Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iii: Conference Proceedings 103
the new faith community leaders for a time of prayer. Bishop Gwinn had prayer for all these
pastors. Bishop Gwinn thanked Rev. Severt for his report.
Composite Report of the Cabinet:
Bishop Gwinn called upon the Rev. Bill Gattis, Dean of the Cabinet, to bring the composite
report of the cabinet. Rev. Gattis reported that three churches are in the process of being
closed: Yanceyville UMC (BU) closing June 24, 2012; York UMC (RM) closed December
31, 2011; Mt. Zion UMC (SA) closing October 31, 2012. Bishop Gwinn called for the vote
to close these churches which was done. Bishop Gwinn recognized the Home Missioners
and Deaconesses who were present. They were invited to stand, introduce themselves, and tell
where they are serving. Mr. Locklear noted that there are twelve Home Missioners serving
throughout the US and three of them are in the NC Conference.
Bishop Gwinn lead the Conference is singing Happy Birthday to Christine Dodson,
Conference Treasurer, who is celebrating her 40th birthday today. Ms. Dodson thanked the
Annual Conference for the birthday song. Bishop Gwinn then recognized LaNella Smith
who celebrated a birthday yesterday and the Conference sang Happy Birthday to her as well.
Bishop Gwinn recognized Grace Hackney (DU - Bahama) who rose for a point of personal
privilege.
Academy for Leadership Excellence:
Bishop Gwinn recognized Dr. Brian Gentle, Director of the Academy for Leadership
Excellence, brought the report of the Academy. Dr. Gentle thanked Bishop Gwinn for his
leadership of the Annual Conference. Dr. Gentle also thanked the members of the cabinet
for their support in working with the Academy for Leadership Excellence. Each year
twelve clergy are selected to participate and are partnered with laity. The two year academy
meets monthly. Participants also meet with a coach twice a month. Dr. Gentle invited Rev.
Elizabeth Roberts (RA - Windborne) to speak of the benefits of the program in her church.
Rev. Roberts introduced her laity partner in this process, Kevin Seymore, the lay member
from Windborne UMC. Mr. Seymore then addressed the Annual conference about his
experience in this program from the Academy. In expressing his thanks, Mr. Seymore read
from Ecc. 4:1. Dr. Gentle also presented Leah Wiede Smith, Associate Director of the
Academy who greeted the Annual Conference. Bishop Gwinn thanked Dr. Gentle and the
Academy for their work and invited the members of the Academy, both graduates and current
members to come to the stage to be recognized by the Annual Conference. Bishop Gwinn
asked Emily Innes, Conference Lay Leader, to pray for them.
Bishop Gwinn asked Dr. Jerry Bryan, Conference Secretary, to present the report on
locations for future Annual Conferences. Dr. Bryan presented the proposals for three
different venues for Annual Conference’s 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. This report is located on
the 2012 Annual Conference page of the Conference website. Dr. Bryan reported that the
recommendation from the Conference Planning Committee was that the Annual Conference
meet in Greenville for 2013 & 2014; in Wilmington for 2015 & 2016; and in Raleigh for
2017 & 2018. Bishop Gwinn recognized Ken Ripley (RM - Spring Hope) who rose to a
point of inquiry. Bishop Gwinn said prior to the vote that this recommendation would not
be binding on subsequent Annual Conferences but would give the Planning Committee
guidance. Bishop Gwinn called for the vote and the Annual Conference approved the
recommendation from the Conference Planning Committee. Dr. Bryan thanked Bishop
Gwinn for his leadership in this issue and thanked the Annual Conference for their work in