A Journal of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church 898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35204 1-800-239-7950 205-226-7950 www.northalabamaumc.org 2011 North Alabama Conference Session June 2-4, 2011 Asbury United Methodist Church Madison, Alabama William H. Willimon Presiding Bishop Bishop William H. Willimon, President Sherill Clontz, Conference Secretary The 2008 Book of Discipline, ¶724 states that “... an annual conference, local church, or other body within The United Methodist Church that is composed of uniting units with differing dates of origin, shall use as the date of its founding the date of the older or oldest of the uniting units ....” Historical Organizations of the North Alabama Conference Sherill Clontz Conference Secretary • Entrance of Methodism into Alabama through Matthew P. Sturdivant, 1808 • Alabama Conference, Methodist Protestant Church, Organized 1829 • Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Organized 1846 • Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, Organized 1867 • North Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Organized 1870 • Central Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, Organized 1876 • Uniting Conference, The Methodist Church, 1939 • Merger Conference, The United Methodist Church, 1968 • Merger Conference, North Alabama Conference and Central Alabama Conference, Making the North Alabama Conference, Organized 1972 • The One Hundred Forty-Second Annual Session of the North Alabama Conference since Organization in 1870 • The Thirty-ninth Session of the North Alabama Conference since Organization Introduction in 1972. Vision of the North Alabama Conference Every church challenged and equipped to grow more disciples of Jesus Christ by taking risks and changing lives. Conference Priorities New Congregations Natural Church Development Effective Leadership for the 21st Century Empowering a New Generation of Christians Transforming the World through Missions and Justice 137 A Officers of the Annual Conference President, Council on Finance & Conference Journal Editor Director of Communication (¶609) Administration Lyn Cosby Danette Clifton Rev. Jimmy Bassham 898 Arkadelphia Road 898 Arkadelphia Road PO Box 978 Birmingham AL 35204 Birmingham AL 35204 Athens AL 35612 205.226.7972 205.226.7973 256.232.2020 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Conference Statistician Chairperson, Commission on Equitable Director, Connectional Ministries (¶608) Rev. Amy DeWitte Compensation Linda Holland 4213 Fortson Lane NW Rev. Rusty Williams 898 Arkadelphia Road Huntsville AL 35810 27109 US Highway 431 Birmingham AL 35204 256.859.0160 Five Points AL 36855 205.226.7954 [email protected] 334.864.9498 [email protected] [email protected] Conference Treasurer Conference Secretary Scott Selman President, Board of Trustees Rev. Sherill Clontz 898 Arkadelphia Road Rev. Joe Acker 700 Jordan Lane Birmingham AL 35204 P O Box 932 Huntsville AL 35816 205.226.7989 Fayette AL 35555 256.536.9451 [email protected] 205.932.3733 [email protected] [email protected] District Contacts Central District Northeast District South Central District Rev. Ron Schultz, Superintendent Rev. Dale Cohen, Superintendent Rev. Ron Schultz, Superintendent 898 Arkadelphia Road PO Box 19047 898 Arkadelphia Road Birmingham AL 35204 Huntsville AL 35804 Birmingham AL 35204 205.226.7985 700 Jordan Lane 205.226.7985 [email protected] Huntsville AL 35816 [email protected] Denise Cone, Lay Leader 256.536.9451 Charlie Carlton, Lay Leader 8513 Cedarbark Circle [email protected] 400 Miller Circle Birmingham AL 35206 Rev. Sherill Clontz, Associate