2015 Annual Conference

Annual Conference is a yearly session for clergy and lay members to worship, learn about programs and conduct the business of the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. This year, we will be electing delegates to the Jurisdictional and General Conference of the denomination. Although only clergy and lay members can vote on legislation and delegates, all were welcome to the May 28-30 event at the convention center in Wildwood.

Wednesday, May 27

3:00 p.m. Registration Opens
5:30 p.m. Extension Ministry Dinner
6:00 p.m. Dinner with Bishop John and Beverly Schol

Thursday, May 28

8:30 a.m. Registration Opens
10:00 a.m. Opening Worship
11:30 a.m. Clergy Executive Session, General and Jurisdictional Conference Balloting
11:30 a.m. Laity Lunch in Ballrooms
12:30 p.m. Laity view exhibits and Cokesbury Bookstore
1:00 p.m. Laity Session and General and Jurisdictional Conference Balloting Hall
1:00 p.m. Clergy Lunch
2:30 p.m. Praise and Worship
2:45 p.m. Organizing the Conference
3.00 p.m. Episcopal and Leadership Address
4:00 p.m. Holy Conferencing
4:30 p.m. Legislation

• Leadership Nominations, page 53
• Trustees Enabling Legislation, page 57
• Conference Advance Specials, page 58
• A Future with Hope By-Law Changes, page 59
• Educational Society By-Laws. page 60
• Flanders Historic Site; Port Elizabeth Historic Site, pages 62,63

5:30 p.m. Adjourn

Friday, May 29

8:00 a.m. Laity Balloting
8:30 a.m. Praise and Worship
8:45 a.m. Teaching Speaker

• 2016 Conference Budget, page 64
• Shared Ministries Formula for 2016, page, 67
• Surplus Funds for Mortgage Payment, page 67
• Pension Resolutions, Health Insurance Guidelines, Comprehensive Funding Plan, pages 68, 71,75
• Equitable Compensation for 2016 page, 79
• Parsonage Standards, page 80
• Closure and Discontinuance of Churches, page 84-86

10:45 a.m. Service of Remembrance
11:30 a.m. Celebration and Honoring Discipleship Fruitfulness
12:00 p.m. Laity Lunch
12:00 p.m. Bishop’s Luncheon with Memorial Service families
12:00 p.m. Clergy Balloting
12:45 p.m. Clergy Lunch
1:00 p.m. Laity Balloting
2:00 p.m. Workshops

• Time Management for the Christian Leader presented by Ken Willard
• Communicating Faith in the 21st Century presented by Jennifer Rodia
• Covenant Discipleship Groups for Local Churches presented by Rev. Dr. Vicki M. Brendler
• Preparing the Banquet: Worship Planning as Hospitality presented by Jorge Lockward
• The Irresistible Church presented by Rev. Matthew Na
• The Joy of Giving presented by Rev. Dr. Rich Hendrickson
• Urban Missions presented by Rev. Faith Fowler

2:15 p.m. Mission Project – Stop Hunger Now
3:00 p.m. Financial Security Seminar
4:00 p.m. Clergy balloting as needed
7:00 p.m. Ordination and Commissioning Service
8:45 p.m. Reception

Saturday, May 30

8:30 a.m. Praise and Worship
8:45 a.m. Teaching Speaker
9:30 a.m. Service of Passage and Reading of the Appointments
10:30 a.m. Legislation

• General Conference Resolutions (Human Sexuality, Accessibility and Disability),p. 86-95
• Relationship Statements, p. 96, 97
• Aldersgate Properties, p. 97
• Inclusive Church, p. 97
• Marriage Equality, p. 99

1:00 p.m. Adjournment