Handbook - North Georgia Conference

Transcription

Table of Contents
2015 Annual Conference Session Handbook
Report numbers marked with an asterisk (*) are on the Consent Agenda unless
removed during Session Six. The Consent Agenda is listed on page 15.
Session Information
Bishop’s Welcome ......................................................................................... 1
Host Committee Welcome ............................................................................. 2
Theme Logo: We Are God’s People Connected: A Focus on Global Health 3
Music and Worship ......................................................................................... 4
Special Offering: Imagine No Malaria ........................................................... 5
Agenda ........................................................................................................... 6
Consent Agenda ........................................................................................... 15
Registration and Assistance ......................................................................... 17
Information for Conference Members and Visitors..................................... 19
Maps: Downtown Athens ............................................................................ 27
Classic Center ................................................................................... 28
Room Directory............................................................................................ 29
Meals and Gatherings................................................................................... 30
Responsibilities of Conference Members
Lay.................................................................................................... 31
Clergy ............................................................................................... 32
Parliamentary Guidelines ............................................................................. 33
Parking Permit.............................................................................................. 35
General/Jurisdictional/Joint Agencies
*100. Candler School of Theology .............................................................. 37
*101. Georgia Pastors’ School...................................................................... 38
*102. Georgia United Methodist Foundation, Inc. ...................................... 39
*103. Higher Education and Campus Ministry, Commission on ................ 40
*104. Hinton Rural Life Center ................................................................... 41
*105. Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. ......................................................... 42
*106. UM Connectional Federal Credit Union, Chair’s Report .................. 43
*106.a. Supervisory Committee ........................................................... 44
*106.b. Treasurer’s Report ................................................................... 45
*106.c. Financial Reports .................................................................... 46
Administrative Agencies
*200. Conference Board of Ordained Ministry ........................................... 48
201. Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits ........................... 50
201.a. Pension Report ......................................................................... 50
201.b. Recommendations ................................................................... 51
201.c. Health Benefits Committee...................................................... 52
201.d. Quest Diagnostics .................................................................... 53
201.e. Active Health Insurance Task Force Report............................ 54
201.f. Recap and Explanation of Present Clergy Benefits Plans ....... 57
201.g. Summary Estimated Pension & Health Liabilities .................. 60
202. Commission on Equitable Compensation Guidelines ........................ 61
202.a. Arrearage Policy ..................................................................... 61
202.b. Pastors Payment Recommendation ........................................ 62
202.c. Conference Standards for Pastoral Support ............................ 63
202.d. Minimum Cash Compensation ............................................... 63
202.e. Accountable Reimbursement Plan .......................................... 63
202.f. Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth ........................... 64
202.g. Vacation Recommendations ................................................... 64
202.h. 2016 Equitable Compensation ................................................ 64
202.i. Equitable Compensation Fund ................................................ 65
202.j. Evangelism/Stewardship Seminar .......................................... 66
202.k. Guidelines/Standards: Housing Allowance & Parsonage . .... 66
202.l. Minimum Standards for Church-Provided Parsonage ............ 67
202.m.General Guidelines for Parsonages ......................................... 68
202.n. Summary Statement for Parsonages ....................................... 72
202.o. Pastors Receiving Equitable Comp in 2014-2015 .................. 72
202.p. Churches Receiving Equitable Comp in 2014-2015 .............. 72
202.q. Churches Receiving Equitable Compensation: less than full
payment of pastor's pension & insurance premiums in 2014.. 72
202.r. Statistics to assist Staff Parish Relations Committees ............ 73
*203. Committee on Episcopacy ................................................................. 74
204. Conference Committee on Personnel Policy & Practices ................. 75
204.a. 2015 Recommendations.......................................................... 75
204.b. Functional Relationship Chart ................................................. 77
204.c. Staff Position Chart ...................................................... ………78
*205. Conference Housing and Homeless Council ..................................... 79
*206. Conference Statistician Team ........................................................... 81
207. Trustees of the North Georgia Conference ......................................... 82
207.a. Background Merger Conversation Re: Camp Wesley, Inc.
and North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries ..................... 84
207.b. Net Proceeds Derivation ......................................................... 87
207.c. Projection of Lease Expenses/Fund Balance (Relocation) ...... 88
208. Council on Finance and Administration ............................................ 90
208.a. Conference Treasurer/Dir. of Administrative Services .......... 90
208.b. Investment Summary ............................................................... 91
208.c. Exhibit I: Comparative on Receipts ........................................ 92
208.d. Exhibit II: Apportionments Payments by Districts ............... 93
208.e. Net Assets as of 12/31/13 and 12/31/14 ................................. 94
208.f. Investment Schedule ............................................................... 95
208.g. Investment Policy Statement ................................................... 95
208.h. Council on Finance and Administration Report .................. 101
208.i. 2016 Recommendations ....................................................... 102
208.j. Recommended 2016 Budget ................................................ 105
208.k. Interpretation of Recommended 2016 Budget ..................... 108
208.l. How are Apportionments Computed? .................................. 117
208.m.How the Recommended 2016 Budget Was Developed ....... 118
Conference Ministries
300. Office of Connectional Ministries ................................................ 120
300.a. Worship Ministry Team ......................................................... 121
300.b. Outreach/Missions Ministry Team ....................................... 122
300.c. Connectional Ministries: Staff as Resource to the Teams ..... 123
300.d. Leadership Ministry Team ................................................... 124
300.e. Discipleship Ministry Team .................................................. 125
300.f. Youth Ministries ..................................................................... 127
300.g. North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries ......................... 128
300.h. Conference Communications Office ..................................... 130
301. Office of Congregational Development........................................... 132
301.a. Black Congregational Development ...................................... 136
301.b. Hispanic Congregational Development ................................ 137
301.c. Korean Congregational Development .................................. 138
301.d. Multicultural Congregational Development .......................... 139
*400.
*401.
*402.
*403.
Conference Related Agencies
Action Ministries, Inc ...................................................................... 141
Aldersgate Homes, Inc. and Collinswood ...................................... 142
Foundation for Retired Ministers..................................................... 143
Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers ................................................. 144
*404. United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc......................................... 144
*405. Wesley Woods. ............................................................................... 145
Ministry of the Laity
*500. Conference Board of Laity.............................................................. 147
*501. United Methodist Men ..................................................................... 148
*502. United Methodist Women ............................................................... 149
Other Reports
*600. Africa University ............................................................................. 151
*601. Duke Divinity School ...................................................................... 152
*602. Perkins School of Theology ............................................................. 154
*603. United Theological Seminary ........................................................... 155
*604. Wesley Theological Seminary ......................................................... 156
*605. Committee on Local Pastors and Associates ................................... 157
*606. Order of Deacons .............................................................................. 157
*607. Order of Elders .................................................................................. 158
*608. Professional Association of UM Church Secretaries....................... 159
*609. Revision to Statement of Relationship between Emory Center for
Pastoral Services and the North Georgia Conference ...................... 160
*610. Revision to Statement of Relationship between Camp and Retreat
Agencies and Programs and the North Georgia Conference............ 163
*611. Revision to Bylaws of North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries, Inc. .................................................................................. 165
*612. History of Simpsonwood .................................................................. 166
Resolutions
700. Resolution to Eliminate Discriminatory Language concerning
homosexual persons in the Book of Discipline of the UMC.............. 174
701. Resolution to Eliminate Discriminatory Language concerning
Same Sex Marriage in the Book of Discipline of the UMC ............. 175
702. North Georgia Annual Conference Marriage Equality Resolution ... 177
703. Resolution in Support of Coordinated Action on Behalf of
Undocumented Neighbors ............................................................... 180
704. Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired, Disabled
or Former Clergypersons of the North Georgia Annual Conference 182
Standing Rules
800. 2015 Standing Rules (as printed in 2014 Journal) ............................ 185
801. Amendments to the Standing Rules .................................................. 210
2016 Elections
900. Clergy Delegates and Electors .......................................................... 215
901. Lay Candidate Handbook ................................................................. 217
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Welcome to the 2015 session of our North Georgia
Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. It is a
delight to convene once again to worship, plan and work
together as a church family for the 149th Annual Conference
session.
We are grateful to the Athens-Elberton District host committee and The
Classic Center staff for their excellent preparations. Their radical hospitality
sets a wonderful example and always blesses us.
Our conference theme this year is “We Are God’s People Connected: A
Focus on Global Health.” We will spend our time together celebrating the
goodness of God and the many things that can be accomplished through the
connected nature of our United Methodist Church.
The special offering this year will go toward Imagine No Malaria. In
Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria kills one person every 60 seconds; a majority of
these deaths are children and mothers. But there is hope! Churches across our
conference have been fundraising all year to support our denomination’s effort
to eradicate malaria. This year’s 5K Run/Walk will also benefit Imagine No
Malaria.
There will be other concrete expressions of love and concern for others in
which we may take part, including the United Methodist Women’s Health Kit
collection for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
We welcome as our guest preachers Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, who
serves the North Alabama Conference, and the Rev. Coy Hinton, recently
retired, who will preach the memorial service. Our morning devotions each day
will be led by outstanding laity within our annual conference.
Please join me in praying for all the clergy and lay members of this
annual conference as we come together as God’s connected people.
Grace and peace,
1
Dear Members of the 2015 Annual Conference,
On behalf of the Athens-Elberton District and host committee, welcome
back! Our theme is We Are God’s People Connected: A Focus on Global
Health. The Laity Orientation and Clergy Executive Session at 10 a.m. on
Tuesday, June 16 begin the conference, which will end on Friday, June 19 at
5:30 p.m. All information is available on the conference website,
www.ngumc.org and also in this handbook. There will be an orientation to
Athens and the Classic Center for new members to annual conference, held in
the Grand Hall at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16.
Remember, each member to the 2015 Annual Conference is responsible
for his or her own lodging arrangements.
♦ A list of area hotels is on the N. Ga. Conference website (see above).
Mentioning to the hotel that you will be attending the North Georgia
United Methodist Annual Conference will bring lower rates.
♦ If you made reservations last year, confirm them and verify the nights of
stay. Please CANCEL reservations you do not need.
♦ If you need assistance, direct your questions to the Athens Convention
and Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4434.
A separate description for parking is in this handbook. Since there are
some changes to the parking accommodations, you will want to refer to it prior
to your arrival.
Athens downtown is filled with a variety of restaurants within walking
distance of the Classic Center. Breakfast and lunch vendors will be available at
the Classic Center. Certain meal event reservations (i.e., Laity; Order of
Deacons; Extension Ministers; Local Pastor; and Clergy meals) must be made
on-line. Tickets will be distributed at the Classic Center.
Again, welcome. May God’s will prevail as we attend to ministries and
decisions that seek the wellbeing of all.
Gary L. Whetstone, District Superintendent
Leon Jourolmon, Lay Co-chair, Host Committee
Dianne Morrison, Lay Co-chair, Host Committee
Chuck Hodges, Clergy Chairman, Host Committee
Ray Cann, District Lay Leader
2
Annual Conference Theme and Logo
We Are God’s People Connected: A Focus on Global Health
In the 2015 session of the North
Georgia Annual Conference, we
will turn our attention to matters
of Global Health. This is an area
in which members of local
United Methodist churches right
here in North Georgia can join
hands with members of United
Methodist churches across the
globe to make a profound
difference.
The logo features hands
linked together around a child
sleeping beneath a bed net. This
simple bed net protects a child
from mosquitoes carrying
malaria.
Since the United
Methodist Church became
involved in work to eradicate
malaria, the death rate from the preventable disease has changed from a child
dying every 30 seconds from the disease to a child dying every minute. We are
making progress.
Thanks to the connected nature of our United Methodist Church, we are
able to be in ministry in more ways and in more places we could never do
alone. We will celebrate the good that can be accomplished in our own
communities, in our state, in our nation and around the world, thanks to the
goodness of God, the diversity of our members, their many voices and their
willingness to work together.
We are God’s people connected!
3
Music and Worship at Annual Conference
“We Are God’s People.” The people of the North Georgia Conference of the
United Methodist Church gather from the mountains and the piedmont, from
cities and the country, from urban churches and rural charges. We gather as
many people connected by our love for God and our commitment to make
disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. We connect to God and
one another through the experience of worship.
While we worship in our multitude of churches on the Sundays before
and after annual conference, we gather together as one congregation for five
worship services, four morning communion services and spontaneous moments
of prayer and offering during the four days we conduct the business of the
conference for the coming year. We are connected through scripture, through
song and through prayer. With the theme of the 2015 Annual Conference being
“We are God’s People Connected: A Focus on Global Health,” the worship
planning team worked to find a connecting thread through our worship services
that would remind us of our connection with God, with one another in our
Annual Conference and with our sisters and brothers across the world.
The team selected the song, “We are God’s People” (The Faith We Sing 2220) to serve as the common thread song. The words of this hymn place an
emphasis on being connected through the Trinity and joining together as one
flame burning to give warmth, light and inspiration to all. A version of this song
will be present in all worship services during the Annual Conference
Throughout our planning process, our intentions were to remove the
labels of worship style from the sections of the service and concentrate on
finding the right act for the moment. This method of worship planning allowed
us to be open to many resources and to plan God-focused worship that
represents the many congregations in our Annual Conference. We hope that you
will notice the fine details in processionals, transitions or even through the
intentional silence. You will also find a redesigned bulletin for each service that
will contain rubrics in the margin. We pray that God will be glorified through
all that we planned, say and do.
Alice Rogers, Worship Coordinator
Chuck Bell, Music Director
2015 Annual Conference Worship Planning Team
4
Special Offering: Imagine No Malaria
In June 2014 the North Georgia Annual Conference launched an intensive oneyear focus on Imagine No Malaria, the denominational effort to eliminate death
and suffering from malaria. Throughout the year churches, groups and
individuals have demonstrated that we are God's people connected with a focus
on Global Health.
The successful partnership with Nothing But Nets allowed us to realize
that more was needed. Building on that program, the 2008 General Conference
launched Imagine No Malaria, a more comprehensive program that included
bed nets but added other measures of prevention, treatment and education.
Progress made since the beginning of Imagine No Malaria inspires us to
continue the fight. The death rate has been cut almost in half in just seven years.
Still, a child dies every 60 seconds and 650,000 people will die this year from
the fully preventable, fully treatable disease of malaria. There is much yet to be
done and we are determined to complete the task.
Across the denomination over $65 million has been raised toward the $75
million goal. Our hope in North Georgia is that we will save 100,000 lives with
contributions leading up to Annual Conference 2015.
The interest and efforts in North Georgia have shown variety and
creativity. Acclaimed entertainer, Francine Reed, presented a benefit concert
this spring. Special offerings have been received during Christmas, Lent/Easter
and on other special occasions. Many churches had a Sunday to Save Lives on
April 26, the day after World Malaria Day. Youth groups have sponsored
spaghetti suppers and hot dog lunches. Congregations have had fun and raised
funds through basketball and dodgeball tournaments. Sunday School classes,
UMW circles and senior adult groups have contributed.
We anticipate celebrating a phenomenal response to the need that has
been presented. The Imagine No Malaria Steering Team will be present to staff
a display in the Atrium at the Classic Center. We will provide reports of the
progress being made in Africa as a result of the combined efforts of United
Methodists around the world. The 5K Fun Run and the Bishop's Special
Offering at this year's Annual Conference will benefit Imagine No Malaria.
Together we can do more than imagine no malaria. We can see it as a
reality. You are encouraged to give generously to the annual conference
offering. Place a check in your church offering plate made out to your church
with “AC Offering” in the memo line. A representative from your church will
then present a check from your congregation during the Service of
Remembrance worship on Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 pm.
5
Agenda
149 Session of the North Georgia Conference
The United Methodist Church
June 16 - 19, 2015
The Classic Center - Athens, Georgia
Theme: “God’s People Connected: A Focus on Global Health”
th
Location of reports within the agenda is subject to change.
* Order of the Day
Sunday, June 14, 2015
8:00 am
AV load in
2:30 pm
Volunteer meeting – Grand Hall 4 - 5
3:00 pm
Cokesbury Bookstore set up begins – Oconee 2
4:00 pm
Assemble supplemental materials/tote bags – High Shoals
Monday, June 15, 2015
7:30 am
Grow Day Camp- Young Harris Memorial UMC
8:00 am
Prayer Room and labyrinth set up begins – Empire
8:00 am
Display Set up – Oconee, Willow, Atrium
9:00 am
Connectional Table – Athens First UMC
11:00am
Registration set-up begins – Foundry Building
11:30 am Extended Cabinet lunch – Parthenon 1
12:00pm
Music set up – Grand Hall
12:00-5:00 pm Extended Cabinet Meeting – Athena A – B
2-6 pm
On-Site Registration/payment stations begin
Laity – Cypress; Clergy – High Shoals
2- 6 pm
UMCOR Health Kit collection – Lower Foundry Parking Lot
2:30 pm
Associate Conference Secretary Meeting – Olympia 2
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
6:30-10 am Quest Diagnostics – Oak Room
7:00 am
Breakfast for Tuesday’s presenters – Parthenon 1
7 am-9 pm Prayer Room/Prayer Labyrinth – Foundry Bldg Empire
7:00 am
Extension Minister Breakfast – Athena A -B
7am-2pm Breakfast: 7am-10:30am – Atrium
Lunch: 11am-2 pm – Atrium
7:30 am
6
7:30 am
Service of Holy Communion - Foundry Bldg Empire
8am-7 pm Cokesbury Bookstore – Foundry, Oconee 2
8am-6 pm Displays – Foundry Building
8:00 am
Rehearsal for Commissioning/Ordination Service
& Group photograph by classes with Bishop – Theatre
8am-5pm On-Site Registration and Payment Stations continue
Laity – Cypress; Clergy – High Shoals
8am-5pm UMCOR Health Kit collection – Lower Foundry Parking Lot
8:45 am
Tellers meeting – Grand Hall 1
9:00 am
Newcomer Orientation to Classic Center – Grand Hall 4 - 5
9:00 am
Board of Ordained Ministry meeting –Parthenon 2
9:00 am
Monitoring Training – Grand Hall 3
9am-5:45pm Child Care – Young Harris Memorial UMC
9:30 am
Gathering Music – Grand Hall
10:00 am Lay Orientation – Grand Hall
10:00 am Clergy Executive Session – Theatre
12:00 pm Rehearsal for communion servers – Grand Hall
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
Pre-Service Music
Session One – Grand Hall
Opening Worship Service of Word and Table
Bishop Deborah Wallace-Padgett, preaching
Resident Bishop, North Alabama Conference
Matthew 13: 1-9 “The Good Soil”
3:40 pm
Opening of Conference – Grand Hall
Call to Order – 149th Session of the North Georgia Conference –
Bishop B. Michael Watson
Prayer
Opening Hymn “And Are We Yet Alive?”
Host Committee Welcome
Organization of Conference
Annual Conference Theme and logo
Highlighting “Imagine No Malaria”
Eligibility for voting
Electronic voting orientation
Distribution of voting devices
*Prayer
7
*Clergy Ballot # 1
*Lay Ballot # 1
NGCTV # 1
*Report of Clergy Ballot # 1
*Report of Lay Ballot # 1
*Prayer
*Clergy Ballot # 2
*Lay Ballot # 2
Board of Ordained Ministry
Imagine No Malaria video
Announcements
Prayer
-Leave voting devices on chair5:15 pm
Adjournment
6:15 pm
7:00 pm
7:15 pm
7:30 pm
Final Preparations and Robing for all Candidates - Theatre
Extended Cabinet photograph – Atrium
Gathering Music - Theatre
Session Two – Theatre
Service of Ordination/Commissioning
Preacher: Bishop Deborah Wallace-Padgett, preaching
Resident Bishop, North Alabama Conference
John 21: 15-17
Offering – Annual Conference Expense
Ordination Reception for those Ordained/Commissioned – Atrium
Sponsored by Board of Ordained Ministry and
United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
6:30 am
5-K Fun Run – “Imagine No Malaria”
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Wednesday’s presenters – Parthenon 1
7 am-9 pm Prayer Room & Prayer Labryinth– Empire
Lunch: 11am – 2 pm – Atrium
7:30 am
8
7:30 am
Service of Holy Communion – Empire
7:30am-5:45pm Child Care – Young Harris Memorial UMC
7:30-6 pm Displays – Foundry
7:45 am
-Distribution of voting devices8am-5pm On-Site Registration continues – Foundry Building
*8:15 am Session Three – Grand Hall
Call to Order – Bishop Watson
Morning Devotion
Prayer
*Report of Clergy Ballot # 2
*Report of Lay Ballot # 2
*Prayer
*Additional voting to be scheduled
Standing Rules Committee – to present
Conference Committee on Nominations – to present
Consent Agenda – to present
Conference Board of Pensions & Health Benefits
NGCTV #2
Conference Statistician
Commission on Equitable Compensation
Conference Treasurer
UM Connectional Federal Credit Union
Imagine No Malaria
*Passing the Mantle Liturgy
Recognition of Retirees
-Retirees remain on stage for group photographAnnouncements
-Leave voting devices on chairPrayer
12:15 pm Adjournment
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
Pre service music – Grand Hall
Session Four – Grand Hall
Service of Remembrance
Preacher: Coy Hinton
Retired clergy, North Georgia Conference
9
Revelation 21: 1-7 “Looking Beyond Our Loss”
Annual Conference Offering – Imagine No Malaria
Standing break as guest leave
-Distribution of voting devices-
3:30 pm
5:30 pm
Prayer
*Report of Ballots as scheduled
*Prayer
*Additional voting as scheduled
*Global Ministries Welcome
UMCOR 75th Anniversary
GA Commission on Higher Education/Campus Ministry
Emory Healthcare Community Outreach
Connectional Table
Georgia United Methodist Foundation
United Methodist Publishing House
Announcements
Adjournment
No evening session
7:00 pm
Youth Pizza – Athens First UMC
Thursday, June 18, 2015
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Thursday’s presenters – Parthenon 1
7am-6 pm Prayer Room/ Labyrinth – Foundry Bldg Empire
7:30 am
7:30 am
7:30am-5:45pm Child Care – Young Harris Memorial UMC
7:30am-6pm Displays – Foundry Building
10
7:45 am
-Distribution of voting devices
8:15 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm
Session Five – Grand Hall
Morning Devotion
Prayer
*Prayer
Imagine No Malaria
Conference Council on Finance & Administration
Conference Board of Trustees
Conference Personnel Policy & Practices Committee
Wesley Woods
United Methodist Children’s Home
Aldersgate/Collingswood
*Global Ministries Commissioning
Cheryl LaValley and Francine Masuka
Denman Awards
Georgia Pastors School
Announcements
Adjournment
1:45 pm
Gathering music – Grand Hall
-Distribution of voting devices-
2:00 pm
Session Six – Grand Hall
*Prayer
Committee on Episcopacy
Housing and Homeless Council
11
Action Ministries
United Methodist Women
Consent Agenda – remove items and/or vote
3:30 pm
*Simpsonwood Closing Liturgy
NGCTV # 3
Imagine No Malaria
Churches of Excellence in Outreach
Imagine No Malaria update
United Methodist Men
Hinton Rural Life Center
Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers
Imagine No Malaria
Announcements
Prayer
-Leave voting devices on chair
5:15 pm
Adjourn
8:00 pm
No Evening session
Youth Worship Service – Athens First UMC, Youth Room
Friday, June 19, 2015
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Friday’s presenters – Parthenon 1
7am-6 pm Prayer Room/ Labyrinth – Foundry Bldg Empire
7:30 am
7:30 am
7:30am
Child Care – Young Harris Memorial UMC
Child care extended until 30 minutes after adjournment
7:30 am-1pm Displays – Foundry Building
7:45 am
-Distribution of voting devices8:15 am
Session Seven – Grand Hall
Morning Devotion
Prayer
12
*Prayer
Conference Board of Laity
NGCTV # 4
Connectional Ministries
Camp and Retreat Ministries
Communications
Board of Congregational Development
Property Resolutions
Church Closing/Merging Liturgy
Committee on Standing Rules – to vote
Imagine No Malaria
Announcements
Prayer
-Leave voting devices on chair12:15 pm Adjournment
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
-Distribution of voting devicesSession Eight – Grand Hall
Call to Order – Bishop B. Michael Watson
Prayer
*Prayer
Conference Committee on Nominations – to vote
Committee on Resolutions
Monitoring Report
Journal/Handbook Committee
Future Sites of Annual Conference
June 7-9, 2016 – The Classic Center, Athens
2017 – The Classic Center, Athens
Vote on Invitation to Host 2018 - 2021
Moving Day June 25, 2015
Recognitions
Announcements
Prayer
13
4:00 pm
5:15 pm
-Leave voting devices on chairStanding Break
Fixing the Appointments and Service of Sending Forth
Adjournment
15 minutes after Session Eight adjourns: Organization of
The North Georgia Delegation – Parthenon 2
14
2015 Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda is designed to expedite business during the annual
conference session by adopting reports to be included in the Conference
Journal without verbal action by the annual conference. Many of the
following reports indicated by number, name of agency and page are offered as
the 2015 Consent Agenda. Unless they are removed from the Consent Agenda
on Thursday, June 18, during Session Six, these reports will be accepted by
consent of the annual conference at that time. Please read the reports carefully
prior to that session. Reports removed from the Consent Agenda will be
presented for conference action on Thursday, June 18, at the end of Session Six.
No.
Report
Page
*100
*101
*102
*103
*104
*105
*106
*106.a.
*106.b.
*106.c.
*200
*203
*205
*206
*400
*401
*402
*403
*404
*405
*500
*501
*502
*600
*Candler School of Theology ............................................ 37
*Georgia Pastors’ School ................................................... 38
*Georgia United Methodist Foundation, Inc. .................... 39
*GA Commission on Higher Education/Campus Min. ..... 40
*Hinton Rural Life Center.................................................. 41
*Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. ........................................ 42
*UM Connectional Federal Credit Union, Chair Report ... 43
Supervisory Committee ...................................................... 44
Treasurer’s Report .............................................................. 45
Financial Reports................................................................ 46
*Board of Ordained Ministry ............................................. 48
*Committee on Episcopacy ................................................ 74
*Conference Housing and Homeless Council ................... 79
*Conference Statistician Team........................................... 81
*Action Ministries, Inc. ...................................................... 141
*Aldersgate Homes, Inc./Collinswood .............................. 142
*Foundation for Retired Ministers ..................................... 143
*Murphy Harpst Children’s Centers .................................. 144
*United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc. ......................... 144
*Wesley Woods.................................................................. 145
*Conference Board of Laity ............................................... 147
*United Methodist Men ..................................................... 148
*United Methodist Women ................................................ 149
*Africa University .............................................................. 151
15
No.
Report
*601
*602
*603
*604
*605
*606
*607
*608
*609
*Duke Divinity School ....................................................... 152
*Perkins School of Theology ............................................. 154
*United Theological Seminary........................................... 155
*Wesley Theological Seminary ......................................... 156
*Committee on Local Pastors and Associates ................... 157
*Order of Deacons.............................................................. 157
*Order of Elders ................................................................. 158
*Professional Assoc. of UM Church Secretaries ............... 159
*Revision to Statement of Relationship between
Emory Center for Pastoral Services and the
North Georgia Conference ........................................... 160
*Revisions to the Statement of Relationship between
Camp and Retreat Agencies and Programs and
the North Georgia Conference .................................... 163
*Revision to Bylaws of North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries, Inc. ............................................................. 165
*History of Simpsonwood .................................................. 166
*610
*611
*612
Page
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Registration and Assistance Committee
The Registration and Assistance Committee provides name badges to all
persons attending annual conference. It also distributes and collects
reimbursement forms for persons eligible for financial assistance.
Onsite registration begins Monday, June 15, 2 – 6 p.m. and continues
Tuesday, June 16, 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday, June 17, 8:00 a.m.–5
p.m.; Thursday, June 18, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, June 19, 8:00 a.m.–
12:00 p.m. Registration is located in the Lower Level of the Foundry Building
at the Classic Center: Laity – Cypress Room; Clergy – High Shoals Room.
Registration
There are four styles of name badges. Appropriate styles of North Georgia
Conference name badges are necessary for participation within the Bar of the
Conference. Badges list name and indicate voting status within the conference.
We recycle the plastic name badge holders. Do not place stickers on holders.
1. Top bar with cross and flame – eligible to vote on all matters.
• Deacons or elders in full connection (active or retired)
• Leave categories eligible to vote: Voluntary Leaves of Absence
(personal, family, transitional) (¶354), Sabbatical Leave (¶352),
Maternity or Paternity Leave (¶356), Medical Leave (¶357)
• Provisional members who have completed all their educational
requirements and have been elected to provisional membership – With
the new wording of ¶35, deacons and elders who have been elected to
provisional membership, but not yet commissioned, are eligible to vote.
• Associate members, active or retired
• Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study or an M. Div. degree
and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment
immediately preceding election.
2. Bottom bar with cross and flame – eligible to vote on all matters.
Laity: Local Church Lay Members – ¶251.1
District At-Large Lay Members – ¶32
Diaconal Ministers – ¶32
Deaconesses – ¶32
Members by virtue of current conference or district position ¶32
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3. Cross and Flame only – eligible to vote on all matters except general
and jurisdictional conference delegate ballots, constitutional
amendments, character/conference relations of clergy:
• Clergy on Involuntary Leave of Absence (¶355.7)
• Local Pastors who do not meet the criteria listed above in Number 1
4. Vertical Bars – non-voting participants
1. Clergy:
Student local pastor – ¶318.3
Affiliate members – ¶334.5; ¶344.4
Supply pastors – ¶16.2
Clergy serving on honorable location – ¶359.2
Clergy on administrative location – ¶360.3
Clergy from other conferences /denominations
serving in North Georgia – ¶346.1
2. Lay members:
Local church reserve and district at-large reserve members
3. Guests
Clergy spouses (including surviving spouses)
Candidates for ordained ministry (not under appointment in North
Georgia during the 2014-2015 conference year)
Agency, staff, etc., and other guests
Financial Assistance
Persons eligible for financial assistance must complete and submit a
reimbursement form to Val Bligh prior to the close of the 2015 annual
conference session. A check will be sent within 30 days. Reimbursement forms
received after June 19 cannot be processed.
A. Eligibility. Financial assistance is offered for the following:
1. Retired clergy not serving churches, retired clergy serving
churches whose compensation does not exceed $6,000 per year.
2. Widows or widowers of clergy persons who are not married to
persons designated in #1 above.
B. Assistance Guidelines.
1. Travel. One round trip (within the bounds of the annual
conference) to conference site at rate of $.28 per mile.
2. Lodging and Meals. Maximum of four (4) nights lodging and three
(3) meals per day at a maximum TOTAL of $50 per day.
3. Receipts must be provided for reimbursement.
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2015 Information for Conference Members and Visitors
Annual Conference Registration
The online process helps conference members register for annual conference,
make reservations for meals, order the 2015 North Georgia Conference Journal,
pay the $30 Annual Conference registration fee and all meals requiring
payment. No reservations or payment for meals will be accepted at annual
conference.
Online registration: click on the registration link at this location:
http://www.ngumc.org/ac2015.
Onsite registration begins Monday, June 15, 2-6 p.m. and continues
Tuesday, June 16, 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, June 17, 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Thursday, June 18, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday, June 19, 8:00 a.m.-12:00
p.m. Registration is located in the Lower Level of the Foundry Building at the
Classic Center. Lay – Cypress Room; Clergy – High Shoals Room.
Pick up name badges at either lay or clergy registration sites listed above.
Meal tickets are available at a centralized location in the Lower Lobby of the
Foundry Building.
Payment stations for cash, check or credit card are available in both
registration areas on Monday, June 15, 2-6 p.m.; Tuesday, June 16, 8 a.m.-5
p.m.; Wednesday, June 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, June 18, 8 a.m.-noon.
Attending Annual Conference in Athens for the First time?
Newcomers can learn about the Classic Center buildings and the city of Athens
at an orientation on Tuesday, June 16, 9:00-9:25 a.m., in the Grand Hall 4 - 5.
The Conference Special Offering for 2015 – Imagine No Malaria
Imagine No Malaria is the denominational effort to eliminate death and
suffering from malaria. Throughout the year churches, groups and individuals
have demonstrated that we are God's people connected with a focus on Global
Health.
You are encouraged to give generously to the annual conference offering
so together we can make disciples for the church and for the world. Place a
check in your church offering plate made out to your church with “AC
Offering” in the memo line. A representative from your church will then present
a check from your congregation during the Service of Remembrance worship
on Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 p.m.
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5K Walk/Run for Imagine No Malaria. The 9th Annual North Georgia
Conference 5K Walk/Run in Historic Downtown Athens will benefit Imagine
No Malaria. More than 650,000 people will die this year from a fully
preventable and treatable disease. Our goal is to eliminate death and suffering
from malaria on the African continent by the end of 2015. The race begins
at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, on Washington Street near the Classic
Center. It follows a route through downtown Athens and along the river, ending
behind the Classic Center warehouses off Foundry Street.
Online registration will be open through June 14. This year's race is being
coordinated by Run For God. Run for God is an organization that promotes
running with an emphasis on Bible study. The program points out the many
parallels between our faith and the endurance sport of running. In the five years
since its inception, Run for God has spread from one church to nearly 2,000 and
more than 60,000 participants all across North America. Find race details
at www.ngumc.org/imaginenomalaria5K. For information on how to become a
sponsor, contact Dean Thompson at 706-264-7101.
Annual Conference Web Site
Information on the 2015 annual conference session is available on the North
Georgia web site: www.ngumc.org/ac2015. Daily audio and video streaming is
available from 2:00 p.m., June 16 through 5:15 p.m. (or the close of conference)
on June 19, 2015.
Blood Drive
The Red Cross blood drive will not be held this year. Please donate blood in
your local community. A blood drive is planned for 2016.
Cokesbury Book Store
The Cokesbury Book Store, located in the Foundry Building Oconee 2, offers a
selection of books and church supplies for sale.
2015 Conference Journals
The 2015 Conference Journal can be ordered on the conference website
www.ngumc.org/journal or during annual conference in the Classic Center
Foundry Building Lower Lobby. Orders with payment can also be mailed to:
North Georgia Conference, Attention: Journal, Box 102417, Norcross GA
30368-2417. Cost: $40 print version; $10 digital download.
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Concessions
Concessions located in the Lower Lobby of The Atrium open at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch can be purchased 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in The Atrium.
Childcare
Childcare is available by pre-registration only. Childcare is exclusively for the
infant, toddler and preschool-aged children (6 month-rising kindergartner) of
those participating in the annual conference sessions. The schedule coincides
with morning and afternoon sessions. The program features age-appropriate
activities designed with Christian formation in mind. Parents may park in the
Young Harris Memorial UMC parking lot, 973 Prince Ave., Athens 30606. A
shuttle will run twice daily (morning and afternoon) to and from the Classic
Center, for parents’ convenience. Emergency transportation is available from
the Classic Center. Please check at the Information Center. For registration, fee
information, and other details, visit the 2015 Annual Conference website at
www.ngumc.org/AC2015.
Grow Day Camp
Grow Day Camps, a sibling ministry of Glisson Camp & Retreat Center, will
bring the flavor of summer camp to Young Harris Memorial UMC. Campers
from rising 1st to rising 6th grade will get to try their hand at various camp
activities such as archery, nature study, and belayed tree climbing (pending
availability) as well as engage in worship and Bible study outdoors. This 5-day
camp is open to any students within the Athens community, but spots have been
reserved especially for the elementary students of those adults participating in
the 2015 North Georgia Annual Conference sessions. Come for 4 days, come
for all 5! Either way, you'll have a blast. Parents may park in the Young Harris
Memorial UMC parking lot, 973 Prince Ave., Athens 30606. A shuttle will run
twice daily (morning and afternoon) to and from the Classic Center for parents’
convenience. Emergency transportation is available from the Classic Center.
Please check at the Information Center. For registration and fee information,
visit the 2015 Annual Conference website
http://www.ngumc.org/growregistration.
Displays
Display tables are an extension of reports presented at the annual conference
session. The displays interpret and celebrate the program ministries of the
annual conference. Various conference boards, committees, commissions,
councils, teams and related agency displays are located in the Foundry Building
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lobby, Oconee and Willow rooms. Maps of display locations are posted at the
doors of the Foundry Building.
Electronic Voting
The members of annual conference will use an electronic voting system
throughout the 2015 session. Orientation to the voting devices is scheduled
during Session One immediately following opening worship on Tuesday, June
16, 2015.
Family Restrooms
The Classic Center family restrooms are located on the upper and lower floors
of the Foundry Building. Baby changing stations are located in the men’s and
women’s restrooms located near the Athena Ballroom and the Grand Hall. Baby
changing stations are also located in the women’s restrooms on each level of the
theatre lobby and near the Olympia Room. Location of space for nursing
mothers is available at the Information Center.
Gluten-free Communion Elements
Gluten-free communion elements are served for worship.
Housing
Members make and confirm housing arrangements directly with hotels in the
area. Information is on the North Georgia Conference website
http://www.ngumc.org/ac2015. Additional information is available from the
Athens Convention/Visitors Bureau, 706-357-4410 or 800-653-0603, or on the
website visitathensga.com.
Information Centers
The information centers for annual conference and Athens are located in The
Classic Center at the top of the escalators and in The Atrium. Emergency
messages are displayed electronically in the Classic Center Grand Hall. The
telephone number for the message center is 706-357-4513.
Language Translation
Audio interpretation for Spanish and Korean is available in the Grand Hall.
Please contact the appropriate person by Wednesday, June 3.
Spanish: Juan Quintanilla, 678-533-1388, [email protected]
Korean: Hyo Kim, 678-533-1448, [email protected]
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Meal Tickets
Pick up meal tickets purchased online at the conference website at a centralized
location near the registration areas in the lower level of the Foundry Building.
Mission Project
UMCOR Health Kit Collection by United Methodist Women supports the
annual conference theme highlighting global health. United Methodist Women
will assemble UMCOR health kits in their local circles, units and districts.
The kits must be packed in boxes and labeled as to the type of kits and
number included in each box. If extra supplies are sent, those should also be
clearly labeled. Monetary gifts to UMCOR will also be accepted as funds are
always needed for shipping and purchasing extra supplies. Please record the
following information on clipboards at the trailer: number and type of kits along
with the church name making the contribution.
Bring completed kits to the Classic Center and unload at the trailer
located in the parking lot behind the Foundry Building on Monday, June
15 and Tuesday, June 16.
Monitoring at Annual Conference
The North Georgia Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW),
guided by the denominational commission will provide monitoring during each
session of the Annual Conference to collect data related to the gender, ethnicity
and age range of those who provide leadership and speak from the floor of the
Conference. We are called to reflect God’s diversity and encourage
opportunities for all God’s people to come to the table. Is the participation at
Annual Conference reflective of our Conference membership? Do these
percentages reflect the numbers of different stakeholders in our pews, and in
our communities?
Monitoring will take place during this Annual Conference in order to
help us see, understand and improve our inclusivity and recognition of
diversity. With greater awareness and participation comes more faithful
realization of our mandate to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Name Badge Lanyards
The conference thanks Wesley Woods Senior Living for providing the name
holder/lanyards and all the volunteers for organizing distribution of the name
badges. Please recycle the name badges for use next year.
23
Offering for Annual Conference Expense
The offering received during worship on Tuesday night, June 16, supports the
cost of the 2015 session of the North Georgia Annual Conference.
Parking and Transportation
Parking:
1. Complimentary parking for members is available in parking spaces at the
Classic Center and the UGA parking deck. See map in handbook.
2. The Classic Center parking deck can be entered from the following
locations: Thomas Street, East Broad Street, North Foundry Street via
East Dougherty Street and Foundry Street via East Broad Street. The
Classic Center parking deck exits are available on Thomas Street, East
Broad Street and North Foundry Street via East Dougherty Street.
3. Only members with state handicap parking permits are allowed to park
on the bridge leading to the Classic Center parking deck. North Georgia
annual conference parking permits must be visibly displayed for free
parking in all parking deck spaces. The UGA parking deck accepts both
North Georgia conference parking permits and nametags.
4. The upper deck at the Classic Center will be reserved on Wednesday,
June 17, for retirees. The bridge entrance will be closed to through traffic
until noon on Wednesday only.
5. Level one of the Classic Center parking deck is used for non-conference
parking and is not available for members during conference.
6. The bridge to the parking deck will be closed each evening after
conference is adjourned beginning Tuesday night through Friday night
during the conference.
6. Parking at the Classic Center is only during the hours of the event. No
overnight parking is allowed. Vehicles left overnight may be towed.
7. During registration, spaces are reserved for persons with handicap
permits on the flat lot behind the 130 Foundry Street building.
9. The spaces in front of the theatre will be reserved for church shuttle vans
and emergency vehicles.
10. On-street parking is strictly enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.
until 10 p.m. On-street parking rates are 75 cents per hour.
Transportation:
1. Church shuttle vans and Classic Center vans will be used to transport
members to and from the UGA parking deck and the Classic Center as
needed from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Vans will load and unload in front of the
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theatre and the lower level of the UGA parking deck on North Thomas
Street.
2. Anyone in need of transportation during the conference may go by the
information center or call 706-357-4513.
3. Foundry Street through traffic will be closed all week and a police officer
will be on duty all day from Tuesday until the conference ends Friday.
Prayer Room/Labyrinth
The Conference Prayer Room, located in The Foundry Building of The Classic
Center, Empire Room, is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. beginning Monday, June 15, 2015.
A labyrinth will also be available daily in the Conference Prayer Room for
personal prayer and meditation following morning Holy Communion. The
labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, and a ‘watering hole for the
spirit’ that has been used in the Christian church since the 4th Century. The
labyrinth is provided by Harmony Grove UMC in Lilburn.
“Christ and the Stations of the Cross” is a sixteen panel needlepoint
exhibit created by the women of Glenn Memorial UMC and Fort Street
Memorial UMC to show our Lord’s journey to the cross and beyond. The
panels show Jesus from his prayerful time in the Garden of Gethsemane
through the streets of Jerusalem, along the road to Calvary and to the tomb.
The final panel, unlike the “typical stations” depicts Christ in triumph over
death telling Mary to share the good news of his resurrection! This gentle
medium was used to tell the story of betrayal and tragedy to glorious joy! The
exhibit will be on display in the prayer room.
Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness® - Oak Room, Foundry Building
Your conference Board of Pensions & Health Benefits invites all HealthFlex
members to take the Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness® during annual
conference. The screening is available in Oak Room, Foundry Building. Times
are available: Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 -9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, June 17, and
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 -9:00 a.m.
You will be evaluated for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney and liver
disease, thyroid disorders, anemia or excess iron, and prostate cancer. Results
will be mailed directly to you.
It is highly recommended to make on-line appointments during May.
Limited walk-in appointments are available. Twelve hour fasting is requested.
Bring your HealthFlex insurance ID card. Active participants and spouses can
earn $100 each in HealthCash for taking the health screening.
25
Registration Fee
Standing Rule E.7. states a $30.00 registration fee shall be assessed for each lay
and active clergy delegate to the North Georgia Annual Conference. Retired
clergy and youth members are exempt from the assessment. Members may pay
the registration fee online at http://www.ngumc.org/ac2015 register or onsite at
lay and clergy registration in the Foundry Building.
Request for Video Duplication
Duplicated DVDs are not available for the 2015 Annual Conference Session.
Please log on to www.ngumc.org/2015ACVIDEO for viewable and
downloadable segments and celebrations of the 2015 annual conference.
Safety
Please be aware that Athens is an urban city. Use caution after dark, do not
walk alone or leave valuables visible in parked/locked cars.
Special Needs and Medical Care
Direct special needs requests to the Information Center located in the Classic
Center at the top of the escalators. First aid and medical care is located in the
lower level escalator lobby during sessions held in the Grand Hall. First aid is
located in the Theater lobby main level for the evening service on Wednesday.
Contact the Message and Information Center for directions or assistance.
2015 Annual Conference Session Survey
The North Georgia Annual Conference Planning Committee would like to hear
your feedback concerning your experience of the 2015 Annual Conference
Session. Please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey found at
www.ngumc.org/session-survey.
Tote Bags and Handbook Supplemental Reports
Supplemental reports are provided in a packet of materials at registration. The
conference thanks The Candler School of Theology of Emory University for
providing the tote bags and the volunteers for collating materials into packets.
Wireless Internet Access
Unsupported wireless internet service, available throughout the Classic Center,
is now password protected. The password is available at the Conference
Information Desk. Wireless internet is not available in the Grand Hall because
of interference with live streaming.
26
Downtown Athens
27
The Classic Center
28
2015 Room Directory for the North Georgia Conference
Board of Ministry
Parthenon 2
Business Sessions
Grand Hall – lower level
Clergy Executive Session
Theatre – Tuesday
Clergy Registration
Foundry Building, High Shoals 1
Concessions 7:30 am-4 pm
Atrium
Concessions lunch-11am-2pm Atrium
Cokesbury Bookstore
Foundry Building, Oconee 2
Conference Secretary/Support Olympia 2
Displays
Foundry Building, Lobby, Oconee, Willow
Emergency Transportation
Information Center-top escalators
First Aid – Daytime
Grand Hall-lower level escalator
First Aid – Tues. Evening
Theatre Lobby
Handicap Parking (with permit) Classic Center Bridge-Thomas St. entrance
Information Centers
Top of escalators and Atrium
5K Run
Washington Street
Journal Sales
Foundry Building, Lower Lobby
Labyrinth
Foundry Building, Empire
Lay Delegate Conversation
Foundry Building, Cypress 2
Lay Registration
Foundry Building, Cypress 1
Lay Orientation Session
Grand Hall-lower level
Lost & Found
Information Centers-top escalators/Atrium
Monitor Support
Grand Hall 3
Morning Communion
Newcomer Orientation
Grand Hall 1-5
Ordination Service
Theatre
Ordination Reception
Atrium and Grand Hall 2-5
Parking Information
Information Center-top escalators
Prayer Room
Quest Diagnostics
Foundry Building, Lower Level Oak Room
Registration/Assistance
Foundry Building, Lower Lobby
Shuttle Service to UGA Deck Front of Theatre or inquire Information Center
Tote Bag Assembly
Foundry Building, High Shoals
Worship
Theatre (Tuesday) and Grand Hall
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2015 Meals and Gatherings
Monday, June 15, 2015
12:00 pm Cabinet Lunch – Parthenon 1
6:00 pm
LaGrange College Dinner – Two Story Coffee House
6:00 pm
Order of Deacons Dinner – Athens First UMC
8:00 pm
Young Adult Kick-Off – 2 Story Coffee House
7:00 am
Breakfast for Tuesday’s Presenters – Parthenon 1
7:00 am
Extension Ministry Breakfast – Athena AB
7am-7 pm Concessions – Atrium
11am-2 pm Lunch Concessions – Atrium/overflow seating in Grand Hall 2-5
12:15 pm Clergy Luncheon – Athena C-F - Sponsored by LaGrange College
5:15 pm
Clergywomen’s Dinner – Athena F
Following Ordination - Ordination Reception – Atrium and Grand Hall 2-5
Hosted by Board of Ordained Ministry and UM Connectional Credit Union
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Wednesday’s Presenters – Parthenon 1
7:00 am
UMW Breakfast – Athena A-F
11-2 pm
Lunch Concessions – Atrium/overflow seating in Grand Hall 2-5
12:15 pm Retired Ministers Luncheon – Athena A-F
12:15 pm Local Pastor Lunch – Parthenon 1 & 2
5:15 pm
Candler School of Theology Dinner – Parthenon
5:15 pm
United Methodist Ministers’ Fellowship – Athena A-F
5:30 pm
Asbury Theological Seminary Dinner – High Shoals
6:00 pm
Duke Divinity Alumni Reunion Dinner – DePalmas
6:00 pm
Reinhardt University – The Hilton Garden Inn
7:00 pm
Youth Pizza – Athens UMC
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Thursday’s Presenters – Parthenon 1
11am-2 pm Lunch Concessions – Atrium/overflow seating Grand Hall 1-5
12:00 pm Hispanic Luncheon – High Shoals
12:00 pm Reconciling Ministries Network – Hilton Garden Inn
12:15 pm Laity Luncheon – Athena I-J
12:15 pm Clergy Spouse Luncheon – Parthenon 1-2
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12:15 pm Young Harris College Luncheon – Cypress 1
5:15 pm
UMM Dinner – Parthenon
7:00 am
Bishop’s Breakfast for Friday’s Presenters – Parthenon 1
11am-2 pm Lunch Concessions – Atrium/overflow seating Grand Hall 1-5
Additional meals are scheduled by various groups.
Please check directly with each sponsoring group for information.
Responsibility of the Lay Members of the Annual Conference
It is an honor to be elected as a lay member to the North Georgia Conference.
This is an assignment of great responsibility. By virtue of this office, he/she is
also a member of her/her church’s council (¶ 252.5.g), finance committee (¶
259.4), and the pastor parish relations committee (¶ 258.2.a). (2012 Book of
Discipline.)
Each member has the responsibility to:
1) Attend pre-conference orientation session held in his/her district.
2) Attend all sessions of the annual conference. When he/she must be absent
from the conference every effort should be made to see that the alternate lay
member is able to be present.
3) Become familiar with the organizational structure and existing programs of
the annual conference, parliamentary procedure, and the conference standing
rules as printed in the 2015 Conference Handbook.
4) Read pre-conference reports in the conference handbook provided at the
district pre-conference session and become familiar with specific programs
and items that might be presented during the sessions. Consult with the
pastor and church lay leader. While the lay member is obligated only to use
his/her own best thinking in the conference, the dialogue with others ahead
of time should prove helpful in clarifying issues.
5) Participate fully in the work of the annual conference policy-making
decisions.
6) Form his/her own opinions on issues and vote his/her convictions.
7) Prepare a report for his/her local church. This report may be presented at a
Sunday morning worship service and/or a more detailed report at a meeting
of the administrative board/council. In either case it should be done as soon
after annual conference as feasible, and “not later than three months after the
31
close of the conference” (¶ 251.2, 2012 Book of Discipline). Consult with
his/her pastor before conference about scheduling and time limit. The
conference handbook, the NGC web page www.ngumc.org, handouts
received at annual conference, and personal notes on the sessions can be
used as a basis for the report. Mention major issues raised and any action
and how they might affect the local church. Refer to conference preachers
and share highlights from worship services. Do talk about the positive
aspects of the conference. Try not to dwell on the trivia.
Responsibility of the Clergy Member of the Annual Conference
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Each clergy member has the responsibility to:
Attend pre-conference orientation session held in his/her district.
Attend all sessions of the annual conference and leave only under emergency
conditions and with the knowledge of his/her district superintendent.
Attendance is not optional. “Any such person unable to attend shall report by
letter to the conference secretary, setting forth the reason for the absence.”
(2012 Book of Discipline, ¶ 602.8.)
Become familiar with the organizational structure and existing programs of
the annual conference, parliamentary procedure, and the conference standing
rules as printed in the 2015 Conference Handbook and discuss with his/her
lay member(s).
Read pre-conference reports and become familiar with specific programs
and items that might be presented during the sessions. Prior to annual
conference, consult with his/her lay member(s) so that he/she might
understand the various reports and their implication for the life of the
Church. Keep in mind that the lay member(s) as well is/are obligated to
express views and vote as each feels is best.
Participate fully at the annual conference and help in policy-making
decisions.
Form his/her own opinions on issues and vote his/her convictions.
Serve as interpreter of the annual conference actions along with the lay
member. (2012 Book of Discipline ¶ 251.2).
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Parliamentary Guidelines for Participation at Annual Conference
1. The presiding Bishop is the “chair” of the conference.
2. To address the conference: move to a microphone and raise your hand until
recognized by the chair; state your name, the name of your local church, and
whether you are a lay member or clergy member.
3. To request a conference committee review the business currently under
consideration: after recognition by the chair, state: “I move that the item
currently before the conference be referred to …” (state the name of the
committee to which you think the matter should be referred or request referral
to a committee to be recommended by the chair).
4. To request clarification of business being conducted: after recognition by
the chair, state: “I request a point of information/clarification regarding …
(state the specific clarification you seek).
5. To change the wording of a resolution, or business item, that is before
the conference:
a. Write down the specific wording of the proposed amendment/change,
include handbook page and line number.
b. Raise your hand for recognition. When recognized by the chair, state the
reasons for your proposed amendment/change.
c. After recognition by the chair, say, “I move to amend Line_____, on page
__ by: (deleting or inserting) the following words: ...” Read only the exact
wording proposed. Have a written copy of the amendment ready for the
conference secretary immediately after the motion is read.
d. The chair will ask for a second, state the motion and ask for discussion.
e. Other persons may be recognized to discuss/debate the motion. The motion’s
presenter is allowed a final chance to speak for the motion.
f. After “the question is called” and discussion is closed, the motion is voted
on by the conference.
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34
Parking Permit
for Members of the
North Georgia Conference
June 16-19, 2015
June 15, 2015 for early registration
Athens, Georgia
----------------------------------To display: fold in half and place on dashboard of vehicle
This permit must be displayed for
Annual Conference Free Parking
AND
Special Rates at the
Annual Conference Pay Parking Decks
See maps in Handbook
35
36
100. Candler School of Theology
For 100 years Candler School of Theology at Emory University has prepared
real people to make a real difference in the real world. Since our founding in
1914, more than 10,000 students have graduated from Candler, where they have
been shaped as Christian leaders who put faith and love into action,
transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Here, students are
challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and immersed in Christian
service from the first day they arrive on campus. This unique approach ensures
that our graduates are ready to serve wherever God leads.
One of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler
is grounded in the Christian faith and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. We are
one of seven graduate professional schools of Emory University, a top-tier
research institution offering extensive resources and a rich context for study.
Our location in the city of Atlanta offers a learning environment that reflects the
highly diverse communities of the 21st century world. There is no better place
for ministry preparation that addresses our major denominational priorities:
developing leaders, starting and growing churches, ministry with the poor, and
improving global health.
During the 2014-2015 academic year, Candler celebrated its Centennial,
marking our 100th anniversary with a series of commemorative events
highlighting memories of the past and visions for the future. The year-long
celebration began in the fall of 2014 with the dedication of the final phase of
our new LEED-certified building and the premiere of Religion and Reason
Joined: Candler at 100, a new book on our history. The commemoration
continued through the spring of 2015 with guest lectures, exhibits, and
“Prophetic Voices,” a major academic conference addressing the challenges and
opportunities facing theology in the 21st century.
Not only has Candler expanded its physical space this year—we have
expanded degree offerings as well. In response to the changing needs of the
church, Candler introduced five new degrees to equip Christian leaders: the
Doctor of Ministry, the Master of Religious Leadership, the Master of Religion
and Public Life, and two dual degrees with social work and development
practice.
Candler’s student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian
faithful. Our enrollment stands at 447, with 320 seeking the Master of Divinity,
43 the Master of Theological Studies, 14 the Master of Religious Life, 20 the
Master of Theology, 29 the Doctor of Ministry, 10 the Doctor of Theology, and
11 enrolled as Non-Degree students. The student body is 52 percent women, 35
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percent people of color (U.S.), and the median age of the entering class is 27.
Students represent 42 denominations, with nearly half identifying as United
Methodist.
Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship
with The United Methodist Church. Our ability to fulfill our mission of
educating faithful and creative leaders for the church's ministries in the world
depends upon your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you for the countless
ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. Visit us in
person in Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler
prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world.
