The Minutes for today's sessions can be found at the bottom of the page.
The processional began at 10:30am on Monday, June 6.
The Clergy & Laity Sessions were held at 3pm.
| The Clergy Session was held in Brown Chapel. |
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The Laity Session was held in the Gold Dome.
| Though it looks clear, due to inclement weather the dinner was moved to the cafeteria and the camp meeting was moved to the Gold Dome. |
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Monday Morning Session June 6, 2005
Bishop William Hutchinson convened the thirty-fifth session of the Louisiana Annual Conference at 10:30 A.M. Rev. Harold Babin, retiring this year after serving at St. Francisville United Methodist Church for the past 33 years, offered a word of prayer. The Bishop welcomed all to the Conference.
Bishop William Hutchinson explained that Mayor Hightower, Mayor of Shreveport, was unable to come and speak to the Conference. In his place, his Executive Assistant, Ms. Liz Swain, brought greetings to the Conference and expressed how happy they were to have us back in Shreveport .
Mimi McDowell showed us a video of Dr. Ken Schwab welcoming us to Centenary College . Mimi thanked her staff for their hard work preparing the Gold Dome to be in tip-top shape for the Conference.
Dr. Pat Day, representing our Shreveport Clergy, thanked the Conference for letting First UMC host the Memorial Service and the Ordination Service.
Dr. William Peeples, District Superintendent of the Shreveport District, moved that the main floor of the Physical Education Center be designated as the bar of the Conference Center for the Laity Session, Monday, June 6 th , 2005 and that the Nave of the Brown Chapel be designated as the Bar of the Conference for the Clergy Session, Monday, June 6, 2005 and that beginning Monday morning, June 6 th , 2005, the main floor of the Physical Education Center of Centenary College be designated as the Bar of the Conference. I also and with ambiguous delight move that Tuesday's order of the day be set at 11:00 A.M. for the retirees to address the Conference and the program be the agenda for the Annual Conference Session and the Bishop be empowered to make changes to complete the business of the Conference. I move that the material that is to be distributed to the Annual Conference Session be cleared through the Secretary prior to distribution. The motion was seconded and approved.
Dr. Carl Rhoads nominated Ms. Patricia Bolander, Ms. Judy Gross, Rev. Jack Phelps, Rev. Stuart Sherman and Rev. Darryl Tate as Assistant Secretaries of this Annual Conference Session. I would further like to nominate Mr. Pete Aguila, Rev. Andrew Douglas, Mr. Walter Parker, Sr. and Rev. Darryl Tate as Head Tellers. I also would like to direct your attention to the following six matters:
- All materials for Conference members are to be approved by and distributed through the Conference Secretary. These materials are to be given to Rev. Stuart Sherman and are to be marked with the day and time of distribution.
• Forms for writing amendments and motions that are presented to the Conference may be picked up at the secretary's desk.
• Similar forms are available for persons requesting courtesy letters to be sent from the Conference. Forms for presenting special guests to the Conference are also available.
• Any changes or corrections that need to be made regarding Pre-Conference Reports should be completed and given to Ms. Patricia Bolander.
• Special sound for the hearing impaired is provided for all plenary sessions here in the Gold Dome.
• One petition will be provided at your desk at the noon break and voted on Wednesday afternoon. This will allow for the official 24 hour notice.
The motion was presented by Dr. Carl Rhoads and it was seconded and approved.
Don Cottrill made several announcements.
Mimi McDowell introduced the theme “Prevenient Grace, God's Whisper in our Hearts”
and also expressed the importance of the Camp Meeting this evening.
Dr. Bob Burgess, Chair of the Episcopacy Committee, accompanied by Anita Crump asked Fred Loy to accompany Kay Hutchinson to the podium. Mrs. Hutchinson mentioned that Anita Crump presented her with a hat to wear to the General Jurisdictional Conference and didn't realize the hit it would make. She mentioned she and Bishop Hutchinson are delighted to be back and serving for the next three years here in the Louisiana Conference.
Anita Crump escorted Bishop Hutchinson to the stand and Bob Burgess presented him with a Nutcracker Russian Santa.
Bishop William Hutchinson presented his Episcopal Address.
Dr. Carl Rhoads made some announcements.
Bishop William Hutchinson adjourned the session for a lunch break.
Monday Afternoon Session
1:15 p.m. Gathering Music led by Lee Cooke, Jan Cooke pianist. Prayer together using the verses of “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” as the prayer.
The afternoon session opened with prayer led by Trey Stephens, outgoing Conference Council on Youth Ministries President.
