We were taught about “Dynamite Prayer” by Sue Nelson Kibbey.
We remembered 30 clergy, 12 spouses, and 12 surviving spouses in the Memorial Service. Rev. Jacob Steele from Christ UMC in Wheeling was the preacher.
State of the Church Address: Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball shared her reflections on the State of the Church in the West Virginia Conference and throughout the Connection.
Conference approved three resolutions enabling the Board of Trustees to do their work. Also approved was the resolution: “Congregations Engaging in Partnerships with their Local Schools,” submitted by the Conference Board of Global Ministries. Another resolution, Regarding Faithfulness to the Book of Discipline, was not considered after its submission date was found to not align with rules adopted at this session.
Conference elected Sarah Estep, laity from MonValley District, to begin as Conference Secretary on July 1, 2023.
Mary Lou Greenwood Boice, Director of the Advance for the General Board of Global Ministries, celebrated the work of the West Virginia Conference’s Global Ministries and shared the work of the Global Ministries around the world.
We heard reports from New Places. New People; Core Leadership Team; and Congregational Vitality. These reports highlighted the Fresh Expressions movement, workshops that are enabling congregational vitality, coaching, and an entertaining Jeopardy presentation explaining the work of the Core Leadership Team.
Jeff Taylor, President, and Kim Matthews, Vice President, shared the work of the WV United Methodist Foundation and offered to come talk to any congregation that would like to learn more.
Bonnie MacDonald (clergy, director of Leadership Formation and co-director of Connectional Ministries) and Jamion Wolford (Lay Equalization Director of Administrative Services) introduced and thanked the Connectional Ministries Staff, Conference Administrative Staff, and District Administrative Staff.
Deborah Coble (Director of Communications) introduced the Communications Team. Three persons were newly certified communicators: Caitlin Ware, John Langenstein, and Todd Hurley. Brad Bennett, a member of the communications team was honored with the Helping Hands Award of Excellence.
The body approved the Conference Property Report, including the closure of 47 churches.
A budget of $11,335,418 for 2024 was approved. This budget is $578,803 less than the 2023 budget, a decrease of 4.86 percent.
The bishop’s spouse, Rev. Dr. Barry Ball, was recognized and thanked.
The date for 2024 Annual Conference is June 6 – June 9, 2024 at West Virginia Wesleyan College.