Jan Love, Dean
and Professor of Christianity and World Politics
101. Georgia Pastors School
The focus of the 2014 Georgia Pastors School was excellence in worship. With
her extensive experience in designing worship, Marcia McFee focused on some
of the “occasional services” found in the Book of Worship. In each session we
reviewed the different aspects of worship and how to utilize elements such as
layering, flow and ritual to make each service rich and appeal to multiple
senses. Her teachings could be modified and applied to different church sizes
and settings. Each evening we enjoyed experiential worship in services that
were designed around and demonstrated content from the lectures. Our preacher
was R Mark Beeson, the Senior/Founding Pastor of Granger Community
Church (GCC), a United Methodist Church in Granger, Indiana. As a visionary
leader, team-builder and storyteller, he challenged us through his message and
example each evening. We had a great time of education, leisure and worship
during the 2014 school.
In 2015 our theme will be “The Relevant Church” and Mike Slaughter
will be helping us ask questions that clarify and define what it means to “be”
the church in our communities. If new ways of discipling, worshipping and
transforming are "emerging," how does that shape our daily lives in the parish
and the sanctuary? Mike is the lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church, and an
ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church (UMC). He holds a Doctor
of Ministry and has received numerous awards in evangelism and leadership
during his ministry. The Church Reporter has listed him as one of the 50 most
influential Christians in America.
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We are excited that this year we will feature clergy from our conferences
as our preachers for worship each evening. Mike Ricker from Isle of Hope
UMC in Savannah and Jasmine Smothers from North Georgia Connectional
Ministries will bring our message each evening. Once again Chuck Bell, who
worked closely with Marcia McFee, will be with us and help shape our worship
experience each evening. We anticipate another school of challenging education
and excellent worship.
Georgia Pastors School is a family oriented event and children are a
priority for us. Our current trend of younger clergy requires us to make certain
our children and youth receive excellent care. This year we are pleased to
announce that we have secured the services of Kids Care Everywhere for infant
through 5th grade care. Also, we welcome Sean McConnell, youth director from
Athens First UMC, and a team of inspired college students to lead our youth
program this summer. We are delighted to secure individuals of this quality to
care for our children. The Board of Managers wants to ensure that Georgia
Pastors School is an outstanding event for both clergy and their families, in
addition to providing an opportunity to obtain required continuing education
units.
Registration is available online only at www.georgiapastorsschool.org
and room reservations can be made through www.epworthbythesea.org.
Walkup registrations are always welcomed; however, advanced registration
helps in our planning efforts. We thank both conferences for their continued
support.
Kathy Lamon, Chair
102. Georgia United Methodist Foundation, Inc.
At the heart of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation’s existence is our
desire to help United Methodist churches, ministries and individuals in Georgia
sow seeds of faith for future generations. We do this by encouraging faithful
stewardship through the following offerings:
Services for Churches & Ministries
• Endowments and Legacy Ministry Webinars to establish a permanent
source of income that supports a church’s ministry programs.
• Investment Services to manage funds in a socially responsible manner.
• Lending Services to extend low-interest loans to churches and ministries
wishing to refinance debt, or build, expand or renovate facilities.
• Grants to support vital ministries of the Church.
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Services for Individuals
• Planned Giving Services to educate individuals on how they might plan
their affairs to benefit their families, as well as United Methodist
churches and ministries.
• Development Fund Investments to provide above-average interest rates.
• Scholarships to support future leaders of the Church.
As a nonprofit organization serving the Church, our ministry goals include:
• Encouraging and equipping each United Methodist church and ministry
in Georgia to implement a planned giving program.
• Partnering with United Methodists to grow God’s kingdom for the
• Being the investment manager for all long-term funds for all United
Methodist churches in Georgia.
• Providing expert counsel, superior value and high Christian standards.
For assistance with your stewardship needs, please contact the Foundation
at 770-449-6726, 877-220-5664 or [email protected], or visit gumf.org.
Zoe M. Hicks, Chair
Charles W. Savage II, President/CEO
Wayne S. Racz, Senior Vice President
103. Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry
The Georgia Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry is
celebrating a year of growth and change. We celebrate seven years of dedicated
service Cindy Autry has given the commission as executive director. Autry, a
South Georgia Elder, is retiring in June 2015 after 32 years of ministerial
service. Michael McCord will be appointed as our next director effective in
June 2015.
The commission is excited about our next chapter. McCord has served in
campus ministry for 14 years. Since 2010 he has served as the director of
Campus Ministry Resources and Training for the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry. Prior to his work at GBHEM, Michael was the
founding campus minister of the Macon Wesley Foundation from 2001-2010.
McCord knows the Georgia Commission well and will bring knowledge of
many other models of United Methodist collegiate ministry from his work
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throughout the world. His experiences will aid the commission to ensure that
our models of ministry continue to be vital for years to come.
The commission is grateful for the support we receive from the North and
South Georgia annual conferences. In 2014 we received $1,011,782 in
apportionments from the North Georgia Conference. These funds help support
our 16 Wesley Foundations, as well as ministries at our nine United Methodist
colleges and universities across the state. Our new Wesley Foundation at Fort
Valley State continues to grow. We have also recently broken ground on a new
Discipleship House at Valdosta State. These ministries are possible because of
committed United Methodists who give sacrificially to ensure that God is alive
and well on campus.
This is an exciting time for the commission. We are on solid ground and
will continue to look for ways to thrive on campus, transforming the lives of
students for the transformation of the world.
Leigh Martin, President
104. Hinton Rural Life Center
Making Disciples, Serving Our Neighbors, and Sharing God’s Love
Hinton Center is a retreat and conference center nestled in the mountains of
southwestern North Carolina overlooking breath-taking Lake Chatuge. For over
50 years, as a mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Hinton Rural
Life Center has provided opportunities for intentional faith development while
sharing love for Christ with others through service. Each year, we host
individuals and groups for spiritual retreats, group gathering, and service
opportunities. We also partner with small and rural congregations in a vitality
process, exploring congregational call, encouraging creative missional outreach,
and sparking new life.
Together in 2014, we were able to:
*Host over 1400 volunteers who worked on campus, in our garden, and in our
community to help those in need;
*Deliver over 75 loads of firewood to families who could not otherwise afford
to heat their home;
*Repair 123 homes, making them warmer, drier, and safer;
*Provide financial counseling to 50 families; helping two families secure loans
to purchase homes;
*Host seven poverty simulations to help the community understand the
challenges associated with those living in generational poverty;
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*Harvest fresh vegetables from our garden for our guests and donate excess
vegetables to Clay County Food Pantry and Matt’s Ministry, a weekend meal
program for children in our rural community;
*Lead 18 small and rural churches through Next Step Vitality Ministry;
*Engage in 81 worship services with mission volunteers to reflect upon their
service in this rural Appalachian community;
*Increase Hinton’s presence throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction, with
increased web presence moving from 6,000 website hits in 2010 to 60,909
website hits in 2014;
*Increase connections through social media from 358 Facebook friends in 2012
to over 1200 in 2014;
*Raise over $100,000, which is two-thirds of our way to our initial goal of
$150,000 in our Capital Campaign.
What can we do together in 2015? Foster relationships, empower people,
build community. But we need your help: Pray for Hinton, support Hinton
financially, participate in Hinton’s ministries.
Jacqueline Gottlieb, President/CEO
105. Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc.
On February 10, 2015 Lake Junaluska, the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the
United Methodist Church, the United States, and the world lost a great leader.
R. Wright Spears died at the age of 102. Spears and his wife Mary Blue retired
to Lake Junaluska in 1977 where he continued to promote social justice. Wright
had a vision for Lake Junaluska, and spent his years here encouraging us all to
more fully live into the Kingdom of God through our mission of Christian
hospitality. He understood the importance of balancing the budget while
offering a great experience to our guests. He urged us to offer great
programming, and at the age of 95 was instrumental in launching the Lake
Junaluska Peace Conference.
Wright understood that offering Christian hospitality goes beyond simply
welcoming our paying customers. At our best, we are what he envisioned us to
be: a place that welcomes all and provides transforming and renewing spiritual
experiences and a place that pays attention to the bottom line and is operated
more like a college than a church camp. We are more inspired to fulfill our
mission “to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed
through renewal of soul, mind and body” than ever thanks to his influence.
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For the third year in a row, we ended the year “in the black.” We
continue to accomplish this without any operational apportionment support
from the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Lake Junaluska has embraced the new
financial model that was approved by the 2008 SEJ Conference and we remain
committed to always “live within our means.” 2014 was a record breaking year
for charitable giving. We received $1,079,994 from 1,257 individuals. This
represents a 34.4% increase in total giving over 2013 and a 2.6% increase in
number of donors.
We continue to refine and implement our plans for improvements to our
facilities, grounds and programs. Plans were approved in 2014 to begin an
extensive renovation of The Terrace hotel. We completed all of the projects
planned in 2013, including converting the Jones Dining Hall into a year round
facility, renovating the children’s playground at the Wilson Children’s
Building, and numerous improvements to the lake front consisting of a new
boat storage area along with a boat dock and fishing pier just to the north of the
swimming pool and a meditation garden to the south. We are working to refine
and improve our existing programming for youth and adults and continually
seek to implement new innovative programs that align with our mission.
As a member of the United Methodist Church within the Southeastern
Jurisdiction we want you to know that “your” asset, Lake Junaluska, is doing
very well. We are striving to be good stewards of the resources with which you
have entrusted us and to carry on the legacy of Wright Spears. Please pick up a
copy of our 2015 program, Discover Lake Junaluska. We do hope you can
come and visit us this year for a conference, a retreat or a vacation to be
transformed and renewed in soul, mind and body.
Jack Ewing, Executive Director
106. Credit Union
106.a. Credit Union Chair
Throughout the years, your board of directors has adopted strategies for short
and long-term goals that insure the credit union’s future development and
growth. During 2014 we continued to implement those endeavors necessary to
maintain growth along with a strong financial picture.
Our achievements include:
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• Four $1,000 college scholarships were awarded to members ages 17-35
of the Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Alabama-West Florida
conferences.
• We continue to fulfill our mission of "Supporting Those Who Support the
Light of Christ" through our low-cost/no-cost financial services for our
churches.
• We implemented “SPRIG by CO-OP” – a smartphone, tablet and web
app that allows members to make deposits, check balances, transfer
money between accounts, pay loans and make person-to-person
payments from virtually anywhere using the camera on their mobile
device(s).
• We continued to have several very successful car loan promotions that
helped members reduce their monthly payments on their current loans at
other financial institutions and obtain great rates on new vehicle
purchases.
In 2015 we are introducing upgrades to our Protection Plus Checking that
provide members with greater value and increased security and expanding our
VISA Credit Card Program to include the ability for almost all members to
obtain a credit card. Lastly, look for our new theme for 2015, “Helping People
Afford Life” as a part of all of our communication efforts with you. And make
sure you let other eligible family members and friends know the value of credit
union membership too!
Of course, all of this could not have been achieved without our staff, my
fellow board members, and other volunteers that helped make 2014 another
great year for your credit union. Most importantly, however, I want to thank
you, our members, for continuing to do business with your credit union.
We're Safe. We're Secure. We Are Your Credit Union!
James R. Mitchell, Chair
106.b. Credit Union Supervisory Committee
United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee
independently evaluates the soundness of the credit union’s operations and
activities. This committee is responsible for a series of internal and external
audits that are performed to insure that the credit union complies with generally
accepted accounting principles. This committee also makes certain that United
Methodist Connectional FCU’s audited financial statements provide a fair and
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accurate representation of the financial condition of the credit union and is
compliant with state and federal regulations.
As a result of the audits held and in conjunction with the annual
examination of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), it is the
opinion of the supervisory committee that the financial condition of United
Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union continues to remain strong and
well managed, with sound policies and programs. The credit union is also
compliant with the credit union’s by-laws, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida state
laws relating to credit unions, and applicable federal laws and regulations.
The supervisory committee would like to commend the staff,
management and volunteers of the credit union for their efforts in maintaining
the soundness and safety of the credit union.
Kelly Brisendine, Chair
Committee Members: Clarence Thrower, Maryanne McCurdy, Charles Houston
106.c. Credit Union Treasurer's Report
United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union ended 2014 with a strong
financial bottom line and continued controlled growth as can be seen with the
accompanying balance sheet and income statement.
2014 Highlights:
• Assets increased slightly from $26,818,029.55 as of December 31, 2013
to $27,066,634.11 as of December 31, 2014.
• Loans to members increased slightly from $17,060,854.66 at year-end
2013 to $17,099,138.92 at year-end 2014.
• Income on investments increased from $52,239.10 in 2013 to $59,469.64
as of year-end 2014.
• Operating expenses decreased from $1,183,034.14 in 2013 to
$1,167,980.08 in 2014.
• Net income at year-end was $45,116.63.
We have continued to remain strong and steady through the years and
remain a safe haven for all of your financial needs. Our goal is to continue
building our net worth in order to maintain the NCUA required ratios and
maintain our financial stability. 2015 will find us continuing on the course so
as to ensure the financial soundness and success of your credit union for all of
our members today and into the future.
Michael McQueen, Treasurer
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106.c. Financial Reports
Assets
Summary as of
12/31/13
Summary as of
12/31/14
Cash
Loans To Members
Loan Participation
Allowance for Loan Losses
Other Receivables
Investments
Accrued Income
Prepaid Exp & Defer
Charges
Fixed Assets
All Other Assets
Total Assets
$250,725.79
$17,060,854.66
$1,295,954.56
-$98,035.74
$0.00
$7,605,410.24
$68,000.59
$25,999.58
$236,581.53
$17,099,138.92
$1,253,679.17
-$105,663.42
$0.00
$7,901,857.67
$56,295.30
$44,586.91
$562,044.87
$47,075.00
$26,818,029.55
$533,083.03
$47,075.00
$27,066,634.11
$6,665.70
$0.00
$0.00
$170.84
$34,493.90
$0.00
$3,735.02
$45,065.46
$4,241.22
$0.00
$0.00
$409.74
$32,115.94
$0.00
$1,530.29
$38,297.19
Shares of Members
Reserves
Undivided Earnings
Net Income
Total Equity
$24,260,456.59
$682,937.04
$1,774,404.04
$55,166.42
$26,772,964.09
$24,470,712.79
$682,937.04
$1,829,570.46
$45,116.63
$27,028,336.92
Total Liabilities & Equity
$26,818,029.55
$27,066,634.11
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Dividends Payable
Notes Payable
Taxes Payable
Accrued Expenses
Deferred Credits
Other Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Equity
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106.c. Financial Reports
Income Statement
Summary as of
12/31/13
Summary as of
12/31/14
$1,061,709.00
$52,239.10
$183,250.82
$67,598.85
$1,364,797.77
$1,026,832.65
$59,469.64
$164,031.86
$77,041.03
$1,327,375.18
Compensation
Employee Benefits
Travel & Conference
Association Dues
Office Occupancy
Office Operations
Education & Promotion
Loan Servicing
Prof & Outside
Provision for Loan Losses
Member Insurance
Federal Operating Fee
Interest on Borrowed
Cash Short/Over
Annual Meeting
Miscellaneous
Total Operating
Expenses
$471,999.85
$147,061.77
$66,709.54
$18,877.00
$40,377.22
$116,938.65
$59,061.31
$28,583.57
$191,760.20
$6,000.00
$18,910.13
$6,180.91
$0.00
-$20.43
$4,285.13
$6,309.29
$1,183,034.14
$482,665.19
$152,315.71
$52,124.25
$19,038.00
$43,030.00
$100,284.14
$41,441.44
$25,805.57
$196,367.94
$39,000.00
$0.00
$4,947.93
$0.00
-$10.99
$3,614.67
$7,356.23
$1,167,980.08
Income From Operations
Income Before Dividends
Dividends
$181,763.63
$181,763.63
$128,084.37
$159,395.10
$159,395.10
$114,278.47
$1,487.16
$0.00
$55,166.42
$45,116.63
Interest on Loans
Income on Investments
Fees & Charges
Other Operating Income
Operating Income
Operating Expenses
Gain/(Loss) on Assets
Net Income
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200. Board of Ordained Ministry
The Board of Ordained Ministry nurtures a culture of call for ordained ministry,
interviews candidates for ordained ministry, and pastorally deals with those
who are exiting ordained ministry. The primary work of the board is hosting
interviews for candidates for provisional and full connection membership in the
annual conference.
Ordination Exams. The board examines candidates in three areas:
Theology and Doctrine, Practice of Ministry, and Called and Disciplined Life.
The candidates submit written material in each area, then a team from the board
interviews each candidate. In an average year, about 60% of the candidates pass
all areas. This pass rate is consistent with that of other annual conferences.
Candidates most often struggle with the theology and doctrine section of the
ordination exam. Candidates who took theology and doctrine courses online
rather than in a classroom usually need additional mentoring before passing the
BOM exam. Candidates who pass the provisional interviews and are
commissioned participate in a three-year residency program involving study,
mission service, and collegial support while under appointment by the bishop.
This year the average age of the incoming provisional members is 39.
This is higher than last year, which was remarkably low, but 39 represents
continuation of a slowly developing trend toward younger provisional members
in the North Georgia Conference.
Consistent with this year’s theme of annual conference, the board
continues to make health a point of emphasis.
Partnerships. The board of ordained ministry could not carry out its
mission of nurturing a culture of call and helping to form and credential clergy
without the dedicated service of the lay and clergy members of our 12 district
committees on ordained ministry, the 60-plus members of the conference board
of ordained ministry, many candidacy mentors, and provisional residency group
leaders who faithfully and willingly give their time, creativity and energy for
the annual conference. In the 2014-15 annual conference year there have been
44 group candidacy mentors meeting monthly with 89 inquiring candidates to
help individuals discern God's call in their lives. There have been 14 active
provisional group leaders guiding commissioned elders and deacons through the
journey from commissioning to ordination. There are also clergy and laity who
serve as members of a psychological assessment committee and as members of
a credit advisory task force to further help candidates, district committees and
the conference board in their discernment of gifts and qualifications for
ministry. The leaders of the orders of deacons and elders and the fellowship of
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local pastors and associate members are active in encouraging collegiality and
professional and spiritual development among their members. These leaders
also represent their colleagues as members of the board of ordained ministry.
Vocational Discernment. Since July 2014, an associate director of
vocational discernment, Tonya Lawrence, became a partner in the work of the
board of ordained ministry and the office of ministerial services. Lawrence is
coordinating the administration of the Young Clergy Initiative grant that the
board received from the General Commission on Higher Education and
Ministry. The components of the grant include the Timothy Initiative, an
intensive learning and leadership development experience for seven racialethnic minority clergy age 35 and under and their mentors, and UMCall, a
website of information and inspiration for persons seeking to explore God's call
in their lives. The web address is www.umcall.org. The third component of the
grant is the Hannah Initiative, a program designed to help local churches
nurture a culture of call with the young people in their congregations and
communities.
Emory Clergy Care. In December, Emory Spiritual Health announced
its decision to close Emory Clergy Care, a respected partner with North Georgia
clergy and families for spiritual, mental and emotional healthcare. Since that
time the board of ordained ministry and the office of ministerial services have
been actively seeking to guide and encourage clergy and clergy families to
access resources available through our employee assistance provider, United
Behavioral Health, and with faith-based organizations like Samaritan Center,
Summit, and Care and Counseling Center of Georgia.
Ministry Review. The Book of Discipline assigns the board of ordained
ministry, in consultation with the cabinet, responsibility for selecting an
evaluation instrument for clergy in local churches. In 2014 the North Georgia
Conference participated in a pilot project for a new 360-degree online
evaluation program created by the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry. The board received positive feedback about the online survey and the
360-degree evaluation concept. However, the board, clergy and S/PPR
committees experienced technology problems, and technological support for the
program was inadequate. Some also expressed concern about the complexity of
the covenant-writing process. Based on the feedback, the board discontinued
participation in the GBHEM program pending correction of the technological
deficiencies.
In 2015 S/PPR committees will be asked to meet with their appointed
clergy to review the covenants written in 2014 and adopt new covenants for
the new year. Newly appointed pastors and S/PPR committees will adopt a list
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of goals for the coming year. Clergy and committees will receive detailed
instructions and guidance from the office of ministerial services to engage this
process. While two or three churches in each district will be invited to field-test
a 360-degree evaluation process again using the Lewis Pastoral Leadership
Inventory or LPLI, from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley
Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, there will be no electronic tool used
across the conference in 2015. In 2016 after more training and preparation with
clergy and S/PPR committees, the board will offer either the LPLI or a muchrefined version of the ministry review from GBHEM that was piloted in 2014.
The North Georgia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry always
invites input and suggestions as to how we can better serve the annual
conference.
Glenn Ethridge, Chair, Board of Ordained Ministry
Jane Brooks, Director, Office of Ministerial Services
201. Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits
201.a. Pension Report
Active and retired clergy of the North Georgia Conference may be
covered by up to three different pension plans depending on when they were in
active service with pension credit. All service prior to 1/1/1982 is covered by
the Pre-82 Plan. Service from 1982 to the end of 2006 is under the Ministerial
Pension Plan (MPP). Service from 2007 through the present is covered by the
Clergy Retirement Security Plan.
The Pre-82 benefit is calculated as (years of service prior to 1982) X
(past service rate) = annual amount. The Past Service rate or PSR is approved
by the conference annually. The 2014 PSR is $702. The Conference Board of
Pensions & Health Benefits recommends a 1% increase to $709 per service year
for 2015. Surviving spouses receive 75% of the clergy benefit. By Disciplinary
requirement the annual conference must approve an updated funding plan
indicating full funding of our Pre-82 plan by 2021. (See comprehensive
Funding Plan available in additional packet handouts.) Annual payments aimed
at reducing Pre-82 pension liability are from apportionment Area II Retired
Ministers Pension/Insurance. For 2016 the Pre-82 portion is budgeted at $1.5
million.
The Ministerial Pension Plan provides clergy a lifetime monthly benefit
based on 65% of their MPP account balance at the time of conversion. The
50
remaining 35% of the account balance is available as a cash account to be used
as needed.
The Clergy Retirement Security Plan covers clergy appointed at ½ time
or greater. It provides a defined benefit, or lifetime payment, based on (1.25%)
X (years of service) X (Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) =
annual benefit for service from 2007 through 2013. For service beginning 2014
the formula is (1%) X (years of service) X (DAC) = annual benefit. CRSP also
provides a defined contribution benefit based on 3% of clergy Plan
Compensation. Clergy are required to contribute 1% of their Plan
Compensation to UMPIP to receive the entire 3% paid by the church. Plan
Compensation includes cash salary, parsonage allowances and housing
allowance or a factor for use of a parsonage.
The North Georgia Conference sends a monthly bill and statement to
local churches for pension and health benefits of covered clergy and lay staff
(where applicable). The conference must pay the General Board of Pension &
Health Benefits (GBOPHB) for most benefits every month, making it
incumbent on local churches to make billing and apportionment payments in a
timely and consistent way.
201.b. Recommendations of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits
1. That the 2016 annuity rate for each year of service rendered by our
clergypersons prior to 1982 (the PSR) be set at $709.
2. That the annual conference approves the 2016 Comprehensive Funding
Plan recommended by the Conference Board of Pension and Health
Benefits.
3. That the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) Adoption
Agreement with the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits cover
clergy appointed ½ time or greater for 2016.
4. That the Comprehensive Protection Plan Adoption Agreement with the
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits remain in effect for 2016.
5. That the $10,000 benefit payment for the death of full-time active clergy
covered by CPP remains in effect for 2016.
6. That the annual conference adopt the Resolution Related to
Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of the
Conference, so as to designate the 2016 pension and disability payments
as a rental/housing allowance for income tax purposes, within the limits
of the Internal Revenue Code (see Resolution).
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201.c. Health Benefits Committee
Health Insurance
The North Georgia Conference health insurance is provided by HealthFlex
which is administered by the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits.
Two plans are offered in 2015:
• The PPO B750 (P2) option is a “traditional” health plan that features a
$750 deductible per individual and a $1,500 deductible per family.
• The Consumer Driven Health Plan (P2) features a $2,000 deductible per
individual and a $4,000 deductible per family with $1,000 deposited into
a Health Reimbursement Account ($2,000 per family).
Due to relatively small differences in cost, charged premiums are the same
for both plans. In 2015 the active member rates increased about 3%.
The Affordable Care Act continues to shape the landscape of health
insurance. In 2013 an Active Health Benefits Task Force chaired by Frank
Brock was formed to explore future options for our active clergy. The task
force’s report and recommendations are included in a separate report.
2015 Incentives
The HealthFlex wellness incentives remain unchanged in 2015. If the Active
Health Benefits Task Force’s recommendations are approved, then these
incentives will also continue for 2016.
• Step 1: Take the Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness® biometric
blood screening between April 1 and July 31. Primary participant and
covered spouse can each earn $100 HealthCash if enrolled in Virgin
HealthMiles.
• Step 2: Take the HealthQuotient online between August 1 and September
30 and avoid a higher 2016 medical deductible ($250 higher for
individuals, $500 higher for families). Both the participant and covered
spouse must complete the HQ.
• Step 3: HealthFlex encourages individuals to “take action” after
receiving their screening and HQ results. Participants can earn up to $150
HealthCash for wellness points on the WebMD website.
Virgin HealthMiles
The Virgin HealthMiles walking program is continuing. Participants have
quarterly activity goals and can earn up to $150 in HealthCash annually.
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One Exchange for Retiree Coverage
In 2015 the North Georgia Conference has continued its relationship with One 7
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Exchange (previously named Extend Health) for retiree health care elections.
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Retirees receive a maximum, annual amount of $3,600 per participant and
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$3,600 per covered dependent ($7,200 maximum per household) in a Health
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Reimbursement Account. The amount available is based on years of service
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using the following tiers:
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• 35+
100%
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• 25-34
80%
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• 15-24
60%
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• 10-14
40%
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• 1-9
0%
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Retirees and their spouses who retired before 2005 are “grandfathered” into
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the program and funded at 100% of the HRA.
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The committee recommends maintaining the same funding levels and
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service tiers in 2016.
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A Note of Thanks
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We are grateful for the great work of our benefits staff, including Karen
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Fullerton, Valerie Henry and Val Bligh. Combining their tenures, they have
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served the North Georgia Conference in this capacity for over 55 years!
William R. Burch, Chair 28
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201.d. Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness®
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33
The Conference Board of Pensions & Health Benefits invites all HealthFlex
members to take the Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness® during Annual 34
35
Conference. The screening is available in the Oak Room located on the lower
36
level of the Foundry Building. Times are available 6:00 - 9:30 Tuesday37
Thursday mornings.
38
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Ernst and Young
The General Board is once again providing free financial planning assistance
from Ernst and Young in 2015. The site can be accessed from the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits web site at http://www.gbophb.org.
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You will be evaluated for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney and liver
disease, thyroid disorders, anemia or excess iron, and prostate cancer. Results
will be mailed directly to you.
On-line appointments are required. Twelve hour fasting is requested.
Please bring your HealthFlex insurance ID card. Active participants and
spouses can earn $100 each in HealthCash.
201.e. Active Health Insurance Task Force
The AHITF was constituted to explore the effects that the Affordable
Care Act (ACA) has had on the changing healthcare environment and how our
annual conference can best navigate the dynamic healthcare environment. The
task force started work in November 2013 to study the changes and options
available to the conference. The task force developed four guiding principles:
1. maintain mandatory clergy participation for appointive issues,
2. continue availability to spouses and families,
3. balance the needs of churches and clergy,
4. keep the plan affordable and sustainable.
The AHITF recommendations that follow are in line with our guiding
principles. These guiding principles need to be continually reviewed as the
ACA evolves and the NGUMC seeks to balance the needs of the churches, the
clergy and their families. The NGUMC continues to offer one of the more
generous insurance plans compared to the conferences in our jurisdiction. Some
conferences require the clergy to pay the full premiums for dependent coverage,
which can run up to $12,360 annually. Some require the clergy to pay a
majority of the premium for dependent coverage. In the NGUMC the church
pays the majority of the premium for spouse and dependent coverage (a blended
rate).
The task force has explored several options. One of those options is to
not offer health insurance and to increase salaries by a set amount across the
board. Two annual conferences have chosen this option and increased salaries
$12,000 across the board. This money is taxable income and cannot be paid as a
pre-tax benefit. We see several challenges with this option. One is that after
federal, state and social security taxes, the net amount would cover only a single
person. Another challenge is that churches would be responsible for increased
pension costs. Several of our churches currently have difficulty paying the
insurance premiums billed to them and would struggle paying the increased
salary and pension costs. Still another challenge is that we cannot guarantee that
54
clergy would purchase health insurance on their own. This has the possibility to
negatively affect clergy-church relations. We have several instances over the
years of clergy asking their churches and the conference to help with substantial
unpaid medical bills. For these reasons we have decided not to pursue this
option.
The task force also discussed eliminating spousal and dependent
coverage or shifting most of the cost for this coverage to the clergy. This would
put us in line with what many other annual conferences are doing. This is also a
trend in the corporate world. However, our itineracy system is unique. Spouses
and children are greatly impacted when the clergy transitions to a new church or
position. Quite frequently the spouse has to find a new job and that can take
time. Any disruption in health coverage could be challenging and has the
possibility to put the family in financial distress.
The ACA allows states to create healthcare exchanges for people to
purchase health insurance. The federal government also has an exchange and
insurance companies can offer private exchanges.
HealthFlex is offering a “private exchange” for 2016. Within the
exchange there are five products that clergy and laity can choose. There is a
traditional 80/20 plan with a $1000 deductible called B1000. There are two
consumer driven health plans (CDHP) and two high deductible health plans
(HDHP). Those who choose a CDHP receive employer-provided funds in a
health reimbursement account (HRA). Those who choose a HDHP receive
employer-provided funds in a health savings account (HSA). Those who choose
either the B1000 or the CDHP plans can also put money into a medical
reimbursement account (MRA) just as we can do now. The HealthFlex private
exchange gives clergy and their families choices that fit their family’s
healthcare needs.
Money that is put into an HRA rolls over and accumulates from year to
year. When an employee leaves or retires, that money goes back to the insurer.
Money that is put into an HSA belongs to the employee. That money also rolls
and accumulates from year to year. An HSA is a savings account and interest
does accrue in these accounts.
There are still several challenges to the law that could drastically alter the
healthcare landscape and major provisions of the ACA. Because of the ongoing
volatility of the ACA and the options afforded us by the HealthFlex exchange,
we feel the HealthFlex exchange to be the best product to offer to the annual
conference. This will allow us to test the waters of the new healthcare
environment.
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Beginning in January 2016 churches will be billed a blended defined
contribution (DC) amount. There are three levels of DC; one for single
coverage, one for clergy and one dependent, and one for family coverage. The
clergy will be billed, through payroll deduction, for the difference between the
blended DC and the actual 2016 rates for the particular coverage they have
elected.
The AHITF recommendations for 2016 healthcare coverage are:
1) We recommend that we offer HealthFlex private exchange as
insurance product for 2016.
2) We recommend that coverage continue to be mandatory for all
fulltime clergy appointed to local churches or conference positions.
3) We recommend that the conference pensions and benefits office
continue to use blended rates to calculate the defined contribution billed
to the church.
4) We recommend the health insurance DC contribution levels be set at
the following rates: Single $8,000; 2-party $14,600; Family $18,400
5) We recommend that the Silver C3000 plan be the default plan. This
plan is a CDHP with a $3000 deductible per individual and a maximum
deductible of $6000 per family. After the deductible is met the insurance
pays 50% and the participant pays 50% of eligible expenses. The out of
pocket maximums for this plan are: $6,500 per individual; $13,000 per
family.
6) For pre-65 retirees we have two recommendations. The first is that we
will allow them to opt out of HealthFlex. The second is that if they
choose the HealthFlex exchange the conference will fund them with a
maximum amount of $3600 single or $7200 family coverage. The
amount funded is based on years of service using the same criteria as that
for the retiree health care.
*
35+ 100%
*
25-34 80%
*
15-24 60%
*
10-14 40%
*
1-9
0%
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8) We recommend that whatever is approved by the CBOPHB be
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communicated to the clergy and churches through meetings, the
6
conference website, and by all means available to us to get this
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information into the hands of the churches and clergy.
8
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9) We recommend the use of BusinesSolver online health navigator to
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assist covered persons to choose the most appropriate health insurance
11
option for their family’s unique circumstances.
12
13
Finally, it became clear to the task force that one of our goals was cost
14
sustainability. Healthcare is expensive and the health insurance markets have
15
been very volatile. We have seen small increases over the last several years.
16
What we are proposing will increase insurance costs 3.6%, but we are hoping
17
that we will not have to increase the defined contribution next year. However,
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given our health claims experience, this is actually is a very “low” growth rate.
The HealthFlex exchange will help clergy and conference lay employees better 19
20
manage their health, their healthcare dollars, and that we will all become better
21
healthcare consumers.
Frank Brock, Chair 22
23
201.f. Recap and Explanation of Present Clergy Benefits Plans
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of the North Georgia Annual Conference – Revised 12/31/2014
25
26
DISABILITY AND DEATH BENEFIT PLAN
27
Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) – this covers current (active
28
and retired) clergy for death benefits and active clergy for disability
29
benefits. The monthly cost of the CPP is billed to local churches
30
rather than being apportioned as part of the conference budget.
31
32
RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS
33
Pre-1982 Pension Plan (Pre 82) – In 2015 this plan will pay $702 for 34
each service year a retired clergy worked prior to 1982. Surviving
35
spouses receive 3/4 that amount. The conference budget for 2014
36
includes $3,500,000, for this past service benefit that was not funded
37
prior to 1982, which is now apportioned. The conference Board of
38
Pensions recommended increasing the PSR by 1% for 2016. The pre39
7) We recommend that all conference lay employees be eligible for the
HealthFlex exchange and be funded at the same rates as clergy.
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1982 net pension liability of approximately $9,134,000 is required by
2000 General Conference action to be completely funded by
12/31/2021.We will accomplish this. In fact, by applying the $3.9M in
Simpsonwood “net-net” proceeds of sale, the $4M contribution from
the Foundation for Retired Ministers (due 4/2016) and 2015 and 2016
apportionments, we should achieve “full funded” status by 12/31/16.
Please note that the term “full funding” comes with a caveat. Due to
the vagaries of the factors utilized in actuarial models, the definition
of “fully funding” a defined benefits plan is fluid and may mean that
assets should exceed liabilities by as much as 30%.
Ministers Pension Plan (MPP) – This was a defined contribution
pension plan for clergy who worked from 1982 through 2006. The
cost of the plan was billed to and paid for by local churches.
Uncollectible amounts of those billings were borne by the conference
apportioned budget. (See below for related topic)
MPP Annuity Plan (MPP Annuity) – At retirement under the MPP a
clergy is allowed to withdraw no more than 35% from his/her plan
balance. The amount that is not withdrawn, between 65% and 100%
of the clergy’s account balance at retirement, must be rolled into a
fixed annuity contract. Effective 1/1/2014, exactly 65% must be
converted into an annuity. This annuity guarantees a market rate
annual benefit payment during the life of the retiree. For those who
retired before July 2003, the annuity was guaranteed at a rate of 8%.
The essence of this arrangement is that the plan, which would not
result in any unfunded liability for the conference if it was a pure
defined contribution plan, includes a guaranteed annuity feature
which can produce an unfunded liability for the conference.
Clergy Retirement Security Plan –Defined Benefit (CRSP-DB) –
The 2004 General Conference approved a new plan that has both a
defined contribution portion and a defined benefit portion. This new
plan can produce an unfunded liability because it guarantees
certain retirement benefits to clergy who are working after 2006. Any
unfunded liability after the clergy retires will become a liability of the
conference and will produce a cost that must be funded.
General Conference action in 2012 reduced the benefits (and the
attendant cost to the churches) of about 15%, effective 1/1/2014.
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HEALTH CARE PLANS
Currently Retired Ministers Medicare Supplement Plan – In 2013,
the conference replaced its previous retiree medical plan with a
brokerage program called “OneExchange,” which will essentially
“fix” the liability by capping the total contribution per year at $5,000
per participant, which will be used to fund their own insurance
coverage via “One Exchange” brokerage services. This program
represents only a first step to address the liability. If this program
remains unaltered, it could, in the future, stress the conference
financial status. (See next section)
.
Future Unfunded Medicare Supplement Plan Expenses – Neither the
2015 budget nor the 2016 recommended budget includes anything to
address future retiree plan expenses. The net unfunded liability was
$15,301,000 as of 12/31/14.
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TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS OF ALL RETIREE PLANS
TOTALS
133,463,212
$
41,242,677
$ 187,426,395
$
$
(12,720,506)
4,714,036
7,000,711
(9,134,129)
(15,301,124)
NO
NO
NO
YES
Sheet
$
$
5,850,000
3,400,000
2,450,000
Est
$
$11,496,109
5,646,109
$1,237,400
$1,285,156
$3,123,553
2015 ANNUAL COSTS
THRU
DIRECT
APPORTIONBILL TO
MENTS
CHURCHES
Est
30,843,867
64,682,278
45,196,470
46,703,780
Balance
on
Recorded
Comprehensive Protection Plan (denominational)
(death and disability)
$
UNFUNDED
LIABILITY
Est
$
9,840,021
31,402,656
LIABILITY
12/31/2014
Benefit
Obligation
Post-1982 Defined Contribution Plan (CRSP-DC)(denominational)
35,557,903
Post-1982 Defined Benefit Plan (CRSP-DB) ( denominational)
26,222,320
71,682,989
$
$
TO A/C
AVAILABLE
TO A/C
NOT AVAILABLE
MPP Annuity (denominational plan)
Pre-1982 Pension (denominational plan)
Future Retiree Medical Insurance (Conference plan)
PLAN
Owned by and
GBOP POOL
DESIGNATED ASSETS 12/31/14
ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND UNFUNDED STATUS
12/31/2014
SUMMARY OF RETIREE BENEFIT PLANS
OF THE NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
$3,850,000
$1,500,000
$2,350,000
$9,556,315
$5,706,315
$1,274,522
$1,314,821
$3,116,972
2016 ANNUAL COSTS
THRU
DIRECT
APPORTION- BILL TO
MENTS
CHURCHES
201.g. Summary of Estimated Pension and Health Liabilities
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202. Commission of Equitable Compensation Guidelines
Paragraph 625.1. of The Book of Discipline 2012 provides that in each annual
conference there shall be a commission on equitable compensation. The
purpose of this commission is found in paragraph 625.2, where it states:
"It is the purpose of the commission on equitable compensation to support fulltime clergy serving as pastors in the charges of the annual conference by: (a)
recommending conference standards for pastoral support; (b) administering
funds to be used in base compensation supplementation; and (c) providing
counsel and advisory material on pastoral support to district superintendents
and committees on pastor-parish relations; and (d) submitting an arrearage
policy to be adopted by the annual conference. For pastors receiving equitable
compensation, once the base compensation supplementation has been paid by
the annual conference, and the minimum base compensation and base
compensation supplementation have been received by the pastor, the annual
conference shall have no further financial obligation or responsibility to the
pastor, the charge or anyone else regarding the pastor's compensation.
How this purpose is to be carried out can be found in the balance of paragraph
625.3-13. These guidelines detail how the North Georgia Conference will strive
to accomplish this disciplinary task.
202.a. Conference Arrearage Policy
With The Book of Discipline 2012, paragraph 624, entitled Payment Obligation,
the language was amended and new language added that explains the steps that
should be taken when a church or charge is unable to pay any portion of the
pastor(s) full compensation when due. Paragraph 624.2. allows for each annual
conference to establish an arrearage policy to deal with the situations that arise
or have arisen in the past. Paragraph 625.2.d. entitled Equitable Compensation,
also references the conference arrearage policy. Below is paragraph 624.1.,
where it states:
"Each church or charge has an obligation to pay the full compensation as
approved by the charge conference, to its pastor(s). If it becomes apparent that
a church or charge will be unable to so provide the compensation approved by
the charge conference, the church or charge SPRC chair, finance chair, or
treasurer, shall immediately notify, both in writing and verbally, the pastor,
district superintendent and congregation. This communication shall indicate all
avenues explored to meet the salary, including requesting consideration for a
short-term emergency subsidy grant from the Equitable Compensation Fund."
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The Commission of Equitable Compensation proposes that the North Georgia
Annual Conference approve the following arrearage policy in accordance with
paragraph 624.2. and 625.2.d of The Book of Discipline 2012.
Arrearage Policy:
Any church that is unable to pay its pastor(s)'s salary and/or benefits when due
must notify the appropriate district superintendent within 24 hours of making
that determination. Notification can include telephone call and/or email. Upon
receipt of such notice, the district superintendent will notify the conference
commission on equitable compensation of the issue for its expeditious
disposition.
Further, churches or charges with full-time clergy which are in arrears to
the annual conference with respect to benefits payments (pension and
insurance) will be reported in the annual conference Handbook and Journal as
“churches receiving equitable compensation.” These specific churches or
charges will be reported based on the following methodology:
1. If the total balance due as of December 31 of the current year is greater
than the total balance due as of December 31 of the previous year by an
amount exceeding a two months invoice amount, said church or charge will
be reported as a church or charge having received equitable compensation
funds.
2. The amount recorded in the report will equate to the total difference
between this year's total balance due and last year's total balance due.
3. Churches with benefits arrearage who pay their pastor(s) above
minimum cash compensation have 18 months from January 1, 2015 to pay
their previous year's benefits in full or reduce base salary to the conference
minimum cash compensation.
202.b. Conference Pastors Payment Recommendations
The Commission on Equitable Compensation continues its long standing
recommendation that all pastors be paid in advance. Furthermore, any
payment(s) due to the conference office or other designated office(s) for the
pastor(s) pension and insurance be paid at the first of each month so as to be in
compliance with paragraph 624.1. and the conference's arrearage policy. Since
pension payments and insurance premiums are part of the financial support
package, these should be paid prior to the payment of conference
apportionments.
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202.c. Conference Standards for Pastoral Support
The following items are to be included in the definition of full clergy financial
support for 2016:
1. Base compensation, which includes cash compensation payments,
payments to cover or assist personal social security taxes of the pastor
and any other cash benefits paid to the pastor.
2. Annual conference pension plan payments and life and health insurance
premiums.
3. Provision for a parsonage or a housing allowance.
4. Reimbursement for travel/business expenses and continuing education,
and any other expenses as may be required by the annual conference.
Note: Base compensation may be divided into salary and a utilities/furnishings
allowance to minimize a pastor’s tax liability. Local churches should be
familiar with Internal Revenue Service requirements for pastors receiving
nontaxable reimbursement when establishing compensation.
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202.d. Minimum Compensation
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The commission recommends the following minimum compensation for the
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annual conference in the year 2016.
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Category
2015
2016
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* Full Connection
$35,000
$35,900
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* Associate Member
$33,200
$34,000
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* Provisional Member
$33,200
$34,000
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* Full Time Local Pastor
$30,200
$31,000
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* - This amount represents the total of Sections I and II of the "Clergy
25
Financial Support Worksheet" as found on the conference website under the
26
Office of Ministerial Services, Clergy Forms.
27
The Commission on Equitable Compensation acknowledges that over the past
28
several years many churches have elected to maintain and in some cases reduce 29
the salary levels of both their clergy and lay staff. The commission
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recommends, where possible, that churches consider a salary increase of at least 31
2.5% in 2016.
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202.e. Accountable Reimbursement Plan
34
Local churches shall reimburse pastors for travel/business expenses and
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continuing education expenses under an accountable reimbursement plan that
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complies with Internal Revenue Service regulations. These IRS regulations
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require that reimbursements made outside an accountable reimbursement plan
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to be reported as taxable income. The local church shall budget sufficient funds 39
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to meet the anticipated cost of pastoral travel and business expenses based on
the most current year’s actual expenses or the amount determined with the
pastor.
202.f. Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth. The local church shall
budget sufficient funds to meet the pastoral continuing education expectation of
the pastor/staff-parish relations committee as outlined in The Book of Discipline
2012 in paragraph 258.2g(8). This amount shall be no less than $800 annually.
The Book of Discipline 2012 paragraph 351 deals with continuing education and
spiritual growth. The commission would like to emphasize that this paragraph
in The Book of Discipline states that each clergy's continuing education and
spiritual growth program should include at least one week each year and at least
one month during one year of every quadrennium. Additionally, such leaves
shall not be considered as part of the minister's vacations. For more information
on this subject please refer to The Book of Discipline 2012 paragraph 351,
found on page 285.
202.g. Vacation Recommendations
The commission recommends that all churches/charges of the conference
provide their pastor(s) annual vacation periods of at least the following schedule
and make necessary financial arrangements for pulpit supply during the pastor’s
absence from the pulpit. Guidelines for vacation periods shall be based on the
credited years of service as indicated in the Directory and Service Record
published annually in the conference Journal:
Credited Years of Service Vacation Recommendation
1 to 5 years
3 weeks (including 3 Sundays)
6 to 10 years
11plus years
Vacation shall be calculated based on the conference year July1-June 30.
202.h. 2016 Equitable Compensation
The commission recommends the following items be included in the Annual
Conference Equitable Compensation Plan for 2016:
Estimated costs associated with a Full Elder:
2015
2016
Minimum Total Compensation
(1) $ 35,000
$ 35,900
Minimum Housing allowance
(2) $ 17,600
$ 17,600
Pension
(3) $ 9,336
$ 9,500
Health Insurance
(4) $ 14,800
$ 15,000
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Continuing Education
(5) $ 800
$ 800
Total Estimated Cost
$ 77,536
$78,800
(1) May be broken out between gross base salary, other cash compensation,
utilities allowance and parsonage-related allowances as identified on the
Clergy Financial Support Worksheet in sections I & II.
(2) Where parsonage is not provided. See 202.k of this document for further
explanation.
(3) Actual cost may vary based on a variety of factors. The amount listed is
an estimate from the conference benefits office.
(4) This is the minimum amount for 2015. The 2016 amount is an estimate
from the conference benefits office.
(5) This amount is the minimum as set by the annual conference. The basis
for this recommendation is found in paragraphs 258.2g(8) and 351.4 of
The Book of Discipline 2012.
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202.i. Equitable Compensation Fund
16
The commission recommends that all full-time clergy, appointed to serve as
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pastor-in-charge, be eligible to receive grants from the equitable compensation 18
fund under the North Georgia Annual Conference Equitable Compensation
19
Plan. Churches may not receive salary supplementation funds from both Church 20
Development and Equitable Compensation.
21
The commission administers the equitable compensation fund to assure
22
each pastor receives a minimum compensation package approved by the annual 23
conference (Paragraph 625.3 The Book of Discipline 2012). A local church that 24
demonstrates the ability to maintain a full-time ministry may apply to the
25
commission of equitable compensation for a grant. We recommend that the
26
North Georgia Annual Conference Equitable Compensation Plan provide for
27
grants not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total equitable compensation
28
costs (as outlined above) for the original grant.
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The Bishop, Cabinet and the Commission of Equitable Compensation
30
must approve any exception to the above equitable compensation guidelines on 31
an annual basis and must request any additional funds over the original
32
equitable compensation budget from the conference council on finance and
33
administration before an exception is made. The commission shall report to the 34
annual conference the charges and the clergy members receiving or who have
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received disbursements from the equitable compensation fund during the past
36
calendar year, including the number of years such funds have been disbursed to 37
the charge and the clergy member.
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The commission will make disbursements from the equitable
compensation fund in accordance with The Book of Discipline 2012,
paragraphs: 342, 624 and 625. By May 31 of each year the district
superintendent must file with the commission a list of standard supplement
requests to be provided churches/charges in his/her district effective July 1-June
30. By November 30 of each year the district superintendent must file with the
commission any changes to the supplements for the period January 1-June 30.
The commission will assemble advisory material including but not limited to
IRS regulations, denominational resources, annual conference resources and
such information helpful in understanding and establishing compensation in
The United Methodist Church. The commission will provide such material
and/or consultants from the commission upon request by district
superintendents, committees on staff/pastor relations or any event where such
information would be beneficial in developing or maintaining an effective
compensation package or program. The commission will be responsible for
making adequate requests from the conference council on finance and
administration as needed for approval of budget and expenditures.
202.j. Evangelism / Stewardship Seminar
Any church or charge receiving equitable compensation funds from the annual
conference will be required to attend a seminar dealing with, but not limited to,
stewardship and evangelism. The pastor(s) will be required to be in attendance,
with other key leaders of the church or charge. This seminar will be conducted
by Connectional Ministries in conjunction with the Commission of Equitable
Compensation.
202.k. Guidelines and Standards for Housing Allowance and Parsonage
Every church must provide adequate housing for its pastor. The church or
charge may meet this need by means of a parsonage or by providing a housing
allowance sufficient to buy or rent a home in the area served by the church.
The minimum housing allowance for 2016 is $17,600. Any exceptions to this
minimum must be approved by the district superintendent. The allowance
should respect the Internal Revenue Service regulations and rulings. The
housing allowance should be clearly established, recorded in the Charge
Conference minutes and excluded from Box 1 but listed in Box 14 in the W-2
form provided to the pastor. It is recommended that if a pastor has any
questions concerning compliance with the IRS regulations, he/she should
consult a professional tax consultant or a Certified Public Accountant.
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202.l. Minimum Standards for Church-provided Parsonages
These guidelines are intended to offer direction and goals for local church
leaders in decisions regarding the construction of new parsonages and/or the
upgrading and maintenance of existing parsonages. While the commission
understands that many parsonages within the annual conference do not meet
these new minimum standards, it is expected that measures will be taken by the
local church to bring their parsonage(s) within these standards by 2016. In
addition to these standards, it is expected that everything in the parsonage will
be in working order. The main floor of the parsonage shall be handicap
accessible.
1. Bedrooms: The parsonage shall have three or four bedrooms of at least 120
square feet each with ample lighted closets in each. The master bedroom shall
have its own bath. It is recommended that the master bedroom be located on the
main level. At least one bedroom and bath shall be on the main level.
2. Bathrooms: There shall be at least two full baths in the house.
3. Kitchen: The kitchen shall be large enough for family eating space or a
breakfast nook as well as built-in cabinets, double sink, cooking range, selfcleaning oven and frost-free refrigerator with a large freezer and ice maker.
4. Climate control: Central heat and air are required, along with insulation to
meet present day building codes. Energy efficient windows and doors are to be
provided in order to conserve energy. Screens must also be provided for all
windows.
5. Office: An office with adequate office equipment and furniture shall be
provided either at the parsonage or at the church.
6. Living/Dining Area: There shall be common living space consisting of a
living room, family/recreational room and dining room for entertaining.
7. Floor coverings: The church shall provide proper floor coverings in the
parsonage with either carpeting or hardwood flooring in living spaces and tiled
or vinyl flooring in the kitchens and bathrooms.
8. Window treatments: The church shall provide blinds or shades for all
windows. Curtains may be provided but are not required.
9. Telecommunications: The parsonage shall have connections for cable or
satellite television, telephone and high-speed internet. Fees for such services
shall be paid for by the pastor.
10. Utility area: There shall be an indoor utility area to include an automatic
clothes washer and dryer provided by the church.
11. Wiring/Plumbing: All wiring and plumbing must conform to present day
codes and are to provide for present and future needs in order that all appliances
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and computer equipment may be used safely. All receptacles must be properly
grounded.
12. Security and Safety: The church shall provide smoke alarms and a fire
extinguisher. Carbon monoxide detector/alarms should be installed near the
furnace, kitchen, and water heater areas and sleeping areas if said appliances
use gas. All exterior doors shall have dead bolt locks. It is recommended that
the church also provide a security system for the parsonage with the pastor
paying for the monitoring services.
13. Parsonage grounds: Parsonage grounds should have foundation shrubbery,
shade trees, and adequate yard space for children. It is recommended that the
church provide lawn maintenance service for the parsonage; if not, a powered
lawn mower must be provided for the parsonage. The mower should be a riding
mower if the yard is larger than ½ acre. Maintenance of the mower is the
responsibility of the church. A fenced play area is recommended.
14. Garage/Carport and storage: A two-car garage or covered carport shall be
provided and a minimum of 120 square feet of outdoor storage space shall be
provided.
15. Insurance: An amount of insurance equal to at least 80% of the
replacement value of the parsonage and church-owned contents should be
carried by the church (fire and extended coverage). The pastor shall carry
adequate insurance to cover the pastor’s family’s personal belongings and
furnishings.
16. Parsonage Updates: All parsonages shall be updated or renovated to
conform as nearly as possible to the suggested minimum standards in these
guidelines. Please note, as stated in 202.k, all parsonages are expected to be in
compliance with the minimum standards by 2016. Any parsonages not meeting
the standards by 2016 must be approved for usage by the district superintendent
on an annual basis.
202.m. General Guidelines for Parsonages
Guidelines for Privacy:
Although the parsonage is the property of the church, it must be understood that
it is also the private home of the parsonage family. Courtesy dictates that the
parsonage be visited only upon invitation by the parsonage family. Even the
annual mandatory parsonage review and parsonage committee meetings must
be scheduled with the parsonage family with at least a two week notice.
Guidelines for Care of Property:
The parsonage family shall take care of the house, furnishings and property,
making it a policy to leave them in good condition. Best results will be obtained
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as the parsonage family and parsonage committee work together, feeling free to
discuss the needs with each other. It is understood that there will be a natural
depreciation of property and contents which calls for repairs and replacements
periodically.
Guidelines for Parsonage Upkeep:
1. It is recommended that the church’s annual budget include a parsonage fund
equivalent to at least 3% of the value of the property for the purpose of repairs,
maintenance, pest control and insurance. Unused yearly funds should be placed
in an interest bearing account to be used for capital expenses of the parsonage
to include the future purchase of a new parsonage where the current one does
not meet minimum parsonage standards.
2. The parsonage family shall be consulted in the selection of color schemes,
window treatments and equipment.
3. The parsonage shall be kept well painted inside and out.
4. Every parsonage shall have a parsonage file. The parsonage file is to be
maintained by the parsonage family and shall include all guarantees, repair
parts lists, instructions for use of equipment, and an inventory of all churchowned contents. The file shall also include a maintenance log which will list
when and from whom items were purchased, who to call for repairs, when and
by whom improvements were made, and any other information helpful to future
parsonage families. A pictorial record, preferably in video format, should be
taken as soon as possible on or after each moving day. This record will be
invaluable for insurance purposes in case of fire or other catastrophe. It also
would serve as a record of the parsonage’s initial condition. An extra copy of
the pictorial record and the parsonage file shall be updated and stored in a
secure place away from the parsonage.
Guidelines for Pets:
Keeping animals outside the parsonage is recommended. It is understood,
however, that family pets kept inside the home bring much comfort and joy.
Therefore, if they are kept inside the parsonage, the following guidelines must
be met:
1. The church trustees must be kept informed of any pet inside or outside the
parsonage.
2. Only a domestic pet, which will be defined as a small dog, cat, caged bird or
aquarium fish can be kept in the parsonage. Guide and service animals are not
to be considered pets. Any other animal requires the approval of the church
trustees. Also, more than one indoor pet requires the approval of the trustees.
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3. All damages incurred by any pet will be the responsibility of the pastor and
will be reported to the church trustees and assessed. Payment for repairs should
be immediate, but no later than moving day. Flea and tick treatment is required.
4. If pets are kept inside, the parsonage family must make an extra effort to
thoroughly clean the parsonage to eliminate any evidence of pets having been
present, which includes fleas, ticks, pet hair, pet dander, stains, excrements, etc.
Guidelines for Smoking: There shall be no smoking inside the parsonages.
