GROWThe Annual Conference ofThe United Methodist Church

The West Michigan Conferenceof The United Methodist Church

CONFERENCE PROGRAM47th Annual Session

Calvin CollegeGrand Rapids, Michigan

June 3 - June 7, 2015

GRO

W

TABLEof Contents

FOLLOW US!Watch Annual Conference Plenary Sessions Live online at WestMichiganConference.org

#WMAC15

facebook.com/WestMichiganConference

Greetings from Bishop Kiesey

Conference Information

Schedule for Thursday, June 4th

Schedule for Friday, June 5th

Schedule for Saturday, June 6th

Schedule for Sunday, June 7th

Meet Adam Hamilton

Worship Offerings

Worship Leaders

Special Meals

Legislative Committee Process

Ordination

Thank You

Ministry Fair

246789

1011121416181920

Additional information, including updates to many conference materials, can be found at WestMichiganConference.org

WIRELESS INTERNETFree guest wireless access is available for most of the campus, including common spaces. To connect, choose “Guest” from your available wireless networks, open a new browser window once connected and fill out the Guest Registration page. Guest wireless registration is good for 7 days.

For additional information on accessing wireless internet and a complete list of where guest wireless is currently available on Calvin’s campus, please refer to this page:

http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/wireless/guest_setup.html

*As a courtesy, PLEASE SILENCE all electronic devices during presentations. Thank You.

facebook.com/groups/WMCUMC

WMCUMC

WMCUMC

2

WELCOMEt0 the 2015 Annual Conference!

Welcome to the 2015 Annual Conference session of the West Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church!

We have come from far and wide across this great state to join together as Christians, and as the people called United Methodists.

This is not just a ‘business’ meeting as such, but this is also a time when United Methodists gather together to:

• Celebrate the ministries of the West Michigan Conference;• Gather in fellowship to renew old friendships and discover

new;• Remember those pastors and spouses and lay members

who have passed from our midst;• Learn new ways of being in ministry in the conference

and in the local church;• Deepen our faith through worship and prayer;• Welcome newly commissioned and ordained clergy;• Be inspired to return to our local congregations with new ideas and new energy.

This year in particular, our annual conferences are facing some exciting decisions – decisions that will affect the Michigan Area for years to come. It is my prayer that in all the decisions we have before us, we will remember “who we are” and “whose we are” … disciples of Jesus Christ, living in the all-encompassing Grace of God.

And may we live into the truth of these words from the New Testament book of I John “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed.” Please be in prayer throughout these days here in Adrian.

Pray for God’s guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray that our hearts might be filled with the joy of the spirit … so that we can be the disciples we are called to be and can make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

With you in the work of Christ,

Bishop Deb Kiesey

3:2:

3

Register NOW for any of the 9 United Methodist Church Summer Camps in Michigan• Full Week/Mini Week Camps Available• Programs for every age/interest plus Family Camps, RV/Tent Camping and Adult events• Scholarships and Discounts still available!

ASK YOUR CHURCH FOR THE FREE 2015 CAMPING GUIDE OR VISIT OUR 2 CONFERENCE WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE.

UMCCAMPS.ORG Detroit Annual Conference TOLL FREE 800 -334-0544

Judson Collins Center, Myers Lake Campground, Lake Huron Retreat Center and Camp Kinawind are sponsored by the Board of Outdoor & Retreat Ministries, Inc. Camp Albright, Wesley Woods, Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat Center, Lakeview Camp and Crystal Springs Camp are sponsored by the West Michigan Annual Conference Board of Camping & Retreat Ministries.

Give the Gift of CAMPING This Summer!

UMCAMPING.ORG West Michigan Annual Conference TOLL FREE 888 -217-1905

4

INFORMATIONConference

Welcome to Annual Conference

Hearing devices: Excellent units are available upon request at no cost at the registration desk for use in the Covenant Fine Arts Center.

Shuttle service: A limited number of golf carts are available to help people get to various locations. We ask that you not use this service unless you are disabled or have mobility challenges. The main shuttle station is located at the north entrance of the Covenant Fine Arts Center. Wheelchair accommodations: Space is reserved on the main level of the Covenant Fine Arts Center and the chapel for wheelchair positioning. Seating for those with mobility challenges are also reserved immediately off the main walkway. If you have need of any assistance while at Annual Conference please visit the registration desk.

