Annual Conference

I have spent the last few days in Orangeburg with some of my best friends. On Sunday, United Methodists from across the South Carolina gathered at Claflin University for our Annual Conference. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor presided for the second time over this week’s worship and business. A highlight of our time together was celebrating the jubilee year of full clergy rights for women in the UMC. Remembering those who have paved the way for us and affirming our own ministry was truly a joy. During our opening worship, all women clergy were invited to stand before the Conference. What an impressive sight! Women clergy, including Scarlett and I, were the communion servers during this service and each morning. Yet, I still hear the stories of rejection that some of our sisters encounter even before they arrive at their appointments.

A couple of noteworthy items marked this conference for me. Bishop Taylor continues to emphasize worship and Bible study during our time together. Although there were a number of the same issues and same voices, we implemented some new directions. The Conference Council on Ministries will now be known as the Conference Council on Connectional Ministries and the related staff positions will be congregational specialists assigned to two districts. Marion and Florence Districts will share a specialist who will be available to resource local churches in a variety of ways. Congregational Development is in the process of implementing a conference-wide strategy to strengthen our churches through Natural Church Development and is in the process of fulfilling the conference mandate to start 10 new churches by 2010. Hearing of our response to Katrina and other missional needs was inspiring. Increased use of technology during this event and throughout the year was in evidence. The 2007 Annual Conference will be held at the Florence Civic Center. This shift from the traditional college campus setting may be one more indication that we are willing to try new and different things. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct us as we go forth in ministry in the coming year.