Guidelines for Handling Unusual Damages:
1. The pastor/staff relations committee and the board of trustees shall have
regular inspections of the parsonage (see Mandatory Parsonage Review
Guidelines below). This will permit all parties to review the general condition
of the parsonage in order to identify deficiencies of the parsonage and define
programs and time schedules for improvement.
2. Any unusual damages caused by the parsonage family shall be reported to the
district superintendent.
3. Unusual damages caused by the parsonage family shall be paid for by the
pastor involved. Various approaches for repayment of damage repair expenses
may be necessary, including but not limited to the following:
a. Creating a repayment schedule which may follow the pastor to his/her
next assignment.
b. In every case, the handling of such matters must be done in
consultation with the supervising district superintendent.
Guidelines for Utilities:
Arrangements should be made by the pastor with appropriate companies to
prorate all utility bills up through moving day. The moving pastor shall not
have the utilities turned off. It is recommended that the church have the utility
accounts in the church’s name with the pastor paying the amounts due for the
utilities to the church a week prior to the due date. This will prevent any
transfer issues arising from pastors moving.
Mandatory Parsonage Review Guidelines:
1.
A meeting concerning the parsonage will be conducted each year prior to
charge conference.
2.
This meeting will be held in the parsonage and will include a mandatory
review of the entire parsonage—inside and out.
3.
The attendance of the following individuals is expected: the pastor, the
trustee chairperson, the parsonage committee chairperson and the
chairperson of the pastor/staff relations committee (see The Book of
Discipline, ¶2533.4) If the pastor has a spouse, he/she should also be
included.
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4.
The specific date can be set any time during the year, but it must be set at
least two weeks prior to the church’s annual charge conference with all
parties agreeing to the date set.
5.
Even though this mandatory meeting takes place to satisfy a disciplinary
requirement, it is recommended that other parsonage committee meetings be
held to consider parsonage improvements and other concerns.
6.
A parsonage report, detailing the findings and recommendations made
during the meeting will be completed and signed by all in attendance at the
parsonage review. This report will be submitted to the district superintendent
during the charge conference. One copy of the report shall be placed in the
parsonage file at the parsonage and a second copy shall be kept at the church
or away from the parsonage grounds.
7.
Any concern by either the pastor or church may be addressed at a later
meeting. The district superintendent may become involved, if deemed
necessary by either party.
8.
Continual patterns of parsonage abuse will be documented and stored in
each pastor’s file.
Check lists when a parsonage is being vacated:
A check list shall be completed when a parsonage family is moving away from
the parsonage. It is the responsibility of the parsonage family to thoroughly
clean the parsonage and grounds. It is not the responsibility of the church to
clean. The checklist when vacating a parsonage shall include checks for:
1. Windows cleaned inside.
2. Window blinds/shades cleaned.
3. Rugs and carpets vacuumed (shampooed if needed).
4. All hard surface floors cleaned.
5. All appliances cleaned.
6. All cabinets cleaned inside and out.
7. Basement, closets and shelving cleaned.
8. Light bulbs replaced as necessary.
9. Bathrooms thoroughly cleaned, including fixtures, tile grout, shower
doors/curtains, medicine cabinets, walls and floors.
10.Garage, carport and outside buildings swept and left orderly. The lawn
shall be left in a well-maintained order.
11.All trash is properly disposed. (It is recommended that the church provide
an extra refuse container during move week.)
12.A list of all items needing the attention of the parsonage committee. The
checklist when moving into a parsonage shall be used by the incoming
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pastor to rate the items on the move out list as excellent, satisfactory or
poor.
202.n. Summary Statement for Parsonages
The parsonage is a witness of the church, and it is a symbol of the stewardship
of the congregation; the parsonage should, therefore, receive the same kind of
care as the church building. An occasional open house is suggested as a means
of the church and the parsonage family sharing this witness and as a means of
enhancing the relationship between the congregation and the parsonage family.
202.o. Pastors Receiving Equitable Compensation in 2014 - 2015
Clergy Eq. Comp.
Received
Classification Years on E. C.
Hubert Brown
$46,144
FE
17
Robert Crawford
$30,392
FE
12
Jared Evans
$12,000
FE
0.16
Marcus Dixon
$46,312
FE
1
Jamie Hudgins
$39,965
FE
0.50
Ronald Johnson
$25,893
FE
6
Karen Lyons
$46,416
FE
1
Moses Woodruff
$41,152
FE
3
202.p. Churches Receiving Equitable Compensation in 2014 - 2015
Church
District
Eq. Comp. Continuous.
Appt. Paid
Received Years on E.C
For 2014
Bentley Hill
GRFN
$25,893
3
100%
Bold Spring
ATHN
$12,000
0.16
100%
Clarkston
AMRY
$46,416
1
100%
Flat Shoals
ADOX
$46,144
10 plus years
100%
Redemption Community ACPK
$30,392
2
51%
Poplar Springs
ACPK (on charge with Redemption Comm.) 30%
St. Mark (Fairburn)
ACPK
$46,312
1
24%
202.q. Churches Receiving Equitable Compensation due to the less than
full payment of their pastor's pension and insurance premiums in 2014:
Church
District
Amount
Bowen
ADOX
$16,216
The Bridge
NWST
$8,918
Faith
GRFN
$14,453
Suwanee First
AMRY
$9,432
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202.r. Statistics to Assist Staff/Parish Relations Committees
in establishing a fair and equitable package for their pastor(s).
Salary and housing data for pastors-in-charge appointed to a church
at above minimum salary (Does not include associate pastors)
# of churches
Total
# in this Avg. Salary +
Avg. Housing with Housing
Members category Utilities
Allowance
Allowance
4500 plus 9
$166,586
$36,051
7
2500-4499 21
$127,487
$29,627
18
1500-2499 25
$99,933
$26,403
18
1000-1499 32
$82,005
$22,772
25
750-999
25
$73,743
$21,237
16
500-749
42
$68,175
$21,515
23
300-499
82
$54,368
$19,084
36
200-299
54
$47,725
$19,224
26
100-199
57
$41,760
$18,602
21
99 and less 6
$42,373
$18,401
4
Average salaries and utilities for all those appointed
to a church at minimum salary or above
Atlanta Districts
Non Atlanta Districts
225
250
$64,217
$58,350
Average housing allowance by district all those appointed to a church
at minimum salary or above
District
Atl. / College Park
Atl./ Decatur / Oxford
Atl. / Marietta
Atl. / Emory
Atl. / Roswell
Avg. Housing
Allowance
$22,251
$19,687
$21,873
$21,909
$24,871
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Number of Churches
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38
37
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Athens / Elberton
Gainesville
Griffin
LaGrange
Northwest
Rome / Carrollton
$20,864
$21,383
$21,880
$20,987
$20,276
$19,083
$20,968
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13
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Atlanta Districts
Non Atlanta Districts
$22,380
$20,835
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203. Episcopacy Committee
In providing counsel, dialog, support, encouragement and honest feedback, the
episcopacy committee endeavors to live out its responsibilities of assisting our
episcopal leader in leading the North Georgia Conference in ways that exhibit
growth and innovation. By advising him of concerns that affect relationships
within the annual conference, together we develop a unity of spirit that is
important for effective leadership and ministry. The episcopacy committee is
grateful to Bishop and Mrs. Watson for their gracious support as we work
together on behalf of the North Georgia Conference.
The past year has been challenging in new and exciting ways that many
of us would not have anticipated. Bishop Watson has provided perceptive, often
calming, leadership through the sale of Simpsonwood, the up-coming move of
the United Methodist Center and the move of Global Ministries to Atlanta. He
has participated enthusiastically in the full implementation of episcopal
evaluations. While immersed in these challenges at home, Bishop Watson
continued to emphasize evangelism, continuing service on the World Methodist
Council. The episcopacy committee shares and supports this emphasis both
world-wide and as it is lived out in North Georgia.
Throughout the conference year Bishop Watson has given leadership in
the areas of spiritual formation and conference responsibilities, as well as
supporting healthy living as a form of Christian stewardship. This past year has
brought a renewed emphasis on children, youth, campus and camping ministries
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as the conference explores new and exciting ways to reach out to the 0 - 25
demographic.
The committee thanks the episcopal residence committee chaired by
Wiley Stevens for continuing to assure a safe and comfortable living space for
our episcopal family.
We give thanks to God for the leadership of Bishop and Mrs. Watson and
their attention to the opportunities for mission and ministry in the North
Georgia Conference. The committee continues, and urges the clergy and laity of
the North Georgia Conference, to pray daily for Bishop Watson, his family and
his work.
Skip Matson, Chairperson
204. Conference Committee on Personnel Policy and Practices
204.a. 2015 Recommendations
Background and Context
In 2014 the annual conference approved the following three recommendations
from the CPPPC for 2015:
• Align the definition of “Cabinet” as it relates to compensation planning
to the Book of Discipline. Cabinet refers only to the district
superintendent role.
• Increase base salary for the Cabinet by 3% (from $118,614 to $122,172)
effective January 1, 2015. This resulted in a $42,701 increase to the
budget. Prior to this adjustment, the Cabinet had received four raises in
the past 10 years representing a 13.6% increase or 1.4% average per year.
The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment, published annually by the
United States Social Security Administration) for the same period
averaged 2.5% per year meaning that in real value, the Cabinet salary
was 1.1% lower than it was a decade ago. The 3% increase in salary
brought the period average to 1.6 per year (COLA 2.5). There was no
recommended change to housing allowance.
• Increase conference staff salary by 2.5%.
In the fall of 2014, CPPPC worked with GCFA to revise the survey given to
each conference regarding compensation planning including any formulas used
in defining Cabinet salaries. The following recommendations are based in
historical trends and information gathered from the denomination-wide survey.
Following are recommendations for 2016.
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District Superintendent Compensation Planning
1.
CPPPC recommends that the district superintendent salary be raised by
1.7% (from $122,172 to $124,249) in alignment with 2015 COLA of 1.7%.
This will result in a $24,923 increase to the conference budget.
2.
CPPPC recommends no change in housing allowance.
Further, CPPPC recommends that the Standing Rules be revised to require
that Cabinet salaries be based on a standard formula, which will be reviewed
and refined on a quadrennial basis. The specific formula and revision of the
standing rule will be outlined in the 2016 annual conference. Of the 35
conferences responding to the GCFA survey, 21 (excluding NGUMC) provided
background on the formulas and/or information used in determining DS salaries
as follows:
• 15 use the Conference Average Compensation (CAC) in their calculation
o 4 use the same % increase as CAC on an annual basis
o 2 use CAC + considerations for Consumer Price Index (CPI)
o 9 use a percentage of CAC ranging from 120% (Minnesota) to
180% (NW Texas). The average was 147% and the median was
150%.
• 2 use the average salary of the top five pastors in the conference
• 1 uses the average salary of the top 25 pastors in the conference
• 3 use other information.
At 2016 annual conference, CPPPC will request approval for an alignment
of Cabinet compensation to a recommended standard formula, most likely
linking the formula to the CAC in the 150-175% range.
Methodist Center Compensation Planning
CPPPC recommends an increase in Methodist Center staff compensation by
2.5% effective January 1, 2016. This will result in $44,558 increase to the
conference budget.
District Administrative Assistant Insurance & Pension Treatment
In compliance with the Affordable Health Care Act, administrative assistants to
the district superintendents shall have the option to participate in the conference
insurance and pension programs as employees of the annual conference.
Participation in the programs is optional but must be consistently offered across
the employee population. Funding for this compliance measure has been
included in the 2016 budget proposed by CF&A. This change will be effective
January 1, 2016.
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LOCAL PASTORS
AND ASSOCIATE
MEMBERS
345
ORDER OF
DEACONS
311
ORDER OF ELDERS
311
CLERGY SPIRITUAL
FORMATION
Each TEAM composed of: Chair, V-Chair and
Secretary/Information Officer for each sub-committee
LEADERSHIP
640 Religion & Race
641 Status & Role of Women
639 Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns
627 Church & Society
649 Disability Concerns
650 Native American Concerns
658 Ethnic and Local Church Concerns
S/R Persons Living in Poverty
DISCIPLESHIP
628 Education
646 Children Ministries
646 Youth Ministries
647 Young Adult Ministries
631 Higher Education & Campus Ministries
628 Camping and Retreat Ministry
S/R Adult Ministries
S/R Family Ministries
MINISTRY OF THE CLERGY
632
JOINT COMM. ON
INCAPACITY
648
ADMINISTRATIVE
REVIEW
COMMITTEE
633
DIACONAL
COMM. ON
INVESTIGATION
2703.3
COMM. ON
INVESTIGATION
2703.2
WORSHIP
628 Evangelism
628 Stewardship
628 Worship
638 Archives and History
S/R Vocation and Career/Life Planning
FINANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION
609-617
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
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BOARD OF
PENSION
& HEALTH
BENEFITS
636,648
CONFERENCE
PERSONNEL
OUTREACH AND MISSION
630 Global Ministries
630.26 Health and Welfare
630.3 Conf. Sec. of Global Min.
630.21 Disaster Response
S/R Conference Related Agencies Comm.
TREASURER'S
OFFICE
EQUITABLE
COMPENSATION
623
TECHNOLOGY
AND
COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A STAFFING CHART.
Committee On Nominations
Espiscopal Residence Committee
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Chancellor
Episcopacy Committee
634
Episcopal Leadership
Annual Conf. Planning Committee
CONFERENCE
CONNECTIONAL
TABLE
SMALL MEMB
CHURCH
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LEADERSHIP
OUTREACH AND
MISSION
COMMUNICATIONS(CI)
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Cabinet
Annual Conference
CONGREGATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
630.5
LOAN GUARANTEE
COMMITTEE
Districts
Local Church
CONNECTIONAL
MINISTRIES
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January 15, 2013
General Conference
Jurisdictional Conference
BOARD OF
CONNECTIONAL
MINISTRIES
LEADERSHIP
IDENTIFICATION
& TRAINING
DISCIPLESHIP
RESOURCING
WORSHIP
MINISTRY
OF THE LAITY
629
Jurisdictional Conference Delegation
General Conference Delegation
LAYSPEAKING
MINISTRIES
629.6
LAITY TRAINING
SUPPORT
629.2(C)
Numbers denote Book of Discipline Paragraph
North Georgia Annual Conference - Functional Relationship Chart
U M MEN
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UM WOMEN
644
204.b. Functional Relationship Chart
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Pensions Specialist
Val Bligh
Switchboard /
Remittance PT
Barbara Harris
Information Technology
Support & Web Specialist
Keeancha Hawkins
Director of Information
Technology and
Database Administrator
Michael Murphy-McCarthy
Switchboard /
Remittance PT
Jackie Searl
Insurance Specialist
Valerie Henry
Accountant
Peggy Freniere
Administrative Assistant
Beth Barnwell .25
Benefits Officer
Karen Fullerton
Communications Specialist
Copy/Layout
Ansley Brackin
Judy Bush
Michele Lancaster
Associate Director
Missions PT
Scott Parrish
Associate Director
Communications
Sybil Davidson
Associate Director
Children & Church Training
Debby Fox
Associate Director
Youth & Young Adult
Sam Halverson
Associate Director
Ministry Teams
Jasmine Smothers
Associate Director
Camping & Retreat
Russell Davis
Barbara Waits
Coordinator
Vocational Discernment
Tonya Lawrence
Director of the Office of
Ministerial Services and
Assistant to the Bishop
Jane Brooks
Admin Ass't to the Bishop
Chris Selleck
Director of
Connectional Ministries and
Conference Information Officer
Micheal Selleck
District Superintendents
(12)
Controller
Bruce Cooper
Treasurer and Director of
Administrative Services
Keith Cox
CFA
Resident Bishop
B. Michael Watson
North Georgia Annual Conference - Staff Organization Chart
Hispanic Youth Coord PT
open position
Beth Barnwell .75
Associate Director PT
Korean Ministry
Hyo Kim
Associate Director
Hispanic Ministry
Juan Quintanilla
Director of
Congregational Development
Phil Schroeder
204.c. Staff Organization Chart
205. North Georgia Conference Housing and Homeless Council
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Through the Housing and Homeless Council, the church ministers to people
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who are homeless, inadequately housed, or in situations that place them at risk
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for becoming homeless. The council is an administrative agency of the North
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Georgia Conference, and it is made up of lay and clergy representatives from
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each of the districts plus at-large members and ex-officio representatives.
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The Housing and Homeless Council awards grants twice a year to
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churches and non-profit agencies that are providing housing and services to
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poor and homeless persons in North Georgia. From 1990 through 2014, the
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Housing and Homeless Council has awarded grants totaling $4,308,264. Grant
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applications are due on March 1 and September 1 (or the first business day if
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the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday), and application information is
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available at www.nghhc.org. Housing and Homeless Council members make
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site visits to the applicant organizations and make recommendations to the
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council.
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The Housing and Homeless Council gives 100% of the Homeless
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Offering to ministries serving poor and homeless people throughout the North
Georgia Conference in the form of grants. February 23, 2014, was designated as 19
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Homeless Offering Sunday, and the theme was “As Unto Christ.” Total 2014
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offering receipts were $185,838.
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The Housing Trust Fund, held with the Georgia United Methodist
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Foundation, ended the year with a value of $1,380,199. Most of the
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administrative expenses of the Housing and Homeless Council are paid from
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this fund.
During 2014, the Housing and Homeless Council awarded capital grants 26
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totaling $132,256 and operational grants totaling $49,200, for a grand total of
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$181,456. Homeless Offering funds which come in after grants are distributed
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in November are added to the next year’s grants.
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Capital Grants Awarded in 2014:
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Abba House, Cumming
$5,000.00
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Athens Nurses Clinic
$2,230.00
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Breakthru House, Inc., Decatur
$5,000.00
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Covenant House Georgia, Atlanta
$10,000.00
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Emmaus House, LaGrange
$5,000.00
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Essence of Hope, Inc., Atlanta
$5,000.00
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Faith UMC Habitat build
$5,000.00
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Family Promise Hall County
$10,000.00
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Family Promise of Cobb County
Flint Circuit Council on Family Violence, Inc. McDonough
Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter, Cartersville
Habitat for Humanity – N. Central GA (Forsyth Co.)
Habitat for Humanity – N. Central Georgia (Cherokee Co.)
Habitat for Humanity Gwinnett County
Habitat for Humanity Rome & Floyd County
Hope House, Blairsville
HOPE Through Divine Intervention, Inc., Atlanta
Hope UMC, Dallas
Isaiah House, Inc., Ellijay
MUST Ministries, Marietta
New Covenant UMC, Douglasville
Our House, Inc., Atlanta
Rainbow Village, Inc., Duluth
Salvation Army Athens
Salvation Army Gainesville
Salvation Army Toccoa
Square Foot Ministry, Griffin
Sugar Hill UMC
Trinity Community Ministries, Atlanta
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$5,000.00
$1,750.00
$2,500.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
$2,500.00
$1,250.00
$3,976.00
$1,500.00
$10,000.00
$5,000.00
$4,000.00
$5,000.00
$2,500.00
$3,100.00
$2,700.00
$10,000.00
$5,000.00
$2,500.00
$3,250.00
Operational Grants Awarded in 2014
Action Ministries - Smart Lunch, Smart Kid
Action Ministries Athens
Action Ministries Atlanta
Action Ministries Feed the Hungry
Action Ministries Gainesville
Action Ministries Housing
Brookhaven UMC
Central UMC, Atlanta
Collins Memorial UMC, Atlanta
The Drake House, Roswell
The Extension, Inc., Marietta
Family Promise of Gwinnett, Inc.
Flat Shoals UMC, Decatur
Hope UMC, Dallas
Housing Initiative of North Fulton (Homestretch), Roswell
Interfaith Outreach Home, Inc., Doraville
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
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Jerusalem House, Inc., Atlanta
Jodeco Road UMC, Stockbridge
Jonesboro First UMC
Metropolitan UMC, Rome
Midtown Assistance Center, Atlanta
Mt. Zion UMC, Atlanta
MUST Ministries - Smyrna
Norcross Cooperative Ministry
Rapha Clinic of West Georgia, Inc. - Bowdon
Rapha Clinic of West Georgia, Inc. - Temple
Ringgold UMC
Rivertown UMC, Fairburn
Shepherd's Staff Ministries, Inc., Loganville
SW Ecumenical Emergency Assistance Center, Atlanta
Toco Hills Community Alliance, Atlanta
Trinity UMC, Atlanta
Union Chapel UMC, Marietta
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,200.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
David Gravitt, Chair
Virginia Tinsley, Director
206. Conference Statistician
End-of-Year statistical reports afford us the opportunity to numerically connect
with our sister churches in order to evaluate where we have been, where we are
now, and where we might be heading in the future. The reports allow us the
opportunity to review our plans, goals and objectives as a person, as a
congregation, as a district, and as a conference.
The End-of-Year report summary for 2014 indicates that, for a second
consecutive year, the churches in the North Georgia Conference reflect a flat
line growth pattern. Fortunately, there are some reported increases;
unfortunately, there are some reported declines. Perhaps this would be a great
time to evaluate our methods of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.” Perhaps we could then realize increases in more
areas of ministry.
A few of the end-of-year report highlights for 2014 are:
• A slight increase in Native American and Pacific Islander
membership, and a significant increase in multi-racial membership.
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• An increase in the number of UMVIM teams and in the number of
persons sent out on UMVIM teams.
• An increase in the number of persons served by community
ministries of outreach, justice and mercy.
• Slight declines in average attendance at weekly worship services
and Sunday School.
The 2014 statistical report is available for each church, each district and
the North Georgia Conference as a whole at www.ngumc.org/eoy.
As always, I am grateful for the support team of cabinet and conference
members, including the conference treasurer, director of accounting, director of
information technology, support specialist of information technology, district
superintendents, district statisticians and each appointed pastor who completed
their report in a spirit of integrity.
Darris Baker, Conference Statistician
207. Trustees of the North Georgia Conference
The trustees were authorized in 2013 and 2014 to obtain the best possible offer
for the Simpsonwood property and bring the offer to annual conference. The
annual conference received the report of the best offer from the trustees at a
called session on October 25, 2014. The annual conference then passed
resolutions that gave the trustees authority to negotiate further with a public
entity for the sale of the property. On November 26, 2014, the trustees and
Gwinnett County agreed to terms for a sale. Closing on the sale of
Simpsonwood to Gwinnett County took place on February 6, 2015.
The called session further authorized the trustees to secure a new location
for the conference offices. The trustees established the criteria for the new
location to be availability, visibility, accessibility, affordability, functionality
and sustainability. A space planner and real estate consultant were hired to work
with a relocation subcommittee to consider possible locations and determine
how best to meet the established criteria. The trustees unanimously agreed with
the recommendation to move the United Methodist Center to 1700 Century
Center off Clairmont Road close to I-85. Anticipated move-in date to the new
space is late August 2015.
The trustees established an Artifacts Committee for the purpose of
disbursing items on the Simpsonwood property. Related agencies of the
conference were contacted and received much of the kitchen and sleeping room
furnishings. Agencies receiving items include Wesley Woods, Aldersgate
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Homes, Camp Glisson, UM Children’s Home, Hinton Rural Life Center,
Murphy Harpst, and Housing & Homeless Council (which included a number
of agencies supported by them). The Jesus Doors are to be placed in the new
conference offices. Stained glass windows have been removed and stored. The
Simpson Chapel is to be moved to Simpsonwood UMC by the end of 2015.
At the 2014 annual conference, the trustees reported their directive to the
North Georgia Camping and Retreat Ministries and Camp Wesley, Inc. about a
possible merger. The framework for the directive was as follows:
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…that consideration in the merger will include the establishment and/or
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operation of camping program(s) south of I-285 and the maintained focus of
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reaching and serving the underprivileged population. If a merger is agreed
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upon, part of the negotiation will include the agreement that the surviving
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organization will be the North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc. and
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that Camp Wesley, Inc. will dissolve themselves.
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The final merger agreement must come before the North Georgia
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Annual Conference Board of Trustees for approval before going before the
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annual conference for final approval.
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The trustees reported that the rationale for this recommendation was that 21
Camp Wesley, Inc. holds property and liquid assets for use as a camping
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program, but offers no programs, and has not for many years. Wesley
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Community Centers, Inc. provided programming for Camp Wesley at one time, 24
but ceased to exist in January 2014. Camp Wesley, Inc. owns 334 acres in
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Meriweather County which is currently selling for approximately $3,000/acre.
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They have $1.3M in liquid assets.
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In 2002 Camp Wesley, Inc. was created following the recommendation
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of the trustees to the annual conference. The trustees now ask for the dissolution 29
of Camp Wesley, Inc. by September 15, 2015.
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With the dissolution of Wesley Community Centers, Inc. in January 2014 31
the programming for the property and use of assets became problematic. The
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trustees believed that the directive above for a merger was an excellent plan to
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strengthen and expand conference camping ministries, with the serving of
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underprivileged young people and an emphasis on the region south of Atlanta.
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A task force was established by Camp Wesley, Inc. and North Georgia
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Camp and Retreat Ministries following the directive of the trustees. The trustees 37
received a written report from the task force of their merger conversations at the 38
March 2015 meeting. This report outlined the various meetings between April
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2014 and February 2015. These meetings did not result in a merger plan. After
discussion with leadership from Camp and Retreat Ministries and Camp
Wesley, Inc., the trustees unanimously passed the following resolution:
That the NGC Board of Trustees recommends to the annual conference
that Camp Wesley, Inc. be dissolved by September 15, 2015 and that the
trustees receive the assets, including liquid assets, and that the Board of
Trustees, with consultation and assistance by the Conference Camp and
Retreat Ministries, develop criteria to enable underprivileged children to
attend and participate in camping opportunities.
The history and mission of Camp Wesley is to provide camping
experiences to underprivileged inner-city children. Historically, this mission did
not specify any location (i.e. south of Atlanta). The recommendation of the
trustees is that Camp Wesley, Inc. would deed the property to the trustees.
Camp Wesley, Inc. would dissolve themselves as an incorporated body. The
trustees would sell the property and combine the proceeds with other assets to
create a restricted fund to be used for underprivileged children for camping
opportunities, not limited to scholarships. The trustees would administer the
funds. Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries would be asked to recommend
use of the funds on an annual basis and administer the use of the funds, but the
trustees would monitor and oversee the management of the funds on behalf of
the annual conference. The trustees further note the south part of the annual
conference has been underserved by camping ministries and efforts are needed
to ensure the accessibility of camping opportunities for those in the southern
part of the annual conference.
John A. Simmons, Chair
207.a. Background for the Conference Board of Trustees Resolution
Merger Conversations Between Camp Wesley, Inc. and
North Georgia Camping & Retreat Ministries
March 2014 - The North Georgia Conference Board of Trustees requested that
North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries (NGCRM) approach Camp
Wesley, Inc. (CW) with the idea of merger of the two organizations. John
Simmons met with the CW Board and that board voted to consider “merger
and/or other collaborative arrangements.”
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April 2014 - Andy Woodworth (CW chair), Doug White (NGCRM chair), and
Russell Davis (NGCRM Director) met and formed a task force consisting of
four members from each board to discuss a merger. A Kaleidoscope Inc. study,
commissioned by NGCRM, concluding the CW site in Meriwether is not viable
for conference ministry was shared.
May 2014 - The task force met and it was determined that CW needed to clarify
its mission and re-examine its business plan. CW agreed to have additional
conversations internally regarding mission and to ask the Business Plan
subcommittee to review the CW business plan to determine if it was workable.
This subgroup met and determined that CW has a business plan that is
“sustainable” (i.e., requires no outside income support or to charge groups to
use facility) for a very small facility (50 beds) – but that this doesn’t include the
costs of running a summer program, or incorporate any revenue from camper
fees. Using the remaining funds from the sale of the old CW property, a new
minimalist camp could be constructed and utilities could be provided, and
would be self-sustaining off the interest generated from the remaining principal,
but this plan does not work past this level of operation, including a summer
operation with campers.
November 2014 - Andy Woodworth (CW chair), Doug White (past NGCRM
chair) and Lee Highsmith (NGCRM chair), met and discussed the state of the
merger conversation between the two boards. NGCRM presented two options.
1) Camp Wesley becomes a LLC under NGCRM, similar to other LLCs in the
NGCRM ecosystem. CW would exist as a "separate but controlled" entity, and
could be sold/moved and restarted at a new site amenable to both CW and
NGCRM.
2) Camp Wesley becomes a LLC under NGCRM, sells its current site, and all
funds (liquid on hand and proceeds from sale) are used to sponsor scholarships
or grants for camping initiatives for economically disadvantaged children, thus
continuing the mission of CW. CW would remain active as distributors of these
scholarships and grants.
December 2014 - Camp Wesley board met and offered two counter options:
1) Much in the same way that NGCRM was prepared to see Simpsonwood as
an asset to be used rather than wasted - could the current CW site be seen as an
asset to be used? How can this current site be used effectively? CW is open to a
redesign of the development plan and is willing to work with NGCRM to
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conduct a new assessment to find some plan of development that is functional,
sustainable and meets the needs of the conference and the goals of NGCRM.
2) CW is open to handing over all property and assets to NGCRM, on the
condition that they be used to develop a new camp south of Atlanta and
provisions be made for funds to be set aside for scholarships to all NGCRM
programs in some way.
Along with these counter proposals, CW invited members of the
NGCRM Board to tour the CW Meriwether County site and to have a joint
board meeting to build relationships of trust face to face rather than remotely.
January 2015 - Four members of the NGCRM board toured the CW site in
Meriwether County.
February 2015 - The CW board was invited to attend the NGCRM board
meeting at Glisson. Four CW board members attended, and conversations were
shared together around the next steps of fulfilling the conference goal of 5,000
campers by 2020. An offer was extended by NGCRM that CW become an LLC
under the NGCRM umbrella, and that NGCRM would welcome 2-4 board
members (of its choosing) from CW board onto NGCRM board. The assets and
property would come under the control of NGCRM, and no promises would be
made regarding the development of the current CW site or any site, but
NGCRM would pledge to honor the heritage and historic mission of CW in
some manner. Possibilities were also discussed of potentially recreating CW as
the “Wesley Fund” for funding scholarships for current and future camping
programs in North Georgia, and/or retreat scholarships for small churches,
and/or providing seed grants for new camping ministry projects. All of these
options would fit within the historic mission of CW to “provide opportunities
for transformational Christian camping experiences.”
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$3,959,245
$3,959,245
Conference Proceeds
Net Conference Proceeds
(a)Note that we will utilize the $2.822M recovered via sale to move and acquire/lease new
facility for NGC Officesvia sale to move and acquire/lease new facility for NGC Offices
$9,284,274 (a)
Less: Investment and Debt
$13,243,519
$2,163,528
Net Wesley Woods' Share
Conference Share (after WW)
$2,351,762
$188,234
$15,407,047
$400,000
$10,200
$143,003
$39,750
$16,000,000
City and County
Wesley Woods' Share Before Interest Participation
Less: Interest Participation(From September 2013-current)
Net Proceeds (Defined in WW MOU)
Less: Real Estate Commission
Less: Appraisal and Site Plan Fees
Less: Legal Fees (from March, 2013-current)
Less: Ledlie Fees Related to Simpsonwood (Oct. 2013-current)
Gross Sales Price
rev 3/23/15
Simpsonwood -Use of Sale Proceeds
$2,822,669 invested at Georgia UM Foundation-to fund move
and lease for new space
Invested at Georgia UM Foundation-CFA recommends
using balance to address pre-1982 underfunding
Paid to Wesley Woods
207.b. Net Proceeds Derivation
207.c. Projection of Lease Expenses/Fund Balance (Relocation)
Simpsonwood/NGC Capital for Relocation - Revised 4/07/2015
Main Floor sq ft
Bottom Floor sq ft
15,708
10,845
$2,822,669
Gross Proceeds to Fund Relocation
Less:
Moving Exp
Existing Building Prep
Funds to Move Chapel
Out of Pocket Tenant Improvements and FF&E
$25,000
$16,000
$150,000
$764,000
$955,000
$1,867,669
Net to fund lease/acquisition
Investment Returns
$112,060
Less:
Lease cost
Year 1
$139,111
7/1/156/30/16
$1,840,618
Fund Balance 6/30/16
Investment Returns
$110,437
Less:
Lease Cost
Year 2
$347,507
7/1/166/30/17
$1,603,549
Investment Returns
$96,213
Less :
Lease Cost
Year 3
$380,390
$1,319,371
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7/1/176/30/18
Investment Returns
$79,162
Less:
Lease Cost
Year 4
$391,898
7/1/186/30/19
$1,006,635
Investment Returns
$57,882
Less:
Lease Cost
Year 5
$401,009
7/1/196/30/20
$663,508
Investment Returns
$39,810
Less:
Lease Cost
Year 6
$410,276
7/1/206/30/21
$293,042
Investment Returns
$17,583
Less:
Lease Cost
Year 7
$419,701
7/1/216/30/22
-$109,076
Investment Returns
Year 7.5
Less:
Lease Cost
Final 6 months
$0
$214,799
-$323,875
NOTES:
1. As of the end of year 5, the Annual Conference will need to start planning for the
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7/1/22-12/31/22
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future space requirements-i.e.-continue to lease or relocate and/or build
2.Apportionments will be needed to fund the lease and any possible relocation expenses for
fiscal (calendar) 2022
This will have to be taken into account in March 2021, when the proposed budget is constructed
by CFA
3. It is assumed that GCFA will fund $10,000 of expenses associated with the relocation of the
Episcopal Office
4. Lease expenses reflected are net of an assumed $12,000 per year currently budgeted in the
Episcopal Office expense
5. The possible subletting of 5,000 sq. ft. of space on the bottom floor is not reflected in these
projections
208. Council on Finance and Administration
208.a. Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services
North Georgia Conference apportionment payment percentage matched the
2013 level (the two best years in nine years), reflecting an improving economic
environment and continued strong support from our churches. Total
apportionment payments were $22,394,927, a decrease of $31,825 from 2013.
However, the 2014 budget was less than 2013, resulting in the same payment
percentage. Payments to Conference and General Advances, and to special
offerings, totaled $1,637,212 compared to $1,940,579 in 2013.
The North Georgia Conference paid a total of $6,264,709 in General
Church apportionments in 2014, which reflects a payment rate of 92.9%. While
this is a significant accomplishment, our long term goal is to be able to support
General Church apportionments at a 100% payment rate.
The Athens-Elberton District and the Atlanta Roswell District achieved
the highest percentage of apportionments paid, 97.5%. Atlanta-College Park
was the second highest percentage at 96.3%. The Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford
District achieved the highest percentage increase year over year. The AtlantaRoswell District had the highest payment total, followed by Atlanta-Marietta.
80.0% of our churches paid 100% of their apportionments in 2014, same
as 2013.
The Treasury and Benefits offices continue to emphasize the provision of
up-to-date financial administration information for local churches. We focus on
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providing information on administrative best practices and benefits information
via our website, while also interpreting applicable statutes and regulations and
answering questions specific to individual churches and clergy.
The annual conference audit and the district office reviews will be
substantially concluded prior to annual conference session. The conference
audit for 2013 is posted on the North Georgia Conference website, and the 2014
audit will be posted upon completion.
208.b. Investment Summary
Conference funds are invested strictly in accordance with the investment
guidelines approved by the annual conference in 2013 and published in the
annual conference Journal. Investment maturities and rates of return vary based
on projections of cash needs, as well as both short and intermediate term
investment performance. Return on invested balances in 2014 was
approximately 4.1% (realized and unrealized).
In 2014 we established an investment committee, comprised of members
of both CFA and CBOPHB, to establish investment goals and to oversee
investments in accordance with those goals.
Total investments at December 31, 2014 were $54,189,867, of which
$49,010,367 represents reserves designated for health and pension benefits
programs.
Keith M. Cox, Conference Treasurer
and Director of Administrative Services
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Office of the Treasurer
Exhibit I: Comparative on Receipts
(YTD Through 12/31/2014 )
2013
District
Apport.
2014
Payment
%
Apport.
Payment
%
Ministerial Support
$2,568,108
$375,450
$2,405,802
93.7%
$2,608,100
$367,813
$2,445,739
93.8%
0.1%
Retired Ministers Pension &
Insurance Benefits
$6,999,997
$1,005,086
$6,539,490
93.4%
$6,436,016
$885,303
$6,008,742
93.4%
0.0%
Conference Administration
$1,832,030
$263,719
$1,707,863
93.2%
$1,713,934
$246,229
$1,597,755
93.2%
0.0%
Conference Benevolences
$1,829,112
$264,844
$1,719,432
94.0%
$2,071,164
$294,287
$1,944,342
93.9%
-0.1%
$521,004
$74,681
$490,237
94.1%
$530,987
$73,267
$495,519
93.3%
-0.8%
Higher Education
$1,019,087
$144,586
$954,564
93.7%
$1,099,586
$163,387
$1,030,693
93.7%
0.0%
Church Development
$1,920,755
$281,738
$1,789,662
93.2%
$2,100,014
$319,756
$1,961,481
93.4%
0.2%
$500,000
$73,531
$466,024
93.2%
$550,002
$84,998
$512,689
93.2%
0.0%
$17,190,093
$2,483,635
$16,073,074
93.5%
$17,109,803
$2,435,039
$15,996,958
93.5%
0.0%
$463,144
$61,662
$430,232
92.9%
$473,361
$68,859
$445,233
94.1%
1.2%
$1,161,139
$163,322
$1,076,733
92.7%
$1,186,738
$174,788
$1,097,281
92.5%
-0.2%
Interdenominational
Cooperation Fund
$90,767
$10,855
$81,357
89.6%
$92,770
$12,081
$83,546
90.1%
0.5%
World Service Fund
$3,382,080
$479,999
$3,148,107
93.1%
$3,456,701
$498,384
$3,217,794
93.1%
0.0%
Africa University Fund
$103,648
$13,036
$96,300
92.9%
$105,920
$13,995
$99,645
94.1%
1.2%
Episcopal Fund
$980,086
$139,268
$904,691
92.3%
$1,009,342
$145,620
$933,354
92.5%
0.2%
General Administration Fund
$408,107
$55,859
$377,230
92.4%
$417,174
$59,366
$387,856
93.0%
0.6%
$6,588,971
$923,999
$6,114,651
92.8%
$6,742,006
$973,094
$6,264,709
92.9%
0.1%
$257,308
$33,667
$239,027
92.9%
$142,953
$19,138
$133,261
93.2%
0.3%
$257,308
$33,667
$239,027
92.9%
$142,953
$19,138
$133,261
93.2%
0.3%
$24,036,372
$3,441,301
$22,426,752
93.3%
$23,994,762
$3,427,271
$22,394,927
93.3%
0.0%
Capital Funding
Simpsonwood Conference
and Retreat Center
Group Sub-Total
General Church
Black College Fund
Ministerial Education Fund
Group Sub-Total
Southeastern Jurisdiction
SEJ's Mission and Ministry
Fund
Group Sub-Total
Sub-Total
Special Offerings
$716,350
$777,977
$61,627
8.6%
Conf. Advance Specials
$647,012
$669,973
$22,961
3.5%
General Advance Specials
$577,217
$189,262
($387,955)
$24,367,331
$24,032,140
Total
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN TOTAL FUNDS COMPARED TO PRIOR YEAR
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
-67.2%
-1.4%
($335,191)
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Office of the Treasurer
Exhibit II
Apportionment Payments by District
(Through 12/31/2014 )
2013
District
2014
Apport.
Payment
%
Apport.
Payment
%
Athens Elberton
$1,572,711
$1,540,063
97.9%
$1,547,413
$1,509,398
97.5%
-0.4%
Atlanta College Park
$2,135,464
$2,079,479
97.4%
$2,213,423
$2,131,114
96.3%
-1.1%
Atlanta Decatur Oxford
$1,688,020
$1,490,559
88.3%
$1,619,474
$1,518,272
93.8%
5.5%
Atlanta Emory
$3,076,240
$2,646,000
86.0%
$3,004,344
$2,596,424
86.4%
0.4%
Atlanta Marietta
$2,968,684
$2,817,019
94.9%
$3,190,996
$2,878,631
90.2%
-4.7%
Atlanta Roswell
$3,204,486
$3,102,676
96.8%
$3,213,454
$3,134,599
97.5%
0.7%
Augusta
$1,763,775
$1,601,799
90.8%
$1,749,257
$1,609,494
92.0%
1.2%
Gainesville
$2,044,185
$1,922,228
94.0%
$1,974,965
$1,892,328
95.8%
1.8%
Griffin
$1,392,295
$1,332,608
95.7%
$1,353,745
$1,266,641
93.6%
-2.1%
LaGrange
$1,527,935
$1,424,232
93.2%
$1,515,774
$1,397,728
92.2%
-1.0%
Northwest
$1,325,156
$1,221,932
92.2%
$1,307,402
$1,226,107
93.8%
1.6%
Rome Carrollton
$1,337,421
$1,252,175
93.6%
$1,304,515
$1,234,193
94.6%
1.0%
$24,036,372
$22,426,752
93.3%
$23,994,762
$22,394,927
93.3%
0.0%
Conference Totals
($31,825)
Increase (Decrease) in Apport. Payments ( 2013 vs. 2014 )
-0.1%
Percent Increase (Decrease)
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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208.e. Net Assets as of 12/31/13 and 12/31/14
Fund Balances
As of 12/31/2013 and 12/31/2014
Fund Balances
12/31/2013
Audited
Fund Balances
12/31/2014
Unaudited
$1,957,310
$2,175,064
$217,754
107,871
178,198
70,327
82,752
190,504
107,752
Conference Ministerial Education Fund
655,714
698,183
42,469
Church Development
Liquid
Non-liquid
Total Church Development
535,668
418,662
954,330
844,448
130,168
974,616
308,780
(288,494)
20,286
63,471
46,738
(16,733)
Unrestricted Undesignated
CFA Reserve
Unrestricted Designated
Board of Ordained Ministries - Transitioning
Disaster Response
Benefits Programs
Current Benefits Reserve
Pre - 1982 Pension
Future Retiree Medical Reserve
Total Benefits Programs
8,406,945
9,933,702
(13,268,445)
5,072,202
Board of Trustees - Methodist Ctr, Episcopal Res.
10,053,584
9,840,021 (1)
(15,311,124)
4,582,481
Change
1,646,639
(93,681)
(2,042,679)
(489,721)
2,298,825
2,261,474
85,770
119,055
33,285
1,439,146
1,510,641
71,495
Charles Barnes Fund for Church Development
757,705
897,344
139,639
Simpsonwood Chapel and Hummel Maint. Funds
462,489
409,502
(52,987)
138,249
12,118,524
170,857
12,039,593
32,608
(78,931)
Total Temporarily Restricted
2,705,023
2,780,561
75,538
Total Permanently Restricted
332,000
346,217
14,217
$17,112,857
$17,341,435
$228,578
Board of Laity
All Other Unrestricted Designated
Total Unrestricted Designated
Total Fund Balances
Note 1: Does not include Pre-82 unfunded liability (approx. $9.1 mil. at 12/31/14)
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(37,351)
208.f. Investment Schedule
As of Dec. 31, 2014
Investments
Investment - General Board of Pensions
Investment - GA UM Foundation
Investment - GA UM Foundation CD Program
Investment - SunTrust CD
Investment - UM Development Fund
Investment - UM Connectional FCU
Investment - Vanguard/Wellington Trust
Investment - Wells Fargo Stock (Designated)
Total Investments
$
$
31,444,513
14,103,009
6,821,109
1,135,405
506,331
101,966
63,226
14,308
54,189,867
208.g. Investment Policy Statement
Definition and Purpose
In recognition of its fiduciary responsibilities and the mandate of the Book of
Discipline (¶ 613.5) the North Georgia Annual Conference has developed the
following Investment Policy Statement (IPS). This IPS shall comply with the
policies related to conflict of interest and investment management of annual
conference pension and pension related funds under ¶ 1508 of the Book of
Discipline. This IPS applies to the assets of the following entities:
• Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB);
Conference Board of Trustees (CBT); Conference Council on
Finance and Administration (CFA); and other conference agencies.
• Address: 4511 Jones Bridge Circle NW, Peachtree Corners, GA
30092
• Contact person authorized to conduct business on behalf of the
Investment Committee or Council: Keith M. Cox, Conference
Treasurer
The purpose of this policy is as follows:
• to establish the responsibilities of the Investment Committee
(Committee), as well as those of the service providers hired to help
implement the Investment Policy;
• to clearly define investment goals, and other operational guidelines;
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• to establish asset allocation parameters, risk tolerance and an investment
strategy that is consistent with the investment goals and guidelines;
• to establish effective communication procedures between the Committee
and the investment managers; and
• to create a formal review process for reviewing this Investment Policy
Statement.
The intent of this IPS is to provide guidelines that are specific enough to be
meaningful but also flexible enough to take into account practical
considerations. This IPS should be reviewed by the Investment Committee at
least annually or in circumstances where projected spending needs or
investment circumstances change materially.
The standard of care when making decisions is the Prudent Expert Standard,
defined as:
“… the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then
prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such
matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with
like aims.”
Delineation of Responsibilities
(1)The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) is
responsible for establishing principles, policies, standards and guidelines for the
investment of all monies, assets and properties of the conference.
(2)The Investment Committee shall perform all operational functions and make
recommendations for changes to this investment policy to the CFA for
approval.
(3)The CFA is ultimately responsible for the financial integrity and oversight of
the annual conference financial resources. Under this IPS all operational and
implementation of policy decisions are delegated to the Investment Committee.
The Investment Committee will report to the CFA, and the CBOPHB, at least
semi-annually. Any significant deviations from the goals determined by the
Investment Committee shall be reported to the Investment Committee and CFA.
Organization of the Investment Committee
The committee members shall number seven and be headed by a chairperson
voted on by the Committee and approved by the CFA and CBOPHB. The
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members’ individual terms shall not exceed eight years and shall be staggered
to provide for continuity and experienced leadership. Committee membership
shall consist of a representatives each from the CFA and CBOPHB.
Responsibilities of the Investment Committee are as follows:
• to define and develop investment goals, and other operational
guidelines;
• to designate the investment managers and to discharge investment
managers;
• to require all portfolios be managed with appropriate consideration to the
social principles of The United Methodist Church;
• to monitor and evaluate the performance results and risk posture of the
investment manager(s);
• to establish effective communication procedures between the Committee,
the Council, the staff and the outside service providers;
• to monitor and control investment expenses;
• to delegate the execution and administration of certain Committee
responsibilities as appropriate to the Conference Treasurer who serves as
its staff;
• to carry out any other duties required for the legal operation of the
investments, including but not limited to hiring outside vendors to
perform various services.
Statement of Purpose and Financial Requirements
The purpose of the investments is to provide financial resources that support the
objectives of the Funds for which they were created. The responsible board or
agency is accountable for the use of the funds as designated by the annual
conference or restricted by the donors. To illustrate:
• the Board of Trustees Funds shall be used to provide for the care,
maintenance or acquisition of the real property of the annual
conference;
• the Board of Pension and Health Care Funds shall be used to provide
for ongoing pension and health benefits obligations of the North
Georgia Annual Conference;
• Program Funds shall be used to advance the ministries of the North
Georgia Annual Conference.
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Investment Managers and Benchmarks
To achieve its investment objectives and ensure alignment with United
Methodist Social Principles, the Funds shall be allocated among one or more
funds managed by Wespath, a division of the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits; and, the IPS shall adopt the published investment performance
benchmarks for these funds.
Target Asset Allocations and Rebalancing Guidelines
The purpose of allocating among asset classes is to ensure the proper level of
diversification and risk for each portfolio. The primary considerations in the
asset allocation decision process are:
• maintaining inflation-adjusted purchasing power;
• growing the corpus of the funds to meet future obligations;
• achieving a minimum return in excess of inflation but with minimal
annual fluctuations in the corpus; and,
• maintaining the longevity of the assets and their distributions while
taking into consideration that there may be no additional contributions.
The following table outlines the names of the accounts with target allocation
and the minimum and maximum allocation limits of each asset class:
General Fund
Target Allocation
Asset Class
Equities of all types
Fixed Income Securities
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Minimum
35%
30%
0%
Target
65%
35%
0%
Maximum
70%
40%
35%
Deposit Account
Target Allocation
Asset Class
Minimum
35%
30%
0%
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Target
65%
35%
0%
Maximum
70%
40%
35%
Healthcare Deposit Account
Target Allocation
Asset Class
Minimum
35%
30%
0%
Target
65%
35%
0%
Maximum
70%
40%
35%
Equities
The Manager should maintain the equity portion of the portfolio at a risk level
roughly equivalent to that of the equity market as a whole. Equity holdings may
be selected from the Dow Jones 30 Industrials, Standard and Poor’s 500 Index
and the Russell 2000 Stock Index, and other equities listed on the New York
Stock Exchange and/ or the NASDAQ markets.
The securities should be aimed at appreciation potential and/or income
generation. The Manager is prohibited from investing in private placements,
letter stocks, options, short sales and margin transactions. No assets shall be
invested in securities whose issuers have filed a petition for bankruptcy or
hedge funds.
Fixed Income
Investments in Fixed Income securities will be managed actively to pursue
opportunities from a variety of sources. The Manager may select from
appropriate obligations guaranteed by the U. S. government and its agencies,
foreign government, utility stocks, preferred stocks, municipal obligations, and
corporate obligations. No funds may be invested in collateralized debt
obligations, auction rate securities, or credit default swaps.
Mutual funds, commingled funds, and funds in general
When mutual funds or commingled funds are used as an investment vehicle,
then it is understood the Investment Committee has adopted the specific
investment policies of the Fund.
Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines
As an annual conference of The United Methodist Church we are committed to
implementation of the socially responsible investment policies in The Book of
Discipline.
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“Socially Responsible Investments—It shall be the policy of The United
Methodist Church that all general Boards and agencies, including the
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and all administrative
agencies and institutions, including hospitals, homes, educational
institutions, annual conferences, foundations and local churches, shall, in the
investment of money, make a conscious effort to invest in institutions,
companies, corporations or funds whose practices are consistent with the
goals outlined in the Social Principles; and shall endeavor to avoid
investments that appear likely, directly or indirectly, to support racial
discrimination, violation of human rights, sweatshop or forced labor,
gambling, or the production of nuclear armaments, alcoholic beverages or
tobacco, or companies dealing in pornography, or the management or
operation of prison facilities. The Boards and agencies are to give careful
consideration to shareholder advocacy, including advocacy of corporate
disinvestment.”
Communication and Responsibility
The Investment Committee shall provide semi-annually to the CFA and
CBOPHB a written account of the investment results, accounting summary and
significant developments, if any.
The CFA and CBOPHB shall at least once per year review the investment
policy, the effectiveness of the Investment Committee and the overall results of
the investments, and will acknowledge in writing that they have done so.
The investment manager shall provide the Investment Committee:
• Quarterly or as necessary:
a report of the portfolio’s holdings; and
a review of the investment performance
a commentary of investment results in light of the current
investment environment and the goals and guidelines;
a review of the key investment decisions and the rationale for these
decisions
a discussion of the manager’s outlook and what specific decisions
this outlook may indicate;
any recommendations as to changes in goals and guidelines in light
of material and sustained changes in the capital market; and
any significant change in the manager’s investment outlook,
ownership or key employees.
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A report of current investment mix and variance from target (if
any)
A report on changes in target allocation
Records
The CFA, CBOPHB and the Investment Committee shall keep a proper and
prudent paper trail of all important documents, meeting minutes and other
information relating to the management of the Fund. They shall be available at:
Address: 4511 Jones Bridge Circle NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Custodian of the Records: Conference Treasurer
The recommendations and approved changes to the investment policy may be
incorporated directly into the policy as a revision and restatement or noted in
the addendum until such time as the investment policy is revised and restated.
Revised 3/24/15
208.h. Council on Finance and Administration
The work of the Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) to develop a
fiscally sound and responsive budget for the North Georgia Conference is both
a blessing and a challenge. The prayerful consideration of our faithful local
churches who continue to demonstrate the strengths of connectionalism through
their faithful response in giving is a definite priority. Likewise, the ministry
needs of our annual conference and global work, which are a similar priority,
demand we carefully examine the many deserving requests for funding which
inevitably stretch the conference’s revenue expectations. The work of the
CF&A this year began on February 16 as we prayerfully began to receive 2016
budget requests. The context of our work was: The sale of Simpsonwood and
the positive financial affects resulting therefrom; 93.3 percent of
apportionments were paid in 2014 (same as 2013); although continuing to
improve, the overall growth in the state and national economies is not yet
consistently robust.
These factual circumstances require that financial prudence and spiritual
balance combine to produce a responsible recommended budget that increases
ministry and decreases institutional costs. The members of the council feel that
we were able to achieve that goal. We were able to recommend an increase in
program budgets, with higher education/campus ministry, congregational
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development, connectional ministries and camp and retreat ministries receiving
recommended increases. The recommended 2016 budget is $22,075,556 or
$1,020,652 lower than the 2015 revised budget, which was adjusted to remove
10 months’ Simpsonwood expenses. This is the 7th year in a row that the budget
(or recommended budget) has decreased. The summary is as follows:
conference mission/ministry program budgets are up, institutional/legacy costs
are down, and general church line items decreased very slightly.
There is very positive news as we look to the future. The North Georgia
Foundation for Retired Ministers, chaired by Dave Davis, has agreed to pay $4
million toward the pre-1982 unfunded liability in spring 2016. This payment,
coupled with CF&A’s recommendation to pay the net proceeds of the
Simpsonwood sale for the same purpose, should allow us to achieve “fully
funded status” for the pre-1982 plan in 2016. These two deposits will allow us
to reduce our pre-1982 apportionment by almost $2 million in 2016.
North Georgia United Methodists have faced financial challenges to be
sure. But the economy is improving, our balance sheet is becoming healthier,
our faith remains strong, our outlook positive, our attitude joyous and our
giving worthy of celebration! Together, we will continue to work in all ways
and in all places to be obedient to the mission of the United Methodist Church:
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. Thank
you for all you do for Christ through our partnership in the UMC.
Sean Taylor, Chair
208.i. 2016 Council on Finance and Administration Recommendations
1. We recommend that each district continue to be responsible for funding
of conference expenses for its at-large delegates. Funding levels will be at
the discretion of the respective district superintendent.
2. We recommend that lay volunteers serving on annual conference
committees and task forces be reimbursed their mileage costs at the
prevailing IRS employee rate.
3. We recommend in addition to those observances set by the General
Conference (defined in 2012 Book of Discipline Paragraph 262),
the following special days, with offerings, but without
quotas, be observed in 2016: Homeless Offering (last Sunday in
February), Mother’s Day Offering for Wesley Woods Senior Living
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(Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May), Murphy-Harpst (third Sunday in July),
Golden Cross (third Sunday in August), United Methodist Children’s Home
Work Day (third Sunday in September), Aldersgate Homes (fourth Sunday in
October), Action Ministries (first Sunday in December).
4. We recommend that each of the following be permitted to have one direct
mail appeal for funds in 2016: the United Methodist Children’s Home;
Action Ministries; Aldersgate Homes, Inc.
5. We recommend that all special day offerings be scheduled through the
director of Connectional Ministries so as to avoid calendar conflicts.
6. We recommend the adoption of the apportionment formula approved at
Annual Conference 2006 as described in the 2016 Recommended Budget
Interpretation, which is attached.
7. We recommend that all churches and conference-related agencies ensure
that their internal control systems are adequate to safeguard their assets as
well as to insure compliance with completing an annual audit pursuant to
section 258(4)(d) of the 2012 Book of Discipline. For churches whose operating
budgets are less than $500,000, we recommend that those churches consider
utilizing the “Local Church Audit Guide” to fulfill their audit obligation.