The Calvin College Bookstore, located in the Commons, is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and carries personal items, magazines, cards, etc.

Cokesbury Bookstore is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center room 115, near of South Entrance.

Laura Witkowski is your Conference Facilitator. Her job is to help anyone who needs assistance in understanding and using the procedures and resources of the Conference in session. You will find her seated at a table right of the stage.

All conference materials are available online at WestMichiganConference.org. Daily News, a summary and preview of upcoming events, is emailed each evening to all members to Annual Conference. Printed copies are available each morning.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS

Laura Witkowski,Conference Facilitator

We hope your time at Annual Conference is pleasant and want to make your visit to the Calvin College campus as enjoyable as possible. If you find yourself in need of assistance or additional information there are many people waiting to serve you:

• Calvin College Conference Assistants – ready to make your stay at Calvin a pleasant one.• Annual Conference Registration Staff – for help with materials, your registration or other conference needs.

Located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center West lobby, next to the box office. • Welcoming Team – Here to welcome you and provide directional assistance. Just look for the purple shirts!

ASSISTANCEFOR PEOPLE

WITH DISABILITIES

CAMPUS BOOKSTORE

COKESBURY BOOK ROOM

CONFERENCE FACILITATOR

5

EMERGENCY

LOST AND FOUND

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

MINISTRY FAIR

PERSONALPRIVILEGE

PRAYER CHAPEL

REGISTRATION DESK

REFRESHMENTS AND SNACKS

RESTROOMS

RULES OF ORDER

SMOKING

WELLNESS CLINIC

In case of any emergency, messages will be announced and you will be directed where to head for safety. In the event of an emergency on campus, dial Campus Safety at 3-333. Persons needing to contact you in the event of an emergency can call 616-526-6291 8:00AM to 6:00PM After hours, please call 616-526-6452.

Looking for something? Check with the Lost and Found, located at the registration desk. All items found should also be turned into the Lost and Found as well.

A Health Station is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center in Room 125, behind the auditorium stage. It is staffed by a nurse during the hours that Conference is in the Covenant Fine Arts Center. If you have any health concerns or needs, or just need a cot for rest, please feel free to make use of this service.

The 2015 Annual Conference Ministry Fair is a time to showcase the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist connection to the “world beyond home.” The Ministry Fair will be accessible for viewing Saturday in the VanNoord Arena. Tables will be staffed with ministry representatives beginning at 11:30 AM.

To keep plenary time moving smoothly, requests for ‘personal privilege’ (speaking about an item of personal interest, making a special introduction or another matter that interrupts scheduled business) will be referred to the Agenda Committee, who will determine the next best opportunity. Requests may be taken to the Program Committee Chairperson, often found to the right of the stage. Please be prepared to check back, as they will be unable to track people down.

WMC-HOPE hosts this private quiet space for reflection. You can find this room located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center in room 230. It is open each day from 7:30AM until adjournment of the evening’s activities.

Information on dining rooms for Special Meals, messages and other updated information can be found at the Registration Desk in the West lobby of the Covenant Fine Arts Center.

The Snack Bar is operated by the Board of Christian Camping. It is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center at the South Entrance. Please be mindful we are in a new facility and we ask that you bring as little refreshment as possible into the auditorium. Proceeds will go towards the ‘Changing Lives Campaign’ (scholarship fund).

Men’s and women’s restrooms are located in the West lobby of the Covenant Fine Arts Center.

Judy Coffey is your Rules of Order representative. She is located at a table at the right side of the auditorium. Please visit her with questions regarding the Rules of the Annual Conference.

Calvin College is a Smoke-Free campus. There is no smoking inside or outside campus buildings.

The free Clergy Wellness Center is located behind the stage in Room 125 in the Covenant Fine Arts Center. We encourage all clergy to visit the wellness center during Annual Conference.

