Bishop Hopkins welcomed East Ohio back to Hoover Auditorium, “If these walls could talk, we would hear the Holy hum of Hoover. We stand on the shoulders of others who have worshiped here.” The morning scripture from I Corinthians 12:12-26, reminded us that the church, despite its many parts, is one body. Like a human body, it functions best when each of its parts performs its task properly. The lesson perfectly introduced, “If We Are the Body…,” this year’s annual conference theme.
One provisional deacon and five provisional elders were commissioned Monday night. The evening was also a time to honor 27 retiring pastors.
Tuesday’s featured speaker was the Rev. Jorge Acevedo, of Grace UMC in Coral Gable, FL, who described his church’s ministry with the marginalized people of the area. The conference welcomed five elders and one deacon during the Tuesday evening Service of Ordination.
Bishop Julius Trimble now of the Iowa Conference but previously was the very popular DS of the Cleveland district led worship Wednesday morning. During his sermon Trimble challenged the crowd that we are not doing enough to be the body of Christ. “We don’t give a damn about the poor. Period. End of story,” Trimble proclaimed. He continued, “maybe we need fewer songs about Jesus and statements about who will get into heaven and who is going to hell.”
Wednesday evening was the Ministry Fair…an event that features many of the programs around the conference and the world that are sponsored by our benevolence giving. It’s a chance to see our money in action as well as noting ways of serving the church.
Thursday morning’s sermon, Faces of Grace, was given by Rev. Dr. Gary George. Continuing to build on the theme of “If We Are the Body…,” Fourteen clergy and fourteen lay members were elected as delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference [including our own Rev. Jim Humphrey and Mrs. Carole Burdette]. A $12,168,020 apportioned budget was adopted.
Five resolutions were proposed and passed during the 2011 Annual Conference:
A Call to Advocate for the Enforcement of the Human Trafficking Laws in Ohio: The resolution asked that the conference contact Ohio governmental agencies encouraging new legislation and upholding legal action against human traffickers. It further asked that the Church and Society committee, in partnership with the East Ohio United Methodist Women and the Commission on the Status and of Women of East Ohio Conference, advocate for this cause.
A Call to Support the Ohio Food Banks: ‘The resolution asked the conference to commit to educate and encourage congregations to support local food banks with donations and volunteering. It further advocated for changes in public policy on state and local levels that will decrease hunger.
A Call to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The resolution asked that each UMC suspend activities and meetings unless it is to commemorate its observance.
A Call to Advocate for Continued Participation in Political Process and Support of Collective Bargaining: The resolution asked the conference to educate themselves and affirm the historic support of education, rights of workers and right to collective bargaining and to vote their conscience regarding the referendum initiative Ohio Bill 5.
A Call to Ensure Youth a Place on Committees and Councils: The resolution asked that local churches make it a focus that youth be a part of leadership and mission committees.
Why do I like to spend a week attending conference? The Holy Spirit prevails in that little village. We, my family as well as I, find it to be incredibly soothing, relaxing, peaceful, refreshing, and renewing. Though there are literally hundreds of people present there are no harsh words, no bickering, individual agendas are laid aside…just people looking out for each other and especially for each others children. Please come visit us and experience it for yourself.
L. Taillon
