III. Daily Proceedings Second Annual Session of the Indiana Conference June 10-13, 2010 Ball State University Muncie, Indiana Thursday, June 10, 2010 Opening Session A Time of Teaching The Second Session of the Indiana Annual Conference was held June 10-13, 2010, on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The theme, Practice Faith, based on Galatians 5, was emphasized throughout the various activities of the Conference. Each session began with a time of praise and worship led by the Conference Praise Team under the direction of Chuck Scott. Bishop Coyner s opening address, Who Are We?, highlighted accomplishments of our new life together, especially those representative of the four inverting the initiative principles: localized decision making; centralized administration; globalized outreach; and focused mission outreach. He emphasized the important role each has had in shaping who we are as a conference and how as a conference, we Practice Faith. Bishop Robert Schnase, Resident Bishop of the Missouri Area, was guest teacher for the Conference. His presentations provided an opportunity for members and guests to examine and explore what it means to Practice Faith in the context of radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity as articulated in his books Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations and its sequel Five Practices of Fruitful Living. Unless otherwise noted, all sessions of the Conference were held in Emens Auditorium. THURSDAY, JUNE 10 BUSINESS PLENARY I 2:30 PM 1.1 CALL TO ORDER Bishop Coyner called to order the second session of the Indiana Annual Conference and introduced the platform table: David V.W. Owen, Executive Assistant to the Bishop; Carolyn Johnson, Conference Secretary; and Becky Huff-Cook serving as assistant to the secretary. Dr. Johnson provided procedural instructions for the Conference and announced the bar of the Conference as the first floor of Emens Auditorium. 1.2 SESSIONS COMMITTEE 1.2a Conference Workbook Mary Hubbard, chair of the Sessions Committee, provided an overview of the Conference, including facility logistics, available information and hospitality services. In addition, the Pre-Conference Reports booklet was presented and adopted as the official Conference Workbook. 1.2b Motion to Adopt the Consent Calendar Process Mary Hubbard moved adoption of the Consent Calendar comprised of the following reports: Board of Ordained Ministry, Camping, Church Development, Communication Team, Discipleship Team, Episcopacy, Human Resources Committee, Indiana UM Loan and Savings Ministry, Institutional Relations Team, Lay Leadership Team, Mission Resource Team, Social Advocacy, Justice, and Ethnic Ministry Team, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and Ministry with Youth. 1.3 MONITORING REPORT Darren Cushman Wood, chair of the Social Advocacy, Justice, and Ethnic Ministry team, explained the monitoring process and its role in facilitating inclusivity and hospitality. Reports will be shared daily, documenting the diversity demographics of stage and floor speakers, areas of special concern, celebratory achievements, and a monitoring question of the day. 1.4 COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS INITIAL PRESENTATION Lisa Schubert presented the initial report of the Committee on Nominations, including the following adjustments to the printed report: Social Advocacy, Justice & Ethnic Ministries Team (Pages 5-6,) add Janet Jacobs as member; Youth Ministry Team (Pages 6-7) remove Casey Madsen and Brenna Coppes, add members Jessie Wilfong, April Reyes, Katie Pfaff, Tyler Best and adult members Corey Howard and Ruis Renderos;
Board of Ordained Ministry (Page 8) remove Dennis Tyson, add Kerry O Brien Committee on Investigation (Page 8) add Laura McDonald as clergy member; Wesley Manor Retirement Community, Inc. delete class of 2010; add John Wortinger to class of 2010; remove Michelle Cobb from class of 2012 and add Sara Anderson; add to the class of 2013, Alvan Eller, Kate Walker, David Patrick, and Marsha Klingenberger. 1.5 COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION INITIAL REPORT CFA Chair Kent Millard presented the initial report of the Council on Finance and Administration, prefaced with expressions of appreciation to members of the Council and to Jennifer Gallagher, Director of Financial Services and Conference Treasurer. Connecting with the Conference theme, his remarks centered on understanding tithing as an act of gratitude and the important role of leaders in modeling extravagant generosity. Dr. Millard reviewed the statistical report for 2009; provided a current year status report; gave an update on the cost stewardship pilot program; and explained the 2011 budget development process and resulting recommendations. 1.5a Response to Judicial Council Decision 1146 Dr. Millard noted that in accordance with BOD 615 each church has been informed of its general church apportionment for 2010 and 2011. The information is available on the website and is to be considered as a part of the current CFA report. This notification complies with Judicial Council Decision 1146 stemming from a Rule of Law request submitted during the 2009 session of the Conference. 1.5b Conference Financial Policies Dr. Millard moved adoption of the Conference Financial Policies on pages 30-36 of the Conference Workbook. 1.6 CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Mark Gough, Director of Church Development, emphasized the importance of intentional outreach in developing new congregations and cited Movie Theater Church, an offsite campus of Old Bethel UMC in Indianapolis and New Song Fellowship Church, an off-site campus of First UMC in Valparaiso, as examples of the impact of outreach. Rev. Gough invited Rev. Ethan Maple, pastor of Movie Theater Church, and Rev. Kurt Nichols, pastor of New Song Fellowship, to share video highlights of their respective congregations and offer remarks about the mission and vision of their congregations. 