6

SCHEDULEConference

Location Guide

Knollcrest Dining CenterCommons Dining CenterConference Secretary’s OfficeVanNoord ArenaCollege Chapel

Covenant Fine Arts CenterCovenant Fine Arts Center AuditoriumCovenant Fine Arts Center Recital HallCovenant Fine Arts Center West LobbyCovenant Fine Arts Center, Room 125 (behind stage)Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 222Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 227

Thursday, June 4th9:00 AM Registration Desk Opens (and open until 7 PM) Board of Ordained Ministry Clergy & Candidacy Mentor Training 9:30 AM Board of Pension Information Session (until 10:40 AM)10:30 AM Ordination Rehearsal for Ordinands and Photographs Legislative Committee Leader Training 10:50 AM Health Care Information Session/Q & A12:00 PM Lunch Special Meal: Extension Ministries1:30 PM Clergy Session (1:30 - 3:30 PM) Laity Session (1:30 - 3:30 PM)4:00 PM Opening Worship/Memorial Service - Rev. Dr. Bill Dobbs Preaching (Offering: Hispanic/Latino Ministries)6:00 PM Dinner Special Meals: Memorial Service Families, Smaller Churches (Under 50), WMC Order of Deacons, Micah 6:8, Albion College Alumni7:30 PM Episcopal Address 8:15 PM Organization of Conference: Conference Council on Finance & Administration - Sue Cobb Conference Committee on Nominations Preliminary Report - Glenn Wagner9:15 PM Worship Rehearsal (for Friday Morning Worship)

7

Friday, June 5th

6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM Special Meals: Grand Traverse District, Albion District7:00 AM Registration Desk Opens8:30 AM Devotions (Offering: New Church Development and Vital Church Initiative) Kick Off to Camping Campaign Rules of Order Report - Judy Coffey (until 10:15 AM) 10:30 AM Legislative Committees - Various Rooms12:30 PM Lunch Special Meals: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Sem., Asbury Theological Sem., Reconciling Ministries, Lay Servant Directors, Churches/Clergy with New Appts., United Methodist Women2:00 PM Corporate Session2:25 PM Reports Imagine No Malaria - Molly Turner Board of Ordained Ministry Report - Sherri Swanson Communications - Mark Doyal Act of Repentance Toward Reconciliation Introduction - Jerry DeVine3:15 PM Break3:30 PM Teaching Session #1 with Adam Hamilton Book Signing following teaching session5:30 PM Dinner Special Meals: Board of Global Ministries, UM Rural Advocates, Previously Retired Clergy and Spouses at Clark Home7:00 PM Cabinet Report and Fixing of Appointments8:00 PM Teaching Session #2 with Adam Hamilton9:30 PM Distribution Consent Calendar and Legislative Committee Reports9:45 PM Fireside Chat with Adam Hamilton Worship Rehearsal (for Saturday Morning)

8

6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM Special Meal: Racial Ethnic Local Church/Commission on Religion and Race8:30 AM Worship - Rev. Nohemi Ramirez preaching (Offering: MI Area Haiti Task Force)9:45 AM Break10:00 AM Teaching Session #3 with Adam Hamilton11:30 AM Deadline to remove items from the Consent Calendar11:30 AM Lunch Special Meals: Educational Opportunities, Fellowship of Local Pastors/Assoc., Newly Commissioned, Ordained and Certified Ministry Fair (until 2:15)2:30 PM Journal Committee (approve previous day’s minutes) Legislation - Item #9 and GC Petitions related to Human Sexuality3:45 PM Break4:00 PM Marking Sacred Time5:30 PM Dinner Special Meals: Marking Sacred Time, Board of Church and Society, Camp and Retreat Ministries 7:00 PM Legislation - Item #8 and Others9:30 PM Ordination Rehearsal for Worship Participants

Saturday, June 6th

9

Location Guide

Knollcrest Dining CenterCommons Dining CenterConference Secretary’s OfficeVanNoord ArenaCollege Chapel

Covenant Fine Arts CenterCovenant Fine Arts Center AuditoriumCovenant Fine Arts Center Recital HallCovenant Fine Arts Center West LobbyCovenant Fine Arts Center, Room 125 (behind stage)Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 222Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 227

6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 12:00 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM Special Meal: Council on Finance and Administration8:30 AM Devotions / Baptism9:00 AM Legislation CFA Final Report - Item #14 (2016 Budget) Nominations Final Report Final Announcements12:00 PM Lunch 1:30 PM Ordination - Bishop Deb Kiesey, Preaching (Offering: Ministerial Education Fund) Adjournment of Conference

Sunday, June 7th

10

TEACHERFeatured

Adam Hamilton Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country.

The Church Report named Hamilton’s congregation the most influential mainline church in America and PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly identified him as one of the “Ten People to Watch.” In 2013, Adam was invited to deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service in Washington’s National Cathedral as part of the presidential inauguration festivities.