8. We recommend that local churches institute or update risk management
practices and procedures to protect church assets, employees and
volunteers. This includes expeditiously moving to comply with practices
defined in the “Safe Sanctuaries” program and to monitor compliance with
that program.
9. We recommend that all clergy either living in church-owned parsonages
and/or that maintain personal belongings in a church-owned office, seek
counsel from their insurance agent about securing insurance coverage for their
personal property.
10. We recommend that all key third party providers of professional services be
reviewed by the appropriate department/ministry for efficacy every three years.
The review(s) will be forwarded to CFA for its input. (For those who have
recently been reviewed, one will not be necessary until no later than 6/30/19).
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11. We recommend that a “request for proposal process” be utilized for the
provision of all professional services for conference-funded ministries.
12. We recommend that CFA, CBOT, CPPPC and the Cabinet jointly study
district office administration with the goal of ensuring that best practices are
utilized.
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Area III
Area II
Area I
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6,436,000
Total Ret Min Pen and Ins
282,936
175,000
120,000
Office of Ministerial Services
CFA
Board of Trustees
1,313,936
560,000
Treasurer and Admin Services
Total Administration
176,000
Annual Conf Session and Rel
Administration
3,500,000
0
226,000
260,000
2,450,000
Pre 1982 Pension Funding
Future Ret Medical Ins Reserve
Disability Premiums
Office Admin
Retiree Health Ins Premiums
Ret Min Pension and Ins
2,608,108
479,647
Total Min Support/Eq Comp
300,000
Board of Ordained Min
0
1,748,461
80,000
2014
Approved
Budget
Equitable Comp Fund
District AA's Pension/Insurance
Dist Supts Compensation
Resident Bishop
Min Support/Equitable Comp
North Georgia Annual Conference
2016 Budget Recommended by CFA
1,355,329
118,951
168,937
292,727
558,675
216,039
6,596,916
4,000,000
0
171,441
254,516
2,170,959
2,346,624
318,881
222,036
0
1,730,638
75,069
2014
Expended
103.2%
99.1%
96.5%
103.5%
99.8%
122.7%
102.5%
114.3%
-
75.9%
97.9%
88.6%
90.0%
66.5%
74.0%
-
99.0%
93.8%
2014
Exp vs Appr
%
1,467,705
125,000
177,000
371,705
578,000
216,000
6,241,500
3,400,000
0
226,000
265,500
2,350,000
2,486,262
407,600
200,000
0
1,798,662
80,000
2015
Original
Budget
2015
S'wood
Adjusmts
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,505,005
85,000
165,000
440,005
600,000
215,000
4,295,000
1,500,000
0
195,000
275,000
2,325,000
2,681,234
345,595
325,000
100,000
1,829,239
81,400
2016
Recommended
Budget
Page 1 of 3
1,467,705
125,000
177,000
371,705
578,000
216,000
6,241,500
3,400,000
0
226,000
265,500
2,350,000
2,481,262
407,600
200,000
0
1,798,662
75,000
2015
Revised
Budget
149,676
(33,951)
(3,937)
147,278
41,325
(1,039)
(2,301,916)
(2,500,000)
0
23,559
20,484
154,041
334,610
26,714
102,964
100,000
98,601
6,331
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
11.0%
-28.5%
-2.3%
50.3%
7.4%
-0.5%
-34.9%
-62.5%
-
13.7%
8.0%
7.1%
14.3%
8.4%
46.4%
-
5.7%
8.4%
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
%
37,300
(40,000)
(12,000)
68,300
22,000
(1,000)
(1,946,500)
(1,900,000)
0
(31,000)
9,500
(25,000)
199,972
(62,005)
125,000
100,000
30,577
6,400
2.5%
-32.0%
-6.8%
18.4%
3.8%
-0.5%
-31.2%
-55.9%
-
-13.7%
3.6%
-1.1%
8.1%
-15.2%
62.5%
-
1.7%
8.5%
2016 vs
2016 vs
2015 Rev Bgt 2015 Rev Bgt
Inc/(Dec)
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
%
208.j. Recommended 2015 Budget
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Total Congregational Dev
Office Support
Program Expenditures
Congregational Development
Area XII
386,000
Total Capital Funding
2,100,000
459,500
1,640,500
1,099,589
251,000
Debt Service
Higher Ed & Campus Ministry
100,000
35,000
0
0
Meth Center - L/T Repl Reserve
Capital Acquisition
Total Camps and Retreat Centers
Camp Glisson
Camps and Retreat Centers
Capital Funding
2,216,171
45,000
Total Conf Benevolences
12,000
500,000
Housing & Homeless Council
Action Ministries
1,659,171
257,830
Communications Office
Total Connectional Min
773,841
CM Office Support
30,000
290,000
Leadership ID and Dev
307,500
N Ga Camp and Retr Min
2014
Approved
Budget
Ministry Teams
Connectional Ministries:
Conference Benevolences
Area VI
Area V
Area IV
1,944,260
591,858
1,352,402
1,030,693
166,614
40,058
93,300
33,256
0
0
2,084,078
41,985
11,196
466,500
1,564,397
232,600
871,004
10,050
270,570
180,173
2014
Expended
92.6%
128.8%
82.4%
93.7%
43.2%
16.0%
93.3%
95.0%
-
-
94.0%
93.3%
93.3%
93.3%
94.3%
90.2%
112.6%
33.5%
93.3%
58.6%
2014
Exp vs Appr
%
2,264,500
493,802
1,770,698
1,200,000
286,000
251,000
0
35,000
0
0
2,184,649
45,000
15,000
500,000
1,624,649
208,308
879,841
30,000
290,000
216,500
2015
Original
Budget
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(192,500)
(192,500)
2015
S'wood
Adjusmts
2,543,694
518,694
2,025,000
1,284,000
35,000
0
0
35,000
0
0
2,466,795
45,000
15,000
550,000
1,856,795
247,000
907,995
30,000
361,800
310,000
2016
Recommended
Budget
Page 2 of 3
2,264,500
493,802
1,770,698
1,200,000
93,500
58,500
0
35,000
0
0
2,184,649
45,000
15,000
500,000
1,624,649
208,308
879,841
30,000
290,000
216,500
2015
Revised
Budget
599,434
(73,164)
672,598
253,307
(131,614)
(40,058)
(93,300)
1,744
0
0
382,717
3,015
3,804
83,500
292,398
14,400
36,991
19,950
91,230
129,827
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
30.8%
-12.4%
49.7%
24.6%
-79.0%
-100.0%
-100.0%
5.2%
-
-
18.4%
7.2%
34.0%
17.9%
18.7%
6.2%
4.2%
198.5%
33.7%
72.1%
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
%
279,194
24,892
254,302
84,000
(58,500)
(58,500)
0
0
0
0
282,146
0
0
50,000
232,146
38,692
28,154
0
71,800
93,500
12.3%
5.0%
14.4%
7.0%
-62.6%
-100.0%
-
0.0%
-
-
12.9%
0.0%
0.0%
10.0%
14.3%
18.6%
3.2%
0.0%
24.8%
43.2%
2016 vs
2016 vs
Inc/(Dec)
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
%
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General Church Admin
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Total Budget
Area XVI Southeastern Jurisdiction
Total General Church
Episcopal Fund
World Service Fund
X
XIV
Interdenominational Coop
IX
Africa University
Ministerial Education
VIII
XI
Black College Fund
VII
Total North Georgia Conference
Undes Res and Comp Full Pmt
Area XIII S'wood Conf and Retreat Ctr
23,994,749
142,948
6,741,997
417,158
1,009,350
105,929
3,456,698
92,767
1,186,738
473,357
17,109,804
400,000
550,000
2014
Approved
Budget
22,808,373
133,261
6,264,709
387,856
933,354
99,645
3,217,794
83,546
1,097,281
445,233
16,410,403
373,200
512,689
2014
Expended
95.1%
93.2%
92.9%
93.0%
92.5%
94.1%
93.1%
90.1%
92.5%
94.1%
95.9%
93.3%
93.2%
2014
Exp vs Appr
%
23,752,041
96,333
6,725,092
414,500
1,029,926
105,232
3,433,981
92,245
1,178,924
470,284
16,930,616
250,000
550,000
2015
Original
Budget
(650,833)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(650,833)
0
(458,333)
2015
S'wood
Adjusmts
22,075,556
52,649
6,712,179
409,105
1,092,309
103,884
3,388,466
91,025
1,163,327
464,063
15,310,728
500,000
0
2016
Recommended
Budget
Page 3 of 3
23,096,208
96,333
6,725,092
414,500
1,029,926
105,232
3,433,981
92,245
1,178,924
470,284
16,274,783
250,000
91,667
2015
Revised
Budget
(732,817)
(80,612)
447,470
21,249
158,955
4,239
170,672
7,479
66,046
18,830
(1,099,675)
126,800
(512,689)
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
-3.2%
-60.5%
7.1%
5.5%
17.0%
4.3%
5.3%
9.0%
6.0%
4.2%
-6.7%
34.0%
-100.0%
2016 vs
2014 Exp
Inc/(Dec)
%
(1,020,652)
(43,684)
(12,913)
(5,395)
62,383
(1,348)
(45,515)
(1,220)
(15,597)
(6,221)
(964,055)
250,000
(91,667)
-4.4%
-45.3%
-0.2%
-1.3%
6.1%
-1.3%
-1.3%
-1.3%
-1.3%
-1.3%
-5.9%
100.0%
-100.0%
2016 vs
2016 vs
Inc/(Dec)
Inc/(Dec)
Amount
%
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208.k. Interpretation of
Recommended 2016 Conference Apportionment Budget
The recommended conference budget for 2016 is $22,075,556, a decrease of
$1,020,652 versus the revised 2015 budget. Conference direct mission and
ministry budgets comprise 58.6% of the conference portion of the budget versus
50.0% in 2015 (revised).
This budget includes the recommendations from CPPPC for a 1.7%
salary increase for the Cabinet and 2.5% salary increase for staff (including
members of the “Extended Cabinet”). A 4.6% increase in HealthFlex premiums
is also included in this budget
General Church apportionments are down 0.2%
CONFERENCE FUNDS:
AREA I.
MINISTERIAL SUPPORT
Episcopal Residence/Office/Discretionary
District Superintendents’ Compensation
District AA Pension/Ins
Equitable Compensation Fund
Board of Ordained Ministry
Total Area I
$
81,400
1,829,239
100,000
325,000
345,595
$ 2,681,234
The Episcopal Residence and Office Fund provides the conference share of
financial support for the office and residence expense for North Georgia’s
Resident Bishop. ALL bishops are required to reside in conference-owned
residences. In 2016 the General Church share of residence support is $10,000,
while the General Church’s share of office support is $82,900 in 2016.
The District Superintendents’ Compensation line item represents salaries, health
insurance and pension benefits for the twelve (12) district superintendents of
our conference.
The Equitable Compensation Fund enables our conference to ensure all
appointed clergy will receive conference minimum compensation. The Board of
Ordained Ministry coordinates, with the BoM, deployment and credentialing of
clergy. Additionally, it coordinates the provision of support for conference
clergy through myriad services, continuing education activities, seminars and
counseling support, which is essentially a clergy-specific expanded EAP
program subsidized by the annual conference. This ministry enables our
conference to meet the high standards and expectations of local church
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congregations. Note that there is a decrease for 2016, due both to the decreased
funding required for the transitioning fund, as well as a reclassification of
expenses for the vocational discernment program to OMS, in Area III.
AREA II.
RETIRED MINISTERS PENSION/INSURANCE
Retired Minister Insurance Premiums
$2,325,000
Benefits Office Staff and Admin Exp
275,000
Retirees’ Disability Premiums
195,000
Retirees’ Past Service Pension (pre-1982)
1,500,000
Total Area II
$4,295,000
Retired Minister Pension/Insurance reflects funding for the pre-1982 pension
liability, as recommended by the conference Board of Pensions. This “past
service liability” must be fully funded by the year 2021. The net liability at
12/31/14 is estimated to be $9,134,000. Between the $4 million committed by
the FRM, the use of the net sale proceeds of Simpsonwood ($3.9 million), and
our apportionments, we should achieve “fully funded” status in 2016.
Also included is the OneExchange defined contribution funding for the
Medicare Supplemental Insurance program for retired clergy. The amount is
based on claims expenses passed on to the conference by the General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits. The benefit per claimant is currently capped at
$3600/annum on the total number of claimants at 600. This program will
facilitate, over time, a significant reduction in the retiree medical insurance net
unfunded liability, estimated to be $15,301,000 as of 12/31/2014.
AREA III. ADMINISTRATIVE FUND
$ 215,000
Annual Conference Session/ Journal/Handbook
This line item is increasing for 2016 due to the fact that 2016 is a general and
jurisdictional conference year, which requires some additional expenses for
certain Extended Cabinet members to attend.
The following Area III office “sub totals” include director and staff salaries and
benefits and office related expenses.
Office of Treasurer/Admin/IT Services
$ 600,000
This office develops, maintains and administers a comprehensive plan of fiscal
and administrative policies, processes and services for the all conference
administrative ministries. Additionally, the office provides workshops for
clergy and laity who serve as church treasurers, financial secretaries, business
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administrators and finance committee chairpersons. This office also administers
all conference databases and computer equipment. The computer systems
manager also provides support for the district offices.
$ 440,005
Office of Ministerial Services and Spiritual Formation
This office provides for the many needs of those who have dedicated their lives
to God’s service through the church, including maintenance of clergy service
records/files. This department also provides for credentialing and support of all
conference clergy.
$ 85,000
BOT/”New” Methodist Center Operating Expenses
This represents net operating expenses for the conference offices, including
insurance and telephone service for the new leased space. (Note that this line
item no longer includes debt service for the Episcopal mortgage as that
mortgage was paid off in April 2015).
Council on Finance and Administration
$ 165,000
This includes conference and district audit fees, legal fees and meeting
expenses for CFA. Please note that this budget reflects a $12,000/annum
decrease in audit fees, which is the result of an extensive RFP process in 2014.
Cabinet Expenses of $50,000 are included here as well.
This represents expenses for Cabinet members related to Cabinet meetings,
including annual conference session and Pastor’s School.
Total Area III
$1,505,005
AREA IV. CONFERENCE BENEVOLENCES
Connectional Ministries:
Administrative Support & Staff
Communications
Program/Ministry Teams
Camp and Retreat Ministries
Conference Leadership Development
Sub Total Connect. Ministries
$ 907,995
247,000
310,000
361,800
30,000
$1,856,795
The Connectional Ministries functions are responsible for equipping and
training local church leaders for effective ministry.
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Action Ministries
$ 550,000
This ministry continues the transformation of communities by counteracting
social issues such as poverty, hunger and homelessness. This represents an
increase of $50,000 over the 2015 budget.
This line item will help fund staffing and office expenses.
$
15,000
$ 45,000
The Conference Board of Laity fosters awareness of the role of laity both within
the local congregation and through their ministries, develops and promotes
stewardship, provides for training of lay members, provides support and
direction for ministry of the laity and provides organization, direction and
support for the development of local church leaders.
Total Area IV
$2,466,795
AREA V. CAPITAL FUNDING
Total Area V
$ 35,000
This line item used to include a total of $145,000 for Camp Glisson. Note that is
now included in Area IV. The previous years’ activities were adjusted to reflect
this reclassification. The only item in the 2016 recommended budget is $35,000
for office equipment.
AREA VI. HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAMPUS MINISTRY
Total Area VI
$ 1,284,000
This line item represents support to the nine (9) United Methodist Colleges (7 in
NGA) and eighteen (18) Wesley Foundations (12 in NGA) on college campuses
in Georgia. The balance goes to support office expenses and capital funding.
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AREA XII. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Total Area XII
$ 2,543,694
This proposed budget includes funding for the following activities:
The Office of Congregational Development and Staff - The salaries, benefits
and expenses for all personnel in the Office of Congregational Development.
New Church Salary and Support - These funds are used to underwrite the
compensation packages of our new church pastors and also to provide some
start-up funding.
Research and Development - These funds are used to maintain a contract with a
demographic consultant and to provide partnership opportunities with districts
to develop district strategies.
New Pastor Coaching- These funds are used to conduct the New Church
Leadership Academy as well as to train assessment teams.
Contingency Reserve
$500,000
(This represents slightly more than 1% of the budget and recognizes the $2.1M
reserve balance at the end of 2014. However, $216,000 was used to pay off the
Episcopal mortgage in April, 2015)
SUB TOTAL
Recommended 2016 CONFERENCE BUDGET
$15,310,728
GENERAL CHURCH FUNDS:
AREA VII.
BLACK COLLEGE FUND
Total Area VII
$ 464,063
This line item represents our denomination’s support, via supplements, of the
operations and capital funding of historically black colleges and medical
schools related to the United Methodist Church, including Clark Atlanta
University and Paine College.
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AREA VIII. MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND
Total Area VIII
$ 1,163,327
This ministry provides our churches financial support for the recruitment and
education of our future pastors and bishops. Please note that our conference
retains 25% of the fund balance for use in our conference. The retained fund
balance as of 12/31/2014 is $ 595,213. Scholarship grants can total $1,000 per
semester for undergraduate studies and $2,500 per semester for seminary
students with a lifetime maximum per student of $20,000.
AREA IX. INTERDENOMINATIONAL COOPERATION FUND
Total Area IX
$ 91,025
This fund enables United Methodists to have a presence in the activities of
ecumenical organizations, and provides our United Methodist share of the basic
budgets of those organizations which relate to the ecumenical responsibilities of
the Council of Bishops and the General Commission on Christian Unity and
Inter-religious Concerns. Included in this fund in 2016 is support for:
National Council of Churches
World Council of Churches
World Methodist Council
Pan-Methodist Commissions
Ecumenical/Multilateral Conv
Other
$31,000
$26,000
$20,000
$ 3,000
$10,000
$ 1,025
AREA X.
WORLD SERVICE FUND
Total Area X
$ 3,388,466
The World Service Fund enables our denomination to strengthen its evangelism
efforts, stimulate church growth, expand Bible studies and enrich spiritual
commitment. This fund allows us to share in a worldwide ministry, including
support for missionaries.
AREA XI. AFRICA UNIVERSITY
Total Area XI
$ 103,884
This fund supports the development of the first private university for young
men and women from all over Africa. Courses of study include agriculture
theology, medicine and dentistry, education, technology and management.
AREA XIV. EPISCOPAL FUND
Total Area XIV
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$ 1,092,309
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This fund pays the salaries (2016-$147,081) and benefits of active bishops
worldwide and some support for the retired bishops worldwide, funds the
majority of the expenses related to episcopal offices and a portion of episcopal
residence expenses. It also funds episcopal travel and moving expenses. There
are 51 Jurisdictional and 18 Central Conference bishops and over 100 retired
bishops who receive support from this fund.
AREA XV. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUND
Total Area XV
$ 409,105
This area funds those General Church activities that are specifically
administrative in nature, such as the General Council on Finance and
Administration, General Conference session, Archives and History and Judicial
Council.
SUBTOTAL 2016 GEN CHURCH BUDGET
$6,712,179
For more information on the General Church Budget go to:
http://www.gcfa.org/sites/default/files/u3/Financial_Commitment_Book_20132016_FINAL_1-23-13_w_Rpt_8_edit.pdf
AREA XVI. JURISDICTIONAL MISSION & MINISTRY FUND
Total Area XVI
$ 52,649
This area supports the administrative functions of the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
GRAND TOTAL Recommended 2016 BUDGET
$22,075,556
209.l. How Are Apportionments Computed?
Step 1: Conference determines annual budget, consisting of several ministries
and programs, including retired ministerial support, regional ministries, new
church development, General Church and Jurisdictional apportionments to the
North Georgia Conference.
Step 2: At calendar year-end, the local church completes the Local Church
Report to the Annual Conference. (For the 2016 budget, the latest available
reports are the 2014 year-end reports.)
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Step 3: The Treasurer’s Office accumulates all local church reports and
determines each local church’s operating expenses. Operating expenses
consist of salaries, pension benefits, clergy housing-related expenses, expenses
reimbursements, current program expenses, expenses related to commercial
insurance and other current operating expenses. Operating expenses (also
referred to as “decimal” expenses) do NOT include: HealthFlex insurance
expenses, payments on indebtedness, or capital-related expenditures. Also,
expenses related to “self-sustaining” activities and local benevolences are NOT
considered operating expenses.
Step 4: The Treasurer’s Office totals the local church operating expenses for
ALL 900+ North Georgia United Methodist churches. For year end 12/31/2014,
this total was $187,674,358(an increase of 2.8% over 2013).
Step 5: We determine “the decimal.” This is the conference budget divided by
total church operating expenses (from step 4). The decimal for 2016 is .118, or
11.8%. This is a reduction of .85 points from the revised 2015 budget. This
means that the recommended conference budget, expressed as a percentage
of local church expenditures, in aggregate, is down 6.72% versus the
revised 2015 budget (.85/12.65).
Step 6: We multiply an individual church’s operating expenses by the decimal,
arriving at the total gross apportionment. We then prorate the gross
apportionment to 16 individual apportionment line items.
Step7: Churches above 1000 members will have a “reasonableness test”
applied to their apportionments (see formula below), and the Cabinet might
adjust the computed apportionments for certain churches within that size range.
This methodology was approved at AC 2006.
Step 8: We sum the apportionment for each individual district and send this
information to the district offices. District superintendents review the
apportionments as calculated and may make adjustments to the calculated
amounts. Such adjustments are made after discussion with the church’s senior
pastor.
Step 9: District superintendents notify local churches of their apportionment
amounts. This information is provided to the pastors via “Local Church
Apportionment Reports” at the summer/fall district set-up meetings.
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Please note that churches that are considered “newly constituted” have five
years to transition into their full computed apportionment. In effect, the
difference between their computed apportionment and what they are actually
apportioned is subsidized by the other churches in the conference for a five year
period. (This is accomplished generally by apportioning in increments of 20%
of computed apportionments per year for five years: 20% in year 1, 40% in year
2, etc)
Detailed Explanation of Step 7 as originally approved at 2006 Annual
Conference Session (and re-ratified each year since):
In order to assure that our apportionment computation and allocation system is
as equitable as possible, we recommend that a “reasonableness test” be
implemented, which will work as follows:
a.
Existing apportionment formula and rules for year-end
report completion remain unchanged.
b.
After the apportionments have been computed for all
churches, three (3) comparative groups will be established:
churches with membership from 1000-1999; 2000-2999; 3000+
c.
The aggregate apportionments for each group will be
divided by the aggregate membership of each group in order to
calculate an average apportionment/member for each group.
d.
Any church whose apportionment/member falls below the
average for its group will be referred to the Cabinet for
discussion about possibly being moved up to the group average
over a three (3) year period. Group average calculations will
occur each year based on the latest reported membership
statistics.
e.
The Cabinet will review the apportionments for the churches
in all three groups and will, as a body, discuss and might make
adjustments to each church whose apportionment is below the
average for its size range.
f.
Apportionments added to the affected churches will not be
offset by reductions in other churches and will be applied to
conference-specific apportionment line items ONLY and will
NOT be added to General or Jurisdictional line items.
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208.m. How the 2016 Recommended Conference
Apportionment Budget Was Developed
Local
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North Georgia
Conference
Budget
UMC
General
Agencies
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Ministries
Higher Ed
& Action
Ministries
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How the 2016 Recommended Conference Budget was Developed
1. The “General Church” sets priorities and develops programs at the General
Conference Session for a four (4) year period (the quadrennium). The new
quadrennium begins in 2013 and runs through 2016.
The financial support for those worldwide ministries is apportioned to the
annual conferences, which, in turn, apportions those amounts to the local
churches. The 2016 General Church Apportionments are $6,712,179 or
30.4 % of the 2016 Recommended Conference Budget.
For those members who have not traditionally attended a United
Methodist or other “connectional” church, supporting a world-wide
structure may be a new concept. The United Methodist Church is a
worldwide, connectional system and every United Methodist church
supports, via apportioned giving, our worldwide ministries.
2. Conference-based and conference-subsidized programs and ministries
requested funding based on their plans and priorities for the upcoming year.
These plans are developed by program “conferencing” via staff as well as
those serving on boards and committees, such as the Board of Church
Development, the Board of Laity, the Board of Pension and Health Benefits,
the Board of Ministry, Action Ministries, et. al.
Representatives from several programs/ministries and their board
chairpersons, if applicable, presented their requests to CFA via email
and/or in person.
Those requests were then put in the draft budget.
3. On March 16, 2015 CF&A met to prayerfully review the draft budget.
During this meeting, CF&A made adjustments to the draft budget based on
several factors, including: budget changes compared to change in local
church expenditures; reserve balances; apportionment collection rates from
prior years; feedback from the local churches, the Cabinet and other
members of the annual conference; national and regional economic
conditions, and information gleaned from the UM “Call to Action” report.
CF&A also took into account the financial effect stemming from the sale of
Simpsonwood. CF&A made a decision to reduce the budget while increasing
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the percentage of the budget allocable to mission and ministry initiatives.
The total recommended budget for 2016 is $222,075,556, a decrease of
$1,020,652 (-4.4%) from the revised 2015 budget. The revised 2015 budget
included only two months’ budget for Simpsonwood-related expenses.
4. Through a series of district “pre-conference briefings,” conference staff and
representatives of CF&A will make themselves available to the delegates to
not only present highlights of the budget, but to also answer questions about
it.
5. During Annual Conference Session, the budget will be presented to
members of annual conference, who represent all local churches.
After the budget is approved, conference staff will begin the process of
calculating the local church apportionments, which represent each
church’s “share” of the conference and world-wide ministry and mission,
using the apportionment calculation methodology described the “Budget
Interpretation.”
The apportionments will be provided to each district superintendent,
who may alter individual apportionments within his/her district, after
conversations with the affected churches.
Final apportionments are distributed, by church, by the DS at his/her
appointed district setup meeting in late summer/early fall.
The Conference Treasurer’s Office will NOT communicate
apportionments by church until after the district set up meetings
have concluded!
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Conference Ministries
300. Connectional Ministries
Connectional Ministries exists to support the work of ministry in each of our
local churches. Throughout the past year the congregations of North Georgia
United Methodist churches have been wonderfully open and inviting, allowing
us to share in the labors of generative ministry and fruitfulness.
As we align with the key desires and needs of the congregations in our
conference, themes and trends emerge that give us insights of how to be helpful
to larger groups of churches who share common concerns. Over the past year,
we have identified three areas of focus that will continue for a longer arc of
support and guidance as they seem to consistently touch points of need.
The first area is giving focus to the first third of the life span: children,
youth, and young adults. We recognize that people in this age range are key
players in the work of the church today as well as the future. It is both wise and
practical to engage this group with the full bandwidth of the gospel message,
working to equip them and connect them for the deeper Kingdom work that
will challenge them throughout their adult lives. It is a target rich environment
and most every church we have encountered asks for guidance, support and
opportunities to provide for the growth and development of this age level. We
believe that it’s so critical, this has become one of the top priorities as we look
forward.
Secondly, we will continue to meet the districts at the point of their
training needs. We have established the Connectional Café as a menu of
options where churches, groups of churches, sub district groups and larger
groupings can organize their training events and capture some of the most
talented leaders we have in the conference. This has worked well but will now
benefit from a much more focused approach that includes further faculty
development and deeper connection to church groups seeking customized
support. We will continue to modify and update the offerings on the
Connectional Café to meet the emerging needs of each new season in each new
year.
Third, we are giving more and more attention to the NEXT FAITHFUL
STEPS initiative, a multi-year process where individual churches learn as
teams to access current realities, resources and direction in one phase, and in
concert with a coach and specific recommendations, begin to systematically
address course changes in the second phase. This program has the potential to
train new leaders with new language for new possibilities in the modern world.
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Rather than simply help congregations move from point A to point B, this
program seeks to equip leaders with how to function in a healthy way amid
constant change.
These three areas consistently touch on the key needs of churches as we
have experienced them. Each ministry team and area is a partner in making
these three areas work. Yes, there are other activities going on, many in fact.
However, they consistently bend toward these three areas one way or another.
As you look at this report, and review the things going on from each area, keep
in mind your own congregation and where you can give as well as what you
can get. Together as United Methodists, we can be our level best in a world
hungry for the kind of Christian witness we can give; safe communities of
small groups where trust is cultivated and expanded; where specific paths of
discipleship are taught and embodied once persons are comfortable with the
community; and where leadership skills are shared, matured, among committed
Christians, and released for the transformation of the world.
Micheal Selleck, Director
300.a. Connectional Ministries: Worship Ministry Team
The Worship Resource Team is seeking ways to encourage and provide
resources for excellence in worship across our conference. In May 2015 the
workshop "Focusing the Worship Team," led by Chuck Bell, was held at
Gainesville First UMC. This workshop brought the opportunity for worship
musicians and leaders to experience worship preparation through a worship
rehearsal with Chuck in real time, and also to share ideas and best practices.
The event culminated in a final, well-crafted and excellent worship experience.
We are looking at ways to put such workshops online to enhance access for all
churches in our conference and to enable other ‘idea sharing” options for
creative worship including visual arts such as Altarscapes in Motion. Stay
tuned for more.
This past year the Evangelism Team continued its focus on the work of
selecting the youth, laity and clergy Denman Award recipients. We received
many nominations for persons who are great models for what it means to be a
witness for Christ. Much prayer and effort is put into the selection of the three
conference recipients. This past year, for the first time we sought to complete
the entire process online. It worked well.
The Evangelism committee also has planned to conduct an online survey
of churches within our conference. Delegates may stop by our display table and
fill out the survey. It also will be available after conference for others to
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complete. This input will help the committee determine areas of focus for its
ministry to support local churches in their efforts to strengthen their evangelism
ministries and members. Our conference website has links to all the
Connectional Café offerings with an evangelism focus, links to helpful websites
and suggested readings.
The Stewardship Team assists in providing and promoting stewardship
resources to local churches and their members. There are ten workshops led by
conference members covering the many areas of stewardship for churches of
varying size and demographics. We promote fifteen special offering Sundays
that are designated by General Conference and our annual conference. Books,
videos, web-links and various other stewardship material are recommended on
our conference website. We also periodically promote our stewardship services
on the conference weekly update web publication.
Archives and History continues its noble work of celebrating and
learning from the past while persevering a worthy legacy for future generations.
This year we are excited to announce our Centennial Church Recognition
program. This recognition award will be granted to churches who are
celebrating quarter, half, three quarter and century anniversary years and who
complete an application process. Applications and information about this
recognition award program are available at our display table in the Foundry
Building. We also are resurrecting the Annual Conference Historical Society to
help expand the work and interest of Archives and History. We continue to play
a vital role in Jurisdictional leadership with the Southeast Jurisdictional
Historical Society and History Center at Lake Junaluska and to develop
partnerships with other annual conferences that have historical societies. In
response to many of the questions received and answered, we added to the
Archives and History page of the conference website links that share guidance
on what to keep from closed local churches, a guide for records for local
churches and a guide for writing a church history.
Carol Snype Crawford, Chair
Jasmine R. Smothers, Associate Director for
Church Development and Cultural Relations
300.b. Connectional Ministries: Outreach and Missions Ministry Team
The Outreach and Missions Team serves as part of the Connectional Ministries
WORLD Ministries (Worship, Outreach, Resources, Leadership, Discipleship).
As such, we strive to achieve “transformation of the world” by providing
training opportunities and resources for laity and clergy to equip people to take
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their faith outside the church walls into their community and the world.
Ministries such as the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, the United
Methodist Committee on Relief (Disaster Relief), Missions and Global
Ministries, Health, Welfare, and Wellness, Refugee Resettlement, MurphyHarpst Children’s Services, the United Methodist Women, and Bridges are all
part of Outreach and Missions. We also have representatives from the General
Board of Missions on our team and coordinate the North Georgia itineration of
United Methodist missionaries.
Exciting things have been happening in our Bridge Ministry. We have
already had trips to Portugal, Kenya, El Salvador, the Philippines, Russia and
the Bahamas within the last year, and a task force sponsored by the Leadership
and Outreach Teams is looking at the best way forward to developing a Bridge
to Jerusalem. We hope that every church in the North Georgia Conference will
be part of a bridge; the goal is to have a minimum of 50 churches partner with
each bridge, whether that be in the form of sending a mission team, receiving a
team from a sister conference, providing funding, or simply engaging in study
and prayer.
A very rewarding development in the past year has been the addition of
Scott Parrish to the conference Connectional Ministries staff. Scott describes his
position as that of a “mission strategist,” and so he is available to the Outreach
Team and its component ministries, but also available to come to the local
church to help celebrate and implement best practices in mission and outreach.
In Scott’s own words, “The reality is that we are all called to be in the mission
of God, and as we experiment with that and try on what it means for us to
follow Christ in the everyday, real world, we will have wonderful, unique
opportunities that match our talents and availability. We are called to love God
and to love our neighbor, and outreach gives us a way to stretch in our faith and
in our living as we take the next steps of following Christ.” May we all follow
and serve Christ in that way.
Hannah Garrett-Johnson, Chair
Scott Parrish, Associate Director for Missions
300.c. Connectional Ministries: Staff as Resource to the Teams
The staff of Connectional Ministries cover many bases within the life of the
annual conference programs. We give guidance, support, information and
accountability towards goals, among many other things. A critical element in
the list of responsibilities is to enable the ministry teams to be at their best.
Each of the four ministry teams are ably led by excellent leadership, but they
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are still volunteers weaving obligations to the conference with real life jobs,
families, and more. The scope and amount of work within each of these teams
can be unwieldy at times, and at those times, benefits from the support of the
staff to assist as needed. We welcome the shared ministry opportunities as the
first and primary role for the staff as resource.
However, the staff has another role amid the teams: the creation of new
training modules, fleshing out key vision components, and collaborating with
churches, 'up close and personal.' This generative aspect of the staff is only
helpful if these new ideas quickly land in the appropriate team arenas. The
secondary role of the staff as resource is to pass concepts and ideas to the teams
for development and implementation, to work in concert with the ministry
teams, not in place of them.
We celebrate these roles and find the mix of what the teams create and
what the staff creates, blend and balance the over all program and vision of the
conference exceptionally well.
300.d. Connectional Ministries: Leadership Ministry Team
The Leadership Ministry Team continues to provide opportunities for exposure,
learning, leadership development and engagement in vital ministry practices
that relate to this team’s scope of work within the life of the annual conference.
Keeping in line with this year’s theme of Global Health, the Leadership Team
sent a layperson from the conference to the denominational training for the Just
Save One, the United Methodist program to address HIV/AIDS. We look
forward to offering churches opportunities to participate in this important
ministry. Highlights of this year’s work include partnering with Decatur First
UMC in their hosting of the National Creation Care conference on April 2425. We will roll out the Church of Excellence in Sustainability award and hope
to have churches meet the goals by Annual Conference 2016. Look for the
qualifying criteria on the conference website.
The team provided resourcing and shared opportunities for engaging in
ministry around two needs from the Bishop’s Blueprint for Ministry: ending the
Death Penalty in Georgia and ending Child Trafficking in Georgia. Hugh
Hendrickson was able to participate in one of the series of workshops to
consider rewriting the Social Principles with an eye to a more global context.
Our team for Native American Ministries had its first spring gathering
of Native Americans in more than a decade in Rydal, Georgia in 2014 and was
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so successful that they had another one on April 18, 2015. While the original
intent was to draw attention to the Native American Ministries Sunday
Offering, it has become a Saturday set apart: to honor God with a Native
American Christian Worship Service, to honor our North Georgia UMC Native
American college students, and to honor the diversity of Native American
traditions found in North Georgia in the sharing of a meal together. While one
half of the Native American Ministries Sunday Offering goes to General
Conference, the half that remained in North Georgia provided scholarships to
six different students of five different tribes (Arawak, Cherokee, Chickasaw,
Lumbee and Odawa). Our Native American Ministries team provided $5,500 in
scholarships to full and part-time college students who qualified in 2014-15.
The Leadership Team also oversees the Peace with Justice grants for the
North Georgia Conference. We awarded grants to the following United
Methodist churches in our conference: Cedar Grove, Comer, Young Harris and
Vinings. These grants totaled $4,500.
Ethnic Local Church Concerns and Religion and Race collaborated
with the Office of Congregational Development to envision a different way of
resourcing and providing focus to the work of resourcing our congregations that
serve racial-ethnic populations. They will be providing a conference-wide
Cultural Competency training for conference leaders in October 2015.
We are also pleased that the Leadership, in collaboration with the
Outreach Team, fulfilled the requirements of the resolution asking to identify
possible resources and partners for a Middle East Bridge. We look forward to
moving forward to seeing what kind of partnerships can be forged.
Dave Allen Grady, Chair
Jasmine R. Smothers, Associate Director for
Church Development and Cultural Relations
300.e. Connectional Ministries: Discipleship Ministry Team
The task of the Discipleship Team is to provide training opportunities
and resources for clergy and laity that encourage people to connect to God, to
each other and to their community through small groups. The team has worked
collaboratively to reach those throughout the Connection in ways that both
respond to and anticipate training and resourcing needs. Some of the work that
has been done over the past year in our ministry areas is as follows:
Children’s Ministry (DeDe Reilly and Katie Atcheson): Children's
Ministry has been intentional in providing the best training possible for those
who serve in weekday and weekend ministry throughout the conference. More
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than 125 children's champions attended each of three Children's Ministry
Connection events: Children in Worship in September 2014 held at Hillside
UMC in Woodstock, Children in Discipleship in February 2015 held at Griffin
First UMC, and Children in Mission in April 2015 held at Grayson UMC.
Multiple workshops were led by seasoned professionals of the North Georgia
Conference, as well as by nationally known speakers. This will be followed up
by the CEF (Christians Engaged in Faith Formation)-sponsored Day Away
Retreat to be held on October 15 at Stone Mountain UMC specific to self-care
and worship. A few results: Wesley Chapel UMC, Marietta has upgraded their
11 a.m. worship service to intentionally involve children in all aspects of the
worship service and experience a Family First on the Fifth Sunday worship
service on each fifth Sunday. Zoar UMC in Snellville now includes Bible Black
Belts as part of their discipleship program for students.
Young Adult Ministry (Ashley Jenkins): The goal of Young Adult
Ministries is to connect young adults throughout the conference and equip them
to grow young adults in their local congregations. Our major event this year
was the first annual Young Adult Retreat at Camp Glisson. 75 young adults
from throughout the conference attended. The young adults felt inspired and fed
spiritually after the weekend was over. One young adult said, “After seven
years of being a ‘pew sitter’ I finally feel connected in the church again.” She
went on to sign up for a Bible study at her local church. We plan on having a
retreat every year.
Older Adult Ministry (Louise Adams): Our NG Older Adult Ministries
event was held on March 14, 2015 at Dunwoody UMC. The keynote speaker
was Jamie Jenkins and the theme was Transitions in Mind, Body and Spirit. A
devotion was given by Dan Brown, and a presentation by Will Randolph,
Executive Director, UMC Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries,
Nashville. Multiple workshops were offered on a wide variety of topics,
including mental and physical health, personal safety, legal issues and
recreation. Sixteen churches from seven districts were represented. Twenty five
persons came as first time attendees. Kudos were voiced on evaluation forms
for the speakers, program, warm fellowship and opportunities to greet friends
and build new relationships.
Faith Formation (Lynne Smith, Education Training): A diverse
representation of Christian educators from North Georgia attended the national
gathering of Christians Engaged in Faith Formation (CEF) assembled in
Nashville, TN in 2104 to learn best practices in faith formation. Just like the
loaves and fishes, God multiplied this gift of time and resources as this small
group returned to North Georgia and shared what they learned via face-to-face
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meetings, blog summaries and Facebook discussions. CEF continues to use
technology to enhance communication between in-person gatherings. In 2015
North Georgia CEF is exploring the concept of small groups as we continue to
learn together and create environments in which people of all ages and stages
are formed in their faith.
Spiritual Formation (Ken Hagler): At the top of the list for the ministry
of Spiritual Formation, was to bring The Upper Room’s 5 Day Academy of
Spiritual Formation to Georgia. In partnership with the Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship, The Upper Room and the North Georgia Annual Conference, we
rolled out an incredibly successful and meaningful Academy. Our Academy
hosted forty-seven pilgrims from all around Georgia and the southeast, as well
as South Korea, the Hmong Community (immigrants from Laos), the United
Kingdom and Eurasia, which included Bishop Eduard Khegay. A participant
from South Carolina shared, “The rhythm of prayer, communal meals, lectures,
silence, communion, listening and more silence invited me to be vulnerable in a
way that I could more intimately talk with and listen to God.” The ministry of
Spiritual Formation is planning to host another 5 Day Academy in 2016 and
hopes to offer a One Day Academy for those who would like to get a “taste” of
what the Academy of Spiritual Formation has to offer!
It is our pleasure as the Discipleship Ministry Team to continually serve
with the people of the North Georgia Conference as we all seek to make
disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation and redemption of the world.
Kim Reindl, Chair
Debby Fox, Associate Director for
Christian Education and District Relations
300.f. Connectional Ministries: Youth Ministries
Conference Youth Ministries has focused on enabling local church and district
youth ministries so that they might better embody Jesus and the love of God to
the youth in those communities, helping youth and congregations experience
what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) continues to
gather quarterly to assess and plan ministry events, beginning with a planning
day in August. The coordinators met to talk about how they can be a support to
the youth ministries in their areas and around discussions of leadership training
events as well as some new ideas around the Youth Ministry Institute.
This year the conference formed a Youth Ministry Advisory Board,
comprised of twelve area youth ministers of varying experience and from
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different size churches. The purpose of the board is to be the ears and eyes in
the conference around youth ministry and the needs of teenagers and
congregations, communicating ways they see that the conference can be
supportive and an answer to those needs.
Conference youth continue to participate in The Bahamas Bridge. Many
congregations have embraced a connection with the Bahamas Bridge either
through the conference summer mission trips or through their own connections
with Bahamas Methodist Habitat. This bridge is a focus of the youth ministries
in our conference, as it is closer than many locations and offers security for
those who visit. Throughout the year we have had many churches plan and
carry out a trip to The Bahamas, and in addition to local church trips, June 2015
saw two conference trips made with 30 youth and adults from various churches.
Confirmation resourcing was offered to churches through the Conference
Confirmation retreats held at Camp Glisson. One retreat was held in the fall
(October) and a separate retreat was offered in the spring (March). The fall
retreat focuses on group building and helping youth and adult participants share
their faith stories with their groups. It also studies grace, especially explaining
John Wesley’s understanding of prevenient grace. The retreat in the spring
explored our vow to support the church with “prayers, presence, gifts, service
and witness,” helping youth understand the meaning and weight of such a
commitment. The retreat also focused on the unique blessing we as United
Methodists have in our connectional system.
Churches also found the conference Spiritual Life retreat to be a resource
for the spiritual growth of their youth. Youth in the conference served on the
design team and on staff each of the three weekends at Camp Glisson in early
spring, helping participants understand ways to plan and carry out our faith
development as a Road Trip (the title of this retreat).
Through all these activities it has remained a value to use our youth as
leaders and designers of ministry. Our planning teams and CCYM are allowed a
safe place to step up to the leadership of the Church, experiencing the way that
God uses them and teaches them in ministry and transformation of the world.
We will continue to support and enable local youth ministries, helping
churches and districts experience the blessings of our connectional church.
Sam Halverson, Associate Director
Tonya Lawrence, Youth Ministries Coordinator
300.g. Connectional Ministries: North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries
For five years now the work of North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries,
Inc. has been guided by the vision adopted by the 2010 Annual Conference to
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double the number of summer campers served – from 2,500 to 5,000 annually –
by 2020. The annual conference charged NGCRM with that goal “to advance
the evangelism and discipleship efforts of the local church.”
As we reach the mid-point of this decade of change and expansion, we
find ourselves busy with investment and expansion in our nonagenarian
ministry, Glisson, and our neophyte ministries, Grow and ELI. Together our
family of ministries served over 3,100 campers in 2014 at sites across the
annual conference. Preparations are underway for the launch in 2016/2017 of a
new residential camping ministry designed for children and youth not currently
participating in conference camp and retreat ministries. You will begin to hear
more about this ministry, and opportunities to be a part of it, this fall.
Glisson, elder sibling to all our new camping ministries, continues to
flourish and to grow as it celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2015. Its Outpost
program saw solid growth in 2014, serving over 400 campers for the first time
in its history. The Serving Generations campaign for the Glisson dining hall
generated more than $100k in pledges beyond its $4.9M goal. Bishop Watson
consecrated the building on March 28, 2015 in anticipation of its completion
before May. In December of 2014 Glisson received a $1M gift to begin work on
the next priorities identified in its master plan. Construction of two new cabins
and expansion of a third, renovation of the old dining hall into meeting space,
development of a new waterfront on Lake Hale and a recreational field are all
funded by this gift. Most of these projects will be completed by summer 2015,
with the field and dining hall renovation anticipated being complete by year’s
end. Once again Glisson hosted the NGA conference Confirmation retreat and
Youth Spiritual Life retreats, in addition to a variety of church and non-profit
groups, offering essential support to the work of others making disciples for the
In summer of 2014 Grow day camps served 638 campers, a 63% increase
over the previous summer. Partner churches have found Grow offers a unique
faith-forming program for children in their communities. In fall of 2014 more
churches were interested in partnering with Grow than space would allow. As
we head into summer 2015, a full complement of 32 church partner sites
promises continued growth for Grow.
Buoyed by the generous support of the conference offering in 2014, the
Experiential Leadership Institute (ELI) is poised to expand the number of high
school juniors and seniors it serves in 2015. ELI is a system of Christian
leadership development with opportunities for practice as its core means of
learning. ELI participants served as counselors for 638 Grow day campers in
2014, practicing their leadership skills in real-ministry settings. The addition of
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“ELI” for summer 2015 will focus returning ELI on skills of peer leadership. A
new ELI sponsorship program boasts participants that include our conference
Board of Laity, LaGrange College, Young Harris College and Reinhardt
University. It will provide a leadership award of $500 to each 2015 ELI
participant, making Christian leadership development more accessible than ever
for the young people of our annual conference.
We are honored to serve North Georgia through this time of expansion of
NGCRM’s family of ministries. May God continue to guide our efforts in
ministry together.
Lee Highsmith, Chair
C. Russell Davis, Director
North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc.
300.h. Connectional Ministries: Conference Communications Office
This year the Conference Communications Office has set a long-range
communications plan that includes continuing fruitful communications efforts
and goals for the next three to five years.
Fruitful Efforts
With more than 30,000 visits to the conference website
(www.ngumc.org) each month, approximately 6,000 subscribers to conference
newsletters, and a weekly reach of more than 10,000 on social media, those
three channels are key pieces of the conference communication plan.
Redesigned in 2014, the North Georgia Conference website features
news, information and resources for North Georgia United Methodists. Visit
www.ngumc.org to access an abundance of resources.
Subscribe to conference e-newsletters at www.ngumc.org by clicking
“subscribe now” at the bottom of the page. We encourage you to start each
week with an inspirational reflection from a North Georgia lay or clergy person
by signing up for Monday Morning in North Georgia. Weekly Conference
Update is distributed on Thursdays with a digest of the week’s news and a look
at upcoming events. Prayers & Celebrations is a daily notice of clergy prayer
requests.
Snapshot is a new printable PDF newsletter for your church, your small
group, your Sunday school class or your members who aren't internet active.
This monthly round up of North Georgia Conference news can be used “as is”
or it may also be attached to your own PDF newsletter and distributed through
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Long-term Communication Goals
In the next three to five years, the conference communications office has 19
set goals of widening audience, increasing the quality of content, and expanding 20
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public relations work. Some of the plans in place include: increasing video
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presence, supporting upcoming Cultural Competency training efforts, and
working with a non-profit media consultant on pitching news stories of United 23
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Methodists serving in their communities and the world.
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Awards
At the annual United Methodist Association of Communicators meeting, 27
the North Georgia Conference received several awards, including first place in 28
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electronic publications for Snapshot, the monthly printable PDF newsletter.
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The conference website won second place for website design. A judge wrote:
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"Beautiful, clean design. Responsive for mobile devices also a plus. Nice
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features including commenting, links to social media and extensive archive of
news and forms." Additionally, Monday Morning in North Georgia took home 33
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account won second place for social media; and our photo series from
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Reinhardt University's first football game won third place for photography.
Sybil Davidson 37
Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for Communications 38
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your church communications pieces. Access the latest edition at
www.ngumc.org/Snapshot.
Follow us on social media to be the first to know breaking news, join in
the conversation, and share resources. The North Georgia Conference has an
active presence on: Facebook (www.facebook.com/ngaumc), Twitter
(@connectNGUMC), Instagram (instagram.com/NGUMC), Pinterest
(www.pinterest.com/NGUMC) and YouTube (NGUMC).
The communications office is also at work supporting local church
communication:
Local church communicators, paid and volunteer, are invited to regular
communications networking meetings. Topics this year have included auditing
your church website and communications best practices.
When a church experiences a media crisis or potential crisis—in other
words, something that threatens the reputation of the church, the denomination
or the members—the communications office can help in crafting a response
plan and offering media support.
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301. Office of Congregational Development
Starting “New Places for New People” while strengthening the welcome and
witness of our existing congregations is the charge of the Congregational
Development Team. Each district superintendent is expected to foster the
creation of at least two new worshipping communities during their tenure. We
work with the district strategic growth teams to start at least 24 new projects
every six years or four new ministries each year.
New Church Starts
The Nett – New In 2015 - Atlanta Emory District
While continuing to serve as associate pastor at Northbrook UMC,
Rodrigo Cruz has been working part-time in Gwinnett County since June of
2014, giving one day a week and one Sunday a month in the fall and two days a
week and two Sundays a month in the spring to plan The Nett United Methodist
Church. Rodrigo hopes to launch worship in the fall of 2015. He is working
with the Atlanta-Emory District and 12 partner churches who will be sharing
their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness with this new church start.
From his proposal: “Gwinnett County is the most diverse community in
the southeastern United States. By looking at Gwinnett County we are seeing a
vision of the future of the United States of America and a vision of the
Kingdom of God. We believe there is an imminent need for a church that can
become a microcosm on earth of the diversity that we believe exists in heaven.
Therefore, the idea of planting a church that can reflect the diversity of our
schools is not just nice, but it is a necessity. For that, the looming need for a
multicultural and multiethnic church within Gwinnett County is biblical, right,
and the hope for the gospel.”
The Vine – Second Campus – New in 2015 - Gainesville District
In December of 2014, The Springs UMC in Flowery Branch in the
Gainesville District held its final worship service. Since that time, members
have been worshipping at The Vine UMC and starting small groups in the
Flowery Branch area. In August of 2015, Andrew Erwin will lead a team to relaunch worship at The Springs site, next to Flowery Branch High School as a
second campus of The Vine UMC under the leadership of David Walters, Lead
Pastor at The Vine.
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Threshold - New in 2014 - LaGrange District
Quincy Brown was appointed to plant Threshold UMC in Newnan in
June of 2014. Threshold UMC held its first preview worship service on Easter
Sunday 2015 and will continue holding monthly preview services and mission
projects leading up to their fall 2015 launch. Impact Church in the AtlantaCollege Park District has worked with Quincy as a partner in this new church
start.
Connexion @ North Covington - New in 2012 – Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford
District
Connexion was started by Andrew Covington in the Salem Road area of
Conyers in June of 2012. They have since constituted by merging with the
North Covington UMC in December of 2014 to form Connexion @ North
Covington. Their first worship service welcomed 179 people in this newly
renovated historic building. Since the merger, Connexion @ North Covington
has purchased the house next door to the property, increased weekly worship
attendance by 30%, to over 110, and will soon be starting a second worship
service at 9:00 am. They are blessed to be reaching multiple generations of
North Covington families, from great-grandparents down to newborn babies.
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Eastside – New in 2011 – Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District
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Eastside UMC was started in the Oakhurst area of Decatur in June of
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Interstate 20. They launched worship in that renovated historic sanctuary on
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Easter Sunday of 2014 with almost 400 in attendance. Their average worship
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attendance is over 175 each Sunday.
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The Fountain – New in 2011 – Atlanta-Roswell District
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In June of 2011, Andy Lett was appointed to plant a new church in the
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Johns Creek area. The Fountain UMC launched worship in March 2012 at
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Johns Creek Elementary in Suwanee. In the fall of 2014, The Fountain began
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to over 160 in average worship attendance. Over the summer, they hosted 172
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kids during their X-Stream Games Kids Camp. For Easter 2015, they had 323
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Other New Church News
In addition, The United Methodist Church of the Way, which was
meeting in Archer High School, has merged with Harmony Grove UMC in
Auburn. This church will operate with two campuses; one in Grayson, the other
at Harmony Grove. After the merger, they welcomed 249 on their first Sunday
and average over 200 each Sunday. We are thankful to the work of the AthensElberton and Atlanta-Emory districts for creating this merger.
Harvest Point UMC in Locust Grove in the Griffin District opened their
new facility just before Easter 2015 and saw 376 in attendance on Easter and
their average worship attendance is approximately 300.
Quest in the Augusta District broke ground for their new campus in
Grovetown. They average over 450 in worship attendance.
Our office also worked with Vinings UMC (AMAR District) and
Northside UMC (ACPK District) to create a Covenant of Partnership for their
ministry work together.
New Ministries
Prospect UMC in the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District will launch a
second campus at the former site of Snapping Shoals UMC. We are also
awaiting the public announcement of several other merger and multi-site
possibilities.
Rome First in the Rome Carrolton District is looking to expand their
ministry with a Broad Street Campus and Coffee Shop. Roswell UMC in the
Atlanta Roswell District is in the research and development phase of creating a
new and different worship experience, currently codenamed RoswellX, to reach
new and different people in their community.
New Missions
Johns Creek Korean – June 2014 in the Atlanta-Roswell District. Hyo Kim was
appointed to the staff of the Johns Creek UMC under the leadership of Dee
Shellnut. Weekly worship and Bible study were launched in the fall of 2014.
Several of our Korean Churches are working with the Georgia Tech
Wesley Foundation to reach out to Korean students at Georgia Tech and
Georgia State.
Mt. Pisgah Hispanic – We celebrate that this ministry has grown to the
point that their pastor, Jorge Henao, will now serve there on a full-time basis.
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Closures and Redeployment
Sacred Praise UMC, started in Lovejoy, Georgia in 2010, closed in the
fall of 2014. Their senior pastor, Paul Thibodeaux, was appointed to Snellville
UMC in the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District where he serves as associate
pastor with primary responsibility for the 9:30 a.m. contemporary service. They
hope to add other worship opportunities for this growing diverse area of South
Gwinnett County.
Holy Stump Korean Mission in the Atlanta-Emory District has been
closed, but we are prayerfully awaiting the reopening of a second campus of a
Korean church on this property.
We also saw the dissolution of the Vietnamese Mission at John Wesley
UMC in Norcross in July 2014.
Training Opportunities
New Church Leadership Academy and Workshop
The New Church Leadership Academy welcomed over 30 participants who
completed a year of training in 2014 in order to prepare for assessment of their
abilities to start new places for new people. Another new class of participants
began in January of 2015.
New Church Leadership Development Class
The Candler School of Theology has approved a New Church Development
curriculum for third-year students. Phil Schroeder has been asked to serve as
faculty adjunct to lead this class. Special thanks to Tom Elliott for his work to
launch this program at Candler.
