and 11 years on staff at Lexington First UMC. She served in a variety of roles in the Kentucky Annual Conference, Southeastern Jurisdictional and General Conference levels. She serves on the World Methodist Council, the Council of Bishops Executive Committee and the Commission on a Way Forward. A graduate of Berea College (B.A. in Physical Education), Scarritt College and Graduate School (M.A. in Christian Education), Lexington Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Asbury Theological Seminary (D.Min.), Bishop Wallace- Padgett is married to Rev. Lee Padgett, a deacon in the United Methodist Church, who serves as Executive Director of Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center. They are the parents of two young adult children, Leanndra and Andrew. 7

12 Welcome Conference Lay Leader Steve Lyles Dear Laity, Clergy and Guests of Annual Conference, Welcome to the 2017 North Alabama Annual Conference at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. This exciting venue is completely self-contained and allows all our business sessions, meals and most of our times of worship to happen under one roof. Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, now in her fifth year as Resident Bishop, has brought a new team process to the North Alabama Conference. This process is making differences in the work of our Conference and our local congregations. Guided by the disciplines and theology the Wesleys taught, we are approaching the problems of our time and of our church using a team approach. I hope you catch a glimpse of this change and that you receive blessings of being connected in common community and living into covenant as clergy and laity. The Annual Conference membership is composed of clergy and lay members from local churches throughout North Alabama. It is the duty of these voting members to attend Annual Conference, but all lay persons are welcome to attend. There is a lot of information to be taken back to the local church to share with others. We urge church lay leaders to attend, learn and worship with the lay members of Annual Conference. Please take time to study this PreConference Book, reading and studying the various reports. While at Conference, also take time to visit the Mission Displays that tell the story of ministry in the North Alabama Conference. The Laity Session on Sunday, June 4, features speaker Rev. Matt Scott from The Gathering Place in Moody, Alabama. The Laity Luncheon on Monday, June 5, features guest speaker Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith, president of Birmingham- Southern College. Please remember to purchase your Laity Luncheon ticket and all other meal tickets when you make reservations for conference (See page 13). Thanks for giving your time to attend this year s Annual Conference. The Lay Ministry Team hopes you gain knowledge to make your local church stronger, healthier and more energized to do the work of God in recruiting new Christians and strengthening the worship attendance and membership of your local congregation. Steve Lyles Conference Lay Leader slyles@umcna.org Steve, a native of Kentucky, is a 48-year member of Alexander City First UMC. He has served many local church positions, including twenty-plus years as lay member to Annual Conference. In 2007, Steve became District Lay Leader of the Southeast District and served in this position until elected Conference Lay Leader in Steve served on the District Committee on Ministry in the Southeast District for 19 years. He is Chair of the Conference Lay Ministry Team and is a member of the Episcopacy Committee, an ex-officio member of the Camp Sumatanga Board, the Council on Finance and Administration and the Methodist Homes for the Aging. Steve was President of the Board for the United Methodist Foundation of North Alabama for three years and served on the Board of Ordained Ministry for three quadrennia. In 2016, he led the North Alabama Delegation to General Conference. Currently, he is a member of the Southeast Jurisdiction Committee on Coordination and Accountability. He is also serving as president of the Southeast Jurisdictional Conference Lay Leaders Association for Steve, a retired PGA Club Golf Professional, is married to Nancy. They live in Alexander City and have two children and five grandchildren. 8

13 Interim Conference Secretary Rev. Dedric A. Cowser Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Welcome to the 148th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. The theme of our conference will be "Singing God s Song in Tune and Rhythm" and our focus will be Church Health and Leadership Development. We will gather in Huntsville, Alabama, at the Von Braun Center on June 4-6, I am grateful for the prayerful and diligent work of our Annual Conference Planning Team in organizing an amazing schedule of worship, business and opportunities to grow in our connection. One of my favorite parts of Annual Conference is hearing powerful testimonies of what God is doing through the numerous congregations and ministries across North Alabama. As we prepare our hearts and minds for holy conferencing, I hope that you will take some time to read the reports in this journal and pray for each ministry and its leaders. One of the extraordinary things about The United Methodist Church, especially here in North Alabama, is our ability to join one another in God s mission throughout the world. I look forward to seeing you in Huntsville, as we celebrate what God has done and look forward to the future. If I may be of assistance to you, please contact me at dedric.cowser@umcna.org. Blessings, Rev. Dedric A. Cowser Interim Conference Secretary dedric.cowser@umcna.org Welcome A native of Centre, Alabama, Dedric is an ordained elder in the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church. Prior to his appointment to New Beginnings UMC in Birmingham, Dedric served as pastor of Sweet Home UMC in Gadsden. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama and a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus in Church Leadership and Community Witness also from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Dedric is often a featured preacher and musician for revivals, workshops and conferences across the connection. All in all, he is a young man who has a great passion for reaching people for Jesus. 9

