Contents of This Packet 

 Additional Resolutions              Page      CONSENT CALENDAR   Addition to Proposed Rules of Order 2012       75   Closure of Frances Childs UMC, Collingswood      76   Closure of Hilton United Methodist Church, Maplewood  77   Conference Advance Specials            78   Replacement for Equitable Compensation Resolutions   80   Strategic Transformation Project          82   UM Homes Board of Directors           83   2013 Conference Budget            84 

 Additional Reports:                Page    Congregational Development Team          89     Disaster Response Committee           90     Primary Task Team              91   United Methodist Homes            92    Other: Meal and Event Guide How to Understand Parliamentary Procedure Conference Evaluation Form Speaker Biographies (Lowry and Moore) VIM Haiti brochure Journal Order Form Sessions Team Roster Valley Forge Visitors Guide GBGM Youth Focus Group Flyer Blank Color Paper for Gaining the Floor Order of Elders Survey Spectrum Newsletter (UM Homes) Cokesbury Coupon Holy Land Flyer (E.O. Tours) Walk for All Ages (UM Homes) Brochure Camp Brochure Blue Print for Wellness Flyer 

5/29/2012 Page 1 of 2

GREATER NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS AGENDA 2012 "Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World:

Building the Church through our Service & Witness – Developing Leaders WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012 Pre-Conference Registration, Meetings and Set Up 6:00pm Extension Ministry Dinner with the Bishop THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012 8-10:00am Registration 9:45am Gathering Music 10:00am Tribute Service of Remembrance and Holy Communion: Rev. Glenn J. Conaway Offering for District Superintendents’s Sustentation Fund 11:25 am Housekeeping Moment – Don DeGroat 11:30am Opening Session and Organization of the Annual Conference Welcome by Bishop Devadhar and Lay Leader Rosa Williams Celebration of 175th Anniversary of Annual Conference: Bob Williams Establishing Bar of the Conference: Michael Harriott Rules of Order: Changes/Amendments: June McCullough 12:15pm Announcements/Grace 12:30pm Lunch (Tribute Luncheon for families/choir and other gatherings) 1:30pm Clergy Session, Pennsylvania plenary room Laity Session, Delaware dining room 3.30PM Gathering Time 3:40pm Awards and Scholarship Presentations Christian Unity: Jessica Campbell Denman Award: Doug Spencer Rev. Robert Steelman: Bill Wilson Harry Seese Scholarship: Sung Ahn 4:00pm Conference Preacher & Teacher Bishop J. Michael Lowry 5:20pm Announcements/Grace and Dismissal for Hotel Check-in 6:00pm Dinner 7:00pm Gathering Music & Prayer 7:15pm Episcopal Evening and Celebration of Appointments Offering for Northeastern Jurisdictional Youth Ministries, Mission of Peace 10:00 pm Late Night Taize Worship Service: Chris Heckert FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012 6:30am Communion-Order of St. Luke 7:00am Breakfast (by prior reservation) 7:15 am Bible Study by Dr. Joy Moore 8:45am Gathering Music and Prayer 9:00am Conference Preacher & Teacher Bishop J. Michael Lowry 10AM Plenary/ Corporate Session Order of the Day Election of Corporate Officers Election of Conference Treasurer Election of Conference Chancellors Election of Conference Trustees Conference Trustees: Marian Munson Report of the Nominations Committee: David Wiley, GNJ Centenary Fund Managers, Pennington School Trustees, United Methodist Homes Trustees, United Methodist Foundation Trustees, Camps, Conferences, and Retreats Board Church Closures Other Corporate Business

5/29/2012 Page 2 of 2

10:30am Report of the Board of Ordained Ministry: Shawn Callender-Hogan Asking of the Historic Questions 10:50am Conference Finance & Administrative Report and Budget: John Bishop Adopt Shared Ministry Plan for 2013: John Bishop 11:20am Presentation from the Delegation to General Conference: Lynn Caterson and Drew Dyson 12:10pm Announcements/Grace 12:15pm Lunch 1:05pm Gathering Music and Prayer 1:15pm Jurisdictional Conference Update: Lynn Caterson & Drew Dyson Episcopal Nomination(s) Explanation: Charles Bender and Connie Ace 1:45pm Episcopal Nomination(s) for Endorsement by Annual Conf. 2:15pm Plenary 2:45pm Celebration of Ministry: Preacher Bishop Jong Hoon Kim, Recognition of Retirees, Deaconesses & those in Extension Ministry, Passing of the Mantle, Golden Circle Recognition & Commissioning of Provisional Members Offering for UMCOR Disaster Response for orphaned children 3:45pm Plenary 4:00pm District Superintendent’s Report: Barbara Rambach 4:30pm Lay Leader Report: Rosa Williams Offering for Wings of the Morning Aviation Ministry 5.00pm Plenary 5:30pm Announcements/Grace 5:35pm Dinner 7:00pm Processional Forms In Convention Center Lobby 7:30pm Service of Ordination Offering for Central Conference Pension Initiative SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012 6:30am Communion-Order of St. Luke 7:00am Breakfast (by prior reservation) 7:15am Bible Study by Dr. Joy Moore 8:30am Hotel Room Check-Out (Before 11:00am) 8:45am Gathering Music and Prayer 9:00am Conference Preacher & Teacher Bishop J. Michael Lowry 10:15am Order of Elders Report: Heasun Kim Order of Deacons: Brenda Ehlers Order of Local pastors: 10:25am Equitable Compensation: Salary and Housing Recommendations: Jennifer Cho 10:35am Recognition of Denman Youth Award Plenary & Resolutions 11:00am Congregational Development Update: Doug Ruffle 11:15am Celebration of New Church Charter for Cornerstone UMC: Wayne Plumstead 12:00pm Adoption of Items on the Consent Calendar 12:05pm Greetings from the Tanzanian Annual Conference

Introduction of US-2 Missionary Wil Wilson Announcements/Grace 12:15pm Lunch 1:15pm Gathering Music 1:30pm Plenary/Reports 4:15pm Sessions Team Report: Sessions Team 4:30pm Service of Sending Forth/Adjournment

2012 GREATER NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE CONSENT CALENDAR

Directions: Review each of the listed resolutions in your Pre-Conference Legislation Packet. If you are not in agreement with any of these resolutions and would like to see one (or more) removed from the Consent Calendar so it would be available for debate by the Conference, put a check next to the resolution(s) and submit to the Conference Secretary no later than 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012. Please complete your identifying information on the bottom of this page.

CHECK HERE TO REMOVE FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR CONSENT CALENDAR RESOLUTIONS Where Page Num. Submitted By

Harvest Mission Fund Amendment Pre-conference Packet 61 Primary Task Team

A Time of Celebration for Those Called to Full-time Christian Service Pre-Conference Packet 62 Board of Ordained

Ministry Trustees Enabling Resolution Pre-Conference Packet 62 Board of Trustees

Pension and Health Benefits-Recommendations Pre-Conference Packet 65 Board of Pensions

Pension and Health Benefits-Health Insurance Guidelines Pre-Conference Packet 69 Board of Pensions

Strategic Disciple Making Initiatives Fund Pre-Conference Packet 73 Primary Task Team

COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW FOR YOUR REQUEST TO BE PROCESSED

(Please Print) Name: ______________________________________________________ ______ Lay Member

Church: _____________________________________________________ ______ Clergy Member

City: ______________________________ District: ___________________

75  

Proposed Changes to Rules of Order 1  2  3 

II ORGANIZATION 4 

 5 

11) Conference Secretary – At the session following the General Conference, the 6 

Annual Conference shall elect a Secretary to serve for the succeeding quadrennium.  7 

The Nominating Committee, in consultation with the Bishop and Cabinet, shall 8 

present the nomination.  Term of office shall not exceed two consecutive 9 

quadrennia.  “Ín the case of a vacancy in the interim…” ¶ 603.7. Term limits of Rule 10 

58a. shall apply. 11 

 12 

Rationale    13 

 14 

This will bring this office into the same term limits applied to others elected for the 15 

quadrennium unless the Discipline states otherwise. 16 

 17 

Approved by Primary Task Team at April 14, 2012 meeting. 18 

 19 

Submitted by 20 

John Di Giamberardino on behalf of the Primary Task Team 21 

 22 

 23 

 24 

 25 

 26 

 27 

 28 

 29 

 30 

 31 

 32 

 33 

 34 

 35 

 36 

 37 

 38 

 39 

 40 

 41 

 42 

 43 

 44 

 45 

76  

Closure of Frances Childs United Methodist Church, Collingswood 1 

 2 BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference expresses its thanksgiving 3 for  all  the  blessings  made  possible  by  the  clergy  and  laity  who  have  contributed  to  the 4 ministry and mission of the Frances Childs United Methodist Church in Collingswood, New 5 Jersey; and 6  7 BE  IT  FURTHER  RESOLVED  that  in  keeping with  the  provisions  of  ¶2548  of  the Book  of 8 Discipline,  2008  Edition,  the  remaining  members  of  the  church  may  be  transferred  to  a 9 United Methodist Church of their choice, and 10  11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Trustees of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference 12 shall be directed to distribute net proceeds from the disposition of the assets as follows: 13  14 

a) All  outstanding  loans  and  other  obligations  owed  to  the  Greater  New  Jersey 15 Annual Conference shall be repaid upon the sale of the property, and liquidation 16 of any other assets, and 17  18 

b) Upon receipt, the remainder shall be directed to the Harvest Mission Fund. 19  20 

BE  IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT,  in keeping with provisions of Paragraph 2548.4 of  the 21 

Book of Discipline, 2008 edition, all deeds, records, legal papers and other official documents 22 

shall be maintained in permanent safekeeping with the Conference Commission on Archives 23 

and History. 24 

 25 

Submitted by Rev. Robert Costello, Gateway South D. S. 26 

 27 

 28 

 29 

 30 

 31 

 32 

 33 

 34 

 35 

 36 

 37 

 38 

 39 

 40 

 41 

 42 

 43 

 44 

 45 

77  

Closure of  Hilton United Methodist Church, Maplewood 1  2 BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference expresses its thanksgiving 3 for  all  the  blessings  made  possible  by  the  clergy  and  laity  who  have  contributed  to  the 4 ministry and mission of the Hilton United Methodist Church in Maplewood, NJ, and 5  6 BE  IT  FURTHER  RESOLVED  that  in  keeping with  the  provisions  of  ¶2548  of  the Book  of 7 Discipline,  2008  Edition,  the  remaining  members  of  the  church  may  be  transferred  to  a 8 United Methodist Church of their choice, and 9  10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Trustees of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference 11 shall be directed to distribute net proceeds from the disposition of the assets as follows: 12  13 

c) All  outstanding  loans  and  other  obligations  owed  to  the  Greater  New  Jersey 14 Annual Conference shall be repaid upon the sale of the property, and liquidation 15 of any other assets, and 16  17 

d) Upon receipt, the remainder shall be directed to the Harvest Mission Fund. 18  19 

BE  IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT,  in keeping with provisions of Paragraph 2548.4 of  the 20 

Book of Discipline, 2008 edition, all deeds, records, legal papers and other official documents 21 

shall be maintained in permanent safekeeping with the Conference Commission on Archives 22 

and History. 23 

 24 

Submitted by Rev. Jisun Kwak, Gateway North D. S. 25 

 26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

78  

Conference Advance Specials, 2013 1 

 2 BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2012 Session of the Greater New Jersey Conference designate the 3 following ministries and institutions as Conference Advance Specials for the 2013 4 conference year (without restricting in anyway a local church’s ability to support other 5 mission work): 6 

 7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Primary Task Team be authorized to make any 8 additions and deletions to the Conference Advance Specials list based upon 9 recommendations of the Conference Board of Global Ministries. 10 

 11 Amistad       An ecumenical ministry in the greater Freehold area seeking  12         to assist Hispanic children and their families through   13         educational, nutritional and spiritual programs. 14 

 15 Camp YDP       An urban ministry working to provide a safe, comfortable  16         place for children ages 5–14 to come after‐school and during  17         vacations as a service to working residents in the    18         economically disadvantaged Northside section of Paterson. 19 

 20 Cape Atlantic Cooperative  21 Hispanic Extension 22 (CACHE)      A  cross‐cultural coalition of churches working together to  23         raise support for strengthening programs and facilities of  24         Hispanic Ministries in the Cape Atlantic District. 25 

 26 Centenary Fund/ 27 Preachers Aid       Fund supporting retired clergy and spouses. 28 

   29 Christian Outreach Project  Provides no‐cost home repairs to persons in need.    30         Participants are made up of high school youth and adult  31         volunteers. In addition to home repairs, participants engage  32         in morning devotionals, singing, worship services and  33         recreational activities. 34 

 35 CUMAC/ECHO      Provides emergency food, clothing, job skill development and 36         spiritual growth to eligible individuals and families in  37         Paterson and Passaic County, NJ. 38 

 39 C.U.M.I.       Camden Urban Ministry Initiative, a cooperative After‐School 40         Program in Camden. 41 

 42 Echelon Mall Ministry    Ecumenical ministry in marketplace. 43  44 Eirene Immigration Center   Provides pastoral care, counseling to help immigrants with 45 

any spiritual, personal issues, legal advice and immigration 46 issues. 47 

 48 

79  

Neighborhood Center   An urban outreach agency of the Greater New Jersey 1 Conference that has ministered to the South Camden 2 community since 1913. The Center provides programs for all 3 ages: Day Care, Preschool, Before and After School, Junior 4 Girl Teen, Summer Enrichment, Senior Bible Study, Fifty Plus 5 Club, Soup Kitchen, Bagged Emergency Food and Program 6 and Legislation Holiday Dinners for Center families. 7 

 8 Pennington School     Provides half scholarships matched by Pennington School. 9  10 Protestant Community  11 Center of Greater Newark  Addressing the educational, enrichment, physical, and  12         spiritual needs of children and families in the Greater  13         Newark area. 14 

 15 Ranch Hope/Victory House   Ranch Hope provides ministry to troubled boys ages 9 to 16  16         ½ and Victory House provides services to troubled girls  17         between the ages of 14–18 years. They receive counseling,  18         housing and recreation, as well as spiritual guidance, attend  19         chapel services and bible study. 20 

 21 St. Philip’s Ministry     Outreach ministries to homeless and unemployed in    22         Paterson: Teens for Creativity, Teen Information Center, Life‐ 23         Maintenance Services for Homeless/Needy, and Coffee Pot  24         Ministry Lunch Program. 25  26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

 46 

80  

Equitable Compensation, Commission Recommendations 1  2  3 The following resolution from the Commission on Equitable Compensation replaces the 4 one found in Section III, page 64 of the PreConference Legislation Packet as some 5 wording was inadvertently edited from the original document.  6  7 MINIMUM SALARY 8 The Commission on Equitable Compensation recommends that the Annual Conference 9 establishes the following minimum equitable salary for persons under fulltime 10 appointment in the local church effective January 1, 2013: 11  12 a)  Elder and Deacon in Full Connection                             $40,715                    13 b)  Provisional & Associate Members (90%)                      $36,644 14 c)  Full time Local Pastor (85%)                                             $34,608  15  16 The proposed salary of $40,715 for Elder and Deacon in Full Connection represents 85% of 17 the 2013 Denominational Average Salary which is $47,900. 18  19 Any changes in clergy status will be effective as of January 1 in the following year. 20  21 There will be a $300 minimum increment in the base salary for each year of full‐time 22 service up to 17 years.  This applies to a clergy (elder, provisional elder, associate members, 23 and local pastor) serving in full‐time appointment.  The years of service record for each 24 clergy is based on the Service Record by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, 25 and it does not include part time appointments or a time of leave of absence. 26  27 The minimum equitable salary for ¾ time pastoral appointments shall be ¾ of the required 28 minimum in the pastor’s salary.  And the minimum equitable salary for ½ time pastoral 29 appointments shall be ½ of the required minimum.  All appointments less than ½ shall be 30 considered ¼ time appointments for pension purposes and the salaries shall be determined 31 by the district superintendent in consultation with the pastor and the local church. 32  33 Each pastor’s salary above the minimum equitable salary is determined by the local church 34 or by the charge in consultation with the district superintendent.  Each Pastor (Staff) Parish 35 Relations Committee takes into consideration the pastor’s experience, education, 36 leadership, health and dental insurance coverage, social security, and family needs. 37  38 PARSONAGE 39 All full‐time pastors shall be provided with a parsonage or a housing/rental allowance as 40 part of their compensation package. 41  42 REIMBURSEMENT 43 All full‐time pastors shall have an accountable reimbursement expense line item in the 44 church budget to cover mileage for pastoral work, continuing education, and other 45 professional ministerial expenses as allowed by the IRS.  This reimbursable amount shall 46 not be less than $2,000.  For the churches that are receiving Equitable Compensation 47 support, their accountable reimbursement expense line should not exceed $2,000.  48  49 

