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News

Get Set, GO!

News

Can you believe it? Soon we will be driving to the Missouri Annual Conference (AC) in St. Charle on June 9, 10 and 11! It is hard to believe that the calendar already says JUNE! 

What should you experience while at AC? While there, we will worship with Methodists from across the state of Missouri, connect with other Methodists, do some business - like voting - as needed, and participate in some wonderful learning opportunities. The event is at a new location – and we all need to plan and allow extra time to find rooms within the venue as well as how to get from here to there! Please make sure that a little extra grace is packed in your suitcase!  

The connectional opportunity at MOAC is a very important piece of the experience. One person explained that the size of the UMC connections across the state became real the first time they attended AC. Know that you will have opportunities to meet many other laity attending from churches near your home or from across the state. Arrive at the venue early enough to say hello or meet new people from within your district or elsewhere!

To give some perspective: 

  • MOACInfo.com states, “During our time together, you will receive new ideas to take back home, hear different perspectives and be motivated for ministry in your context.” For some, this becomes a time to refocus and can energize your ministry role. 
  • Hundreds of people – different ages, backgrounds, and contexts- all are together with a heart for making disciples.
  • Be aware that everyone has something to offer that can help others grow their call to serve Christ.
  • Make meal plans with another laity as much as possible – breaking bread is a fabulous way to grow your connections.
  • Remember to do as much of your final preparations before you leave home – for example: 
  • Review the three emails that are being sent out in May and June.
  • Download the workbook: If internet connectivity at home is a challenge – ask if you could leverage the internet at your church to download the conference workbook.  
  • Get familiar with the agenda – and the conference workbook.
  • Accessibility information will be available in the conference workbook/ venue map.
  • Plenary seating will be theater-style due to the number of attendees.
  • Watch the Pre-Conference Briefing on May 25 from 10am-12pm or watch the recording.
  • Check out the FAQs page for Annual Conference at www.moacinfo.com/faqs
  • Bring an internet-capable device for voting. 
  • Be prepared to take notes on those items you wish to share with your congregation.

Key times to remember on Friday, June 9:

  • Registration opens at 9 a.m. and voting credentials will be shared with attendees at registration on-site in St. Charles. 
  • If you registered for the first-time Laity Luncheon, it starts at 11 a.m. 
  • The opening session kicks off at 1 p.m.  
  • The BeBe Winans concert is at 7 p.m. 

Key times to remember on Saturday, June 10:

  • The sessions kick off at 9 a.m.
  • The Laity session is Saturday at 4 p.m.
  • We will go straight to District breakouts. Look at the workbook for breakout room assignments.

The learning session is on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis, President-Dean, of Gammon Theological Seminary, will be the key presenter. She is the 17th president of Gammon Theological Seminary and is known to be an incredibly visionary leader. The fixing of appointments is scheduled to start at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, and the AC is scheduled to end by approximately 4 p.m. 

We will turn towards home with renewed motivation, ideas and information to share with our congregations. The Conference Lay Ministry team is looking forward to spending time with each of you. See you soon.