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15 Reservations Reservations 11

16 Reservations 12

17 Reservations Process Make Your Reservations by May 15! Take action prior to Annual Conference to... purchase meal tickets request childcare for your child or grandchild purchase annual conference T-shirts request special accommodations for disabilities Online Reservations: 1. Go to 2. Click the box for the specific reservations/order you need to make. 3. Complete the online form. Note: The online reservation system allows you to make reservations for multiple people. 4. Submit your payment. Your reservations are not complete until payment is received. a. Pay online using a credit card, debit card or PayPal account. b. Mail a check by May 15, 2017, payable to "North Alabama Conference" to: Doris McCullers, Registrar North Alabama Conference 898 Arkadelphia Road Birmingham, AL Reservations Reservations by mail: 1. Find the Reservation Form on page 143 in the back of this PreConference Book. 2. Complete the form. 3. Detach the form and mail it, along with a check payable to "North Alabama Conference" to: Doris McCullers, Registrar North Alabama Conference 898 Arkadelphia Road Birmingham, AL Your reservations are not complete until payment is received. When making reservations by May 15, 2017, your meal tickets will arrive in the mail prior to Annual Conference. Contact Registrar Doris McCullers at dmccullers@umcna.org, or

18 Meals Annual Conference participants are encouraged to eat at the Von Braun Center for convenience, efficiency and the opportunity for more fellowship. To purchase your meal tickets go to or mail the completed Reservation Form on page 143. Reservation deadline is May 15, Meal tickets are not available for purchase on-site and must be purchased in advance. Reservations Meal Tickets The Annual Conference Cafeteria is located in East Hall 3. Lunch $12 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday Dinner $12 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday Dietary Restrictions Von Braun Center will honor the following dietary requests: Diabetic, Low-Sodium, Gluten-Free and Vegetarian. Please mark your requests accordingly on your reservation form. If you have additional concerns regarding the menu, please contact Emily Chastain at , or Breakfast Hotels (see page 15) provide free breakfast or have breakfast items available for purchase. Special Meals Several groups have scheduled catered meals during Annual Conference. To participate in one of these Special Meals, you must purchase a ticket (or RSVP to an invitation if indicated) for that specific meal. Due to price differences, regular meal tickets cannot be accepted for attendance at a Special Meal. Meal locations are listed on page 34. Sunday Dinner ATEM Dinner (by invitation only) Monday Lunch Laity Luncheon $20 Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members $16 Memphis Theological Seminary $16 Order of Deacons $16 BSC Pastoral Advisory Board (by invitation only) Monday Dinner ARMS Dinner (by invitation only) Tuesday Breakfast COSROW $10 Tuesday Lunch Asbury Theological Seminary $16 Candler Club $16 Duke Divinity School $16 14

19 Hotels Hotels listed below are offering special rates during Annual Conference To make a reservation, please contact the hotel directly. Identify yourself as a North Alabama Annual Conference attendee and request the "North Alabama Conference rate" when you make your reservation by phone. To make your reservation online go to and use the link and special code for the hotel of your choice. Reservation Cut-off Date for hotels listed below: May 15, Rates do not include tax (13%) or the $ 1 city surcharge Embassy Suites - Huntsville/VBC 800 Monroe Street, Huntsville (Connected to Von Braun Center) Single/Double Occupancy: $ 124 Breakfast & Wi-Fi included Parking $ 6.72/day Reservations: online or Reservations SpringHill Suites by Marriott HSV 754 Constellation Drive, Huntsville (0.25 miles from Von Braun Center) King/2 Queens: $ 104 Breakfast included Parking complimentary Reservations: online or Holiday Inn Research Park 5903 University Drive, Huntsville (5.4 miles from Von Braun Center) Single/Double Occupancy: $ 93 Breakfast included Parking complimentary Reservations: online or Hampton Inn Research Park 7010 Cabela Drive, Huntsville (7.3 miles from Von Braun Center) Single/Double Occupancy: $ 94 Breakfast included Parking complimentary Reservations: online or

