2011 Annual Conference Report

We had the honor to represent you at the 224^th South Carolina Annual Conference.  From June 8 – 12, 2011, the Florence Civic Center was transformed into a place of worship, deliberation, celebration, fellowship, and Christian witness as we conducted the business of South Carolina’s United Methodists.

Each day began with prayer and communion and ended with an evening service. Additionally, a memorial service for clergy and clergy spouses; a service for our retiring clergy; and a service to license local pastors were observed. Our worship culminated on Sunday morning with a service of ordination and the fixing of appointments.  We are delighted to report Rev. Fran Elrod’s appointment to Wesley for another year.

We encourage you to visit the S.C. Conference website, www.umcsc.org to review the conference reports in detail. Our decision making process was often time consuming, but always thoughtful and inclusive. Here are some highlights:

• A resolution recognizing the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission as the official agency for sending volunteer mission teams from the conference.
• A resolution clarifying the relationship of the United Methodist Relief Center to the SC Annual Conference.
• A resolution calling for Immigration Reform.
• A resolution to support the Global Aids Fund.
• Changes in provision of pharmacy co-payments for the clergy and staff health insurance.
• A task force created to study the number and alignment of districts and report to the 2012 Annual Conference.
• A new, streamlined, structure established for the Connectional Ministries arm of the conference.
• Laity and clergy delegates elected to attend the 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Awards were given to recognize the ministries and accomplishments of many individuals and churches across the state. Three SC clergy presented development training on the Principles, Passions, and Practices of Leadership. Photos and videos of these presentations are available at the conference website.

Conference was a joyful time for renewing friendships, meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ, and hearing about inspiring United Methodist ministry across the state. We will be glad to answer any questions or provide more detail. Thank you for the opportunity for this experience.

Jean Watkins and Carol Hall Stackhouse