Superintendent Indian Springs, Alabama 35124 205.836.2610 [email protected] 205.919.5614 [email protected] [email protected] Betty Zoller, Lay Leader Cheaha District 3027 Flint Mill Run Southeast District Rev. Bob Alford, Superintendent Hampton Cove AL 35763 Rev. Richard Stryker, Superintendent 898 Arkadelphia Road [email protected] PO Box 537 Birmingham AL 35204 256-534-8803 Alexander City AL 35011 205.226.7982 256.409.9210 Northwest District [email protected] [email protected] Rev. Mike Stonbraker, Superintendent Leigh Murphy, Lay Leader 158 Ana Drive, Suite C Bob Neighbors, Lay Leader 717 Maple Drive Florence AL 35630 HCR Box 83N Talladega, AL 35160 256.766.4513 Equality, Alabama 36026 256.362.8518 [email protected] 256.234.6566 home [email protected] [email protected] Janet Brookman, Lay Leader Mountain Lakes District 312 Dunolly Lane Southwest District Rev. Bill Gandy, Superintendent Florence AL 35633 Rev. Bill Brunson, Superintendent 409 West Grand Avenue 256.764.0688 2130 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Suite B Rainbow City AL 35906 [email protected] Tuscaloosa AL 35401 256.546.7405 205.752.0414 [email protected] [email protected] Cathy Williams, Lay Leader Jim Wilson, Lay Leader 317 Vann Drive 1516 13th Street Rainbow City AL 35906 Tuscaloosa AL 35401 205.243.9302 205.886.3446 cell [email protected] [email protected] 138 A Table of Contents A—Introduction .............................................................137 B—Leadership and Membership ................................................141 C—Daily Proceedings (Minutes) ................................................171 D—Business of the Annual Conference Report.....................................181 E—Clergy Appointments ......................................................207 F—Reports..................................................................223 G—Memoirs ................................................................247 H—Roll of the Dead..........................................................261 I—Historical ................................................................267 J—Miscellaneous.............................................................271 K—Pastoral Record...........................................................279 L—Statistics.................................................................323 M—Index...................................................................431 139 A 140 B Leadership � 141 B 142 Boards, Commissions and Committees * Indicates a quadrennial organization of the Conference. Members generally serve a four-year term, except where noted. Most committees allow two consecutive quadrennia to be served. The numbers in parentheses after each name indicates the first year served. The reference number in [ ] refers to the section of Call to Mission and Ministry, found on pages 50-64 of Volume I, B which describes the composition and duties of each committee. Order of Deacons: Rev. Robert Mercer Conference Leadership Team (CLT) Cabinet Representatives: Rev. Ron Schultz, Rev. Bill Brunson Convenor: Presiding Bishop Staff Representative: Rev. Donald S. Neal Spiritual Guide: Conference Lay Leader Rev. Reagin Brown (00) Gloria Holt (08) Rev. Rudell Guess (00) Rev. Denise Mullaney (08) TEAM MEMBERS: Rev. Alan Head (00) Jeffrey Murrell (08) Bishop: William H. Willimon Rev. Ted Peterson III (00) Rev. Hal Noble (08) Conference Lay Leader: Steve Lyles Mike O'Kelley (08) District Superintendents: Rev. Mike Stonbraker, Rev. Richard Rev. Terry Bentley (01) Rev. Rick Owen (08) Stryker, Rev. Bill Gandy Steve Lyles (01) Rev. Sherri Reynolds (08) Director, Connectional Ministries: Linda Holland Bart Styes (08) Conference Treasurer: Scott Selman Dianne Morgan (04) James Taylor Jr.