20 Reservations Childcare at Annual Conference Kids Camp Kids Camp is a great opportunity to involve your children in Annual Conference. Children from birth through those who have completed sixth grade are welcome to participate if a parent, grandparent or legal guardian is in attendance at Annual Conference. Annual Conference Kids Camp is staffed by professional children s ministers, as well as, volunteer staff. All staff and volunteers are trained in Safe Sanctuaries policies and have up-to-date background checks. Kids Camp Hours: Sunday 3:30-8:30 p.m. Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m.-one hour after adjournment of Annual Conference Kids Camp Registration You must register online at by May 15, The cost is $ 50 per child and includes meals, snacks and a T-shirt. Please note that your registration is not complete until payment is received in full. If you must register late or on-site, the cost is $ 60 and may not include a T-shirt. After you complete online registration, a confirmation will provide a link to the necessary forms. Please open this link, print and complete the forms and bring them with you to Kids Camp. Also, please save the confirmation in case you need to edit your Kids Camp registration before arrival. Check In/Out Children must be checked in and out each day by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. Photo identification may be required. Kids Camp check-in is located on the second floor of North Hall near Salons 3, 4 and 5. Stairs and an elevator to the second floor are located in the North Hall Foyer and provide stroller access to the check-in site. Childcare for Worship Services The Children s Ministry Team is offering childcare for $ 5 per child during all Annual Conference worship services taking place in the Von Braun Center. Childcare is located in Salons 3/4/5. Preregistration is required. Please register by May 15, 2017, at If you registered and paid for Kids Camp there is no need to pay an additional $ 5. If you do not pre-register your child for childcare, you must complete paperwork on-site. Children cannot be allowed to stay in childcare unless the necessary paperwork is completed by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. You must be on site at the Von Braun Center in order to leave your children in childcare. Opening Worship: Sunday, June 4 at 4 p.m. Memorial Service: Monday, June 5 at 2 p.m. Closing Worship: Tuesday, June 6 during the afternoon session Childcare for Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing Service Childcare is available during the Service of Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing at Trinity UMC on the evening of June 5. Make reservations online by May 15, 2017 at 16

21 Venue Venue 17

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23 The Von Braun Center The Von Braun Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena, meeting and performing arts complex located in the heart of historic downtown Huntsville. The Von Braun Center is convenient to area hotels, restaurants and attractions. The activities of the 2017 North Alabama Conference are taking place in the North Hall and East Hall areas of the complex. See maps of the Von Braun Center venues on the back cover and a full facility map on the inside back cover. Directions To The Von Braun Center From I-65 (North or South): Take Exit 340 to Huntsville I-565 headed East. Travel approximately 19 miles on I-565 East to exit 19-C to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street, cross over the bridge to the first traffic light (Monroe Street). Turn right onto Monroe Street and travel to the 3rd traffic light (Clinton Avenue). Various parking areas are available along Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue. From US-72 ALT East (from Decatur): Follow US-72 ALT E to I-565 E Travel approximately 19 miles on I-565 East to exit 19-C to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street, cross over the bridge to the first traffic light (Monroe Street). Turn right onto Monroe Street and travel to the 3rd traffic light (Clinton Avenue). Various parking areas are available along Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue. Venue From 72 West (from Scottsboro): Take exit 19-A to Jefferson Street after Highway 72 West merges into I-565. Follow Jefferson Street to the first traffic light at Monroe Street, and turn right. Stay on Monroe until you come to the Clinton Avenue traffic light. Various parking areas are available along Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue. From 431 (from Guntersville): Highway 431 West becomes Governors Drive. Follow Governors Drive across California Street and past Huntsville Hospital on your right. Turn right at the traffic light at Monroe Street. Go through the light at St. Clair, and turn left at the next light to stay on Monroe Street. Various parking areas are available along Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue. 19

24 Parking and Shuttle Service There is ample parking surrounding the Von Braun Center. Prices are listed below. If paid parking creates a hardship for you, contact your District Office for assistance. Parking Lots and Decks P1 is designated as Handicapped Parking. Vehicles must have proper Handicap Parking Credentials (tag or hangtag) to park in this lot. P2 is a parking deck belonging to the Von Braun Center: $ 7 per day. P4 (City Parking Garage): $ 0.50 per hour / maximum of $ 4 per day. P5 (Former Meadow Gold Lot): $ 5 per day. Meter Rates in the City of Huntsville are $0.50 per hour and enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Please be a considerate guest and do not park in areas designated for Von Braun Center staff. Venue 20

25 Hotel Parking Two hotels are within walking distance to the Von Braun Center. Embassy Suites parking for hotel guests is $ 6.72 per day. The hotel has an indoor connector to the Von Braun Center. SpringHill Suites, located at 754 Constellation Drive, offers its guests complimentary parking. This hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Von Braun Center. Shuttles From Embassy Suites to North Hall If you find the distance from Embassy Suites to North Hall using the indoor connector is too far to walk, Embassy Suites provides shuttles for its guests from the lobby of the hotel to the front door of North Hall. Please arrange shuttle service directly with the hotel. Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing Service (Monday evening) On Monday evening, June 5, the Service of Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing is at Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road, Huntsville, Alabama A shuttle service is available. Beginning at 6 p.m., a shuttle to Trinity UMC runs every minutes. The shuttles leave the Von Braun Center North Hall foyer parking lot. The last shuttle leaves at 6:45 p.m. After the service, shuttles to the Von Braun Center run every minutes. The shuttles leave the Trinity UMC parking lot in front of the sanctuary beginning 10 minutes after the close of service. The last shuttle leaves at 9 p.m. Venue 21

