News and Views

Frequently Asked Questions about Annual Conference

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What if someone from my church at home wants to see the worship and plenary sessions?
The events in the Grand Ballroom will be streamed live on the conference website. In addition, you can use your tablet or smart phone to follow along with the proceedings or find important documents online. Guests are always welcome at worship.

How can I get a video of the worship experiences and Bible studies?
Visit Good News TV’s website, www.gntv.info

What are the offerings being taken for?
The offerings at opening worship and ordination will fund a new fitness center at Africa University in Zimbabwe in honor of  Bishop Marcus Matthews as he retires after 42 years of ministry. Information on this United Methodist pan-African university can be found at www.africau.edu.

Are there other ways to give?
Yes! For the first time an on-site giving kiosk, which allows for credit card gifts, is being provided by Shelby. Please give generously and consider how such a resource as this might be used in your local church.

Where are the exhibits?
More than 50 exhibitors have set up displays in Exhibit Hall A.

Where is the Prayer Room?
The prayer room, which is operated year round at the Conference Mission Center in Fulton, has been set up in Room 8229 to provide you with a quiet place for reflection. The prayer room is sponsored by the United Methodist Men.

Who is leading the music this year?
Our accompanist for the session is Stanley, J. Thurston, who is the director of music ministries at Foundry UMC in Washington, an artist in residence at the National Cathedral, and a classically trained pianist, composer and arranger of extraordinary range and depth.

How will we celebrate Bishop Matthews’ retirement?
Bishop Marcus Matthews will retire Sept. 1. On Friday evening, June 3, you are invited to a celebration of his 42 years in ministry. If you or your church wish to send a farewell wish or prayer to the bishop, it can be mailed to Bishop’s Office, 11711 E. Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.

Will we be using voting machines again this year?
Yes, the votes on financial matters, five resolutions, episcopal nomination, and other matters coming before the session will be done electronically. Just follow the directions from the stage. The last entry you put in your machine is the one that will be counted. Please also remember to hand in your machine before you leave. If not, you will be charged a significant amount for its replacement.

Who is that sitting at the table on the stage with Bishop Matthews?
Delores Martin, the BWC lay leader, sits with the bishop to represent the partnership between the clergy and laity. Also at the table is the Rev. Mary Jo Sims, the Conference Secretary. This will be Sims last year as secretary. She will help publish the 2016 Journal. Following her as Conference Secretary will be Cynthia Taylor.

If Bishop Matthews is leaving, who will be our new bishop?
A new bishop will be appointed to the Baltimore-Washington Conference at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference on July 15. The Rev. T.R. Chattin and Tom Price, who were elected by the annual conference, are on the NEJ Episcopacy Committee, which will make the appointment. At the NEJ session, two bishops will also be elected. The conference delegation has endorsed the Rev. Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, superintendent of the Baltimore Metropolitan District. This endorsement will be considered by the Annual Conference Session. Other nominations may be made from the floor. Detailed instructions  on this process will be provided.

What if I have more questions?
Ask a Highlighter. Scattered throughout the hotel, Highlighters, are easy to find in their neon vests. Highlighters are volunteers dedicated to radical hospitality and finding you the answers you need. You’ll also want to stay connected after Annual Conference through the UMConnection, the conference’s award-winning newspaper, and the e-connection, a weekly electronic newsletter with the latest church news and information that comes out on Monday mornings. In addition, be sure to “like” our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter, @bwcumc.

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?
Check for any available wireless signals
Connect to MARRIOTT CONFERENCE
Launch a web browser
When prompted, enter the Conference Code AC2016 and click on “submit”
The conference Welcome Page will display and you can now browse the Internet

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