Here are the daily news updates from 2022 Annual Conference. Stay tuned to this page for the report from our Lay Delegates – Diane Weaver and Elizabeth Whiting in July.
At this Annual Conference, the Service of Recognition, Commissioning and Ordination was very special to members of Bethany UMC. Our past, present and future were all on stage together during ordination. Our previous pastor, Rev. LuAnn Rourke now serves as a District Superintendent. All District Superintendents stand in support of the Bishop during ordination. Our current pastor, Rev. Cathi Huvaere serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry as the Chair of the Order of Elders and she stood in support during ordination. Our future pastor, Rev. Kayla Roosa was ordained in 2022. Here’s an image where you can see Pastor Kayla just after ordination with Pastor Cathi in the background clapping her hands and Pastor LuAnn is barely visible but I assure you she is present and cheering on the future!
Here’s a wrap up video from Annual Conference.
Annual Conference 2022 Summary from Michigan Conference UMC on Vimeo.
Read the Conference News for each day here to get a taste of what happened at Annual Conference 2022
Click here to read a legislation overview
For those who are deeply concerned about our denominational division, schism and the creation of new expressions of Methodism, please watch this video from the Dean of the Cabinet. His words offer us much to consider as we learn how to be the church together, even when we disagree.
Dean’s Report from Michigan Conference UMC on Vimeo.
More information about denominational schism can be found on the Blessing One Another page.
Preaching & Teaching
This was our teaching session from the Rev. Ron Bell from the Minnesota Conference. Diane & Elizabeth both found this teaching session really impactful. We found ourselves continually referring back to his analogy of being joined in the hole and the lesson of the vessels. Just really powerful and our hope is that all in our congregation might experience this powerful teaching.
The next morning during worship, Rev. Ron Bell added to this teaching with his sermon. This is also really powerful preaching that is worth a listen.
Our Bishop, Bishop David Bard preached during the opening worship and it is a great sermon to listen to and get the spirit of this Annual Conference.
A View from Plenary!