26 Places of Note See maps of the Von Braun Center venues on back cover and a full facility map on inside back cover. North Hall First Floor North Hall 1-3 Foyer/Corridor Plenary Sessions Worship Services Laity Session Mission Displays Mission Displays Venue North Hall First Floor Main Corridor North Concessions Express Registration South Concessions Coat Check South Concessions Prayer Chapel North Hall Second Floor Stairs and elevator to the second floor are located off the North Hall Foyer Salon 1 A / B Salon 1A Salon 1B Salon 2 Salons 3 / 4 / 5 Salon 6B Salon 8 Salon 9 Salon 10 Foyer Special Meals/Gatherings Clergy Spouses Gathering COSROW Breakfast Special Meals/Gatherings Candler Club Lunch Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Lunch Special Meals/Gatherings Asbury Theological Seminary Lunch BSC Pastoral Advisory Board Lunch Special Meals/Gatherings ATEM Dinner Duke Divinity Lunch Memphis Seminary Lunch Kids Camp Special Meals/Gatherings Lay Leaders Lunch Order of Deacons Lunch Health Screenings Nursing Mothers Room Cokesbury Book Signing Salon 4 Salon 5 Salon 6a Salon 3 Salon 6b North Hall Concessions Concessions East Hall Floor Plan Salon 2 Registration Second Floor Salon 1b Open to Lower Level 7 North Hall Registration Salon 8 9 East Hall 3 Mission Displays Prayer Chapel Salon 1a Salon 10 Mission Displays Mission Displays Prayer Chapel Book Signing Entrance Entrance East Hall East Hall 2 East Hall 3 Annual Conference Member Orientation Clergy Executive Session Special Meals/Gatherings ARMS Dinner Laity Luncheon Cafeteria East Hall 2 22

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29 Conference Guide Conference Guide 25

30 Conference Guide NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

31 PreConference Meetings District Date Time Location Central April 30 3 p.m. Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC Cheaha April 30 2 p.m. Pell City First UMC Mountain Lakes April 30 5:30 p.m. Albertville First UMC Northeast April 30 3 p.m. DesignLab, Huntsville Northwest April 30 4 p.m. Friendship UMC, Athens South Central May 7 2 p.m. Asbury UMC, Birmingham Southeast May 7 2:30 p.m. Trinity Campus, Alexander City First UMC Southwest April 30 3 p.m. Fayette First UMC Registering Your Attendance All Annual Conference members should make sure their attendance is recorded. Register your attendance by signing and turning in the registration card included with your name tag in this mailing. Only voting-eligible Annual Conference Members receive credentials (name tags and registration cards). For questions regarding your membership status, contact Conference Registrar Doris McCullers at dmccullers@umcna.org, or It is the duty of every member, all provisional members and local pastors of the Annual Conference to attend its sessions ( 602.8, 2016 Book of Discipline). Clergy members who cannot attend any business session of the Annual Conference must report by letter or to the Interim Conference Secretary (898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham AL 35204) or (dedric.cowser@umcna.org) and copy your District Superintendent stating the reason for the absence. Express Registration On Sunday, clergy and lay members can turn in their registration card at Express Registration in the North Hall First Floor Corridor. Express Registration is open: Sunday 2-8 p.m. Conference Guide Registration Team Members of the registration team are available to receive registration cards; to replace lost nametags; to help those who need to be added to the Annual Conference roll and; to assist Reserve Members who need credentials to take the place of a lay member (see page 141). Members of the registration team are available in the Registration Room in the North Hall First Floor Corridor. Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: 2-8 p.m. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 a.m.-noon Reserve Members In the event that a Lay Member from a local charge cannot participate in a session of the Annual Conference, a Reserve Lay Member may officially take the member s place. The Reserve Member should complete the form on page 141, have it signed by the Reserve Member s District Superintendent and present it to the Conference Registrar to receive credentials to participate in the business of Annual Conference. During Plenary sessions, District Superintendents sit at tables near the front of North Hall and the Conference Registrar is with the Registration Team in the North Hall First Floor Corridor. 27