The Strategic Appointment Roundtable (START) enrolled its third class
of participants in 2015 with 26 pastors who are young in ministry. START is a
year of training and engagement with churches and pastors across the
conference, helping pastors find the resources and connections they need to
strengthen their ministries. Impact, Peachtree Road, College Park First and
Eastside hosted the opening retreat. The year consists of teaching pastor and
district superintendent visits alternating with retreats. A fall retreat is planned at
Hinton Rural Life Center with Mike Slaughter of Ginghamsburg UMC.
Mystery Worshipers
We are also thankful for collaboration with Leadership UMC who has
scheduled visits from Mystery Worshippers to congregations across North
Georgia over the past four years in order to increase the quality of hospitality.
In addition, the Smyrna First UMC worked with our office to secure the
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services of a research team to evaluate their church’s welcoming environment
over a 12-week period. Please let us know if you are interested in this resource.
Additional Funding and Resourcing
Our office currently supports all or part of the salary for four new church
starts, two associates, one second campus pastor, one music staff person, one
youth minister, 13 Hispanic Missions, four Korean Missions, and one Brazilian
Mission with two locations.
In the Future
Path 1, our National United Methodist Resourcing arm for New Church
Starts, will be working with our in-town Atlanta districts to create a Church
Planting Zone in the fall of 2015.
Cumberland UMC in the Atlanta-Marietta District was approached by a
developer to purchase their property. The Cumberland church agreed to sell and
to create a new church in the Smyrna area with the proceeds. A pastor trained to
start new churches would be appointed to this new endeavor. Working together
with their district superintendent, Jim Lowry, we invited other churches in that
area to be part of a Vital Merger, where each church sells their property and
brings their people and those resources to help start something new. Faith UMC
in Smyrna voted to take this leap of faith with Cumberland. Please be in prayer
for these churches and this new endeavor as we await zoning approval.
We invite you to consider what new thing God is calling your church to
do to reach new people in your community and beyond. We look forward to
hearing your ideas through the district strategic growth teams.
Phil Schroeder, Director
Juan Quintanilla, Associate Director
Hyo Shik Kim, Associate Director
Richard Hunter, Chair
Stephen Usry, Vice Chair
Royeese Stowe, Secretary
Sharma Lewis, Cabinet Representative
301.a. Black Congregational Development
The Black Congregational Development committee is happy to report that we
have done the following in the current year:
• We have identified that leadership development will be our primary area
of focus.
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• We have successfully recruited a very strong and active team.
• We have developed a seven-point strategic plan to identify, train and
develop current and future leaders.
• We have agreed to work with the district strategic growth teams in each
district to identify and develop key leaders.
• We have agreed to develop key strategic partnerships with the local
United Methodist seminaries and universities, SBC-21, the Young
Clergy Initiative and the Office of Ministerial Services to enlarge our
resource pool.
• We are planning a strategic summit with the Ebony Bishops and
Gammon Seminary in the fall of 2015.
• We are developing a resource for identifying current and future leaders
and we will be inviting some of the leaders to attend the Impact 4D
Conference in September of 2015.
• We partnered with the Timothy Initiative (part of the Young Clergy
Initiative) to fund and send key leaders to the Large Church Initiative
Summit in Houston, Texas in April 2015.
We, the Black Congregational Development team, are very excited and hopeful
in the upcoming months and years of truly strengthening the North Georgia
Conference by strengthening the Black Church here in North Georgia.
Michael T. McQueen, Chair
301.b. Hispanic/Latino Congregational Development
Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.”
“You have one business on earth; to save souls.” - John Wesley
Dear members of the Annual Conference, one of the biggest challenges we face
is a growing Hispanic/Latino population. In Georgia alone, Hispanics constitute
8.8% of the population. This ethnicity has grown 94.1 % in the last 13 years,
with more than 850,000 Hispanic people in our state. Around 17% of the total
United States population (54 million people) is Hispanic, forming the second
largest ethnic group after non-Hispanic white Americans. Currently, one of
every six Americans is Hispanic. It is estimated in 25 years, that one of three
Americans will be Hispanic.
Our Hispanic/Latino committee has been working to train lay people who
are already leaders to equip them to take the next step as lay missionary leaders.
We worked with the United Theological Seminary with their online Hispanic
Leadership Academy program. We have selected a group of 15 lay people
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whom we will equip for three years with skills and abilities for ministry. In the
near future, the intent is to send them forth as lay missionaries to form new
communities of faith or to strengthen the local church in the area of outreach.
Our goal will be to become a church in the cities where the Hispanic population
is growing. In addition, we are working with Mi Familia Center in Canton to
develop local church lay leaders. The Hispanic Youth Ministry conducted three
workshops for youth leaders from the North Georgia Conference.
We have opened several new missions: the first one, in the AtlantaMarietta District at Hillside UMC, and the second one, in the Gainesville
District at New Holland UMC, Gainesville. In addition, we have worked in
partnership with Global Ministries to bring a Brazilian pastor, Edney Joaquim,
from The Methodist Church of Brazil, to work with Communitas Mission in
North Fulton and Cobb counties.
Gwinnett County is the most diverse county in the southeastern United
States; therefore, we believe there is an imminent need for a church in that
county that can become a microcosm on earth of the diversity that we believe
exists in heaven. For that reason, we are launching a multiethnic/multicultural
church called The Nett this summer in order to respond to the demographic
challenges we are facing in that area. We are excited to mention that this church
start requires the involvement and participation of 12 mother churches from
within the Atlanta-Emory District. We believe in creating a connectional model
for church planting that reflects and embraces our vows and identity as United
Methodists. The idea of planting a church that can reflect the diversity of our
schools is not just nice, but biblical, right and the hope for the gospel.
Juan Quintanilla, Associate Director
Rodrigo Cruz, Committee Chair
301.c. Korean Congregational Development
As a way of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world, God has bestowed the committee on Korean-American Congregational
Development to carry out the following vision foci:
• Developing new Korean-American missions/churches
• Training and developing both pastoral and lay leaders
• Providing resources for strengthening new and existing congregations
The city of Johns Creek has the largest Korean-American population in the
metro-Atlanta area. In January of this year, Johns Creek UMC, in partnership
with the Office of Congregational Development, began providing an additional
worship service in Korean to reach Korean-Americans in the community.
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Unlike other Korean missions or churches, the Korean mission at Johns Creek
UMC is not a separate entity; rather, it is one of multiple churches under one
roof with the same mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world” through the shared vision. We will continue to
seek other churches willing to reach out to Korean-American communities in
this fashion.
As a way of revitalizing and strengthening existing congregations, we
have entrusted Holy Stump Korean UMC at Hamilton Mill to the Korean
Church of Atlanta, which is one of the largest Korean UMCs in the United
States, in order to revitalize and strengthen it as a satellite church with their
healthy DNA.
We have continued reaching out to college students at the Georgia
Institute of Technology and Georgia State University in partnership with the
Wesley Foundation at Georgia Tech. We will eventually expand this ministry at
Emory, UGA and Kennesaw.
As a way of implanting pastoral leadership development and training,
several Korean pastors meet regularly to study together in improving sermon
preparation and delivery, and in learning about new emerging ministries and
churches. These leadership development and training efforts will continue to
improve pastoral leadership skills, especially with those who have just started
new missions, while also building a network of support.
In addition to provide training and resource materials for small group
leaders from several Korean new missions, we are developing multi-media
resources to help the Korean missions who are looking for an alternative way to
prepare sermons for children and youth. We have provided leadership training
for SPRC and administrative council/board members in several churches and
will have evangelism training for both pastors and lay leaders in July.
Thank you very much for your support. We ask you for continuous
prayer as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
in North Georgia and beyond.
Hyo Shik Kim, Associate Director
301.d. Multicultural Congregational Development
The committee on Multicultural Congregational Development is dedicated to
the goal of working towards the Kingdom of God becoming a reality in our
local congregations in the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist
Church. Revelation 7:9 gives an insight into what this might look like: “After
this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could
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count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb.”
The committee acknowledges that strides have been made by some of our
local churches to ensure their congregations reflect the diverse cultures of their
communities. It is also cognizant that as a conference, on a whole, there is still a
far way to go.
The committee on Multicultural Congregational Development is
committed to working with local churches to strive towards this goal. It
supports local congregations that are proactive in going out into their
communities to welcome and be in ministry with their neighbors of different
cultural backgrounds.
Over the past year, the committee has awarded one-time grants to two
local churches, John Wesley and Metropolitan, that have been striving towards
making their churches reflect the cultural demographic of their communities.
Both John Wesley UMC and Metropolitan UMC are located in culturally
diverse communities, and the pastors and their congregations have been
intentional about doing ministry with the children and the residents of their
communities. The churches were awarded $6,000 and $3,000 grants,
respectively.
The committee on Multicultural Congregation Development will
continue to work with and support local churches, while providing training and
the necessary resources for growth and effectiveness, as it strives to ensure that
all are welcomed in our churches.
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400. Action Ministries, Inc.
Georgia has the third highest poverty rate of any state in our nation. Those are
the raw facts, but behind the numbers are hundreds of thousands of stories.
Stories of tragedy and triumph, compassion and healing. Stories of real people.
At Action Ministries, we help people turn the page in the story of their lives.
In 2014 we connected nearly 100,000 people in Georgia with meals, job
prep resources, housing assistance and placement, GED preparation, financial
literacy counseling, debt reduction planning and ongoing support. Since 1963
Action Ministries has been leading people out of poverty. Action Ministries
Life-Changers are mobilizing all over Georgia to compassionately care for the
people in their own communities. Our volunteers, donors and congregational
partners make all the difference, experiencing the transformational effects of
connection and compassion in their own stories.
In Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Gainesville and Rome, and through
Breakthru House, a residential addiction facility for homeless women, Feed the
Hungry, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid and Action Ministries Housing, we mobilize
communities to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on hunger relief,
housing and education.
Hunger relief: We served 2,142,626 meals with an estimated market
value of more than $11 million through programs like our food pantries,
community kitchens and our Feed the Hungry food box initiative, which allows
us to partner with North Georgia congregations to serve their communities. In
its third year, our regional Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program served 219,515
lunches to Georgia children who would have otherwise gone hungry.
Housing: Our Housing program recorded an 81 percent success rate,
meaning that 81 percent of people who participated in the program successfully
transitioned from homelessness to stability. We were privileged to serve 571
homeless or at-risk veterans in a state that ranks second in the nation for the
number of homeless veterans. Action Ministries provided housing and
supportive services for more than 400 chronically homeless people with
disabilities at Augusta’s Maxwell House and Atlanta’s Welcome House.
Education: More than 3,800 people received educational support
through educational opportunities in GED preparation, financial literacy, job
skills training, nutrition, ESL and computer classes and children’s after-school
and summer programming.
Become a Life-Changer by supporting our mission to lead people out
of poverty in Georgia. Contact: John R. Moeller Jr., President & CEO,
404-881-1991, [email protected], www.actionministries.net.
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401. Aldersgate / Collinswood
Aldersgate and Collinswood provide opportunities to connect to God’s people
through involvement in the lives of persons with special needs. As we serve
them and their families, friends and congregational families, we experience
again that “We are God’s People Connected.”
Aldersgate seeks to provide residential opportunities for persons with
developmental disabilities in independent living settings. Independent living
opportunities meet the needs of those who are able to sustain independence with
some supports. The need is great and your support is vital, enabling our
assistance to those with special needs.
At Camp Collinswood on Lake Oconee, God enables us to serve people
with special needs through camping and recreational ministries. The cottages,
dining/meeting hall, pavilion, lake front bathhouse, gazebo and dock are
universally accessible, enhancing opportunities for all persons, including those
with developmental disabilities, to enjoy God's great outdoors. These facilities
open many opportunities for us to serve others in unique, fun, spiritually
enhancing ways. We invite you to explore the possibilities for extending
recreational ministries to your congregational families at Collinswood.
And we have grown! The Ruth Manning Cottage was dedicated on
Saturday, March 14, 2015 adding 15 beds to the Collinswood facilities. In
addition, some furnishings were donated to Collinswood from the lodges at
Simpsonwood, and for these we are especially grateful.
Use of Collinswood is open to all. We invite and encourage you to come
to Collinswood and experience God’s wonderful world in a beautiful and
unique setting!
God is good. He opens our eyes, our hearts, our minds, our doors as we
connect with God’s people. We celebrate His love by sharing in ministry with
His people with special needs. Join us in this journey of faith.
‘Camp Collinswood on Lake Oconee offers a place for rest, retreat and
recreation for all people, especially those with mobility issues.’
Becky Bocian, Executive Director
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402. Methodist Foundation for Retired Ministers
of the North Georgia Conference
It has been an historic year for The Methodist Foundation for Retired Ministers.
The Board is comprised of Jane Brooks, Claudette Bryson, Larry Caywood,
John Cromartie, Lillian Darden, David Lee Davis, Bob Fincher, Hank
Huckabee, Clay Jacobs, Russell Jones, Bill McKoy, David Naglee, Lyn Powell,
Juan Quantanilla and Ed Tomlinson. Emeriti members are Malone Dodson,
Elijah Moore and Robert Ozment.
The total investments as of September 15, 2014 amounted to
$8,128,493.94. These investments are divided into two funds: the
“Unrestricted” fund which makes up approximately 78% of the assets, and the
“Dozier” fund (restricted) which comprises about 22% of the total. Combined,
all funds had a total appreciation, plus income, of $351, 269.32 year-to-date.
This year the Foundation for Retired Ministers voted on two historic
disbursements. First, the Foundation awarded to the Wesley Woods
Community of Caring Campaign a gift of $1,000,000 to be disbursed over four
years. Wesley Woods is nationally recognized as a leader in caring for our most
senior persons. Many of our retired clergy and their spouses call Wesley Woods
their home and the committee was excited about the positive changes coming to
Wesley Woods.
Second, the Foundation awarded to the North Georgia Annual
Conference pension plan a gift of $4,000,000 to be given in memory of Randall
Williamson who articulated a hope for this generous act several years ago. The
annual conference treasurer’s office calculates that the remaining unfunded
pension liability will drop to approximately $4,000,000 in 2016 or 2017. At that
time, the Foundation will make a one-time disbursement of $4,000,000 to pay
that liability.
As a Board we felt that it was a great opportunity to be bold, generous
and faithful in the Foundation’s vision for the retired clergy of our annual
conference. We recognize this opportunity would not have been possible
without the generosity of those who have gone before us and the wisdom of
those who have managed the Foundation over the years. Today, we celebrate
with the annual conference the blessing of God upon our people.
David Lee Davis, Chairperson
Edward Tomlinson, Executive Director
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403. Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, Inc.
Children who come to Murphy-Harpst suffer from severe abuse and neglect. In
custody of the State of Georgia with many unsuccessful placements in foster
care prior to admission, most have proven dangerous to themselves and others
and require extensive therapy and Christian care to heal. Our goal is to return
them to their communities with the strength to lead productive lives.
In 2013-14, Murphy-Harpst served a remarkable 235 children—108 in
residential treatment, 51 in specialized foster care and 76 in community
services. We structure our residential program to serve as a “pass through”
rather than a “stopping point”—providing our children of ages 7 to 18 with the
professional care that will enable them to re-assimilate to their communities.
We are proud that an average of 75 percent of our children progress to adoption
and less restrictive living settings such as foster care and group homes.
The Annual Conference theme, “We Are God’s People Connected: A
Focus on Global Health,” reminds us that our organization was started nearly
100 years ago by the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church as an orphanage for children whose parents died from
epidemics of tuberculosis and influenza. This missionary spirit continues. Our
volunteers are particularly moved by the children who come to us for healing
and loving care. In the words of one church volunteer, “Folks who get involved
with children at Murphy-Harpst want to stay involved. It has been an
extraordinary blessing.”
Murphy-Harpst is honored that July 19, 2015, has been designated a day
of special giving across the conference for our children. Without financial
support from United Methodist churches and the work of volunteers, MurphyHarpst could not rescue the increasing number of children who need our help.
Emily Saltino, Vice President of Development
404. The United Methodist Children’s Home
Together with an incredible network of supporters, donors and volunteers, the
United Methodist Children’s Home changes lives every day for our state’s most
vulnerable citizens. And the need has never been greater.
During 2014 the Children’s Home served 148 foster children and worked
with 57 foster families, and we hope to boost strongly both numbers this year to
help reduce Georgia’s child welfare crisis. We will work hard to strengthen
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partnerships with churches across the conference to recruit and build support
networks for foster families.
Our Transitional and Independent Living programs give young adults
access to educational, vocational and life skills guidance as they transition out
of foster care to life on their own. We celebrated with our residents in 2014 as
14 graduated from high school or completed GEDs, seven were accepted into
college, and four began vocational or job corps training.
Our family housing clients achieved important milestones on their road to
independence, including two who received college degrees, one began college,
and one started work toward a GED. 80 percent of our families transitioned into
a stable situation equipped with career path upon leaving our program.
In 2014 we celebrated other important impacts including:
• Assisting 592 low-income families with emergency financial aid.
• Lifting 22 families from homelessness through our family housing
program.
• Guiding 51 young adults in Georgia’s foster care system toward success
as they transition to independent adulthood.
• Engaging 1,600 volunteers, who provided over 24,000 hours of service.
• Finding safe, loving foster homes for 148 children.
• Finalizing nine adoptions of foster children.
• And providing more than 46,000 days of care to children, youth and
families in need.
With your continued support, we can impact even more lives this year.
We invite you to learn more about our work and the families, children and
youth that we serve by visiting our website, www.umchildrenshome.org.
Bob Bruder-Mattson, President and CEO
405. Wesley Woods
For more than 60 years, Wesley Woods has been serving seniors across north
Georgia. The over 1,500 residents of the nine retirement communities in
Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Blairsville, Newnan and Roswell remain actively
involved in their local communities. Through worship services, Bible studies,
hymn sings and relationships with their local churches, residents are God’s
people connected to their communities and the world. Each year, residents
participate in local service projects through a variety of organizations including
Action Ministries and Imagine No Malaria. Over one-third of the residents have
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incomes at or below the poverty level with over 75% of all residents receiving
financial assistance.
Wesley Woods Senior Living (WWSL) has been raising funds for
refurbishing its 40-50 plus year-old buildings for its lowest income residents. A
direct appeal for funds to churches in the North Georgia Conference this past
year will be concluded prior to annual conference and the response has been
heartwarming. These funds are helping to claim $1M in matching funds to meet
the $5.67M in renovations and toward charitable care. Also, through
fundraising efforts and in keeping with initiatives world-wide to advance global
health, WWSL is working with students at Emory’s Rollins School of Public
Health in developing a system-wide wellness philosophy and program to further
advance the physical, mental and spiritual health of our residents.
In addition, WWSL has received $2,163,528 from the North Georgia
Conference from the Simpsonwood property sale to undergird the two Atlanta
retirement communities serving low income seniors and for the purposes in
keeping with WWSL’s core mission of serving older adults through the
provision of retirement communities. In May, the WWSL board will meet to
decide on a naming opportunity to recognize Miss Simpson and her dream to
provide retirement housing in north Georgia.
Through the Mothers’ Day Offering, the churches of north Georgia
continue to be a substantial and critical part of the charitable care funds of
income and assets to live in our retirement communities. The residents of
Wesley Woods are blessed by this generous offering. Wesley Woods is also
blessed by volunteers who minister to residents. In 2014, volunteers gave
12,300 hours to residents, valued at over $270,000 to help our residents age
with grace. North Georgia Conference congregations, through their giving and
volunteering, are helping to ensure that this ministry continues another 60 years
helping seniors age with grace.
Kenneth Weber, President & CEO
Wesley Woods Senior Living
and the Foundation of Wesley Woods
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500. Conference Board of Laity
The Conference Board of Laity seeks to equip laity in the North Georgia
Conference for ministry. Leadership UMC, Leadership UMC II, Lay
Revitalization Ministry (LRM), and Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) are thriving
under the leadership of directors Jane Finley (Leadership UMC), Jeff Jernigan
(Leadership UMC II), Bill Traynham (LRM) and Janet Sligar (LSM).
Additionally, the efforts of the United Methodist Women, led by Sue Raymond,
and the United Methodist Men, led by Cary Loesing, continue to enhance the
ministry focus of the North Georgia Conference. The ministry of Scouting is
being advanced under the able leadership of Barry Herrin.
During the 2015 Annual Conference year, Janet Sligar traveled to
Portugal with a team from the North Georgia Conference Bridges program to
offer Lay Servant Ministry training in partnership with the Methodist Church of
Portugal. Additionally, in July 2014 the Conference Lay Servant Ministry
program hosted several hundred laity from the Southeastern Jurisdiction for a
Jurisdictional Lay Servant Ministry Training Event.
In October and November 2014, the Conference Board of Laity, under
the leadership of Jeff Jernigan, hosted nearly 20 people in the inaugural
Leadership UMC II class. Both weekend training sessions were facilitated by
seminary faculty and Global Ministry experts in the area of local and
international missions. The Leadership UMC II program will be enhanced and
continued.
In May 2015, nearly 50 people graduated from the Leadership UMC
program. Jane Finley reports that more than 500 people have graduated from
Leadership UMC—a program that remains among the finest programs of lay
training in the denomination.
The Lay Revitalization Ministry, under the leadership of Bill Traynham,
continues to offer support and counsel to congregations seeking revitalization.
Participating congregations report a renewed understanding of mission and a
hopeful outlook for the future of their respective ministries.
I am grateful to the more than 360,000 United Methodist laity in the
North Georgia Conference for the outstanding ways you serve Christ through
The United Methodist Church. Together we remain committed to partnering
with clergy as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation
of the world.
Mathew A. Pinson, Conference Lay Leader
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501. United Methodist Men – Uniting Ministry and Men
We are Inviting and Encouraging Men to be Engaged in Service and
Fellowship with the purpose of Developing Disciples of Jesus Christ! Men’s
ministry across the North Georgia Conference continues to experience revival.
Congregations both large and small are intentionally reaching out to men of all
ages in inviting participation in the ministries of the church. We are actively
Uniting Ministry and Men, making a difference in our communities and
congregations.
This year we launched our Growth and Expansion Initiative,
communicating how men are participating in ministry and training emerging
leaders of men’s ministry in our districts and churches. We have modernized
our website and telephone communications, became more active through social
media, and expanded electronic capabilities for reporting and sharing
information. These efforts are supporting our congregations through local
men’s ministry, district and conference leaders, as we carry out our strategic
ministry plan, in the following areas of ministry: evangelism, spiritual growth,
prayer advocacy, hunger advocacy, missions, disaster response, prison ministry,
Scouting ministry, leadership development, and communication.
Many success stories are found in the annual men’s ministry reports
submitted by units in our congregations and now available on our website.
Here are some examples: feeding the hungry in Georgia and around the world
through Society of St Andrews, Stop Hunger Now and Community Gardens;
distributing Faith-Sharing New Testaments and Strength for Service
Devotionals; spreading the Word of God in third-world countries in their native
language with audio devices that can be recharged by the sun; building wheel
chair ramps; performing home maintenance and repairs; responding to disasters
in our community and country; hosting prayer groups and the Upper Room
prayer line; mentoring young person through Scouting and other programs;
ministering to those incarcerated through Kairos. There are many more stories
shared too numerous to list.
Join us for our UMMen Igniting Faith Retreat at Rock Eagle this fall with
our theme Legacy, as we explore how our everyday actions leave an impact on
those we come in contact with. Our 2016 our theme is Momentum.
Vibrant men’s ministry provides catalysis for growth in our congregations,
extending the reach into our communities and around world. Let us know how
we can help you in this area. We are seeing a renewed thirst and hunger from
men who are seeking to know and grow in Christ. The leadership team of the
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United Methodist Men of North Georgia is ready to serve, as we continue in
developing and connecting to programs that are Uniting Ministry and Men.
Cary C. Loesing, President
502. United Methodist Women
The North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women finished 2014
“Making it Happen!”
• Mission u was held in July at Athens First UMC, with classes for
children, youth, and adults that were available for English, Spanish and
Korean speakers. Classes focused on Disability Awareness, the Roma and
How Is It with Your Soul. UMCOR school bags were assembled at the
fellowship gathering at Princeton UMC.
• Annual meeting was held at Bethlehem UMC (ATHN) in October with
special music provided by the Korean AWESOME drum team. “The
Word Made Flesh” from Ben Hill UMC, brought the scripture to life in
word and movement. More than 900 Christmas Shoe Boxes were
collected for United Methodist missionaries in Honduras.
• Leadership development and officer update was held at Smyrna First
UMC in November. Incoming and returning officers received training
and information on new ways to focus on the purpose of United
Methodist Women.
In 2015 there is truly “A Fresh Wind Blowing.”
• In January the conference leadership team met at Collinswood for their
biennial retreat. They not only focused on planning the schedule for the
next two years, they grew in appreciation for the wonderful work that the
Aldersgate ministries does with persons with disabilities, while enjoying
the beautiful facility on Lake Oconee. National UMW president, Yvette
Richards, paid a surprise visit and brought words of encouragement for
planning and being flexible in our new structure.
• Seven members of the executive committee attended Leadership
Development Days in Tempe AZ or Lake Junaluska NC to keep
informed on the latest information on opportunities available for United
Methodist Women at the local, district, jurisdictional and national levels.
• A new approach to linking spiritual growth to social action will take
place at the retreat at Rock Eagle, May 1-2. Speakers and workshops
will help us see the ways our faith inspires us to be involved in social
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issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, disability
awareness, estate planning and involving younger women in the life of
our organization.
A Fresh Wind will continue to Blow in 2016 as United Methodist
Women in the Southeast Jurisdiction look forward to attending the SEJ
Quadrennial Meeting in Charleston SC in June.
Sue Raymond, President
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600. Africa University
Africa University notes with gratitude and great appreciation the North Georgia
Conference’s increased investment in the Africa University Fund (AUF)
apportionment in 2014. North Georgia’s support for the Africa University Fund
rose from 92.89 percent in 2013 to 94.05 percent in 2014. We thank all of the
local congregations of the North Georgia Conference for remaining faithful and
generous to Africa University. It is your generosity that keeps Africa University
in the forefront of disciple-making, leadership formation and positive change in
Africa.
As you gather for the 2015 North Georgia Annual Conference, we pray
that you will continue to strengthen your efforts to reach the goal of 100%
support for the Africa University Fund and other shared ministries of The
United Methodist Church. Your strong, ongoing support is vital to moving
Africa University to the next level in its evolution. In 2014 North Georgia fell
short of its asking to the AUF by $6,303.53. That amount is equivalent to one
year’s fees—tuition, housing, meals, medical insurance, technology, laboratory
and student union dues—for a student at Africa University.
2014 Highlights:
• Enrollment: Full-time student enrollment at Africa University held
steady in 2014 with 1,478 young men and women from 25 African
countries. Female students were a record 53.4% of the total enrollment in
a context where women consistently lag behind men in access to higher
education.
• Graduation: In June 2014, 480 young people were awarded degrees
from Africa University at the 20th graduation ceremony, bringing the total
number of alumni to just under 5,300. Without your support, a college
education would have been unattainable for the majority of these
students.
• Academic Programs: New initiatives include bachelor’s degree
programs in media studies and hospitality and tourism. A collaboration
with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden supports a new master’s
degree program in Human Rights, Peace, and Development. Africa
University is also preparing to launch its first Ph.D. program, which links
issues of Peace, Leadership, Governance, and Development, and targets
policymakers.
• Service: Africa University graduates are helping communities to
experience God’s love and care through service as Global Mission
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Fellows and missionaries in Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In
countries such as Mozambique and Malawi, where public health
challenges result in preventable deaths and suffering and limit
opportunity, graduates such as Arlindo Romão and Mercy Nyirongo are
helping to develop meaningful and sustainable solutions. Romão is the
health care coordinator at the Center of Hope—a center dedicated to
public health information and disease prevention in rural Mozambique
that is making important contributions to the fight against Malaria. Mercy
Nyirongo, a nurse/midwife, is pioneering an initiative in Malawi that
trains and equips villagers as community health volunteers who assist
with health education and monitoring. The initiative is seen as an
important and viable response to a critical shortage of trained health
professionals, and it could be replicated elsewhere on the continent.
• Strategic Priorities: Africa University is reviewing its academic
programs and service delivery in order to enhance the students’ potential
for life-long success. Professor Munashe Furusa took the helm in July
2014 as the fourth vice chancellor in the university’s 23-year history. He
was formally installed in March 2015 and has put fiscal accountability,
student quality of life, and support for academics at the top of his agenda.
You, the members of the North Georgia Conference, have started a good work
in Africa University, but that work is not yet finished. For every individual who
has been touched by the ministry that is Africa University, there are many
others who are awaiting the miracle of an answered prayer. Africa University is
counting on your prayers and your support. We hope that your investment
continues to grow and that through your faithfulness, others will experience
God’s light and hope in their lives. Thank you for what you have already done
and for what you will do in the future. May God bless and keep you always in
abundance.
James H. Salle, Associate Vice Chancellor
for Institutional Advancement
601. Duke Divinity School
The academic year 2014–2015 has been an exciting year as we continue to
engage with the church, academy, and society on important ecclesial and
cultural issues. The heart of our work remains the preparation of men and
women for Christian ministry and leadership within the church. As part of that
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mission, our initiatives, centers and programs continue to be a vital resource for
us to extend the good news of God’s invitation into all spheres of a complex
and hungry world.
The newest of our initiatives, Theology, Medicine and Culture, builds on
the extraordinary faculty resources offered by four physicians who hold joint
faculty appointments in the Medical School and the Divinity School at Duke.
They are developing a range of programs that seek to clarify and strengthen
Christian witness and action in the complex world of healthcare. One program,
Walking Together, sponsors conferences that address care of the mentally ill in
faith communities. Another, Reimagining Medicine, will gather health
professionals at a summer conference to consider proposals for the ways in
which local communities might draw on Christian perspectives to shape the
delivery of medical care.
Richard Payne, Esther Colliflower Professor of Medicine and Divinity,
was named to the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee of the
National Institutes of Health by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human
Services. This is a federal advisory committee that supports pain research and
promotes collaboration across the government to improve understanding of pain
and pain-related treatments.
We continue to welcome students from a range of backgrounds who are
called to serve God and the church. In 2014 our total enrollment was 656
students: 39 percent of our students are United Methodist, with an additional 4
percent from other Wesleyan traditions, and 46 percent of our M.Div. students
are United Methodist. In addition to the ongoing excellent academic and field
education, several students did exemplary work in organizing conferences for
ministry to the sexually abused and pastoral care for military veterans.
We remain deeply grateful for the relationships among the United
Methodist Church, this annual conference, and Duke Divinity School. We look
forward to working with you in the task of preparing men and women for
Christian ministry. To learn more about Duke Divinity School, please visit our
website at www.divinity.duke.edu.
Richard B. Hays, Dean
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602. Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University
Perkins School of Theology celebrates our vital connections with the North
Georgia Annual Conference, including one North Georgia student currently
enrolled in our Doctor of Ministry program. We also are pleased to begin
offering our Certification in Spiritual Direction Program in North Alabama, to
make it easier for interested students from the North Georgia Conference to
pursue certification in spiritual direction without traveling to our Dallas
campus.
Total enrollment at Perkins exceeds 400 students, of which approximately
two-thirds are United Methodist and more than one-third are ethnic minority
students. Master’s degree programs comprise approximately 51% female and
49% male students. The D.Min. program includes students from southern Asia
taking classes in Singapore and Dallas. Our Ph.D. program comprises 30 active
students, including two Latino Ph.D. students supported through a grant from
the Luce Foundation to Perkins’ Center for the Study of Latino/Christianity and
Religions.
Perkins restructured its Master of Divinity degree, effective spring 2015,
enabling full-time students to complete the program in three years and reducing
overall cost of the degree. The M.Div. now requires 73 term hours of academic
credit, including the nine-hour internship.
A new Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.) degree has replaced the C.M.M.
The M.A.M. offers five tracks: two previously-existing tracks in Christian
Education and Urban Ministry, and new tracks in Theology and Social Justice,
Christian Spirituality, and Evangelism and Mission.
A $2.5 million gift to SMU will establish the new Susanna Wesley
Centennial Chair in Practical Theology at Perkins.
Perkins thanks our many colleagues, friends and alumni/ae across the
connection for generous support in many ways, including referrals of
prospective students, as we continue our vital mission of preparing women and
men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry.
William B. Lawrence
Dean and Professor
of American Church History
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603. United Theological Seminary
Is God calling you to the ministry of Jesus Christ? Come and check out
amazing opportunities for study and spiritual growth in person or online at
www.united.edu. Why United?
• United offers an excellent, accredited M.Div. degree required for
ordination in The United Methodist Church.
• United students participate in a community of deep faith and avid
learning.
• Degree programs include traditional and/or online classes.
• United specializes in preparing persons for ordination and pastoral
ministry.
• Join our graduates’ long track record of successful service!
• United’s focus on church renewal will prepare you to become an agent of
new life and revitalization, Spirit led, a faithful leader in the mission of
Jesus Christ.
• At United you can enroll in a hybrid UM Course of Study program.
• United’s D.Min. program leads the nation through the faithful ministries
of its pastoral graduates.
• United is committed to teaching the Bible and the historic Christian faith,
cultivating spiritual formation for personal and social holiness, and
renewing the Church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
What could be more interesting, important or exciting?
In addition to expanding residential offerings in Dayton, Ohio, United
continues to extend its service across the U.S. and the world. United’s degree
programs are accessible anywhere with internet service in conjunction with
periodic intensive weeks of class and community activities in Dayton.
Please let us know if you have questions about how United can best assist
you. If you would like to help make it possible for a future pastor to study at
United, please let us hear from you.
We invite you to call or visit soon. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Thank you for your prayers, partnership, service and
support in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Wendy J. Deichmann, President
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604. Wesley Theological Seminary
At Wesley, we are a church-based seminary committed to multiplying the
number of people who love God and love their neighbor locally, nationally and
globally. Our degrees and programs – traditional and new alike – reflect our
dedication to the Great Commandment and Great Commission.
In fall 2015, our new master of divinity curriculum launches. We
thoroughly redesigned the M.Div. to prepare leaders for both church and
society. Wesley also offers a 36-hour Master of Arts and a 60-hour Master of
Theological Studies to equip those called to ordained deacon ministries or a
wide range of ministries.
In our doctor of ministry program, we continue to offer the most practical
and spiritually renewing tracks in theological education. These include
leadership excellence, pastoral counseling, arts, and new mission-focused
tracks. Wesley provides more than $2 million dollars annually in scholarships
to our students, thanks to the consistent support of graduates, congregations and
friends of the seminary.
Wesley’s Lewis Center for Church Leadership continues to be the go-to
resource for actionable best-practices for clergy and laity. The center’s free
Leading Ideas e-newsletter provides well-researched, discipleship-growing
ideas. Visit www.churchleadership.com for resources in Taking Church to the
Community, Doing Good Well, Funding Your Congregation’s Vision, and
Reaching New Disciples.
In early 2015, we developed the Institute for Community Engagement at
Wesley Downtown to help the church turn itself inside-out. The institute
encompasses the existing Urban Ministry Program and the Missional Church
Program, which includes Heal the Sick, an initiative to congregations for public
health work in their parishes.
The third component of the Institute for Community Engagement is
Wesley’s emerging Center for Public Theology. Under the leadership of
Distinguished Professor of Public Theology Mike McCurry, we are developing
this center to provide churches and their leaders and seminary students tools to
help navigate the connection between faith and public policy.
The Luce Center for Arts and Religion remains the only seminary-based
program uniting arts and theology. Learn more at www.wesleyseminary.edu
about the exciting ways Wesley’s resources are equipping people to spread the
love of God and love of neighbor.
David McAllister-Wilson, President
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Local Pastors are committed to the goal of the United Methodist Church to
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make disciples for Jesus Christ. Currently we have 287 local pastors serving
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small churches in the North Georgia Conference. Of that number, 268 are
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serving part time and 19 are serving full time appointments.
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in their ministry.
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This year our committee sponsored a trip to the Holy Land, and through
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the efforts of Educational Opportunities and Jamie Jenkins we obtained a
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a lifetime trip. This year, one of our goals is to have an elder assigned by a
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district superintendent to mentor for one year those local pastors who are just
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beginning their ministry in a new charge.
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take part in this aspect of the governing of the church means a great deal to
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those of us who serve in local churches. Our committee will continue to work
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with the National Committee in bringing about more changes for the future.
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606. Order of Deacons
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Deacons are United Methodist ministers who are ordained for a calling to a
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lifetime of servant leadership in the church and in serving as a bridge
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connecting the church with the needs of the world. The Order of Deacons is
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relatively new, since it was established in 1996. Across the United Methodist
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Church, 3.6% of all clergy are deacons. The North Georgia Conference has a
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total of 97 deacons, including all who are active, retired and provisional.
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Full-connectional deacons are eligible for election as clergy delegates to
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General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference.
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According to The Book of Discipline, “In the congregation, the ministry
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of the deacon is to teach and to form disciples, and to lead worship together
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605. Local Pastors Report
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with other ordained and lay persons, connecting the needs and hurts of the
people with the church.” Our deacons serve in the church in many capacities
including those of Christian educators, music ministers, general associate
ministers and ministers to specific age groups such as youth, children or senior
adults.
The Book of Discipline also describes the ministry of the deacon beyond
the church: “In the world, the deacon seeks to express a ministry of compassion
and justice and assists lay persons as they claim their own ministry.” (¶329)
Deacons in our conference fulfill their calling in ministries that serve as a
bridge between the church and the world. These include pastoral counselors,
chaplains, campus ministers and staff of non-profit ministries that serve poor
and disenfranchised people.
Like the elder, the deacon is appointed to a post by a bishop. However,
unlike an elder, a deacon is non-itinerant. The deacon’s appointment may be
initiated by the deacon, an agency seeking his or her service, the bishop or the
district superintendent.
The deacons in North Georgia stay in touch with each other through a
Facebook page (North Georgia UMC Deacons), an annual Deacon Day Apart,
and a dinner on the night before Annual Conference. The Order of Deacons is
also in charge of the clergy luncheon at Annual Conference in even-numbered
years.
Virginia Tinsley, Chair
607. Order of Elders
The Order of Elders exists to support and hold accountable its members for the
sake of the life and mission of the church. We understand the difficulties of
ministry and the isolation that can occur, so we made our focus on areas that
might help us all become more effective.
We agree with the conference initiative which recognizes that we are
stronger when clergy are effective in their leadership of the church. As a result,
we worked collaboratively with the Office of Ministerial Services to implement
a new clergy evaluation system. While every pilot system has its initial
problems, the executive team worked to streamline some of the documents that
were used in order to make the new system as efficient as possible. As we
continue to work out the technology issues, we are hopeful that this new 360
style of evaluations will assist us in better understanding our individual
strengths and weaknesses in ministry.
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In addition to the clergy evaluation system, the executive committee has
been working on studying the ways that other annual conferences deal with
continuing education and elections for General and Jurisdictional conferences.
It appears that many annual conferences are more proactive in the clergy
elections, and the executive committee has explored options that might assist in
transparency in future elections.
Our hope remains to discern a more effective way to encourage clergy,
offer training, foster fellowship, and enable transformational leadership within
the clergy of the annual conference. Your executive committee of the Order of
Elders remains committed to seeks ways to support the efforts that the Bishop,
district superintendents, and the Board of Ordained Ministry feel would be
beneficial for the clergy of North Georgia.
Andy Postell, Chair
608. Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries
(PAUMCS), Georgia Chapter
Both the National Chapter and the Georgia Chapter of the Professional
Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries were established in 1982
under the direction of the General Council of Finance and Administration. The
purpose of the organization is to provide a supportive base, individual growth,
professional development, continuing education and spiritual enrichment. The
Georgia Chapter serves both the North and South Georgia conference persons
in ministry of administration, who are paid or volunteer, part time or full time.
The Georgia Chapter holds a four-day conference each year. Each event
provides a variety of workshops and worship experiences. The goal each year is
to provide training that will assist United Methodist office personnel an
opportunity to earn one continuing education credit (CEU). This past September
we spent our time at Greensboro First United Methodist Church in Greensboro,
Georgia. The focus of the conference was to celebrate our Traditions: Old and
New. Our workshops celebrated our traditions, as well as encouraging us in
ways of adapting to change.
We were honored to host the National PAUMCS Conference in Atlanta,
April 16-19, 2015, where we hosted administrative assistants from across the
United States. The Georgia Chapter did an outstanding job as hosts.
We encourage members to become certified as a United Methodist
Secretary. The GCFA sponsors this event once a year in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Institute provides outstanding advanced professional training for United
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Methodist secretaries from across the denomination. A participant who
completes the program and meets the requirements set forth by the General
Council on Finance and Administration is eligible to apply for certification as a
Professional United Methodist Church Secretary.
Georgia PAUMCS publishes a newsletter, and has a networking “enews”
set up for questions and answers. This networking tool allows administrative
assistants to stay connected while we are called to ministry in our local
churches, district offices, episcopal offices and agencies. We are a connectional
part of United Methodism. For more information, visit ga-paumcs.org.
Jackie Powers, Chapter President
609. Statement of Covenant Relationship
between Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare
The Emory Center for Pastoral Services
and the
North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church
PREAMBLE
The Emory Center for Pastoral Services (ECPS), Spiritual Health at
Emory Healthcare (SHEH) formerly Emory University Affiliated Hospitals,
has evolved from the North Georgia Conference appointing elders as chaplains
at Emory and Emory Crawford Long hospitals to meet the spiritual needs of
United Methodists, the “un-churched” and those dislocated from their
communities of faith and pastors, and are facing critical illness throughout
Emory Healthcare.
SHEH ECPS is a Center of Emory University administered under the
direction of Emory Healthcare which is a not-for-profit charitable organization
chartered by the State of Georgia and governed by the Emory Board of
Trustees. The Board of Trustees has the legal responsibility for assuring that
SHEH ECPS conducts its affairs in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations.
This ministry began in the mid-1950s and has now had a rich 56 year
relationship. This ministry has grown to include not only pastoral care but also
education through Clinical Pastoral Education, enriching the pastoral skill of
hundreds of United Methodist and other ministers.
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The relationship has existed between the North Georgia Conference and
SHEH ECPS initially through the Board of Hospitals and Homes, the Health
and Welfare Committee and now through the Committee on Related Agencies.
The Emory Center for Pastoral Services, Emory Hospitals and the Board
of Ordained Ministry of the North Georgia Conference established Emory
Clergy Care under the umbrella of The Emory Center for Pastoral Services in
1986.
Emory Clergy Care has grown into a valuable counseling, psychological
evaluation and supporting asset to the North Georgia Conference clergy,
resident bishop and Board of Ordained Ministry. Emory Clergy Care continues
to be a proactive ministry sponsored jointly by The North Georgia Conference
and Emory Health Care.
The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church desires to
continue its covenant relationship and mutually agrees to the following
covenants:
THE COVENANT
Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory Center for Pastoral
Services commits to the following:
1. Though Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare the Emory Center for
Pastoral Services is not an agent of the North Georgia Conference it will,
on behalf of the conference, continue its strong presence of offering
pastoral care to the patients and families who find themselves in the
midst of spiritual crises due to illness and hospitalization in one of the
Emory Healthcare Emory hospitals.
2. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare Director The Emory Center
for Pastoral Services Director of Pastoral Services continues to be
entrusted by Emory University with managing the Stiles Bradley Fund
for hospitalized United Methodist clergy and families.
3. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare Through the Emory Center
for Pastoral Services, Emory Clergy Care offers parish based clinical
pastoral education to United Methodist clergy under appointment under
the national accreditation of The Association of Clinical Pastoral
Education through Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare the Emory
Center for Pastoral Services. The liability for the Emory Clergy Care
services is encompassed under the umbrella of the Emory Center for
Pastoral Services as a Center of Emory University.
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4. The Director of the Office of Ministerial Services and another member
of the Board of Ordained Ministry will be appointed to the Professional
Advisory Group of Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory
Center for Pastoral Services.
5. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory Center for
Pastoral Services, a Center of Emory University under the leadership of
Emory Healthcare and its respective directors and officers, has sole
responsibility for the contracts, operations, financial and other obligations
of Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare the Emory Center for Pastoral
Services. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory Center for
Pastoral Services cannot and will not attempt to obligate the conference
on any matters, and will not state to any individual or group that the
conference has responsibility for the actions of Spiritual Health at
Emory Healthcare the Emory Center for Pastoral Services.
The North Georgia Conference commits to the following:
1. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory Center for
Pastoral Care will be related to the North Georgia Conference of the
United Methodist Church through the Board of Ordained Ministry
through the Office of Ministerial Services.
2. Funding for Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare The Emory
Center for Pastoral Services becomes a line item in the program budget
of the Board of Ordained Ministry in the annual conference budget, with
the annual appropriation being recommended to CF&A by the Board of
Ordained Ministry.
3. The annual requests for financial support are directed to the Board of
Ordained Ministry through the Office of Ministerial Services by the
Executive Director of Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare the Emory
Center for Pastoral Services.
Rationale: Deletions refer to Emory Clergy Care which closed December 31,
2014. Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare is the current title formerly known
as the Emory Center for Pastoral Services.
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610. Statement of Relationship
between Camp and Retreat Agencies and Programs
and the North Georgia Conference
The programs of the annual conference camp and retreat ministries shall relate
through the conference discipleship team through the conference office of
connectional ministries. A staff associate of the conference office of
connectional ministries shall carry the portfolio for camp and retreat ministries
for the annual conference and shall serve as the conference director of camp and
retreat ministries. The director of camp and retreat ministries shall be in a
consultative relationship with the directors and governing body bodies of Camp
Wesley and Simpsonwood, and shall seek input from other appropriate
conference committees (for example, the conference committee on disabilities
in connection with the Sparrowwood program) in visioning camping and retreat
opportunities.
Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries
There will be a conference board of the North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries, Inc. It shall be responsible for developing and sustaining Christian
camp ministry that is accessible geographically, culturally, ethnically and
physically; and for the maintenance and development of Glisson Camp and
Retreat Center.
The members of the board of directors of the conference camp and retreat
ministries shall be presented for election at the next succeeding meeting of the
annual conference. The conference director of camp and retreat ministries shall
be an ex officio member of the conference discipleship team and shall make an
annual report to the conference discipleship team. Requests for funding from
the annual conference and other recommendations shall be made through the
discipleship team and the conference office of connectional ministries.
In accordance with its charter of incorporation, the board of conference
camp and retreat ministries shall consist of at least twelve (12) but not more
than twenty-two (22) members.
The director of camp and retreat ministries shall be accountable to the
board of conference camp and retreat ministries for the operation of conference
camp ministries, including Glisson Camp and Retreat Center, but shall work
under the supervision of and at the discretion of the director of the conference
office of connectional ministries. In addition to the board’s annual provision of
counsel (via the chair of the board) to the director of connectional ministries
concerning the effectiveness of the director, the executive committee of the
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board of directors of conference camp and retreat ministries and director of
connectional ministries will confer in an advisory capacity if it should become
evident to either that a change of director will serve the best interest of the camp
and retreat ministries of the annual conference.
The director of camp and retreat ministries shall not have any direct
responsibilities responsibility for Camp Wesley and Simpsonwood Conference
and Retreat Center, but shall be in a consultative relationship with the Directors
and governing body of Camp Wesley bodies of these facilities.
Camp Wesley
Camp Wesley is owned by the North Georgia Conference. The program of
the Camp is under the direction of Wesley Community Centers, Inc.
The Camp Director is employed by Wesley Community Centers, Inc. and is
accountable to the Executive Director and personnel committee
of Wesley Community Centers, Inc.
The Camp Wesley Committee shall be responsible for the maintenance
and development of Camp Wesley’s physical facilities. This committee shall be
self elected and shall be approved by the North Georgia Annual Conference.
The Board of Christian Education of the North Georgia Conference shall name
a representative to this committee. The Conference Board of Outreach shall
name a representative to the committee.
The maintenance budget and the capital improvements budget shall be
prepared by the Camp Wesley Committee, and shall be approved by the Board
of Christian Education. Requests for funding from the conference budget shall
come through the Camp Wesley Committee to the Board of Christian Education
and the Conference Council on Ministries. Plans for buildings or improvement
which will cost in excess of 10% of the value of the property shall require
approval of both the Board of Christian Education and Board of Outreach.
The Connectional Ministries staff associate who carries the portfolio
of camping shall be in consultative relationship with the camp director and
the Camp Wesley Committee. The camp director and the Director
of Wesley Community Centers, Inc. shall be ex officio members of the Board of
Christian Education.
Camp Wesley shall be represented in the Conference Board of Outreach
by the Director of Wesley Community Centers, Inc., who shall serve as an ex
officio member.
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Simpsonwood
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center shall function primarily as an
adult and family conference and retreat facility. It shall not be a program
agency, but shall provide facilities and services for programs by the annual
conference, the districts, and the local churches of the North Georgia
Conference. Other groups may also use the facilities as determined by the board
of directors.
The operation of Simpsonwood shall be under the direction of the board
of directors. The board of directors shall be elected by the annual conference
and shall function in accordance with the charter and by-laws as approved by
the annual conference. The chief financial officer of Simpsonwood shall be
accountable to the board of directors of Simpsonwood.
Rationale: Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center is no longer in
business. Camp Wesley offers no programming and is not operating as a
ministry.
611. Resolution: Proposed By-laws Changes for
North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc.
The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church approves
the following changes to the corporate by-laws of North Georgia Camp and
Retreat Ministries, Inc. This request for approval is made as required by the
Board of North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc. The proposed
changes clarify wording around the timing of board nominations and extend the
current three-year term of service to four years, to better align with the
quadrennial service terms of the United Methodist Church.
2.2 Election, Term, Limitations, and Quorum. The Board of Directors shall
consist of at least twelve (12) but not more than twenty-two (22) directors who
shall (except as to directors filling an unexpired term and except as to Special
Directors provided for herein) be elected by the Board of Directors at an annual
a regular meeting of the directors following nomination at the immediately
preceding annual regular or special meeting of the directors, and who shall
serve for a term of three (3) four (4) years and until his or her successor is
elected. (See also section 2.4 of these bylaws regarding confirmation of elected
directors.) Any director who serves two (2) consecutive full terms shall be
precluded from thereafter serving on the board for the next succeeding three (3)
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four (4) consecutive years. Notwithstanding said election requirements and
term limitations,…
Lee Highsmith, Chair
C. Russell Davis, Director
612. Simpsonwood History
History of Simpsonwood
Beginnings
From court documents: “In or around the summer of 1968, Candler Budd
served as chair of the board for Wesley Homes. He was also the program
director of mission/evangelism for the North Georgia Conference.
“Ms. Ludie Simpson, a retired schoolteacher living in Norcross, Georgia,
contacted Candler Budd about the potential construction of a church on a piece
of land near the Chattahoochee River. She had inherited the land from her
family. This conversation was the beginning of a very warm, friendly
relationship that lasted until Ms. Simpson’s death.
“Shortly thereafter, Budd met with Ms. Simpson at her house regarding
the potential gift of property to Wesley Homes. (Ms. Simpson had previously
contacted the Presbyterian Church about gifting the property, but they could not
afford or did not want to build the chapel as requested by Ms. Simpson as a
condition of the gift.) Wesley Homes declined Ms. Simpson’s offer of the
property because of potential chapel costs. Ms. Simpson queried whether a
retirement community could still be built on the property, even if she did
something else with the land.
“On June 21, 1973, James Mackay, a lay leader of the conference, wrote
a letter to Ms. Simpson at her request that he commit to writing the proposals
they discussed. … ‘A plan of action which will accomplish your goals and at
the same time achieve great results for Wesley Homes, Inc. and the North
Georgia Conference of our church….The trustees of the North Georgia
Conference would take title…The trustees would hold the 239 acres intact
except for conveyances to Wesley Homes, Inc. and such conveyances would be
only for the purposes of Wesley Homes.
“…Wesley Homes is a child of the North Georgia Conference. The
leaders of Wesley Homes board are leading Methodists of the North Georgia
Conference. In essence these same leaders want to make your dream of a
memorial to your beloved mother a reality. They want a North Georgia
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Conference Center. And they want further development of Wesley Woods’
concept.’ ”
On June 27, 1973 Ms. Ludie Simpson gifted the North Georgia
Conference with 239 acres of property along the Chattahoochee River. The
deed recorded on June 29, 1973 included “This deed is a deed of gift.” It also
provided that the property be held intact except it may deed property without
cost to Wesley Homes, Inc., to be used exclusively for the purposes of Wesley
Homes, Inc. The deed also included a provision for the conference to “construct
a chapel on the premises at a cost not to exceed $300,000” in memory of Ms.
Simpson’s mother, Elizabeth Jane Sanders Simpson, and to construct a
memorial window in the chapel in memory of Thomas McGregory Sanders and
Mariah Jackson Sanders.
The conference conveyed the property by quitclaim deed to
Simpsonwood United Methodist Conference and Retreat Center, Inc. on August
25, 1992.
Construction of buildings included: 1985 – Rollins Center and McDavid
Lodge; 1986 – Hagan Lodge; 1986 – the Elizabeth Jane Sanders Simpson
Chapel; 1989 – Second Level of the Rollins Center; 1991 – Herbert Mullenix
Maintenance and Laundry Building; 1993 – Hickman-Post Lodge.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – September 21, 1985
The report in the 1986 North Georgia Conference Journal provided the
following information: “Simpsonwood United Methodist Conference and
Retreat Center, Inc., officially opened its doors June 19, 1985. A ribbon cutting
ceremony, where our Bishop Ernest Fitzgerald and 823 persons gathered for the
festivities, was held on September 21, 1985.” (Miniature gold colored shovels
were given to those who attended the event.)
“Our small staff has done a remarkable job since that time. Only through
their deep dedication and strong desire to perfect every aspect of Simpsonwood
have we been able to serve you. Many policies, procedures and forms had to be
developed because there are no stock forms or answers for a center like ours.
“As policies, procedures, contracts and budgets were developed they
have been presented to our Board of Directors for approval. They have spent
many hours dealing with the multitude of decisions and have spent endless time
in service to this new and vital center.
“The building committee has continued meeting and working through
some of the difficult problems involved in completing our facilities. We have
buildings which are aesthetically beautiful and financially affordable. The
interior and exterior blend simplicity with elegance.
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“This has been a very challenging year. It has had its pains which have
been interpreted as ‘birth pains and growing pains.’ The future growth of your
conference center is limited only by our collective imagination and creativity,
or our lack of it. If we continue to be under the guidance of the annual
conference and our gifted board of directors we should surpass any of the
presently existing conference centers.
“A large number of our growing pains are due to a shortage of conference
rooms. We need more conference rooms immediately. There are times when we
cannot rent living accommodations because our conference rooms are
completely filled. We are using the three small conference rooms, two large
ones, the gathering room in each lodge, and even one-half of the dining room –
all at the same time.
“We have found that other denominations are desperate for facilities like
Simpsonwood. Currently United Methodist groups are using the facilities onehalf of the time while other denominations are using the facilities the other onehalf of the time. Since Simpsonwood is close to Hartsfield Airport, national
groups are brought to our door step. We have already had four national
meetings, and more are scheduled. We have meetings scheduled a year in
advance…
“We have had traumas this year. We need to hire additional people in
order to have adequate staff, yet hesitate because we owe money. We could not
offer all our services without the volunteers. They run the book store and gift
shop, serve as hosts and hostesses, bus tables for banquets, help install
furnishings and repair them when they are broken, perform menial backbreaking tasks such as ironing tablecloths, making beds, cleaning bathrooms.
