Louisiana Annual Conference 2007

Retirees
Rev. Dear & spouse	Rev. Eden	Rev. Hamilton

Rev. Nelson

Rev. Wyatt

Rev. Ezell & spouse

Rev. Sherer & spouse

Rev. Teeter & spouse

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The Passing of the Mantle

Viewing the Displays

TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007
MORNING SESSION

Lay Ballot #1 results were announced and George Anding, Jr. was elected. Lay Ballot #2 was called for. Clergy Ballot #2 was announced and there was no election. Clergy Ballot #3 was voted on.

Bible Study was led by Dr. Marjorie H. Suchocki who spoke on the “Means of Grace”.

The opening prayer was given by Rev. Beverly Connelly.

Rev. Scott Bullock, representing the Committee on the Journal, reported that he had reviewed the minutes for the Sessions of Annual Conference up to this point and they seemed to be in order. He made a motion that they be accepted as they stand. The motion was seconded and it carried.

Clergy Ballot #3 results were announced and Dr. Robert L. Burgess was elected. Clergy Ballot #4 was voted on.

Dr. Socorro deAnda, President, sent greetings from the Lydia Patterson Institute. She gave a report on the status of the institute and thanked the Louisiana Annual Conference for their support.

Dr. Mearle Griffith presented the Eagle Award to Terrell DeVille for the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.

Mr. Raymond Sutton gave the report of the Commission on Equitable Compensation which can be found on page 137 and 138 of the Pre-Conference Report. He reported that from the period of June through December of this year they had no Equitable Compensation applications. He asked that the Bishop and the Cabinet be recognized for their diligent work this year. Equitable Compensation for the next year will reduce their request for Apportionments by $25,000. He stated that Equitable Compensation was able to vote an increase by 1% the formula for the payment of Equitable Compensation that you find on page 138 of the Pre-Conference Report. The report was received by motion and seconded. The motion passed.

Lay Ballot #2 results were announced and there was no election. Lay Ballot #3 was voted on.

The report of the Wesley Center Board of Trustees was given by Mr. James Goins, Chair, and Mr. Shelby Smith, Chairman of the Development Program. The report can be found on pages 124 -132 of the Pre-Conference Report. There were two items that needed action and a vote of the Annual Conference. The first was the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Wesley Center found on page 126 – 128 and the second item was the By-laws of Wesley Center found on page 128 – 132. This action was brought about due to the name change from Louisiana Conference Center to Wesley Center. A motion was presented for the adoption of these two documents. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The report stated that the Wesley Center is debt free. All were encouraged to visit the new web site for the Wesley Center www.thewesleycenter.com. Phase I of the new development program was discussed. The first phase would include a Pavilion, meeting building, hard surface trails and lake work. A short video presentation was given. The Pavilion would be named after Bishop William Oden. Phase I to be completed by April 2008. The budget for Phase I is approximately 1.3 million dollars. At present there is available 1 million dollars from various sources listed in the report. In order to complete Phase I $300,000 needs to be raised. Pledges have already been received for $62,000. Bishop Hutchinson challenged the Conference to support the Wesley Center and this development program. Phase II was also reported on. A vote was taken to receive the report in its entirety and passed.

Report of Board of Ordained Ministry #2 was given by Van Stinson. The report can be found in the LA Now, with biographical sketches, and an order of service entitled, the “Passing of the Mantle”.

Van Stinson, Chair of the Committee on Conference Relations, offered a prayer and introduced the retirees. Eight retirees were present. The retirees are Allan W. Anderson, Jr., Burnell Bell, Virginia Kinkade Cutrer, Willis William Dear, Curtiss Dall Eden, Meredith Douglas Ezell, Linda Middlebrooks Hagan, Barbara Materre Hamilton, Robert Donald Hayes, Judy E. Nelson, C. Gerald Richardson, Carol Lawler Sherer, Richard Owens Teeter, Dorcas Ann Thornton, and Elizabeth Autry Wyatt.

In the Service of the Passing of the Mantle, the mantle was passed from Rev. Willis W. Dear representing the retiring class to Rev. Beverly Connelly representing the ordinands.

Lay Ballot #3 results were announced and Anita Crump and Sarah Kreutziger were elected. Clergy Ballot #4 were announced and Andrew Goff and Chris Andrews were elected. Clergy Ballot #5 and Lay Ballot #4 were cast.