32 Tips for First Time Annual Conference Members Prior to Annual Conference Read this PreConference Book. This is the best way to prepare for the important role you are about to play in the life of the church. Attend your District s PreConference Meeting. See page 27 for date, time and location. Visit More information and Annual Conference announcements are posted on the Conference website. Order your meal tickets or make reservations to be part of Special Meals by May 15 (see page 14). If you are from outside the Huntsville area and need accommodations, make reservations at a hotel (see page 15). The special Annual Conference block rates expire May 15, so don t delay. Arriving at Annual Conference Bring this PreConference Book, your registration card and any meal tickets you received in advance. Visit Express Registration to turn in your signed registration card and pick up a holder for your nametag. This is how you officially register your attendance at Annual Conference Read through the additional materials passed out by the ushers. The handouts labeled with a letter are a part of the official business and voting of the Conference. On Sunday afternoon, attend Annual Conference Member Orientation (see below). Conference Guide During Annual Conference Wear your nametag to each session this allows you to sit in the bar of the Conference. There s a bar at Annual Conference? The bar is what we call the sections inside North Hall where voting members sit. You are to sit in one of these designated sections to participate in Annual Conference business. (see Seating Chart on page 23) Annual Conference often includes a summer rain shower, a powerful air conditioner and lots of walking. Bring an umbrella, a sweater or light jacket and wear comfortable shoes! If you have questions during Annual Conference, look for one of the volunteer hosts or visit the Information Table inside North Hall. Annual Conference Member Orientation Anyone attending Annual Conference for the first time or for the first time in a long while is invited to join Linda Holland, Director of Connectional Ministries and Leadership Development, for a brief orientation on Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m. in East Hall 2. Attendees have an opportunity to ask questions regarding their role and responsibilities. For more information, please contact Linda Holland at lholland@umcna.org or

33 Visitors Visitors are welcome at Annual Conference. There are exciting opportunities for worship, learning and mission during this time of Christian conferencing. All North Alabama United Methodists are invited to attend Annual Conference. All visitors should remember these guidelines: Visitors are to sit in the seating reserved for visitors. See seating chart on page 23. Visitors are ineligible to vote on matters of business or speak from the floor during times of discussion. Visitors may purchase meal tickets to eat in the cafeteria or participate in Special Meals. Tickets are available in advance. No meal tickets are sold on site. See page 14 for pricing and additional information. Disability Accommodations In an effort to better follow the example of Jesus, we want members and visitors with disabilities to know they are welcome at the North Alabama Annual Conference. The planning team works in cooperation with the Conference Disability Ministries Team to offer accommodations when possible. If you or a visitor attending Annual Conference need accommodations, please indicate your special needs through the reservation process at ac17reservations or by completing and returning the Reservation Form on page 143. Accommodations include accessible parking, a sign language interpreter, hearing assistance devices, wheelchair accessible shuttle buses and extra large print handouts. Designated handicap seating is available during plenary sessions and worship services in North Hall. See the seating chart on page 23. Embassy Suites provides shuttles from the lobby of the hotel to the front door of North Hall for hotel guests. Please arrange shuttle service directly with the hotel. For more information, contact North Alabama Conference Disability Ministries Team Convener Susan Lee at or slee4al@hotmail.com. Conference Guide Photography Notice The North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church has designated representatives to photograph and/or videotape during this session of Annual Conference, dated June 4-6, As a participant, your likeness and/or voice may be utilized by the North Alabama Conference for information sharing and ministry purposes. Unless we receive a written request from you to not use your voice or likeness, we will assume that your presence is consent. Office of Communication staff and designated volunteers will act as Annual Conference photographers. GNTV will act as Annual Conference videographers and sound recorders. Since this is a public event, media coverage may also occur. This consent will remain in effect until such time as you give written notice of your removal of your release of information to the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. If you have any questions, contact Director of Communication Danette Clifton at dclifton@umcna.org or

34 Conference Guide Guest Speakers Bishop James R. King Jr. Bishop James R. King Jr. was born in Ashland, Alabama, where his faith was nurtured in his home church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, along with the support of his loving parents Robert and Ruby King. Early pastoral service of Bishop King includes Bethel UMC, Roanoke, Alabama, and Wesley-Theodore, Mobile, Alabama, Easter Hill UMC, Richmond, California (Pastor), Tennessee State University (Campus Minister) and Clark Memorial UMC (Senior Pastor), Nashville, Tennessee, and the Tennessee Conference (Associate Director and Director of the Council on Ministries and District Superintendent). While serving Brentwood United Methodist Church (Senior Pastor) in Nashville, he was elected to the episcopacy. He is the author of the book CLU-Christlike Love Unit and contributed to 365 Meditations for Men. Bishop King served 16 years as the bishop of two areas: Kentucky and South Georgia Bishop King retired as an active bishop on September 1, His unwavering passion continues to be "growing a Christlike world." He is currently serving as Bishop-in-Residence of St. Luke UMC, Columbus, Georgia, and Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife, Rose, live in Columbus, Georgia and have two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. Bishop Robert Schnase Robert Schnase serves as bishop of the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to that assignment, he served as the bishop of the Missouri Conference from Bishop Schnase is the author of the bestselling books Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Five Practices of Fruitful Living, Practicing Extravagant Generosity, and Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences. His latest book, Just Say Yes: Unleashing People for Ministry, is written for people whose passion has been simmering for years, who yearn to be told Yes! He examines the systems and attitudes that restrain and control ministry. He demonstrates practical ways church leaders can rethink fundamental assumptions about organizations and leadership. Before his election as bishop, Schnase served for 15 years as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in McAllen, Texas, a congregation that became widely known for its extensive mission and outreach, for reaching younger generations and bicultural ministry. He also served congregations in Harlingen, Texas and in Great Britain. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Perkins School of Theology. He enjoys birding, fishing, canoeing, and traveling in Central America. He is married to Esther and they have two adult sons, Karl and Paul. Book Signing On Monday at noon, Cokesbury is hosting a book signing by Bishop Robert Schnase in the Second Floor Foyer of North Hall. Bishop Schnase s books are among the featured resources available at Cokesbury during Annual Conference. 30