A master at explaining questions of faith in a down-to earth fashion, he is the author of many books The Journey, The Way, 24 Hours that Changed the World, Enough, Why: Making Sense of God’s Will, When Christians Get it Wrong, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

11

Four special offerings will be taken through the course of the session: Hispanic/Latino Ministries, New Church Development and Vital Congregation Initiative, Michigan Area Haiti Task Force and Ministerial Education Fund.

THURSDAY – Hispanic / Latino Ministries The fastest growing demographic in our state is the Hispanic/Latino population. Many of our congregations are surrounded by individuals they are not equipped to understand or reach with the gospel. This offering will be distributed by the Conference Committee on Hispanic / Latino Ministries to assist congregations in reaching out to new people, younger and more diverse people.

FRIDAY – New Church Development Team and Vital Church InitiativeThe offering will be divided equally between the New Church Development Team and the Vital Church Initiative. The New Church Team will continue to offer grants to local churches starting a new growth strategy (second worship service, multi-site, etc.). The VCI offering is be distributed equally to each district for use as VCI scholarships for those churches needing financial assistance so that they may participate in this transformational process.

SATURDAY – Michigan Area Haiti Task Force Our MI Area of The UMC has a long standing covenantal relationship with the Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti District of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas. The offering will be distributed by the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force to be used in a Haitian, growth-orientated local church or ministry.

SUNDAY - Ministerial Education Fund Since 1968 the Ministerial Education Fund has helped thousands become pastoral leaders in The United Methodist Church through grants and scholarships. As we continue to share the responsibility of educating our clergy, this is one of the seven apportioned funds that enable United Methodists to do together what no church, district or annual conference could do alone. Thank you for your contribution to this legacy of service.

OFFERINGSWorship

12

LEADERSWorship

Rev. Nohemí Ramírez is an ordained Elder member of the Rio Grande Conference. Currently, she is pastor at La Nueva Esperanza UMC, and Conference Hispanic-Latino Faith Community Developer and Mentor.

Rev. Ramirez was born in Mexico. She has been married to Enrique Ramirez, who has been her faithful partner and teammate for 36 years. Rev. Ramirez is best known for her work in weak Hispanic churches. Her love for people has been the drive that has helped her, along with the help of her husband, to pull several churches out of their struggle and back into thriving mode.

Rev. Ramirez is very musically talented. She is an avid pianist, guitarist, and vocalist. Rev. Ramírez has had the opportunity of writing for the Upper Room Devotional book, The United Methodist Women book of program and the interpreter in Spanish. She has two grown children, Joyce who married Matt Sheren and a son named Daniel. Nohemi also enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren Mia and Zöe Sheren.

Rev. Nohemi Ramirez

13

This July, the Rev. Dr. William D. Dobbs will retire as Clergy Assistant to the Bishop, a role he has faithfully served in since 2010. Bill was born in Bad Axe, Michigan., on September 17, 1945, to Willard and Verna Dobbs. He grew up in Cass City where he graduated from high school in 1963. Bill was active in district and conference MYF activities while in the Port Huron District. He attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree.

After teaching public school music in Potterville for four years, he felt a call from God and began his pastoral ministry in the West Michigan Conference while attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1976. Pastoral appointments included West Mendon, Holland First, Ludington United, East Lansing University and Lansing Calvary. Dobbs earned his Doctor of Ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary in 2003 and was appointed as a Superintendent in the Heartland District beginning in 2005. In 2010, Dobbs was named Clergy Assistant to Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton and continuing in 2012 with Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey. Dobbs married Janice Faye Sbresny in 1963. They have four grown children and six grandchildren, who range in age from 26 to 12. Bill and Janice are avid RV’ers and golfers in their spare time. They live in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Rev. Dr. William D. Dobbs

14

Room assignments are subject to change. Confirm location at Registration Desk in CFAC.If you are registered for a catered, executive box lunch or meal by invitation, please go directly to location.

2015 WM Annual Conference Special Meals InformationSPECIAL MEALS

 2015 WM Annual Conference Special Meals Information 

 Room assignments are subject to change. Confirm location at Registration Desk in CFAC.  

If you are registered for a catered, buffet, executive box lunch or meal by invitation, please go directly to location.  

