June 22, 2023

The chief meeting of Virginia’s United Methodists, called Annual Conference, was held last week at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. This was the first conference presided over by our new bishop, Sue Haupert-Johnson, and the theme was “United as One in Mission.” 

A full report on happenings at Annual Conference is available here.

Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson opens Annual Conference in worship

The purpose of Annual Conference is to do the business of the denomination, including opening and closing churches and ensuring that every United Methodist congregation has a pastor. As Methodism continues its unfortunate split over the issues of human sexuality, universal welcome, and Biblical fidelity, these tasks were a bit more troublesome than in previous years. Still, conference attendees did their best to handle any problems with grace, as they remembered that no matter what division we may feel in doctrine or politics, we more than make up for in unity in mission and our faith in Christ.

In the opening service of worship, Bishop Sue preached on “Going Beyond the Walls of the City.” Her message was that world events and social pressures have led to fighting, exhaustion, and division in our country and within our church. But our job as followers of Jesus is to go with Him outside the church, “outside the walls of the city,” where He waits for us.

“Jesus is waiting outside the walls for us to join him,” she said. “If you want to find Jesus, don’t look in your churches, don’t look inside the walls, go out to those who are suffering and burdened and you will find Him there.” 

District Superintendent Sarah Calvert at a session of Annual Conference

She shared that we gather each Sunday to imagine the godly city on the hill. “That vision fuels us. But until that day comes, we don’t look for a city here. We aren’t going to find comfort here. We aren’t going to find ease here. I feel like the church is in many places circling the wagons. The problem is that when we circle the wagons, we aren’t going anywhere. Christ is waiting for us outside the walls to be salt, and light, and yeast. And the beauty of those images is it only takes a little bit to change the whole thing. So go find Jesus outside the walls.”

“Jesus calls us to be new creations, and your work is to create newness and aliveness and vitality in your churches. You are equipped and ready…Go forth and tell everyone that the Kingdom of God is near, and it is as real to us as if it was already here.” 

Attendees celebrated unity in missions like Stop Hunger Now

In addition to worship and official conference business, there were many fellowship events; memorial, retirement, and award ceremonies; learning opportunities; and occasions to participate in the missions of love and charity that bind us together as Methodists. Over $77,000 was collected for the conference offering, which will benefit: food insecurity (25%), refugee resettlement (25%), and Partnerships of Hope initiatives (50%) which support congregations and missions in Brazil, Cambodia, Mozambique, Native American communities, Haiti, and Vietnam.

Annual Conference was busy, so if you’re interested in seeing pictures, watching the recorded sessions, or learning about appointments, retirements, Game Night, the 5K Walk/Run, Youth and Campus Ministry tailgating, and more, read the full report.