1.6a Chartering New Churches Movie Theater Church Certifying that all standards had been met, the Church Development Team and district superintendent recommended that Movie Theater Church become a chartered United Methodist Congregation. Bishop Coyner posed the question to the Conference and the recommendation was enthusiastically approved. Bishop Coyner presented the charter to the pastor and congregational representatives. New Song Fellowship Church Certifying that all standards had been met, the Church Development Team and district superintendent recommended that New Song Fellowship become a chartered United Methodist Congregation. Bishop Coyner posed the question to the Conference and the recommendation was enthusiastically approved. Bishop Coyner presented the charter to the pastor and congregational representatives. The Conference expressed their joy and support with a standing ovation. Bishop Coyner led the Conference in prayer for these new congregations. 1.6b Program Grants and Initiatives Associate directors Ed Fenstermacher, Sharon Washington, and Steve Clouse discussed resources, grant opportunities, and services available through the Church Development Team and presented information on Fruitful Congregations, a congregational redevelopment initiative. The presentation concluded by asking Conference participants to gather in small groups and pray together, forming a concert of prayer on behalf of church growth. 1.7 PRAYER REQUESTS Bishop Coyner asked the Conference to be in prayer for Yeoman UMC whose building was destroyed by a tornado. In commemoration of Peace in the Middle East week, the Bishop concluded the session with a global peace prayer. CLERGY SESSION
UNION CHAPEL UMC 7:00 PM The Clergy Session was held at Union Chapel UMC in Muncie. The following actions were reported to the Annual Conference through the Board of Ordained Ministry. All other actions appear in the Business to the Annual Conference. APPROVED THE FOLLOWING FOR ORDINATION AS ELDERS: Dennis Adams of Evansville; Karen Bray of West Terre Haute; Ted Chalk of New Middleton; Kevin DeKoninck of Winamac; Rebecca Fisher of Fort Wayne; Bradford Garrett of LaFontaine; Alex Hershey of Monticello; Warren Kirk of Grandview; Dave Marty of Huntington; Robert Preusz of Converse; Kevin Reed of Indianapolis; LeKisha Reed of Indianapolis; Dave Scifres of Noblesville; Ann Spahr of North Salem; Jerald Turner of Columbus; Eduard van Wijk of Kentland; Mary van Wijk of Remington; Brent Wright of Jamestown; Kevin Wrigley of Plainfield APPROVED THE FOLLOWING FOR ORDINATION AS DEACONS: Julie Macy of Columbia City; Mary Beth Morgan of Bloomington and Sheri Rohrer of Delphi. APPROVED FOR COMMISSIONING AS PROVISIONAL MEMBERS SEEKING ORDINATION: Bessie Adams of New Albany; Daniel Cho of Mundelein, Ill.; James Clark of Kokomo; Christopher Gadlage of Lawrenceburg; Lauren Hall of South Bend; Anthony Hunley of Indianapolis; Jacob Juncker of Lafayette; Kim King of Indianapolis; Matt Landry of Delaware, Ohio; William Nickrand of Ramsey; Damon Soper of Brownstown; Anthony Stone of Summitville; Gregory Waggoner of Morocco; and Donna Ward of Anderson. APPROVED THE FOLLOWING FOR RETIRED STATUS (listed alphabetically by retirement date and the number of service years): Jimmy Abbott, 10; Dennis Alstott, 10; Daniel Barker, 36; Diane Barrett, 12; Marcia Faye Carpenter, 18; Roy Eugene Carpenter III, 29; Nancy Harmon Chizmar, 29; Robert Church, 27; Marilyn Couger, 7; Billy Craddock, 10; Mark Day, 39; Linda Dolby, 33; Bill Farmer, 25; Jean Finney, 7; Malcolm Greene, 44.5; Philip Granger, 32; John Hall, 43; Rosa Harris, 10; Jack Hartman, 44; Ann Hutchins-Case, 25; Myron James, 26; Jeffrey Jones, 30; Laura Jones, 15; David Kyle, 18; Harold Lee Klinker, 26; Richard Lyth, 15; Chris Blane Madison, 34; Kenneth Mahan, 45; Judith Ann McGuire Marshall, 20; James Miller, 40; Joe Mitchell, 28; Karen Morrow, 23; Robert Ostermeier, 40; David Overmyer, 20; Thomas Pitcher, 36; Timothy Rasmussen, 38; Alan Rumble, 41; Michael Rynkiewich, 17; Edward Scherer-Berry, 20; Patrick Schonbachler, 36; Hugh Severance, 17;Thomas Shanahan, 8.5; Patrick Sinnott, 17; Leonard Sjogren, 36; Alvin Smith, 26; Donald Smith, 39.5; Doris Smith, 15; Larry Smith, 38; James Taylor, 45; Thomas True, 40; Don Viviano, 4; Roger Walby, 10; Jon Walters, 30; Dennis White, 31; Donald Wilson, 22; John Windell, 29; Glenda Ray Woodcox, 30; and Kenneth Wooden, 33. CONGRATULATED COURSE OF STUDY GRADUATES : Linda McBride, John Long, Sharon Taylor, Daniel Voorhies and Warren Kirkwood. LAITY SESSION EMENS AUDITORIUM 7:00 PM Conference Lay Leaders Kayc Mykrantz and Ike Williams opened the Laity Session with prayer, introduced the district lay leaders, and provided information on upcoming events. Specifically, Mr. Williams spoke about the role and responsibility of serving as a delegate to the General and Jurisdictional Conference and the delegate election process. He also shared information about significant events coming to Indiana, including the joint national meeting of the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders and the Association of Lay Speaking Ministries scheduled for February 2011 in Indianapolis and Youth 2011 scheduled for Purdue University July 13-17. Bree Coppes, a member of the national planning team, encouraged the laity to volunteer and send their youth. AWARDS Bread and Basin Award Janet Wehrle, South District Lay Leader, presented the Bread and Basin Awards to David Ashmore of Pendleton First UMC for his work in local missions; to Helen Aylsworth of Springs Valley UMC in French Lick for her work in national missions; and to Carolyn Olivier of Indianapolis Chapel Hill UMC for her work in international missions. Laity Manuscript Award