Day  Meal  Location  Serving Option Thurs  Lunch (Noon – 1:30 PM)     

  Extension Ministries  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Catered 

Thurs  Dinner (6 – 7:30 PM)     

  Memorial Service Families  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Invitation Only 

  Smaller Churches (Attendance Under 50)*  Prince Center  Catered 

  WMC Order of Deacons  Commons Dining Knollcrest Room  Catered 

  Micah 6:8 Methodist Federation for  Social Action  Commons Annex Lecture Hall  Catered 

  Albion College Alumni  Knollcrest Dining Room #2  Regular Serving Line 

Fri  Breakfast (6:30 – 8 AM)     

  Grand Traverse District  Commons Annex Lecture Hall  Buffet 

  Albion District  Commons Dining #3  Regular Serving Line 

Fri  Lunch (12:30 – 2 PM)     

  Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary  Commons Annex Faculty Meeting Room  Box Lunch 

  Asbury Theological Seminary  Commons Dining Knollcrest Room  Box Lunch 

  Reconciling Ministries   Commons Dining Uppercrust  Catered 

  Lay Servant Directors  Commons Annex Student Senate Room  Regular Serving Line 

 Churches and Clergy with New Appointments: Tools to Learn About Your Church and Community* 

Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Catered 

  United Methodist Women  Knollcrest Dining Room #2  Catered 

 Continued →

15

  

Room assignments are subject to change. Confirm location at Registration Desk in CFAC.  If you are registered for a catered, buffet, executive box lunch or meal by invitation, please go directly to location.   

Continued Fri  Dinner (5:30 – 7 PM)     

  Board of Global Ministries  Knollcrest Dining Room #1  Catered 

  UM Rural Advocates  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Catered 

Sat  Breakfast (6:30 – 8 AM)     

  Racial Ethnic Local Church and Commission on Religion and Race  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Catered 

Sat  Lunch (11:30 AM – 1 PM)     

  Educational Opportunities  Commons Dining Knollcrest Room  Box Lunch 

  Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Regular Serving Line 

  Newly Commissioned, Ordained and Certified*  Prince Center  Prince Center 

Sat  Dinner (5:30 – 7 PM)     

  Marking Sacred Time ‐ Retirees and Spouses  Commons Annex Staff Dining Room  Invitation Only 

  Board of Church and Society  Commons Annex Alumni Board Room  Catered 

  Camp and Retreat Ministries  Commons Dining Knollcrest Room  Regular Serving Line 

Sun  Breakfast (6:30 – 8 AM)     

  Council on Finance and Administration  Commons Annex Student Senate Room  Catered 

 *Sponsored by New Church Team and open invitation. 

Room assignments are subject to change. Confirm location at Registration Desk in CFAC.If you are registered for a catered, executive box lunch or meal by invitation, please go directly to location.

16

The 2015 West Michigan Annual Conference willuse Legislative Committees.

This process allows for all members of Annual Conference to be part of the process in more ways than simply voting yes or no. Debate in legislative committees allows for more members to speak and offer amendments. It also ensures that all legislation is addressed. All legislative petitions and their response petitions will be assigned to a legislative committee. Each committee will have both lay and clergy represented.

Rules of Order petitions are not reviewed by legislative committees. Rules of Order changes will be presented by the Committee on Rules of Order for adoption at the beginning of the legislative session.

Please be familiar with Rule 22.C.3 (2014 Journal page 270) and Rule 23 (2014 Journal pages 271-273). (The Rules of Order are posted as a separate document online, in the AC section of the Conference website.)

The Legislative Committee can take three actions with a petition:• Concurrence• Concurrence with amendment• Non-concurrence

How do I know what committee I’m on?

The Program Committee assigns members to a Legislative Committee and the assignment (committee number) is listed on the member’s name badge. The assignments are done by alphabetical groups and the groups are randomly assigned to a committee. Committee assignments cannot be changed, but the committee should not include two people from the same church. Reassignments will be done by the Conference Facilitator. Committee numbers and locations will be posted online and available at the Annual Conference registration desk.

One representative of a petition is granted the privilege of voice only during discussion of the specific petition.

What procedures do the committees follow?

Discussion, voting, making amendments and time limits on debate follow Robert’s Rules of Order and the Rules of the Conference. A helpful Parliamentary Motion Chart can be found in your Decision Items Book on page 237. The petition representative has voice, but not vote.

