Dear Lay and Clergy Members of the Annual Conference,
Our 2022 Annual Conference session, set for June 5-8 in Columbus, is less than two weeks away. Below are details I want to bring to your attention this week as you prepare for Annual Conference.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Grace and peace,
Meredyth Earnest
SGA Conference Secretary
**************************
Resolutions Update
The Committee on Resolutions announces that resolution #7 (“South Georgia Resolution in response to the Judicial Council declaratory decision stating an AC may withdraw from the UMC”) has been withdrawn by the makers of the resolution. This action comes following the Judicial Council’s decision that an Annual Conference cannot withdraw from The United Methodist Church; only the General Conference can set the process for doing so. Read more here
Additional Reports Posted
Registration
Upon arrival in Columbus, members must visit the registration area, which will be located right inside the main entrance doors, to receive voting credentials and name badge, mark attendance, verify contact information, and receive any additional instructions or information. The registration fee for all clergy and lay members of the Annual Conference is $20. Retired clergy not serving a church and clergy on medical leave are exempt from this fee. The registration desk accepts cash, checks (made out to the South Georgia Conference), and credit cards (with $1 additional convenience fee added by the provider). Any member wishing to participate in the business of the conference session must be registered and wear a visible name badge at all times to be seated within the bar of the conference.
Electronic Voting and Voter IDs
We will utilize electronic voting during our conference. Members are requested to bring a smart device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) in order to vote during the conference session. If you do not have your own device or cannot borrow one, you may share a device with a fellow conference member. Please make your plans now to secure a voting device.
Please note: You will NOT receive an email with Voter ID information. Voter IDs for laity and clergy will be distributed upon registration in Columbus. Clergy who received a Voter ID for the Clergy Session can disregard that number; a new Voter ID will be issued at registration.
Modern Rules of Order
As a reminder, the South Georgia Conference uses The Modern Rules of Order to govern its procedures. Please refer to page 13 in your Book of Recommendations for a guide to parliamentary procedures.
Covid Safety Protocols - Extension of the Bar Available
In an effort to provide an alternative option for our members seeking a conference experience with additional covid safety protocols in place, an on-site “extension” room is now being offered. In a spirit of hospitality, we have established a room that will serve as an extension of the bar. This room will be equipped with socially-distanced seating (no tables), and the wearing of masks will be enforced for all within. Whereas masks will be encouraged for all members who wish to wear them in any conference meeting room, it will be enforced within this particular room. This room will only be for voting conference members. No guests, spouses, etc. will be allowed within - as the entire room will be considered an extension of the bar. Read more about this here.
Information Coming Soon
- Valet and parking details
- Lunch shuttle hours
Conference Timeline and Agenda - June 5-8
- June 5 - Registration Opens, 3pm
- June 5 - Opening Worship Service, 7pm
- June 6 - Clergy Session Part 2 & Laity Session, 8:30am
- June 6 - Methodist Home Barbecue (St. Luke UMC), 5pm
- June 6 - Service of Ordination with Commissioning (St. Luke UMC), 7pm
- June 7 - Memorial Service (St. Luke UMC), 2pm
Click here for a working agenda of the 2022 conference session.
Business Related Items
Missional Giving Opportunities
Local Arrangement Details