(08) Larry W. Northington (04) Carol Toney (08) Passionate and Effective Ministry Leaders Rev. Andy Wolfe (04) Rev. Mitchell Williams (08) Either the Convenor (C) or Spiritual Guide (SG) of their representative Team. Children’s Discipleship: Carolyn Douglass (C) Rev. Paul Hillard Jr. (05) Rev. Harvey Beck (09) Youth Discipleship: Mark Hughes (C) Rev. Hughey Reynolds (05) Rev. Sherry Harris (09) Adult Discipleship: Patty Lowe (SG) Rev. Lyle Holland (09) Advocacy for Social Justice Ministries: Chuck Vedane (C) Rev. Wade Griffith (06) Tommy Stuart (09) Leadership Formation: Nathan Reamey (C) Rev. Mikah Hudson (06) Josh Wood (09) Advocacy & Social Justice: Rev. Carrie Kramer (C) Rev. Stephanie Arnold (08) Rev. Michael Burgess (10) New & Renewing Communities of Faith: Rev. Tommy Gray (C) Rev. Steven Baccus (08) Rev. Paula Calhoun (10) Communication: Garth Newman (C) Rev. David Barnhart (08) Rev. Don Mauldin (10) Vision: Gloria Holt (C) Rev. Glenn Conner (08) Rev. Jim Savage (10) Ethnic Ministries: Rev. David Freeman (C) Rev. Don Cross (08) Rev. Bryan Sisson (10) SBC Chairperson: Anthony Powell Rev. Michael Densmore (08) Rev. Michael Stewart (10) Rev. Clay Farrington (08) Rev. Chuck Worley (10) Others as Requested by Nominations Team or CLT and Rev. Julie Holly (08) Bishop: Jarvis Brewer, Mattie Battle, Rev. Kanunu Busambwa, Rev. Dean Bowers, Rev. Sara Cameron, PJ Ellis, Leslie Hughes, Board of Pastoral Care and Counseling [7.1f] Donna McAnnally, Mary Catherine McAnnally, Jo Anne Minnit, President: Rev. Tom Bell Zac Riddle, Butch Smith Secretary: Rev. Bryan Sisson Treasurer: Rev. Reid Crotty Annual Conference Ministry Teams Staff Representative: Rev. Ron Schultz Executive Director: Rev. Sheri Ferguson Leadership Formation Team [7.1] Terry McElheny (96) Linda Holland (10) A Convenor and Spiritual Guide nominated by the Conference Nominations Team Rev. Julie Holly (10) and approved by the Annual Conference Rev. Emily F. Penfield (01) Rev. Todd Owen (10) Teams Relating to Leadership Formation: Helen Walker (10) *Lay Ministry Team (a),*Board of Ordained Ministry (d),*Metro Mary Jean Sanspree (04) Methodism (e),*Pastoral Care and Counseling (f),*Commission Sandy Wright (04) Rev. Sherry Harris (11) on Equitable Compensation (g),*Committee on Episcopacy Rev. Robert Mercer (11) (h),*Committee on Ministerial Integrity (i),*Stewardship Team Rev. Warren Nash (06) Rev. Alan Head (11) (j),*Institute for Clergy Excellence Ty Warren (11) Board of Ordained Ministry [7.1d] Appointed by Presiding Bishop — can serve three quadrennia. Chairperson: Rev. Rick Owen Vice-Chairperson: Rev. Mikah Hudson Secretary: Rev. Sherry Harris Order of Elders: Rev. Alan B. Head 143 Boards, Commissions and Committees * Indicates a quadrennial organization of the Conference. Members generally serve a four-year term, except where noted. Most committees allow two consecutive quadrennia to be served. The numbers in parentheses after each name indicates the first year served. The reference number in [ ] refers to the section of Call to Mission and Ministry, found on pages 50-64 of Volume I, B which describes the composition and duties of each committee. Commission on Equitable Compensation [7.1g] New and Renewing Communities of Faith Twelve persons nominated by the Conference Nominations Team, including one layperson and one clergyperson from a church of less than 200 membership; one District Superintendent. New & Renewing Communities of Faith Team [7.2] Chairperson: Rusty Williams Convenor: Rev. Bill Gandy (01) Staff Representative: Scott Selman, Rev. Johnny