News Archives

Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference
June 7-11, Princess Anne, Md.

The Peninsula-Delaware Conference began it’s 2006 Annual Sessions with the clergy executive session on June 7th followed by the African-American Summit that evening through June 8th. The sessions meetings, with the theme “One Lord, One Mission. . .To All The World” began on June 9th and concluded at lunchtime June 11th. The conference was once again held on the campus of University of Maryland ? Eastern Shore.

The opening worship service featured Bishop Marcus Matthews bringing the word. His message explored the conference’s theme and he suggested that in order to make a difference in our churches and our communities we must have a new vision, new attitude, and a new commitment. Our witness begins with the story of what Christ has done to change our own lives, and then reaches out in compassion to all of the variety of injustice that we encounter in our homes, our churches, our communities and our world.

The 222nd session was called to order by Bishop Matthews as the members sang “And Are We Yet Alive” followed by an opening prayer. A resolution was presented and passed concerning #3 in our Rules of Order to provide a timely submission of resolutions effective for the 2007 conference session.

Guests for the conference included Bishop David K. Yemba and his wife, Henrietta. Bishop Yemba is the episcopal leader for the Central Congo conference. He thanked Bishop Matthews and the annual conference saying that this was his first invitation from another annual conference in his role as bishop. They brought greetings from the members of the Central Congo Conference and said that they were in prayer for the Peninsula-Delaware conference session. Other guests that were introduced during this time included members from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

A Healthy Church Initiative was presented by Rev. J.T. Seymour, on behalf of the Peninsula-Delaware Cabinet. “Through prayer, and other means of grace, we open wide our hearts to the power of God’s recreating love for the revitalization of our churches and the transformation of our communities.” The purpose of this initiative is to be sure that our churches are Christ-centered, disciple-making, life-changing and God-glorifying communities of faith. Seymour then explained in greater detail what this would mean to the conference and individual churches.

A resolution--Bishop Peter D. Weaver Central Congo Partnership Renewal--for the continuation of a partnership between the Central Congo and the Peninsula-Delaware Conference was presented and passed. Kevin Goodwin of the conference’s Missions Resource, announced that $1.27 million in missional giving was raised in the conference this past year which doubled 2004 giving.

The Laity Address was given by Darlene Webster, the outgoing Conference Lay Leader. After the address, Gene Cray, her successor, was elected as the new Conference Lay Leader.

The Council on Finance and Administration, under the chairmanship of Howard Brecht, brought to the conference the 2007 budget, a two percent increase over last year’s. The budget, totaling $5.075 million, was passed.

Conference members also celebrated missions and Bishop Yemba gave the message. An offering for the Congo Partnership raised $7,434.

The Board of Pension sponsored a Health Fair during conference where it introduced a new wellness program for staff as well as anyone interested in a better and healthier lifestyle. Bishop Matthews lead a Health Walk around the campus.

During the celebration of ministry, the conference recognized six  people that were retiring this year, six people that were commissioned for probationary membership and 13 people that were admitted as full members and ordained as elders. Members also celebrated pastors’ anniversaries.

The Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive at the Board of Discipleship, brought the message during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights & ordination for women. The conference also celebrated with the Korean Ministries through music, dance and a history of the Methodist Church in Korea as well as the Korean American congregations within the conference.

A resolution titled “Resolution for Colloquium on Membership and Ministry in Light of Recent Judicial Council Rulings” was brought before the body and was adopted by a vote of 213 to 172.

The 2006 annual conference sessions ended with the communion/memorial service where 23 pastors and spouses were remembered for their ministries.

Membership in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference stands at 93,654, down 676 over the previous year. Average worship attendance stands at 37,332, up 1,211.