We could not do without these eighty-five lay volunteers – God bless them!
“Our dreams are that we will expeditiously pay off the mortgage and stop
paying interest; project future needs and match them with additional facilities;
continue to have lay persons volunteer their time and abilities to make
Simpsonwood a place of beauty and service. We pray that all our United
Methodists of North Georgia will visit us and have the thrill of knowing that the
United Methodist Church has done something well and that they have had a part
in it. We thrill to the realization that future generations will experience and use
these facilities and be appreciative of what previous generations have
accomplished. This past year has shown what a tremendous need there has
been, is, and will be for a well situated, well-conceived center such as
Simpsonwood.”
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Tenth Anniversary – 1995
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center celebrated its tenth
birthday in 1995. The report recorded in the 1995 North Georgia Conference
Journal noted continued building. “Scheduled for opening in June 1996 is a yet
unnamed lodge that will conclude the D. W. and Ruth Brooks Complex with 34
additional lodge rooms and five additional conference rooms. This lodge will
give Simpsonwood a total of 128 lodge rooms and 20 conference rooms with
the capability of hosting larger groups and a larger number of groups
simultaneously than could be accommodated in the past.
“Next in construction priority is the expansion and modernization of the
food services facility and equipment. Kirkman Associates Architects, using the
expertise of a designer of food service facilities and equipment, presented a
concept for the work to the Board of Directors in 1994.
“Discussions have begun this year with the Conference Commission on
Archives and History, Simpsonwood representatives and architect Lowell
Kirkman, about the design of a Simpsonwood/Conference Heritage Center as
indicated on Simpsonwood’s long range plan. Homework on this exciting
project continues.
“An annual financial campaign in 1993 produced a computer network for
reservations, and in 1994 money for a van/passenger shuttle bus. The annual
campaign of 1995 will be used to complete construction on the D.W. and Ruth
Brooks Complex.
“In 1994 before depreciation and debt service, Simpsonwood showed a
gross profit of $70,419, mainly due to the coming on line of the Hickman-Post
Lodge. However, Simpsonwood has never been able to fund depreciation,
which now, after 10 years, is needed to repair and replace worn out equipment.
“Simpsonwood gave $130,000 in gifts, discounts, and other in-kind
services to North Georgia Conference churches and agencies in 1994. Over
44,000 people passed through the Christ doors in 1994. Seventeen percent of
those were United Methodists.”
Vote to Relocate the Methodist Center to Simpsonwood – June 15, 1999
The North Georgia Conference received the report of the Long Range
Planning Committee with the recommendation to sell the property on Ralph
McGill Blvd. The North Georgia Conference and Simpsonwood Conference
and Retreat Center agreed to a Memorandum of Intent to relocate the Methodist
Center to Simpsonwood. A building to be constructed with a designated wing or
portion for offices and related facilities for the Methodist Center would include
space for use by Simpsonwood for overnight lodging rooms.
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Completion of the Gibson Building – December 12, 2001From the 2002 North Georgia Conference Journal: “With the addition of
the United Methodist Center to Simpsonwood’s campus, we have been blessed
with an array of activities. The presence of our bishop, Lindsey Davis, has
enhanced our place in the United Methodist picture of North Georgia and we
are extremely thankful. The recently completed and dedicated Bishop Ernest
Fitzgerald Chapel offers a place for prayer and reflection.
“The current dining room has a capacity of 300, which means that many
days we must schedule guests to eat in shifts. Therefore the dining room will be
expanded to a capacity of 450. That project should be completed by fall of this
year.
“Over 75,000 guests walk through the Christ doors at Simpsonwood
annually. We hope that they will return and we know that the world is a better
place because they have been here.”
Called Session of the North Georgia Annual Conference – March 24, 2007
The following is from the 2007 North Georgia Conference Journal:
“Wiley Stephens, CF&A chair, provided a summary of Simpsonwood’s history
and spoke of the previous support of the annual conference and individuals by
way of special gifts for construction and furnishings. He spoke of
Simpsonwood as a ‘treasure.’ The hospitality industry was hurt by 9/11/01,
which impacted Simpsonwood’s retreat center. He also noted that in some
instances the buildings have suffered 30 years of use without regular
maintenance. Charles Pursley, chair, Simpsonwood Board, further defined the
origin and history of Simpsonwood… Pursley also spoke of the evolution of
Simpsonwood from a retreat center for solitude with no phones or TVs to a
retreat and conference center with several buildings, a pool, and other facilities.
Simpsonwood now operates in a different business and cultural milieu than it
did in its early years. It has always been difficult to raise enough money to meet
expenses and to have a reserve sufficient to meet maintenance needs. We
cannot compete successfully with other conference and retreat centers as we are
behind in upgrades (technology) and in dealing with too-long deferred
maintenance needs.”
Members of the task force introduced ten recommendations that included
refitting lodges for youth-friendly housing; equipping other lodges with
telephones, televisions and internet access in overnight rooms; securing a
hospitality management company to run the daily operation; developing a
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strategic business plan for Simpsonwood in consultation with the hospitality
management company.
2012 Annual Conference Task Force
A task force appointed by Bishop B. Michael Watson in 2011 reported at
the 2012 annual conference session. The following is from the report of
Chairman Henry Bowden in the 2012 North Georgia Conference Journal: “The
task force has done a substantial amount of research regarding the financial
sustainability of Simpsonwood. At best, Simpsonwood is a break-even
proposition which does not include the debt service… A legal opinion was
sought and a conference resolution was adopted at the 2011 annual conference
for a petition for declaratory judgment to determine the restrictiveness of the
deed… The task force asked the annual conference to appoint the conference
board of trustees as an ongoing official advisory group for legal counsel as it
relates to Simpsonwood. … A full report will be provided at the 2013 annual
conference.”
2013 Annual Conference
At the direction of the 2013 annual conference session, the North Georgia
conference trustees formally explored the option of selling the Simpsonwood
property. The conference received interest from public entities. The property
has long been under-utilized and the professional consulting firms have
concluded that increasing occupancy is essentially impossible. People in
Atlanta do not want to attend a retreat in Atlanta, and neither do people outside
of Atlanta.
Called Session of the North Georgia Conference – October 25, 2014
“The purpose of this Called Session of the North Georgia Annual
Conference is for the Conference Board of Trustees to ‘bring the best offer for
purchase of the property’ to the AC for the Simpsonwood Conference and
Retreat Center.”
Simpsonwood becomes a Gwinnett County park – February 6, 2015
On February 6, 2015, Coy Hinton, chair of the Simpsonwood Board of
Directors, and Sid Linton, board member, signed the papers that finalized the
sale of the Simpsonwood property to Gwinnett County for use as a passive
park.
All of us within the conference can agree that Simpsonwood is a
beautiful retreat and meeting site that has played a role in the life of our
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conference for more than 40 years. We deeply appreciate the gift that Ms. Ludie
Simpson gave, and we have proven that appreciation during our four decades of
good stewardship of the property.
The Legacy Continues
After closing on the Simpsonwood property, all debt was paid. The bulk
of the debt was related to a mortgage held by a UM-related organization. Then,
the amount that the Conference contributed in 2001 to the construction of the
Gibson Lodge will be used to move and lease and/or purchase new offices for
the conference and the bishop. Other contractual obligations will also be paid.
Then Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) will treat the
remainder of the proceeds from the sale the same way it treats a recommended
conference budget. That is, it will bring recommendations to the Annual
Conference for approval the same time it brings the recommended 2016 budget
to Annual Conference.
Wesley Woods Senior Living also received funds from the sale of the
property. In return, it will rename an appropriate structure, building or facility
in memory of Ms. Simpson. Wesley Woods will also use the funds to
financially undergird the Atlanta area retirement communities serving low
income seniors and for other purposes in keeping with Wesley Woods Senior
Living’s core mission of serving older adults through the provision of
retirement communities.
The United Methodist Center relocation committee began work to
determine a future location for conference offices, setting priorities as
affordability, accessibility, and visibility as well as functionality and
sustainability. On March 31, 2015 conference officials signed a 7.5 year lease
for the 1700 Century Center Building near Clairmont Road and I-85 in Atlanta.
The North Georgia Conference voted at the October 2014 Called Session
to provide funding for the relocation of the beloved Simpson Chapel from
Simpsonwood Retreat Center to Simpsonwood UMC.
“Receiving the Simpson Chapel will be a tremendous blessing to
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church,” said church pastor Brian Clark. “We
presently worship in the Chapel every Monday night, and we will continue to
utilize the Chapel for worship and ministry on a weekly basis.”
By receiving the Simpson Chapel, Simpsonwood UMC ensures that the
chapel will be maintained on a part of the original Simpson family property.
A committee was also established to plan for the preservation of valuable
and meaningful artifacts on the Simpsonwood property. The ten Wesley
Memorial Windows were removed from the United Methodist Center building
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at Simpsonwood and professionally stored while an appropriate future location
for them is determined. The hand-carved Jesus doors that were a symbol of the
Simpsonwood Retreat Center will be utilized in the new United Methodist
Center.
Effort was taken to contact donors of other items at Simpsonwood to help
in determining the best future location. From these conversations, it was
determined that the collection of Hummel figures and display cabinets would be
given to Jonesboro First UMC, Kennesaw First UMC, and three of the Wesley
Woods senior adult communities. A collection of Georgia Plates and John
Wesley Tea Set were sent to Epworth By The Sea.
United Methodist-related agencies were given the opportunity to request
items from the Simpsonwood property. Aldersgate/Collinswood, Glisson Camp
and Retreat Center, the United Methodist Children’s Home, Murphy-Harpst
Children’s Center, and the Conference Housing and Homeless Council each
made requests for items that could be used in their ministry area. Additionally,
Hinton Rural Life Center, Norcross Co-op, and ReStart Augusta received items.
Between the agencies, 1,679 pieces of furniture (beds, desks, dressers and other
sleeping room furnishings, conference room and dining room furnishings and
furniture); 4,000 bed linens, pillows, towels; more than 1,700 pieces of
dinnerware (plates, cutlery, cups); major kitchen appliances (steam tables, work
tables, cold bin display units, ice cream machine, refrigerator and freezer, metal
storage shelves) will be used for ministry to children, serving families in
poverty, in camp ministry, older adult ministry and homeless ministry.
The legacy of the gift Ms. Ludie Simpson gave in 1973 continues to
support ministries on the land she inherited from her family through the
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church and across the North Georgia
Conference through various agencies and churches.
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700. Resolution to Eliminate Discriminatory Language
concerning homosexual persons in The Book of Discipline of
WHEREAS, Paragraph 162 of The Book of Discipline states:
“We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We
therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is
recognized, maintained, and strengthened. We support the basic rights of
all persons to equal access to housing, education, communication,
employment, medical care, legal redress for grievances, and physical
protection. We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons
based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability,
status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or
religious affiliation. Our respect for the inherent dignity of all persons
leads us to call for the recognition, protection, and implementation of the
principles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights so that
communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their universal,
indivisible, and inalienable rights;” And,
WHEREAS, the United Methodist Church should not practice discrimination
against anyone based on sexual orientations and gender identities and that
elimination of this current practice would transform our Church and world into
the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
WHEREAS, the 2013 session of the North Georgia Annual Conference
approved a Resolution on Working Together to End Bullying which says in
part:
“We vow that, as churches and people of faith, we will not be silent about
the value of each and every life; And,
WHEREAS, Jesus proclaimed the two most important commandments as:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
(Mark 12:29 (NIV))
WHEREAS, in Paragraph 304, Section 3 of The Book of Discipline of the
United Methodist Church currently states: “The practice of homosexuality is
incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore, self-avowed practicing
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homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or
appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church;”
WHEREAS, the above statement in Paragraph 304 is, in fact, contradictory to
the very teachings of Jesus Christ that we are all children of God, regardless of
sexual orientation,
THEREFORE, we propose the North Georgia Annual Conference hereby
petition the 2016 General Conference that the above referenced language of
Paragraph 304, Section 3 of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist
Church is hereby removed.
Signed:
The Rainbow Advocacy Group of Glenn Memorial UMC
Rebecca Falco, Chairperson
William T. Clark, Chairperson
Robin Frazer Clark, Chairperson
701. Resolution to Eliminate Discriminatory Language concerning same
sex marriage in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church
WHEREAS, Paragraph 162 of the Book of Discipline states:
“We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We
therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is
recognized, maintained, and strengthened. We support the basic rights
of all persons to equal access to housing, education, communication,
employment, medical care, legal redress for grievances, and physical
protection. We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or
persons based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender,
disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity,
or religious affiliation. Our respect for the inherent dignity of all
persons leads us to call for the recognition, protection, and
implementation of the principles of The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights so that communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their
universal, indivisible, and inalienable rights;” And,
WHEREAS, the United Methodist church should not practice discrimination
against anyone based on sexual orientations and gender identities and that
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elimination of this current practice would transform our Church and world into
the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
WHEREAS, the 2013 session of the North Georgia Conference approved a
Resolution on Working Together to End Bullying which says in part:
“We vow that, as churches and people of faith, we will not be silent about
the value of each and every life; And,
WHEREAS, Jesus proclaimed the two most important commandments as
follows:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
(Mark 12:29 (NIV)
WHEREAS, in Paragraph 341, Section 6 of the Book of Discipline of the
United Methodist Church currently states: “Ceremonies that celebrate
homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be
conducted in our churches;”
WHEREAS, the above statement in Paragraph 341 is, in fact, contradictory to
the very teachings of Jesus Christ that we are all children of God, regardless of
sexual orientation;
WHEREAS, current ordained minsters of the United Methodist Church are
unable to follow fully and faithfully the teachings of Jesus Christ according to
their sacred vows if they are to abide by provision in the Book of Discipline of
the United Methodist Church;
THEREFORE, we propose the North Georgia Annual Conference hereby
petition the 2016 General Conference that the above referenced language the
above-reference language of Paragraph 341, Section 6 of the Book of Discipline
of The United Methodist Church is hereby removed.
Signed:
The Rainbow Advocacy Group of Glenn Memorial UMC
Rebecca Falco, Chairperson
William T. Clark, Chairperson
Robin Frazer Clark, Chairperson
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702. North Georgia Annual Conference Marriage Equality Resolution
WHEREAS, Galatians 3:6 states “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God
through faith.”
WHEREAS, the continuing denial of full access to all the rights and privileges
in the United Methodist Church is causing deep spiritual harm to our lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender siblings is a threat to us all; and
WHEREAS, our membership vows call us “to resist evil, injustice and
oppression in whatever forms they present themselves”; and
WHEREAS, we are called to be obedient to the whole of church law which
calls the church to be in ministry with all people.
WHEREAS, the opening section of The Book of Discipline, reminds us of
serious flaws and shortcomings manifest in the larger history of Methodism,
shortcomings specifically listed include our previous accommodation of racial
segregation by establishing a race-based Central Jurisdiction, and our extended
denial of ordination rights and prominent leadership roles for women, and
WHEREAS, Article IV of the Constitution reminds us the United Methodist
Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth.
WHEREAS, the “Social Principles” of The United Methodist Church (Part IV)
strongly endorses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with emphasis on
respect for the inherent dignity of all persons. Explicitly cited are the full rights
of racial, ethnic and religious minorities; and the rights of children, young
people, the aging, women, men, immigrants and persons with disabilities. The
list concludes by declaring the full human rights of all persons without regard to
their sexual orientations, a reference that suggests rational and experiential
grounds for endorsing the rights of same-sex couples to marry, and
WHEREAS, It is in the context of these traditions that we must address current
shortcomings in United Methodist polity, in particular, forty-one years of
prejudicial language stating that “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching” (¶ 304.3) a standard that has excluded them from
ordination, from marriage, and in some cases even from church membership
(Judicial Council Ruling 1032). These exclusionary principles are prominent
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components of the “chargeable offenses” assigned to the “Judicial
Administration” (chapter 7, par. 2702). Such unjust rules, combined with the
prosecution of clergy who refuse to uphold them, are themselves incompatible
with United Methodist visions of inclusiveness, which call of “Open Hearts,
Open Minds, and Open Doors,” and
WHEREAS, over 4.3 million of the 7.6 million US lay UMC members (56%)
live in annual conferences where marriage equality is recognized and over 220
million Americans (70%) live in 36 states and the District of Columbia where
marriage equality is recognized.
We the North Georgia Conference RESOLVE
The Book of Discipline should be revised as amended below in order to remove
discriminatory language against LGBT persons and affirm their right to marry.
Be it further RESOLVED that the North Georgia Annual Conference and the
United Methodist churches of the North Georgia Annual Conference hereby
express their support for marriage equality.
Amend ¶161.B as follows:
B) Marriage-We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant that is expressed
in love, mutual support, personal commitment and shared fidelity between two
consenting adults entering into covenant with God... We believe that God’s
blessing rests upon such marriage, whether or not there are children of the
union. We reject social norms that assume different standards for each person in
the covenant of marriage. We support laws in civil society that define marriage
as the union of one man and one woman between two consenting and loving
adult human persons.
Amend ¶161.F as follows:
F) Human Sexuality-We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons.
We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift. Although all
persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are
affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous heterosexual marriage. We
deplore all forms of the commercialization, abuse and exploitation of sex. We
call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of
children and for adequate protection, guidance and counseling for abused
children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status or sexual
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orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be
protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing
age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults. We
affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of
God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human
fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that
enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The
United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and
consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that
God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian
community, welcoming, forgiving and loving one another, as Christ has loved
and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn
lesbian and gay members and friends any human being. We commit ourselves
to be in ministry for and with all persons.
Signed:
Giselle Lawn, Laity, North Georgia Worship Team, St. Mark UMC, AMRY
Curtis Rivers, Pastor Emeritus, Iglesia Meth. Unida Douglas St UMC, NWST
Trey Comstock, Pastor, Smith Chapel UMC, NWST
Al Coltrane, Laity, Embry Hills UMC, AMRY
Julie A. Arms Meeks, Laity, St Mark UMC, AMRY
Dale G. Merkle, Laity, Druid Hills UMC, AMRY
Mary Abbott Waite, Laity, St Mark UMC, AMRY
Angela Gilreath-Rivers, Pastor, Iglesia Meth. Unida Douglas St UMC, NWST
Pamela K Buzbee, Laity, St Mark UMC, AMRY
L. Paige Pritchard, Pastor, Hapeville First UMC, ACPK
Jennifer Smith, President, Georgia Psychological Association
Joseph Pritchard, Laity, Hapeville First UMC, ACPK
John Marsh, Laity, Embry Hills UMC, AMRY
Anslee Skelton, Laity, Embry Hills UMC, AMRY
Scott Fincher, Laity, Outreach and Missions Chair, Hapeville UMC, ACPK
Chad Slieper, Laity, St. Paul UMC, ADOX
Mandy Flemming, Sr. Minister, Laguna Beach UMC (FE NGC)
Susannah Bales, Laity, Dir. of Nurture&Children’s Ministries, Embry Hills
UMC, AMRY
Elizabeth M. Caine, Pastor, Oconee Street UMC, ATHN
Debra Fambro, Laity, Newnan First UMC, LAGR
Elizabeth R Starling, Laity, Embry Hills UMC, AMRY
Sally Foster, Laity, St Mark UMC, AMRY
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Glenda Joiner, Laity, St. Mark UMC, AMRY
Kathleen Deegan-Neal, Pastor, Bethesda-Liberty Hill UMC, ATHN
John Jessup-Peterson, Laity, St. Paul UMC, ADOX
Tiffany R Thompson, Laity, Clarkston UMC, AMRY
Elizabeth LaRocca-Pitts, Pastor, St. Mark UMC, AMRY
Kate Floyd, Pastor, Grace UMC, AMRY
Quinn Hudson, Laity, Decatur First UMC, ADOX
703. Resolution in Support of
Co-ordinated Action on Behalf of Undocumented Neighbors
WHEREAS, we recognize that the number of undocumented persons seeking
new life in the United States continues to increase, continually putting
themselves at risk both in travelling to the United States and taking up residence
in the United States, and the federal government continues to fail to enact
comprehensive economic reform. And,
WHEREAS, the teachings of the Old Testament clearly command that we love
the alien as we love ourselves (Leviticus 19:33) and Jesus defined his own
ministry as “to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). And,
WHEREAS, the Methodist tradition in its past had leading figures standing
against the injustice of slavery, including John Wesley, Thomas Coke, Gilbert
Haven and Orange Scott, who serve as examples for us in fighting for the rights
of our undocumented neighbors.
THEREFORE, we call on the United Methodist members of the North Georgia
Conference to form a task force, accountable to the office of Hispanic/Latino
ministries, for the purpose of developing a strategy to educate the members of
this conference about the human and civil rights concerns related to our
undocumented members and will encourage members who so choose to engage
in concrete Wesleyan works of mercy—visiting prisoners, feeding the hungry,
giving generously, seeking justice, ending discrimination and addressing the
needs of the poor—on behalf of our undocumented neighbors, with due
consideration given to the cost and duration of such efforts to educate and
engage this issue.
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FURTHERMORE, be it resolved that the North Georgia Conference, and
especially the areas of Church and Society, Hispanic/Latino Ministries, Peace
with Justice, and Religion and Race, along with volunteer pastors,
congregations and individual members who share this concern, unite to promote
education and works of mercy in a number of ways, including:
1) Identify or develop a curriculum that teaches churches the biblical
foundations, Wesleyan roots and United Methodist Social Principles in a
way that promotes working on behalf of our undocumented neighbors;
2) In collaboration with the district strategic growth teams and the Office of
Congregational Development, identify areas with high concentration of
undocumented neighbors with the aim of engaging these communities at
the point of their needs so that churches and individuals may partner with
members of these communities for their continued development;
3) Identify, recruit and equip engaged churches, clergy and individual
members to imagine and strategize in partnership with our undocumented
neighbors social action and advocacy opportunities in which pastors,
churches and individuals may engage;
4) Provide the various conference publishing mechanisms, both print and
online, with written copy to educate, update and mobilize members on
specific issues related to the struggles of our undocumented neighbors at
the federal, state and local level;
5) In accordance with the United Methodist Social Principles, to train and
support the efforts of individual members or congregational groups
within the NGC who share these concerns to speak, write and advocate
for the various rights found within the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights that are of particular concern to our undocumented neighbors,
including, but not limited to: equal protection and representation under
the law, the right to work, the right to education, the right to freedom of
movement, the right to property ownership, and the right to protection
from arbitrary arrest or detention;
6) In collaboration with the district strategic growth teams and the Office of
Congregational Development, innovate, sponsor and evaluate new forms
of worshipping communities that incarnate the vision of inclusive and
diverse community in terms especially crossing racial and ethnic barriers;
7) Build bridges with other religious and non-religious organizations in our
region to cooperate in these efforts and so multiply our effectiveness in
this work;
8) Form a work group, in cooperation with Missions-Global Ministries and
Hispanic Ministries, to promote mission cooperation in the countries of
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origin of many of our undocumented neighbors to support development
in particular communities within these countries to alleviate the problems
that cause our undocumented neighbors to flee these regions in the first
place.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Foster, Brenda Bautista, Carmen Letty Benitez, Dawn Britt, Elizabeth
Caine, Alicia Capistran, Carlos Capistran, Dora Castillo, Nora Colmenares,
Juan Coronado, Leo Coronado, Luisana Coronado, Alicia de la Cruz, Rodrigo
Cruz, Kathleen Deegan-Neal, Debra Fambro, Elba Hernandez, Jasmine
Hernandez, Jorge Henao, Alvara Herrera, Monica Herrera, Rogelio Herrera, Sr.,
Roger Herrera, Charles Hudson, Sue Hudson, Edney Joaquim, Patsy Landinez,
Doug Langford, Alex Lopez, Katie Martinez, Rocio Matinez, Julie A. Arms
Meeks, Efrain Morales, Hur Morales, Lucila Morales, Valentin Nunez, Sally
Oakes, Glenda Perez, Juan Quintanilla, Yovana Perez, Alberto Ramirez, Angela
Gilreath Rivers, Curtis Rivers, Keila Rivers, Emmanuel Rocha, Luis Rocha,
Maribel Rocha, Dorcas Rodriguez, Joel Rodriguez, Daisy Sgobba, Reylin
Smith, Stephanie Smith, Bill Stephens, Art Vasquez, Ivan Velasco, and Haydee
Vidot.
704. Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired,
Disabled, or Former Clergypersons of the North Georgia Annual
Conference
The North Georgia Annual Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following
resolution relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, terminated or
disabled clergypersons of the Conference:
WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist
Church (the “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past
functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the
meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained,
commissioned or licensed ministers of the Church (“clergypersons”);
WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to
provide active clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as
part of their gross compensation;
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WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated and
disabled clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid
to active, retired, terminated and disabled clergypersons in consideration of
previous active service; and
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its
predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing
allowance for clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and
are eligible to receive such deferred compensation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
***See NOTE below for IRS limitations
THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance or disability
payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The
United Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments
from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (“GBOPHB”), during
the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 by each active, retired,
terminated or disabled clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference,
or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance
for each such clergyperson; and
THAT the pension, severance or disability payments to which this
rental/housing allowance designation applies will be any pension, severance or
disability payments from plans, annuities or funds authorized under the
Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial
annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a
GBOPHB plan, annuity or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result
from any service a clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, a
retired, a terminated or a disabled clergyperson of this Conference rendered to
any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the
Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part
of the Church, or any other employer that employed the clergyperson to
perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and
that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan,
annuity or fund for such an active, a retired, a terminated or a disabled
clergyperson’s pension, severance or disability plan benefit as part of his or her
gross compensation.
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***NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a
clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state)
income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2),
and regulations thereunder, to the least of: (a) the amount of the rental/housing
allowance designated by the clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body
of the Church (such as this Conference in the foregoing resolution) for such
year; (b) the amount actually expended by the clergyperson to rent or provide a
home in such year; or (c) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings
and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year.
Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her
own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be
claimed as housing allowance exclusion.
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800. Standing Rules from the 2014 Journal
A. Introduction
“The annual conference, for its own government, may adopt rules and
regulations not in conflict with the Discipline of The United Methodist
Church.” (¶ 604) The standing rules of the conference expand and clarify these
structures and their modes of operation. (All references to the 2012 Book of
Discipline hereafter shall be designated by the paragraph number.)
A. 1. Rules - Robert's Rules of Order shall govern parliamentary procedures of
the annual conference, subject to the rules of the preceding general conference
and the 2012 Book of Discipline.
A. 2. Amendments - These standing rules may be amended by a two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the conference no fewer than twenty-four (24) hours following
their presentation to the conference; provided, a written copy of the proposed
amendment(s) shall be submitted to the conference secretary before being read
to the conference. Amendments shall take effect upon passage, except the
number of districts can only be changed at least one (1) year in advance.
B. Standing Committees of the Annual Conference
The primary function of standing committees is to provide support that enables
the session of the North Georgia Annual Conference to operate efficiently.
These on-going committees do not have programmatic responsibilities
throughout the year other than preparing for the annual conference session.
B. 1. There shall be a committee on standing rules composed of ten (10)
persons, nominated by the annual conference committee on nominations, plus
the conference chancellor. The committee on standing rules is charged with the
annual task of addressing the submission of new rules and maintaining the
standing rules of the annual conference in the following ways: to receive
requests for amendments, assure rules maintain internal consistency, make
editorial changes as needed, present changes to the conference and review
revised standing rules for publication in the conference journal. The committee
is also charged with the quadrennial task of examining the rules of the annual
conference for consistency with the new Book of Discipline and to recommend
any editorial changes to bring about that consistency.
B. 2. There shall be a committee on registration and assistance composed of ten
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(10) persons, nominated by the annual conference committee on nominations.
The primary functions of the committee on registration & assistance are to
conduct registration, along with the host committee, certify delegates and to
issue badges accordingly. Using guidelines to verify eligibility, the committee
helps retired pastors receive financial assistance, and during the week of annual
conference, the committee maintains a table to assist visitors with nametags and
other needs. The registration and assistance committee is responsible for
working with the host committee to organize and recruit volunteers.
B. 3. There shall be a committee on journal and handbook composed of ten
(10) persons, nominated by the annual conference committee on nominations.
The journal and handbook committee is responsible for certifying daily
proceedings at the annual conference session; assuring the journal meets
disciplinary guidelines; organizing journal sales at the annual conference
session; assisting the conference secretary and journal editor in the production
of the handbook and journal as needed; assisting in proofreading the handbook
and journal as needed before publication; organizing to invite advertising for
handbook and journal if/when that is used.
The committee on the handbook and journal works with the conference
secretary as needed to set the standards for the submission of information for
the handbook and journal. The committee works with the conference secretary
to ensure that the official records of the annual conference shall be kept in
accordance with ¶ 606.3
B. 4. There shall be a committee on resolutions composed of ten (10) persons,
nominated by the annual conference committee on nominations. The charge of
the resolution committee is to process all resolutions presented to the annual
conference that are not submitted to the programmatic committees through
dialogue with the submitter and all agencies of the annual conference affected
by the resolution. This committee makes sure that, with occasional exceptions,
resolutions submitted by the deadline of February 1 of the Annual Conference
year are included in the handbook.
The resolutions committee is responsible for reviewing each resolution to
determine if it can properly come before the annual conference, making
revisions as needed in consultation with the submitter of the resolution,
ensuring consistency with The Book of Discipline and North Georgia Standing
Rule/Guidelines, submitting to the conference secretary by the deadline for the
conference handbook, and presenting resolutions to the conference.
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C. Annual Conference Session and Related Committees
C. 1. Annual Conference Committee on Nominations - There shall be an
annual conference committee on nominations whose duty shall be to nominate
all lay and clergy members of the boards, councils, teams, commissions,
committees, and other agencies of the north Georgia conference. The
committee shall be composed of the bishop, who shall be the chairperson, the
district superintendents and extended cabinet, the conference lay leader and
associate conference lay leaders, the district lay leaders, the chairperson of the
advocacy team, the conference presidents of United Methodist Men and of
United Methodist Women, the chairpersons of the conference young adult
organization and the council on youth ministry, and not more than five (5)
members-at-large who shall be named by the bishop for inclusiveness. The
committee shall make its nominations not later than the second morning of the
annual conference.
The executive committee of the annual conference committee on
nominations, composed of the bishop, the conference lay leader, the director of
connectional ministries and three (3) other members of the annual conference
committee on nominations named by the bishop, will coordinate the
comprehensive nominations process of identification, recruitment, training,
selection and evaluation for the annual conference. Where vacancies in essential
elected positions occur between annual conference sessions, the executive
committee may fill the positions until the next annual conference elects. Task
forces may be used in keeping with the directions stated in standing rule H.1.
C. 2. District Committee on Nominations - There shall be a district committee
on nominations, composed of five (5) clergy and six (6) lay members. One (1)
clergy member shall be the district superintendent, who shall serve as the
chairperson. One (1) of the six (6) lay members shall be the district lay leader.
The district committee on nominations shall assist in identifying, recruiting and
recommending potential leaders to the conference committee on nominations.
C. 3. Quadrennial Boards, Teams, Councils, Commissions, Committees The membership of quadrennial boards, councils, teams, commissions,
committees, and other agencies shall be limited to twenty-seven (27) persons
plus ex-officio members. This rule shall not apply to standing committees nor to
any board, council, team, commission, committee, or other agency whose
membership is otherwise determined by the conference or by The Book of
Discipline.
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All committees, boards, teams, councils, commissions and agencies of
the annual conference shall be composed of equal numbers of clergy and lay
unless The Book of Discipline provides otherwise.
No person shall be eligible for election to membership on the same
board, council, team, commission or committee or agency for more than eight
(8) consecutive years and after serving eight (8) years may not be later elected
to the same board, commission, team, council, committee or agency for more
than eight (8) years except as allowed by The Book of Discipline, for a lifetime
total of sixteen (16) years maximum on the same board, council, team,
commission, committee or agency. No person shall be nominated to serve
concurrently on more than one (1) quadrennial board, council, team,
commission or committee, except as an ex-officio member. However, one (1)
exemption may be allowed for those serving on the board of laity, episcopal
committee, congregational development, nominations, and the standing
committees of the annual conference session (acknowledgments, registration
and assistance, journal and handbook, resolutions, and standing rules). No
district superintendent may be nominated as an elective member of any program
agency or team of the conference. Persons nominated shall have agreed in
advance to serve if elected.
When quadrennial boards, councils, teams, commissions and committees
are elected, they shall receive training, information and support for their
responsibilities within sixty (60) days following the annual conference session,
except in a year of episcopal transition when the window will be one hundred
twenty (120) days. Chairpersons shall be nominated by the annual conference
committee on nominations and elected by the annual conference. Under the
direction of their respective chairpersons, each board, council, commission and
committee shall elect a vice-chairperson and secretary. All team officers shall
be nominated by the committee on nominations.
All district committees and conference boards, councils, teams,
commissions and committees shall include members which ensure balance,
continuity, expertise, inclusiveness in keeping with the spirit and guidelines of
The Book of Discipline, Part III Section VI, (¶ 140).
C. 3. a. For Persons Holding Chairs:
C. 3. a. 1) Chairpersons are expected to maintain a yearly calendar of
scheduled and announced meetings for planning, budgeting, and evaluation;
C. 3. a. 2) Chairpersons are expected to plan meetings at such times and
locations that encourage and allow for maximum attendance of the elected
membership, giving particular mind to the academic schedules of youth and
young adults.
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C. 3. a. 3) Chairpersons are to submit proper budgets with supporting
rationale and any other requested reports in a proper and timely manner;
C. 3. a. 4) Chairpersons are expected to provide consistent
communication with members of their committee or board regarding agendas,
time/date/locations/ and related information that impact a member’s ability to
serve well.
C. 3. a. 5) Chairpersons are expected to attend all called meetings of the
committee or board for which he or she is responsible. Missing (2) two
consecutive called meetings of his or her committee or board with no excuse, or
missing (3) three consecutive called meetings of his or her committee or board
with good excuse, shall be the minimum guidelines for attendance.
C. 3. a. 6) Inability to meet the minimum guidelines of attendance will
prompt a letter from the conference nominations executive committee, releasing
the individual from his or her position (this will not negatively impact
subsequent nominations or committee service) so the conference nominations
executive committee can immediately fill the vacated position.
C. 3. b. For Committee and Board Members:
C. 3. b. 1) Elected members are expected to attend all called meetings of
the committee or board on which they are serving. Missing (3) three
consecutive properly called meetings of his or her committee or board with no
excuse, or missing (4) four consecutive properly called meetings of his or her
committee or board with good excuse, shall be the minimum guidelines for
attendance.
C. 3. b. 2) Inability to meet the minimum guidelines of attendance will
prompt a letter of notification from the conference nominations executive
committee, releasing the individual from his or her position (this will not
negatively impact subsequent nominations or committee service) so the
conference nominations executive committee can immediately fill the vacated
position.
C. 4. Annual Conference Planning Committee - There shall be an annual
conference planning committee responsible for setting the agenda for sessions
of the annual conference, recommending the site of the conference annually,
and overall coordination of annual conference. Applications to host the
conference shall be submitted to the bishop not less than eighteen (18) months
in advance and must include adequate data to satisfy the planning committee of
the suitability of the proposed site, with special attention to housing, food
service, seating, congregating areas, parking and all standard public services
necessary to accommodate large numbers of people. All facilities must meet
ADA Accessibility Guidelines. All applications to host the conference must
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include an itemized account of anticipated expenses. The site must provide
seating for all members of the conference, both clergy and lay, and for visitors
and guests. The planning committee shall submit applications approved by them
to the conference council on finance and administration for approval of
projected costs. The planning committee shall advise the conference concerning
the desirability of each acceptable proposed site, including estimated costs. The
conference may select sites into the future, but must reconfirm that selection
within three (3) years of that scheduled conference. When for unforeseen
circumstances related to finances, logistics or other compelling reasons the
annual conference is not able to hold annual conference at the agreed upon site,
the annual conference planning committee is authorized to work with the
conference council on finance and administration to secure an appropriate
alternate site.
The committee shall consist of the following persons: the bishop; the
executive assistant to the bishop; the annual conference lay leader; the associate
conference lay leader(s); the conference secretary; the dean of the cabinet; the
conference presidents of United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men,
conference youth organization, conference young adult organization, and the
conference young adult committee representative; the chairpersons of the
conference worship team, the conference committee on registration and
assistance, and the board of ordained ministry; the director of connectional
ministries; the chairperson of the conference council on finance and
administration; the conference treasurer; and other persons selected by the
bishop to assure proper representation of persons related to the work of the
committee, such as the host district superintendent and the host pastor. The
bishop or his/her designee shall be the chairperson of the annual conference
planning committee.
C. 5. Conference Handbook & Information Packets - Material for
publication in the conference handbook shall be submitted annually to the
conference secretary not less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of
the annual conference. Other material may be distributed to the members of the
conference, at the discretion of the conference secretary, in a packet of
supplementary materials. All printed materials requiring action by the annual
conference shall be available in large print.
C. 6. Pre-Conference Briefings - Not more than twenty-five (25) days prior to
the opening session of the annual conference, each district superintendent, in
consultation with the district lay leader, shall convene, at such time and place as
the two (2) of them together shall determine, the conference members residing
in the district, both clergy and lay, for the purpose of examining the published
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reports and recommendations of the boards, councils, teams, commissions,
committees and other agencies of the conference.
C. 7. Consent Agenda - In order to expedite the business of the conference, the
consent agenda committee, composed of the conference secretary, the
chairperson of the committee on standing rules, the director of connectional
ministries, and the conference lay leader or his/her designee, in consultation
with agencies or individuals presenting reports, recommendations or
resolutions, may present in the conference handbook a written list of items
which shall be known as the consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda shall
be considered as adopted by consent of the annual conference unless they are
removed from this list at a time set aside for this purpose on the second day of
conference. Individual items may be removed from the consent agenda to be
placed on the regular agenda by a motion to remove supported by a second
from two (2) voting members of the annual conference. When an item has been
removed from the consent agenda, it shall be placed on the regular agenda at an
appropriate time as determined by the conference secretary.
C. 8. Reports - Reports shall be in writing, and an original, signed copy of the
same shall be in the hands of the conference secretary before being read on the
floor of the conference. When twenty-five (25) percent or more of the
membership of a board, council, team, commission, committee or other agency
shall request the privilege of presenting a minority report to the annual
conference, the chairperson of said board or other agency shall appoint a
committee to draft a minority report and shall submit the said minority report
along with the majority report to the conference.
C. 9. Committee on Resolutions - There shall be a committee on resolutions,
nominated and elected under the provisions of the standing rules. Any
resolution coming to the floor of the annual conference which has not been
before an official board, commission or agency of the annual conference, or a
resolution not previously printed in the conference handbook, shall be referred
to the committee on resolutions for study before the resolution is considered by
the annual conference.
D. Administrative Procedures of the Annual Conference
D. 1. Publication of Names and Addresses of Lay Members - The names and
email addresses of lay members of the annual conference, arranged by districts
and by charges, shall be published in the conference journal, and they shall be
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compiled and made available to members of the conference, both lay and
clergy, as early as feasible following their election.
D. 2. Lay Member Equalization Plan - The lay membership of the annual
conference shall be equal in number to its clergy membership. Lay members
shall be elected by each charge conference as directed by the Constitution of
The United Methodist Church, Division Two, Section VI, Article I (¶32). The
following are designated by the Constitution, (Loc. Cit.), to be members of the
annual conference: the diaconal ministers, the active deaconesses, and home
missioners under Episcopal appointment within the bounds of the annual
conference, the conference president of the United Methodist Women, the
conference president of United Methodist Men, the conference lay leader,
district lay leaders, the conference director of lay servant ministries, conference
secretary of global ministries (if lay), the president or equivalent officer of the
conference young adult organization, the president of the conference youth
organization, the chair of the annual conference college student organization,
and one young person between the ages of twelve (12) and seventeen (17) and
one young person between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) from each
district to be selected in such a manner as may be determined by the annual
conference.
If the lay membership shall number less than the clergy membership, the
following lay persons shall also be members of the annual conference: the
associate conference lay leaders, the district directors of lay servant ministries,
the district presidents of United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men,
and the district presidents or equivalent officers of the district young adult
organization and the district youth organization, four (4) young persons 18
years and under and five (5) young adult persons 18 years of age to 35 years of
age.
Additional members shall be elected from each district by the district
board of laity to achieve equalization of the number of lay and clergy members
of the annual conference.
The conference secretary shall advise the district superintendents
annually, not later than November 1, of the number of additional lay members
required to achieve equalization. The district superintendents shall assist the
district board of laity to elect the necessary persons, to notify them of their
election, and to forward their names and addresses to the conference secretary
by January 1 of each year.
D. 3. Moving Day and Expenses - Moving Day for pastors shall ordinarily be
Thursday of the week following the regular session of the annual conference;
provided, if unusual circumstances prevail, the cabinet may change the date to a
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more suitable one; provided, further, the secretary of the cabinet shall have
notice of the change published in the North Georgia Advocate not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the annual conference. Departing
clergy shall vacate their parsonages by one o'clock on the afternoon of Moving
Day. District superintendents shall encourage the pastoral charges to pay
moving expenses for newly assigned clergy moving within the bounds of the
North Georgia Conference.
D. 4. Care of Parsonages - Clergy shall use care to maintain cleanliness and
good housekeeping of the parsonages in which they reside. In addition to the
annual inspection of the parsonage, Part V, Chapter Six, Section VI (¶ 2533.4),
at a time of change in pastoral appointment, there shall be an inspection of the
parsonage by the pastor and the pastor/parish relations committee to determine
the condition of the parsonage. Where there has been obvious abuse,
replacement and/or repair shall be at the pastor's expense. If pets are a part of
the pastor's family, the expense for professional treatment for infestation and
odor shall be the pastor's responsibility prior to moving out. Any disagreement
concerning liability shall be addressed by a mediation committee to determine
the ratio of responsibility. The decision of the mediation committee shall be
binding on all parties. The mediation committee shall be composed of the
district superintendent, a person of the church’s (charge’s) choice, a person of
the pastor's choice, and a neutral person selected by the district superintendent.
D. 5. Number of Districts - There shall be twelve (12) districts in the North
Georgia Conference.
D. 6. Service Year - The conference service year shall be July 1 through June
30.
D. 7. Local Church Reports - Pastors shall submit their annual reports as
directed by the conference statistician, not later than January 20. The
conference statistician shall reconcile the financial reports with the records of
the conference treasurer.
D. 8. Archives - The depository for archival records of the North Georgia
Conference shall be the Candler School of Theology of Emory University
through its Pitts Theology Library.
E. Finance and Property
E. 1. Budget Development - All requests for appropriations shall be submitted
to the conference council on finance and administration, in writing, not less
than ninety (90) days prior to the opening session of the annual conference.
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Requests shall include a detailed financial statement. Any persons or group
presenting a proposal to the annual conference for a program or activity which
is not included in the conference budget shall at the same time, present a
financial analysis including estimated cost and plans for funding. Before final
action by the annual conference, the conference council on finance and
administration shall review the financial aspects of the proposal and make its
recommendation to the conference regarding the proposal. Budgets submitted
to the conference for approval shall include itemized comparative figures for
the previous year, except in the case of new programs.
E. 2. Fiscal Regulations - The conference fiscal year shall be January 1
through December 31. All monies for conference and district items shall be
remitted by December 31. The books of the conference treasurer and the district
treasurers shall be closed at the end of business on the fifth (5th) working day
following January 1. The conference treasurer shall make final settlement and
disburse all funds to the annual conference boards, councils, commissions or
other agencies within fifteen (15) days following the end of the fiscal year. The
conference treasurer shall report by districts and by charges all payments for
equitable salaries, mission appropriations and the temporary general aid fund.
The conference treasurer shall report monthly to the district superintendents all
conference askings paid by each local church in the district.
E. 3. District Superintendents' Financial Support - The support of the district
superintendents, including their salaries, pensions, and insurance (subject to the
same insurance rules for other clergy), shall be provided by the annual
conference, through the conference council on finance and administration.
Housing, utilities, office expenses, travel and district work funds shall be
provided by the respective districts.
E. 4. Church Property - Each district superintendent shall furnish the
conference secretary annually, for publication in the Conference Journal, a list
of the real property situated within the district, belonging to but not currently in
use by The United Methodist Church.
E. 5. Salary Supplements - All supplementation of pastoral salaries from
whatever source shall be administered by the commission on equitable
compensation in accordance with guidelines developed by the commission and
approved by the annual conference, except that the conference board of
congregational development shall be authorized to administer salary
supplementation for pastors of new and redeveloping congregations, in keeping
with guidelines developed by the committee and approved by the annual
conference.
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E. 6. Charters - Charters authorized by the North Georgia Conference shall be
reviewed by the conference chancellor before being filed with the Secretary of
State.
E. 7. Annual Conference Registration Fee – A registration fee of $30.00 shall
be assessed for each lay and active clergy delegate to the North Georgia Annual
Conference. Retired clergy and youth members are exempt from the
assessment.
F. Connectional Table
F. 1. There shall be a Conference Connectional Table with responsibility to
focus and guide the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church
within the boundaries of the North Georgia Annual Conference. It shall give
leadership and guidance in setting the vision of the annual conference and in
conducting an on-going process of refining and revising that vision.
F. 2. The director of connectional ministries, in consultation with the resident
bishop, shall chair the connectional table, which shall be composed of the
following persons: resident bishop, director of connectional ministries, district
superintendents, executive assistant to the bishop, director of ministerial
services, director of congregational development, chairperson of the board of
congregational development, conference treasurer, chairperson of the council
on finance and administration, chairperson of the board of ordained ministry,
secretary of the annual conference, conference chancellor, conference lay
leader, associate conference lay leaders, conference president of United
Methodist Women, conference president of United Methodist Men, president of
the conference youth organization, president of the conference young adult
organization, chairperson of conference personnel practices and policy
committee, chairperson of the board of connectional ministries, chairperson of
worship program team, chairperson of outreach and mission program team,
chairperson of leadership program team, chairperson of discipleship program
team, chairperson of the order of deacons, chairperson of the order of elders,
chairperson of the fellowship of local pastors and associate members, the heads
of most recently elected lay and clergy delegations to general conference, and
such at-large members as the conference committee on nominations shall
nominate to provide for diversity and inclusiveness as regards
race/ethnicity/national origin, age, and gender. The Table’s membership shall
be limited to fifty persons. The eligibility limitations of standing rule C.3. shall
not apply to the Connectional Table.
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F. 3. There shall be an executive committee of the connectional table
composed of the bishop, the director of connectional ministries, the conference
lay leader, the dean of the cabinet, the chairperson of the board of connectional
ministries, and the chairperson of the council on finance and administration.
F. 4. The connectional table shall meet regularly twice each year and additional
times as considered appropriate or needful by the bishop and the director of
connectional ministries, and shall report each year to the annual conference
regarding the conference’s stewardship of its vision and its commitment to the
mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
G. Connectional Ministries
G. 1. There shall be a director of connectional ministries who, in partnership
with the bishop and cabinet, shall have the following primary responsibilities:
To serve as steward of the vision of the annual conference, including the
development, clarification, interpretation, and embodiment of the conference’s
vision; to serve as leader of the continuous process of transformation and
renewal necessary for the annual conference to be faithful to our Christian
identity in a changing world; to ensure alignment of the total resources of the
conference to its vision; and to ensure the connections among the local, district,
annual conference, and general church ministries for the purpose of networking,
resourcing, and communicating their shared ministry.
G. 2. The director of connectional ministries shall serve as an officer of the
annual conference, and shall sit with the cabinet when the cabinet considers
matters relating to coordination, implementation, or administration of the
conference program, and other matters as the cabinet and director may
determine.
G. 3. The director of connectional ministries shall supervise the conference
staff related to the office of connectional ministries, coordinate the recruitment
and training of conference program leaders, provide oversight and leadership in
the conference’s program and ministry, and serve as chair of the connectional
table and as executive officer of the board of connectional ministries.
H. Program Teams of the Annual Conference
H. 1. The programming of the annual conference shall be done primarily by
four (4) program teams – Worship, Outreach and Mission, Leadership, and
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Discipleship. Each program team shall be responsible for several areas of
program and ministry, as indicated below, and shall have authority to form such
committees as the Discipline may require for its program areas or as deemed
appropriate for carrying out its responsibilities, while at the same time
continuing to function as a unified team. Each team may enlist additional
persons to assist in its work, and may also form time-limited task forces to
address particular issues or emphases. These four program teams shall be
accountable to the director of connectional ministries and the board of
connectional ministries for oversight and budget.
H. 2. Each program team shall be composed of thirty-six (36) duly elected
members. These shall include the team’s officers (chairperson, vice
chairperson, and secretary), who shall be nominated by the conference
committee on nominations and elected by the annual conference. The number
limitation specified in standing rule C.3 shall not apply to the program teams.
Additional members shall include a cabinet representative, a youth named by
the conference youth organization, and any member of a corresponding general
board or agency who is a member of or related to the annual conference. To
ensure continuity of experience and leadership, members of the program teams
shall be grouped in classes so that normally no more than one-fourth of the
members of a team will rotate off in any given year.
H. 3. There shall be a worship team with responsibilities for the following
program areas: archives and history (¶ 641.1), evangelism (¶ 630.3),
stewardship (¶630.5), worship (¶630.4), cross-cultural and cross-racial
ministries, ethnic and multi-ethnic ministries, small membership churches, and
stewardship (¶ 630.5). The membership of the team is defined in standing rule
H.1.
H. 4. There shall be an outreach and mission team with responsibilities for the
following program areas: global ministries (¶ 633), disaster response (¶
633.4.b.22), refugee resettlement, health and welfare ministries (¶ 633.4.b.27),
UMVIM, Bridges, cross-cultural and cross-racial ministries, ethnic and multiethnic ministries, small membership churches, and stewardship (¶ 630.5). The
membership of this team is defined in standing rule H.1.
H. 5. There shall be a leadership team with responsibilities for the following
program areas: Christian unity and interreligious concerns (¶ 642.1), church and
society (¶ 629), creation care, disability concerns (¶ 653), ethnic local church
concerns (¶ 632.1), great starts, Native American concerns (¶ 654), peace with
justice, religion and race (¶ 643.1), status and role of women (¶ 644), crosscultural and cross-racial ministries, ethnic and multi-ethnic ministries, small
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membership churches, and stewardship (¶ 630.5). The membership of the team
is defined in standing rule H.1.
H. 6. There shall be a discipleship team with responsibilities for the following
program areas: education (¶ 630.2), adult ministries [older adult (¶ 651.1) and
young adult (¶ 650.1)], children’s ministries (¶ 630.1.g), youth ministries (¶
649.1), family ministries (¶ 630.1.b), higher education and campus ministries (¶
634.1), camp and retreat ministries (¶ 630.1.b), safe sanctuaries, faith formation,
cross-cultural and cross-racial ministries, ethnic and multi-ethnic ministries,
small membership churches, and stewardship (¶ 630.5). The membership of the
team is defined in standing rule H.1, with the added stipulation that two (2)
representatives from United Methodist youth (¶ 649.1) and United Methodist
young adults (¶ 650.1) will be included.
H. 7. There shall be a conference youth organization as provided by ¶ 649.1. It
shall relate to and be answerable to the discipleship team.
H. 8. The staff of the connectional ministries office will serve as a resourcing
component working in conjunction with the four ministry teams. Time-sensitive
and customized resources requested by clergy, laity, and district
superintendents, in collaboration with the four program teams, will emanate
from here. Areas of involvement include, but are not limited to: Vital
Congregations and VitalSigns, trustees, finance, SPRC, church staff
development, natural church development, Strengthening the Black Church for
the 21st Century, cross-cultural and cross-racial ministries, church council, and
lay leadership.
H. 9. There shall be a board of connectional ministries composed of the
chairpersons of the four program teams, the area representatives within the
program teams, the chairperson or other representative of the conference board
of laity, a cabinet representative, and the director and associate directors of
connectional ministries. The officers of the board (chairperson, vice
chairperson, and secretary) shall be nominated by the conference committee on
nominations and elected by the annual conference. This board shall have
responsibility for presenting a unified program for mission and ministry,
including budgeting, to the annual conference and for giving leadership in the
execution of that plan. The director of connectional ministries shall be the
executive officer of this board.
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I. Ministry of the Laity
I. 1. Conference Board of Laity - There shall be a conference board of laity
which shall provide for the ministry of the laity related to the objectives of the
General Board of Discipleship as set forth in ¶¶ 1101-1126. The purpose of the
conference board of laity shall be as outlined in ¶ 631.2. Funding for the board
shall be provided through the conference budget.
I. 2. Membership of Conference Board of Laity - The following shall
comprise the membership of the board: The conference lay leader, associate
conference lay leaders, the district lay leaders, the conference director of lay
servant ministries, the presidents and two representatives elected by each of the
conference organizations of United Methodist Men and United Methodist
Women, the presidents of the conference young adult organization and the
conference youth organization; and in addition, the conference scouting
coordinator, the lay chair or lay vice-chair of the general conference delegation
and up to four at-large members elected by the board, in consultation with the
annual conference committee on nominations as needed from time to time for
inclusiveness and/or operations; and as ex-officio, a district superintendent
designated by the cabinet, the director of connectional ministries and the
presiding bishop. Task forces may be utilized in keeping with the directives
stated in Standing Rule H.2.
I. 3. Election of Conference Lay Leader and Associate Conference Lay
Leaders – The conference lay leader and no more than four (4) associate
conference lay leaders shall be elected quadrennially by the annual conference
on nomination of the conference committee on nominations after consultation
with the board of laity. The conference lay leader shall serve as chair of the
conference board of laity. No person may serve as the conference lay leader for
more than eight (8) consecutive years. No person may serve as the associate
conference lay leader for more than eight (8) consecutive years. The conference
lay leader and the associate conference lay leaders shall be members of the
board of laity by virtue of their election to the offices they hold. Years of
service as an associate conference lay leader shall not be considered in
determining the eligibility of a person to serve as conference lay leader.
I. 4. Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries – There shall be a
conference committee on lay servant ministries, which shall relate to the
conference board of laity as specifically provided for in ¶ 631.6. The committee
shall be structured by the conference board of laity and shall include as a
minimum the conference director of lay servant ministries, the district directors
of lay servant ministries, the conference lay leader and one or more associate
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conference lay leaders. Up to four (4) at-large members may be elected by the
conference board of laity as needed for inclusiveness and/or operations from
time to time. The conference director of lay servant ministries shall be elected
for a four-year term by the conference board of laity after consultation with the
conference committee on nominations. No person may serve as the conference
director of lay servant ministries for more than eight (8) consecutive years.
J. Board of Congregational Development
J. 1. There shall be an annual conference board of congregational development.
The annual conference board of congregational development shall be charged
with the responsibility of developing, implementing and continually updating a
comprehensive plan for the planting of ew churches within the bounds of the
North Georgia annual conference. The responsibilities shall specifically include
establishing, nurturing, supporting and guiding new congregations from
conception through birth and until the district superintendent, the new church
and the office of congregational development agree that the support is no longer
necessary.
J. 2. The board of congregational development shall work with the bishop,
cabinet and district strategic growth teams to determine locations for new
churches and potential church planters. It shall also have responsibility for the
training, assessing and recommending persons to the bishop and cabinet for
appointment as new church pastors.
J. 3. The board of congregational development shall encourage local churches
to partner with the annual conference board of congregational development to
birth new churches.
J. 4. The board of congregational development shall serve as liaison with
jurisdictional and general conference board and agencies related to the work of
congregational development.
