“The Disciples Called to Action; Developing Effective Lay Leadership”

Call to Worship All: We are here as a United Methodist community of God to account for our ministries, order our life together, and to resolve that in the year ahead we will answer the call of Jesus Christ to his disciples, leading this church into active ministries of love and justice.

The candle on the altar is lit during the singing. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us Spirit of the Living God – UMH # 393

We Hear God’s Word

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news!” Gospel Lesson Mark 1:14-20

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea–for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. - The Word of God for the people of God! - Thanks be to God!

Litany of Sacred Waters “This is Water” By: Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld Adapted by Dr. Marcia McFee

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us Spirit of the Living God – UMH # 393

The Lord’s Prayer

 A Greeting from Bishop John Schol  Election of Recording Secretary Approval of minutes from previous Church Conference(s) including 2011  Lay Leadership/Nominations Report and election of Church Leaders and Trustees  Recommendation of Candidates for Ordained Ministry Church Conference

 Renewal of Candidates for Ordained Ministry  Recommendation of Candidates for Church Related Vocations  Recommendation of Lay Speakers, Certified Lay Speakers, and Certified Lay Ministers  UM Volunteers in Mission Report(s)

Church Conference  Staff Parish Relations Report, Approval of Pastoral Compensation, and other Staff.  Trustee Report  2011 Audit/Fund Balance Report  Membership Report  First and Second Year Lists

Membership – First Year List 1. First & Last Name 2. First & Last Name 3. First & Last Name 4. First & Last Name 5. First & Last Name 6. First & Last Name 7. First & Last Name

Membership – Second Year List 1. First & Last Name 2. First & Last Name 3. First & Last Name 4. First & Last Name 5. First & Last Name 6. First & Last Name 7. First & Last Name

Invitation to Communion

Superintendent: Let us be honest before God. All: Holy Living God, you call us to be your hands and feet in the world, bringing your living water to all who thirst, but sometimes we hesitate. We are unsure. We are frightened. We are overwhelmed. [silent reflection] Church Conference

Superintendent: Forgive us we pray. All: Give us strength, give us courage. Call us again to serve you, to serve neighbors and strangers. Church Conference

Superintendent: Remember that Jesus promised to be with us always through the Spirit. Be assured of his presence now! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God! Amen! Superintendent: As forgiven and called people, I invite you to pass the peace of Christ with each other. Church Conference

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. The Lord’s Supper

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.

You molded each creature and formed us in your image, creating land and water and breathing life into all things and calling it good. When we sought to separate ourselves from you like a wave retreating from its shore, You have remained present, the very substance and depth of all life.

Time and again you have freed us, met us, sustained and called us. As we prepare to join this heavenly feast, we especially call to mind those who have no earthly tables, or no place at a table, and so little daily bread. [silence]

Along with all of creation, and along with all the company of heaven, we hear the chorus of saints in every time and place praising you!

All: Holy, holy, holy! All creation sings your praise! Blessed are all who answer your call! Hosanna in the highest!

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. We gather around him now as did the crowds at Galilee witnesses to his teaching, healing, saving presence.

On his last night with his beloved friends who would become his presence in the world after he was gone, he invited them to a common ritual in an uncommon way.

When he broke the bread and said the traditional prayer, he added, “Take, eat, this is my body, given for you. Whenever you break bread, remember his moment And do this in my name.”

And when he took the cup for the traditional blessing after the meal, he added, “Drink from this, all of you; this is my new covenant with you, poured out not only for you, but for many. Whenever you drink together, remember me.”

All: We do this now in remembrance of you, Jesus! We break this bread and lift this cup! You died and rose again and live forever through your Spirit that transforms and empowers us to action in your name!

Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer After Receiving

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way, with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. Now Thank We All Our God – UMH # 102

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed; and free us from all ills, in this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven; the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

Superintendent: As our time together comes to an end, I declare this Church Conference adjourned. All: We are grateful for all that has transpired and we look to the future filled with God’s possibilities for our ministry! Formal Motion to Adjourn Church Conference

Benediction

Now thank we all our God, with hearts and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way, with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. Now Thank We All Our God

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us in God’s grace, and guide us when perplexed; and free us from all ills, in this world and the next.

You call us, we answer. You call us, we than you. You call us, we answer. You call us, we praise you. You call us, we answer. You call us, we thank you.

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven; the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.