Bob Pimlott, Southeast District Lay Leader, introduced Laity Manuscript winner Jane Heustis of Irvington UMC. She delivered her entry, The Taste of Spiritual Strawberries, based on John 15:16. Acknowledged as first and second runners-up respectively were Jennifer Kintner of Mishawaka First UMC and Mildred Ferro of Elkhart St. Paul UMC. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Shane Bennett from Union Chapel UMC addressed the Laity Session on Three Things We Need to Know About the World and special music was provided by the United Methodist Men s Choir of University UMC in Indianapolis, Rev. Rosa Harris director and accompanist. The Laity Session concluded with prayer followed by an ice cream social. FRIDAY, JUNE 11 BUSINESS PLENARY II 10:30 AM 2.1 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL REPORT Bishop Coyner opened the plenary with prayer and reported the roll call as 749 clergy and 855 laity and 383 guests. 2.2 MONITORING REPORT Darren Cushman Wood, cited as celebratory, the inclusive demographics of our newly chartered congregations and the availability of Bishop s Schnase s materials in different languages. Concerns raised included the absence of youth speakers, and the lack of services for the hearing impaired. The Conference was challenged with the monitoring question of the day Who needs to be seen and heard for us to be the body of Christ? 2.3 RULES AND STRUCTURE COMMITTEE REPORT 2.3a Motion to Adopt Standing Rules of Order and Structure Jim Bushfield moved adoption of the Standing Rules of Order and Structure. Discussion Charles Roth inquired if the committee had under discussion plans to develop a structural design for each of the functions/tasks, such as higher education, assigned to the Discipleship Leadership Development Team (DLDT). Responding for the committee, Taylor Burton Edwards pointed out that The 2008 Book of Discipline uses both the mandated shall and the permissive other equivalent structure in regard to program agency structures within the Annual Conference. Our Conference rules, as originally adopted, were developed using BOD permissive flexibility and consistent with the Imagine Indiana plan. Our rules require that the various teams shall organize themselves into working groups that supervise the accomplishments of the appropriate Disciplinary task and maintain the required connectional relationships. 2.3b Petition 1 Petition 1, a proposal to amend the Standing Rules regarding the election of delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences was placed before the Conference. Conference rules require any proposed amendment to Rules and Structure must first be considered and reported on by the Committee on Rules and Structure prior to a vote. Dr. Bushfield reported the Committee s recommendation to maintain the original language and thus non-adoption of the petition. Discussion Jim Ottjes moved to amend the petition by deleting permissive text regarding the use, distribution, and reporting of surveys and questionnaires (seconded). Specifically (with line number references): (29) Caucuses, groups or individuals may submit surveys and (30) questionnaires to persons willing to serve as delegates and may report and distribute (31) any responses. Persons willing to serve as delegates, however, are under no obligation (32) to respond to such inquiries. Such reports will be distributed by the ushers, but duplication will be at the expense of the caucus, individual, or interest group involved. AMENDMENT ADOPTED
Ben Boruff inquired if the petition, as amended, permitted slates. Both Bishop Coyner and Dr. Bushfield responded that slates are not permitted by our Rules and are not authorized in the original petition as presented or amended. Concluding the debate, Carolyn Marshall, on behalf of the Rules and Structure Committee, provided context for the committee s position on maintaining the original language. The committee s recommendation was not sustained. PETITION ADOPTED AS AMENDED 2.4 RULE OF LAW REQUEST* Charles Roth made the following request for a Rule of Law: I respectfully request a Rule of Law concerning whether the action just taken by this Annual Conference in passing the Standing Rules and Rules of Order Report, places the Indiana Conference in compliance with the 2008 Book of Discipline and the relevant Judicial Council decisions in the way it has provided for the election, membership, funding, functions and connectional relationships mandated for the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry (2008 Book of Discipline, paragraph 634). [* Bishop Coyner s response was entered into the record on Saturday, June 12, 2010] 2.5 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY ORDER OF THE DAY 2.5a Historical Questions Candidates for Ordination as Elders and Deacons The candidates were introduced by John Groves, chair of BOOM, and asked the historic questions of John Wesley by Bishop Coyner. A prayer of blessing for their ministry concluded the BOOM report. Candidates for Ordination as Elder: Dennis Adams, Karen Bray, Ted Chalk, Kevin DeKoninck, Rebecca Fisher, Bradford Garrett, Alex Hershey, Warren Kirk, Dave Marty, Robert Preusz, Kevin Reed, LeKisha Reed, Dave Scifres, Ann Spahr, Jerald Turner, Eduard van Wijk, Mary van Wijk, Brent Wright, Kevin Wrigley. Candidates for Ordination as Deacons: Julie Macy, Mary Beth Morgan and Sheri Rohrer. 2.5b Recognition of Retirees Toni Carmer, Chair of Conference Relations, began the time of recognition with a video interview montage of retirees sharing their reflections on both their life in ministry and plans for the future. Each honoree was introduced and presented with a certificate of appreciation by Bishop Coyner. The retirees represent a collective 1,540 years of faithful service. Bishop Coyner concluded with a prayer of blessing and appreciation for their authentic personhood, service, and witness. 2.5c Conference Cane Marie Lang presented the Conference Cane to Reverend George Dinwiddie. The cane, believed to date back to the mid-1800s, is presented to the oldest living clergy member of the Indiana Conference. Reverend Dinwiddie, 98, was ordained in the former South Indiana Conference in 1949 following service as a military chaplain. He retired from the North Indiana Conference and currently lives in LaGrange. 2.5d Course of Study Course of Study graduates were introduced by Dan Ransford, chair of the order of local pastors and associate members. Bishop Coyner presented each with a Cokesbury gift certificate. Those completing the program are: Linda McBride, John Long, Sharon Taylor, Daniel Voorhies, and Warren Kirkwood. Rev. Groves moved acceptance of the entire report, noting the printed report, as appearing on the consent calendar, should be corrected to reflect 14 not 15 persons approved for commissioning on the elder track and provisional membership. Due to time constraints these persons will be introduced at the next plenary. 2.6 COKESBURY UPDATE Jeff Barnes, executive director of retail stores and Cokesbury operations, greeted the Conference and announced the company s decision to close their only retail facility in the Conference. Under consideration is the possibility of assigning a sales representative to service Indiana congregations.