81  

VACATION 1 All full time pastors shall be entitled to receive the following vacation per appointment year: 2 Minimum 4 weeks of vacation for the first 10 years of full‐time service, after that it is 5 3 weeks. 4  5 Vacation time shall not be cumulative from year to year.  Local churches may not consider 6 time spent in leadership responsibilities in conference activities as vacation time.  This 7 includes Course of Study, Local Pastors Licensing School, Camps, Annual Conference‐related 8 Ministries, and other education and renewal as required by The Book of Discipline (¶350.2) 9  10 HOUSING POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 11 The Commission recommends the following changes on Standards for Parsonages: 12 

1. Add “furniture” on #1: Living room and family room furniture. 13 2. Add “furniture” on #2: Dining room furniture.  14 3. Delete “basic cable and basic internet connection” on #14: The charge is required to 15 

provide one telephone line or one cell phone, basic cable and basic internet 16 connection. 17 

4. Add “basic cable” on #17: High speed internet service and basic cable. 18  19 I express my profound thanks to all the members of the Commission (Jesse Hamilton, Carol 20 Davies, Clark Callender, Christine Day, Sheila Williamson‐Carson, Mark Fieger, Ricardo 21 Ramos, Douglas Ruffle, and Paul Maliel) for their faithful service on behalf of our Annual 22 Conference. 23  24 Jennifer Cho 25 Chair, the Commission on Equitable Compensation 26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40  41  42  43  44  45  46 

 47 

 48  49 

82  

Strategic Transformation Project 1  2 

Whereas: 3 1. It is the desire of the Greater NJ Annual Conference to be in ministry and mission in 4 

all areas of the annual conference; and 5 2. It  is  the  desire  of  the  Greater  NJ  Annual  Conference  to  work  connectionally  to 6 

minister in areas that are economically challenged; and 7 3. In  some  places  in  which  congregations  are  economically  challenged,  there  are 8 

opportunities to make disciples by working cooperatively, 9  10 Therefore, Be It Resolved That: 11 

1. The Cabinet, acting upon a unanimous vote, shall  identify up to 10 churches which 12 meet established criteria as Strategic Transformation Project Churches. 13 

2. The criteria for selecting Strategic Transformation Project Churches shall be: 14 a. Churches identified to be in areas that are economically challenged because 15 

of geographic location, demographics, social‐economic conditions; and 16 b. Churches  in  places  where  the  Greater  NJ  Annual  Conference  has  an 17 

opportunity to make disciples for Jesus Christ; and 18 c. Churches in places where the Greater NJ Annual Conference has a desire to 19 

be in ministry cooperatively; and 20 d. Churches in places where the local congregation has a plan for ministry, but 21 

cannot maximize its ministry opportunities on its own; and 22 e. Churches in places where the Greater NJ Annual Conference has a desire to 23 

engage in intentional ministry as an annual conference project. 24 3. The list of Strategic Transformation Project Churches will be submitted to CF&A for 25 

review and approval on an annual basis.   26 4. Identification of a church as a Strategic Transformation Church is on a calendar year 27 

basis. 28 5. Any billable items and Shared Ministry apportioned funds will not be required from 29 

the Strategic Transformation Project Churches. 30  31 Submitted by John Bishop for the Council on Finance and Administration and Rev. Barbara 32 Rambach on behalf of the GNJAC Cabinet 33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40  41  42  43  44  45  46  47 

 48 

83  

United Methodist Homes  1  2  3 BE IT RESOLVED, That 4  5 The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church affirms the 6 action of the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Homes of New Jersey to elect the 7 following slate of Directors. 8  9 

 10 United Methodist Homes  Board of Directors by Class 11  12    13 2012  Bo‐Joong Kim (2) 14 

Edward Rusk (1)   15    16 

2013  Robert L. Boettner (1)  Frank Kardashian (1) 17   James Brown (2)   Lloyd P. Terrell (1) 18 

Virginia Samuel Cetuk (2)  Johnnie White (2) 19   Dorothy Dann (1)   20 

 21 2014  Ronald Appleby (1)  Paul (Bob) Starn (2) 22   Shirley A.R. Lewis (1)  Dale C. Whilden (2) 23   Arthur Spell (1)   24  25 2015  John W. Bishop (2)   Nona Ostrove (1) 26   Paula Blackman (1)  Lanie Price (2) 27   Mandy Dana (1)  Faith Thonnerieux (1) 28   Kenneth R. Garrett, Sr. (1)  Leland Schubert (2) 29  30 2016  Dean Livingston (2) 31   Douglas B. Fuller (X) 32   Steve Wescott (1) 33      34      35 ExOfficio (with voice & vote) 36 Bishop:  Sudarshana Devadhar 37 District Superintendent:  Francis L. Noll 38 Conference Ministries Team:  Virginia (Jinny) Stein Hubbard 39 Bristol Glen Resident Representative:  Richard Carlson 40 ExOfficio (with voice & without vote) 41 Auxiliary Representative:  Martha (Marti) Milne 42 Residents Council President:     43  44  45 [Number ( ) indicates term.  (0) indicates filling unexpired term.  (X) indicates filling a term 46 beyond the two term limit by reason of holding office.  (2) Indicates not eligible for re‐47 election.]  48 

84 

2013 SHARED MINISTRY BUDGET 1  2    3

Shared Ministry Formula ............................................................................................................ 84 4

2013 Shared Ministries Plan (Budget) ............................................................................................... 85 5 Schedule A,B,C .............................................................................................................................................. 86 6 Schedule D ...................................................................................................................................................... 87 7 Schedule E ...................................................................................................................................................... 88 8

Shared Ministry Formula for Local Churches 9  10 The  Shared Ministries obligation of each local church shall be based on the 11

calculation as follows: 12

LOCAL CHURCH EXPENSES*                             X       TOTAL 2013 SHARED 13

GNJAC TOTAL LOCAL CHURCH EXPENSES                MINISTIRES PLAN 14

*Local church expenses include 15

Lines 53‐62 of Table II of The Local Church Statistical Report 16 Billed amounts for prior year CPP,CRSP, Health Insurance, Property 17

Insurance and Workers Comp 18 Line 49 (Non‐Methodist Benevolences) only if the Local Church did not pay 19

100% of its prior year Shared Ministry Obligation (First Mile Giving) 20  21

Local church expenses do not include 22

Line 63 – Total paid for principle and interest on indebtedness, loans, and 23

mortgages 24

Line 64 ‐ Total amount paid on capital expenditures for buildings, 25

improvements and  major capital equipment purchases   26

Line 57‐ Any moving expenses reported on this line 27

No increase or decrease to any local church will exceed 10% of their prior 28

year Shared Ministry Obligation or $15,000 and that any shortfall in the 29

allocation of the total Shared Ministry Budget resulting from these caps will 30

be allocated in an equal dollar amount to all those receiving decreases except 31

that no church eligible for a decrease will have an increase due to this 32

allocation of the shortfall. 33

This cap methodology will continue through 2013 (three years) and then be 34

further evaluated by the CCF&A and a further recommendation made at that 35

time.  36

2013 SHARED MINISTRY PLAN Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column FINCOME: 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 Difference

Approved Expected Recommended Expected Shortfall 2013 to 2012

I. Income from Shared Ministries 11,738,418 9,884,055 12,027,344 10,152,143 1,875,202 288,926 II. Income from Reserve Funds / Previous Year Surplus 320,000 320,000 170,000 170,000 - (150,000) III. Centenary Fund Contribution 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 - - IV. Interest / Investment Income 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 - - V. Additional Funds received in Support of the Budget 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 - -

12,362,418 10,508,055 12,501,344 10,626,143 1,875,202 138,926 EXPENSE:I. CLERGY SUPPORT

A. District Superintendents Salary, Benefits & Office Exp. Sched.A 2,166,149 1,841,227 2,205,929 1,875,040 330,889 39,780 B. Episcopal Fund 500,508 425,432 476,007 404,606 71,401 (24,501) C. Conference share of Bishop's housing 33,100 28,135 33,100 28,135 4,965 - D. Annuitants Health Insurance & Benefits 2,746,842 2,334,816 2,829,248 2,404,860 424,387 82,406 E. Equitable Compensation 194,118 165,000 194,118 165,000 29,118 (0) F. Conference Board of Ordained Ministry administrative expenses 45,000 38,250 48,471 41,200 7,271 3,471 G. Bridge Fund 15,294 13,000 15,294 13,000 2,294 -

Sub-total for CLERGY SUPPORT 5,701,011 4,845,860 5,802,166 4,931,841 870,325 101,155

II. ADMINISTRATIONA. Conference Council on Finance and Administration expenses 4,706 4,000 4,706 4,000 706 (0) B. Director of Administrative Services expenses Sched. B 163,652 139,104 173,633 147,588 26,045 9,981 C. Treasurer's office expense D. Other conference administrative agencies' expense Sched.E 1,315,747 1,118,385 1,337,298 1,136,703 200,595 21,551 E. Conf. Sessions (3 days) 272,342 231,491 272,342 231,491 40,851 - Reserve for Conf. Sessions (1 day in 3rd yr. of Quadrenium) 25,000 21,250 11,765 10,000 1,765 (13,235) F. Episcopal Area Office Supplement 146,385 124,427 151,138 128,467 22,671 4,753 G. Bishop's Discretionary Fund 11,765 10,000 11,765 10,000 1,765 (0) H.Jurisdictional conference administrative apportionments & related exp. 40,878 34,746 42,353 36,000 6,353 1,475 I. General Administration Fund 186,852 158,824 198,209 168,478 29,731 11,357 I. New Conference Office Transition - - - J. Interdenominational Cooperation Fund 44,020 37,417 44,082 37,470 6,612 62

Sub-total for ADMINISTRATION 2,211,347 1,879,644 2,247,291 1,910,197 337,094 35,944

CLERGY SUPPORT/ADMINISTRATION (fund 100) 7,912,358 6,725,504 8,049,457 6,842,038 1,207,419 137,099

III. WORLD SERVICE AND CONFERENCE BENEVOLENCEA. World Service Fund 1,669,517 1,419,089 1,642,600 1,396,210 246,390 (26,917) B.Director of Connectional Ministry - Schedule C 159,986 135,988 171,041 145,385 25,656 11,055 C.Non-Cabinet Staff (2) (Cong. Dev. & Youth Coor.) - Schedule C 295,136 250,866 295,496 251,172 44,324 360 D.Non-Cabinet Staff (1) (Stewardship Coor.) - Schedule C 114,194 97,065 115,369 98,064 17,305 1,175 E. Administrative expenses - directly related to the above III.B. 170,588 145,000 176,471 150,000 26,471 5,882 F. Ministries Team Budget - Schedule D. 862,725 733,316 869,000 738,650 130,350 6,275 G. Supplemental Strategic Salary Support 164,706 140,000 164,706 140,000 24,706 - H. Leadership Development Funds (see Schedule D.) 27,000 22,950 27,000 22,950 4,050 - N. District Resourcing Teams (see Schedule D) 135,000 114,750 140,000 119,000 21,000 5,000 O. Planned Giving Program (see Schedule D) 11,765 10,000 - - - (11,765) P. Laity Council (see Schedule D) 10,500 8,925 11,000 9,350 1,650 500 Sub-total for WORLD SERVICE/CONF.BEN. (fund 300) 3,621,117 3,077,949 3,612,684 3,070,781 541,903 (8,434)

IV. OTHER APPORTIONED FUNDSA. Black College Fund (fund 410) 222,181 188,854 224,937 191,196 33,741 2,756 B. Africa University Fund (fund 420) 49,727 42,268 50,336 42,786 7,550 609 C. Ministerial Education Fund (fund 430) 557,036 473,481 563,931 479,341 84,590 6,895

Sub-total for OTHER FUNDS 828,944 704,603 839,204 713,323 125,881 10,260

TOTAL EXPENSE (I,II,III, IV) 12,362,419 10,508,056 12,501,344 10,626,143 1,875,202 138,925

Shortfall Budgeted 1,854,363 1,875,202

Total Expense Budget 12,362,419 10,508,056 12,501,344 10,626,143 1,875,202 138,925

 85

SCHEDULE ABC 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013

Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected Expected

Salary 78,003 79,953 78,003 79,953 78,003 79,953 62,463 64,024 62,463 64,024

Pension

Pension (CPP)

Pension CRSP 15,113 15,490 11,160 11,394 14,415 15,490 12,006 12,248 9,684 9,923

Pension CRSP ( CPP ) 2,925 2,998 2,046 2,088 2,790 2,998 2,324 2,370 1,873 1,920

(CHIP)Health Insurance* 19,139 16,804 13,330 19,494 13,330 19,494 21,190 19,494 10,595 9,747

Housing Maintenance * 7,000 7,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 0 0

Utilities * 5,000 6,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cellular Phones* 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400

(R/E) Prop Insurance 757 757 0 0

Worker's Comp 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350

Expenses:

Travel, Conferences, Bus.Entmt. 11,300 11,300 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200

Administrative Assistants 52,516 54,208

Continuing Education 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500

Office Expenses 5,800 5,800

Payroll Taxes 0 0 7,115 7,209 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL COST FOR ONE (1): 199,803 202,560 139,104 147,588 135,988 145,385 125,433 125,586 97,065 98,064

9 9 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1

1,798,227 1,823,040 139,104 147,588 135,988 145,385 250,866 251,172 97,065 98,064

District Office Rent (Pooled) 43,000 52,000

Total of DS package 1,841,227 1,875,040

A B

Conference TreasurerSuperintendents

District Dir.Admin.Srvcs./

C

Stew. Dev. Coord.

Cong. Dev. Coor. &

Youth Coor.

C C

Ministry

Director of Connectional

 86

Change ChangeSCHEDULE D 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013

Approved Actual Expected Proposed Actual Expected Proposed to Expected to Budget Expected Shortfall Budget Expected Shortfall 2012 2012

MINISTRIES TEAM Approved Expected CHURCH & SOCIETY (336) 3,500 2,975 525 3,500 2,975 525 - -

DISCIPLESHIP (345) 2,000 1,700 300 1,500 1,275 225 (500) (425) Camps & Conferences (331 & 330) 205,000 174,250 30,750 205,000 174,250 30,750 - - Youth Ministry (332) 20,000 17,000 3,000 20,000 17,000 3,000 - -

United Methodist Men 3,600 3,060 540 3,000 2,550 450 (600) (510) -

HIGHER ED. & CAMPUS MIN.(333) 110,000 93,500 16,500 99,975 84,979 14,996 (10,025) (8,521)

CHRISTIAN UNITY (346) 5,850 4,973 878 5,500 4,675 825 (350) (298) NJ Council of Churches (352) 25,000 21,250 3,750 25,000 21,250 3,750 - -

GLOBAL MINISTRIES 3,500 2,975 525 500 425 75 (3,000) (2,550) Disability Awareness Ministry (347) 3,500 2,975 525 5,500 4,675 825 2,000 1,700

National Hispanic Plan (302) 30,950 26,308 4,643 30,950 26,308 4,643 - - Strengthening the Black Church Plan 10,000 8,500 1,500 13,000 11,050 1,950 3,000 2,550 Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) 250 213 38 1,000 850 150 750 638 Asian American Plan 250 213 38 - - - (250) (213) Korean American National Plan 17,000 14,450 2,550 20,000 17,000 3,000 3,000 2,550 Shalom - Urban Ministry (335) 250 213 38 - - - (250) (213) Community Outreach (340) 200,000 170,000 30,000 185,000 157,250 27,750 (15,000) (12,750) Disaster Response 10,000 8,500 1,500 10,000 8,500 1,500 - -

Partnership Initiatives - Russia Initiative 1,500 1,275 225 - - - (1,500) (1,275) Africa Initiatives 1,500 1,275 225 - - - (1,500) (1,275) MULTI-ETHNIC COORDINATING (350) 20,550 17,468 3,083 20,550 17,468 3,083 - -

- COMMUNICATIONS (385) 10,000 8,500 1,500 10,000 8,500 1,500 - - Resource Center 4,000 3,400 600 5,000 4,250 750 1,000 850 RELAY 66,000 56,100 9,900 66,000 56,100 9,900 - -

ARCHIVES & HISTORY (344) 5,000 4,250 750 5,500 4,675 825 500 425

LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES (307) 250 213 38 250 213 38 - -

EMERGING NEEDS (382) 25,000 21,250 3,750 20,500 17,425 3,075 (4,500) (3,825)

Congregational Dev. 31,275 26,584 4,691 56,275 47,834 8,441 25,000 21,250 Child., Youth, Young Adults 15,000 12,750 2,250 14,500 12,325 2,175 (500) (425) Ocean City Youth Weekend 10,000 8,500 1,500 10,000 8,500 Stewardship Coordinator 13,500 11,475 2,025 10,000 8,500 1,500 (3,500) (2,975) COOP. SCHOOL OF MISSION 12,000 10,200 1,800 12,000 10,200 1,800 - - COSROW 2,000 1,700 300 4,500 3,825 675 2,500 2,125 RELIGION & RACE 4,500 3,825 675 4,500 3,825 675 - -

