Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iii: Conference Proceedings 105
for the first time. She presented the Harry Denman Evangelism Award to Josh Leslie, youth
lay member from Horne Memorial. Rev. Dean also presented a Denman Award to Rev. J.
Neal Salter, Jr. (BU - Emanuel )
Bishop Gwinn called on Cherilyn Peay from the NC Conference Board of Higher Education
and Campus Ministry to make a report. Ms. Peay, on behalf of the Conference Board of
Higher Education, made a presentation regarding the Alan Norris Scholarship. Bishop
Gwinn then called on Lynn James from the UM Foundation. He gave a report on behalf of
the Foundation. Mr. James introduced Laura Lee Bailey who is the new Director of Planned
Giving for the Foundation. Mr. James announced that the 2012 Saints of God Award for
Outstanding Christian Stewardship and Service would go to Virginia Wrenn, Warren’s
Grove (DU). Mr. James invited members of Ms. Wrenn’s family, Volunteers in Mission team
members, and Rev. Phillip Chryst (DU - Warren’s Grove) to join Ms. Wrenn on stage for her
recognition. Bishop Gwinn and Gray Southern, Durham District Superintendent, presented
the award to Ms. Wrenn who received a standing ovation from the Annual Conference. As is
tradition, the Conference stood to sing the hymn, I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.
Bishop Gwinn asked Rev. Carl King, University (BU), Chair of the Board of Higher
Education and Campus Ministry to speak about Campus Ministry in the Annual
Conference. He spoke of a grant initiative for this quadrennium that focuses on strengthening
campus ministry throughout NC with an emphasis on community colleges. Rev. King noted
that the National Campus Ministry Association awards the Campus Ministry and Campus
Minister of the Year Award. This year both recipients are within the bounds of the NC
Annual Conference. Duke Wesley Fellowship was named the Campus Ministry of the year.
John McClain representing the Duke Wesley Fellowship received the honor on behalf of the
Fellowship. Jennifer Copeland, also from the Duke Wesley Fellowship was named Campus
Minister of the Year. She came forward and addressed the Annual Conference.
Witness Moment
Bishop Gwinn called upon Terry Herring (WI - Herring’s Chapel) who gave his testimony.
Mr. Herring suffers from ALS. He offered a word of thanks for prayers on his behalf and
encouraged the Annual Conference to continue to pray, not only him, but others who are
suffering. Mr. Herring encouraged the members of the Annual Conference to be a voice for
others who are suffering from various conditions to help find a cure. Mr. Herring received a
standing ovation for his testimony. He gave all glory to God.
Celebration of Laity Ministries
Bishop Gwinn asked Emily Innes, Conference Lay Leader, to bring the report of the
Conference Board of Laity. Her written report can be found on page 96 of the 2012
Conference Workbook. The video contained a report from LaNella Smith, Conference
President of UMW. There is a written report for the UMW on page 87 of the 2012
Conference Workbook. In her video presentation Ms. Smith quoted Luke 8:1-3. Ms. Smith
invited the members of the UMW to stand and join in stating the purpose of the UMW. The
video presentation included a report from Tom Starnes, Conference UMM President as well
as a report from the Rev. Linda Harris on Lay Servant Ministries for the Annual Conference.
Ms. Innes invited Landis Barbour, President of Conference Youth, to bring the Laity address.
Mr. Barbour received a standing ovation from the Annual Conference.