Thursday, May 30, 2013

1,000 United Methodists to convene Sunday for regional meeting in Mobile






By Carol McPhail | cmcphail@al.com

on May 30, 2013 at 1:02 PM, updated May 30, 2013 at 1:21 PM




MOBILE, Alabama – About 1,000 United Methodists will converge on Mobile beginning Sunday for an annual regional conference that will conclude with announcements about clergy appointments.

The conference, to be held June 2-5, is expected to draw clergy and lay people from about 300 churches in the Alabama-West Florida Conference, the denomination’s regional organization, said Mary Catherine Phillips, director of communication. It will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, located at 6101 Grelot Road.

This is Mobile’s fourth year to host the event. The conference was also held here in 2012, 2006 and 2005.

The theme this year will be “The Great Commission: Seeking Disciples.” Speakers include Bishop Lindsey Davis of the Louisville, Ky., area, and David E. Cann of the lnterdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

Participants will take time away from sessions Tuesday afternoon to serve organizations in the community. Projects will target 15 Place, Bay Area Food Bank, Dumas Wesley Community Center, Light of the Village, MATthew 6 Ministry and Tent City, among others.

During opening worship on Sunday, a special offering will be collected to help Hurricane Sandy victims in New Jersey.

Phillips said clergy appointments will be among the last business conducted at the conference. A few changes have already been announced, including the appointment of the Rev. Doug Pennington as superintendent of the Mobile District, replacing the Rev. Tonya Elmore, who is taking a position at First United Methodist in Enterprise. The change is effective July 1.

The Mobile District includes 58 congregations.

The Rev. Don Woolley of Saraland United Methodist, meanwhile, is being appointed to a new position that will help churches engage in their communities.


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