MINISTRIES TEAM Sub-Total 862,725 733,316 129,409 869,000 738,650 130,350 6,275 5,334

LEADERSHIP DEVELOP. (380) (separate line item 27,000 22,950 4,050 27,000 22,950 4,050 - -

DISTRICT PROGRAMMING (separate line item) 135,000 114,750 20,250 140,000 119,000 21,000 5,000 4,250

PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM (separate line item 11,765 10,000 1,765 - - - (11,765) (10,000)

LAITY COUNCIL (308) (separate line item) 10,500 8,925 1,575 11,000 9,350 1,650 500 425

GRAND TOTAL 1,046,990 889,942 157,049 1,047,000 889,950 157,050 10 9

 87

SCHEDULE E

2012 2012 2013 2013 2013II D. ADMINISTRATION Budget Expected Budget Expected ShortfallSalaries: Central Office Staff/Service Dept. 598,275 508,534 614,100 521,985 92,115 Benefits & Payroll Taxes-Central Office 229,135 194,765 234,861 199,632 35,229 Salaries:Conference Secretary/ Secretarial Asst 13,448 11,431 13,448 11,431 2,017 Central Office Operations 182,353 155,000 182,353 155,000 27,353 Treas. Office Operations 35,000 29,750 35,000 29,750 5,250 Conference Journal 17,600 14,960 17,600 14,960 2,640 Auditing/Bonding 29,412 25,000 29,412 25,000 4,412 Capital Equip. R/R Fund 7,200 6,120 7,200 6,120 1,080 Information Services Support 39,294 33,400 39,294 33,400 5,894 Committee on Nominations 1,000 850 1,000 850 150 Building Maintenance Reserve 5,500 4,675 5,500 4,675 825 Gen/Jur Conference Reserve 4,000 3,400 4,000 3,400 600 Conference Business Travel 17,647 15,000 17,647 15,000 2,647 Board of Trustees 105,882 90,000 105,882 90,000 15,882 Conference Chancellor 30,000 25,500 30,000 25,500 4,500

SCHEDULE E Total ######## 1,118,385 1,337,298 1,136,703 200,595

 88

88-A

RESOLUTION TO THE GREATER NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE 1 JUNE, 2012 2

3 4

A CALL FOR A DAY OF PRAYER & HEALING 5

6 Whereas, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, recognizes the failure of the General 7 Conference of the United Methodist Church to again acknowledge the deep division in our 8 denomination over the status of LGBT persons, and 9 10 Whereas, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, recognizes the pain and suffering that this 11 failure has caused many faithful Christians and especially LGBT persons in our denomination, 12 and 13 14 Whereas, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, seeks to bring healing and reconciliation 15 to our denomination over this divisive issue, 16 17 Therefore, the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference calls upon its bishop, no later than August 18 1, 2012, to call upon all churches in our conference to designate a “Day of Prayer & Healing” for 19 our denomination regarding this divisive issue, specifically asking pastors to lead their churches 20 in prayer for discernment and healing on this issue by September 30, 2012. Furthermore, the New 21 Jersey Annual Conference requests our bishop inform all other Annual Conferences of our action 22 and request that these conferences also designate a “Day of Prayer and Healing” regarding this 23 issue in their conferences. 24 25 INTENT OF THE RESOLUTION: 26 27 The intent of this resolution is to have all of our congregants pray for healing and discernment on 28 this critical issue. The intent is not to further conference or debate this issue, but simply for all 29 sides to pray together in love for God’s healing and discernment. Perhaps we have had too much 30 debate and conferencing on the issue. We need now to come before the Lord in prayer. 31 32 Submitted by Jack Scharf 33 Lay Leader of the Skylands District 34 35

89

Congregational Development Team 1 2 We give thanks and praise to God for the many blessings poured upon our Annual Conference. 3 During the past year we saw two new church plant initiatives make significant progress in 4 reaching new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. ―Sharptown North,‖ a 5 second campus of the Sharptown UMC (Rev. Jerry Ruff, planter) continues to grow after their 6 successful launch of regular worship on March 27, 2011. They are currently outgrowing their 7 current venue, which is the Municipal Township building in Woolwich Township, New Jersey. 8 ―Barnegat Anew‖ (Rev. Erik Hall, planter), which forged a partnership with the Waretown United 9 Methodist Church has exceeded benchmark expectations in terms of active and consistent 10 participation of new persons. 11 12 We celebrate that the Cornerstone UMC, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, will charter as an 13 official United Methodist Church at this year’s annual conference. Cornerstone was launched out 14 of the Korean Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey. 15 16 An initiative mentioned in the 2011 report, to reach Indian Asian people for Christ based out of 17 the Park Ridge United Methodist Church in Bergen County, NJ. , has discontinued as a new 18 church plant. We give thanks to the Rev. Sudhama Anadana who strove valiantly to reach this 19 constituency. 20 21 Churches engaged in the Natural Church Development (NCD) process show an increase in 22 quantitative and qualitative measurements. 85% of churches who complete a full cycle of the 23 process and take a second survey have grown numerically. 24 25 Other churches in the conference have used the GBGM resource, Roadmap to Renewal (RTR), to 26 put together a ―Ministry Action Plan‖ for their future. In the past year we have received news 27 that the following churches have completed the RTR process: Old First UMC, West Long 28 Branch, NJ; Emmanuel UMC, Oaklyn, NJ; Central UMC, Linwood, NJ; Asbury UMC, Atlantic 29 City, NJ; Pemberton UMC, Pemberton, NJ. 30 31 As stewards of Harvest Mission Funds in the area of New Church Development, Revitalization 32 and Urban Ministry, the Congregational Development Team authorized funding for the 33 Sharptown North second campus; the Barnegat Anew New Church initiative; Turning Point UMC 34 (urban); CUMI in Camden (Urban) for a Youth Ministry initiative. 35 36 The Congregational Development Team continues to give leadership to the Conference by 37 encouraging use of ―Mission Insite,‖ which provides up-to-date demographic information 38 available to every church. Any clergy or layperson from a local church in our conference is able 39 to access the ―Mission Insite‖ resource at no charge to the local church. One can register by 40 following the instructions on our conference website: http://www.gnjumc.org/688/. 41 42 The Office of Congregational Development sends out a monthly electronic newsletter, ―Church 43 Health Newsletter‖ and contributes a column, ―Vital Congregations‖ to each edition of THE 44 RELAY. 45 46 Readers of this report are encouraged to visit the congregational development website of the 47 Greater New Jersey Annual Conference to learn of the various resources available for the local 48 church (www.yourchurchcangrow.org). 49 50

90

Dr. Douglas Ruffle, Team Coordinator of Congregational Development 1 2 3 4

Conference Disaster Response Committee 5

6 The Conference Disaster Response Committee (CDRC) exists to provide leadership within the 7 our annual conference for disaster readiness, relief, and recovery to fulfill the mission of the 8 Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. We accomplish this through various trainings, resources, 9 and 'people power' that can be offered to assist local churches in their own disaster response 10 ministry. We are in partnership with the local, county, and state Volunteer Organizations Active 11 in Disaster (VOAD), The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and many other 12 disaster response type organizations. The CDRC has had a busy year continuing to organize, 13 prepare and learn to respond to an impending disaster that may impact our area. In the past year 14 we have certainly been able to see how our work has met or fallen short and how we can continue 15 to meet the needs of our conference, local churches and communities. 16 17 When Irene and Lee impacted our area we were able to respond by helping to do over 100 home 18 assessments. We welcomed Emergency Response Teams from Ohio to help with relief in 19 preventing further damage. They were joined by the first deployment of our own ERT. We were 20 able to coordinate the movement of several hundred cleaning/flood buckets and place them in the 21 hands of those most effected. Our committee also aided in disseminating information so people 22 could navigate the FEMA system and get much needed assistance. We want to thank the United 23 Methodist Church in Wayne, NJ and the Rev. Jeff Campbell for their assistance in coordinating 24 and facilitating much of the relief effort. As we shift into the recovery phase, we are working to 25 see how we and our UMVIM teams can coordinate with the other agencies to help the several 26 thousands of homeowners that still need assistance. 27 28 In the past year we have trained over 120 people to be ERT’s with training events continuing 29 throughout the conference. Our goal is to have at least two hundred individuals trained and 30 available to respond wherever needed within our conference and beyond. This includes having 31 the supplies and equipment needed to support the response. 32 33 Each district now has a District Disaster Coordinator who will be able to help prepare, evaluate 34 and respond to a disaster in their district. Further they have been trained to bring UMCOR’s 35 Connecting Neighbors training to our local churches. This program will guide each local church 36 to develop their own plan for their and church families. We hope to develop a certification 37 program for churches that develop and implement their own disaster response plan. 38 39 The CDRC has seat on NJVOAD which is the agency that helps coordinate the efforts of various 40 volunteer organizations. They will be looking to our conference to be major players when the 41 next disaster hits especially with our ERT capability. It is a partnership that we will nurture. 42 43 We want to thank the Bishop, the cabinet, John Cardillo, and Sung Ahn for their support and 44 cooperation as we develop and institute a conference disaster plan. Also we thank Cathy Earl of 45 UMCOR for her many hours of training and advice. UMCOR has helped us create a vital 46 organization that is equipped to meet the next disaster to our region. 47 We invite you to our webpage on the GNJAC website under ministries. There you will find the 48 conference disaster plan which includes information for pastors and the local church. Also future 49

91

training opportunities are listed. For more information or questions please email 1 DisasterResponse@gnjumc.org. 2 Please remember it is not if the next disaster is coming but when. Working together we can 3 all be ready. 4 5 6 7

Primary Task Team 8

9

The Primary Task Team met on September 27, 2011 and April 14, 2012. 10 11 The Executive Committee of the PTT met each month. Those 7 to 9 persons were chosen by the 12 Bishop in consultation with the Conference Lay Leader from the PTT. We continue to do 13 balcony thinking. The Executive Committee was established to recommend goals for the 14 conference to the PTT(for approval at the Annual Conference). 15 16 The PTT’s purpose was redefined as a place to communicate and affirm goals, educate leadership 17 of changing trends, communicate clear and measurable short term goals around the resources of 18 staff, programs, training, dollars and prayer, and accountability for the Executive Committee and 19 conference leadership. 20 21 In the past year we have welcomed Heather Fullerton as our new Media Specialist. Her role is to 22 help us continue to share our stories with one another. 23 24 We received reports from Conference Program Staff asking them what they have done and are 25 doing to fulfill our purpose to make disciples of Jesus Christ. 26 27 The Poverty Task Force established at the 2011 Annual Conference brought their report and the 28 PTT discussed what we are to do next in response to this report. Their report will be presented at 29 this Annual Conference. 30 31 Because of monies available in Harvest Mission Fund and Strategic Disciple Making Initiative, 32 Leadership Development has 25 have graduated as 21

st Century Leaders. 33

34 We have also affirmed the founding of Greater New Jersey Cyber United Methodist Church. 35 36 We also invited Gil Rendel to assess how our new structure is working. 37 38 We continue to look at our goals as we move into the next quadrennium. Looking at what 39 changes will come upon us from actions of the General Conference. 40 41 We continue to review Conference board and agencies responsibilities and accountability as well 42 as setting conference goals based on the four areas of focus established by the General 43 Conference here within our Annual Conference. 44 45

1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. 46 2. Creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations. 47 3. Engaging in ministry with the poor. 48 4. Stamping out killer diseases of poverty by improving health globally. 49

50

92

John DiGiamberardino 1 Convener Executive Committee of Primary Task Team 2 3

4

5

United Methodist Homes of New Jersey 6 7 The most significant event at United Methodist Homes of New Jersey was the transition of 8 leadership in the Office of the President. James C. Batten retired as of September 6, 2011 after 9 20 years of service and I joined the organization that same day on as President and CEO. The 10 Board of Directors, residents and staff of the Homes honored Mr. Batten with celebrations 11 honoring his dedicated and selfless service to the Homes. 12 13 In late August, the East Coast felt the impact of Hurricane Irene. Evacuations at The Shores at 14 Wesley Manor, Wesley by the Bay, Francis Asbury Manor and Wesleyan Arms affected three 15 receiving communities: Collingswood Manor, Pitman Manor and Bristol Glen. While it did not 16 become necessary, Covenant Manor was staged to house Wesleyan Arms’ residents. Overall, 17 over 1,000 residents and associates were affected. Many family members praised the Homes for 18 taking such good care of their loved ones during a time of crisis. 19 20 The board adopted a five-year capital plan for the replacement, redecorating or overhaul of many 21 systems and living spaces when necessary. In 2011, nurse call systems at The Shores and 22 Collingswood were replaced. Apartments on two floors at Francis Asbury Manor received air 23 conditioning; this project continues into 2012. Roof and masonry repairs began at FAM. 24 The Homes received many bequests this year—accounting for over 30% of our donations. This 25 support makes resources available for improving our buildings and grounds, and the funding for 26 the Fellowship Fund – the promise to never ask a resident to leave due to the inability to pay the 27 total cost of care. Please consider leaving a portion of your estate for the vital work of the Homes. 28 29 Three publications won awards from the Jersey Shore Public Relations & Advertising 30 Association that honors excellence in communications. The UMH general brochure won a gold 31 award; the 2010 annual report, A Life Out of Focus, won a silver; and another silver was awarded 32 for a direct mail campaign, Summer Celebrations. 33 34 Leadership at each full service and affordable housing community were asked to prepare a 35 comprehensive business plan that contained goals and objectives for the coming year of 36 operations. These plans will help them prepare for the next fiscal year that begins on July 1, 37 2012. 38 39 I am looking forward to many years of service with the United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, 40 and I thank the Board of Directors and all UMH associates for welcoming me and my family to 41 New Jersey and this wonderful organization. 42 43

Lawrence D. Carlson 44 President and CEO 45 46 47

48 49

Additional Reports for the 2012 Annual Conference

Five -Year Strategic Taskforce page 93

Sessions Team page 93

Leadership Development Team page 95

Committee to Study Relationships

with Subordinate, Affiliated Organizations page 95

93

Five-Year Strategic Taskforce 1 2

In November 2011, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar convened a Special Five-year Strategic 3 Taskforce. The Taskforce, composed of both clergy and lay members, commenced meeting in 4 January of 2012 and has met on a monthly basis since that time. These meetings included two 5 with Bishop Devadhar. The members of the Taskforce are Reverend Sung H. Ahn, Reverend 6 Ellen Bechtold, Ms. Tammy Bormann, Reverend Shawn Callender Hogan, Reverend Bobbie 7 Rambach (Co-chair), Reverend James Ryoo, Reverend Manuel Sardiñas, and Dr. Vanessa M. 8 Wilson (Co-chair). 9 10 After discussion, prayer and reflection, the Taskforce constructed the following statement of 11 purpose: 12

“We are a team of clergy and laity appointed by the Bishop. Our mission is to hear 13 and discern the hopes, dreams, ideas, values and concerns of the people in our 14 church communities. Our prayer-filled task is to engage the Holy Spirit who will 15 guide us to discern both aspirational and inspirational ministry priorities—pillars of 16 ministry—for the future of the local congregations within the Greater New Jersey 17 Annual Conference. As a team, we are committed to creating a useful print resource 18 that will assist local congregations in finding creative ways to pursue these pillars of 19 ministry.” 20

21 The initial activity in this process, A Listening Tour, is designed to engage members of the local 22 church and gather data. The data will be recorded and aggregated to be used as a foundation for 23 the remainder of the process. The proposed theme of the Listening Tour is “What do you see in 24 your world that needs attention? What might God do through the church to respond?” 25 26 The Taskforce is currently developing the action items necessary for the remainder of the process. 27 The data gathered from the Listening Tour along with data from Vital Congregations and other 28 resources will provide valuable information to be used to design a detailed action plan for the 29 remainder of the Strategic Planning Process. 30 31 Write a vision, and make it plain upon a tablet so that a runner can read it .

f There is still a vision 32

for the appointed time; it testifies to the end; it does not deceive .g If it delays, wait for it; for it is 33

surely coming; it will not be late. Habakkuk 2:2-3 34 35 36

37

Sessions Team Report 38

39 We want to thank those on the team who have served so faithfully over the last two quadrennium: 40 Mary Bode, Glenn Ferguson, and Garey Hope. And we would also especially like to give thanks 41 to Jean McMullan and Ed Rusk for their over 20 years of service to our Annual Conference 42 Sessions Team. With the leadership and gifts of all these folks and the rest of the team, Annual 43 Conference was able to do the business we are called to do together with ease ~ running 44 smoothly with registration, transportation, housing, medical care, room assignments, technology, 45 hospitality, meal planning and a myriad of other details, large and minute! It is this dedication 46 that we find ourselves humbled by the time and energy each one gives to this event. 47 48 We are contracted for May 30 – June 1, 2013 here at Valley Forge Casino Resort. We are 49 working with Travelink, our consultants, who are researching now for our next venues for 2014-50