35 Laity Session Speaker Matt Scott Matt Scott is the founding pastor of The Gathering Place Church a church whose mission is to lead people into a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The Gathering Place is known for its welcoming environment, volunteer-oriented culture and strong sense of community built through small groups. Matt and his team have a deep desire to see every person reach their spiritual growth potential. This is why The Gathering Place offers a clear process for its congregation to identify their gifts and purpose in hopes of using them to serve the Lord. With approximately 700 clearly identified volunteer opportunities each weekend, the congregation provides every member consistent opportunities to be a minister. Matt s passion for people to reach their spiritual potential extends to equipping fellow pastors and leaders. This is done through offering practical resources and training on creating systems and structures centered around God. Matt and his wife Stevi have five children and live in the Birmingham area where The Gathering Place Church is home to multiple campuses, including an online campus. We hope that members of annual conference drive away thinking, I m glad I was here, and I hope I get to come again next year, that people feel like they ve spent their time well, and that they re doing work that matters. We hope the quality of worship, preaching, and teaching models excellence. We pray that members leave annual conference clearer about our mission and more confident about our future, and that people understand the purpose, work, and strategies of conference. We hope people learn practices and approaches that strengthen their skills as leaders in their congregations. We hope people leave feeling more connected, more deeply interwoven into the larger fabric of United Methodist witness, more knowledgeable about resources to strengthen their ministries, and more ready to ask for help. We hope people feel inspired, encouraged, and challenged to a deeper commitment to Christ and that the experience of annual conference confirms and fosters a calling to ministry. We hope that the fundamental business of annual conference is completed with integrity and effectiveness and without acrimony. We hope that annual conference draws the attention of churches toward the mission field and reinforces future-oriented thinking. From Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences ( 2014 Robert Schnase). pp Reprinted with permission. Conference Guide 31

36 Worship This year s Annual Conference will be a 48-hour worship experience during which participants hear reports, conduct business, experience times of learning and share testimonies of ministry. Here are some special acts of worship the Conference will experience together. Opening Celebration and Worship Sunday, June 4, p.m. North Hall Bishop Robert C. Schnase, preaching Memorial Service Monday, June 5, p.m. North Hall Rev. Sherry Harris, preaching Conference Guide Service of Ordination, Commissioning and Licensing Monday, June 5, p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, preaching Directions to Trinity UMC 607 Airport Road, Huntsville, Alabama Trinity UMC is located on Airport Road between Memorial Parkway and Whitesburg Drive. From the Von Braun Center: Travel southeast on Clinton Avenue W for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto the US-431S/US-231S. Continue on US-231 South for 2 miles. Take the Airport Road Exit. Turn left onto Airport Road, and continue for 1 mile. Trinity UMC is on the right. Shuttle Service is available to travel to and from this service. (See page 23.) Closing and Sending Forth Service Tuesday, June 6, p.m. North Hall Bishop James R. King Jr., preaching 32

37 Special Offering Ministry with the Poor is one of the four North Alabama Conference priorities. The Operational Team leading this priority has developed Exploration, an intensive summer internship for people who are discerning a call to Ministry with the Poor. Exploration participants will live in community, pray, read Scripture together and participate in two spiritual formation and learning retreats. They will have the opportunity to become certified Christian Community Development (CCD) participants through a week-long CCDA Immersion. Exploration interns will serve in one of our North Alabama churches or agencies in direct ministry with the poor. This initiative is designed to create a new opportunity for both lay and clergy to hear a call from God to ministry with the poor, which will substantially strengthen our Conference s priority in the life of the local church. This year s Annual Conference special offering is being used to help fund this new initiative and other work designed to discover, develop and deploy spiritual leaders in the Conference priority area of Ministry with the Poor. Local congregations are invited to send their contributions to this ministry with their Annual Conference member. Ministry with the Poor Exploration offering to be received Sunday, June 4 during Opening Worship of Annual Conference Conference Guide for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Matthew 25:35-36 North Alabama Annual Conference SPECIAL OFFERING 2017 each church is asked to give $1 per person 33