The officers (Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary) of each committee will need to report exact numbers on the final votes to translate to percentages. Exact numbers on amendments or other non-final actions are not required. It will be important to note and keep a running total, as people arrive late, leave early and abstain from voting. Any vote count needs to include members present and voting. Abstentions are noted as “present and not voting” and are not a part of the computations.

LEGISLATIVE2015Committee Process

17

What actions can the committee take on the petitions?

Consent Calendar: If a petition reviewed by the committee passes by 90% or more, the petition is reported as Concurrence and it is placed on the Consent Calendar. All items on the Consent Calendar are presented to the Conference as one motion for vote with no discussion unless removed for separate consideration as described below.

Concurrence by Less than 90%: If a petition reviewed by the committee passes by less than 90%, the vote is reported to the Conference and the petition is scheduled for debate on the floor. Concurrence with Amendment: If a petition reviewed by the committee passes with amendments, the vote is reported to the Conference and the amended petition is scheduled for debate on the floor.

Non-concurrence: If a petition reviewed by the committee does not receive a majority concurrence vote, the vote is reported to the Conference as non-concurrence. This petition will not be considered for debate on the floor unless 10% of the Conference votes for consideration.

Items Related to the Plan of Organization, the Budget or Pension

Petitions with budget implications or which affect the Plan of Organization will have been reviewed by the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) or Committee on Rules of Order before coming to the legislative committee. These printed recommendations should be available and be made part of the committee discussion.

If committee amendments have financial implications, changes to policy and practice or pensions, they must be reported to the Conference with the vote so that CFA and Pensions can review the amendments prior to the Conference voting. CFA is required to share their recommendations prior to any final action. The same is true for any additions, corrections and/deletions to the list of Advance Specials which must be reviewed by the Board of Global Ministries prior to a Conference vote.

Conference Action

Consent Calendar: Any item placed on the Consent Calendar by a Legislative Committee may be removed for debate on the floor. A member of Annual Conference may do this by submitting a written request to the Conference Secretary by 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 6.

Non-concurrence Items: Any item receiving a non-concurrence vote in committee may be brought to the floor if consideration is supported by a 10% vote of the Conference members.

Timetable

Rules of Order Report and Petitions: Presented and voted on in the morning of Friday, June 5Legislative Committees: Morning of Friday, June 5Legislative Committee Actions: Reported to the Conference Secretary before lunch on Friday, June 5Consent Calendar and Legislative Committee Reports: Distributed evening of Friday, June 5Deadline for Removing Items from the Consent Calendar: 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 6Consideration of Items of Non-concurrence by Committees: When that item is reported

18

Sunday, June 7 – 1:30 PM Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin CollegeBishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, Worship Leader

The West Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry invites your attendance at the Ordination, Commissioning and Recognition Service as we celebrate God’s call upon the lives of these candidates. Your presence will share your appreciation for these who will lead the Church of Jesus Christ into the future!

ORDAINED ELDERSMatthew J. BistayiEric M. Burton-KreigerCori Lynn Cypret Linda “Lyne” Stull-Lipps

PROVISIONAL ELDERSCydney M. IdsingaMary K. LoringMary A. SweetTimothy W. TrommaterRyan L. WenburgMichael A. Riegler

ORDAINED DEACON Cheryl A. Mulligan

PROVISIONAL DEACONCaleb B. Williams

ORDINATIONService of

Commissioning and Recognition

19

Annual Conference Program Committee Members Jennifer Browne, Worship DirectorGreg Buchner, Conference SecretarySharon Burkart, Member at Large/Memorial Service FamiliesJudy Coffey, Rules of Order ChairpersonMary-Jo DeLany, Childcare LiaisonWilliam Dobbs, Clergy Assistant to the BishopMark Doyal, Area Director of CommunicationsJoel Fitzgerald, Youth Ministries RepresentativeBenton Heisler, Director of Connectional MinistriesDavid Hills, Cabinet RepresentativeDeb Johnson, Board of Ordained MinistryDeborah Kiesey, Bishop Michigan AreaJenny Kroeze, United Methodist Women PresidentJulie Liske, Grand Rapids Metro MinistryDarryl Miller, Disability Concerns RepresentativeJudi Ryan, Hospitality RepresentativeAnne Soles, Conference Lay LeaderAndrew Stange, Plenary Graphics DirectorNichea VerVeer Guy, ChairpersonDavid Wiltse, Member at Large/Stage Manager Laura Witkowski, Conference Facilitator/ Special Meals/Ministry Fair