94

2015. This year we began again to continue to look at the structure, schedule and location of 1 Annual Conference, but with a larger community involved in the visioning. 2 3 Report on the Structure, Schedule and Location of Annual Conference 4

5 The broader team of Conference leaders and Sessions representatives have met and together 6 talked about the purpose of Annual Conference, our hot button topics and our hopes for what it 7 could be in a perfect world. With this visioning process facilitated by Rev. Richard Hendrickson, 8 we realized that with the number of variables and transitions that will affect Annual Conference 9 after General Conference 2012 (for example – The effect on attendance should something change 10 with the eligibility of retired clergy to vote at Annual Conference and the possible Bishop 11 appointment change), it was decided that now is not the time for too much far-reaching change. 12 The process does not stop with this visioning event but once the dust settles, we will continue on 13 looking at structure, schedule and location. 14 15 Action Steps and Recommendations: 16 17

1- A Directive for giving Reports in a concise manner – no reading, especially conference 18 and district nominations were noted as time-consumers. 19

2- Guidance be given for worship services in regards to time sensitivity. 20

3- Create time for meaningful conversations. 21

4- Improve Childcare communications. 22

5- Mission Moments throughout Annual Conference 23

6- Direct nominations to add a representative from Disability Inclusion to Sessions. 24

7- Large Print Resources 25

8- Multi-Language Resources 26

9- Investigate „other ways‟ of doing Annual Conference in keeping with our purpose 27

10- Consult with Bishop during transition 28

11- Implement Electronic Voting with consideration to our Rules of Order 29

12- Report to Annual Conference 30

13- Begin working with Travelink about ‟14-‟15 future venues and dates being mindful of 31 requirements for accessibility, housing and dining needs, transportation and breakout 32 room availability. 33

These steps have been presented to the Primary Task Team. Some are underway and some will be 34 implemented or adapted over future Annual Conferences. 35

36 Respectfully submitted by Reggie Albert, Chair 37 38

39 40

95

Leadership Development Team 1 2 This Quadrennium has been a challenging one for the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of 3 the United Methodist Church, in general, and the Conference Leadership Development Team, in 4 particular. Needless to say, we have had changes in various levels of leadership which are too 5 many to mention. 6 7 In the midst, we remain faithfully committed to the tasks the Lord gives us, knowing that the year 8 2012 and beyond comes with new opportunities for the people of God to practice servant 9 leadership and long standing fruit-bearing services of our fellow disciples. 10 11 Without hesitation, I believe that God is working to bring things into reality that were once just a 12 dream or vision. Although we are still struggling to make perfect the Organizational Structure of 13 the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we shall continue to 14 carry on the mandated responsibilities on all levels of leadership development, in order to 15 support, train and nurture effective lay and clergy leaders to strengthen local congregations for 16 ministries in the world. 17 18 The office of the Director of Connectional Ministries and Media Specialist under the leadership 19 of the Rev. Sung H. Ahn and media specialist Heather Fullerton, respectively, is well in place. 20 Thanks be to God! 21 22 As spiritual leaders representing the various committees, boards, teams and agencies of our 23 Conference, we have a moral obligation to stand and bond together to fulfill the responsibilities 24 bestowed upon us, for the glory of God. 25 26 And, having said that: 27

Let us continue to (a)provide training resources, (b) research, support and possibly fund 28 to some extent, training activities in and for local congregations, districts and conference; 29

Let us continue to work with the Conference Board of Discipleship and Board of Higher 30 Education and Ministry; 31

Let us continue to partner with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Lay 32 Speaking Ministries, Laity Council, Ministries with Young People, Congregational 33 Development, Stewardship Education and Development, and the Ministries Team; 34

Let us continue to support 'Sexual Ethics Training'; and 'Compassionate Advocates 35 Training' for the annual conference; 36

In consultation with the Bishop, the Cabinet, and the Board of Ordained Ministry 37 (BOOM), let us continue to support or resource in training pastors and congregations in 38 cross cultural/cross racial environments; 39

As necessary, hire consultants to work with congregations and pastors; 40

Last but not least, let us continue to support laity and pastors for additional 41 training/resources with available funds to help them attend the congregational 42 development, local pastors, coach, leadership and disciple making trainings. 43

There are other new leadership training projects available. There are other old projects not yet 44 completed. The point is that, in the midst of our collective work, God is doing through the 45 various levels of "servant leaderships" what needs to be done in our conference. This calls for all 46

96

of us to imagine new ministries; new people doing them, new resources coming that enable us to 1 realize His goals. 2 3 I am taking this opportunity to invite all conference-wide leaders to gather for a "Conference Day 4 of Learning" slated for June 9, 2012 at Calvary Korean United Methodist Church in East 5 Brunswick, New Jersey. Our celebration of God's call to serve includes worship with an 6 "installation" of all newly elected annual conference committee members. There will be panel 7 discussion with representatives from various General Boards and Agencies, and group 8 workshops. Come and join our celebration to be effectively equipped and prepared to serve the 9 people of God. 10 11 In closing, I am truly mindful of the privilege given me to serve as Chair of the Conference 12 Leadership Development Team this quadrennium. I am also very grateful to all the team 13 members for their faithfulness and willingness to work in God's vineyard. As Jesus said, "The 14 harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." (Mt 9:37) 15 16 Additionally, my sincere thanks to the members of the Cabinet and Bishop Devadhar for their 17 support in all levels of leadership development in the Annual Conference. Special thanks to Rev. 18 Sung H. Ahn, Director of Connectional Ministry and Rev. Richard Nichols, District 19 Superintendent for their wise counsel to the Team. Thanks be to God! 20 21 Emmanuel S. De La Paz, Chair 22 Conference Leadership Development Team 23 24 25

26

Committee to Study Relationships with Subordinate, Affiliated 27

Organizations 28 29 The Committee met via e-mail and developed one of two covenant relations documents and is 30 perfecting the second one. 31 32 The first document is titled “Statement of Relationship” and details the connection between 33 Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and its affiliated organizations. By GNJAC rules, “an 34 affiliated organization is one that wishes to maintain a connectional relationship with The United 35 Methodist Church through GNJAC”. The Committee developed a sample “Statement of 36 Relationship” for all affiliated organizations which had not already adopted one, and are in the 37 process of confirming that the bylaws of each affiliated organization are in conformity with the 38 Statement of Relationship. 39 40 The second relationship statement which the Committee is now perfecting is for those non-41 conference entities to which the Bishop appoints a representative to their Board of Trustees and 42 which do not have the Annual Conference involved in electing any of its other Trustees. The 43 bylaws of these connected entities are also being reviewed to be sure the connection is in place. 44 45 Our work will continue during the coming year. 46 47 Respectfully submitted, 48 Harriett Olson, Chair 49 Lynn Caterson, Legal Counsel 50

1  

Meal, Shuttle, and Key Events Information 

 

 

 

KEY EVENT SITES 

Breakfast Bible Studies: Delaware LLCC 

Childcare: GS 3 & 4, SH 

Clergy Session: Pennsylvania LLCC 

Conference Festival Choir Rehearsals: GS 2, SH 

Conference Secretary & Treasurer: New Jersey, LLCC 

Clergy ID Badges: New Jersey, LLCC 

Early Communion: GS 2, SH 

Emergency (911) Phone: Conference Secretary’s Office, New Jersey, LLCC 

Hospitality Center: New Jersey, LLCC 

Laity Session: Delaware, LLCC 

Ordination Service: Pennsylvania, LLCC 

Ordination Processional Line‐up: Delaware, LLCC 

Plenary and Worship: Pennsylvania, LLCC 

Prayer Room: GS 5, SH 

Registration: New Jersey, LLCC 

Taize Worship Service: GS 2, SH, 10:00pm    Thursday Only 

Training (Ushers): Valley Forge Park Ballroom SH     

                (Pages) Valley Forge Park Ballroom SH       

                (Communion Stewards) Delaware, LLCC 

Tribute Service: Pennsylvania, LLCC 

Wellness Screening: GS 1, SH 

 

KEY:   SH (Scanticon/ Tower Hotel)

LLCC (Lower Level Convention Center) 

LLRH (Lower Level Radisson Hotel)         MLRH (Main Level Radisson Hotel) 

2  

“SEVEN STOPS SHUTTLE” The shuttle will run continuous loops between these points during hours listed below.

Shuttle points: 1.Main Entrance to Tower Hotel (formerly the Scanticon), 2.The Radisson Hotel, 3.The Hyatt Place, 4.The Courtyard by Marriott, 5.The Hampton Inn, 6.The Best Western, and 7.The

Holiday Inn Express.

Please note that these hotels also offer transportation to and from the Convention Center on a “need only basis” when their vans/shuttles are available. Please call the specific hotel’s front or bell desk for information and request transportation. The “Seven Stops Shuttle” is NOT handicapped accessible. SEVEN STOPS SHUTTLE” HOURS: Thursday, May 31, 8 am to 10 am and 8 pm to 11 pm

Friday, June 1, 6 am to 9 am and 9 pm to 12 am

Saturday, June 2, 6 am to 9 am

This service is provided for GNJAC passengers only at no cost to the customer. Our thanks to the Valley Forge Visitor and Convention Bureau for helping to defray the

shuttle expense with a substantial grant!

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY Should a medical emergency arise while in the Plenary Session room, please go immediately to the stage and inform whoever is at the microphone. He or she will alert the GNJAC Site Team or Valley Forge Security Department directly. During an emergency in the New Jersey room or Delaware room, go directly to the Hospitality Center in New Jersey room and they will make the appropriate contact.

Please do not use your cell phone to call 911.

Exiting the Plenary Session Room in an Emergency Should you be instructed to leave the Pennsylvania room in an emergency situation, please walk to the exit located nearest your seat. Do not look for

others who might be in the room; you can find them later outside. Emergency exits are marked and located around the room. Additional exits

are located to the left side of the stage area.

3  

Meal and Event Sites Thursday, May 31 Café: Delaware, LLCC 8am-3:30pm (Closed during Tribute Service and Executive/Laity Sessions)

General Lunch and those going to special luncheons including choir: get your box lunch in Delaware LLCC, 12:30

Black Methodist for Church Renewal – BMCR – Room: Mt. Davis, LLRH – Members of the BMCR will conduct an informational meeting and plan for the balance of the conference year. Boston University School of Theology – Room: GS7, SH – Alumni, prospective students; interested persons are invited to join us for lunch with a representative from the Alumni Office. Clergywomen – Room: Ross, LLRH – Clergywomen – Ordained, Local Pastors, Candidates – Let’s do lunch. As we share a meal, we will also enjoy the fellowship of sisters in ministry. Conference Board of Global Ministries – Room: Hancock, LLRH - Join us for this mission opportunity for Youth and Young Adults in the congregation. Korean Clergy Caucus – Room: Adams, LLRH - We will be holding our annual lunch gathering on Thursday at 12:30.

Order of Deacons –Room: GS 6, SH - Annual gathering for Deacons, Provisional Members, Diaconal Ministers, and those contemplating deacon ministry. Pick up a box lunch and join us for informal conversation. Youth Luncheon- Meet for food and fellowship. South Ballroom, MLRH Tribute Families Lunch, Valley Forge Park Ballroom, SH 12:30pm Dinner for Festival Choir: Valley Forge Park Ballroom, SH, 6:00pm Dinner: Delaware, LLCC, 6:00pm Taize Worship Service: GS 2, SH, 10:00pm

4  

Friday, June 1 Early Communion: GS 2, 6:00am

Wellness Screening: GS 1, SH 6am-10am

Prayer Breakfast: Delaware, LLCC, 7:00 am (Bible study begins at 7:30)

Café: Delaware, LLCC 8:30am-3:30pm

Festival Choir Lunch: GS 2, 12:30

General Lunch and those going to special luncheons including choir:

get your box lunch in Delaware, LLCC 12:30 Conference Board of Church and Society – Room: Ross, LLRH– “What Side of the Bars is the Church?” There are more than 2 million people incarcerated in the US and more than 650,000 persons releasing back into communities every year. This session will guide churches in responding to prison/reentry ministry needs Session led by ordained elder of GNJAC, Rev. Heidi Kugler, appointed to extension ministry as the Assistant Chaplaincy Administrator of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Washington, DC. ARMS – Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses – Room: Valley Forge Park Ballroom, SH - Lunch and meeting. 12:15 pm Conference Finance and Administration: Bryn Mawr, MLRH, 12:30pm Drew University – Room: Jefferson, LLRH - Annual gathering for Alumni and Faculty and Friends. Educational Opportunities – Room: - Haverford, MLRH, – Christian Travel to the Holy Land and Journeys of St. Paul. Friends of Asbury Theological Seminary – Room: GS 6-7, SH- Friends, alumni and prospective students of Asbury Theological Seminary are welcome to join for lunch with a representative from Asbury Seminary. Get the latest on exciting developments at the seminary as well as meet for good fellowship. Greater New Jersey Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors– Room: Adams, LLRH - All Local Pastors and Associate Members, and persons to be licensed are welcome to

5  

come and join us for lunch and a time of fellowship as we get to know each other and celebrate our ministries together! Natural Church Development – Room: Franklin, LLRH - Hear stories of how NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT has helped churches become healthy, vital and growing. Come to the NCD luncheon. Sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development. United Methodist Foundation of New Jersey – Room: Mt. Davis, LLRH, – to share information about the Foundation with Conference members. Hispanic/Latino in the GNJAC – Room: Hancock, LLRH – Hispanic/Latino delegates will gather at Annual Conference for fellowship and lunch. Dinner for Festival Choir: Valley Forge Park Ballroom, SH, 5:20 pm Dinner: Delaware, LLCC, 5:35 pm Saturday, June 2 Early Communion: GS 2, 6:00 am Wellness Screening: GS 1, SH, 6 am-10am Prayer Breakfast: Delaware, LLCC, 7:00 am (Bible study begins at 7:30) Café: Delaware, LLCC 8:30am-3:30pm Festival Choir Lunch: GS 2, 12:30pm

General Lunch and those going to special luncheons including choir: get your box lunch in Delaware, LLCC 12:30pm

ENRG – Evangelical Network for Renewal and Growth – Room: GS 6-7, SH- Come to the ENRG luncheon to gain information and resources on how you can strengthen and renew your church.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

To Do This… You Say This… Interrupt

Speaker?

Second

Needed?

Motion

Debatable?

Amendable?

Vote

Needed?

SECONDARY MOTIONS IN ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

Adjourn “I move to adjourn” No Yes No No Majority

Recess “I move we recess until …” No Yes No No Majority

Suspend debate w/o

calling for a vote “I move that we table” No Yes No No Majority

End Debate “I move the previous

question” No Yes No No 2/3 Majority

Limit Debate “I move debate be limited

to . . .” No Yes No Yes 2/3 Majority

Postpone to specific

time

“I move to postpone this

matter until . . .” No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Have matter studied

further

“I move we refer this matter

to . . .” No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Amend a motion or

substitute

“I move to amend by …” or

“I move to substitute …” No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Postpone Indefinitely “I move to postpone

indefinitely” No Yes Yes No Majority

INCIDENTAL MOTIONS GROW OUT OF THE BUSINESS THE CONFERENCE IS CONSIDERING

Correct error in

parliamentary procedure “Point of Order” Yes No No No Chair rules

Obtain advice on

parliamentary procedure

“I raise a parliamentary

inquiry” Yes No No No Chair rules

Request information “Point of information” Yes No No No None

MAIN MOTIONS AS TOOLS TO INTRODUCE NEW BUSINESS

Introduce business “I move that . . .” No Yes Yes Yes Majority

Take up matter

previously tabled

“I move we take from the

table . . .” No Yes No No Majority

Reconsider matter

previously voted “I move we reconsider . . . “ No Yes No No Majority

ANNUAL CONFERENCE EVALUATION FORM

2012

We value YOUR opinion! Every evaluation is reviewed, so please give us your

opinion about the Annual Conference. We ask that you complete this form and

turn it in at the Conference Secretary’s Office when you leave. Circle one letter

per question. Thank you.

E=Excellent V=Very Good G=Good F=Fair P=Poor

PLENARY SESSIONS: E V G F P

Comments: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

WORSHIP: E V G F P

Comments: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION: E V G F P

Comments: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

FACILITIES: E V G F P

Comments: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

MEAL: E V G F P

Comments: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________ :Clergy Member NAME (optional) ڤ

Lay Member ڤ

Youth (Please include any additional comments on the reverse side.) ڤ

ORDER FORM FOR BOUND, PAPER COPY

OF THE 2012 JOURNAL AND YEARBOOK

Please drop in box at Conference

Treasurer’s Table!

Active or Retired Clergy Members of the Annual Conference,

Elected Lay Members and the Local Church office will receive

one (1) 2012 Journal on a CD-ROM free of charge.