Dr. Bushfield announced a new partnership with the United Methodist Publishing House/Cokesbury designed to strengthen ministry with children. 2.7 Bishop Coyner encouraged the Conference take advantage of the longer noon recess as a period of respite and an opportunity to experience the unforced rhythms of grace as described in Matthew 11:28-30 - The Message. CONFERENCE IN RECESS FRIDAY, JUNE 11 BUSINESS PLENARY III 2:30 PM 3.1 CALL TO ORDER AND COURTESIES 3.2 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY (CONTINUED) John Groves and Sandy Harlan introduced the 14 approved candidates and Bishop Coyner offered prayer. Candidates: Bessie Adams; Daniel Cho, James Clark, Christopher Gadlage, Lauren Hall, Anthony Hunley, Jacob Juncker, Kim King, Matt Landry, William Nickrand, Damon Soper, Anthony Stone, Gregory Waggoner, and Donna Ward. 3.3 ORDER OF THE DAY - FOUNDATIONS 3.3a Reports United Methodist Foundation of South Indiana, Inc. Executive director Marie Lang, reviewed the purpose, history, gifts, and investment strategies of the Foundation and underscored that all donor restrictions, obligations, endowments, and commitments will continue to be honored if the merger is approved. The following grants were presented to the Indiana Annual Conference: $936 to support outdoor ministries; $2,000 for church growth and development; and $837 for missions. The amounts represent a 5% distribution of the gifts given to endow these areas of ministries and is consistent with the board s current distribution policies. Additionally, the Minister s Retirement Fund provided $265,000 to assist in providing health insurance for retired clergy. North Indiana Foundation of the United Methodist Church, Inc. Jeff Haley, president of the board, and executive director Manet Shettle presented the chronicles of the Foundation including its history, organizational structure, overview of funds management, and description of the loan fund. 3.3b Foundations Taskforce Gene Robbins, chair of the Task Force, summarized the process resulting in the merger recommendation. The boards of each Foundation agreed to proceed toward and, in anticipation of that end, the Indiana Area Foundation re-formed as the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (UMFI) -- adopting new articles of incorporation and by-laws. Upon completion of the merger UMFI becomes the surviving organization of the three foundations. The Indiana United Methodist Loan Ministry, Inc. (Loan Fund) will continue to have a separate and independent board and will be an affiliate of UMFI. Two members of the UMFI board of directors will have membership on the Loan Fund board. Appreciation was expressed to Clyde Fields and Jim Gentry for their leadership with the Foundations and throughout the process. 3.3c Annual Meetings of the Foundations for the Purpose of Voting on Merger North Indiana Foundation of the United Methodist Church, Inc. Jeff Haley called to order the Annual Meeting of the Foundation for the purpose of voting on the articles of merger. He reminded the Foundation that on February 26, 2010 the board of directors adopted a resolution recommending merger. By standing vote, the articles of merger were adopted and the meeting adjourned. United Methodist Foundation of South Indiana, Inc. Rick Childs convened the Annual Meeting of the Foundation for the purpose of voting on the articles of merger. He reminded the Foundation that on April 14, 2010 the board of directors adopted a resolution recommending merger. The articles of merger were adopted by count vote (as required by Foundation bylaws) and the meeting was adjourned. INDIANA CONFERENCE RECONVENES
3.4 ORDER OF THE DAY - SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIONS RELATED TO THE NEW UMFI 3.4a UMFI Board of Directors On behalf of the Board of Directors of the new United Methodist Foundation of Indiana Inc. (UMFI), David V. W. Owen moved confirmation of the board s provisional action establishing the UMFI inaugural Board of Directors. (seconded) Members of the Board are: Nancy Armstrong, Dixie Arter, Forest Bowers, Rick Childs, John Clay, Bishop Mike Coyner, Jim Gentry, Julie Goldsberry, Tom Heck, Walt Koon, Glenn Larson, Jay Love, Mary Miller, Mitch Norwood, Nancy Raidy, Gene Robbins, Jim Shaw, John Stroh, Roger Summers and DeVon Yoho.. 3.4b Covenant Statement Rev. Owen moved adoption (seconded) of The Covenant Between the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Inc. and the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc. The document outlines the covenantal relationship, which exists between the two entities. 3.4c Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Minister s Retirement Endowment Fund Rev. Owen moved adoption (seconded) of the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Minister s Retirement Endowment Fund. The memorandum records the corporate memory, historic shared understanding, and description of the Fund as related to the former South Indiana Foundation. 3.5 REJUVENATE Michelle Cobb, director of the Rejuvenate Project, introduced a video overview of the project and highlighted project accomplishments, events, and opportunities. From August through December 2010, Rejuvenate will provide special assistance in the form of a stipend to be credited toward the monthly Healthflex premium paid by clergy and surviving spouses. 3.6 CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES 3.6a CONNECT -- Building Connections Dr. Bushfield introduced CONNECT, formerly known as connectional ministries and encouraged the Conference to note how the ministry teams connect and intersect with the local church, each other, and the four UMC foci, ministry with the poor, improving global health, congregational development, and developing principled leaders. Representatives from each of the CONNECT ministry teams shared accomplishments, opportunities, updates and stories illustrative of building connections through resourcing local ministry and facilitating mission and advocacy. Celebratory highlights included, but were not limited to, the outstanding giving of Indiana through the ADVANCE; mobilization of almost 1,600 volunteer mission project teams; conference wide networks and grants to support advocacy ministries; outstanding leadership and training programs for clergy and laity; age-level programming; and spiritual formation opportunities. Other highlights included the announcement of Ellettsville UMC as recipient of the Bishop s Scouting Award and selection of a Conference Prayer Coordinator and formation of the Young Adult Leadership and the Spiritual Formation Teams. 