38 Conference Guide Meals and Gatherings See page 14 for meal ticket information. Saturday, June 3, a.m. PreConference Seminar sponsored by Healthy Congregations Wesley Hall Trinity UMC, Huntsville 4 p.m. Prayer Walk Von Braun Center Begins North Hall Foyer Sunday, June 4, 2017 Laura Belding lbelding@umcna.org Lyn Cosby lcosby@umcna.org 3 p.m. Members' Orientation East Hall 2 Linda Holland lholland@umcna.org 5 p.m. Cafeteria opens for dinner East Hall 3 5:30 p.m. ATEM Dinner (Invitation only) Salon 2 Laura Belding lbelding@umcna.org 7 p.m. Clergy Spouses Salon 1A/B Luann Scott lscott0201@gmail.com Monday, June 5, :30 a.m. Cafeteria opens for lunch East Hall 3 Noon Noon BSC Pastoral Advisory Board Luncheon (Invitation only) Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Luncheon Salon 1B Salon 1A Laura Sisson lsisson@bsc.edu Donna Godwin donna.godwin@umcna.org Noon Laity Luncheon East Hall 2 Steve Lyles slyles@umcna.org Noon Memphis Theological Seminary Salon 2 Angela Martin angela.martin@umcna.org Noon Order of Deacons Luncheon Salon 6B John Bailey john.bailey@umcna.org 5 p.m. Cafeteria opens for dinner East Hall 3 5 p.m. ARMS Dinner (Invitation only) East Hall 2 Regina Ergle rergle@umcna.org Tuesday, June 6, a.m. COSROW Breakfast Salon 1A/B Rachel Gonia rachel.gonia@umcna.org 11:30 a.m. Cafeteria opens for Lunch East Hall 3 Noon Asbury Seminary Alumni Lunch Salon 1B Sharon Ams sams@christchurchtv.org Noon Candler Club Luncheon Salon 1A David Teel david.teel@umcna.org Noon Duke Divinity Alumni Luncheon Salon 2 Dale Clem dale.clem@umcna.org Noon Lay Leaders Salon 6B Steve Lyles slyles@umcna.org 34

39 Special Meal: Laity Luncheon The Laity Luncheon is a long-standing tradition of the North Alabama Conference and a great way to celebrate the connection. The North Alabama Conference Lay Ministry Team invites everyone laity and clergy to attend this annual event. The Luncheon is at noon on Monday, June 5 in East Hall 2, immediately following the morning plenary session. Tickets are $ 20 and must be purchased through online reservations at or by returning the Reservation Form on page 143 along with your payment by May 15. No tickets to this meal are available on site. Laity Luncheon Guest Speaker Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith was named the 15th president of Birmingham-Southern College in June She brings many years of senior leadership experience in higher education to BSC, having served as vice president for finance and administration for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, vice chancellor for financial affairs for the University of Alabama System and vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Connecticut. She began working for Birmingham-Southern College as a consultant to the Board of Trustees in After Gen. Charles C. Krulak was appointed the college s 13th president, she transitioned to the role of Chief of Staff. She served in that position until May of 2013; upon her departure, the Birmingham-Southern College faculty awarded her the honorary degree of Doctorate of Humane Letters. While at BSC, Flaherty-Goldsmith ably led a team of administrators, faculty and staff working toward the college s 10-year re-accreditation; the college completed the review with no recommendations from its accrediting agency. She also founded BSC s popular Panther Partnerships mentoring program, which pairs juniors with a professional mentor and offers regular seminars in everything from career development to professional etiquette. Conference Guide Since 2013, Flaherty-Goldsmith has worked as a pro bono consultant with Human Rights First, a nonprofit, nonpartisan human rights organization based in Washington D.C. and New York, to create, implement and advance an international campaign designed to disrupt the business of human trafficking. In this role, she has been a part of an effort to promote at the national level legislation addressing social issues and challenges that face higher education and society in general. Flaherty-Goldsmith graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Business from the University of Alabama and received her MBA with an emphasis in finance from UAB. She has a long history of community service, including as a member of the board of the National Collegiate Housing Foundation, the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, the UA Women s Leadership Initiative and the YouthServe Leadership Board. She is a graduate of Leadership Alabama and Leadership Birmingham and was named one of Birmingham s Top Ten Women by Birmingham Business Magazine. 35