Bound, printed copies of the Journal may be purchased for

$10.00 plus $3.00 shipping each. Please be aware that:

No printed Journals will be sent unless pre-paid

No requests will be honored after the Journal has gone to the printer (to reduce

waste, we order only the amount requested)

Note for Retired Clergy Members: A bound, printed copy of the Journal will be sent to you free

of charge, but you must request one each year prior to the deadline below. The Journal will not

automatically be sent to you.

Name_____________________________________________Date__________________

Address_____________________________________________ Apt./Unit: ___________

City_________________________________ State________ Zip Code_______________

Phone: _________________________ Email___________________________________

Deadline to order is August 15, 2012 Check One:

_____ Clergy _____ Retired Clergy ______ Elected Lay Member or At-Large Member

Number of Journals _____________ X $13.00 = $______________________

Please complete this form and send with your check to address below. Check may be made

payable to “GNJAC-JOURNAL”.

Journal Order

Greater NJ Conference

1001 Wickapecko Drive, Ocean, NJ 07712

Retired Clergy Members:- No fee for one copy, $10.00 + $3.00 Shipping for each

additional copy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Office Use Only:

Date Received________Number Ordered______ Check Amt._________ Check Num._______

· Learn why Wil Wilson, New Jersey Annual Conference young adult, is serving as a US-2missionary for two years.

· Hear about ways you can encourage youth and young adults to engage in mission.· Explore youth and young-adult mission-service opportunities offered through the General

Board of Global Ministries: US-2 and Mission Intern Programs, Global Justice Volunteers,and the B1 campaign.

Speakers:

William Wilson, US-2 missionary, member of Chews UMC Glendora, NJ, currently serving as Associate Campus Minister at United Campus Ministry and Volunteer Coordinator at Churches United for the Homeless, Fargo, North Dakota

Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, Executive for Young Adult Mission Service at GeneralBoard of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, New York, NY

Lunch Focus Group on Mission Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults:

May 31, 2012, at 12 noonValley Forge Convention Center

1160 1st AvenueKing of Prussia, PA 19406

Exploring Youth and Young-Adult Mission-Service Opportunities

The Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore

Greater New Jersey Conference

Bible Study Leader

Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2 at 7:15 a.m.

(Breakfast is by prior-reservation at 7 a.m.)

The Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore, PhD serves as associate dean for

Black Church Studies and Church Relations at Duke Divinity

School in Durham, N.C. and teaches in the area of homiletics

and the practice of ministry.

Moore serves on the board of directors for ZOE Ministries, an

empowerment program of that provides a comprehensive

approach to transforming the lives of African children

orphaned by HIV/AIDS, war, disease, famine and other causes.

She is also on the advisory board of the Center for

Reconciliation. Founded in 2005 to inspire, form, and support

leaders, communities, and congregations to live as ambassadors

of Christ’s reconciliation, the Center has become a leading

voice in shaping a distinctly Christian vision of reconciliation,

with a desire to equip the Church for reconciliation, justice, and

peacemaking in a divided world.

Moore’s research interests focus primarily on understanding

the critical issues influencing contemporary culture for community formation. Examining these

interests in biblical studies, practical theology, homiletics, narrative hermeneutics and social

media, she is known for loving to tell stories with a theological twist! Her chapter in Andrew

C.Thompson’s Generation Rising: A Future with Hope for the United Methodist Church

(Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2011), calls for preaching that takes seriously the story of Scripture

over the moralisms we choose to impose on its stories.

She became a John Wesley Fellow in 2001, and is a member of the Society for Biblical

Literature, the Academy of Homiletics, the American Academy of Religion, and the National

Association of United Methodist Evangelists. She joined the Administration at Duke in July of

2008 first as Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning. Prior to moving to Duke University, Moore

was Assistant Professor of Preaching at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky,

where she has previously served a Director of Women’s and Ethnic Ministries and later as

Director of Student Life. She has served as Chaplain and Director of Church Relations at Adrian

College, Adrian, Michigan, a church-related liberal arts college. An ordained elder in the United

Methodist Church West Michigan Conference, Moore has served as the associate and the senior

pastor in congregations in rural, urban and suburban Michigan. A characteristic of her work has

been to provide opportunities for the Christian hope to be explained and practiced so others are

welcomed to accept their vocation as representatives of the reconciling love of God —

practicing hope, hospitality, and honesty.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Moore’s desire to teach led her to study at National Louis

University in Evanston, Illinois, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and

Mathematics. She holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary. Moore earned

a PhD. from Brunel University, London, England in practical theology with an emphasis in

Homiletics and Theological Hermeneutics.

A frequently featured preacher, Bible study leader and teacher at workshops, conferences, and

worship services around the country, she is currently conducting research on the impact of

various media forms on how we assimilate information and what it does to our religious

imagination. Dr. Joy is an avid fan of books by David Baldacci, and, when she is not teaching,

enjoys traveling, watching reruns of Babylon 5, and reading.

BISHOP J. MICHAEL LOWRY

Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Preacher and Teacher

Thursday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Friday, June 1 at 9 a.m.

Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m.

J. Michael (Mike) Lowry was born in Aurora, Illinois. He

graduated from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana in

1972 with an A.B. degree; received a Master of Theology

(M.Div.) from Perkins School of Theology at Southern

Methodist University in 1976 and a Doctor of Ministry

(D.Min.) from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in

1985 in Evangelism and Church Growth.

Bishop Lowry was elected to the Episcopacy in July of 2008

and assigned to the Fort Worth Episcopal Area, The Central

Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Mike

began his ministry with the Friends (Quakers) providing

pastoral leadership for Rich Square Friends Meeting. He was ordained a Deacon in the Northern

Illinois Conference in 1974 and ordained Elder in the Southwest Texas Conference in 1978.

Before being elected to the Episcopacy, he served as Executive Director for New Church

Development and Transformation for the Southwest Texas Conference, University UMC in San

Antonio, Bethany in Austin, Asbury in Corpus Christi, Wesley in Harlingen, St. Paul’s in

Kerrville and as an Associate Pastor at Plymouth Park in Irving.

Mike has held numerous offices including Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Chair of the

Board of Global Ministries’ Committee on Church Extension, and Chair of the Council on

Church Revitalization and Church Extension. While serving at the Executive Director for New

Church Development and Transformation, he led a successful conference capital campaign to

fund new church starts. He was awarded the B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics by Perkins

School of Theology. Churches under his leadership have received the Habitat for Humanity

Award (2004), the President’s Award from Huston-Tillotson University (2004), and the

Churchmanship Award from the San Antonio Community of Churches (2003). Asbury UMC

was awarded the Moore Award in Evangelism three times while he was serving as senior pastor.

He was first elected to serve as a delegate to General Conference in 1996, where he served on the

Church and Society Legislative Committee. In 2004, he served on the Committee on

Conferences Legislative Committee; in 2008 on the Committee on Faith and Order Legislative

Committee.

Bishop Lowry serves the larger connection of The United Methodist Church as a member of the

Texas Methodist Foundation Board, the United Methodist Publishing House Board of Directors,

the Perkins School of Theology Executive Board, Trustee for Southwestern University and

Texas Wesleyan University, the Methodist Children’s Home and Harris Methodist Hospital

Board among others.

He is a regular contributor in The Abingdon Preaching Manual and Circuit Rider, and his

Generous Living sermon was published in Best Stewardship Sermons of 2005. In addition,

Bishop Lowry writes a regular column entitled The Wilderness Way which may be found at the

Central Texas Conference website www.bishop@ctcumc.org . He has taught classes at Local

Pastors’ Licensing School, mentored candidates for ordained ministry and been the spiritual

director for 24 Emmaus Walks/Chrysalis Flights.

Mike and his wife Jolynn married in 1976. They are the parents of son Nathan living in the

Boston area and daughter Sarah and son-in-law Steven Meek living in Washington D.C. His

deep passion is advancing the work of Christ through evangelistic outreach and missional

involvement in love, justice, and mercy.

Sessions Team for 2012

Reservations Jean McMullan

Hospitality Heidi Bak

Janet Blohm

Barbara McFarquhar

Site Glenn Ferguson, co-chair

Don DeGroat, co- chair

Displays Dorothy Johns

Luncheons Mary Bode

Worship Tanya Bennett

Child Care Denise Tiedemann

Retired Ministers/Cokesbury W. Garey Hope

Registration Packet Edward H. Rusk

Kyewoon Choi

Prayer Room Naomi Walker

Youth/Young Adult

Representative Amanda Quadrel

Communications Melvin Hooper

Rules Committee June McCullough

Conference Secretary Michael Harriott

Resource Staff Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar,

Sung Ahn, Connectional Ministries

Jack Shaw, Communications Consultant,

John Cardillo, Conference Treasurer

Varlyna Wright, District Superintendent

Nicola Mulligan, Administrative Assistant

Chairperson Reggie Albert

Sessions Team for 2012

Reservations Jean McMullan Hospitality Heidi Bak Janet Blohm Barbara McFarquhar Site Glenn Ferguson, co-chair Don DeGroat, co- chair Displays Dorothy Johns Luncheons Mary Bode Worship Tanya Bennett Child Care Denise Tiedemann Retired Ministers/Cokesbury W. Garey Hope Registration Packet Edward H. Rusk Kyewoon Choi Prayer Room Naomi Walker Youth/Young Adult

Representative Amanda Quadrel Communications Melvin Hooper

Rules Committee June McCullough Conference Secretary Michael Harriott Resource Staff Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, Sung Ahn, Connectional Ministries Jack Shaw, Communications Consultant, John Cardillo, Conference Treasurer Varlyna Wright, District Superintendent Nicola Mulligan, Administrative Assistant Chairperson Reggie Albert

 

1  

LEADERSHIP TEAMS AND RELATED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND COUNCILS

Individual Leadership

Conference Secretary Conference Lay Leader Rosa Williams Conference Director of Lay Speaking Mark Halverson Conference Statistician John Cardillo Conference President of United Methodist Women Millie Grey Conference President United Methodist Men Rick Walker Conference Chancellors Sanford Brown Evelynn S. Caterson MYP Co Presidents Weagba Nelson Jonathan Burgess-Linden Bethany Amey

Primary Task Team Bishop as Chairperson (non-voting Member) Conference Secretary Chair/Representative Leadership Development Team Chair/Representative Ministries Team Chair/Representative Stewardship Team Chair/ Representative Congregational Dev. Team Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry Chairs of COSROW, CCUIRC, and CRR President /Representative of UMM President /Representative of UMW Co-Presidents of MYP Conference Lay Leader Conference Associate Lay Leader(s) District Superintendents

District Lay Leaders Chair of Nomination Committee Members of General Boards and Agencies Chair Emerging Fund Committee At Large Members: Vicki Miller Brendler, Judy Colorado, Maylis De La Fe-Rodriguéz, John DiGiamberardino, Sang Won Doh, Thomas Kinter, Amanda Quandrel Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services Director of Connectional Ministries Children, Youth and Young Adults Coordinator Stewardship Coordinator

Primary Task Team Executive Committee

Clergy Vicki Miller Brendler John D. Di Giamberardino Sang Won Doh

Laity John W. Bishop Maylis De La Fe-Rodriguez Heike Graef Amanda Quadrel Rosa Williams

Also: Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Without/vote: Dave Evans Without/voice or vote: Nicola Milligan (Recording Secretary)

Sessions Team Chair: Regina Albert

Clergy Regina Albert Thomas F. Austin Heidi Bak Tanya Bennett Jennifer Cho Kyewoon Choi Don DeGroat Dorothy Johns Brian Joyce Hyoik Kim

Laity Janet Blohm Donna Hough Barbara McFarquhar Kathleen Schultz Denise Tiedemann Naomi Walker

Charles Soper Jr.

 

2  

Conference Lay Leader Conference Secretary Representative of Communications Committee

Representative of Standing Rules Committee Representatives of MYP

District Superintendent: Varlyna Wright * Director of Connectional Ministries: Sung H. Ahn * Conference Treasurer: John Cardillo

Commission on Status and Role of Women Chair: Michelle Ryoo

Clergy Joel D. Hubbard III Diane Pacione Marilus Rodriguez Michelle Ryoo Janice Sutton

Laity Joan Buchanan Lela King Patricia West UMW Representative: Marcia Roebuck

* Sung H. Ahn

Commission on Religion and Race Chair: Vanessa Wilson

Clergy William Benjamin Sandra Jenkins Walter Mander Rene Pak

Laity Ricky Maddox Michelle Todman Vanessa Wilson Sylvia Young-Aberdeen

* Sung H. Ahn

Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry Chair: Pauline Kang

Clergy Marjorie Erikson Donald Gebhard Erik Hall Pauline Kang Ellen Little Hyun-Bo Shim Thomas Venables

Laity Arlene Clayton Mary Jane Dolly Maritza Gonzales-Colon Kevin Robinson

* Erica Munoz

Board of Church and Society Chair: Cynthia Kent

Clergy Joel Ajo-Fernandez Linda Applegate Jonathan Campbell Jack Copas Douglas Goldsborough Walter Mander Grant Moyer Lyssette Perez

Laity Edna Barrier Emmanuel S. De La Paz Anthony Gazzillo Rupert Hall, Jr. Cynthia Kent Helen McCahill Phyllis A. Truran UMW Social Action Coordinator

District Superintendent: Fran Lawrie Noll Ex-Officio w/vote, General Board of Church and Society: Sung H. Ahn

 

3  

*Richard Hendrickson

Leadership Development Team Chair: TBD# Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry Chair of Order of Deacons Chair of Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Chair of Order of Elders Chair or Representative of Lay Speaking Ministries Chair or Representative of Ministries Team

Co-Presidents or Representatives of MYP President or Representative of UMM President or Representative of UMW At-Large-Members Emmanuel S. De La Paz (L) Michelle M. Ryoo (C) LiLisa Williams (L)

District Superintendent: Richard Nichols * Sung H. Ahn #According to the Plan of Organization of the Annual Conference, this quadrennial, this position will be served by the chair or representative of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Ministries Team Chair: Isabel Quezada

Chair of Conference Board of Discipleship Chair of Conference Board of Global Ministries Chair of Conference Board of Christian Unity & Inter-religious Concerns Chair of Conference Board of Church & Society Chair of Conference Board of Higher Education & Campus Ministries Chair of Greater NJUM Camping Ministries, Inc. Chair of Communications Committee Chair of Conference Commission on Religion and Race Chair of Conference Commission on Archives and History Chair of Commission on the Status and Role of Women Chair of Multi-Ethnic Coordinating Committee Chair of Conference Asian-American Language Ministry Committee Chair of Conference Korean-American National Plan Committee Chair of Conference National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries Committee Chair of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Committee Chair of Committee on Native American Ministries Presidents of Ministries with Young People President of Conference United Methodist Women President of Conference United Methodist Men Members of Annual Conference serving on General Boards and Agencies Director of Connectional Ministries: Sung H. Ahn District Superintendent: Richard Nichols

Board of Discipleship Chair: Alan Darby

Clergy Debbe Barnett Frederick Boyle Glenn Conaway Alan Darby Bo Joong Kim Jessica Brendler Naulty Helen Rainier Glenn Scheyhing Sunny Shim June Stitzinger-Clark

Laity Winifred Asa-Awuku Kyle Cuperwich Katherine Mayer Mildred Ojoye John (Jack) Scharf Rick Walker Lew Weil

* Erica Munoz

 

4  

Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Concerns Chair: Jessica Campbell

Clergy Myrna Bethke Jessica Campbell James Craig Vijaya Kumar Donnie Mitchell Federico Quezada John Wesley Morrison James Rixon Janice Sutton

Laity Mary Bode Jeffrey Canter Grace Rapp Sugandh Salvi Wendy Whiteside

* Sung H. Ahn

Committee on Communications

Chair: Joseph Monahan Clergy Hector Burgos Carlton Bodine Peter Jamieson Chris Miller Joseph Monahan Joseph Tiedemann Greg Young

Laity Sushil Bhujbal Candace King George Lagos Wiesje Martin

*Richard Hendrickson

Board of Global Ministries Chair: Sherrie Dobbs Johnson

Clergy Laity Hemesias Ares Kathy Ahmad VIM Coordinator Dennis Blackwell (National Plan) Natalie Alves Jacqueline Burgess (Disability Inclusive Ministry) Jazelis Adorno-Burgos (National Plan) Zacharie Cazeau Debbie Bartlett Jungrea Chung Linda Burton (Disability Inclusive Ministry) Emad Gerges Lenord Kelly. Shelly Potter-Abrahamsen Young Sook Kim Sherrie Dobbs Johnson Barbara McFarquhar Richard Workman Grace Rapp Melissa Rivera Patrica Rossello (National Plan) Manuel Sardinas (National Plan) Gyuchang Sim

Shelia Williamson (Strengthening the Black Church) UMW Education and Interpretation Coordinator Ex-Officio w/vote, General Board of Global Ministries: Jay Brown