J. 5. The board of congregational development shall work with the North
Georgia Conference board of trustees for the purpose of managing, buying,
selling, and holding developmental properties owned by the annual conference.
J. 6. The board shall develop an annual budget for presentation to the annual
conference Council on Finance and Administration to support the work and
ministry of the board of congregational development.
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J. 7. The director and chair of the board of congregational development shall sit
on the Conference Connectional Table. The director shall serve as an officer of
the annual conference and shall be a member of the bishop’s extended cabinet.
J. 8. The annual conference board of congregational development shall be
composed of one (1) representative from each district strategic growth team
appointed by the district superintendent; six (6) at large lay persons
recommended by the director of the board of congregational development and
approved by the nominations committee; six (6) clergy recommended by the
director of the board of congregational development and approved by the
nominations committee; chairperson of the committee on black congregational
development, chairperson of the committee on Hispanic congregational
development, chairperson of the committee on Korean congregational
development, and chairperson of the committee on multi-cultural/multi-ethnic
congregational development; cabinet representatives to the five committees of
the board of congregational development as appointed by the bishop; a council
on finance and administration representative; director of connectional
ministries; conference treasurer; director of congregational development; and
associate directors of congregational development. This totals 39 persons and is
an exception to Standing Rule C.3.
J. 9. The chair, vice-chair and secretary of the board of congregational
development shall be recommended to the bishop and cabinet by the director of
congregational development and submitted to the annual conference committee
on nominations for inclusion in their report to the annual conference for
election.
J. 10. The board of congregational development shall be organized with a
chair, a vice-chair and secretary. The term of office shall be one quadrennium,
but each may be elected for one additional term, provided no one shall hold the
same office for more than 8 years. The board of congregational development
shall meet annually and may meet more often at the request of the director of
congregational development or the chair of the board.
J. 11. There shall be an executive committee composed of the officers of the
board of congregational development (who shall also be the officers of the
executive committee), the council on finance and administration representative,
chairpersons of the committees on black congregational development, Hispanic
congregational development, Korean congregational development and new
multi-cultural/multi-ethnic congregational development, 4 at large members (2
clergy and 2 lay to be elected by the board of congregational development upon
recommendation of the director), the cabinet representative appointed by the
bishop, and the director and associate directors of congregational development.
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The executive committee shall have all the powers of the board of
congregational development except the right to change the budget or elect
officers. This committee shall be responsible for training and assessing persons
who will plant new churches. It will also request funds for the expenses related
to the training and deployment of these persons. This committee shall meet at
least quarterly and may meet more often at the request of the director of the
board of congregational development or the chair of the board of congregational
development.
J. 12. There shall be a committee on black congregational development
composed of a chairperson (recommended by the director of congregational
development in consultation with the cabinet representative and approved by
the annual conference or conference nominations team ad interim per Standing
Rule C.1), 7 or more lay and clergy members with specific attention to age,
gender and district balance as pursuant to the 2012 Book of Discipline ¶610.5
and ¶605.3 and including at least one small membership black congregation
representative (recommended by the director of congregational development in
consultation with the chairperson of the committee and the cabinet
representative and approved by the annual conference or conference
nominations team ad interim per Standing Rule C.1). The ex-officio
membership of the committee shall include: a cabinet representative, the
congregational development or connectional ministries staff person for black
congregational and leadership development, the conference commission on
religion and race representative, the conference ethnic local church concerns
representative, and the conference leadership ministry team chairperson. This
committee shall make recommendations to the executive committee with regard
to persons and places for the planting of new black congregations and
strengthening existing black congregations. The committee shall collaborate
with each of the district strategic growth teams advocating on behalf of black
church congregational development needs. It shall also be responsible for any
training and resourcing needs that are important from a cultural perspective in
planting new and strengthening existing black churches. The committee shall
also be responsible for partnering with the office of connectional ministries, the
board of ordained ministry and the office of ministerial services to ensure the
implementation of a comprehensive black church leadership development plan.
It shall request funds necessary for this training to be included in the board of
congregational development budget. This committee shall meet at least
quarterly and may meet more often at the request of the director of the board of
congregational development, the committee staff person, or the chairperson.
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J. 13. There shall be a committee on Hispanic congregational development
and ¶605.3 (selected by the director in consultation with the chairperson of the
committee and the cabinet representative and approved by the annual
conference or conference nominations team ad interim per Standing Rule C.1),
a cabinet representative and the staff person for Hispanic congregational
development. This committee shall make recommendations to the executive
committee with regard to persons and places for the planting of new Hispanic
congregations and strengthening existing Hispanic congregations. The
committee shall collaborate with each of the district strategic growth teams
advocating on behalf of Hispanic church congregational development needs. It
shall also be responsible for any training needs that are important from a
cultural perspective in planting new Hispanic churches. It shall request funds
necessary for this training to be included in the board of congregational
development budget. This committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet
more often at the request of the director of the board of congregational
development or the chairperson.
J. 14. There shall be a committee on Korean congregational development
and ¶605.3 (selected by the director in consultation with the chairperson of the
committee and the cabinet representative and approved by the annual
conference or conference nominations team ad interim per Standing Rule C.1),
a cabinet representative and the staff person for Korean congregational
development. This committee shall make recommendations to the executive
committee with regard to persons and places for the planting of new Korean
congregations and strengthening existing Korean congregations. The committee
shall collaborate with each of the district strategic growth teams advocating on
behalf of Korean church congregational development needs. It shall also be
responsible for any training needs that are important from a cultural perspective
in planting new Korean churches. It shall request funds necessary for this
training to be included in the board of congregational development budget. This
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committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet more often at the request
of the director of the board of congregational development or the chairperson.
J. 15. There shall be a committee on multi-cultural/multi-ethnic congregational
development composed of a chairperson (recommended by the director of
congregational development in consultation with the cabinet representative and
approved by the annual conference or conference nominations team ad interim
per Standing Rule C.1), 3 or more lay and clergy members with specific
attention to age, gender and district balance as pursuant to the 2012 Book of
Discipline ¶610.5 and ¶605.3 (selected by the director in consultation with the
chairperson of the committee and the cabinet representative and approved by
Rule C.1), a cabinet representative and the staff person for multi-cultural/multiethnic congregational development. This committee shall make
recommendations to the executive committee with regard to persons and places
for the planting of new churches among the various other ethnic groups living
in the bounds of our annual conference. The committee shall collaborate with
each of the district strategic growth teams advocating on behalf of multicultural/multi-ethnic church congregational development needs. It shall request
funds necessary for this training to be included in the board of congregational
development budget. This committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet
more often at the request of the director of the board of congregational
development or the chairperson.
K. Administrative Agencies of the Annual Conference
K. 1. There shall be a board of ordained ministry composed of up to sixty-five
(65) persons nominated by the bishop as outlined in ¶ 635.1, including those
who serve by virtue of their office.
K. 2. There shall be a commission on equitable compensation as provided by ¶
625.1, composed of twenty (20) persons with one (1) representative from each
district. Members shall be nominated by the annual conference committee on
nominations.
K. 3. There shall be a board of pensions and health benefits as provided by ¶
639.1 composed of thirty-six (36) persons arranged in classes and serving a
term of eight (8) years to include representatives of both lay and clergy,
nominated by the annual conference committee on nominations.
K. 4. There shall be a board of trustees of the annual conference, elected as
indicated in ¶¶ 640 and 2512.1, composed of twelve (12) persons, nominated by
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the annual conference committee on nominations, serving in four (4) year
terms, except for the first board. It is recommended that it be composed of onethird (1/3) clergy, one-third (1/3) lay women, and one-third (1/3) lay men.
K. 5. There shall be a council on finance and administration as provided by ¶¶
611-618, composed of five to twenty-one (5-21) persons, with one (1) lay
person more than clergy included on the council. Ex-officio members are the
conference treasurer, director of connectional ministries and the cabinet
representative. Members shall be nominated by the annual conference
committee on nominations.
K. 6. There shall be a committee on episcopacy as provided by ¶ 637.1,
composed of fifteen (15) persons. It is recommended that it be composed of
one-third (1/3) clergy, one-third (1/3) lay women, one-third (1/3) lay men,
provided that one (1) lay person be the conference lay leader. One-fifth (1/5) of
the membership shall be appointed by the bishop. The lay and clergy members
of the jurisdictional committee on episcopacy shall be ex-officio members.
K. 7. There shall be an episcopal residency committee as provided by ¶ 638.1.
K. 8. There shall be a committee on investigation consisting of four (4) clergy
in full connection, three (3) professing members, and six (6) alternate members,
three of whom shall be clergy in full connection and three of whom shall be a
professing members. The committee shall be nominated by the presiding bishop
in consultation with the board of ordained ministry (for clergy members) and
the conference board of laity (for lay persons) and elected quadrennially by the
annual conference. If additional members or alternates are needed, the annual
conference may elect members to serve for the remainder of the quadrennium.
Committee members shall be in good standing and should be deemed of good
character. The committee should reflect racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. ¶
2703
K. 9. There shall be a North Georgia Loan Guarantee Committee, comprised of
two (2) members of the cabinet, the chair and the director of the board of
congregational development, two (2) members of the council on finance and
administration, one (1) lay and one (1) clergy and two (2) members representing
areas of expertise appointed by the bishop in consultation with the chancellor,
conference lay leader, executive director of the conference board of church
development and the chairperson of the council on finance and administration.
K. 10. There shall be a diaconal committee on investigation as provided by ¶
2703.2.
K. 11. There shall be an administrative review committee as provided by ¶ 636.
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K. 12. There shall be a conference communications office under the office of
the bishop that will plan and administer the information/communication needs
of the annual conference.
K. 13. There shall be a conference information advisory group whose
membership shall not exceed ten (10) persons. The group shall be nominated by
the conference communications office and the conference committee on
nominations and approved by the annual conference but shall not be subject to
the requirements of standing rule C.3. The persons shall include skilled
communicators in print, public relations, electronic and video media.
K. 14. There shall be a committee on personnel policy and practices which
shall consist of a chairperson nominated by the committee on nominations, the
director of connectional ministries, the conference treasurer, the director of
congregational development, the director of ministerial services and spiritual
formation, the executive assistant to the bishop, two lay persons with specific
expertise in the field of human relations, personnel and compensation, and a
member designated by each of the following: the council of finance and
administration, the board of pensions and health benefits, the board of
congregational development, the board of ordained ministry, the advocacy
program team, the conference board of laity, and the cabinet. At least one of the
clergy must be serving in a multi-staff appointment. Its duties shall be to
establish uniform and equitable policies and practices in the employment and
compensation of personnel, in consultation and cooperation with the
aforementioned bodies. These policies and practices shall be in accordance with
the Social Principles (¶ 162 A, E, F, and I). The committee shall receive and
review the rationale for any new position and be satisfied that existing funding
to finance the position is available or appropriate plans to acquire the same are
being followed. No member of the committee shall participate in discussions,
deliberations or vote on any issue which directly affects any aspect of that
member’s or that member’s immediate family’s compensated employment. (¶
613.13 as interpreted by Judicial Council Decision 952).
K. 15. There shall be a north Georgia United Methodist housing and homeless
council which shall be composed of no more than 36 persons nominated by the
conference committee on nominations and elected by the annual conference.
Each district shall be represented by no fewer than two members, one of which
shall be a clergy member in that district and one of whom shall be a lay person
who shall be a member of one of the churches in the district that they represent.
In addition, the following other persons shall be members: a district
superintendent designated by the cabinet; a member of the connectional
ministries staff designated by the director of connectional ministries; the
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director of the council, who shall be a non-voting member; a representative of
the advocacy team, and a representative of the outreach team.
L. Districts
L. 1. District Conference Membership - The membership of the district
conference shall consist of (a) all active and retired clergy and diaconal
ministers serving appointments or holding charge conference membership
within the district and (b) all local church elected, at-large, and ex-officio, lay
members of the annual conference from the district.
L. 2. District Board of Laity – There shall be in each district of the annual
conference a district board of laity composed of the district lay leader who shall
serve as chair, the associate district lay leaders, the district superintendent, the
chair of district connectional ministries or equivalent, the district presidents of
United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men, one (1) youth and one
(1) young adult named by the youth and young adult groups respectively, the
district director of lay speaking and such other persons as the district lay leader
and the district superintendent together may select. The district board of laity
shall elect annual conference at-large delegates from the districts.
L. 3. Election of District Lay Leader and Lay Leadership – The district lay
leader, the district associate lay leaders and the district director of lay speaking
shall be elected annually, on nomination of the district nominating committee,
after consultation with the district board of laity, by the membership of the
district conference at the district orientation meeting before the annual
conference session. It is recommended these officers will serve quadrennially
and will be elected for their first term at the district orientation meeting
immediately preceding the start of the new quadrennium. Replacements for
these positions shall be elected at the annual district orientation meeting as
needed.
M. Conference Related Agencies
M. 1. There shall be a Georgia United Methodist Foundation, Inc., board of
trustees, nominated by the Foundation to be confirmed or denied confirmation
by the annual conference.
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M. 2. There shall be a Methodist Foundation for Retired Ministers Board of
Trustees, nominated in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, to be
confirmed or denied confirmation by the annual conference.
M. 3. There shall be a Simpsonwood, Inc., board of directors, nominated in
accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, to be confirmed or denied
confirmation by the annual conference.
M. 4. There shall be an Action Ministries, Inc., board of directors, nominated in
M. 5. There shall be an Aldersgate Homes board of directors, nominated in
M. 6. There shall be a United Methodist Children's Home board of trustees,
nominated in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, to be confirmed or
denied confirmation by the annual conference.
M. 7. There shall be a Wesley Woods, Senior Living, Inc., board of trustees,
M. 8. There shall be a board of North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries,
denied confirmation by the annual conference. North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries, Inc. is the entity through which camping ministry for children and
youth shall be carried out. The director of North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries is accountable to the conference director of connectional ministries.
N. Joint Ministries of North and South Georgia Conferences
N. 1. There shall be a Georgia Commission on Higher Education and Campus
Ministry. North Georgia at-large membership shall be eleven (11) persons who
shall be selected from throughout the conference. Members shall be nominated
by the annual conference committee on nominations. In addition, North Georgia
ex-officio members shall be the resident bishop of the North Georgia Episcopal
Area, the executive director of the Commission, the presidents of the United
Methodist colleges and universities and the dean of Oxford College, campus
ministers/directors and chaplains, a connectional ministries staff person, a
district superintendent, the presidents of the Conference United Methodist Men
and United Methodist Women, the president of the Georgia Wesley Student
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Movement, and (if applicable) all members of the General Board of Higher
Education who are members of churches of the North Georgia Conference.
N. 2. There shall be a Georgia Pastors' School committee, composed of persons
by virtue of office and at-large members named by the annual conference
committee on nominations.
O. United Methodist Related Institutions of Higher Education
O. 1. There shall be boards of trustees of United Methodist related schools,
nominated in accordance with their Constitution and By-Laws, to be confirmed
or denied confirmation by the annual conference.
O. 2. There shall be boards of directors of Wesley Foundations, nominated in
accordance with their Constitution and By-Laws, to be confirmed or denied
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801. Standing Rules Amendments
C. 4. Annual Conference Planning Committee - There shall be an annual
conference planning committee responsible for setting the agenda for sessions
of the annual conference, recommending the site of the conference annually,
and overall coordination of annual conference. Applications to host the
conference shall be for a period of four consecutive years in one site. The
application shall be submitted to the bishop not less than two and one-half
years before the proposed invitation date eighteen (18) months in advance
and must include adequate data to satisfy the planning committee of the
suitability of the proposed site, with special attention to housing, food service,
seating, congregating areas, parking and all standard public services necessary
to accommodate large numbers of people. All facilities must meet ADA
Accessibility Guidelines. All applications to host the conference must include
an itemized account of anticipated expenses. The site must provide seating for
all members of the conference, both clergy and lay, and for visitors and guests.
The annual conference planning committee shall submit applications
approved by them to the conference council on finance and administration for
approval of projected costs. The planning committee shall advise the conference
concerning the desirability of each acceptable proposed site, including
estimated costs.
The annual conference planning committee shall select one site for
four years sites into the future, but and must reconfirm the site selected for
each of the four years of the approved application that selection within three
(3) years of that scheduled conference. When for unforeseen circumstances
related to finances, logistics or other compelling reasons the annual conference
is not able to hold annual conference at the agreed upon site, the annual
conference planning committee is authorized to work with the conference
council on finance and administration to secure an appropriate alternate site.
The annual conference planning committee shall consist of the
following persons: the bishop; the executive assistant to the bishop; the annual
conference lay leader; the associate conference lay leader(s); the conference
secretary; the dean of the cabinet; the conference presidents of United
Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, conference youth organization,
conference young adult organization, and the conference young adult
committee representative; the chairpersons of the conference worship team, the
conference committee on registration and assistance, and the board of ordained
ministry; the director of connectional ministries; the director of ministerial
services/executive assistant to the bishop, the chairperson of the conference
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council on finance and administration; the conference treasurer; and other
persons selected by the bishop to assure proper representation of persons related
to the work of the committee, such as the host district superintendent and the
host pastor. The bishop or his/her designee shall be the chairperson of the
annual conference planning committee.
Rationale: Selecting a site for a four year period enables more efficient
planning and projection of costs. Additional edits update the membership of the
committee.
F. 2. The director of connectional ministries, in consultation with the resident
bishop, shall chair the connectional table, which shall be composed of the
following persons: resident bishop, director of connectional ministries, district
superintendents, executive assistant to the bishop, director of ministerial
services/ executive assistant to the bishop, director of congregational
development, chairperson of the board of congregational development,
conference treasurer, chairperson of the council on finance and administration,
chairperson of the board of ordained ministry, secretary of the annual
conference, conference chancellor, conference lay leader, associate conference
lay leaders, conference president of United Methodist Women, conference
president of United Methodist Men, president of the conference youth
organization, president of the conference young adult organization, chairperson
of conference personnel practices and policy committee, chairperson of the
board of connectional ministries, chairperson of worship program team,
chairperson of outreach and mission program team, chairperson of leadership
program team, chairperson of discipleship program team, chairperson of the
order of deacons, chairperson of the order of elders, chairperson of the
fellowship of local pastors and associate members, the heads of most recently
elected lay and clergy delegations to general conference, and such at-large
members as the conference committee on nominations shall nominate to
provide for diversity and inclusiveness as regards race/ethnicity/national origin,
age, and gender. The Table’s membership shall be limited to fifty persons. The
eligibility limitations of standing rule C.3. shall not apply to the Connectional
Table.
Rationale: Amendment reflects the current staff titles.
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F. 4. The connectional table could be called into session at such time as the
chair deems it necessary for the benefit of the conference’s work shall meet
regularly twice each year and additional times as considered appropriate or
needful by the bishop and the director of connectional ministries, and shall may
report each year to the annual conference regarding the conference’s
stewardship of its vision and its commitment to the mission and ministry of The
United Methodist Church.
Rationale: All members of the connectional table are conference leaders and
have access to the information in other venues that is shared with/at
connectional table. Leaving it up to the Bishop to call meetings would avoid
repetitive information reporting. This proposed amendment gives the Bishop
leeway to call a meeting when he/she feels the need to, but it does not force us
to meet just because the rule says we have to. Potentially saves money and time.
H. 1. The programming of the annual conference shall be done primarily by
five four (5) program teams – Worship, Outreach and Mission, Resourcing,
Leadership, and Discipleship. Each program team shall be responsible for
several areas of program and ministry, as indicated below, and shall have
authority to form such committees as the Discipline may require for its program
areas or as deemed appropriate for carrying out its responsibilities, while at the
same time continuing to function as a unified team. Each team may enlist
additional persons to assist in its work, and may also form time-limited task
forces to address particular issues or emphases. These five four program teams
shall be accountable to the director of connectional ministries and the board of
connectional ministries for oversight and budget.
Rationale: In 2012 a refreshed structure for Connectional Ministries was
presented and passed by the annual conference. In the presentation material, the
pneumonic device W.O.R.L.D., was used. We were seeking a way to remember
the four ministry areas, Worship, Outreach, Leadership, and Discipleship.
However, WOLD is not particularly memorable. With the addition of the
Connectional Ministries staff who Resource the four teams, we were able to get
the letter R in place and thus, spell the word WORLD, more memorable and
representing the area we claim as our parish.
However, in the subsequent journals, the pneumonic W.O.R.L.D. was
omitted and only the four ministry teams are currently listed. This could
represent confusion for some, and thus, we seek to clarify the matter with the
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small change noted. Beyond the technical language, there are no ramifications
to day to day operations or direction.
Conference Connectional Ministries
K. 14. There shall be a committee on personnel policy and practices which
shall consist of a chairperson nominated by the committee on nominations, the
director of connectional ministries, the conference treasurer, the director of
congregational development, the director of ministerial services/ and spiritual
formation, the executive assistant to the bishop, two lay persons with specific
expertise in the field of human resources relations, personnel and
compensation, and a member designated by each of the following: the council
of finance and administration, the board of pensions and health benefits, the
board of congregational development, the board of ordained ministry, the
advocacy program team, the conference board of laity, and the cabinet. At least
one of the clergy must be serving in a multi-staff appointment. Its duties shall
be to establish uniform and equitable policies and practices in the employment
and compensation of personnel, in consultation and cooperation with the
aforementioned bodies. These policies and practices shall be in accordance with
the Social Principles (¶ 162 A, E, F, and I). The committee shall receive and
review the rationale for any new position and be satisfied that existing funding
to finance the position is available or appropriate plans to acquire the same are
being followed. No member of the committee shall participate in discussions,
deliberations or vote on any issue which directly affects any aspect of that
member’s or that member’s immediate family’s compensated employment. (¶
613.13 as interpreted by Judicial Council Decision 952).
Rationale: The changes reflect current language used for the work of the
committee.
M. Conference Related Agencies
M. 1. There shall be a Georgia United Methodist Foundation, Inc., board of
trustees, nominated by the Foundation to be confirmed or denied confirmation
by the annual conference.
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M. 2. There shall be a Methodist Foundation for Retired Ministers Board of
Trustees, nominated in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, to be
confirmed or denied confirmation by the annual conference.
M. 3. There shall be a Simpsonwood, Inc., board of directors, nominated in
Rationale: Simpsonwood, Inc. is no longer in operation.
M. 3. 4. There shall be an Action Ministries, Inc., board of directors, nominated
in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws, to be confirmed or denied
M.4. 5. There shall be an Aldersgate Homes board of directors, nominated in
M.5. 6. There shall be a United Methodist Children's Home board of trustees,
M.6. 7. There shall be a Wesley Woods, Senior Living, Inc., board of trustees,
M.7. 8. There shall be a board of North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries,
denied confirmation by the annual conference. North Georgia Camp and Retreat
Ministries, Inc. is the entity through which all camping and retreat ministry for
children and youth shall be carried out. The director of North Georgia Camp
and Retreat Ministries is accountable to the conference director of connectional
ministries.
Rationale: The change clarifies the purpose of the board.
Rationale: Re-number Section M. due to deletion of the former M.3. regarding
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center.
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GENERAL CONFERENCE 2016
DELEGATES AND ELECTORS
January 7, 2015
This document is provided in order to serve as a guide for annual conferences as they decide
the eligibility of delegates and electors for the 2016 General Conference.
These guidelines are based on the amended ¶35 and Judicial Council Decision No. 1181.
Amended ¶35, United Methodist Book of Discipline
¶35 – Article IV – The clergy delegates to the General Conference and to the jurisdictional or central conference shall be elected
from the clergy members in full connection and shall be elected by the clergy members of the annual conference or provisional
annual conference who are deacons and elders in full connection, associate members, and those provisional members who have
completed all of their educational requirements and local pastors who have completed Course of Study or an M. Div. degree and
have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election.
Judicial Council Decision No. 1181 (Feb. 12, 2011)
Digest of Case
The persons who are eligible to be elected as clergy delegates to the General Conference, the jurisdictional
conference, or the central conference by the annual conference or the provisional annual conference are the
full clergy members of the annual or provisional conference. Eligibility to be elected is conferred by full
conference membership without regard to ordination or to years of service.
The persons who are eligible to cast ballots as electors in choosing the clergy delegates to the General
Conference, the jurisdictional conference, or the central conference, are (a) the persons who are eligible for
election, (b) the associate members, (c) the provisional members who have been judged by the annual
conference to have completed the educational requirements and have been elected to provisional
membership, and (d) the local pastors who have met two criteria: they have, by either of two options as
determined by the annual conference, completed the constitutionally specified level of education; and they
have been appointed by the bishop and served for two consecutive years, immediately preceding the
election, during which time no withdrawal of the appointed status has occurred.
Any enabling legislation in 2008 Discipline that does not conform to ¶ 35 is unconstitutional.
215
ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS CLERGY DELEGATES:
 Deacons and elders:
o In full connection, active or retired: those elected to full connection during or before the 2015
Clergy Session are eligible to vote and serve as delegates, even if they have not yet been ordained
o Leave categories eligible for election:
 Sabbatical Leave (¶352), Voluntary Leave of Absence (Personal, Family, Transitional) (¶354),
Maternity or Paternity Leave (¶356), Medical Leave (¶357)
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS CLERGY DELEGATES:
 Leave categories not eligible for election:
o Involuntary Leave of Absence (¶355.7), Honorable Location (¶359.2), Administrative Location
(¶360.3)
 Provisional members
 Associate members
 Local Pastors
ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR CLERGY DELEGATES:
 Deacons or elders in full connection (active or retired)
 Leave Categories eligible to vote: Voluntary Leaves of Absence (personal, family, transitional)
(¶354), Sabbatical Leave (¶352), Maternity or Paternity Leave (¶356), Medical Leave (¶357)
 Provisional members who have completed all their educational requirements and have been elected
to provisional membership
o N.B. With the new wording of ¶35, deacons and elders who have been elected to provisional
membership, but not yet commissioned, are eligible to vote.1
 Associate members (active or retired)
 Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study or a M.Div. degree and have served a minimum
of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding election.2
Judicial Council Decision No. 1181 states that “the person has ‘served’ an appointment fixed by the bishop for
two consecutive conference years as that term is commonly applied.”
NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR CLERGY DELEGATES:
 Leave categories not eligible to vote: Clergy on Honorable Location (¶359), Clergy on
Administrative Location (¶363), Clergy on Involuntary Leave of Absence (¶355.7)
 Local Pastors who do not meet the criteria listed above
“As a practical matter, an annual conference may delay its first ballot for selecting clergy delegates until after answering the
question “Who have ‘completed all of their educational requirements’ for provisional membership?” (Judicial Council Decision
No. 1181).
2 In annual conferences, it is the bishop’s responsibility to make rulings of law as they apply to the Book of Discipline.
1
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Laity Handbook
Candidates for Election as
Lay Delegates
to the
2016 General and
Jurisdictional Conferences
North Georgia Conference of
217
Candidate 1
Rick Thornton Adams
Address: 234 Pine Drive, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Home: 706-663-4420
Mobile: 305-546-9144
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Retired Teacher/ Youth Leader
Church: Pine Mountain First UMC
District: LaGrange
Gender: Male
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian
Age Group: Adult
Rick T. Adams is a member of
First United Methodist Church of Pine
Mountain. For three years he was the
Youth Leader. After 38 years, Rick retired
from teaching in Miami, Fla. He taught
31 years in the public schools and seven
years in a Christian School. During the
last six years, in addition to being the
theatre, Debate and SAT Math teacher,
he was the Fine Arts Chair overseeing a
$300,000 budget. Rick was honored at
four schools as the Teacher of the Year.
Most of his adult life, he was a
member of a United Methodist Church.
Two of the churches were the largest in
the Miami District and for many years
his family was an integral part in the
operation of a smaller church. Positions
that he has held include Liturgist, Lay
leader, Sunday School Superintendent,
Youth Leader (paid and volunteer). At
Kendall UMC he was on the Worship
Design team for three years. He has
served on many committees. His first
committee was the education committee
at Van Nuys Methodist Church as a high
school student.
Rick has been a certified Lay Speaker
(Lay Servant) for over 20 years. He has
filled the pulpit in many Churches in
South Florida and the LaGrange District in
Georgia.
Rick is married to Sandra, the
Church’s Children’s Leader, for 42 years.
They have 3 adult daughters.
The requirements for an effective
delegate appears to be a researcher,
available, a speaker, a team member.
He has an advanced degree (M. A. in
theatre), was a Fellow at Northwestern
University and a teacher/researcher at
NYU. He was a speech professor for 10
years.
The Love of Jesus and God’s Word
will guide his duties in this position.
He would be honored to accept the
responsibility as a Lay Delegate.
1
Candidate 2
John Adcox
Address: 2116 McLendon Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Mobile: 404-759-6069
Occupation: CEO
Church: Inman Park UMC
District: Atlanta-Emory
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Over the course a 20+ year career,
John Adcox has held a number of titles
including Executive Producer, Vice
President of Digital Media, Creative
Director, Vice President of Creative
Services, and CEO.
A few of his clients have included
AT&T, Mercedes-Benz, Holiday Inn, CocaCola, UPS, Goodwill, Time Warner, Disney,
Delta Air Lines, 3M, Ford, and many
more. In addition, he has hosted a radio
show, acted professionally,
designed games, written a play for a
professional theatre company, taught
university astronomy, and written
articles on mythology, psychology,
technology, religion, and marketing
strategy.
He is presently the CEO of ePic
Books, a start-up focusing on a
transmedia technology platform that
can expand what an ebook can be, and a
partner in a new film fund.
John’s many, many interests include
literature, religion and philosophy,
mythology, the Arthurian legends,
travel, baseball, science fiction and
fantasy, marketing communications,
Celtic music, new media, theatre,
politics, astronomy, and cosmological
physics.
John is also the lay leader at Inman
Park UMC. In a climate where far, far too
many churches, across virtually
all geographic, denominational, and
demographic lines, especially those in
young, affluent, in-town neighborhoods,
are struggling, Inman Park has been
blessed with more than five years of
growth and success.
In 2007, worship attendance
averaged around 30 people on Sundays.
Today, that number is more than 100,
and the growth shows no signs of
waning. God is doing some amazing
work at Inman Park, and we hope that
our (admittedly audacious) strategic
vision document — which includes new
ideas for reaching millennials and young
families, might be a model to help other
churches duplicate our success. With
all modesty, we think Inman Park has
something to add to the conversation at
General Conference, and we would be
honored to have a representative there.
2
Candidate 3
Lily del C. Berrios
Address: 681 Upton Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Home: 404-352-8029
Mobile: 404-281-9900
Occupation: Architect
Church: St. Mark UMC
Gender: Female
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasian Hispanic
Age Group: Adult
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico,
the granddaughter of one of the first
native Puerto Rican Methodist pastors.
My parents and family were Methodist
leaders. When I came to Cornell to
study architecture and begin my career,
I remained active in local church’s
ministries as I do to this day. Since 1987,
I have lived in Atlanta, with my husband
Walt, and our daughters.
My journey as a Methodist has been
marked by unique experiences. For one,
I first worshiped in Spanish. To this day,
hearing many Methodist hymn tunes
evokes the Spanish in my head as I sing in
English. In addition, I learned to navigate
the waters of Christian diversity quickly
for as a Methodist, I was a minority in
a mainly Roman Catholic country. The
words “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open
Doors” carry significant meaning for
me as I experienced them from that
perspective. The key, I found, is to have
God’s love in our hearts and to focus on
the faith that unites us, not the issues
that divide us.
Within that context, I feel it is critical
that we remain a church of relevance.
Specifically, we must find the best ways
to engage several groups: The younger
generations—children, youth, and
young adults. They value transparency,
diversity and the genuine expression of
God’s unconditional love for all. Also the
marginalized, those living at the edges
of our society. Finally, we must build on
our multicultural strengths in the U.S.
and internationally; I like to serve as
an instrument in reinforcing these ties.
Being an inclusive church that makes
love, justice, equality, and peace the
grounds for ministry and church polity is
essential to reaching out internationally,
to bringing the marginalized home, and
to attracting and keeping our youth and
opening leadership to them.
3
Candidate 4
Jonathan Rikard Brown
Address: 3122 Vine Circle, Decatur, GA 30033
Mobile: 404-536-4024
Occupation: Director of Youth Ministries
Church: Stone Mountain UMC
District: Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford
Gender: Male
Age Group: Young Adult
My name is Jonathan Rikard Brown.
I am a life-long member of the United
Methodist Church, and the son of two
United Methodist pastors. My mother,
Joy Rikard Brown, is retired from a career
in the North Georgia Annual Conference
In the past year I married Rev. Dr. Katy
Hinman, the associate pastor of Decatur
First United Methodist. I am currently
the director of Youth Ministry at Zoar
United Methodist. I hold a BA in religious
Studies from Brevard College. I also have
a Masters of Art in Religious Studies from
the University of Georgia.
Far too many time when lines in the
sand have been drawn our church has
stood on the wrong side with stones in
our hand. It is our time to move across
those lines and stand with Jesus. So that
we love all we encounter. I have had
the privilege to work at several United
Methodist churches. They include Coosa
UMC, Maple Avenue UMC, and Decatur
First United Methodist. I have always
been connected with the church I have
always prayed for the church to move
in the will of God. Sometimes I have
disagreed with decisions of the church I
have always remained loyal and faithfully
loved the church. It is with this in mind
that I seek election to represent the laity
of North Georgia at General Conference.
It is time that our leadership sought to
live out the open doors we advertise.
If I was elected I would push for the
United Methodist Church to move into
a place of tolerance and acceptance.
A church that allows all to lead and be
welcome, be they female, male, black,
white, gay, or straight. It is time that we
allow our theology of Grace to lead our
leader. It is my prayer that if I was elected
I would be a voice for that grace.
4
Candidate 5
Randy Brown
Address: 127 Camden Road, Griffin, GA 30223
Home Phone: 770-412-6506 Mobile Phone: 770-401-4030
Occupation: Retired Systems Analyst
Church: Wesley Chapel UMC
District: Griffin
Gender: Male
Ethnic Heritage: African American
Age Group: Adult
Thank you for considering me to
serve as a 2016 delegate. The United
Methodist Church is the foundation of
my faith. I believe that the Church is the
only movement in the world that exists
for those not yet disciples. When we live
out our mission of spreading scriptural
holiness, we transform communities for
the sake of Christ. In the community, I
volunteer and support the local schools,
work with programs to reach at-risk
males academically. As a member of the
Conference community, I participated in
the Bridges Mission trips to Uganda and
Venezuela. This experience helped me
live into John Wesley’s understanding of
the “world is our parish.”
For our United Methodist Church
to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world, I would
support:
• Maintaining, strengthening and
preserving the Wesleyan traditions
and the Book of Discipline as our
way of living together as United
Methodists
• Our commitment as faithful witnesses
of the gospel and the Holy Bible as
rule and guide for all decisions
• Developing effective leadership that is
doing the evangelistic work of Christ
• Empowering laity and clergy who are
enlisted and equipped to serve
If elected, I pledge to give my time,
talent, gifts, service and witness to the
General and/or Jurisdictional Conferences
and represent the interests of North
Georgia.
Conference:
• Member, Board of Leadership UMC
• Graduate Leadership UMC, 2012-2013
• Lay Teller
• Attendee at 2012 Southeastern
Jurisdiction
District:
• Associate District Director of Lay
Servant Ministries
• At-Large Delegate to Annual
Conference
Local Church:
• Lay Leader
• Certified Lay Servant
• Facilitator Disciple and Special Studies
• Member – Finance, Higher Education,
Christian Education, United Methodist
Men, Missions and Veterans Ministries
• Previous Leadership – Chairperson
of Administrative Council and Staff
Parish Relations, Vice Chair Christian
Education
Other:
• Volunteer – Local Schools
• Toastmaster – District Officer
5
Candidate 6
Deloris F. Carhee
Address: 892 Cascade Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30331
Home: 404-505-1472 Mobile: 770-361-9387
Occupation: Part-time Administrative Assistant
Church: Calvary UMC
District: Atlanta-College Park
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
My name is Deloris Fugh Carhee and
I would be honored to represent the Laity
at the 2016 General and Jurisdictional
Conferences. I have been actively
involved in leadership positions in the
church over 20 years. I would like the
opportunity to use my God given talents,
and to pray, listen and put my faith into
action to help make decisions by focusing
on the mission of the church.
Currently, I am the Conference United
Methodist Women Parliamentarian,
Assistant Dean of the Mission u Event,
member of the Conference Resolutions
Committee, and Conference Nominating
Committee. I am the District Secretary
for Connectional Ministries and District
Lay Member Delegate. I am a member at
Calvary United Methodist Church in the
Atlanta College Park District and serve as:
a certified Lay Speaker, local unit United
Methodist Women Mission Coordinator,
Finance/Stewardship committee member,
Lay Leadership and Development
member, Sunday School teacher and New
Members class leader.
I have served in numerous
Conference United Methodist Women
positions such as: President, Vice
President, Spiritual Growth Coordinator,
Nominations Committee and Dean
and Assistant Dean of the Conference
Cooperative Mission Education Event.
Other positions served were Dean of
South Atlantic Regional School for the
Southeastern Jurisdiction, District United
Methodist Women Vice President, District
Committee of Superintendency, District
Associate Lay Leader, Basic Lay Speaker
Teacher and leadership positions in my
local church (Calvary).
I am married to Winston K. Carhee
Sr. Together, we have two adult
children, Latina Sharice, Winston Kyle
Jr., a daughter-in-law, Chantaye and two
grandsons, Winston Kyle III (2 years) and
William Christopher (5 months).
I received my education at Memphis
State and Georgia State University. I
am retired from Delta Air Lines and was
rehired as a contractor.
6
Candidate 7
Kate Coleman
Address: 4053 Kingston Hwy., Kingston, GA 30145
Mobile: 404-539-5002
Occupation: Student
Church: Barnsley UMC
District: ROCA
Gender: Female
Kate Coleman has been a Methodist
all her 21 years of life. She grew up at
Grayson UMC, but currently attends
Barnsley UMC where her mother is the
pastor.
She has been involved in church
activities all her life, participating in
choir, musical productions at church,
youth groups and enjoys working in
volunteer positions at food banks and
homeless shelters. She loves to support
organizations like Stop Hunger Now
and Rome Action Ministries. She has
organized a regional group of people
in the Rome area who are interested in
radical hospitality and drawing the circle
wide. She is a firm believer that “All
means All” and believes that all people
are deserving of God’s grace and love.
She has an Associate of Arts degree
in Psychology from Georgia Highlands and
will be attending the University of West
Georgia in Carrollton as a junior in the
Fall of 2015.
Her hobbies include painting and
writing. She enjoys video games and has
built her own computer. She is currently
taking flying lessons and hopes to use
her flying as a missional tool with an
organization like Angel Flight that flies
sick people from rural areas to hospitals
for treatment. She holds a 2nd degree
black belt in Tang Soo Do and is working
on her black belt in Hapkido.
She is interested in helping the
church develop relationships in nontraditional ways with the least, the last
and the lost. She is concerned about
those who live in the margins of this
world. After graduation she is most
interested in working with women who
are victims are domestic abuse and
violence. She says that her ideal job
would be working with individuals that
are not particularly comfortable with the
church and help build a bridge between
the church and these vulnerable children
of God.
7
Candidate 8
Debora Constable
Address: 245 Kentwell Lane, Decatur, GA 30035
Home: 770-593-0676 Mobile: 404-717-2431
Occupation: Professor
Church: Glen Haven UMC
Gender: Female
Ethnic Heritage: Hispanic / African American
Age Group: Adult
I am an Accounting Professor at
Georgia Perimeter College. I am a single
parent of a 24 year old, soon to be a
college graduate. Currently, I am the
caregiver for my 90 year old Mother, who
is still in good health and is an active
member of the choir at her church which
is Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Decatur,
Ga.
For the last 14 years I have been a
member in good standing of Glen Haven
United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ga.
Currently I am the Assistant
Director of Lay Servant Ministries of the
Atlanta Decatur Oxford District. I am
the President of Glen Haven’s United
Methodist Women and I am also on
the Conference United Methodist Women
Nominations Committee. I am the
Director of Glen Haven’s Vacation Bible
School. For the past 5 years I hosted a
Back to School donation drive where we
collected school bags and supplies for
Canby Lane Elementary School. We have
donated more than 500 book bags and
school supplies in the five years. Other
positions that I have held are Treasurer,
Administrative Council Secretary, Choir
member, and Sunday school Director.
As stated in the UM Book of
Discipline “Our forebears in the faith
reaffirmed the ancient Christian message
as found in the apostolic witness even as
they applied it anew in their own
circumstances”. In 2015 we must
remember our heritage and seek to reach
others and apply the Gospel of Jesus
Christ anew in our own circumstances.
We must be inclusive and accept that
God loves us all. We may not agree with
each other but it is not for us to judge or
exclude others because they are not like
us. Jesus met people who were different
and thought them love. We must do the
same.
8
Candidate 9
Tom Cook
Address: 1820 Peachtree St NW, Unit 1202, Atlanta, GA 30309
Mobile: 678-576-0180
Occupation: Attorney
Church: Peachtree Road UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Elected Jurisdictional Delegate in
2008. Elected Jurisdictional Alternate
in 2004 and 2012, and was seated as
voting delegate for both Jurisdictional
Conferences.
Chancellor (legal council) to
North Georgia Conference for past
20 years, focusing on helping this
annual conference and local churches
improve their ministries through better
understanding of legal and Disciplinary
standards. Past vice president and
member of Board of United Methodist
Church Chancellors Conference (UMC3)
and presentely serve on its Book of
Discipline recodification committee.
Teach at district training sesions and
national UMC legal conferences. Member
of the Simpsonwood Declaratory
Judgement Task Force, which cleared
legal hurdles to selling Simpsonwood.
Previously served as district lay
leader, secretary of the predecessor
to the Board of Laity, president of
Conference Board of Trustees and twoterm member of the Committee on
Finance and Administration. Member
of Vision Task Force and successory
Connectional Table since its inception.
In my local churches, I have served
as teacher, musician, and administrative
leader.
This denomination has been at its
strongest when it was a centrist church,
a diverse church under a big tent and a
church which reached out to all in joy.
The slogan of the United Methodist
Church, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open
Doors” offers us a direction in which
we should strive in order to be a more
centrist denomination. I will work for
legislation which will help the Church live
that slogan.
The United Methodist Church has
been the church of my family for all our
lives. I am committed to working for
its strengthening at the 2016 General
and Jurisdictional conferences. My
knowledge of church law, structure,
and goals, and my contacts both within
the annual conference and throughout
Methodism give me a unique opportunity
to represent North Georgia as a delegate
to these conferences.
9
Candidate 10
Beth Corrie
Address: 485 Oakdale Road NE, APT 24C
Home: 404-681-5030 Mobile: 678-595-9175
Occupation: Teacher
Church: Druid Hills UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
In my work with seminary students
at Candler School of Theology and with
high school students through the Youth
Theological Initiative, I have the privilege
of glimpsing not just the future of our
church, but the present young leaders
we already have, but do not always listen
to as carefully, or support as fully as we
should. These passionate, faithful young
people challenge me to consider how The
United Methodist Church will continue to
welcome their voices and contributions
as full members of the Body of Christ. I
spoke about this in my public address
during the Conference Laity Luncheon in
2014, because it is central to my Christian
vocation.
As a delegate to General Conference,
I would support policies and elect
leaders that will strengthen and grow
the active membership of youth and
young adults in our churches. How can
we meet the spiritual needs of this
generation? How can we partner with
them to embody Christ’s love inside and
outside the church walls? How can we
listen and respond to their challenges to
us as we live through this time of great
change as an institution? I pray that my
service would help find answers to these
questions.
A member of The United Methodist
Church since confirmation, I have served
the church locally as Church Council
Chair (2003-2006), and as Lay Member
of North Georgia Annual Conference
(2009-present) at Druid Hills UMC.
I have also served my District and
Conference, offering workshops and
serving as representative for Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns on
the Conference Leadership Team (2013present). I received my M.Div. from
Candler School of Theology in 1996, and
my Ph.D. in 2002 from Emory University.
In my current work at Candler, I serve the
church by mentoring students considering
a call to ministry, discipleship and
witness.
10
Candidate 11
Howard R. Cox
Address: 4380 Mikandy Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Home: 770-924-9158
Mobile: 770-366-6629
Occupation: Development Officer
Church: Kennesaw UMC
District: Atlanta-Marietta
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
God has empowered the United
Methodist Church to fulfill His Global
mission of making disciples of Christ. I
ask for your vote to elect me to the 2016
General or Jurisdictional Conferences
so that I can represent your traditional
biblical values through disciplinary edicts.
I Support:
• Focus UMC Evangelism as a joint
effort of the laity and clergy by
opening our doors locally, nationally
and worldwide to spread the word of
Jesus Christ.
• Financial responsibility at all levels
of Methodism to ensure responsible
spending as a means to reduce local
congregational apportionments
• Develop youth and young adults
programs throughout Methodism
that are evangelically structured to
give them a voice and opportunities
to serve on boards and agencies that
help mold the future of the church.
• Wesleyan orthodox theology and
doctrinal standards as outlined in
the Book of Discipline which require
compliance and accountability by all
laity and clergy.
• Continuous commitment to diversity
of race, ethnicity, cultures and
languages in all aspects of Methodism
thereby allowing all brothers and
sisters in Christ have a place at the
table
As a District and Regional Manager
for Fortune 500 consumer product
and pharmaceutical companies I have
extensive experience in team building
and negotiating skills. I understand the
nuance of working within a team
framework without sacrificing my
personal beliefs and integrity.
My skills provide me with unique
qualification to serve as your delegate to
the General Conference.
I pledge to bring a fresh and
innovative prospective as a delegate to
General Conference. My voice will be
your voice on all debates concerning
resolutions or amendments as well as
voting on all issues according to the
orthodox teachings of the North Georgia
Conference.
SERVICE
Leadership UMC I, Lay Service, Trustee
Chairman, SPR Chairman, Lay Leader,
MUST Ministries.
11
Candidate 12
Keith Cox
Address: 165 Willow Brook Dr., Roswell, GA 30076
Home: 678-585-9816 Mobile: 678-230-7684
Occupation: Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services
Church: Dunwoody UMC
District: Atlanta-Roswell
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Name: Keith Martin Cox
Home Church: Dunwoody UMC. I have
served on the Finance Committee and
currently serve on SPRC
Family: Married to Kay, also a member
of Dunwoody UMC. We have a grown
son and daughter, and have two
granddaughters.
Conference/District Info: I am an at
large delegate from the Atlanta-Roswell
District. I served as a Jurisdictional
Delegate in 2012 and 2004.
General Church Work: Member of
the Economic Advisory Committee of
the General Council on Finance and
Administration. Member of the United
Methodist Development Fund Board.
Employment: Conference Treasurer and
Director of Administrative Services from
2001-present. Member of the “Extended
Cabinet”, the Council on Finance and
Administration, Conference Board of
Pension and Health Benefits, Conference
Board of Trustees and Conference
Personnel Committee.
Civic Activities: I serve as the Treasurer
of the Rotary Club of Brookhaven
(Atlanta), where I am a past president,
and am the Secretary of the Horseshoe
Bend Community Association Board of
Directors.
Education/Credentials: BS in
Accounting from Auburn University;
MBA in Finance from the University of
Southern Mississippi; Certified Treasury
Professional (CTP) from the Association
of Financial Professionals
Positions on Salient Issues:
• I believe that the “security of
appointment” hinders accountability.
It has resulted in a multitude of
processes and procedures that
attempt to effect accountability. I
believe there is a strong correlation
between our membership decline
in the US and the security of
appointment
• I will work to maintain the UMC as a
unified denomination to the glory of
God, with the tenets of the current
Book of Discipline serving as the
framework.
• I believe that we need to continue to
focus on maximizing the ministry and
mission components of Conference
(including the Districts) and General
apportionments, while carefully
managing administrative overhead.
12
Candidate 13
Linda Culpepper
Address: 456 East Trippe St, PO Box 146, Harlem, GA 30814
Mobile: 706-833-4224
Occupation: Former Educator
Church: Harlem UMC
District: Augusta
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
As a fourth generation Methodist I
am very concerned about our future and
will work tirelessly with clergy and laity
alike to keep our church united through
sound doctrine and discipline. I believe
strongly in building relationships in and
outside of the church, in respect for all
members and that mission work is the
greatest act of worship we perform.
I support:
• The Bible as the true word of God,
Wesleyan theology and the Book of
Discipline.
• Our present disciplinary position on
issues of sexuality and human life.
• Good stewardship not only of
financial, but also our time and
talents.
• Accountability for our resources by
the leadership and thereby reducing
the local apportionments.
• Reaching out to the unchurched,
especially youth and young adults,
with new and innovative programs to
make disciples for Christ.
• Working toward a revitalization of
worship styles which will appeal to
our younger generations.
• Diversity in all churches with regard
to race, culture and language; there
•
should be a place for all in the church.
Expanding missions through the local
and global church.
Having worked in education for
thirty years during which time I served
on several local and county-wide
committees, I am well acquainted
with teamwork, planning and making
sometimes difficult decisions. I would be
honored to serve as a delegate to General
and Jurisdictional Conference, and I can
be counted upon to be faithful to my
convictions.
Service and Development:
• Augusta District Lay Leader (20112015)
• 4 years member Conference Board of
Laity
• 5 years Lay Member at Large to
Annual Conference
• Graduate of Leadership UMC
• 4 years District UMW officer
• 6 years Unit UMW President
• 3 three–year terms, Church Council
Chair
• 3 years Worship Chair
• 3 years member on SPRC
• Completed Disciple Bible Studies I-IV,
Jesus in the Gospels
13
Candidate 14
Pamela Cornwall Duncan
Address: 1102 Springdale Road, Atlanta, GA 30306
Home: 404-687-8900
Mobile: 404-606-1932
Occupation: Director of Public Programs at Children’s Museum
Church: Druid HIlls UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
My inspiration to offer to serve as
a Lay Delegate to the 2016 General and
Jurisdictional Conferences came during
my participation in the Leadership
UMC program. During the January 2015
session I was giving the devotional on the
beatitudes and felt a strong connection
with every participant in the room. After
the devotional I was approached by some
who wanted to express the connection
they had felt to the devotion. As the class
continued I was inspired by our teacher
saying that the function of leadership
is to create more leaders. That really
resonated with me.
I have been an active member of
Druid Hills United Methodist Church for
22 years. During that time I have served
as Church Board Chair for the Preschool,
Chair of Staff Parish Relations Committee,
Chair of Administrative Council, Chair of
Music and Worship Arts, and I currently
serve as Lay Leader. I received my
certificate in Lay Servant Ministries in
2014. I have been married for 24 years to
a lifelong Methodist—our two wonderful
children, Annie and Jack, were baptized
and confirmed at Druid Hills UMC.
The mission of The United Methodist
Church is achieved through vital
congregations that equip and empower
people to make disciples of Jesus Christ
at home and communities around the
world. I believe that vital congregations
are the only way we can sustain our
future. Our churches need to be spirit
filled places that welcome all people and
our worship services need to be polished
and empowering. Vital congregations
have, and create, gifted, empowered,
and equipped lay leadership. I feel called
to be a part of that leadership, serving
as delegate to General Conference with
dignity and grace.
14
Candidate 15
Bob Fincher
Address: 1595 Park Chase, Cumming, GA 30041
Mobile: 770-653-5577
Occupation: Retired Senior Executive Officer
Church: Mount Pisgah UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Thank you for electing me to
represent you as delegate at the 2012
Jurisdictional Conference and reserve
delegate at the 2012 General Conference.
I desire to continue serving as there are
issues to be addressed so the United
Methodist Church can remain a vital
evangelistic force.
I support:
• Teaching orthodox theology in the
Wesleyan Christian tradition.
• Authority of Scripture and the current
Book of Discipline with compliance
and accountability by all United
Methodist.
• Developing and promoting Bible based
programs that will attract and retain
youth and young adults in the church.
• The Great Commission, to make
disciples by promoting small groups
in local churches and providing
discipleship training.
• Conference sponsored programs on
evangelism, missions, stewardship and
leadership assisting local churches in
congregational development.
• Faithful and accountable relationships
between laity and clergy in the work
of the church.
• Fair conference representation on all
General Church boards and agencies.
• Continued restructuring of boards
and agencies, refining conference
budgets and reducing local church
apportionments.
Current Service:
• General Church: 2012 General and
• Annual Conference: Trustee, UMC
Foundation for Retired Ministers;
Stewardship
• Chair, Worship Committee; Stream
Team
• District: Executive Committee;
Finance Committee
• Local Church: Church
Council; PPRC; Executive
Committee; Stephen Minister;
Emmaus; Kenya Mission Teams; Men’s
Discipleship Ministry
Experience in the local Church,
District, Annual Conference, General
and Jurisdictional Conferences, as well
as, corporate experience negotiating
agreements with international markets
in multiple countries will serve as a
foundation for addressing issues coming
before our global General Conference.
As a humble servant of Christ,
desiring to represent you, I welcome your
continuing input. If elected for the 2016
Conferences, I will serve to the best of
my ability while seeking guidance from
the Holy Spirit.
15
Candidate 16
Jane Finley
Address: 416 Black Mountain Road, Toccoa, GA 30577
Home: 706-886-4039
Mobile: 404-403-3969
Occupation: Volunteer
Church: Toccoa First UMC
District: Gainesville
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
THANK YOU for electing me to
General and Jurisdictional Conferences
in the past. I was honored to serve as
Conference Lay Leader last quadrennium.
Through these valuable opportunities,
you equipped me to represent you with
knowledge, insight and experience.
I SUPPORT:
• Orthodox theology and Christian
teachings of Wesley including
compliance and accountability to
uphold current Book of Discipline by
clergy and laity;
• Evangelism as the main focus of UMC;
laity and clergy in ministry of prayer
and mission to proclaim Jesus Christ
as Lord;
• Mentoring lay leadership through
developmental programs such as
Leadership UMC, Lay Revitalization,
and Lay Servant Ministry;
• Working with youth/young adults to
make disciples, seeking innovative
ways to attract the unchurched
through mission, community
involvement and the church as a place
of refuge for all of God’s people;
• Seek opportunities for youth to
explore God’s call to ministry and
service, encouraging the planting of
new worship places;
• • Ecumenical partnerships fostering
God’s love and grace throughout the
world;
Budgeting within our financial means
at the general church level; reducing
local church apportionments.
I pledge my time and energy to
prayerfully represent laity and clergy, if
elected.
•
SERVICE:
GENERAL CHURCH: Connectional
Table, Four Areas of Focus taskforce;
Commission on General Conference,
Rules Committee.
SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION:
Episcopacy Committee
CONFERENCE: Director, Leadership UMC;
Chair, Journal Handbook Committee;
Member: Board of Laity, Episcopacy
Committee, Trustees, Connectional Table;
Lay Servant Ministries.
DISTRICT: Chair, Connectional Table;
Member: Board of Laity, Board of
Ordained Ministry, Committee on Lay
Leadership, Church Development;
Connectional Group Coordinator.
LOCAL CHURCH: Lay Leadership;
Stephens Minister; Disciple Bible Study.
OTHER: KSU Wesley Foundation Board;
GA NARFE Federation Editor; GFMC
Secretary; Leadership Development
Facilitator.
Holy Spirit, help me to be a living
example of your Word, a disciple of your
teachings and a humble, willing servant!