Grace Note #1- Karl Klaus, and Sarah Kreutziger. Sang “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin.” Sarah spoke on “Remember Who We Are!”
New Business:
John Deschner from Committee on Petitions presented one petition for consideration. Petition “A Call to Prayer and Reflection” on the subject of whether UMC should continue their membership in the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Vote will be on Wednesday.
Dr. Pat Day introduced the Conference CFA members and Carl Rhoads, Conference Treasurer and Statistician. He spoke to the great need for leadership on Biblical stewardship in the Louisiana Annual Conference.
CFA Report #1: Dr. Day reminded us that our churches should pay apportionments first, and then the second mile giving including the General Church Observances with Special Offerings. He highlighted #8- moving expenses, #9-Annual Conference Expenses, and #10-compensation for pastors who are moving. Report # 1 moved for adoption. Carried overwhelmingly.
Equitable Compensation: Ray Sutton presented the Report on page 156. The purpose of Equitable Compensation is to provide “a living wage” support for our clergy. The report reflects a 1% reduction to all categories, which is reflected in the percentages listed in the report. Motion to accept the report. Carried overwhelmingly.
Report of the Publishing House – Gordan Dillahunty, representative from Cokesbury, brought to our attention some new resources available from Cokesbury. The Cokesbury display is in the Fitness Center. Mr. Dillahunty then presented a check for $9225.62 from the United Methodist Publishing House.
The Bishop introduced a DVD on the Central Conference Pension Initiative. The need for pensions in the Central Conferences was presented in the video. Recommendation will follow from our Board of Pensions to give the money received from the United Methodist Publishing House to Central Conference Pension Initiative.
The offering at the Sunday evening Memorial Service was $2241to be given to the Mt. Sequoyah Heavenly Beds Campaign.
Report from La. UM Foundation – Michael Reeves reports extraordinary growth in the LA Methodist Foundation. Recommendation from Chair of Board of Trustees, Larry Stafford. Articles of Incorporation revision: inclusive language, reduce number of committees, reduce the size of the Board. Articles of Incorporation (page 146-154) moved for adoption. Carried.
Report of Nominations Committee #1: Page 187-189 Carl Rhoads. Moved for adoption.
Carried.
Report of Statistician: Carl Rhoads - Membership is up by 213 at close of 2004. There is an 18% increase in Professions of Faith, 7% increase in baptisms, 4.5% increase in members on our constituent rolls, 10% increase in membership in Confirmation Classes, small groups increase in percentage in all areas. There is growth in all areas of property and other assets. Table II shows increase in payment of apportionments. We had tremendous growth in “second mile giving” due to our response to the tsunami tragedy. 44% increase in Youth Service Fund. We increased in all areas of benevolence giving. Salaries increased only slightly, but all benefits increased significantly. Report accepted.
Bishop reminded us that we are a nation at war. We have a group of chaplains to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for their work with our military. We recognized Chaplains Bill Willis, Scott Adams and Tim Neustifter as representatives of all our Chaplains.
Invitation to Wesley Tour of England – Paula Cole. Sept. 4, 2006 leaving from New Orleans (other departure site cost a little extra.) cost is approximately $2548. The Wesley Heritage Tour brochure will give additional information. The tour begins in London and then travels to Birmingham. All are encouraged to participate.
Lilly Grant Progress Report: Bishop Ken Carder welcomed. Craig Gilliam thanked the Bishop and all others for support. The report is on page 189-203. LA Annual Conference received $700,000 grant to help fund pastoral and laity spiritual growth and renewal. 19 clergy have benefited from the renewal program thus far. Center for Pastoral Effectiveness brochure presents current possibilities for experiences. Rev. Ellen Alston recently attended Soul Journey One and spoke to her experiences. Carole Cotton-Winn invited all to join The Academy for Spiritual Leadership. Andy Goff shared his experiences with the Academy. Carole introduced Bishop Carder who represents the Lilly Endowment, which helps fund grants for clergy support and renewal. These are exciting and blessed programs to enhance our spiritual growth together.
Closing announcements.
Laity Session
Dr. Anita Crump introduced Conference Lay Leader, Mayor Ned Randolph. Dr. Crump opened with prayer. Mayor Randolph notified us that Sen. Robert Adley, could not be present because of pressing legislative issues in Baton Rouge. In his stead, his wife, Claudia Adley spoke on the topic “Politics and the Church.” What is the role of Christians in today's divisive politics? 1: Christian lobby-Lobbyists help keep legislators informed about issues and are gracious when differences of opinion occur. Christian lobbyists help present the church's position on issues to help legislators know where the church stands. 2: Role of clergy -Clergy have responsibility to be involved in politics in a Christ-like manner. 3: Role of laity-Laity have responsibility to pray for legislators, to let your legislator know your stand on the issues. We all need to live as children of the King of kings.