Frazier Spiritual Guide: Rev. Suzanne Katschke Ann Chapman (04) Jim Furio (08) Cabinet Representative: Rev. Tommy Gray Rev. Dale Olmstead (04) Rev. Ron Howard (08) Teams Relating to New & Renewing Communities of Faith: Rev. Stephen Smith (04) Rev. Dian Long (08) *Ethnic Ministries Team (a), New Church Team (b),*Small Rev. Rusty Williams (04) Steve Lyles (08) Membership Church Team (c),*Worship Resourcing Team Sara Louise Smith (08) (d),*Evangelism Team (e),*Strengthening the Black Church Rev. Tim Barnes (08) Rev. Jonathon Todd (08) Team (f),*Black Methodists for Church Renewal (g),*Town and Tony Fables (08) Country (h),*Cooperative Parishes (i) Committee on Episcopacy [7.1h] New Church Team [7.2b] Two members appointed by Bishop; seven members nominated by Nominations Team. Convenor: Rev. Matt Jones Appointed by Presiding Bishop: Laura Eanes (05), Zac Riddle (05) Spiritual Guide: Rev. Suzanne Katschke Appointed by Nominations Team: Ann Neighbors (04), Rev. Cabinet Representative: Rev. Bill Gandy Billy York (04), Brad Almond (08), Rev. Glenn Conner (08), Rev. Tommy Gray, Rev. Robin Scott, Rev. John Kearns, Rev. Paul Heather Griffin (08), Rev. Alan Head (08), Ben Watson (08) Lawler, Charlie Carlton, Rick Batson, Rev. Thomas Muhomba Conference Lay Leader: Steve Lyles Bishop: William H. Willimon Missions SEJ Representatives: Rev. William Morgan, Gloria Holt Committee on Ministerial Integrity [7.1i] Missions Teams (7.3) Appointed by Presiding Bishop Convenor: Rev. Carrie Kramer Chairperson: Rev. Ricky Smith Spiritual Guide: Rev. R.G. Lyons, Rev. Peter von Herrmann Convenor: Rev. Bill Etheridge Staff Representative: Rev. Matt Lacey Victim Advocate: Kay Knowlton General Board of Global Ministries: Gloria Holt Victim Phone Contact: Jan Conway Ex-Officio Member: Rev. Paul Hillard, Jr. Conference Response Team: Rev. Esperanza Baltazar-Ramirez, Teams Relating to Missions Rev. Rosendo Sanchez-Cedillo, Rev. Herb Robertson, Rev. United Methodist Women (a), United Methodist Men (b), Dorothy Ann Webster, Cornelia Turnbow, Deborah Thompson, Mission Congregation Team (c), Volunteers in Mission Team (d), John Douglass Mission Resource Team (e), Hispanic Ministries, United Methodist Training Team: Amelia Sims & Brandon Harris, Carolyn Committee on Relief, Disaster Relief, Advance Specials, Kairos Douglass & John Mullaney, Abi Carlisle-Wilke & Ricky Smith, Prison Ministry, Society of Saint Andrew, United Methodist Glenn Conner, Sheri Ferguson, Patsy Carlberg, Ramona Children’s Home, United Methodist Homes for the Aging, United Yarbrough, Esperanza Baltazar-Ramirez, Rosendo Sanchez- Methodist Residential Alternatives, Mission Education and Cedillo, Amanda Rochelle, Sherrill Corson, Dedric Cowser, Communication Team (f), Mission Personnel Team (g) Tiwirai Kufarimai, Chris Montgomery, Byron Vance, Clauzell Directors—United Methodist Children’s Home Williams Incorporated February 5, 1891; amended 2008 — Elected by Conference Support Team: Ellen Harris, Barbara Lee, Terry McElheny, Dawn Chairperson: C. Juddy Stephenson (AWFC) Wolfe Vice Chairperson: Jane Roberts (AWFC) Stewardship Team [7.1j] Secretary: Julie Dollar Convenor: Zac Riddle (07) Treasurer: Roy Day Spiritual Guide: Rev. Sheri Reynolds (08) Ex-Officio: Bishop Will Willimon Staff Representative: Linda Holland Representing the UMW: Jacque Clay, 2007 Alumni: Louise Iverson Term to Expire 2012: Lynn Tucker (08), Richard Batson (09), Rev. Richard Stryker (09) Term to Expire 2013: Patsy Willimon (05), Nancy Walburn (05) Term to Expire 2014: Rev. Mickey Morgan (06), Julie Dollar 144 Boards, Commissions and Committees (06), Butch Williams (11) Youth Discipleship B Term to