Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

94 The North Carolina Annual Conference – 2012 Journal
NC. Rev. Hood introduced a video clip from the Service of Repentance. Emily Innes then
addressed the topic of restructure faced by the General Conference as a result of the Call to
Action report. A fuller report is found on page 3 of the June NCAC Advocate. The adopted
plan known as the Plan UMC was ruled unconstitutional by the judicial council. As a
result the agencies and boards will remain the same with the exception of smaller sizes and
reduced budgets. Emily Innes reported that the plan to remove the Women’s Division as
a separate agency was approved by an overwhelming majority at General Conference. She
also made mention of the change of the lay ministry of Lay Speaker to Lay Servant. Rev.
Hood addressed the report from the Committee on Ministry chaired by Bishop Gwinn to
look at the ministry process. This committee recommended the removal of the guaranteed
appointment which was approved by the General Conference. The General Conference asked
the Judicial Council to rule on the constitutionality of the rule change regarding guaranteed
appointments. That decision will be rendered at a future date. The current ordination process
remains in place as does the sacramental authority for Local Pastors. Changes were made in
the Pension Fund that reduce costs for churches by an average of 15% and offer opportunities
for clergy to make additional investment. Further information can be found on pages 1-4
of the Advocate. Rev. Hood offered the Annual Conference the opportunity to ask General
Conference delegates questions. Emily Innes, in accordance with the rules of the Southeast
Jurisdiction and the Annual Conference, endorsed the nomination of Gray Southern as
the Episcopal Candidate for the 2012 Jurisdictional Conference. The Annual Conference
officially endorsed Gray Southern as the candidate for the Episcopacy. Gray Southern then
received a standing ovation. Bishop Gwinn asked Gray Southern and his family to join
him on the stage along with Bishop Paul Leeland. They laid hands on Gray and his family
and Bishop Leeland offered a prayer. Bishop Gwinn encouraged the Annual Conference to
continue to lift Dr. Southern and the Jurisdictional delegates in prayer as they anticipate the
upcoming Jurisdictional Conference in July.
Bestowing of Prayer Shawls
Bishop Gwinn recognized Judy Stephens from the Spiritual Life Committee. Rev. Stephens
made a presentation of prayer shawls to all the members of the Jurisdictional delegation on
behalf of the Spiritual Life Committee. Rev. Stephens then offered a prayer as the shawls
were presented beginning with Dr. Southern.
Announcements:
Bishop Gwinn recognized Jerry Bryan, Conference Secretary, to make some announcements.
Bishop Gwinn offered up a prayer on behalf of several people. The Afternoon Session was
adjourned at 5:24 p.m.
Evening Session, Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A Worship Service and Celebration which included the State of the Church address began at
7:30 p.m. Bishop Gwinn and Emily Innes, Conference Lay Leader, participated in the state
of the church address. A youth choir provided the music. A special offering in the amount of
$7,035.00 was received for Imagine No Malaria.