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North Alabama Annual Conference
June 1-3, 2006, Birmingham
The North Alabama Annual Conference met on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College under the theme of “Equipping the Saints for Ministry: Growing Together in Worship and Discipleship.” Bishop William H. Willimon presided over the meeting, his second annual gathering.
The two and a half days of worshipful work focused on the theme of making disciples as the conference celebrated its efforts to start 10 new congregations in the next year; heard stories of celebration of the ministries in its ethnic and multicultural congregations; and refocused its vision statement and budget.
The disciple-making focus was emphasized from the opening hymn, which was led by the band from the Innerchange United Methodist Church, one of the newest congregations in the conference.
“We will sing this as John Wesley never heard it,” Bishop Willimon said as the young men with guitars began the song to a new tune.
During the conference, times of worshipful music were led by guest worship leader Paul Saik.
During business sessions, the conference:
- Heard an update from Dean of the Cabinet Rev. Hal Noble on the redistricting process, which began in January and entails moving from 12 to eight districts.
- Announced plans for starting 10 new communities of faith in urban, suburban and smaller towns throughout the conference.
- Adjusted its vision statement to be “Every church challenged and equipped to grow more disciples of Jesus Christ by taking risks and changing lives.”
- Passed the Council on Finance’s proposed 2007 budget of $13.9 million, which provided a significant increase in money dedicated to new church starts.
- Recognized the winners of the Denman Evangelism Award: Paul Wieger of Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church (laity) and the Rev. Robert Sparkman of Hartselle First United Methodist Church (clergy).
- Recognized the Rev. Helen Shelly Willoughby as recipient of the Louise Branscomb Barrier Breaker Award.
The new assistant director of congregational development for ethnic churches, the Rev. Thomas Muhomba, was also introduced. Muhomba, a native of Zimbabwe who begins his work in North Alabama on July 1, shared a story showing the United Methodist connection. He explained that his mother originally heard the gospel from Mildred Taylor, a United Methodist missionary to Africa from North Alabama.
“Mildred gave Jesus to my mother, and my mother gave Jesus to me. I am standing here because of what Mildred did,” he said.
The conference also heard a Laity Address from outgoing conference Lay Leader Gloria Holt, who issued a challenge. She noted that laity have a role in making disciples and reaching others for Christ; it’s not just the role of the clergy. “Shepherds don’t multiply sheep; the sheep multiply the sheep.”
During the service of commissioning, Bishop James Swanson preached, and 16 people were commissioned as probationary members. On Friday evening, the ordination service was held in a local church for the first time in many years. The conference reconvened at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood with guest preacher Bishop Gregory Palmer. During the service, two people were ordained as deacons in full connection, and 14 others were ordained as elders in full connection. During these high times of worship, both bishops challenged the new clergy to help make disciples and equip all the saints so that the United Methodist Church may play its role in God’s work today.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of full ordination rights for women, each morning a time of Bible study was led by Layce Warner of Duke Divinity School, who helped the conference focus on the theme passage of Ephesians 4:1-5, discussing both calling and gifts. Warner used Methodist women throughout history as examples of “living a life worthy of your calling.” Also, before and after each Bible study conference, participants saw video testimonies of various clergy women in the conference, talking about their current work in making disciples as an ordained person. During the sending forth service on Saturday, clergywomen served communion.
Membership stands at 152,839, down 2,488 from the previous year. Worship attendance stands at 72,336, down 2,242. Church school attendance stands at 104,615, down 52.
-- Danette Clifton
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