February 5, 2007

Press Release February 5, 2007 Robert C. Blinn, Secretary

The Common Table for Church Vitality of the Virginia Annual Conference met February 3, 2007, at the United Methodist Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. The members prayed for one another and the ministries of the annual conference. Victims of recent tornados in central Florida and recovery efforts were also the focus of prayer. Ms. Addie Haynes, new president of conference United Methodist Women, was welcomed to the Common Table. The recent hiring of Rev. Ileana Rosas as conference Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries was noted. Recommendations for filling the “Equipping for Inclusivity” seat on the Common Table were sent to the conference Leadership Discovery and Development Team.

The members watched a video on innovative product design. The “product” under “design” by the Common Table is resourcing the local churches for growth, including reaching younger people and achieving greater diversity.

Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer presented the 2007 annual conference offering, supporting ministries in Brazil, Russia, Mozambique, Alaska, and in care of HIV/AIDS sufferers. “Nothing But Nets,” a collaborative effort to eradicate malaria, was promoted by the Bishop and by Rev. Al Horton. Members heard progress reports from joint study groups on increasing professions of faith (with the Bishop’s Cabinet) and electronic voting (with the Rules Committee). Interim reports were also heard from the Task Force on Resourcing the African-American Church, the Grants Committee, the Council on Finance and Administration, and the Personnel Committee. Interviews will be held later this month for Director of Stewardship and Director of Communications.

The next meeting of the Common Table will be March 19 and 20, 2007, in Glen Allen. Comments and questions are welcome. Please send them via email to CommonTable@vaumc.org. For more information, contact Robert C. Blinn, Secretary, 276-632-9198, or blinnrmb@comcast.net.