Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

100 The North Carolina Annual Conference – 2012 Journal
Bishop Gwinn recognized Connie Stutts (NB - Reems-Beech Grove). She introduced the lay
member from her charge who is a native of Burma and who has recently become a US citizen.
She was presented to the Annual Conference and received a round of applause.
GBGM - Mission Interpreter:
Bishop Gwinn recognized Susan Canafax, a Mission Interpreter for the Southeast
Jurisdiction, who works with UMCOR. She named several missionaries who are related to
the North Carolina Annual Conference. Ms. Canafax brought a word of greeting from the
Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries.
Bishop Gwinn recognized Rev. Hope Vickers, Epworth - DU, to make some comments
regarding the Conference Accessibility Audit. She encouraged the delegates to complete
the survey which was handed out. A video was presented on behalf of the Accessibility
Committee.
Lake Junaluska Retreat Center:
Bishop Gwinn invited Rev. Bill Gattis, Burlington District Superintendent and his wife,
Irene Gattis, to make the report on behalf of the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center. They spoke
for Dr. Joel Ewing, Executive Director & CEO of the Center. Mrs. Gattis stated that Dr.
Ewing has done an outstanding job. Next year, 2013, will mark the 100th Anniversary of
Lake Junaluska and celebration events are being planned. She encouraged the members
of Annual Conference to visit the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center. Rev. Gattis spoke about
the transition underway at Lake Junaluska to better serve the jurisdiction. He spoke very
optimistically about the future of Lake Junaluska.
Announcements:
Bishop Gwinn asked Dr. Jerry Bryan, Conference Secretary, to make announcements. He
invited the body to return that evening for a celebration of Bishop Gwinn’s ministry. The
special offering will be 1K for 1Kid for the Methodist Homes for Children. Secretary Jerry
Bryan announced that the mother of Rev. Mike Safley, Chaplain at Methodist University, has
passed away.
Bishop Gwinn recessed the Annual Conference afternoon session on Thursday at 4:43 p.m.
Evening Session, Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Evening Session was a Celebration of the Ministry of Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, Jr.
and his wife, Joyce. Bluegrass music opened the celebration which included a video of
photographs from across the Bishop’s years of life and ministry. Emily Innes and Leonard
Fairley expressed appreciation on behalf of the laity, clergy, and cabinet. An offering of
$19,616.21 was received for 1K for 1Kid.
Morning Session, Friday, June 15, 2012
The session began at 7:58 a.m. with the singing of Blessed Assurance led by 14 year old Lee
Rodio (DU - Mt. Sylvan). The Conference was also led in the singing of the hymns I Love To
Tell the Story and They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love. The Bishop commented