Episcopal Address Part 1 Bishop Mike Lowry

for the Transformation Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the world

 Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. 4 Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. 5 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:3-5 CEB

One Church Plan Allows conferences, local churches and clergy to make different decisions regarding ministry with or by LGBTQ persons Congregations control how facilities are used Pastors retain the right to decide for whom they will or will not officiate a wedding Bishops retain the right to decide who they will or will not ordain Clergy Session still determines who will or will not get ordained Definition of “marriage” changes from “a man and a woman” to “two adults”

Traditional Plan Would retain the current UMC Book of Discipline Language regarding human sexuality and add enhanced levels of accountability and enforcement

Connectional Conference Plan Create three (3) Connectional Conferences, each with clearly defined values and/or theology Eliminates the five (5) U.S. Jurisdictions Each Conference determines its affiliation with one of the three Connectional Conferences Local Churches have the option to join a Connectional Conference different from the one chosen by the Annual Conference Clergy may choose to join another Connectional Conference Requires multiple amendments to the existing UMC Constitution

2019 General Conference Petition Submission Process Petitions may be submitted June 6 - July 8, 2018 Petitions may be submitted online or via email umc.org/contact/2019-general-conference-petition petitionsecretary@umcgc.org Detailed instructions for formatting/submitting petitions at umc.org/contact/2019-general-conference-petition

Look for CTC-specific initiatives and details at ctcumc.org/prayforward2018 coming soon

for the Transformation Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the world

Scott Gilpin Development/Stewardship Officer Centenary College General Board of Discipleship Ministries UMC Thought Leader in areas of development, financial resources and stewardship.

CTC Feasibility Study Task Force Explaining “The Why” of Christian Stewardship Helping Lay & Clergy Leaders live out an approach to stewardship that offers a biblical and theological vision of mission Help local churches create a more vital future through a clarity of their mission and vision, strategic planning and stewardship Mr. Scott Gilpin Dr. Leah Hidde-Gregory

CTC Feasibility Study Task Force Not a Conference-wide Capital Campaign A comprehensive study on how the conference can help local churches of all sizes, types and locations across the conference best engage in faithful, Christ-honoring biblical stewardship. Mr. Scott Gilpin Dr. Leah Hidde-Gregory

“The Best of all is, God is with us.” - John Wesley