Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iii: Conference Proceedings 95
Morning Session, Thursday, June 14, 2012
Bishop Gwinn called the Conference to order and the morning session began with the
singing of The Church’s One Foundation and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Bishop
Gwinn gave a brief devotion, read from Galatians 5 regarding the fruit of the spirit, and
offered a word of prayer.
Transition Team:
Bishop Gwinn called on Linda Taylor, Chair of Conference Transition Team, to bring the
report of the Transition Team. Rev. Taylor read The Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20
and offered a prayer. A brief video was presented. She introduced the members of the Team.
The report of the Transition Team is found on the Annual Conference 2012 webpage at
the NCCUMC website. It was reported that three parsonages have been sold. The proceeds
from the sale of the parsonages will fund DS housing allowances. Cleve May, member of the
Transition Team, quoted Revelation 2 and encouraged the Conference to spark the passion
to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Rev. Linda Taylor
returned to address the Conference. She thanked Bishop Gwinn for his willingness to share
his vision for the future of the church. Rev. Taylor then presented to the Annual Conference
the names of the eight new districts and invited the all persons present to stand as the name
of their district was called. Rev. Taylor asked Bishop Gwinn to offer a prayer of blessing
on behalf of the new districts which he did. She placed the report before the conference
for adoption. Bishop Gwinn opened the floor for questions regarding the report from the
Transition Team. Bishop Gwinn recognized William Pearsall (WI) who expressed his
concern over the discrepancies between what was voted on at the 2011 Annual Conference
and what was actually presented at this Annual Conference.
Bishop Gwinn directed Mr. Pearsall’s inquiry to Christine Dodson, Conference Treasurer
who addressed his concerns. Ken Ripley was recognized to make a comment. Bishop Gwinn
recognized Rev. Dr. William C. Simpson, Jr. (BU-Retired) who asked 5 questions based
on paragraphs 51 and 2609.6 of the Discipline. He also cited paragraphs 419-424 and 426
of the Discipline. Rev. Simpson has requested an Episcopal ruling. The Bishop stated that
he has 30 days to respond to the questions that Bill Simpson brought to the Conference.
Dennis Shipman moved to receive the report of the Transition Team as information only.
Beth Hood, Greenville District Superintendent, was recognized to speak. She asked what
the implications of the Shipman motion would be. The Bishop asked the intent of the lay
person’s motion. Mark Woods, Cherry Point, was recognized by the bishop to ask a question.
The question was not in order, but could be asked later. Chris Humphreys (SA - Center) was
recognized by the bishop to speak against the motion. Bob Guthrie, NB - First, Morehead
City, was recognized by the Bishop and spoke against the motion and took a point of
personal privilege. The Bishop recognized Belton Joyner as a member of the Judicial Council
of The United Methodist Church. However, Rev. Joyner did not participate in any discussion,
nor did he vote. The Bishop granted himself a personal privilege. Cliff Spence, DU district,
recognized by the Bishop and stated the motion was out of order because there was no
second to the motion. The Bishop then received a second to the motion. Edgar DeJesus rose
in opposition of the motion and stated it was out of order. The Bishop asked for a vote to see
if the Conference was ready to act on the motion. By a ⅔ majority the conference indicated
its readiness to vote. The Bishop called for a vote on the Shipman motion, and it failed. Mark
Woods was recognized by the Bishop to ask a question about Huddle groups. Cleve May
responded to the Woods question. Jeanne Neal (BU - Haw River) was recognized by the
Bishop. On behalf of the Burlington District she expressed her concern for Sharon Smith,