June 6, 2011
In the News
Morning Bible Study: Dr. P. Alice Rogers, from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, led the morning Bible Study session focusing on Paul's letter to the Philippians and the partnership in the good news of Jesus Christ. She expressed, "We are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ."
Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion: Twenty-six clergy and clergy spouses who had passed since the 2010 AWF Annual Conference session were remembered today during the Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion. Rev. Frederick Outlaw offered the inspiring and spirited sermon, "Breaking the Huddle." He preached, "God calls on us to go with him places we have never been before." Surviving family members were hosted at a special luncheon by the AWF Commission on Archives and History.
Business Session & Balloting: Rev. Walker Epps, Dothan District Superintendent, welcomed everyone on behalf of the host district. Dr. Steve Furr and Dawn Hare were elected to the 2012 General Conference laity delegation from the first and second ballots. No election was produced from the first clergy ballot. The results from the second clergy ballot will be announced Tuesday morning. Continuous election results can be found here.
Methodist Colleges: General Charles Krulak, new president of Birmingham-Southern College; and President Cam West of Huntingdon College, addressed the lay and clergy in attendance with brief updates about their respective colleges.
Commissioning & Ordination: Those approved for commissioning and ordination as deacons and elders were introduced by Dr. Larry Bryars and received a standing ovation. Two associate members were also introduced to the audience.
Asbury Award: Dr. Hilda Cox received the Francis Asbury Award today for her work in the area of campus ministry.
Local Pastors: Those local pastors receiving their license for the first time were greeted by Bishop Leeland and recognized during today's afternoon business session.
Extension Ministers: Clergy serving in Extension Ministries (appointments outside the local church) were introduced this afternoon and applauded by the annual conference.
Retiring Clergy Recognized: Eighteen clergy were recognized upon their retirement during today's business session. Together, the following clergy have a combined 481 years of service. They are:
-Aida Lea Barrera-Segura
-Jim Belcher
-John Belcher
-Thad Chesser
-Mary Beth Cloyd
-Hugh B. Encinias
-J. Walker Epps
-William Hodge
-Richard Hughes
-Dianne Kelly
-John King
-Ronald Lee
-Ted Lovelace
-Dan Rhodes
-Edwin A. Rose
-Gerald Shelton
-Stephen Smith
-David C. Stewart, Sr.
Rev. Gerald Shelton spoke on behalf of the retiring class, passing the torch to Rev. Wes Kelley. Wes represented the 2011 class of ordinands. A reception was held Tuesday afternoon in honor of the retiring clergy.
Service of Ordination: The Service of Ordination was held this evening in the cathedral sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. An overflow crowd represented family members and special friends of those being ordained. Prior to the start of the service, the cathedral choir of FUMC Montgomery presented special music led by Mr. Jack Horner and Mrs. Susan Cooper. The service included the ordination of two deacons in full connection and sixteen elders in full connection. Two associate members were also recognized.
Bishop Alfred Wesley Gwinn, Jr. spoke to the ordinands about how God has called them into His work. Bishop Gwinn said, "This calling is about living for and with Jesus" and expressed that it is counter cultural to today's world. "This calling is about losing focus on the things of this world," he said.
A special moment in the service was the back-to-back ordination of husband and wife Meghan and Wes Kelley.
To see photos from tonight's ordination service, click here.
UMCOR Relief Kit Drive: As a reminder, please deliver your UMCOR Relief Kits to the trailer parked in the Frazer UMC parking lot.
Get a Copy: CD and DVD copies of many portions of annual conference are available for purchase. Click here to order.
Multimedia
Photos
View photos from the 2011 Annual Conference session (added daily).
Videos
Watch videos related to the 2011 Annual Conference session here.
Live Streaming
Watch selections of the 2011 Annual Conference LIVE from your home or work.
Remaining Streaming Schedule
All sessions available at www.frazerumc.org/media/live, times are CST
Tuesday, June 7
-Bible Study with Dr. P. Alice Rogers: 8:00am
-First Teaching Session with Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.: 10:00am
-Second Teaching Session with Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.: 11:00am
-Commissioning Service: 1:30pm
-Laity Banquet, Mary Ellen Bullard Leadership Address featuringThe Honorable Sue Bell Cobb, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice: 5:00pm
Wednesday, June 8
-Service of Sending Forth: 11:15am
Social Media
Follow the action of the conference live at www.twitter.com/awfumc and www.facebook.com/awfumc. Tweeting during annual conference? Use the hash tag #awfac2011 to share in the conversation.
Stay connected throughout Annual Conference at www.awfumc.org/ac2011. |
