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Rev. Cynthia Reynolds, Conference Council Director -- 800/783-5138 or e-mail: cindy@nicumc.org
United Methodists to gather at Purdue for annual conference
Teddy bears, videotaped witnesses, powerful worship and streamlined presentations will greet the approximately 1,500 United Methodists gathering May 30 through June 1 for their Annual Conference at Purdue University next week. An equal number of lay and clergy representatives from each of the 589 United Methodist Churches in North Indiana, along with many visitors are expected to attend.
The first issue is a report from the Conference Strategy Council, stating the conference's priorities. "These priorities will direct the ministries of the conference," says the Rev. Cindy Reynolds, NIC director of Council on Ministries. "This will be a new day for the North Indiana Conference."
If approved, the plan will determine distribution of resources, as well as evaluate programs and ministries, establish an accountability process and hold church boards and agencies more accountable.
Another issue will be the increasing cost of property insurance, which is not only affecting Indiana churches, but also churches across the nation. Currently, the Conference (regional body) covers all insurance costs.
Bishop Michael Coyner from the Dakota Area of the United Methodist Church will be the conference preacher. Before being elected a bishop in 1996, Coyner served as executive assistant to Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White from 1995 to 1996 and, earlier, as Lafayette District superintendent from 1990 to 1995.
This year's Annual Conference mission project will be to collect teddy bears from churches to distribute to local organizations and Operation Classroom, an education mission project in West Africa. A dedication of the collected bears is scheduled during the conference.
Eighteen clergy persons representing a total of 412 years of ministry are retiring at this event. Also, 15 new clergy men and women will be ordained at the annual Celebration of Ministry on Friday, May 31.
Key dates and times: Open to the public and taking place at Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue U. campus
- Bishop Mike Coyner preaching times -- Thursday, May 30 at 1 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m.
- Celebration/recognition of retiring clergy -- 11 a.m. Friday, May 30
- The Memorial and Communion Service, The Rev. Tom Rough, Calumet District superintendent, preaching -- Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- The Ordination Service, Bishop Woodie White preaching -- Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
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NOTE: For a digital copy of any or all of the three speakers, contact Erma Metzler at emetzler@inareaumc.org or by calling 317/924-1321