June 17, 2016
Conference adopts 'Action of Non-Conformity' resolution
With removal of the language about paying general church apportionments, resolution passes.
Bible study
This year’s Bible Study was led by the Rev. Anne Robertson, executive director of the Massachusetts Bible Society. Rev. Robertson talked about how people in a text-based culture like ours should understand the scriptures, which were written in a time when storytelling was the traditional way of conveying truth.
Laity Session
Each year, the Laity Session is a time to celebrate the gifts and ministry of the New England Conference laity. Speaking on the AC 16 theme “Planting Seeds of Trust” were Conference Board of Laity members: Stephanie Cyr, Betty Austin and Karen Cassidy. The laity also acknowledged the work of Deaconesses and Home Missioners. And heard a song by Board of Laity Youth Representative Sarah Ames.
Bishop: 'These are not ordinary times'
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar opts to tell his story rather than share his planned address.
Guests from Korea
The New England Conference hosted visitors from the Sanman Annual Conference of the Korean Methodist Church.
Bishop Jin-Hung Kim and his wife Seo-Hyung Kim
Rev. Suk-jae Chang and his wife Eun-Sik Kim
Bishop Yang-Hee Chung and his wife
Rev. Jong-Ho Park and his wife
Rev. Sung Mo Song
General Conference Delegation report
The General Conference Delegation did not get to give its report, but the report and a video recapping the 2016 General Conference in Portland, OR, can be found here.
Elections
The Annual Conference elected two Associate Lay Leaders: Ruby L. Blake, Metro Boston Hope District Lay Leader, and Joan Farrar, Co-District Lay Leader in the Mid-Maine District. Rene Wilbur was re-elected as Conference Lay Leader. (Click to read short bios).
The members also elected the Rev. John Blackadar, retired, as Conference Secretary. Rev. Blackadar was serving as interim secretary this year. Ralph Oduor stepped down Dec. 31, 2015.
Also re-elected were:
Conference Treasurer: William Burnside, re-elected
Conference Pension Officer: William Burnside, re-elected
Conference Chancellor: William Hewig, re-elected
‘Pack your bags’ Bishop Devadhar told ordinands
The New England Conference ordained seven as elders and commissioned seven as provisional elders. The Service of Ordination and Commissioning was Friday, June 17. Bishop Devadhar was preacher, and told the conference’s new clergy they would have to “pack, unpack and repack.”
Manchester vigil for Orlando shooting victims
After the Service of Ordination and Commissioning, some members of the Annual Conference attended a vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Pulse night club in Orlando. Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson, Director of Connectional Ministries/Assistant to the Bishop, spoke on the bishop’s behalf. Marcia McFee, this year’s worship leader, led a chorus of “We Shall Overcome.”
