Louisiana Conference's 2023 Annual Conference to Feature Multiple Offerings

The Louisiana Conference is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2023 annual conference, scheduled to take place from June 13th to 16th in Baton Rouge. As part of the conference, five different offerings will be collected to support various ministries, showcasing the conference's commitment to outreach and connectionalism.

During Tuesday evening's memorial service, an offering for the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home will be received. The notable institution provides comprehensive and intensive residential care for children across the state. The three campuses of the home, located in Ruston, Loranger, and Sulphur, are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of children in need.

During Wednesday's opening worship service, delegates will have the opportunity to contribute to the Louisiana Cambodia Mission fund. This fund aims to support ongoing mission efforts in Cambodia, a cause that resonates strongly with Louisiana Conference's bishop Delores J. Williamston.

Recently, Bishop Williamston met with Reverend Andrew Lee and Janice Lee, devoted missionaries who shared their firsthand experiences and highlighted the Louisiana Conference's continued support in Cambodia.

In a recent preview show for the 2023 annual conference, Bishop Williamston spoke about the connection. "I learned so much about the deep connection between Louisiana and Cambodia," she said. "I will have an opportunity in October to go to Cambodia with some of the newly elected bishops in The United Methodist Church, and I am super excited.”

During Thursday evening's Celebration of Ministry service, delegates will be encouraged to contribute to a fund set aside for journies to the Holy Land. These funds aim to help fund a pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine for newly ordained clergy, allowing them to explore the historic and sacred sites known as "the fifth Gospel."

The clergy session will have an offering for the ministers' emergency fund. This fund serves as a safety net for ministers facing unforeseen emergencies in their lives. 

Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, assistant to the bishop for the Louisiana Conference, says the fund is an example of connectionalism at its best, "One of the opportunities we have as clergy of the annual conference is to donate part of our compensation to help other clergy in those times when an emergency strikes," he said. "It is our connection at its best when we come together and share our resources with one another in a time of need."

During the laity session, attendees will have the opportunity to give towards the Daughenbaugh-Matheny Scholarship. This scholarship assists members of Louisiana United Methodist Churches who are attending or planning to enroll in one of the state's two Methodist higher learning institutions, Centenary College or Dillard University.

To ensure a seamless giving experience, delegates are encouraged to contribute through the AC23 app or by simply texting "LAUMC" to 800-500-5858. 
 

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For more information about the annual conference, please head to the AC23 landing page.