* Sung H. Ahn

Disaster Response Team Chair: Wayne Jones

Clergy Laity Reginald Bynum Kim Ambrose James Davis Jeff Applegate Kevin Davis Carol Brozosky

 

5  

Derrick Doherty CJ Caulfield Victor Franko Howard Minnichbach Wayne Jones Nancy Nacion Jennifer Lovallo Laura Purdy Betty McGill Gyuchang Sim Chris Miller Pauline Wallace David Repenning Charles Soper Jr. June Stitzinger-Clark Director of Connectional Ministries: Sung H. Ahn Conference VIM Coordinator

GNJ Ministries with Young People Team Co-Chair: Debbe Barnett and Larry Oksten

District CA CA CAP CAP DB DB GN GN GS GS NS NS PAL PAL RV RV SKY SKY MYP MYP

Youth Emily Lewis Tiffany Wollerton Caroline Lee Andi Semler Kaitlyn Weatherby Rolando Santiago Justin Battinger Andrew Burgess-Linden Amanda Quadrel Alexander Seda Attayah Douglas Sophia Joseph Brooke Boerricher Katherine Mayer Jonathan Burgess-Linden Weega Nelson

Young Adults Tim Bain Shannon Tooker Paul Barnett Jillian Wolfe Austin Crowe Melodie Jillson Libby Holland Jim McDowell Nadiera Young Rebecca Coram Eric Hobachlian Kyle Cuperwich David Ledford Jessica Stenstrom Bethany Amey

Adults Dave Delaney Michael Bill Traci Cianci Doug Battinger Scott Hunter Todd Lattig

District Superintendent: Jisun Kwak *Erica Munoz

Greater NJ UM Camping Ministries, Inc. Chair: Jennifer Lovallo

Clergy 2013 Douglas Rea Bernadette Cataline 2014 Amanda Hemenetz Jennifer Lovallo Vena Murphy Gerri Ridings 2015 Douglas Baitinger McWilliam Colon Lourdes Matos Delgado

Laity 2013 Pamela Milone Richard Peter Shelly Rack Jessica Stenstrom 2014 Chuck Long Ginny D’Leon William Williams 2015 Creed Pogue Milagros Soto-Pillot

District Superintendent: Steven Bechtold *Erica Munoz

 

6  

Multi-Ethnic Coordinating Committee Chair: Judy Colorado

Clergy Bynugil Ahn Aemesias Ares Hannah Lee Lourdes Magalhaes Jean McMullen William Noll Lysette Perez Hugo Ray

Laity Judy Colorado Kay Dubuisson We-Ling Lai Cynthia Kent Florine Kumar Deborah Oglesby Waleska Trinidad

* Sung H. Ahn

Stewardship Team The Stewardship Team is composed of the chair and vice chair of: Council on Finance and Administration Board of Pensions Conference Board of Trustees Committee on Equitable Compensation

Centenary Fund and Preacher Aid Society United Methodist Foundation of New Jersey Episcopal Residence Committee

Director of Connectional Ministries: Sung H. Ahn District Superintendent: Robert Costello

*Richard Hendrickson

Council on Finance and Administration Chair: John Bishop

Clergy Joel Ajo-Fernandez Jeanette Block Scott Boswick Mark Fieger Daniel Gepford Elizabeth Ealie Ilyoung Kim David Mertz Brian Roberts Janice Sutton

Laity Ade Adesanya Patria Agustin-Smith Robert Arnot Ralph Bingham Robert Dietz Michael Ernst Ruth London Margaret Prentice June Tamburro Dennis Thomas Karen Tilden

Ex Officio with vote: General Council on Finance and Administration: John Bishop Ex Officio without vote: Conference Bishop Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services: John Cardillo District Superintendent: Robert Costello Director of Connectional Ministries: Sung H. Ahn Stewardship Coordinator: Richard Hendrickson

Board of Pensions Chair: TBD

Clergy 2014 Danny Thomas 2016 Loraine Priestley-Smith Paul Zorn

Laity 2014 Paula Blackman Glenn Megill 2016 Donna Hough

 

7  

2018 Carlton Bodine Barry Wehrle 2020 Brian Greco William Wilson

Steve Moy 2018 Scott Woodfield Steven Kim 2020 Robert Baker Edward Barber Edward Dubuisson

District Superintendent: Barbara Rambach * John Cardillo

Board of Trustees

Chair: TBD Clergy 2013 Reggie Bynum E. Douglas Strickland 2014 Hee Duk Lee 2015 Robyne Mayer Louis Strugala, Jr. 2016 James Ryoo

Laity 2013 José Pimental 2014 James Graef Rupert Hall, Jr. 2015 Fred Neskeyes 2016 Victoria Hahn Marybeth Scherer

District Superintendent: Wayne Plumstead * John Cardillo

Centenary Fund and Preachers Aid Society

Chair: Neill Tolboom Clergy 2013 Robert Cassidy Ernest Williams 2014 Neill Tolboom Barry Werhle 2015 David Wiley 2016 Dorothy Dann

Laity 2013 Harold Burlingame 2014 John (Jack) Scharf Neil Erikson 2015 Betty Broyles 2016 Davita Harewood Clarence Hoover

Board of Pensions Representative: Donna Hough * John Cardillo

Commission on Equitable Compensation

Chair: Jennifer Cho Clergy Mark Ale Clark Callender Jennifer Cho Carol Davies Christine Day Mark Fieger Edmund Martin

Laity Heike Graef Wayne Hamer Jesse Hamilton Sheila Williamson

District Superintendent: Paul Maliel

* Douglas Ruffle

 

8  

United Methodist Foundation of New Jersey Chair: TBD

Clergy 2013 Kyewoon Choi 2014 Robert Costello David Mertz 2015 Richard Hendrickson 2016 Bruce Quigley

Laity 2013 2014 Ed Bowen 2015 Nan Hawkins Donna Hough William Markert Morris Smith 2016

Ex-Officio: Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Board of Pensions Representative: TDB Board of Trustees Representative: TBD Emeritus: Barbara Harris

The Wesley Foundation at Princeton Board of Trustees Chair: Robert Marks

Arlene Bougher (Secretary) Elizabeth Brown Marjorie Eriksen Neil Eriksen Kimberly Kracman

John Kuthithau David Lehmkuhl Robert Marks Brad Middlekauff Jana Pukis-Brash

Ex-Officio: Varlyna Wright

Committee on Episcopacy

Chair: Frank Fowler Clergy Frank Fowler Douglas Goldsborough Brian Greco Elizabeth Mitchell Ronald Watts

Laity Sushil Bhujbal Jay Brown Keith Cunningham Eleanor Hartley Dajhia Ingram Esther Morales Dr. S. Rhee Kathleen Schutz Rosa Williams John Wooding

Ex officio with vote Jurisdictional Episcopacy Members: Evelynn Caterson, Drew Dyson

 

9  

Board of Ordained Ministry Chair: TBD

First Term Myrna Bethke Jessica Brendler Naulty Hector A. Burgo Virginia Samuel Cetuk Bruce Grayson (L) Herb Hickman (L) Dorothy L. Johns Jack Johnson Gina Kim Han Seung Koh Thomas J. Korkuch Robert Mayer Juel Nelson Kye Tae Pak Carolyn Pendelton (L) Johnnie-Moore Pierson (L) Linda Romanik (L) Manuel Sardinas Pat Schultz (L) Clarissa South Holland Douglas L.Spencer Susan Victor Howard Wingard (L) Laurie Zelman

Second Term Paula Beatty (L) Glenn J. Conaway John D. DiGiamberardino John W. Doll Drew A. Dyson Ramon A. Evangelista Moses J. Flomo Christopher D. Heckert Juliann J. Henry Betty A. Horne Myungim Kim Jeffrey P. Markay Bradford L. Motta Matthew Na Lawrence H. Potts Vivian L. Rodeffer Linda A. Ross David Schumacher Lynn Smallwood William Tilghman (L) Anna D. Thomas Eunice Vega Perez Rosa L. Williams

Third Term Doug Baitinger Tanya Linn Bennett Giselle Esquivel-Cordero (L) Shawn Callender Hogan Sharon K. Ladd Helen L. Rainier Douglas Smith Andrew Snorton (L)

District Superintendents: Steven G. Bechtold, Paul M. Maliel

Elder: Chair of the Order Deacon: Chair of the Order Local Pastor: Chair of the Order

Committee on Investigation of a Clergy Member

Chair: TBD Clergy Isabel Quezada Lloyd Terrell Sr. Virginia Hubbard William Cook

Alternates Molege Desir Jack Copas Wayne Jones

Professing Members Evelyn Nelson Lois Whiting Jack Scharf

Alternates Anne Hamilton Donna Pearson Eugene Kim

Committee on Investigation of a Diaconal Minister Chair: TBD

Diaconal Ministers or Professing Members Ellen Chamberlain Mae Cummings Donna Nilson Jose Suarez

Clergy in Full Connection LaGretta Bjorn David Ravinder Sunny Shim

 

10  

Alternates Diaconal or Professing Members Joyce Chin Elizabeth Burrus William Garrett Arthur Spell Dale Whilden

Alternates Clergy Jacqueline Burgess Robert Cook Carlotta Aston Ricardo Ramos Myung Sun Han

Administrative Review Committee Chair: TBD

Beth Whalley Mitchell Grace S. Pak Michael M. Harriott

Walter Jesuncosky III (ALT) Diane C. Pacione (ALT)

Laity Council Chair: Rosa Williams

Conference Director of Lay Speaking President of United Methodist Women President of United Methodist Men District Lay Leaders District Associate Lay Leaders Co-Presidents of Ministries with Young People

At Large Carole Nelson Sam Surk Noah Adie Kumar Carolyn Pendleton David White

District Superintendent: Richard Nichols * Sung H. Ahn

Nominations Committee Chair Heike Graef

Conference Lay Leader Stewardship Team Representative Ministries Team Representative Leadership Team Representative District Superintendents District Lay Leaders UMM Representative UMW Representative 2 Ministries with Young People Representatives

At Large Members Clergy McWilliam Colon Donald Medley Sunny Shim Laity Heike Graef Marian Munson

* Sung H. Ahn

Program Staff Personnel

Chair: Mark Ale Clergy Timothy Ahn Mark Ale Betty Horne Thomas Fisher Lanie Price Rolando Santiago

Laity Patria Agustin-Smith Anne Blackwell James Kier Bill Propert Sujaya Swaroop

Ministries Team Representative: TBD Leadership Development Team Representative: TBD

 

11  

Committee on Rules of Order Chair: Daniel Gepford

Clergy Ramon Evangelista Daniel Gepford Charles Hankins Heasun Kim

Laity Sanford Brown Evelynn Caterson Alice Lee Thomas O’Hearn

Commission on Archives and History Chair: William Wilson

Clergy John Benson Donald Degroat Frank Ostertag Rolando Santiago-Fuentes William Wilson

Laity Timothy Griscom Kenneth Helsby Myong Shin Jeon Rosyln McCombs Mark Shenise

*Douglas Ruffle

Conference Educational Society

Chair: Jeffrey Dalrymple Clergy 2013 Zacherie Cazeau Drew Dyson 2014 Theresa Hoover Howard Sterling 2015 Lori Feiler Diane Pacione Jun Yoshimatsu 2016

Laity 2013 Jeffrey Dalrymple Donna Undercuffler 2014 Kevin Clour Nancy Shervanick Barbara Smyth 2015 2016

*Erica Munoz

Congregational Development Committee

Chair: Steve Donat Capital: George Softly Cape Atlantic: Thomas Fisher Delaware Bay: Peter Broomall Gateway North: Robb Shoaf Gateway South: Douglas Spencer

Northern Shore: Bill Wentzien Palisades: Andrea Osborne Raritan Valley: John Kwon Skylands: Michael McKay

At–Large Members Clergy Carla Constantino Karen Popjes

Laity Kyung Kwon

District Superintendent: Jisun Kwak

*Douglas Ruffle

 

12  

The Pennington School – Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors Class of 2013 Brian Markinson John McGuire David Paragamian Kim Pimley Steve Silberman John Zuccarelli Class of 2014 Jordan Gray Dennis Keating Wally Kyle Annette Lawlor David Mertz Franklin Sanders Timothy Vile Robert Wigod

Class of 2015 Robert Beckett Vernon Hammond James Hyman John Kuhlthau Richard Sharrett Stephen Tan Peter Tucci Robert Williams Varlyna Wright Class of 2016 William Belfiore Lou Denton Guan Guo Tim Harmon Cynthia Hillas Michael Jingoli Tara Christie Kinsey Donald Medley

Ex Officio: Head of School: Penny Townsend Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Alumni Association President: Robert Casper Parents Association President:

United Methodist Homes of New Jersey – Board of Directors Class of 2013 Robert L. Boettner (X) James Brown (2) Virginia Samuel Cetuk (X) Dorothy Dann (1) Frank Kardashian (1) Lloyd P. Terrell (1) Johnnie White (2) Class of 2014 Ronald C. Appleby (1) Arthur Spell (1) Paul (Bob) Starn (2) Dale C. Whilden (2)

Class of 2015 John W. Bishop (2) Paula Blackman (1) Mandy Dana (1) Kenneth R. Garrett Sr (1) Nona Ostrove (1) Laine Price (2) Leland Schubert (2) Faith Thonnerieux (1) Class of 2016 Dean Livingston (2) Class of 2017 Lawrence Johnston (1) Bo-Joong Kim (2) Ilyoung Will Kim (1) Lorna Manahan-Palmer (1) Mark Miller (1) Edward Rusk (1) Steve Wescott (1)

Ex Officio (with voice & vote) Bishop: Sudarshana Devadhar District Superintendent: Fran Lawrie Noll Conference Ministries Team: TBD Bristol Glen Resident Rep: Richard Carlson

Ex Officio (with voice & without vote) Auxiliary Rep: Martha (Marti) Milne Residents Council President:

[Number indicates term. (0) indicates filling unexpired term. (X) indicates filling a term beyond the two- term limit by reason of holding office. (2) indicates not eligible for reelection.] *Staff providing resources without vote.

 

13  

DISTRICT COMMITTEES

CAPE ATLANTIC DISTRICT –Paul M. Maliel District Lay Leader: Gayle Robbins

Board of Church Location & Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Thomas Stark Thomas Fisher Louis Strugala Laity Laity Laity Kate Burch Mary Jane Dolly Gunn Lee Tom Hutchison Iverson Rice Luz Teres Rivera-Young Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Barbara Frohock Jazelis Adorn-Burgos Delloyd Green David Chapman Theodore Osler Carl Henry Ronald Watts James Kelly Aleen Maddox Grace Rapp Gayle Robbins Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Hector Burgos Darlene Chatten Grant Buttermore Elwood Davis Eric Helms Pat Hackett Diane Pacione Kyung Sook Kwon Linda Ross David Schumacher Rina Terry District Director of Lay Speaking: Robert Fore District Disaster Response Coordinator: Howard Minnichbach

CAPITAL DISTRICT- Varlyna Wright District Lay Leader: Donna Waters

Board of Church Location & Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy George Softly-Chair Elizabeth Vaneekhoven Ken Robinson Charles Soper, Jr. Laity Laity Wes Hawk William Bray Carolanne Capewell Harry Reyes Kevin Wortham Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Heidi Bak Kathy Appleton Moses Flomo Clarence Beverage David Yun Bob Blasewitz Robert Clark - Chair Ann Hamilton Ilona Harding Donna Waters Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity John Doll-BOOM Representative Irma Gomez William Cook-Chair Roland Phifer Jere Hopkins-Doerr-Registrar Cleophas Robinson

 

14  

Betty Megill Glenn Miller Kimberly Wecht District Director of Lay Speaking: Terri Pagani District Disaster Response Coordinator: Charles Soper, Jr.