Dr. Pat Day offered Report #1 of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration. The report begins on page 1 of the Pre-Conference Report. He brought attention to the Global Aids Sunday offering to be taken September 2, 2007. He stated that the Good Samaritan Observance will be temporarily suspended until the New Orleans institutions who supported this offering is determined. He continued his report by discussing stewardship and giving. CFA Report #1, 1 through 12 was adopted.

Dr. Carl Rhoads gave the report of the Statistician.

Announcements were made by Dr. Carl Rhoads.

Bishop Hutchinson adjourned the Session for lunch.

Balloting continues

George "Buzzy" Anding gives the Lay Leader Address

View the Lay Leader Address

Ministry Fair

Minutes Louisiana Annual Conference - Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Afternoon Session

We gathered to the beautiful and inspirational music of Rev. Cynthia Wilson accompanied by Mr. John Paul McGee. The youth delegates helped to lead us in obeying the Spirit of the Lord with lots of energy and dancing.

Miss Markie Belanger, President of Conference Youth, opened with prayer.

We received the report of ballot # 4 for the laity and ballot #5 for the clergy. Both Laity and Clergy had no election. Bishop Hutchinson led in prayer for the upcoming balloting. Ballots #5 for laity and #6 for the clergy were taken. Rev. Danny Gleason, St. Francisville, reminded the clergy that they needed to include female delegates.

Bishop Albert F. Mutti was welcomed to our Annual Conference. Bishop Mutti and his wife, Etta Mae, are chairpersons of the Global Aids effort. He will address us later this afternoon..

The Conference was pleased to hear the Laity Address presented by Conference Lay Leader, Mr. George “Buzzy” Anding. (Full text of the address will be sent to the Conference Office on Thursday.)

Mrs. Gail A. Nelson , President of the Conference Board of Trustees, presented 18 resolutions, on pages 42 through 56 and in the addendum of the Pre-Conference Report.. The 18 resolutions were Resolution. One - To ratify the sale of the New Orleans District parsonage on Germain St., New Orleans District; Resolution. Two - To ratify the donation of the Trinity United Methodist Church (Bunkie) property to Trinity United Methodist Church (Bunkie), Alexandria District; Resolution. Three - To ratify the acceptance of a donation, Louisiana Annual Conference; Resolution. Four - To amend Report Number 4 passed at the 1989 Annual Conference (To discontinue and abandon Mill Creel United Methodist Church), Shreveport District; Resolution Five - To discontinue and abandon Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church located in Vanceville, Bossier Parish, Shreveport District; Resolution. Six - To amend Resolution Number One passed at the 1999 Annual Conference (To discontinue and abandon Godman United Methodist Church) Acadiana District; Resolution. Seven - To ratify the sale of the Lake Charles District parsonage, Lake Charles District; Resolution. Eight - To amend Resolution Seven passed at the 2006 Annual Conference (to donate the Winbourne United Methodist Church property) Baton Rouge District; Resolution. Nine - To discontinue and abandon St. James United Methodist Church, Acadiana District; Resolution. Ten - To discontinue and abandon St. Paul United Methodist, Acadiana District; Resolution Eleven - To discontinue and abandon Trinity of Gentilly United Methodist Church, New Orleans District; Resolution Twelve - To discontinue and abandon Napoleon Avenue United Methodist Church, New Orleans District; Resolution Thirteen - To discontinue and abandon John Wesley United Methodist Church, New Orleans District; Resolution Fourteen - To discontinue and abandon Felicity United Methodist Church, New Orleans District; Resolution Fifteen - To discontinue and abandon St. Philip United Methodist Church, New Orleans District; Resolution Sixteen - To ratify the donation of 16.432 acres to Northpoint United Methodist Church, Shreveport District; Resolution Seventeen - To ratify the purchase of the Lake Charles District Parsonage, Lake Charles District; Resolution Eighteen - To discontinue and abandon Clayton United Methodist Church, Alexandria District. Rev. Steve Porter, Centenary- Fisher charge, raised a question about the cemetery referred to in Resolution Five. Round Grove United Methodist Church, Shreveport has asked for care of the cemetery. The report was received, seconded and approved. Bishop Hutchinson and Buzzy Anding gave accolades for the work of Gail Nelson (and the generous help of her husband) and the entire Board of Trustees over the last year.

Mr. Rob Fairly gave Report of United Methodist Foundation. He encouraged everyone to use the resources of the Foundation in the local church, as well as individually. An excellent video on creative giving to benefit the church or conference was viewed by the delegation.