Reports:
Jim Anderson, Assoc. Lay Leader – Laity Breakfast tickets available.
UMW President, Lueburda Myers – Page 74-75, the strong mission arm of the UMC. Celebrated 135 years of mission and ministry.
UMM President, Joe Kelley – Page 73-74. Every laity should be a member of UMW, UMM or UMY. Challenge to every man to be in service in his local congregation.
CCYM President, Trey Stephens – Youth events, Fall Convo, Jr. High Retreats, Sr. High Retreats, Confirmation Day with the Bishop, and DCYM Training, were well attended. New officers: President - Nik Belanger; Vice President - Eddie Higginbotham; Secretary- Whitney Harris; YSF Co Chairs-Lauren Gross and Amelia Bodin; Adult YSF Josh Tibbs; Executive Committee - Michael Caffery and Kristie Hodges. Their leadership promises a great year ahead.
Lay Speaking Ministries Chair, Joanne White – Introduced district Lay Speaking Chairs. Lay Speaking Schools available in local districts-laity can attend in any district. Encourage laity to be the ones to lead training of local church officials. Ask for support of laity in legislation of support of disabled babies and those with additions.
Daughenbaugh-Matheny Scholarships – Sarah Kreutziger. Page 71-72. Last year's report is presented in the Pre-Conference Report. This year, 25- $1,000 scholarships were given- one to every eligible applicant. Keep up the good support – the districts all increased their contributions.
Treasurer- Joyce Robinson – Hibernia Bank has two accounts: Bob Lay 1000 Club-$45,147.29; Board of Laity- $14,061.38. In Foundation: for 2005 call-$78,494.14; Grambling- $111,686.89; Daughenbaugh-Matheny - $15,597.74. Joyce announced the district quotas for 1000 Club and encouraged the districts to meet their goal.
Revision of By-Laws Committee: John Evans – Pages 75-81. Move to accept report. Carried unanimously.
Revision of 1000 Club By-Laws Committee: Buzzy Anding – 82-89. Deletions are highlighted ; additions are in bold type. Moved to adopt revisions. Carried unanimously.
Nominating Committee: Jim Anderson – There have been three resignations from the Board of Laity: Lay Leader, Mayor Ned Randolph; Associate Lay Leader, Jim Anderson; and Lay Speaking Ministries Chair, Joanne White. The Nominating Committee presented the following nominations: Lay Leader - Buzzy Anding; Associate Lay Leader- Joseph Page; Lay Speaking Ministries-Jane Blackwell.
Nominations from the floor: Assoc. Lay Leader – Sarah Kruetziger. Lay Speaking – Joyce Robinson.
Sarah Kreutziger was elected Associate Lay Leader. Jane Blackwell was elected Lay Speaking Ministries Chair.
Nominations for Daughenbaugh-Matheny Scholarship Chair– Joe Page. Elected unanimously.
2005 Board of Laity Officers: Lay Leader – Buzzy Anding; Assoc. Lay Leader – Sarah Kruetziger; Secretary – Carolyn Dove; Treasurer – Joyce Robinson; Daughenbaugh-Matheny Scholarship – Joe Page; Lay Speaking Ministries– Jane Blackwell; 1000 Club- Fred Banks.
Adjournment: closing prayer by Mayor Randolph.
Clergy Session
The prelude was presented by the Rev. Mickey Cloud.
Bishop William W. Hutchinson called the Clergy Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church to order on June 6, 2005 at 3:14 p.m.
The session began by singing the hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive.”
Rev. Victor McCullough offered the opening prayer.
The text Matthew 9:35-10:8 was read by the Rev. Ellen Alston. The message of the day, entitled “Are We Alive Yet?” was given by Rev. William Peeples. His theme was “Fulfillment truly comes to us through our compassion for the least, the last and the lost.”
The business of the Clergy Session followed.
Outgoing chair of the Order of Elders, Rev. Doug Cain, announced a gathering for this fellowship was being planned. Rev. Jerry Hilburn was elected chair of this group.
The Order of Deacons report was made by Regina Wren. Rev. Pam Roy stated that the Local Pastors Fellowship is alive and well.
Rev. Flint Shea announced that the Preaching Convocation set for spring of 2006 will compare successful preaching to those who have achieved success in the field of jazz.
The Clergy Session was concluded with the singing of the hymn “A Charge to Keep I Have.”
Jack D. Phelps, Secretary
