Tuesday Afternoon, June 15Sabbatical Motion Laura Bishop of the Arlington District brought a motion to look at sabbaticals for clergy and developing a formal program. Other areas of the world have found that sabbaticals lead to longer pastorates. Individual churches are left to their own devices for sabbaticals. Motion was adopted for "appropriate agencies" to study sabbaticals for pastors. Council on Ministries The report of the Council on Ministries was introduced by Susan Garrett, council director. The report was in the form of a video presentation. She reminded those gathered that the "staff are wonderful resources." A special edition of the Virginia Advocate was distributed that highlights all the ministries offered by the council. Tribute to Bishop and Janene Pennel The COM video was followed by a video tribute to Bishop Pennel and his wife, Janene. After viewing the video that highlighted the many ministries of the Pennels, and receiving a standing ovation, Bishop Pennel said, "It's been a great privilege to be your bishop. Everywhere I've gone in the world, I've been proud to say that I'm from the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. We know more could have been accomplished but we hope seeds have been planted to bring more disciples to Christ." The bishop thanked everyone in the conference because he "coudn't have done it alone." The bishop concluded, "Not much of what you saw could have happened if it had not been for Janene. Her support and traveling almost 250,000 miles across the conference has been an unfailing source of energy and I'm grateful to her for providing the kind of support that makes ministy possible." Darlene Amon, chair of the Committee on the Episcopacy, presented the Pennels with "memory books." She announced the establishment of the Bishop Joe E. Pennel Jr. Wesleyan Heritage Foundation. A painting was displayed that was painted by Alicia Dailey who was in the audience. ANothe rwas by the Rev. Chris Suerdieck, and the third by ann Strickler. "The paintings will help us take the foundation into the future," Amon said. The foundation already has over $15,000, and another $1,000 has just been added. The foundation will travel across the conference and address congregational life, a Weslyean understanding of evangelism, worship and tradition of the church, congregational and personal spirituality. "Because of your spirituality we have all grown deeper in our faith and bolder in our witness," said Amon. Jim Hundley and the platform committee gave Bishop Pennel the name sign that has sat in front of him as he has presided over conferences. The name board was signed by members of the bishop's Cabinet. All conference members and guests were invited to a "Farewell Service to Bishop Pennel," Aug. 1, at 4 p.m., at Reveille Church in Richmond.
Original Hymn Susan Garrett announced that an original hymn text was written by the Rev. Stephen B. Hassmer. "In Every Cross and Steeple," is being used at the conference and may be used in churches throughout the conference to help foster the conference vision statement. The hymn was dedicated to Bishop Pennel by Hassmer and a framed copy of the hymn text was presented to the bishop. Conference Offering The Conference Offering was taken. The bishop reminded the congregation that this offering goes to children, the most vulnerable. The conference goal is $300,000. The "Holy Rollers" were introduced to the conference. The Holy Rollers is a group of laity and clergy who rode bicycles 230 miles to conference and received over $8,800 for the conference offering. Episcopal Nominee The conference unanimously endorsed Clarence Brown as a nominee for episcopal election. Brown was given the opportunity to speak to the conference and thanked everyone for their encouragement and endorsement. Six bishops will be elected at the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference this July. Retiree Service The service opened with the hymn "Pass It On." Shirley Cauffman, Arlington District lay leader, gave a "Reflection of Appreciation." "Each one of you has been called by God for a special reason," she said. "You've taught classes, helped the laity realize what their spiritual gifts are, helped us be involved in the church. You have set an example for us to know what it means to be servant leaders, and taught us how important prayer is. You have taught us about relationships and taught us how to love each other and how to love the church. You have been our spiritual leaders as you have modeled for us a life of Christ. You reminded us we are not created in isolation but faith grows as we share it with others. "You have been on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many times your phone has rung in the middle of the night. Y ou've been there for the births of our children, and funerals for family members. You've baptized our children and taught them to be a part of Christ's church. You took a personal interest in each one of them. "How can we ever thank you for your years of service. Too often we have spent our time complaining about the little things. There were probably many times you wish retirement would hurry and get it. "You have led us done new paths as you encouraged us. You will never know how many lives you've touched, but God knows." Each retiree was then introduced by Don Rogers, executive director of Pensions, while C.B. King, assistant to the bishop, gave brief remarks about each person retiring. |