Rev. Gene Finnell presented the Report of the Conference Ministry Team Ministry Fair. We will start three new churches this year and that is a remarkable accomplishment. The Resolution on Risk Reduction in the area of Child/Teen Abuse (found on page 57 of the Pre-Conference Report) was removed from consideration for further refinement of the language. This summer the youth “Happening” movement celebrates 15 years of retreats for youth. Many commitments to full time ministry have come from participant in Happening. We accepted the report and then viewed a video highlighting nine areas of ministry in the Louisiana Conference. We broke into breakout sessions to learn more about these ministries.

Bishop Hutchinson reconvened us with the report of Laity Ballot #5 and Clergy Ballot #6. Clergy elected Ellen Alston. Laity had no election. After prayer, we took Laity Ballot #6 and Clergy Ballot #7.

Dr. Terrel Deville presented the Report of the United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc. and The Methodist Home for Children in New Orleans as presented in the Pre-Conference Report. The New Orleans Home report requests that it be combined with the Ruston Children’s Home. This is the wish of both Boards of Trustees and will take place as soon as possible in the future. There are plans to open a home in the southwest Louisiana. They are also looking to negotiate a lease of a hospital in the Mandeville area. This requires Louisiana legislative action and the Legislature is considering this as we speak. Multiple campuses will help with early intervention in the homes of families needing help. Please pray that the Children’s Homes can continue to provide the care needed for the children. Every child who comes to any Children’s Home is introduced to Jesus Christ. Report was passed. Bishop Hutchinson led in prayer for the Legislature as they deliberate.

Mr. Gordon Dillahunty, the publishing House representative at Cokesbury, brought several new resources to our attention. Rev. Stacey Hood has written 3 songs for the 2008 VBS curriculum. Mr. Dillahunty presented Bishop Hutchinson with a check in the amount of $8,743.92 to go toward the Pension Fund for the Central Conferences. We viewed a video about the Central Conferences and the great benefit this fund is to those who live there.

Rev. J. Roddy Taylor presented the Report of the Board of Pensions. He highlighted page 25, 1. A; page 28, Report II; and page 38, IV. G. the recommendation to give the check from Cokesbury to the Central Conference. Dr. Chris Andrews, First UMC, Baton Rouge, asked about the shortfall of the medical insurance coverage that was paid out of reserve. He asked what is in reserves and what is current demand on those funds? Rev Taylor stated that the figures are included in the report. The shortfall was paid out of interest on Reserve Fund and asks for prayer that this is a one time event. Report adopted.

Rev. Lyndle Bullard presented the Report of the Rules Committee. Rules are printed in the Journal for all to study or review. The report appears on page 144, of the Pre-Conference Report. Rev. Larry O’Dell, St. Andrews, Baton Rouge, proposed a change of the apportionment formula to remove average of two years, so that it is based on last year’s audit figures only. Rev. Larry Stafford, First UMC, Monroe, who serves on the GCFA, feels that in a time of volatility, you have given permission to adjust the apportionments. If this change is made, there would be some radical changes and the committee feels that the averaging of 2 years will protect churches from sudden large increases. Rev. O’Dell rebutted that the time is right to make the change. The report was defeated.

Rev. John Deschner presented the first Report of the Committee on Petitions. Petition #2 was to hold the 2008 Annual Conference in Orleans Parish and in New Orleans. Rev. Sheri Zehner, speaking for the Agenda Committee, asked to substitute the following motion instead of the petition: “A committee will be formed to research the feasibility/cost of Annual Conference in Orleans Parish for 2009 Conference. The study findings will be reported to the 2008 Conference.” Dr. Tom Smith withdrew his petition in favor of the new resolution. Rev. Lamar Oliver, Pharr Chapel, asked that Southwest Louisiana also be considered. Resolution carried.

Petition 6 asks the Louisiana Conference and its churches and institutions pledge not to buy. Sell, or use cypress mulch and its derivatives. We also encourage the state and federal governments, and large retailers, like Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s to take significant action to conserve cypress forests. Rev. Donnie Wilkinson, St. Andrew’s-Oak Ridge, made a motion to amend the petition as follows: “Be it further resolved that this petition be presented to the 2008 General Conference with the concurrence of the Louisiana Annual Conference.” Rev. Gene Faurie, Buras, Trinity, asked if trees are logged just for mulch or if the mulch is a byproduct from other uses. Mrs. Rosemary Ewing, Trinity, Ruston, stated that the mulch is made as a byproduct. The owners decide what they want to cut. If you oppose use, just don’t buy it. Ms. Sarah Schoeffler rebutted that companies are cutting hundreds of acres. Rev. Jeff Conner, Coop. #6, spoke in support of the petition. Petition carried.