DELAWARE BAY DISTRICT – Richard W. Nichols District Lay Leader: Michael Dziuba

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Steve Herman Peter Broomall-Chair Walter Kellen Laity Laity Laity Renae McElvaine Ruth Gray Michael Chapman William Wentzell Michael Sutton Heather Freeman Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Byungil Ahn Michael Dziuba Elizabeth Mitchell-Chair Steve Garrison Daniel Sooy James Kier Kee Young Yang Marisa Milam Susan Miller Ida Sumiel Flora Wilson Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Michael Bill Jacalyn Bentley Carlton Bodine James Kier Glenn J. Conaway Virginia Moore Carol Davies Lois Whiting Pauline Kang Loraine Priestly-Smith Edward Rusk District Directors Lay Speaking: Conni Lape District Disaster Response Coordinator: David Repenning

GATEWAY NORTH DISTRICT – Jisun Kwak District Lay Leader: Gregory Harewood

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Pasqual De Esposito Ricardo Ramos Reginald Bynum Laity Robb Shoaf Laity Steve Kim Laity Robert Arnot Cathy Reeves Paquita Henderson – Chair Marybeth Scherer Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Joel Ajo-Fernandez Langirene Aguilh Karen Gazzillo Paula Blackman E. Richard Knox Sonia Cancel James Ryoo Leslie Cole Gregory Harewood Margaret Prentice Diana Yamoah

 

15  

Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Molege Desir Gregory Harewood Gary Frieze Herb Hickman Karen Gazzillo Howard Wingard Christopher Heckert-BOOM Representative Clarissa South Holland-Chair David LeDuc-Secretary Hee Duk Lee Don Mitchell-Registrar Ricardo Ramos District Director Lay Speaking: Judy Colorado Associate District Lay Leaders: Davida Lindsay-Harewood District Disaster Response Coordinator: Reginald Bynum

GATEWAY SOUTH DISTRICT – Robert Costello District Lay Leader: William Tilghman

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Brian Greco-Chair Douglas Spencer John Inverso William Wilson Laity Laity Laity Dianne Wilson Harry Mullen Diane Stanley William Jennings Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Douglas Baitinger Edward Martin Walt Jesuncosky-Chair Dorothy M’Fon Douglas Spencer James Ogilve Patricia Wentworth Roberta Smith Shirley Stewart William Tilghman Rick Walker Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Alan Darby Bernadette Exley Regina Hendrickson-Chair Edmund Martin John Koch William Tilghman Han Seung Koh Ellen Wagner Richard Leaver Walter Mander Helen Rainier Patricia Wentworth-Registrar District Director of Lay Speaking: Naomi Walker Associate District Lay Leaders: Roberta Smith, Jim Ogilvie District Disaster Response Coordinators: Kevin Davis, June Stitzinger-Clark

NORTHERN SHORE DISTRICT – Fran Lawrie Noll District Lay Leader: Marilyn D. Kinelski

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy

 

16  

Dennis Lippart Gregory Bruton Shelly Potter-Abrahamsen Laity Douglas Rea Laity Lynn Bishop Laity Tracy Estes-Chair Kay Heppinstill Nelson Hemstreet Bill Wentzien Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Regina Albert-Chair Ann Cantor Clark Callender Avery Grant Sunghee Park Marilyn D. Kinelski Sunny Shim Jay Kim Dennis Poane Anita Ritchie Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Myrna Bethke Emmet Bivins Federick Boyle-Clergy Mentor Coordinator Robert Sterling Scott Bostwick Annabel Wilson Derrick Doherty Mark Fieger- Registrar Eusun Kim Francie Preston, Chair Federico Quezada Walter Quigg District Director of Lay Speaking: Althea Deuchar Associate Lay Leader: Dennis Poane District Disaster Response Coordinator: Derrick Doherty

PALISADES DISTRICT – Wayne Plumstead District Lay Leader: Vinette Bishop

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Sung Man Chung Juel Nelson David Wehrle Laity Laity Laity Andrea Osborne-Chair Gene Bilz Terry Anderson Bill Griffeth William Munson Ann Chien Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Jonathan Campbell Vinette Bishop Hyoik Kim-Chair Joanna Good Cyndi Stouffer Ajit Kumar Kyu Tae Pak Marian Munson Sang Surk “Sam” Noah Elsie Sternbach Rosa Williams Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Patricia Bruger Richard Chun Jessica Campbell Michael Grottola Sung Man Chung Barbara McFarquahar Betty Horne-BOOM Representative Ted Nelson Tom Korkuch-Chair Seon Ah Pak Kil Jae Park Mary Peck Victor Peterson Ellen Stratton Michelle Roo-Registrar

 

17  

Jun Yoshimatsu District Director of Lay Speaking: Mildred Ojoye District Disaster Response Coordinator: Gyuchang Sim

RARITAN VALLEY DISTRICT – Barbara Rambach District Lay Leader: James Silkensen

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Christine Day Donald Tabler William Noll Laity Laity Gregory Young Carol Otte Bruce LaPenta Laity Maria Vitale Kevin Helsby Dean Peterson Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity Victor Franco Tracey Allen Gina Kim Emmanuel S. De La Paz David Lehmkuhl Frank Kardashian Don Tabler Kathleen Schultz James Silkensen Heidi Tierney Carol White Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Vicki Miller Brendler Giselle Esquivel-Cordero Jung John Kwon Carol Otte David Lehmkuhl Betty Quackenboss Jean McMullan Grace Pak Caroline Smallwood-BOOM Representative District Director of Lay Speaking: Alice Bennett District Disaster Response Coordinator:

SKYLANDS DISTRICT – Steven Bechtold District Lay Leader: John (Jack) Scharf

Board of Church Location and Building Para. 2518 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Clergy Clergy Clergy Jennifer Cho Michael McKay-Chair Carla Costantino Laity Laity Laity Connie Squire Norman Barrier John Bellush, Jr. Ray Suttles Fred Borman Jennifer Randazzo Committee on District Superintendency Clergy Laity E. Randall Bean-Chair Elizabeth Merring Dennis Chung Charles Nielsen Don Gebhard Tammy Martone Terry Perkins Samuel Perez Cara Quick John (Jack) Scharf Sally Tomasino

 

18  

Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy Laity Marcia Krause Bilyk Joseph Capatulik John Callanan Mae Cummings Ed Carll Hjalmar Johannson Robert Cassidy- Chair John (Jack) Scharf Brandon Cho Katherine Lee Vink Tom Kinter Diane Koob Robert Mayer Eunice Vega-Perez District Director of Lay Speaking: Cara Quick District Disaster Response Coordinator: Note: Any vacancies created during the year will be filled with approval from the Conference Nominations Committee.  

1  

The Order of Elders

The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

1001 Wickapecko Dr. Ocean, NJ 07712

Chair: Heasun Kim

Team Members: Linda Hale, Marion Jackson, Sun Il Lee, Rozellia Matthews, Victor Peterson, Helen Rainier, Steve Shuster, Charlie Wagner

ORDER OF ELDERS’ REPORT ON THE SURVEY

Conducted on February 21, 2012

PRESENTED TO THE CLERGY SESSION AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 2012

The Order of Elders annual gathering was held on February 21, 2012, following the Bishop’s Pre-Lenten Gathering in East Brunswick, NJ. At this gathering, The Order of Elders presented and then conducted a survey on clergy Continuing Education (although the survey was sent via email to the members of the Order prior to the meeting). The completed surveys were returned—most of them at the conclusion of the meeting, some by email and others by “snail-mail”—and the results were tabulated. The following document provides a summary of the survey results.

The survey has two parts—quantitative and qualitative aspects—and should give you

some idea as to the needs of the elders. There were 110 responses, representing 30% of the 361 active elders (Conference Journal and Yearbook 2011, p. 403; 297 Elders in Full Connection whose primary appointment is to a Local Church and 64 Elders whose appointments to Extension Ministries). The results of the survey follow.

In addition to those who participated by submitting surveys, The Order of Elders Team

would like to express our sincere thanks to: Prof. Giselle Esquivel (lay member of the Annual Conference) and her graduate assistant, Ms. Rukmini Bhalla (Fordham University) for their contribution to the quantitative-qualitative analyses of results; Rev. Dr. Rich Knox and Rev. Vivian Rodeffer for her valuable assistance in the development of survey document and report.

Respectfully submitted by Heasun Kim, Chair

2  

INTRODUCTION

The Order of Elders Team developed a survey on Continuing Education (CE) as it relates

to the Elders of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference in order to obtain information on the

CE experiences of Elders and their suggestions on how our group can be supportive in enhancing

this important endeavor. The items on the survey were intended to ascertain the extent of time

engaged in CE activities; the nature and setting of learning experiences and financial support

obtained; perceptions of value of CE in specific areas of ministry; and suggestions for improving

its quality and effectiveness. There was also an opportunity for sharing brief stories of valuable

CE experiences. The survey was distributed to the Elders of the GNJAC on February 8th, two

weeks prior to the Pre-Lenten gathering, as an email attachment to be submitted by respondents

online. Hard copies were available at the Pre-Lenten gathering for those who wished to fill out

the survey on site. The Order of Elders Team received the completed survey forms through

March 31, 2012.

The items were developed and organized for quantitative or qualitative analysis and

report according to categories that follow:

I. Demographic data (i.e., gender, age, ethnicity, and number of years of service)

II. Time, schedule, setting, and method of learning

III. Financial support from Staff/Parish Relations, and Annual Conference

IV. Value of Resource Days

V. Continuing Education Programs

VI. Reported Helpful Events of Continuing Education

VII. Barriers to effective Continuing Education programs

VIII. Expected support from The Order of Elders

IX. Summary of main themes

X. Appendix: Our Stories

3  

I. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

The total number of respondents was 110. There were 72 males and 38 females. This

reflects a lower percentage of female respondents relative to the population of Elders. The age

groups most represented were in their 50s and 60s by both males and females. The race-

ethnicity was predominantly Caucasian of European descent, followed in order by Asians (e.g.,

Indian, Koreans), African descent, Hispanics, mixed ethnicity, and Native Americans. This

sample had low representation of culturally diverse groups in comparison to the actual

composition of Elders. According to expectations based on the composition of the population of

Elders there were few respondents with low years of service; a higher uniform number of

respondents across the middle range years of service; and very few after 40 years of service.

TABLE 1

1a. GENDER AGE ETHNICITY YEARS OF SERVICE

M-F 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s C AS AA H NA 1+ 5+ 10+ 15+ 20+ 25+ 30+ 35+ 40+

M 72 3 18 24 26 1 59 9 2 1 5 12 5 10 7 10 9 11 3

F 38 3 7 11 17 0 28 4 5 1 (1) 2 9 5 7 3 4 4 4 0

110 6 25 35 43 1 87 13 7 2 7 21 10 17 10 14 13 15 3

1b. GENDER AGE ETHNICITY

M-F 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s C AS AA H NA

M 65.5% 2.7% 16.4% 21.8% 23.6% 0.9% 53.6% 8.2% 1.8% 0.9% 0.0%

F 34.5% 2.7% 6.3% 10.0% 15.4% 0.0% 25.5% 3.6% 4.5% 0.9% 0.9%

100.0% 5.5% 22.7% 31.8% 39.1% 0.9% 79.1% 11.8% 6.4% 1.8% 0.9%

GENDER YEARS OF SERVICE

M-F 1+ 5+ 10+ 15+ 20+ 25+ 30+ 35+ 40+

M 65.5% 4.5% 10.9% 4.5% 9.1% 6.4% 9.1% 8.2% 10.0% 2.7%

F 34.5% 1.8% 8.2% 4.5% 6.4% 2.7% 3.6% 3.6% 3.6% 0.0%

100.0% 6.3% 19.1% 9.1% 15.5% 9.1% 12.7% 11.8% 13.6% 2.7%

4  

II. TIME, SETTING, AND METHODS

The survey assessed the number of hours and days/weeks engaged in CE activities.

Table 2 reflects that Elders on the average spend a significant amount of time in CE learning

experiences. Among 50 respondents there was a mean of 42 hours and a range between 3 to 150

hours devoted to CE learning. These hours tended to be spread out across the year. Among 50

respondents the time was spent as clustered days and weeks. The analysis converted weeks into

days for purpose of comparison and reflects a range between 3 to 30 days and an average of 10

days spent in CE learning experiences.

The setting for CE activities varied but mainly took place in other churches, theological

seminaries, and events provided by the Conference and Districts, and less so at national levels.

Community resources and retreat centers were used to a lesser extent. Table 2 provides

estimated percentages of settings used.

Methods and modalities of learning also varied with an emphasis on a combination of

book readings, lectures, seminars, Days of Learning or conferences. On-line resources were

used on a very limited basis suggesting under-utilization of technological resources. Table 2

provides estimated percentages of methods used.

TABLE 2

TIME SETTING METHOD

Hours Days

Seminary Church Community

Seminars On-Line Books Classes

N=50 Range 3-150 hrs Mean 42 hrs

N=50 Range 3-30 days Mean 10 days

70% 90% 20% 90% 5% 90% 90%

*Individual respondents may have participated in more than one setting and overlapped in use of methods

III. FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM STAFF/PARISH RELATIONS AND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

In general, there are two funding sources for clergy CE; local church and conference. All

respondents (100%) described their respective Staff/Parish Relations Committee as very

responsive in providing funds for CE purposes. The amount of funding ranged between $300

and $5,000 with an average of $1,800 per year. Wide differences were related to the financial

status of individual churches.

There are $300 available from the GNJ Annual Conference for every clergy person

specifically and solely for the purpose of CE activities. These funds were viewed as helpful yet

5  

insufficient for some respondents. Out of 110 respondents 70 (64%) were aware and 40 (36%)

were unaware of these funds. Out of 70 respondents who were aware, 39 (56%) used the funds

for CE purposes; 5 (7%) indicated that they used funds that they believed to be CE funds which

are in fact scholarship funds for the Bishop’s Convocation event. The Bishop’s Convocation

scholarship fund is not a part of the Board of Ordained Ministry’s continuing education fund.

And finally 26 (37%) did not use the funds for any purpose, including 4 who thought the funds

were contingent upon a church’s Fair Share “apportionment” status. Overall, out of 110

respondents 39 (35%) used the $300 for CE purposes correctly.

The Book of Discipline states in Paragraph 351 that “Throughout their careers, clergy

shall engage in continuing education for ministry, professional development, and spiritual

formation and growth.” Our Conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry through its sub-

committee on Continuing Education may grant up to $300 annually to clergy members of the

conference who need assistance in meeting these goals and expectations regardless of a church’s

Fair Share contribution.

The newly designed Conference website has the application form

(http://www.gnjumc.org/console/files/oForms_YJ7JB6/Continuing_Education_Funding_Form_FQGHTM

SW.pdf) and a page of guidelines will be posted before the appointment year begins. The source

of these funds comes from the Ministerial Education Fund.

The left side of Table 3 indicates that 100% of those polled reported that their local

church funded continuing education ranging from $300 - $5,000. The right side of Table 3

indicates that 64% of the respondents were aware and 36% were unaware that there was funding

available through BoOM CE funds. The survey shows that only 35% used the CE funds.

TABLE 3

SOURCE SUPPORT FUNDING SOURCE AWARE FUNDING

Staff – Parish 100% Range: 300 - 5,000 Mean: 1,800 Annual Conference

Out of 110 64% aware 36% unaware

Out of 110,35% used $300 for CE purposes

6  

IV. VALUE OF RESOURCE DAYS

   The survey provided an opportunity for respondents to describe the value of Resource

Days as part of CE experiences and make suggestions for improvement. Among respondents,

80% found these resource days to be of value, 15% as having some value, and 5% as having very

limited value. Table 4 provides a list of ways to improve the value of Resource Days.

TABLE 4

Topic Issues The value depends on the presenter and the topic

o Many of them have been so repetitive that it frustrates me: I spent time/money going for same thing. Often bombarded with several different programs or ways to run the church that you would set our church on a roller coaster ride trying them all.

o They should ask the clergy what topics they feel are needed o Tired of church growth seminars/talks by those who built up churches & go

around talking about them More practical topics :

o Need ethnic church related topics o More youth and young adult ministry topics

It is suggested that the District clergy be surveyed regarding topics of the District Resource Days

Multi-day events so that we can go more in-depth into the topic Time/Schedule Issues

Allow us to attend less sessions – perhaps 2 or 3 o There are too many sessions

Better scheduling: The events should not be scheduled during the high demand seasons of the local church. It should be taken into account if a conference event is being held within a two week period of it

o More time should be spent with speaker/presenter and less time in worship o Spread out the sessions during the year

Presenters and Clergy Participation Issues

More participation (presentations) by our colleagues Use local talent rather than bringing in speakers who are unfamiliar with our needs

Other Issues

Need more fellowship time Need Laity sessions

7  

V. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS SHARED The respondents were asked to share the best continuing education program that you have participated in over the past 3 or so. Table 5 is a summary of their responses.

TABLE 5

Offered by Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

Bishop’s Convocation; Convocation on Ministry; leadership training events; Marcia McFee Workshop on Worship; Radical Hospitality (District Resource Day); Transition workshop for retiring pastors; Multi-Cultural Academy; Walk to Emmaus; General Conference information meeting

Offered by UMC Agencies

Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference Worship & Song Hymnal Workshop Congress on Evangelism World Methodist Conference

Offered by Seminaries Creative worship & art; Engle Preaching Institute;

Leveraging the Strength of the Small Church; Multicultural Institute; Spiritual Formation Class; Summer Music Institute.