Calvin College RepresentativesCarl Hordyk Steve NiedzielskiMichael Wildschut

Childcare CoordinatorSarah Goldner

CommunicationsValerie Mossman-CelestinKay DeMossKristen GilletteKathy HippensteelKiri SalazarJim SearlsScherry VanHartesveldtCourtney Van De Burg David Wiltse

Graphics/ProjectionNathan BluntAndrew StangeSarah Hercula

HospitalityJudi Ryan, Coordinator And our wonderful Purple Shirt Hospitality Volunteers Grand Rapids TrinityGrand Rapids District United Methodist Women

Office of Conference SecretaryJonathon Van Dop, Head of TellersJoe DeLany, Head of LegislationBlair Cutler, Head of ScribesDon Hiler, Journal EditorAnd our wonderful team of Scribes!

RegistrationAnn BuckWendy ClarkJohn KostenPamela Stewart

VideoKaren Kleinheksel, DirectorDavid Wiltse, Stage ManagerTony AsmusTom HuisZach OasterLindsay OasterJake WiltseSean Quashnie Worship Participants

Ushers

THANK YOUSpecial

to all who contributed to the conference

TWO CONFERENCES, ONE MISSION: SEND DISCIPLES INTO THE WORLD

Detroit Annual Conference June 8-12West Michigan Annual Conference June 9-13

Anything is possible when two conferences, passionate about mission, share

time together and discover new ways to send ourselves into the world.

Mark your calendar now to take part in this truly unique annual conference

experience in June 2016 on the campus of Michigan State University.

Sign up today for updates and more information: 2016.MichiganUMC.org

©Haitian Artisans for Peace International/Mark Doyal

North

151

Lobb

yWest

2aEast

252

South

Global Ministries

8Na

tive Am

. Elders

Town / C

ountry

Camping

Camping

Lay Servant M

in.

UMW Peru Mission

34

56

7

UMW

27

1819

14

Garrett‐E

vangelica

l

2122

2324

25

CWS

4039

Heife

r Internatio

nal

Int. Ch

ild Care

Abuse Preventio

n45

4647

4849

50Op

en Doo

r Ministry

Open

 Doo

r Ministry

Maple Valley Co

mm.

Papa's Ministrie

s44

Papa's Ministrie

s43

UMCH

42NO

MAD

S41

CROP

 Walk

33Pension

Wesley

32Wesley

31Co

mmun

ity M

in.

3029

Midwest D

ist. Center

Papillon

28

3837

36Wesley

Wesley

GR M

etro M

inistry

35GCFA

34PBS

26

Church / Socie

tyCh

urch / Socie

tyGlob

al AIDS Fund

Albion

 College

Unite

d Theo

logical

20NE

CMSECO

M

Discipleship Min. WMC Prison MinistriesVa

n No

ord Aren

aAC

 201

5 Ministry Fair

VCI

New Chu

rch

Camping

Camping

UM Fou

ndation

PET

Disability Concerns Global Min. Conf. Sec.

910

1112

13

HAPI

Camping

Camping

HAPI

1516

17

TWO CONFERENCES, ONE MISSION: SEND DISCIPLES INTO THE WORLD

Detroit Annual Conference June 8-12West Michigan Annual Conference June 9-13

Anything is possible when two conferences, passionate about mission, share

time together and discover new ways to send ourselves into the world.

Mark your calendar now to take part in this truly unique annual conference

experience in June 2016 on the campus of Michigan State University.

Sign up today for updates and more information: 2016.MichiganUMC.org

©Haitian Artisans for Peace International/Mark Doyal

A Family of Care Options

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Rehabilitative Care | Memory Care | PACE® | Home Health

For more than a century, United Methodist Retirement Communities has strived to fulfill its mission to meet the diverse care and housing needs of seniors. UMRC provides compassionate and innovative services, and offers a maintenance-free and enriching lifestyle, to our residents throughout Central and Southeast Michigan. While much has changed over the last 100 years, our principles - rooted in our Christian heritage - and our promise to those we serve has not.

Call 734.433.1000 or Visit www.umrc.com to Learn More!

Colorful LivesCreating Community

To learn about life at Clark Retirement Community, call (616) 452-1568 or visit ClarkRetirement.org today!

Independent Living Assisted Living Dementia ServicesSkilled Nursing Rehabilitation Home Care