Ballot report: Laity ballot #6 - Mrs. Carolyn Dove elected; and Clergy ballot #7- Rev. Bernadine Johnson elected. Bishop Hutchinson led in prayer for the upcoming balloting. We took Laity Ballot #7 and Clergy Ballot #8.

Rev. John Deschner returned to continue the petitions. Petition 5 resolves that the minimum requirement in the Job Description for next Executive Secretary of Administrative Services is a professional designation of business acumen such as a Master of Business Administration degree or Certification of Public Accountancy reflecting the God given interest, talent, education, and resulting expertise to oversee the administration and distribution of those funds. Dr. Pat Day, CFA, fears this will limit persons under consideration. It would also Bishop Hutchinson from appointing gifted administrators who do not have formal business training. Excellent training is provided for this position. Mr.Beryl Billiot asked if it could be a suggestion instead of a requirement. Rev. John Vining, Abbeville, asked if the position is an appointment, i.e. appointed clergy. The petition was defeated.

Bishop Alfred F. Mutti, Co-Chair with his wife, Etta Mae, of Global Aids effort, spoke to the ravages that the AIDS epidemic has wrought on the world. He and his wife have lost two sons to this devastating disease. We viewed a video of aids victims. 40 million people around the world have Aids. World is only responding slowly to the crises, due in part to the fact that se 2/3 of people are in subterranean Africa. However it is a world health crisis. The church has been slow to respond. Christ called his followers to bring healing to the world. 2004 General Conference established the Global Aids Fund. What was originally to be an $8 million apportionment became an Advance Special. Thanks to Louisiana Conference for response to their goal of $127,000. Bishop Mutti will be available to visit with individuals through Wednesday lunch. We will take an offering tonight for Global Aids Fund.

The Worship Service tonight will be held in this hall. There will be 30 minutes of business before worship tonight. Rev. Emile Tosso reported that there is a traffic accident on I-12 with several fatalities. He led in prayer for those involved in the situation, as well as for Rev. Bill Rowell, who became ill after last evening service, Rev. Connie Thomas who suffered a fall yesterday at Conference, and for Belinda Cason Denicola, Conference Assistant Secretary, whose father died on Sunday.

The session was adjourned for dinner.

Bishop Hutchinson reported on Laity Ballot #7- no election and also on Clergy Ballot # 8- no election. He led in prayer for the next balloting. We took Laity Ballot #8 and Clergy Ballot #9. The results will be reported at the first session on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Dean Sawyer, St. Luke-Simpson, made a motion that when reporting ballots , those with less than 10 votes will not be read. The motion passed.

Rev. John Deschner returned to present Petition 3, which concerns use of the Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and other assets of the old Board of Temperance. Dr. Phil Woodland received the following from Jim Winkler, of the General Board of Church and Society.

This petition was actually written by an organization outside our denomination that routinely seeks to raise doubt and suspicion about the ministry of the UMC.
The petition before us calls on the GBCS to honor the guidelines for the purposes for which funds were given some 90 years ago to construct the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill. What indeed were those purposes? Well, if you signed a pledge card in 1921 to contribute to the fund it stated the purpose was to build a structure “located in Washington to represent the denominational activities here. Engaged in the erection of a Methodist Building in the Nation’s Capital Appreciates your cooperation in pledging of $______ (in 1921).”
The old Board of Temperance, Prohibition, and Public Morals incorporated itself in the District of Columbia in 1917 “To promote the cause of temperance by every legitimate means; to prevent the improper use of drugs and narcotics; to render aid to such causes as in the judgment of the Board of Trustees, tend to advance the public welfare.” (Certificate of Incorporation, May 21, 1917), As you can see, the purposes for which the funds were provided by Methodists from across the church were broad in scope.
We all know how inflammatory are charges of improper use of church funds. Therefore, GBCS’ Trustees, chaired by Bishop James Swanson of the Holston Annual Conference, are seeking, at the advice of legal counsel, a declaratory decision by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia a ruling confirming whether or not they have been properly using these funds for many years. The Trustees are pursuing this course of action because the Superior Court is a completely independent entity with no axe to grind in this matter

Beryl Barrios, Kentwood, said there was confusion over what petition actually states. Bishop Hutchinson yielded the chair to Provost Cottrill so that he could speak to the issue. Bishop Hutchinson stated that he personally was the chair of the GBCS during the last quadrennium. When he was chair of GBCS, the entanglement of funds over many years have been used with intent for things under the scope of the original intent. The petition was defeated.