Offered by Institutions

21st Century Leadership Academy; Alban Institute; Catalyst Conference; Church of Resurrection; Church Planter’s School; Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE); Communications, and Making Disciples; Contemplative Practice; D. Min. Programs; Diana Butler Bass; Expository Preaching workshop; Family Systems Theory; Festival of Homiletics (Good lectures on the craft of preaching); First Responder Training (also applicable to the ministry); Hospitality (Larry Kominsky); Hobert’s training; Intercultural Communication; Leadership Summit (Willow Creek); MARCHA; Moody Bible Institute; National Pastor’s Conference (San Diego); Network of Bible Storytellers; Ocean Grove summer; Pastor’s Conference; Re-think Church (Ginghamsburg); Spiritual Director; Suicide Intervention Skills; Worship (Marcia McFee); Writer’s Conference

Trips Holy Land Trips Mission trip to Uganda

8  

VI. REPORTED HELPFUL EVENTS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

The respondents were asked to describe the nature and value of their CE as it relates to various areas. A collection of events that respondents found helpful follows:

TABLE 6

Stewardship:

Drew University has good Stewardship classes; Rick Hendrickson Stewardship classes are generally good. Appreciate sharing best practices in Stewardship by colleagues; Self-taught (personal reading).

Preaching:

Cultural diversity in leading congregations; Hamilton & Slaughter books or preaching; Lectionary clergy group; Self-taught (personal reading); Seminary Classes (Drew, Princeton, Wesley); Need more continuing education experiences in this area; Need more preaching ideas from colleagues.

Technology:

Drew Summer Music Institute helpful in use of visual technology; Need Facebook class and Power point class (hands-on classes); Need more hands-on classes; Not very much is done in this area; Self-taught in this area / personal reading.

Teaching:

Contextual Bible study; Webinars and Online courses; Personal reading Would like a “How to be a Better Teacher” type experience.

Mission:

Meeting with missionaries; Ministry with the poor; Mission trips; Prison ministry; Received value in UWM School of Mission; UMVIM, ERT trainings.

Other: (Suggested topics or those that were helpful in the past)

Alban Institute; Conflict Management; Culture issues; Family Systems; Family Therapy systems; Festival of Homiletics; Fund Raising; Holy Land Trip; Leadership Institute (Church of the Resurrection; Leadership strategies; Logos Bible Software; Pastoral care; Personal Spiritual Growth; Preventing compassion Workers Fatigue; Radical Hospitality (District Resource Day); Walk to Emmaus; Worship and hymnology; Youth counseling

VII. BARRIERS

Of the respondents, 66% respondents expressed no major barriers to effective Continuing

Education activities. However, 34% identified barriers that included time scheduling and

financial costs. Many respondents asked for clear guidelines from the Conference as to what

types of activities qualify for CE. Some would like to have resources and information from the

Conference regarding CE on the Conference Website. Those who are in Extension Ministry

expressed irrelevance of CE.

9  

VIII. EXPECTED SUPPORT FROM THE ORDER OF ELDERS

The Order of Elders Team asked the respondents for their suggestions. Their responses

are as follows:

TABLE 7

Desired Topics: CPE programs: Can you advocate for programs in southern part of the State? Self-care (body and soul & educate church to understand this matter) HIV Leadership training for new pastors (More hands-on help and needed topics) Emphasis on prophetic witness SPRC training (District Learning Day) Technology Work more with Bishop and cabinet to expand the pool of people and ideas we

bring: Providing available resources beyond typical church growth, focusing on the spiritual life of Elders, real theological growth, exploring in depth some issues of justice

Sadly, the best CE programs I’ve found have all been non denominational Encourage the pastors to attend Bishop’s convocation to be spiritually fed

Fellowship and Sharing:

Clergy fellowship Sharing stories through newsletter or Facebook Support group for stress reduction Ministry to ministers retreats Spiritual Formation opportunities such as retreats Gatherings in a reasonable space (Hazlet to be too small) Bi-District events? Not too small or big Regional gathering rather than one big gathering

Finance:

More money for Continuing Education Some opportunities with group rate?

Schedule:

Ask Bishop to plan the events not just before Ash Wednesday Make available CE events sponsored through local seminaries NO MORE – The Order of Elders simply tries to duplicate the efforts of others

without notable success Continuing doing what you (Order of Elders) are doing.

10  

IX. SUMMARY OF MAIN THEMES Based on the survey results, Elders need and are asking for guidance in identifying and selecting appropriate types of CE activities. This would be further enhanced in a partnership between Elders and Conference leadership. This can be accomplished by a plan of action that incorporates the following: Inclusive topic selection for Resource Days; Scheduling Conference events with a sensitivity to time constraints of the local church; Providing direction to available denominational and outside resources—both in substance and in finances. The Order of Elders Team greatly appreciates this opportunity to explore the needs and thoughts of the Elders of our Annual Conference in the area of Continuing Education.

X APPENDIX: OUR STORIES We asked the elders to share their best CE stories with other elders. Twenty-eight individuals shared their stories which we listed in the following section. We hope you enjoy reading these stories while finding some valuable information.

1.

Much of Doug Ruffle’s work on Changing Communities, Discovery Church, etc., has kept me reading and using his material for several years. It helped me to build a church for the future and most recently in our restoration process for the next church that needed a full renovation due to flood. It gave us a Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, Bridges program, Starting Jersey Shore Work Camp every two years, Hunt for the Hungry, Crop Walk, Outreach, ESL, and etc.

2. My experience with the 21st Century Leadership Academy through the Annual Conference has been very helpful to me in my current appointment. I am sure that the tools I’ve been given through that experience will go forward with me in my ministry in the future.

3. Logos is a Bible and library software. I have 3000 books that are all on my cellphone and computer. I attended 2 two-day workshops on getting the most out of Logos. I use it every day.

4. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training T4T (Training for Trainers) because it has allowed me to be certified in teaching these skills to others. It has allowed me to interact with my community and to be prepared to intervene with someone who is actively thinking of suicide as an option for them.

5. Trip to the Holy Land—enough said with that!

11  

6. One of the things that has come across in doing surveys throughout Hudson County with regard to HIV is that many of those infected have said that the religious community needs to be responsible to the spread of the disease and continue to educate their community – I believe that unfortunately, many pastors continue to be unaware of the reality of the disease even today. Just because it is no longer in the headlines does not mean that it has gone away.

7. Sure, I have several. One involves membership assimilation from the Alban Institute and one involves the GBOD in Nashville when we all sang the new variation on Amazing Grace. WE were singing on the airplane heading home because the flight was packed with United Methodists!

8. Maybe after March 2012 attending Family Systems in Wesley Seminary with other Elders we have a group going and hope to learn much.

9. The Multi-Cultural Academy exposed me to people and events that I might otherwise not have had. We went to Middle Church in NYC, a training event in Florida to experience Visions Training. I was exposed to a new and deeper understanding of things like contemporary racism, and the beauty of a truly multi-cultural, multi-racial community.

10. I heard more lectures and discussions on the Post-modern shift than I can remember through Continuing Ed. programs I attended (mostly the National Pastor’s conferences). As a result, I have read numerous books (at least 10) which have greatly helped me start to understand the culture that we now live in and serve as churches and pastors. This knowledge and experience has dramatically altered the way I preach, talk, relate to, lead and develop leadership in my congregation. This cultural change, which has been sweeping through out world for well over 20 years seems to have completely bypassed the UMC leadership, judging from the complete silence and lack of awareness that I see and hear at District Functions and Annual Conferences (where we still seem to function as if it is still 1955). I was once asked by a DS who was responding to my Pastor’s Report ‘What is this Post-modern thing?’ That question made me very sad... We have a surprisingly limited vision in the UMC, so I look outside for Continuing Education and new ideas... On the other hand, the recent interaction with the Church of the Resurrection (Adam Hamilton) and Mike Slaughter’s books have been a step in the right direction.

11. No stories, but if I can help as a resource person (Ph.D. in clinical psychology in addition to M.Div.), I’d be happy to contribute to the GNJAC’s Continuing Education with workshops in areas related to my work (mindfulness and mental health; making appropriate referrals, neuroscience & the practice of ministry)

12  

12. Mike Slaughter’s Bible Studies at the 2010 Bishop’s convocation, his experiences and his book, From Members to Disciples pushed me to begin a new experience with the church I serve, sharing with them what I received through a Bible Study every week and now we have 10 new leaders preaching, leading services, visiting hospitals, opening new missions, praying at the altar, praying at homes...and they are challenging others to attend the same Bible Study. In only one year the Holy Spirit moved with power over a group of United Methodist Christians, that today we have more disciples doing something for the Kingdom of God than in the past. To God be the glory!

13. Working in East Africa has been life changing for me. Some of the most courageous leaders I’ve ever met are the most impoverished and have the least access to ongoing education.

14. Yes—encourage people to apply for Lilly Endowment Grant. I had a 3 month leave in 2009 funded by a grant and it really renewed my ministry, provided time and resources for developing ministry and allowed me to step back in a way that provided space to view ministry, the congregation and my calling in deeper ways. I modified my approach to ministry with good results and sacred pace(?) following this key season of renewal.

15. My D.Min. program helped equip me especially for my work in cross-cultural mission in Taiwan where I worked in a predominately Buddhist and Taoist culture. The issues the D. Min. covered gave me interpretive tools and skills in assessing my context of ministry and helped me become a better ‘theological ethnographer.’

16. Making music together is an incarnational activity when the leader is a coach in encouraging, an increasing capacity to enter into the music more fully. The growth inspirited resonance within and among the singers/players becomes a gift to inspire and invite others into risking participation. Even short of such participating, experiencing the performance dedicated to god’s glory is nurturing to the spirit.

17. A one day class at Princeton Theological Seminary called ‘Leveraging the Strengths of Small Churches’ presented by Brandon J. O’Brien. He is a ‘gem’ and a thoughtful presenter. This class looks at the strengths of small churches, Biblically and culturally. Some goal setting exercises. Looks to develop strengths in local churches, planning with existing resources looking up, not top down (what we are missing, lacking—the ‘if’onlys we were like the big church we could...). I sent a copy of his book to Wayne Plumstead with my recommendation. I think he is engaging and energetic, for some minister studying for a Ph.D. in church history. His book, the Strategically Small Church looks helpful to us in smaller than average churches, and there are tens of thousands of us in the US. Oh, I forgot to mention he is a Presbyterian via a Baptist background. He also discussed, with insight from the class, the bi-vocational ministry as a resource for small churches. I think when I was in seminary it was called ‘Tent-Making.’

13  

18. The Joe R. Engle Preaching Institute at Princeton was helpful and affordable. Given that they give priority to clergy in their early years of ministry, it is a great program for Provisional Members and/or those recently Ordained..

19. Without a doubt, traveling to the Holy Land with Bishop Devadhar on two occasions over the past 3 years has been the most rewarding educational experience of my life. The first time I went with primarily newly-ordained clergy. The second time (returned just a few weeks ago) included a handful of the same clergy, additional newly-ordained clergy, and several laity from my own congregation. The first time around I was a ‘student.’ The second time I was more of a teacher/leader. It was very encouraging and beneficial to my ordained ministry as well as my personal spiritual journey. Thank you for the question. (That’s about the best story I have to offer at this time.) (NOTE: I greatly appreciate both this survey and the attention that it has been given by The Order of Elders. Again, thank you.)

20. I went to a pastor’s conference at Sandy Cove (NE-MD) at which H.B. London was speaking based on his book Refresh, Renew, Restore. He is Focus on The Family’s ‘Pastor-to Pastor’ Ministries Coordinator. That teaching set the tone for my month-long renewal leave (sabbatical) a year later which essentially saved my ministry and reinforced the need for regular renewal and revival.

21. Must confess that major obstacle in more productive Continuing Education is my inability to plan ahead/schedule and follow through with Continuing Education plans.

22. Two I’d recommend: Engle Institute of Preaching at Princeton which is a week-long (affordable!) program focused only on preaching. Leadership Institute at the UMC of the Resurrection where you learn multitude of ideas for doing ministry better.

23. The one event that I have wanted to participate in for a while now is retreats that are provided by UMEA for their endorsed members in chaplaincy. These are wonderful opportunities, and help to provide not only valuable content and skill information, but also connection with colleagues. I have not been able to attend one of these events yet, but plan to do so in 2013.

24. I went to the summer Music Institute at Drew in July 2011, with 8 members of my congregation. We were able to ‘divide and conquer’ attending multiple workshops and then sharing the information after we returned home. The event was well organized with proper time for each worship service, plenary speaker, and workshops. I left with renewed energy and enthusiasm for worship, as well as many new ideas. Creativity was everywhere. But the best part was I shared it with congregation members. I saw THEM become excited and inspired. That was the very best thing about it. Awesome... to go deeper ... it was the first time I was at Drew as an Ordained Elder. I was bringing members of my congregation ... and they were as inspired by the learning as I was as a student. My heart was warmed by the grace of God in that experience.

14  

25. Continuing Education always gave me a fresh idea and new insight. Then I tried to reflect and meditate what I learned from the courses. It was of great help in carrying out our ministry, which had been assigned by God and our Bishop and the Cabinet. More than anything else, our church applied this new insight and vision to our context, our world in which we are living and reach out to those who are hurting and desperately in need of god’s grace and healing. This is how we do ministry here in Belvidere and God took care of the rest of it. Thank God! (NOTE: I am so pleased with the way you are working for the conference and the district on behalf of the elders and the churches. It is my hope and prayer that you will bear lots of fruits in your ministry as well as the entire church.)

26. While a few laity will shake our nerve and distract out attention from the focus of our main work, ‘Family Systems’ Theory’ lowers my anxiety and keeps me steady during tense moments. I had an Administrative council meeting where a small group spoke for 90 minutes wanting to change our polity to create a ‘Board of Elders.’ In the back of my head, I kept quietly repeating ‘be non-anxious’—a phrase from Edwin Friedman’s book Generation to Generation. I initially learned it from Peter Steinke while attending a conference he led. When they were finished, I calmly and slowly stated, ‘We are a United Methodist Church with a book of Discipline that describes that I am the Elder. We will not allow the creation of a Board of Elders.’ It took the steam out of their argument and lowered the anxiety in the room. I have continued to spend significant time learning ‘Family Systems Theory’ that helps me realize the systemic nature of this problem as not my personal problem but one that relies in the DNA of the church history. This way, I can begin to more maturely handle myself and help the congregation learn who God has called us to be.

27. Rather than trying to retrieve my lost survey, I feel that the best way I can help this effort is to forward to you a website which represents the most intensive Continuing Education study I have been pursuing in the last 18 months. It is headed up by a minister (Baptist) named Nelson Searcy and is quite excellent, applicable across denominational lines. The advantage of his system is that it is all (or mostly) computer, internet, and webinar based; as opposed to something you've got to travel to. Many of the resources are free, and they are really good. Some of the resources are pricey, especially the coaching network. However, they are really good - very practical, very results oriented, and aimed at Church growth and pastoral development. Here is the link.<http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/> Do browse the podcasts and free stuff. I have worked with him, and can contact him about providing special resources to our Elders.

28. This past Saturday, I attended the ‘mandatory’ Palisades District Day of Learning. It is a particularly busy season in my ministry. While I try intentionally and prayerfully to be thankful for all that God gives and does through me and to avoid complaining or getting into the mental rut of feeling over-taxed, I was facing the loss of a tenant and a key staff person at our church as well as the start of a major small groups program, a church-wide vision process, completion of the ‘mandatory’ Vital congregations report, and hosting a district Resource Day the following week. I was losing the spiritual and emotional battle. I was slipping into depression, dreading, and self-pity. These were most expressed through a reluctance to attend the District Day of

15  

Learning. And that reluctance was compounded by my anger at mission ‘family day’—Saturday, the only day my family has to spend together and focused on one another—because of a church event. Nonetheless, I got out of bed on time and to the DDL on time. I enjoyed seeing some friends/colleagues there during breakfast. But, it was the time of worship which truly changed my heart. I am so thankful for the varied forms of worship that I am privileged to experience at our conference’s events. This day, worship was led by a group from Cornerstone in Hasbrouk Heights. The songs were culturally relevant to me personally and drew me in. Some were songs that were already personally meaningful to me. As I sang and prayed, I could feel the Holy Spirit begin to work in me and raise me from the funk I had slipped into. Then, Rev. Jin Oh took the platform to preach. He began with an illustration from his own life. Since Jin and I are friends of the same age and place in life, these illustrations were highly relevant to me. He explained how he had adopted a dog and how his children had transformed this dog from a cowering mess to a loving pet that was anxious to engage everyone the moment they came home. They did this through consistent and unconditional love. Then, Jin brought the message home when he spoke about the great love that God has for me. It is a love that he spared no expense to shower upon me—even the loss of his only son. It is a love that he consistently pours out upon me simply because I am... not because of what I do or how I am liked or what I achieve. Jin wrapped things up by driving home the importance of the calling to which we have all been called in Christ—being vehicles for the love of God. I found that my heart was stirred and transformed and lifted. I moved on to workshops with a new desire to learn and grew my ability to communicate God’s love and create communities where God’s love is shared and environments where God’s love is experienced. The very District Day of Learning that I was loathing had transformed me and changed my life. Of course, in my life, I find that it takes just about 24 hours before my heart, soul, and mind become derailed again. That is why I revisited my notes from Jin’s message each morning since the DDL. And, that is why I try to learn something new from the Lord each day. Even if that effort does nothing more than cause me to return to contemplate the love God has for me, it is worth the effort.