3.6b Institutional Table The Institutional Relations Team is designed to cultivate and strengthen relationships with Indiana institutions having a United Methodist affiliation. Michael Cartwright, IRT chair, and Marie Lang presented a who are we quiz acquainting the Conference with historical highlights from the 21 institutions represented on the team. An update on Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary was given by its president, Rev. Dr. Phillip Amerson, using the theme we re bound together and finely woven in love. His remarks focused on the interrelatedness and interdependency of the agencies with the Conference and with each other. 3.6c Connectional Greetings Reiterating our general church connectional links, Dr. Bushfield invited the following general agency staff from Indiana to bring greetings: General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Meg Lassiat, Director of Student Ministry, Vocation, and Enlistment; and Mary Ann Moman, Associate General Secretary, Division of Ordained Ministry. General Board of Discipleship Taylor Burton-Edwards, Director of Worship Resources; and
Susan Ruach, Director of Connectional and Spiritual Leadership. 3.6d General Agency Updates A video update of the Advance was provided by David Malloy, annual conference liaison with The Advance for Christ and His Church General Board of Global Ministries. Hank Hilliard, manager of Youth Ministry Development, Division of Ministry with Young People (DMYP) General Board of Discipleship presented information on YOUTH 2011 scheduled for July 27-31, 2011 at Purdue University, West Lafayette. CONFERENCE IN RECESS FRIDAY, JUNE 11 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION 7:00 PM The lives of 35 clergy and 42 spouses were honored during the Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Resurrection. Bishop Coyner presided and served as communion celebrant. Rev. David D. W. Owen, preached the sermon Remember So We Can Live Again, based on Deuteronomy 34:1-8. In addition to the Conference Praise Team, special music was provided by the Handbell Choir of Meridian Street UMC, Indianapolis. Others participating in the service were Rev. Bill Keith, Rev Ted Chalk, Rev. Ann Spahr, and Dr. Carolyn Johnson. Remembered were: Clergy Baker, Robert, 11/26/2009; Berry, John, 3/16/2010; Bill, Lester, 7/9/2009; Blessing, William, 8/29/2009; Chrispell, Richard, 11/24/2009; Custer, Rex E., 10/3/2009; Enlow, John, 3/19/2010; Grame, Sheldon, 1/26/2009; Hamilton, Lucinda, 3/13/2010; Hayden, Ernest, 1/2/2010; Hendrix, Cecil,12/31/2009; Herr, Berneice, 12/20/2009; Hill, George, 2/11/2010; Hinds, Dorothy, 3/26/2010; King, Norris L., 9/13/2009; Lamar, William Fred, 1/13/2010; Lewke, Richard, 3/18/2010; Meddock, William D., 7/1/2009; Miller, Lloyd Howard, 5/18/2010; Moody, William C, 4/2/2010; Morgan,Ivan, 10/25/2009; Myers, Raymond, 9/11/2009; Palmatier, Howard Norman, 7/1/2009; Pavy, Doyle Jack, 2/27/2010; Pritchard, J. Samuel, 10/5/2009; Ray, James, 3/9/2010; Robertson,Charles, 5/15/2010; Schnepp, Kasey, 1/7/2010; Sharp, Earl, 9/24/2009; Sievers, Robert W., 8/11/2009; Smith, Laurence I., 7/24/2009; Taylor, Charles, 5/12/2010; Temple, Paul, 6/17/2009; Voit, Charles, 11/20/2009; Wilks,Donald, 10/18/2009. Spouses Ballard, Karleen, 9/5/2009; Beery, Merry, 1/24/2010; Bell, Roberta, 7/28/2009; Clark, James, 2/13/2010; Cobbs, Geraldine, 7/26/2009; Cook, Thurl, 3/5/2010; Dunten, David, 5/10/2010; Emerick, Mattie, 2/8/2010; Gowan, Judy, 3/18/2010; Huber, Betty Ann, 4/2/2010; Joyce, Pauline, 1/1/2010; Lafke, Willet, 12/15/2009; LaSuer, Mary Gene, 12/30/2009; Michel-Kaetzel, Evelyn,11/8/2009; O dell, Mary Jane, 3/31/2010; Saltzgaber, Carol, 11/6/2009; Smith, Doris Irene, 8/1/2009; Smith, Jane Anne, 12/3/2009; Smith, Norma, 10/3/2009; Steele, Diana M., 8/29/2009; Thistle, Muriel, 9/19/2009. Surviving Spouses Brett, Shirley A., 7/4/2009; Carey, Cordelia, 5/2/2010; Crecelius, Agnes, 8/2/2009; Fields, Mabel, 5/17/2010; Hathaway, Beverly Joan, 5/25/10; Heath, Eleanor, 12/16/2009; Howell, Mary, 6/9/10; Loomis, Marcella Sally, 11/25/2009; Moman, Amy Marguerite, 6/1/10; Morgan, Barbara, 3/21/2010; Persons, Madonna E, 8/31/2009; Rapson, Eleanor, 4/18/2010; Rich, L. Louise Doyle, 5/23/2010; Rowland, Doris, 11/4/2009; Schinkel, Leah, 9/19/2009; Schwien, Mildred, 12/18/2009; Shoemaker, Irene, 11/1/2009; Smith, Imogene, 10/27/2009; Stephens, Laura, 7/13/2009; Turley, Vesta, 9/23/2009; Williams, Rose, 12/29/2009; Yeater, Eileen, 9/21/2009. SATURDAY, JUNE 12 BUSINESS PLENARY IV 9:00 AM 4.1 CALL TO ORDER Bishop Coyner opened the session with prayer and called on Rev. Hubbard for courtesies and announcements. 4.2 RULE OF LAW RESPONSE Bishop Coyner read the following ruling into the record:
In response to the request for a rule of law presented yesterday by Charles Roth, lay member from Brookston UMC, I rule that the structures of the Indiana Conference for the functions of the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry are in compliance with Para. 634.1 of the 2008 BOD which authorizes an Annual Conference to develop an other structure to perform the functions and maintain the connectional relationships required by Para. 634 and the relevant Judicial Council decisions. Further, I rule that the more permissive language authorized by Para. 634.1 ( or other structure ) has been properly applied in interpreting the succeeding sub paragraphs (634.2, 634.3, 634.4,) of this paragraph of the Discipline. The Judicial Council in several recent rulings (900 and 1147 for example) has made it clear that there are some mandated structures (e.g. CFA, Board of Ordained Ministries) which simply must exist as stated, but in other cases where the BOD