Expire 2015: Terry McCartney (11) Trustees—Methodist Homes Corporation Youth Discipleship Team (7.5) Conference Youth Director: Clay Farrington Class of 2011: Maudine Holloway, Fred Jackson III, Rev. Buzz Barrett, Rev. Bobby Scales, Stuart Johnson, Thomas Waters Convenor / Youth Service Fund: Mark Hughes (04) Class of 2012: Dr. Norman Carlson, Dr. Charles F. Gattis Jr., Youth Council President: Amanda Annonio Rev. John Mount, Margaret Odum, Scott Russell, Rev. Sam Staff Representative: Rev. Clay Farrington Williamson Youth Events Team: Robin Blakemore, Toby Chastain, Beth Class of 2013: Pete Comfort, Rev. Thomas Hammons Jr., Rev. Carboni Green, Garret Harbuck, Brandon Lazarre, Vicki Mann, Curtis Johnson, Rev. Carl Long, Robert McKee III, Jack Mullins Robert Mercer, Timmy Robbins, David Thompson Class of 2014: Rev. Buzz Barrett, Rev. Sam Hardie, Maudine Teams Relating to Youth Discipleship Team Holloway, Thomas Waters, Rev. Robert Scales Annual Conference Concert/Event Team (a), Conference Youth Promise Homes Leadership Team (5b), Local Church Resourcing Team (c), Youth Hands-on-Missions Team (d) Executive Director: Rod Moss President: James McCrary First Vice-President: Lisa McEachern Adult Discipleship Secretary: Rev. Mike Harper Treasurer: Amanda Green Adult Discipleship Team (7.6) Past President: Marc Eason Emeritus Members: Bill Farrar, Barbara Farrar, Betty Gunn, Teams Relating to Adult Discipleship Team Donna McAnnally Local Church Resourcing Team (a), Older Adult Ministries Team At-Large Members: Jay Byham, Lynn Dowling, Anne Johnston, (b), Singles Ministries Team (c), Chrysalis (d), Walk to Emmaus (e) Carmine Jordan, Lori Varner, Michael Harris Children's Discipleship Advocacy for Social Justice Ministries Children’s Discipleship Team (7.4) Advocacy for Social Justice Team (7.7) Leadership Team: Children’s Connexion Convenor: Chuck Vedane Central District: Leigh Delashaw Co-Convenor: Rev. Dave Barnhart Cheaha District: Beth Burden, Stacie Johnson Spiritual Guide: Susan Howard (05) Mountain Lakes District: Beth Sanford, David Paul Grigg Staff Representative: Rev. Matt Lacey Northeast District: Renee Rowse Church & Society (7.7a) Northwest District: Carol Scheele, Sheri Hooven Convenor: Chuck Vedane (04) South Central District: Cynthia Dooley Spiritual Guide: Rev. Dee Dowdy Southeast District: Tammy Wendling General Board of Church & Society: Rev. Mark Parris Southwest District: Angie Lewis, Liz Bowlin, Jennifer Manning Commission on the Status and Role of Women Confirmation Camp Team: Mike Arnold (Coordinator), Byron (COSROW) (7.7b) Vance, Griff Pemberton, Marcus Singleton, Carrie Kramer, Lane Convenor: Nancy Higgs Gilbert, Sheila Freeman, Diane Wood, Stacie Johnson Spiritual Guide: John Hardeman Kid’s Camp @ Annual Conference: Melissa Betts (Coordinator), Sheila Freeman, Julie Durling, Angie Lewis Central District: Rev. Lynn Dimon Academy for Ministries with Children: Beth Burden Cheaha District: Rev. Amelia Sims (Coordinator), Kim Burnett Mountain Lakes District: Rev. Diane Housler Northeast District: Rev. Sara Cameron Camp Noah Site Coordinators: Susan Clement (Tuscaloosa), Aimee Kilgo (Rainsville) Northwest District: Janet Brookman South Central District: Rev. Sally Allocca Teams Relating to Children’s Discipleship Children and Poverty Team (a), Church Childcare and Preschool Southeast District: Rev. Shirleen Harvey Team (b), Local Church Resourcing Team (c) Southwest District: Joan Boothe President, Conference UMM: John Hardeman 145 Boards, Commissions and Committees * Indicates a quadrennial organization of the Conference. Members generally serve a four-year term, except where noted. Most committees allow two consecutive quadrennia to be served. The numbers in parentheses after each name indicates the first year served. The reference number in [ ] refers to the section of Call to Mission and Ministry, found on pages 50-64 of Volume I, B which describes the composition and duties of each committee. Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (7.7c) Brad Kimbrough (04) Rev. Alex Beaube (10) Convenor: Hill Carmichael Rev. Bobby Scales (04) Scotty Howell (10) Spiritual Guide: Rev. Debra Epley Rev. Ron Schultz (04) Wallace Lyons (10) Jill Vincent (04) Religion and Race Team (7.7d) Conference Investments Team Convenor: Rev. Randy Kelley (05) Appointed by Presiding Bishop Spiritual Guide: Rev. Clauzell Williams Chairperson: Sam Donnell Jr. Central: Veria Johnson, Clinton Hubbard Chairperson Finance Team: Rev. James W. Bassham Jr. Cheaha: Eugene Boger, Regina Garrett Conference Treasurer: Scott Selman Mountain Lakes: Patsy Glover Clark Collier, Sam Donnell Jr., James Tingle, John Howell Northeast: Jeanet Berruecos, Allen Reed Northwest: Wylheme Ragland, Rod Stallworth Board of Pension and Health Benefits South Central: Bart Thau, Genice Mahand Chairperson: Rev. James Haskins Southeast: Randy Kelley, Kevin Payne Vice-Chairperson: Rev. Barry Hallman Southwest: Ronnie Rose, Belinda Freeman Conference Benefits Officer and General Board of Pension & Health Benefits: Scott Selman Disability Ministries (7.7e) Director of Connectional Minsitries: Linda Holland Convenor: Debbie Wade (04) Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses: Rev. Buzz Barrett Spiritual Guide: Celia Vest Executive Director, UM Foundation: Charlie Carlton Minnie Murrell Rev. James Calhoun (04) Rev. Melody Traylor (09) Restorative Justice (7.7f) Rev. Kelly Clem (04) Convenor: Anne Wheeler Rev. Lillian Eddleman (04) Rev. Tom Bell (10) Spiritual Guide: Rev. Lawton Higgs, Sr. (02) Rev. Barry Hallman (04) Jarvis Brewer (10) Rev. James Haskins (04) Rev. Ian Butler (10) Native American Ministries (7.7g) Rev. Clinton Hubbard (04) Rev. Brian Erickson (10) Convenor: Rev. Dale Clem (08) Rev. Jim Napp (04) Rev. Julie Holly (10) Spiritual Guide: J.W. Vickers (02) Sandy Reynolds (04) Kathleen King (10) Rev. T. Michael Morgan (10) Ministry Administration Jesse Cleveland (07) Brant Sanders (10) Chris McCondichie (07) Tom Self (10) Ministry Administration Team (7.8) Byron Reed (07) Tommy Spraggins (10) Scott Stone (10) Teams Relating to Ministry Administration Rev. Kathy Griffith (08) Phillip Young (10) Computer Team (b),*Council on Finance Team (c),*Conference Jane Stonbraker (08) Investments Team (d), Journal Team (e),*Pension and Health North Alabama Conference Trustees Benefits Team (f), North Alabama Conference Trustees (g) Chairperson: Joe Acker Council on Finance and Administration Conference Treasurer: Scott Selman Chairperson: James Bassham Class of 2012: Zollie Holt, Keat Litton, Larry Weaver Vice-Chairperson: Jill Vincent Class of 2013: Jerry Swafford, Rev. Robert Sparkman, Rev. Marvin Secretary: Wes Savage McCormick Conference Treasurer: Scott Selman Class of 2014: Rev. John G. Kearns, Harlan Prater, Marvin Presiding Bishop: William H. Willimon Shackelford Sr. Office of Connectional Ministries: Linda Holland Class of 2015: Connie Barber, Betty Zoller, Joe Acker Conference Lay Leader: Steve Lyles Representative to GCF&A: Reggie Holder Executive Director, United Methodist Foundation: Charlie Carlton Ex-Officio, Stewardship Team: Zac Riddle Rev. James Bassham (04) Bruce Dempsey (08) Rev. Reid Crotty (04) Garey Morrison (08) Bobby Ray Hicks (04) Rev. Wes Savage (08) 146
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