40 Special Meal: COSROW Breakfast In 1990 the United Methodist Women of the North Alabama Conference established the Louise Branscomb Barrier Breaker Award as a way for the Conference to annually recognize a United Methodist willing to risk and stand up for the rights of women and ethnic minority persons. The Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) continues to recognize these barrier breakers through this award. Each Annual Conference COSROW hosts a breakfast which features a guest speaker and the recognition of the current year s Branscomb Barrier Breaker Award recipient. This year s COSROW Breakfast is on Tuesday, June 7 in Salon 1 A/B. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased through online reservations at or by returning the Reservation Form on page 143 along with your payment by May 15. Conference Guide COSROW Breakfast Guest Speaker Rev. Kelly Clem Rev. Kelly Clem was appointed Superintendent of the Northwest District of the North Alabama Conference in Kelly grew up primarily in South Carolina and northern Virginia but calls Alabama home. She enjoys living in Anniston and Florence and working with the pastors and churches in the Northwest District. Rev. Clem holds a bachelor s degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, and a master s in counseling from University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is married to Rev. Dale Clem, pastor of Anniston First UMC. They have two daughters, Sarah and Laurel. The Clems served as missionaries to Lithuania from , starting new churches after the Soviet era. They published several magazine articles on their experiences. Rev. Clem is also author of a chapter titled "Hope" in 365 Prayers for Women (Abingdon Press, 2004). PreConference Workshop Teaching Seminar with Bishop Robert Schnase June 3, a.m.-3 p.m. Wesley Hall at Trinity United Methodist, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville, AL Sponsored by Healthy Congregations North Alabama Conference Bishop Robert Schnase s latest book, Just Say Yes: Unleashing People for Ministry, will be the resource he uses for this pre-annual Conference workshop focusing on ways to unleash passionate church leaders for starting new ministries. The day is designed specifically for local church laity and clergy. For more information or to register contact Laura Belding at laura.belding@umcna.org or , or visit 36

41 Information / Lost and Found Volunteer hosts and ushers are available to help guide Annual Conference participants through the Von Braun Center. An Information Table is located inside North Hall. Stop at the table to ask for assistance at any time during Annual Conference. The Information Table also serves as the Lost and Found. If you find an item, please leave it with a Conference Host or Usher. If you lose an item, please check the Information Table to reclaim it. Mission Displays Mission Displays are located in the North Hall Foyer. They feature different groups of North Alabama Conference Advance Specials, institutions, ministries and affiliated seminaries. These displays offer an opportunity to learn more about education and mission connections for your local church. Annual Conference participants are encouraged to visit the Mission Displays each day to connect with these ministries. Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi (wireless internet access) is available in the Von Braun Center for all Annual Conference participants. To access the Wi-Fi network, please use the following credentials: Network Name: AC2017 Password: umcna2017 Prayer The North Alabama Prayer Team is active throughout Annual Conference. Volunteers are praying during all sessions. Prayer request cards are available in strategic locations around the Von Braun Center. In addition, prayer requests can be ed to prayer@umcna.org or shared on social media using the hashtag #umcna17prayer. The Prayer Team also provides experiential prayer activities for Annual Conference attendees in the Prayer Chapel located in the North Hall First Floor Corridor. Annual Conference participants are encouraged to visit the Prayer Chapel for a time of individual prayer or to request a Prayer Team member intercede on your behalf. Conference Guide Concessions The Concession Stand, located in the North Hall First Floor Corridor, is open during all Annual Conference sessions as an alternative meal and/or snack option. The Concession Stand accepts cash only for purchases. 37

42 Items to Purchase T-shirts Purchasing a 2017 Annual Conference T-shirt helps support this year s Annual Conference Mission Project Ministry with the Poor s Exploration internships. A portion of each T-shirt purchase goes toward this project. T-shirts are available for $15 if ordered by May 15, Order a shirt through the online reservations process at or complete and return the Reservation Form on page 143. Pre-ordered T-shirts may be picked up during Annual Conference. A limited number of T-shirts are available to purchase at Annual Conference at the Registration Stand for $20 on a first-come, first-served basis. e NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2017 Conference Guide 2017 Journal and Directory The 2017 Journal is published in two volumes. Journal Volume I is this book, the PreConference Book. Journal Volume II, to be published this fall, is the record of information required by of the 2016 Book of Discipline. A printed directory of clergy and surviving spouse contact information is also available for purchase. Order your Journal and Directory before July 15. Use the Order Form on page 139 or visit Volumes I-II of the Journal are available for download free of charge on the Conference web site. Volumes I-II of the Journal are available on one CD for $15. Additional printed copies of Volume I of the Journal (PreConference Book) are available for $15 each. Printed copies of Volume II of the Journal are available for $35 each. Printed clergy directories are available for $15 each. Order and payment must be received by July 15, DVDs, CDs and MP3s Recordings of the Worship Services and presentations are available for purchase from GNTV. You may place an order at the GNTV table, located in North Hall during Annual Conference, or order online at Cokesbury The Cokesbury Christian Bookstore is located in Salon 10 on the second floor of North Hall. Mary Cook, the North Alabama area Cokesbury Resource Consultant, is available to help you find the latest book releases, United Methodist curriculum and other items to support your congregation s ministry. Cokesbury is the retail division of The United Methodist Publishing House. Founded in 1789, The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to The United Methodist Church and the greater Christian community. Book Signing Cokesbury is hosting a book signing by Bishop Robert Schnase in the Second Floor Foyer (outside the Cokesbury Store) on Monday at noon. Bishop Schnase s books are among the featured resources available at Cokesbury during Annual Conference. 38