indicates that a conference may use other structures or other equivalent structures then what is mandatory is for the functions and connections to be clearly assigned to those other structures. I find that the Indiana Conference structure meets that requirement because it assigns those Disciplinary requirements to this other structure which is described as the Discipleship Leadership Development Team. 4.3 MONITORING REPORT Darren Cushman Wood shared celebratory observations from the monitoring team including: greater diversity among the ordinands; increased participation of women in report presentations (notably the CONNECT report); inclusion of sign language; and the diversity of musical styles and voices in the worship experiences. He concluded with the monitoring question of the day: Whose voices need to be added so that we can better praise God? 4.4 SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY YOUTH Conference Youth gifted Bishop Coyner with a whiteboard inscribed with Ecclesiastes 3:1 and a toolbox. Equipped with a hammer, tape measure, and level, the toolbox was selected as symbolic of the Bishop s leadership role in helping the Conference to dismantle and rebuild as needed, measure the depth and breadth of our progress, and ensure perfect alignment to our assigned tasks. 4.5 CABINET AND LAITY JOINT ADDRESS 4.5a Cabinet Resolutions Cabinet chair Cindy Reynolds moved adoption of the Cabinet Resolutions (printed and distributed as pages 12.1-12.7 of the Conference Workbook). 4.5b Appreciation and Celebration Dr. Reynolds expressed appreciation to Bishop Mike and Marsha Coyner noting today as their 40th wedding anniversary. The Conference congratulated with applause. 4.5c Joint Clergy Laity Address: Our Wesleyan Heritage and Ministry Today In the spirit of reclaiming our covenant of clergy and laity working together to the United Methodist movement for the 21st Century Dr. Reynolds and conference lay leaders, Kayc Mykrantz and Ike Williams presented a joint clergy laity address. Centerpiece of the address was an interactive dialogue with John Wesley (portrayed by Bert Kite) on the essentials of the Methodist movement. The conference was encouraged to go where God s people are, listen, and respond to need. As recommendations the conference was challenged to achieve the following: Every clergy to make at least one new believer this year; Every clergy to also be actively nurturing at least one person along on their faith journey to greater things; Every lay person to personally lead at least one person to Christ this year and to nurture them or one other disciple in their journey of faith development; Every local congregation to be intentional about reaching into their community, being with the people and sharing the message of God s salvation; and growing in their practices of radical hospitality, Every church grow in their discipleship of radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity. The address concluded with a reaffirmation of Wesley s mandate to Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can in all the places you can, for all the people you can, as long as ever you can. Dr. Reynolds moved approval of the entire Cabinet-Laity Joint Address. 4.6 MOTION ESTABLISHING A COMPLETION DATE FOR PASTORS MOVING TO A NEW CHARGE
Tim Prowse moved that pastors who are moving from one charge to another be excused from pastoral responsibilities in the charge they are departing two four weeks prior to the official start date of the new charge (seconded). 4.7 STAFF RECOGNITION Bishop Coyner recognized Ruth Ellen Needler, Assistant Director for Office and Conference Services, for her outstanding work in the preparatory and on-site operations of the Conference. Also recognized were the on-site services team comprised of support staff from the conference and district offices. 4.8 PENSIONS AND INSURANCE Greg McGarvey, substituting for chair Greg Rittenhouse, moved acceptance of the Pension and Insurance recommendations found on pages 51-58 of the Conference Workbook. Dr. McGarvey closed with an update on the Central Conference Pension Initiative. 4.9 ORDER OF THE DAY TRUSTEES -- ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE CORPORATIONS 4.9a Annual Meeting of the North Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc. Susan Kirkpatrick, president of the Corporation called the meeting to order, noted its activities report on pages 60-61 of the Conference Workbook and stated there were no action items before the Corporation. Brent Williams presented an update on activities related to the sale of Oakwood Park including pending litigation. There were no action items before the Corporation and the meeting was adjourned. 4.9b Annual Meeting of the South Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc. In the absence of president Brian Williams, Mark Dicken called the meeting to order. A report of Corporation activities is found on page 62 of the Conference Workbook. There were no action items before the Corporation and the meeting was adjourned. 4.9c Annual Meeting of the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc. Conference Wide Property, Casualty, and Workers Compensation Insurance Program Mark Dicken called the meeting to order and provided a report on the Conference Wide Property, Casualty, and Workers Compensation Insurance Program as instructed by the membership during the 2009 session. To that end, he moved adoption of the recommendations printed and distributed as Page 62 a/b addendum to the Conference Workbook. Discussion followed on the merits of mandated versus permissive language regarding establishment of a list of recommended minimum coverage. Taylor Burton-Edwards moved to amend (seconded) by changing the word recommend to mandate in recommendation #2. Amendment defeated. After further discussion, the original motion was placed to the house.. Conference Policy on Sale of District Property, Assets, and Discontinued Churches Rev. Dicken moved adoption of a Conference Policy on Sale of District Property, Assets, and Discontinued Churches as printed on page 62b.. Legal Counsel Rev. Dicken announced the Trustees selection of Baker and Daniels as legal counsel for the Corporation. With no further business before the Corporation, the meeting was adjourned 4.10 CONFERENCE CHANCELLOR Bishop Coyner asked the conference to confirm his nomination of John T. Neighbours, attorney with Baker and Daniels, as conference chancellor. CONFIRMED 4.11 YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY Brian Durand, Associate Director for Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Services, presented resource information focused on specific ways local churches can connect with youth and young people, especially those attending college. 4.12 CAMPING
