Know Before You Go No. 2, Clergy
Want to receive Annual Conference updates and reminders during the session via text? Text MOAC to 844-461-1474 to get on the list.
MOAC24 is just around the corner! This is the second of three know-before-you-go emails that will be sent ahead of Annual Conference. Miss our last email? View it here! Read on for more details and don’t forget to check out www.MOACinfo.com for all your Annual Conference-related needs.
Conference Workbook Now Available
The MOAC24 Conference Workbook is now available to view and download at www.MOACinfo.com/downloads. We will not be printing copies of the Workbook but invite you to print a copy of your own if print is your preferred format. The Conference Workbook contains logistical details, reports from Methodist institutions and business, including:
Conference and district nominations slates
Updated Clergy Support Team Policies and Procedures, including the addition of a parental leave policy
Report from the Council on Finance and Administration
One resolution from the Old McKendree Chapel Memorial Association
The agenda is available, too!
We know you’ve been itching to get your hands on the full agenda. It’s available in a few different formats at www.MOACinfo.com/events. The special meals schedule is available on that page as well.
Pre-Conference Briefing
Join us at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 23 (one week from today!), on our Facebook page or on www.MOACinfo.com/watch for our virtual Pre-Conference Briefing. Bishop Farr and ministry leaders will share updates ahead of our Annual Conference Session in June. See the agenda and watch the livestream at www.MOACinfo.com/events/pre-conference-briefing.
Lay Events at Annual Conference
Is this your first time attending Annual Conference as a lay member? Make sure to register for the FREE first-time laity lunch! This year's lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7. Lunch registration is a part of your Annual Conference registration. Check to see that you indicated your attendance by reaching out via our contact form to learn more.
On the current draft agenda, the Lay Session for all lay members will be at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. We’re excited to return to a district breakout format this year! Additionally, make plans to stay for the duration of the Sunday session to catch the installation of our new Conference Lay Leader and Associate Conference Lay Leader.
Voting for Jurisdictional Delegation Vacancies
The Missouri Conference will vote via personal smart phone devices to fill vacancies in the jurisdictional delegation to attend the 2024 Jurisdictional Conference on July 10-12 at Central UMC in Rogers, Arkansas. Elections will be determined by plurality. Those candidates receiving the most votes on a single ballot will be seated in the order of election. We are electing for two clergy delegation vacancies and one laity delegation vacancy. We will not be electing reserves for the Jurisdictional Conference delegation.
Lay Delegate Requirements
As required by the 2016 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, “The lay delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General and jurisdictional or central conferences” (Para. 36).
Laity can nominate themselves at www.moumethodist.org/laityballot. Bishop Farr will accept nominations from the floor during the Laity Session as well.
Parking and Dining in St. Charles
Related to dining, the St. Charles Convention Center is proximate to the Streets of St. Charles as well as historic downtown St. Charles. Both areas have several restaurants. If you are concerned about wait times for a table, make sure to call the restaurant ahead to see if they take reservations for large groups or utilize a waitlist app. There will be light lunch options available through the Compass Café in the St. Charles Convention Center.
Regarding parking, for those staying at the Embassy Suites, there is parking on the hotel side. For attendees staying offsite at other hotels or lodging, there is ample free, uncovered parking onsite at the Convention Center.
Use these resources as you plan your weekend in St. Charles:
Specials Meals Schedule
Please note: Most special meals are invitation only.
Ways to Prepare for Conference
Offerings
During our 2024 Conference Session, we’ll take up two offerings – one during the Service of Recognition on Saturday and one during Celebration of Ministry on Sunday. Read up on where the monies will be directed and how you can give at www.moacinfo.com/offerings.
Accessibility at Annual Conference
We’re excited to continue to offer accessibility services this year in St. Charles. We plan to offer a captioning device option and assisted listening devices for the Session. ASL interpretation services, large-print materials and wheelchairs are available upon request. Want to learn more? Reach out to us via our contact form.
Opening Plenary Reminder
During our opening plenary on 10 a.m. on Friday, June 7, Bishop Farr intends to spend that session discussing General Conference and its impact on United Methodist churches in Missouri. That session will be livestreamed on our Facebook page and at MOACInfo.com. The recording will be available for you to view and download after the plenary at MOACInfo.com. You are welcome to invite your local church leadership to tune in online.
Questions? Contact us via our contact form.