Here’s what happened on Saturday, June 11 … See more photos in the gallery at right. Thanks to Galen Schad and Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez for their photos.
Saturday Bible study
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling continued her exploration of the nature of God at Saturday morning’s Bible study, titled “Remembering Our Story” and focused on Exodus. The bishop shared this video featuring Dr. Bruce C. Birch, Dean Emeritus of Wesley Theological Seminary:
Bishop Easterling encouraged participants to consider who they are in the Exodus story and what that means for how we are the church. Take a listen:
Preparation materials suggested for Saturday’s study: Watch the Ted Talk “The Danger of a Single Story,” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; read the book of Exodus.
Anointing of License Local Pastors 2020 and 2021
Those who became Licensed Local Pastors in the years when our Annual Conference sessions were online only, had this opportunity to be anointed by the bishop. Watch
Laity Address
The winner of the 2022 Laity Address Challenge is Lisa Svenson. Svenson, the daughter of a United Methodist pastor, attends Main Street UMC in Nashua, NH. Each
year, the Laity Address must use the Annual Conference theme and guiding scripture as its theme, this year: "Envisioning the Beloved Community” and Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message).
Svenson is a therapist working with the underserved in Lowell, MA, where she focuses primarily on clients with substance use and trauma challenges. A member of Annual Conference, she also serves her church as secretary of the Church Council, co-chair of the Worship Committee, member of the Evangelism Committee, and ex-officio member of many other church committees. At the Conference level, she is a member of the Conference Response and Intervention Team and has served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and briefly on the former Tri-State District Board on Church Location and Building.
In her message, titled “Focused on the Goal,” Svenson said: “We don’t need more right versus wrong, my way or the highway. God’s big umbrella can shelter us all from the rain, and even though we’re different, we all fit and we’re all part of this community. Life isn’t fair, that’s a given, but we’re not alone. And rarely are we 100% right or 100% wrong. We can listen to each other, we can hear each other.” Watch
Thanks from Bishop
In a moment of personal privilege, Bishop Devadhar offered thanks for his retirement celebration Watch
Joint statement on holy conferencing
Retired elders Rev. Scott Campbell (left) and Rev. Mike Pike, who self-describe as coming from “different ends of the theological spectrum” offered this joint statement: Watch
RS-22-220 — COMMITMENT TO PEACEKEEPING — approved RS-22-221 — RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE — approved
RS-22-222 — STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION — approved with the following amendments:
Amend to add a part-time position of climate coordinator – Rev. Kim Hornung-Marcy
The New England Annual Conference (NEAC) Board of Church and Society proposes that we work with the Connectional Table and CFA to discuss the creation of a part-time position of climate coordinator to be hired by the NEAC. This person would be responsible for offering resources and expertise to local congregations and other conference entities about how to respond to the climate crisis by adapting their properties and/or becoming effective advocates to combat climate change. This person should demonstrate knowledge of climate science, resources available in New England, and have a passion for climate care and advocacy. The structuring of this position will be done in consultation with CCFA and Connectional table to develop who the person reports to and the finances necessary for this part-time position. The Board of Church and Society will of course be willing to work with everyone to help this happen.
Amendment to line 32 on page 100 [regarding utensils] — Rev. Sarah Mount Elewononi to add “by bringing our own as often as possible.”
RS-22-223 — OPPOSING APARTHEID IN THE HOLY LAND — approved
RS-22-226 — TIMELINESS FOR RESOLUTIONS AT AC SESSION — approved
See the revised version of this resolution printed in the May 19, 2022, Addendum
RS-22-231 CONFRONTING HARM AND DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX OR GENDER THROUGH TRAINING — approved
COSROW representation report
Rev. Dr. Sara Garrard, chair, offered the report on behalf of the Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women Watch