Stan Buck and Jim Coy reported on behalf of the Camping Team providing an overview of Impact 2818 including renovation updates for the various sites. 4.12a Capital Campaign for Epworth Forest Update The Conference viewed the campaign promotional video Right Here, Right Now, Right Future: A Campaign for Camping Ministry at Epworth Forest. Stan Buck provided a progress report noting that $2.2 million in pledges has been received to date and construction of new cabins will begin summer 2010. Inquiries about the campaign should be directed to Rev. Jean Brindel, Development Director. Pledges and Lead Gifts Rev. Shannon Stringer presented a pledge from St. Joseph UMC (Fort Wayne) for an additional $100,000 beyond the $90,000 already pledged; and Cindy Osgood, senior pastor of Bluffton First UMC, presented their pledge of $75,000. Elkhart Trinity UMC and First Wayne Street UMC (Fort Wayne) were acknowledged for their previously given lead gifts. Appreciation Bishop Coyner offered a prayer of appreciation and well being for Bishop R. Sheldon Duecker who was unable to attend Conference due to ill health. Bishop Duecker serves as honorary chair of the campaign and is an impassioned advocate for camping ministries. 4.12b Referral from the Disability Ministry and Mission and Advocacy Teams The Camping Team was asked to work cooperatively with the Disability Ministry Team and the Mission and Advocacy Team to ensure our camping sites both welcome and accommodate the wide diversity of special needs campers. 4.13 NOMINATIONS FINAL REPORT Lisa Schubert presented the following additions and corrections to the Nominating Report and moved acceptance. Page 7, Youth Ministry Team, Remove Sam Bunch; Page 8, Board of Ordained Ministry South District Chair, Remove Sandy Cooper and add Tony Alstott; Southwest District Chair, remove Randy Anderson and add David Henry; Page 10, Trustees, add Nancy Leonard Page 15 Human Resources, Remove At-large Member Director of Human Resources Adolf Hansen and add At-large member and Director of Administrative Services Brent Williams Page 19, United Methodist Children s Home, Remove Andre Hammonds 4.14 RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UPPER ROOM Dr. Bushfield introduced Upper Room publisher Sarah Wilke for remarks and a video presentation celebrating the 75th anniversary of the devotional booklet. She commented that Indiana s financial gift was instrumental in the publication and distribution of special editions to crisis areas such as Haiti and the Louisiana Gulf Coast. 4.15 COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION FINAL REPORT CONFERENCE BUDGET 4.15a Budget Kent Millard highlighted the tithing report, and moved adoption of the budget as printed in the Conference Workbook. Considerable discussion was generated by the tithing report, most specifically on issues of accountability and the impact on ministry when churches, especially those with large budgets, fail to pay their apportionment. Young adult and campus ministries were lifted as cases in point of ministries no longer in the Conference line item budget. 4.15b Motion to Study Accountability and Prepare Recommendations for 2011 Dan Berger moved that the Leadership Table and the Indiana Cabinet study the issue of accountability for paying the church tithe and share that report, with recommendations, to the 2011 Annual Conference. (seconded) 4.15c Special Offerings Dr. Millard moved approval of the special offerings calendar. The calendar includes the six (6) special Sundays approved by General Conference and two conference specific offerings -- Campus Ministry (February) and the Compassion Fund for Retired Clergy Health Insurance (June and/or July). The six
general church special Sundays are: Human Relations Day (January); One Great Hour of Sharing (March); Native American Ministries Sunday (April); Peace With Justice Sunday (May); World Communion Sunday (October); and United Methodist Student Sunday (November). 4.15d Rule of Law Request Charles Roth made the following Rule of Law request: I respectfully request a rule of law concerning whether the action just taken by the annual conference in passing a budget that it is[sic] in compliance with paragraphs 615 and 811.4 of the 2008 Book of Discipline and with Judicial Council decision 1054 and 1146. This is in regards to indication to each local church of general apportionments. Bishop Coyner initially ruled the request out of order citing CFA s corrective response to the Judicial Council s previous ruling on the same matter. Mr. Roth asserted his concern that while the oral report included information about general church notification, the printed report did not. Bishop Coyner received the request and will rule. [* Note: Bishop Coyner s ruling appears in a post-script to these proceedings] 4.15e Motion Amending the CFA Report as Printed in the Conference Workbook Kent Millard moved to suspend the rules (seconded) in order to act on a motion amending CFA s printed report. MOTION CARRIED RULES SUSPENDED Dr. Millard moved that CFA s printed report be amended as follows: that the Indiana Conference approve CFA s proposal to inform every UM congregation in Indiana of their 2010 and 2011 General Church Apportionments via the Indiana UM website. 4.15f Special Recognition CFA out-going members Paul Arnold, Steve Johnson, Karen Ottjes, and Don Spence were recognized for their outstanding service. 