16
Candidate 17
Sally Foster
Address: 4971 Leisure Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Home: 770-986-7063
Mobile: 770-335-5833
Occupation: Retired
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
I have been a Methodist since
1963 when I was confirmed at Lanham
Methodist Church in Lanham, MD. I was
legally married last year in Forestville, CA
to my partner of 13 years. I transferred
my membership in the late 1990’s to St.
Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta,
GA. I have served on the Board of
Trustees, Administrative Council, and the
Choir committee. I am a supporter of our
Breakfast Club homeless feeding program
and many other ministries and missions
of the church.
My position on an issue that I think is
vital for the church’s survival and growth
is to be true to our “Open Doors, Open
Minds, Open Hearts” motto. I feel that
often the rules and regulations of the
church, though necessary to preserve
order vs. chaos, dictate discrimination
against our Christian brothers and
sisters in Christ who are in the LBGTQ
community. We are hypocritical when
we have a slogan of “Open Doors, Open
Minds, Open Hearts” yet we refuse to
acknowledge and embrace our LBGTQ
Christian brothers and sisters that are
already marginalized by society. The
Presbyterians and Episcopalians are
already showing grace toward our LBGTQ
Christian brothers and sisters yet we as
Methodists seem stuck in the dark ages
of prejudice. If the Pope of the Catholic
Church can find it in his heart to say
“Who am I to judge gay people” how can
we as Methodists judge this group?
As a life-long Methodist I have great
hope for our future as a church if we can
be true to our slogan. At St. Mark United
Methodist Church we practice grace and
non-discrimination as is evident by the
diversity of our congregation and our
ministries. This seems like a good model
to me for the rest of the churches in our
denomination.
17
Candidate 18
Gary Fuller
Address: 2116 Stephens Walk, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Home: 770-455-1186
Mobile: 404-713-8690
Occupation: Former CEO
Church: Kingswood UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Thank you for electing me
as a delegate to two General and
Jurisdictional Conferences. I have
worked to maintain a unified UMC with
a commitment to the teaching and
practice of our traditional biblical values
on matters relating to personal holiness,
social justice and the sanctity of the
marriage covenant.
I support:
• energetic and aggressive evangelistic
missionary activities involving youth
and young adults;
• the spiritual vitality that is generated
through an active small-group ministry
and the revitalization of our small
churches;
• teaching the Bible as the inspired
and authoritative Word of God that
is relevant today and maintaining our
distinctive Wesleyan emphases;
• a continued strong commitment to
racial reconciliation;
• prayer for living with assurance of
faith as empowered witnesses;
• faithfulness to our United Methodist
heritage, upholding scriptural
Christianity as stated in our current
Book of Discipline;
• cost-effective governance with fiscal
responsibility and accountability from
all boards and agencies to help us
reduce local church apportionments.
As President & CEO of Woolworth
Overseas Corporation I managed a global
business operation and have extensive
experience negotiating contracts with
foreign governments and building bridges
between people groups in different
cultures. I believe my experience
uniquely qualifies me to serve as a
delegate to the General Conference.
If you elect me, my pledge is to use
my management and leadership skills
to be a voice that represents North
Georgia values during the debates that
take place on proposed resolutions and
amendments to our Book of Discipline.
Together we can make a difference!
General Church: 2008, 2012 General and
Jurisdictional Conference Delegate
Conference: Board of Laity; Conference
Finance & Administration; Leadership
UMC; Connectional Café Speaker; Church
Development Coach; NGUM Foundation
Webinars
AROS District: Lay Leader;
Superintendency; Finance; Certified Lay
Servant Instructor
Kingswood: past Lay Leader; SPR, Council,
SS and Disciple Teacher; UMM; Emmaus.
18
Candidate 19
Rachel Fullerton
Address: 1172 Newbridge Trace, Atlanta, GA 30319
Mobile: 404-625-6905
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Church: Embry Hills UMC
Gender: Female
I am Rachel Fullerton and I am
offering to serve as a delegate to General
Conference. I am a ”cradle United
Methodist.” My dad, Lee Fullerton, has
been a pastor for forty-three years in
the North Georgia Conference. My mom,
Karen Fullerton, is the North Georgia
Conference Benefits Officer.
I was raised to be active in the
churches to which my dad was appointed.
I learned the value of serving by working
in the Tenth Street UMC food pantry,
the importance of worship as an acolyte,
and learned leadership skills in UMYF at
Allen Memorial UMC. When we moved to
Chamblee First UMC, I was a member of
one of the first teenaged UMW circles in
the conference. As a teenager and young
adult, I discovered the joys of our “life
together” in the Wesleyan tradition while
going on local church and conference
mission projects to Honduras, New
Orleans, Jacksonville, Mountain Top, and
Hinton Rural Life Center.
When I attended Wesleyan College,
a United Methodist institution, I
participated in Wesleyan Disciples, a
campus ministry led by the Reverend
Bill Hurdle. Wesleyan Disciples focused
on community building, worship, study,
and service. Reverend Hurdles’ advice,
“Love for the sheer joy of loving” helped
shape me into the woman I am today. I
am currently an active member at Embry
Hills UMC, where you can find me with
the young adults, volunteering with
the youth ministry on Sunday evenings,
participating in the Square Pegs UMW
circle, and serving as a worship leader.
I am the young adult lay representative
on the Annual Conference Planning
Committee. I would like the opportunity
to add another young voice to the
growing chorus of young people from
across the connection that seek to make
disciples of Christ for the transformation
of the world.
19
Candidate 20
Geraldine “Geri” Harris
Address: 4711 Bishop Ming Blvd., Suite C132, Stone Mtn, GA 30088
Home: 770-808-7025
Mobile: 770-808-7025
Occupation: Election Official
Church: Trinity UMC Atlanta
Gender: Female
Ethnic Heritage: African-American
Age Group: Adult
The vital issues facing the Church
today are hot topics. I possess
experience, fortitude to make choices
from a biblical, challenging , loving
and moral perspective. As a General
Conference delegate, led by the Holy
Spirit, I feel competent to integrate the
discipline of Wesleyan spirituality and
Christian discipleship to perfect the
Church’s mission.
Personal and Education: native of
Nashville, TN; undergraduate degree from
the University of Iowa; graduate studies
at NYU and the University of Missouri;
member of Trinity United Methodist
Church – Atlanta for 30 years.
Leadership roles at Trinity UMC:
current Lay Leader, liturgist and liturgy
writer: pastchair of Admin Council,
Worship, Evangelism, and Education
committees.
Leadership roles in the Atlanta
College Park District: Past District
Lay Leader, Director of Lay Speaking
Ministries, Committees of Ordained
Ministries and Superintendency;
presently District Nominating Committee
member; provides pulpit supply for
local church, district churches and other
denominations.
Leadership roles on the conference
and jurisdictional levels: past
participation on Conference Nurture/
Outreach, Christian Education, Board of
Laity, AC monitor, former advisor, Lake
Junaluska Assembly.
These opportunities and experiences
contribute to my spiritual growth and
Christian education.
Other vocational and leadership
roles: retired, advertising supervisor,
News America Marketing; educator/
entrepreneur with late husband Richard,
Management/Training Consultant for
National League of Women’s Voters,
ITC Rural Church Leadership, Georgia
State Health Planning Agency, and
other national planning agencies;
presently, DeKalb County Elections/
Board of Equalization; technical author;
various civic groups; Korean Veteran:
Signal Corps, Women’s Army; providing
leadership training through the Adjutant
General’s Office.
Financially supports: Paralyzed
Veterans, St. Jude Hospital; UMC Mission/
Dominican Republic; Kiwanis-UNICEF
World Programs; EESD Scholarship and
Local Church.
I have, by faith, accepted Jesus
as Lord and Savior. I love God and
the Church, and commit my life, with
theological and spiritual integrity, to
serving both.
20
Candidate 21
Lee D. Highsmith
Address: 938 Memorial Dr., Gainesville, GA 30501
Home: 770-861-8162
Mobile: 678-936-8060
Occupation: Executive Director
Church: Gainesville First UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
Loving congregations at Northside,
Glenn Memorial, St. James Atlanta,
Athens First and St. James Athens helped
raise me. My father Eugene Drinkard was
a UMC minister for 50 years. My mother
Caroline Drinkard served by his side and
was president of the United Methodist
Women in the late 1980s.
As a teen I attended Camp Glisson
and served on the Conference Youth
Council and as a youth delegate to Annual
Conference.
At age 17 I was the youngest delegate
elected to General Conference from
North Georgia and attended both General
and Jurisdictional Conferences.
During my college years I served
four years on the General Board of
Discipleship in Nashville and was a
counselor at Camp Glisson.
After graduating from UGA my
husband and I moved to Gainesville.
At Gainesville FUMC I’ve served as the
Church Council Chair, Worship Chair,
Education Chair and Youth Coordinator.
Our five children grew up in the
church. Three children have been
counselors at Camp Glisson. One child
interned three years with the UGA
Wesley Foundation. Our youngest is a
youth ministry intern at Trinity on the Hill
in Rome.
Currently I serve as the Gainesville
District Lay Leader and as Chair of the
North Georgia Camping and Retreat
Ministries Board. I lead a Bible study and
teach Sunday School at GFUMC.
As Executive Director for Junior
Achievement of North Georgia, I
frequently travel to Dalton where I
participate in a Bible study at Dalton
FUMC. I am the President-Elect of
the Gainesville Rotary Club and have
volunteered regularly at the local hospital
for 30+ years.
I love the United Methodist Church.
I know the work required of a delegate. I
believe it’s important for delegates to be
involved in their local churches as well as
to have a heart for churches across the
Conference.
21
Candidate 22
Kim Hudgins
Address: 35 Deer Chase, Toccoa, GA 30577
Home: 706-886-7521
Mobile: 706-491-4423
Occupation: Marketing
Church: Toccoa First UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
I am excited for the opportunity
to offer myself as a candidate for lay
delegate to the 2016 General and
Jurisdictional Conferences. I have a
background of leadership in the local
church and understand the importance
of equipping leaders as the foundation
of our denomination. If elected, I pledge
to prepare myself to make prayerful
decisions that will shape the future of
our great church.
I Believe:
• Jesus Christ is Lord, and the study of
scripture is primary in the formation
of our daily lives;
• Our commitment “to make disciples
of Jesus Christ” is our fundamental
responsibility in response to God’s
love for us;
• By being a living witness of Jesus
Christ and His love for us, we show
respect and compassion to all as we
build the Kingdom of God;
• Programs that empower and equip
laity and clergy to become leaders are
vital in teaching God’s written word,
Wesleyan principles and orthodox
theology;
• Small churches are the backbone of
our denomination and their strength
•
•
•
and development are critical to
making disciples;
Finding innovative ways to teach,
support and develop youth and young
adults in their faith walk is imperative
for the future of UMC;
Through prayer, we are compelled to
share the Good News throughout the
world;
With God, all things are possible and
with the Holy Spirit living within each
of us we can make a difference ~ one
soul at a time!
I would appreciate your confidence in me
and ask for your vote.
Service:
Conference: 2012 Leadership UMC
Graduate and Board member (2013-15),
At-large member to Annual Conference
District: Gainesville District Connectional
Group 4 Leader, Certified Lay Servant
Local Church: Chair of Communications;
Secretary, Administrative Board; Chair:
Staff Parrish Relations Committee and
Worship Committee; Member, Lay
Leadership/Nomination Committee
22
Candidate 23
Quinn Hudson
Address: 311 Tuxworth Circle, Decatur, GA 30033
Mobile: 404-374-7596
Occupation: Director of Communications
Church: Decatur First UMC
District: Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District
Gender: Male
Ethnic Heritage: Caucasion
Age Group: Adult
Personal
• Married to Millie Parrish Hudson
• Four daughters, three grandchildren
• Grew up in the Cherokee Heights UMC
(Macon, GA)
Relevant Experiences
• Member of Decatur First UMC, 28 years
• Taught adult Sunday School, 28 years
• Participated in Appalachian Service
Project, 17 years
• Chair, Administrative Board, three
years
• Member, SPR Committee
• Lay Member to the North Georgia
Annual Conference, three years
• Graduate of Leadership UMC
• Founder of the Arrendale Women’s
Prison Ministry
• Vice Chair, Georgia Prison Ministry
Advisory Board
• Past president, UMM
Statement
The United Methodist Church is
faced with reclaiming, renewing, and
rejuvenating our denomination. We
need to reclaim our Wesleyan heritage,
Biblical and Scriptural literacy, and
moral leadership. We need to renew our
energy, sense of purpose, and sense of
social holiness. We need to rejuvenate
our membership, outreach, and sense of
community.
As people called Methodists, we have
a message and sense of purpose that
speaks to 21st Century. John Wesley’s
sermons and directives are as true today
as they were more than 240 years ago.
His views on salvation, connectedness,
and the process for a personal
understanding of God’s Word and Will are
directives that work today.
The aspiring generation of Millenials
which will produce our next leaders are
diverse, committed to community, and
distrustful of religion and politics. Our
challenge is to demonstrate, not just
say, we embrace diversity, understand
the critical importance of empathy with
others who might not look or act like us,
and are worthy of their trust.
If we are to succeed as God’s
messengers and doers, we have to live
what we say and create a church that
lives up to its pledge of being open,
loving, and welcoming.
I am a red-letter Christian and
follower of Christ ... I seek to use Jesus as
my plumb line.
23
Candidate 24
Jeff Jernigan
Address: 5232 Lockwood Lane, Powder Springs, GA 30127
Home: 770-439-7787
Mobile: 404-391-9839
Email: jsjernigan@aoLcom
Occupation: President Commercial Construction Firm
Church: McEachern Memorial UMC
District: Atlanta-Marietta
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
I believe God has uniquely positioned
the United Methodist Church to make
an impact for the Kingdom. Thank you
for electing me to the past two General
Conferences. It would be an honor to
represent you again in 2016.
My Beliefs:
• We should strategically invest in
ministries that make a difference
in people’s lives. As NGC Missions/
Global Ministries team leader, I
saw the renewal that comes when
churches are externally focused. That
is why I am passionate about helping
churches learn how to move from an
internal focus to an external/missional
focus.
• The primary work of the church is
making disciples. As lay leader I
spearheaded a transformation of our
local church structure to move people
from committees to ministry and focus
resources on mission and evangelism.
• We should build bridges across
cultural and racial lines, and among
lay and clergy. I was very excited to
help in bringing together GBGM, The
Mission Society, and World Methodist
Evangelism to become co-sponsors of
•
•
Beyond These Walls.
We are called to be good stewards.
As a businessman who has to make
payroll every week, I will endeavor to
reduce the bureaucracy of our church,
thus returning resources to the local
church for ministry and mission.
We are called to be faithful. I
will defend our traditional church
doctrines.
Areas of Service:
General Church: 2008 & 2012 General &
Jurisdictional Conference Delegate, In
Mission Together Advocate North Georgia
Conference: Chair Missions/Global
Ministries, Leadership UMC I & II,
Nominations, Resolutions
District: AMAR Lay Leader, District Union
Local: Chair Church Council, Lay Leader,
President UMM, SS Teacher, Youth
Counselor
Other: Wesley Community Center Board,
International Leadership Institute Nigeria
and Eastern Europe National Conference
Faculty, Tom Atkins Evangelical Ministries
Board, Glencastle UM Children’s Home
rebuild, Beyond These Walls Leadership
Team
24
Candidate 25
Leon Jourolmon, III
Address: 222 Stonecrest Court, Athens, GA 30605
Home: 706-353-3138
Mobile: 706-318-8358
Occupation: Retired CFO
Church: Elberton First UMC
District: Athens-Elberton
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for electing me as
a General Conference delegate in
2011 and Jurisdictional Conference
delegate in 2007 and 2011. The
knowledge I acquired at the 2008
and 2012 General Conferences and
Jurisdictional Conferences along with
my past experience has broadened my
understanding of the denomination
and the many challenges we face in the
future.
Having served the conference as
Athens Elberton District Lay Leader
and Chair-Lay Revitalization Ministry,
I developed a cadre of experienced
laity to assist local churches through
enhancing programs that build “disciples”
encouraging laity participation.
IF ELECTED:
I will faithfully serve with dignity and
honor by upholding Wesleyan tradition,
Orthodox theology and Biblical teachings.
I will:
• Work with fellow delegates to adopt
a responsible budget, strengthening
UMC financial status and
accountability.
• Establish quantitative means to
measure effectiveness of clergy.
• Support programs to transition
ineffective clergy into another career.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Diligently work toward mending
disagreements within the
denomination while remaining faithful
to the high standards we represent.
Uphold and defend the current
Discipline regarding sexuality and
abortion.
Work to increase laity’s leadership
role within general church.
Work to consolidate general church
agencies and align work and resources
with the priorities of the church.
Encourage clergy and laity
partnerships “to make disciples”.
Support fair representation in the
organizations of the church.
MY SERVICE:
CONFERENCE: Chair Lay Revitalization
Ministry for eight years. Member
Conference Board of Laity for eight years;
and Member Committee on Episcopacy
for eight years
DISTRICT: District Lay Leader,
District President UMM; District Lay
Representative Racial Reconciliation,
Annual Conference Host Committee for
thirteen years and Co-Chair for 3 years.
LOCAL CHURCH: Chair Administrative
Board, Lay Leader, Chair Council on
Ministries, President UMM, Adult Sunday
School teacher, Certified Lay Speaker/
Servant, Choir member.
25
Candidate 26
Joe Wesley Kilpatrick
Address: 1346 Drayton Woods Dr, Tucker, GA 30084
Home: 770-939-1807
Mobile: 404-964-3589
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Church: Tucker First UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Thank God North Georgia UMC grows
steadily! While only six USA conferences
show growth, 53 report decline. Our
great pastors and faithful laity make
a difference, yet we must address
challenges nationally. Let’s get the whole
UMC growing!
Therefore, I am a Trustee of Asbury
Theological Seminary, the largest
provider of UMC pastors, pastors who
help congregations grow.
I seek to replicate the 900% growth
of our African UMC, so I travel, learn
and teach biblical management skills
to young adult UMC leaders in Africa. I
raise funds providing about 250 Bikes and
Bibles annually to the poorest African
UMC pastors. My African contacts and
relationships, built over time, facilitate
our delegation’s effectiveness.
Seeking quality resources for laity, I
serve (elected and reelected by the SEJ)
as a director of our Publishing House,
Cokesbury, where I promote orthodox
theology in our Sunday School literature.
I support great writers like Ellsworth
Kalas and am glad we created the popular
Disciple Bible Study.
Conference UMMen elected me
several times to serve as their Conference
President. There I supported missions
and evangelistic youth outreach.
Appointed by Bishop McDavid
as Conference Scouting Coordinator,
our Scouting Ministries were national
pacesetters, contributing to our growth
and providing young Christian leaders for
today.
While compassionately considering
the challenges in our diverse culture,
challenges that cause the UMC to justify
its positions at General Conferences,
I have effectively defended Wesleyan
holiness understandings of Scripture and
successfully protected our Discipline from
insertion of sexually liberal positions
on ordination, marriage and human life.
Let’s keep the ceremonies performed in
your church and by your clergy faithful
to both Scripture and Disciplinary
covenants!
Thank you for electing me previously
to several General Conferences. Please
keep my senior-level experience working
for the North Georgia delegation!
26
Candidate 27
Giselle Lawn
Address: 160 Timber Ridge Lane, NE, Calhoun, GA 30701
Home: 706-624-1658
Mobile: 706-217-5072
Occupation: Forecast Manager
Church: Saint Mark UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
On January 21, 1991, I asked Jesus
into my life. I became active in the
church, in outreach, and my life has never
been the same. As a transgender woman
who loves the Lord, I came to the United
Methodist Church six years ago seeking
a church home, church family, and full
participation in the church. The North
Georgia conference has provided that
home, family, and participation to me.
For five years I have served as
annual conference lay delegate. Through
Leadership UMC, Leadership UMC II,
and Lay Servant Ministries, you have
equipped me for service in mission and
ministry. As a conference worship team
member, I have served the stewardship
and evangelism committees.
In church, I serve the administrative
council, board of trustees, usher team,
and as Open Doors ministry coordinator.
Two Holy Land trips with the church have
strengthened my bible understanding.
Locally, I serve as board member of the
George Chambers Resource Center.
Nationally, I serve as board member
and treasurer for Reconciling Ministries
Network. I have been to Washington five
times to lobby congress for employment
nondiscrimination legislation.
During the 2012 General Conference
in Tampa, I volunteered as legislative
monitor for the financial administration
committee during week one and attended
plenary and worship services during week
two.
As a delegate, the bible will be my
first resource when carefully studying
and considering issues. I will work for
a church that emphasizes missions and
evangelism in program, budget and
organization. I will continue to work for
the full participation of all people in the
life of the church.
You have prepared me to be your
delegate. As Isaiah 6:8 states: Then
I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for
us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
27
Candidate 28
Cary C. Loesing
Address: 3008 Arnold Mill Court, Woodstock, GA 30188
Home: 770-924-9278
Mobile: 678-428-2510
Occupation: Communications Specialist
Church: Hickory Flat UMC Canton
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
I am honored to offer myself for
consideration as a lay delegate to
the 2016 General and Jurisdictional
Conferences. I have been called to serve
Jesus Christ with all my heart, and all my
talents. I pledge to prayerfully prepare
myself for the decisions we will face in
shaping the future of our church.
Serving on evangelism seminar teams
with the World Methodist Evangelism
Bridge of the North Georgia Conference,
I have seen the Methodist / Wesleyan
movement alive and growing on nearly
every continent.
I believe Jesus Christ is Lord and He
is my Savior. All Christians are called to
be faithful witnesses to the Good News
of Jesus Christ in our home, workplace,
community, church and around the globe.
Developing youth, young adults, and men
as disciples are critical to our future.
I support: Upholding the current
Book of Discipline, the guidelines defined
within and changes based on sound
Biblical principles; Dialoging using
Christian Conferencing to address the
issues facing our church; Implementing
sound financial practices to efficiently
manage and organize general boards,
agencies, and conferences
Thank you for your vote and support!
Experience:
Jurisdictional:
Member Communication Team, United
Methodist Men
Conference:
Conference President United Methodist
Men; Conference Board of Laity;
Outreach Committee Secretary and
Member; Executive Director, United
Methodist Men; Board of Directors,
Action Ministries; Lay Missionary Training
Graduate;.
Atlanta Roswell District:
At-Large Delegate to Annual Conference;
District President United Methodist Men;
Nominations and Finance Committee
Member; District Committee on Ordained
Ministry.
Local Church:
Lay Leader; Delegate to Annual
Conference; Committee Chairperson for:
Outreach & Missions, Finance, SPRC,
Evangelism and Nominations; Fellowship
President United Methodist Men;
Disciple Bible Study Facilitator; Sunday
School Teacher; Certified Lay Servant;
International Missions Team Leader; Walk
to Emmaus; Boy Scout Troop Committee
Chairman; Cub Scout Pack Cubmaster.
28
Candidate 29
Deborah “Debie” Marshall
Address: P.O. Box 723373, Atlanta, GA 31139
Mobile: 404-217-6047
Occupation: Human Resources Professional
Church: Impact UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
If there was one word to describe
Deborah Marshall that word would be
Passionate! Better known as “Debie”, she
is passionate about God, family, friends,
and work. Always willing to be in service
to others Debie is known for giving
herself away to love, support, lead, and
encourage anyone in need.
Debie is a charter member of Impact
United Methodist Church, AtlantaCollege Park District located in East Point,
Georgia. Her core value of being obedient
to God led her to this start up church
where she’s served as a Human Resources
volunteer, Lay Leader, Leadership
Team (Church Council) Chair, Project
Manager for membership, Finance Team
member, Career Team Leader, Dance
Team member, Creative Production Team
member, Care/Prayer Team Leader, and a
Connection Group curriculum developer,
trainer and facilitator. Debie has served
on the Atlanta-College Park Church
Development Board and is a DelegateAt-Large for the Annual Conference. In
2012 she graduated from the North
Georgia Conference Leadership UMC
program and has been serving on the
board since. Currently, she serves as
one of the first lay persons on the North
Georgia Conference Personnel Policies
and Practices Committee.
Debie’s father was her first role
model as a servant leader. He served
twenty years in the United States Air
Force and volunteered as head umpire at
the baseball field on base in the summer,
and with those experiences Debie’s
understanding that we are all God’s
children has been greatly influenced by
living in and learning about different
cultures. It is important for her to show
her daughters how to live what John
Wesley described as a Christian life and
to know that we are all connected to
one another. As a member of the United
Methodist Church she is actively engaged
with an open heart, open door and open
mind.
29
Candidate 30
Bill Martin
Address: 2853 Ashton Hill Drive, Dacula, GA 30019
Home: 404-556-1226
Mobile: 404-556-1226
Occupation: Business Owner
Church: Dacula UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
As an elected delegate to the 2012
General and Jurisdictional Conferences,
I was able to witness the best that our
connection has to offer. As a member of
the Judicial Committee, I collaborated
with committed delegates from across
the world to strengthen and clarify our
policies and procedures. Our committee
brought meaningful legislation to the
floor of the Conference to be enacted
upon in the plenary session. As we
prepare for the 2016 General Conference,
proposed legislation regarding the unity
of the church will be a hotly debated
topic. I believe my experience at all
levels of church leadership has prepared
me to be an active participant in these
discussions. With your support, I would
be honored to be elected as a delegate
to the 2016 General and Jurisdictional
Conferences as we all seek to move the
church forward to make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world.
I will support:
1) Wesleyan renewal of the church
through emphasis on scripture,
intentional faith development and holy
conferencing.
2) Strengthening and expanding the
concept of shared ministry between laity
and clergy.
3) Practices that will develop better
lines of communication and eliminate the
disconnect that exists between our policy
makers and the people in the pews.
4) Continued emphasis on holding our
boards and agencies accountable to
operate efficiently and to be fiscally
responsible.
Experience:
North Georgia Annual Conference:
• General and Jurisdictional Conference
Delegate, 2012
Associate Conference Lay Leader,
2012-present
• Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry, 2012-present
• Head Lay Teller, 2007 -2010
• Leadership UMC 2005-2006
Atlanta-Emory District:
• District Lay Leader
• Associate District Lay Leader
• District Committee on Ordained
Ministry
Dacula UMC: • Lay Leader
• Administrative Board Chair
• SPRC Chair
30
Candidate 31
Julie A. Arms Meeks
Address: 1740 Century Circle NE #1233, Atlanta, GA 30345
Mobile: 404-376-0398
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
After twice volunteering at General
Conference (2008 and 2012) with the
Common Witness Coalition, God has
called this 4th generation, life-long
United Methodist, Methodist Children’s
Home adoptee, and Marine Corps veteran
to seek election as a delegate for the laity
of North Georgia.
My membership is at St. Mark
UMC, where my service includes Lay
Leadership, Worship Committee,
Communion server coordinator, and
regular usher. I’ve been active in the UMC
since 1972. My previous service includes
Sunday School and Bible School teacher,
Singles Council, Communion Steward, and
choir member.
To those who say you can’t be
homosexual and Christian, here I am,
and I am not alone. God has claimed
each of us, even as we were forming in
the womb. I believe in God’s love for
all. 1 John 4:18 (CEB): “There is no fear
in love, but perfect love drives out fear,
because fear expects punishment. The
person who is afraid has not been made
perfect in love.” It is time for the church
to stop acting out of fear. We need to
remove the barriers and prohibitions
to candidacy, ordination, marriage, and
funding as it pertains to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender persons. We
must begin to fully minister to all. I
believe the time has come for the U.S.
to become a Central Conference while
retaining its Jurisdictions. My service
as a delegate will be characterized
by boldness and courage in the face
of exclusion by the UMC’s polity and
practice. We are all beloved children of
God called to let love, not fear, guide us
in making disciples for the transformation
of the world.
My wife Vanessa Meeks and I met
in worship at St. Mark UMC. My adult
daughter Morgan East reminds us
regularly how much she loves having two
moms.
31
Candidate 32
Ellie McQuaig
Address: 749 Scott Circle, Decatur, GA 30033
Occupation: Student
Church: Glenn Memorial UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Youth
I am a lifelong resident of Decatur,
Georgia. I attended the Glenn School
for Young Children for preschool, which
led me to ask my parents to join the
preschool’s church affiliation, Glenn
Memorial United Methodist Church, at
the age of 4. Since then, my family and I
have been avid members of the church.
Especially since joining the youth group
in the fall of 2009 and being confirmed
in the spring of 2010, I have participated
in everything the church has to offer,
including singing in the youth choir and
going on choir tours to Boston and New
York City, the Bahamas, and Washington
DC, going on youth retreats and mission
trips, volunteering at Vacation Bible
School, and participating in the annual
Habitat for Humanity build.
Since 2012 I have been a member
of Glenn Memorial’s Church and Society
committee, since 2013, I have been
a youth representative to the Church
Council, and since 2013, I have been the
co-chair of the Youth Worship Committee,
giving me the opportunity to plan five
worship services to date. An aspiring
United Methodist Elder, I have already
been given the opportunity to preach
four times at Glenn Memorial.
In the summer of 2014, I attended
Candler School of Theology’s Youth
Theological Initiative, directed by
Dr. Elizabeth Corrie. While at YTI, I
established many connections both
at Candler and around the world, and
learned more about what it means to be
a Christian in a world seeking change.
I also attended my first North Georgia
Annual Conference as a youth delegate in
the summer of 2014.
I am 17 years old, and live in Decatur
with my mother, my stepfather, and my
two younger brothers. I attend Druid Hills
High School, and hope to attend Emory
University for an undergraduate degree in
history and religion, and Candler School
of Theology for my Masters degree in
Divinity.
32
Candidate 33
Tonya Murphy
Address: 4224 Cascade Rd., Atlanta, GA 30331
Home: 404-691-8207 Mobile: 770-364-6351
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Church: Headland Heights UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
My name is Tonya Murphy. I am a
lifelong Methodist. I am employed as
a Registered Physical Therapist. I am
married to Rev Matt Murphy and for the
past 25 years we have served 7 churches
in North Ga. We have one daughter who
is a senior in high school. Our family is
honored to serve the Headland Heights
UMC in East Point – Atlanta College Park
District.
It has been my privilege to have
represented NGA as a delegate to the
2012 General Conference in Tampa and
as a reserve delegate to the 2008 General
Conferences in Fort Worth, TX.
My service to the North GA
Conference currently includes: Board
of Higher Education, Outreach team
and ex 0fficio member of Conference
United Methodist Women, the Murphy
Harpst Board and the 2016 Clergy Spouse
Retreat Co-chair.
Further service on the General
Church level includes being a: 2nd term
member of the General Board of Global
Ministries which is scheduled to relocate
to Atlanta in 2016. My responsibilities on
GBGM include: UMCOR board, Technical
Review Board for Imagine No Malaria
and the Bylaws committee. I was the first
elected to the National Board of Directors
by the SEJ United Methodist Women in
2012. This is my 2nd term on theNational
Board of Directors of UMW. In this
capacity my responsibilities include: the
Planning and Assessment Committees,
Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow planning
team, National Assembly workshop
leader, and Program Advisory Group.
Previous service includes: President
of Conference Clergy Spouses, District
and Conference President of United
Methodist Women, Conference Board
of Ordained Ministry, Trustee of United
Methodist Children’s Home, Bishop’s
Leadership Forum, published in Response
Magazine, and Leaders Edge.
I enjoy singing, gardening and
spending time with my family. My
ultimate goal is to encourage others to
develop a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ.
33
Candidate 34
John Peterson
Address: 1351 Oxford Rd NE Apt 1, Atlanta, GA 30307
Home: 404-889-7126
Mobile: 404-889-7126
Occupation: Computer Technician
Church: St. Paul UMC
Gender: Male
I am a lifelong United Methodist. My
father is a retired Elder in Full Connection
and my mother was a Christian Education
Director.
I was elected to represent the
West Ohio Conference at General
Conference 2000 and at the North Central
Jurisdictional (NCJ) Conference in 2004.
I participated in all required sessions at
General Conference while completing
my senior year in high school, where I
graduated in the top 10% of my class.
I represented the NCJ as a member
of the General Board of Global
Ministries Board of Directors from 20002008, chairing the Mission Personnel
Committee from 2004-2008.
I graduated from the Candler School
of Theology at Emory University in 2008
with a Masters in Divinity. Since 2008,
I have worked at Candler where I am
a computer specialist. I have been a
member at St. Paul United Methodist
Church in the Grant Park neighborhood
of Atlanta, serving the church in various
leadership and technical roles. I have
served St. Paul as a lay representative
at the North Georgia Annual Conference
since 2009.
As a youth, I participated in a
Chrysalis Walk. As an adult, I have
participated in Disciple and have taught
the God and Country program coursework
to members of the Boy Scout Troop at
my church. I served as the Chaplain
of a Boy Scout Troop at three of the
United Methodist Churches I have been
a member of including St. Paul. I am
an Eagle Scout and have received much
of my leadership development training
through scouting.
I am passionate about the future of
the United Methodist Church and would
be honored to serve the North Georgia
Conference at General and Jurisdictional
Conference.
34
Candidate 35
Mathew A. Pinson
Address: 1884 Audubon Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Mobile: 404-788-7261
Occupation: University Development Officer
Church: Glenn Memorial UMC
Gender: Male
We are called to proclaim the Gospel
of Jesus Christ to the world. I believe
this to be the central mission of The
United Methodist Church. If elected
again to represent our North Georgia
Conference, I will continue to support
the Book of Discipline, while highlighting
that the only order of business is that
which equips our denomination to
make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. In order
to be about this work, we must develop
manageable and realistic budgets and
programs, and we must have honest
conversations about what it means
to be good stewards. As a General
Conference Delegate, I will continue to
promote responsible stewardship and
fair representation, and I will faithfully
advocate for the election of strong
leaders to the office of bishop, the
Judicial Council, and to serve as directors
of the General Boards and Agencies. I
will also advocate for the reduction of
the General Church budget, which will
ultimately reduce the financial burden
placed on the local church.
Areas of Service
Local:
• Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
• Substitute Sunday School Teacher
Conference:
• Conference Lay Leader
• Past Associate Conference Lay Leader
• Lay Member of Annual Conference for
18 years
• Member, Board of Directors of the
Foundation of Wesley Woods
• Past Member, Board of Ordained
Ministry
• Member, Episcopacy Committee
• Past Member, Conference Council on
Finance and Administration
• Past President, Conference Youth
General Church:
• Delegate, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012
General/Jurisdictional Conferences
• Past Member, General Council on
Finance & Administration (GCFA)
• Immediate Past Chair, GCFA
Nominating Committee
Other: • Reinhardt College Alumnus (2005)
• Reinhardt College Young Alumni of the
Year Award (2008)
35
Candidate 36
Lathem Postell
Address: 39 Aspen Lane, Cartersville, GA 30120
Mobile: 678-477-6303
Occupation: Student
Church: Church at the Well
District: Northwest
Gender: Male
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials,
liberty; in all things, charity.”
- St. Augustine
•
Currently, I am an active member of
The Well in Cartersville, GA located in the
Northwest District. Prior to membership
at The Well I was a member of Rutledge
FUMC, Hope UMC and Hiram FUMC.
Altogether I have served and attended
the UMC for 17 years.
As a professing member in the UMC
for 9 years and a youth/young adult
delegate to Annual Conference for the
past 5, I have become very invested
in the interests of the UMC and only
hope to see growth of the Church. As a
delegate to General Conference, I would
do everything in my power to maintain
the integrity of the UMC and to continue
to see it grow as an example of the love
of Christ.
•
At General Conference I would vote:
• To affirm current Discipline
language regarding sexuality while
maintaining a level of mutual respect,
understanding, and inclusion for all.
•
To deny any attempt to split the
current formation of the UMC.
Against realignment of Jurisdictional
Conferences into Central Conferences.
For an increased level of
accountability and uniformity for
those serving on the Council of
Bishops.
The upcoming General Conference
is an important time in the life of the
UMC. For such an important time, it is
important to make sure your ideals are
represented at General Conference. I
ask that you pray for this election, those
who are elected, and the UMC as we
enter into this important time of Holy
conferencing.
“Though we cannot think alike, may
we not love alike? May we not be of
one heart, though we are not of one
opinion? Without all doubt, we may.
Herein all the children of God may
unite, notwithstanding these smaller
differences.”
-John Wesley
36
Candidate 37
Sue Raymond
Address: 3291 Garmon Drive, Loganville, GA 30052
Home: 770-972-3399
Mobile: 770-843-2790
Occupation: Volunteer
Church: Zoar UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
I was baptized as an infant at
Liberty Methodist Church in Granger,
Washington. But it was decades later at
Reinhardt College during a UMW mission
study on John Wesley that I discovered
why I had to be a United Methodist.
In essentials, unity;
In others, diversity;
In all things, charity.
And:
The Gospel of Christ knows no religion
but social:
No holiness but social holiness.
Quotes like these have helped me
grow into being the person I think God
is calling me to be, and to reach out to
others through the global ministries of
the United Methodist Church.
I currently serve at various levels.
At Zoar UMC, I have taught an adult
Sunday School Class since 1983, chair
the SPR Committee, and serve as
UMW Education and Interpretation
Coordinator. In the ADOX District,
I serve on the Superintendency and
Finance Committees. In the NGC, I serve
as secretary of the Disaster Response
Committee, on the Board of Ordained
Ministry, Conference Board of Laity and
as UMW President. I have taught the
children’s study leaders’ class at Regional
Schools around the country for five years.
I was blessed to serve as a delegate
to the 2008 and 2012 Jurisdictional
Conferences.
My husband, Terry, and I have been
married for 45 years and have lived in
Snellville since 1977. We have been
members of Zoar UMC since 1981. We
have two daughters. Beth is a forensic
psychologist in New Jersey and Katy is
a critical care nurse at the University of
Washington Hospital.
My daughters call me a professional
volunteer. Over the years I have
volunteered as a tutor in their schools
and on PTA, as a Girl Scout Leader and
Cookie Coordinator, and I currently
volunteer at a local senior center doing
crafts and Bible studies.
37
Candidate 38
Jasper J. Russell Sr.
Address: 3577 Wooda Dr., Decatur, GA 30032
Home: 404-289-3705
Mobile: 404-219-0818
Occupation: Retired Software Developer
Church: Columbia Drive UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
Thank you for electing me to the
2008 and 2012 North Georgia delegation.
I will be honored if you allow me to
participate in planning for renewal in our
great Church again in 2016.
I am asking you to allow me to be
one of your delegates and I will make
sure that the laity of North Georgia are
effectively represented. I resolve that
any position I may take or whatever I do
-- whether in word or deed -- will be in
accord with the teaching of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
I pledge to you that I will:
• Make all my decisions based on
scripture, the current Book of
Discipline and United Methodist
traditions
• Support and uphold the United
Methodist Church doctrine which I
have done all my life.
• Advocate for efficient management of
the General Church budget to lower
local church apportionments.
• Support the Book of Discipline on
humanitarian issues.
• Attend and actively participate in all
meetings.
•
Support holding both laity and clergy
accountable to the United Methodist
Church laws
A brief summary of my experience and
service includes:
Conference:
Member of the North Georgia
delegation, Past President United
Methodist Men, Chair United Methodist
Men Retreat Committee, Member of
Board of Laity, Connectional Table,
Evangelism team, Mission/ Global
Ministries.
District:
Vice President ADOX United Methodist
Men, Member of Outreach Mission
Committee, Certified Lay Servant
Local:
Chair of SPRC, Chair Trustees, President
United Methodist Men, Lay Delegate,
Men’s Bible Study Leader, Member
Evangelism, Lay Leadership, Finance
Committee.
I will be honored by and grateful for your
support.
38
Candidate 39
Kathryn Schroeder
Address: 1184 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Mobile: 770-846-9673
Occupation: Non-Profit Event Management
Church: Peachtree Road UMC
Gender: Female
My name is Kathryn Schroeder and I
have grown up in the United Methodist
Church as a preacher’s kids where I
have learned to follow Jesus and have
grown in my faith. I spent my summers
at Camp Glisson, singing on the porch
and strengthening my walk. Through
high school and college I served as a
leader of Spiritual Life Retreats, helping
youth in their faith journey. I was blessed
to attend and graduate from a United
Methodist school, LaGrange College, with
a degree in Art History.
I am now a young professional
in Atlanta where I attend Peachtree
Road UMC. At PRUMC I serve on the
Administrative Board, Single Professional
Ministry Council, and as a Young
Professional Sunday School Class leader.
This is my second year serving as a
Young Adult Delegate for the Atlanta
College Park District, and I feel that
it is imperative to have Young Adults
represented at the Annual, Jurisdictional,
and General Conference levels so that we
can hear what young people are looking
for to insure our growth and relevance as
a denomination.
Our church has many complex
and challenging issues that we need
to address to continue to serve our
world and fulfill our mission of making
Disciples. It is my belief that we need to
find common ground between all of our
views to continue to be the church God
has called us to be!
39
Candidate 40
Janet Sligar
Address: 2224 Bridle Ct., Norcross, GA 30071
Mobile: 678-462-2705
Occupation: Documentation Auditor
Church: Norcross First UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
Thank you for electing me twice
to service in the delegation. It is an
honor to represent you. I have gained
unique insights, built strong relationships
nationally, in the jurisdiction and in our
conference.
I SUPPORT:
• Equipping local churches to reach out
to their communities, with boldness
and authenticity.
• Applying orthodox Wesleyan theology,
based on Biblical principles, to all
decisions of the church.
• Encouraging laity and clergy to live in
holiness, allowing our lives to show
Christ’s love.
• Developing and empowering
lay leadership using Lay Servant
Ministries, Leadership UMC, Lay
Revitalization, and mentoring future
leaders, opening doors of service for
young adults.
• Offering engaging, exciting ministry to
children and youth, allowing them to
grow in grace and discover the love of
God that can shape their lives.
• Helping local churches to encourage
spiritual growth, offering hope, love
and grace in abundance.
• Recognizing and developing leaders to
form partnerships between laity and
clergy.
• Communicating with local
congregations to foster trust and
understanding.
• Making transparent financial decisions
that allow local churches to focus on
their mission and ministry.
• Fostering trust in local churches
through equal accountability and
adherence to the Book of Discipline by
every United Methodist leader
SERVICE:
• Member of North Georgia’s 2008 and
2012 delegation
• Conference Director of Lay Servant
Ministries
• Conference Board of Laity, Conference
registration committee,
• Leadership UMC
• Walk to Emmaus
• Discipleship, Covenant, Bible Study
Fellowship , Genesis to Revelation
Bible Studies
• Women’s Retreat Speaker, Pulpit
Supply, Certified Lay Servant
Instructor
• Taught first Lay Servant class in
Portugal
• Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study
Teacher, Women’s Ministry
• Ministry to Developmentally Disabled
Adults
• Numerous local church and District
leadership roles
• District Committee on Ordained
Ministry
40
Candidate 41
Jacque Johnson Smith
Address: 4000 South River Lane, Ellenwood, GA 30294
Home: 404-244-1669
Mobile: 678-429-7730
Occupation: Retired
Church: Cedar Grove UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
My name is Jacqueline (Jacque)
Johnson Smith and I am a wife, mother,
grandmother, daughter, niece, sister,
friend and child of God. I was born in
Jacksonville, Florida the third of seven
children to Willie James Idlett and the
late Dorothy Jean Idlett. At the age
of nine my family moved to Atlanta,
Georgia.
I have worked in the banking
industry, the newspaper industry and the
airline industry. I am married with kids
and grandkids.
I was actually baptized in 1975
at First Baptist Church on Gresham
Road. I later joined Cedar Grove United
Methodist Church in 1982.
As a member of Cedar Grove
United Methodist Church I have held
the following positions: Sunday school
teacher, member of the UMW (EstherDorcas circle), treasurer, trustee, trustee
chair, Administrative Council Board
chair, choir member, president of the
choir, Chair of the church anniversary
committee, and currently I hold the
Finance Chair position. I am one of the
ADOX district delegates to the annual
conference. Plus I am a graduate of Lay
Leadership UMC.
I am an advocate of inclusivity. I
believe not only, all are welcome, but
it is our responsibility to make all feel
welcome. As many program for children
draw the adults into the Lord’s house, I
feel that children’s ministry is extremely
important as the goal should always be
to train the next generation to take our
places, continuing and improving the
work of bringing in disciples.
41
Candidate 42
Dianne Andrews Spencer
Address: 2687 Kings Park Circle, Decatur, GA 30034
Home: 404-288-9285
Mobile: 404-376-5230
Occupation: Educator
Church: Kelley Chapel UMC
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
All praises to God for your electing
me to serve at earlier General/
Jurisdictional Conferences. As your
delegate my commitment is representing
and reflecting your interests and
concerns as expressed to me.
Experience gained while serving on
the General Board of Status and Role of
Women and Southeastern Jurisdiction
UMW Leadership Team have enhanced
my advocacy for women in the USA and
globally. As a teaching professional and
a dedicated servant leader, I treat all
of God’s children with respect utilizing
communication skills to listen and
articulating our beliefs on behalf of you,
the voters.
I SUPPORT
•
Lay and clergy partnering in
harmony to reach the “least, last, lost
and lonely”
•
Wesleyan teachings and uphold
orthodox theology
•
Maintaining the current Book of
Discipline standards
•
Encouraging and mentoring youth
and young adults to take more leadership
roles in the church
•
Strengthening the local
discipleship ministries
Believing that God is not finished
with us as The United Methodist Church
; my aspiration is to be a part of making
a positive difference in the future of our
denomination. I solicit your support and
favorable vote in the 2015 election. I
am fully prepared to serve and pledge
to faithfully and diligently represent you
prayerfully discerning the issues.
SERVICE
General Church: Secretary, General
Commission on the Status and Role of
Women 2004-2008; (GCSRW) and Board
member 2004-2012
Southeastern Jurisdiction: Vice Chair,
CSRW, 2005-2008; Secretary, SEJ
Leadership Team (UMW) 2008-2012
Conference: Associate Editor - N GA
Conference (2012-2016); Associate
Conference Lay Leader 2004-2012;
Committee on Episcopacy (2012-2016);
Board of Ordained Ministry; Past Chair
Committee on Nominations and secretary
- UMW
District: Committee on Ordained
Ministry; Past UMW President
Local Church: Chair - Missions; ChairOlder Adults; SPRC; Chair - Board of
Trustees; Church School Superintendent;
Youth Coordinator; UMW President
42
Candidate 43
Bill Stikes
Address: 503 S 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Mobile: 678-758-4406
Occupation: High School History Teacher
Church: Griffin First UMC
District: Griffin
Gender: Male
I was honored to be elected to serve
you as a delegate to the 2012 General
and Jurisdictional Conferences. From
Tampa and Lake Junaluska to Washington
DC, I’ve strived to serve you faithfully and
diligently.
As a Bible study leader, Sunday
School teacher, UMYF volunteer, Young
Life leader, high school history teacher
and high school soccer coach, I’m
continually amazed by the life-changing
experiences that take place when my
students come to know the risen Christ.
The constant reminder there are people
that don’t know the saving grace of Jesus
drives my church service.
I believe the local church is best
equipped to make disciples for Jesus. I
believe all levels of the church, from
Annual Conferences up to General
Conference, including boards and
agencies, should exist to support the
local church in bringing the light of
Christ to our world. To me, this means
being good stewards of human and
financial resources, including lowering
apportionments to allow local churches
to increase ministries and missions in
local areas.
I’m proud to have authored an
amendment to our social principles
in 2012 that added a reminder of the
centrality of Christ in all we do. I promise
to continue to serve as a reminder to the
General Church that everything we do
must center around making disciples.
Church Service:
General Church
• Delegate: 2012 General and
• Board of Directors: General Board of
Church and Society
Annual Conference
• Connectional Table member
• Griffin District
• Associate District Lay Leader
• Imagine No Malaria coordinator
Local Church
• Bible study leader, Sunday School
teacher, Certified Lay Servant
• Missions committee, Finance
committee, Church Council
43
Candidate 44
Debby Stikes
Address: 120 Mixon Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Mobile: 678-758-9159
Occupation: Director of Discipleship
Church: Griffin First UMC
District: Griffin
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
I was honored to be elected as a
reserve delegate to the 2012 General
Conference. While attending all the
committee meetings and sessions, it
was apparent no single issue will resolve
the challenges of the United Methodist
Church. Prayer and study of multiple
subjects will be required to truly address
the 2016 Conference.
I believe in John Wesley’s theology.
I believe by scripture, tradition, reason,
and experience we can find answers to
today’s problems. While I recognize we
are facing challenges as a denomination,
I am filled with hope for the future of
United Methodism.
I believe United Methodists, clergy
and laity alike, should uphold the
authority of the Book of Discipline.
I believe laity is called by God to be
in ministry for specific service in addition
to their vocation. I believe clergy and
laity should work hand in hand. I am
convinced our diversity is our strength.
We can and should depend on each
other for help and support as we expand
ministry in the world.
I believe we should strengthen our
efforts in evangelism. We need to offer
the love and good news of Jesus Christ
to the world. We are at times distracted
by the world and by the enormity of
social issues that face us. As simple as it
sounds, Jesus is the answer.
I believe the church should lead the
way to instill moral values in children
and youth. We must not ignore our
responsibility while expanding our
resources to reach children and youth.
Areas of Service:
• Jurisdictional Delegate (2008, 2012)
• Reserve General Conference Delegate
(2008, 2012)
• Attended 2012 General Conference
• Professional Certification in Christian
Education from GBHEM
• Lay Revitalization Ministry
• Connectional Café Workshop Leader
• Board of Directors – UM Children’s
Home
• District Trustee
• District UMW Chairperson
Nominations
• Disciple/Covenant Bible Study Leader
• Stephen Ministry Leader
44
Candidate 45
Dawn Townsend
Address: 632 Pisgah Way, Calhoun, GA 30701
Mobile: 678-986-6901
Occupation: Division Director, International Trade Division
Church: Calhoun First UMC
District: Northwest
Gender: Female
Age Group: Adult
I offer myself as a 2016 General/
Jurisdictional Conference delegate
and request your vote. As a longtime
United Methodist, I am committed to
Christian service as a layperson and
am prayerful in discerning God’s will.
I understand God’s unconditional love
through personal grace and the blessing
of children. I enthusiastically embrace
lifelong discipleship and growth. I humbly
accept responsibility and I am prepared
for continued Christian service.
My professional career has included
protective services for children. Currently
I work in economic development
mobilizing domestic and international
resources for businesses in order to
increase job opportunities for Georgians.
My one uninvited employment change
took me to the Mount of Beatitudes
on the Sea of Galilee at sundown on
a Sabbath. That breathtaking moment
reaffirmed God’s grace and the peace
that is available through Jesus.
I SUPPORT
• Equipping ALL laity for mission and
ministry while developing emerging
leaders
• Evangelism through the sharing
of our individual stories to bring
reconciliation and transformation to
the world
• Stewardship and fiscal responsibility,
•
•
•
•
acknowledging all that we have is
God’s
Decision-making using holy
conferencing (listening before
speaking) and Wesley’s Quadrilateral
(scripture, tradition, reason,
experience)
Accountability - personally through
small groups and corporately through
our Book of Discipline as we seek to
be effective Christian witnesses
Partnerships (clergy/laity,
multigenerational, ecumenical, crosscultural) that multiply our outreach
and embody God’s love for all
Servant leadership as demonstrated
by Jesus Christ
SERVICE
Conference: Board of Laity, Leadership
UMC; Leadership UMC II Organizing
Committee; Board of Trustees
Subcommittee
District: Northwest District Lay Leader,
Bartow-Gordon Zone Leader, Board of
Laity, Committees: Ordained Ministry;
Nominations; Superintendency; Finance,
Strategic Growth, Leadership
Local Church: Lay Leader; SPPRC
Chair; Administrative Board; Finance
Committee, Small group leader; Vital
Congregation Committee, Disciple Bible
Study; Sunday School Teacher (adult/
children), Certified Lay Servant
45
Candidate 46
Richard L. Williamson
Address: Sweet Plum Trace, Gainesville, GA 30504
Home: 770-536-9995 Mobile: 678-549-6891
Occupation: Retired Businessman
Church: Gainesville First UMC
Gender: Male
Age Group: Adult
It has been my honor to represent
you at General and Jurisdictional
Conferences in the past. Thank you for
the trust you have shown and I would be
honored to again serve you in 2016. The
DESIRE AND FIRE to DO THE JOB and to
serve you is still there.
Having served on the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
has enabled me to see the need for
coordination between our board and
agencies to eliminate duplication of work
and services. Through this networking
opportunity I have been able to express
the views and concerns of the North
Georgia Conference.
If elected, I pledge:
• Continued emphasis on our Wesleyan
traditions and orthodox theology,
• Support for Bible studies and family
programs,
• Advocacy for inclusiveness through
fair and balanced representation,
• Transparency in fiscal responsibility
and budget accountability,
• Utilization of the connection to
reverse the membership decline,
•
•
Support for compliance of current
language in Book of Discipline,
Strengthening lay and clergy
partnerships to facilitate the “making
disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.”
SERVICE
• General Church: Member General
Board of Higher Education and
Ministry; GBHEM Investment
Committee
• Annual Conference: Board of Ordained
Ministry
• Gainesville District: Chair,
Superintendency Committee; Lay
Leader (2000-2013) Member:
Connectional Table, Board of Ordained
Ministry, District Committee of
Ministry, New Church Development,
Certified Lay Servant and Instructor
• Local Church: Teacher, Sunday School,
Disciple Bible Study, Stephens Ministry
Leader, Honduras Mission Team, Lay
Witness Mission Coordinator, Emmaus
community
46
Candidate 47
Sherrie L. Wilson
Address: 1300 Wichita Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Home: 404-755-4608
Mobile: 404-405-6891
Occupation: Federal Grants Administrator
Church: Hoosier Memorial UMC
Age Group: Adult
It is an honor to be considered as
a lay delegate to our 2016 General and
Jurisdictional Conferences. I believe
God has helped me develop faith and
knowledge of the UMC and led me to this
opportunity to serve. Serving at Annual
Conference since 2008 allows me to bring
a fresh but knowledgeable voice to our
Wesleyan practice and orthodox theology.
Consistent with my faith, I have a deep
passion to bring the Kingdom of God to
all persons. My beliefs inform my core
values and practice for ministry in my
daily life.
I SUPPORT:
• The mission and message of Jesus
Christ as set-forth in Matthew
28:19…”Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit”;
• Preserving the essential fundamentals
of the Wesleyan doctrine, orthodox
theology and the UMC discipline
requiring accountability;
• The true apostolic church that has
no end; where the true gospel is
preached, lives are transformed,
people are served, and young
Christians deepen their discipleship;
•
•
•
And I appreciate our connectional
system because God is using this
denomination, building global bridges
and making a global difference in
many lives;
Enhancing opportunities for youth and
young adults to explore God’s call to
ministry and service;
Nurturing Clergy and Laity leadership
working together, equipping all to
serve;
MY EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
CONFERENCE: Lay Teller, At-Large
Member, close observer at the 2012
General Conference in Tampa, FL.
ATLANTA COLLEGE PARK DISTRICT:
Certified Lay Servant, Leadership UMC
Graduate.
LOCAL CHURCH: Lay Leader, Lay Delegate,
UMW President & VP, Spiritual Growth
Coordinator, Church Treasurer, Financial
Secretary, Higher Education & Campus
Ministry, Disciple Bible Study.
OTHER: Regional Council of Churches,
Church Women United, Mayor’s
Faith-Based Ministries, Distinguished
Toastmaster.
I would sincerely appreciate your vote!
47

Handbook - North Georgia Conference

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