4.15g Motion adopting CFA report in entirety Dr. Millard moved approval of entire report 4.16 GREETINGS Gilbert C. Hanke, General Secretary, General Commission of United Methodist Men, brought greetings on behalf of the agency. 4.17 GENERAL CONFERENCE AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCES 2012 Conference Secretary, Carolyn Johnson provided information about the 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conferences and the delegate elections taking place during the 2011 annual conference session. Delegate distribution numbers will be received by the conferences in December 2010. General Conference will be held April 24-May 4, 2012, in Tampa, Florida, and the North Central Jurisdictional Conference July 17-21, 2012, in Akron, Ohio. 4.18 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS LeKisha Reed, Associate Director for Missions and Advocacy, announced information on the mission census; and Sandy Harlan, Associate Director of Clergy Services announced vocation in ministry events. 4.19 SESSION COMMITTEE FINAL REPORT Rev. Hubbard thanked the Conference and announced that the Bishop has fixed the date of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Indiana Conference as June 9-11, 2011, at Ball State University, Muncie. 4.20 PRAYER REQUESTS Bishop Coyner led the conference in prayer for Denise Lapsely, a member of the conference praise team and pastor of Monroeville UMC. Rev. Lapsely became ill and had to leave conference. 4.21 DAY OF OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Dale Mendenhall, East District Superintendent, explained the logistics and gave final instructions for those participating in the Day of Outreach activities. He also provided information regarding supplementary activities for those remaining on campus. CONFERENCE DISMISSED FOR DAY OF OUTREACH SATURDAY, JUNE 12 DAY OF OUTREACH AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES MUNCIE COMMUNITY More than 630 members and guests dressed in bright-orange Practice Faith lettered t-shirts and 150 local volunteers participated in mission activities including but not limited to a prayer walk, repairing homes, visiting nursing homes and care facilities, working in food banks and community mission sites, assisting in the Habitat for Humanity Re-store, and assembling health kits for Liberia and Sierra Leone. SATURDAY, JUNE 12 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION 7:00 PM Inspiring accounts of mission and ministry, interspersed with vibrant music led by the praise and worship team provided the Conference an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the Day of Outreach activities. Karen Powell, general chair, expressed appreciation for the countless numbers of local volunteers whose coordinated efforts created a seamless day of mission and ministry. Bishop Coyner, read from John 6 on the feeding of the 5,000 and challenged the Conference to multiply our community outreach by replicating the experience in their home communities. SUNDAY, JUNE 13 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION The service was officiated by Bishop Coyner with special music provided by the Conference Praise Team and the choirs and orchestra of St. Luke s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. Nineteen elders and three deacons were ordained and 14 were commissioned for provisional membership. Three children of ministerial families were baptized and an offering was received for the cabinet s emergency fund to assist ministers in need. Bishop Coyner s sermon Do Not Trifle, was based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Isaiah 6:1-8, and Matthew 28:16-20. He stressed the importance of spending time with God and with family; the importance of being ready and open to mission opportunities; and the need to have a sense of urgency regarding ministry. POSTSCRIPT JUNE 21, 2010 RESPONSE TO THE JUNE 12 RULE OF LAW REQUEST *RESPONSE BY BISHOP MICHAEL COYNER In response to the request for a rule of law presented during the final session of the Indiana Conference on June 12th by Charles Roth, lay member from Brookston UMC, I rule that the budget as presented by the CFA and passed by the Indiana Conference is in compliance with paragraphs 615 and 811.4 of the 2008 BOD and with Judicial Council decisions 1054 and 1146. Following the receipt of Judicial Council decision 1146, the CFA of the Indiana Conference announced in the Hoosier United Methodist Together newspaper (posted on May 19th) its plan to list the General Church apportionments for all individual congregations on the Indiana Conference website. Then in the initial CFA presentation on Thursday of Annual Conference (June 10th) their report and power point explained this Judicial Council decision and noted that the General Church apportionments for all individual congregations for 2010 and 2011 were listed on the website. On Saturday, June 12th, the CFA moved to amend their pre-conference report and gain Annual Conference approval for using the web site to inform all local congregations of their General Church apportionments for 2010 and 2011 (and the Annual Conference approved that amendment), and thus the final report of the CFA, including the 2011 budget and the web site posting of all General Church apportionments, was approved in proper order.
I believe it is clear from all of this information and the approval by the Indiana Conference of the CFA report that the Tithe is not a substitute for the General Church apportionments but a strategy to accomplish the full payment of these General Church apportionments, as noted in the CFA report itself which states, If all churches pay their tithe in full, based upon their 2009 tithe income, the Indiana Conference will be able to pay these General Church apportionments in full (page 22 of the pre-conference reports). Further I find in examining the actual Indiana Conference web site listing of the General Church apportionments assigned to each local congregation that the total of these individual amounts for 2011 equals the $5,767,921 assigned by the GCFA to the Indiana Conference, which means that 100% of the General Church apportionment has been distributed to all of the local congregations of the Indiana Conference.