FAQs

What is an Annual Conference?

Each year clergy members and lay members attend their conference’s annual conference session for worship, fellowship, and to conduct the business of the conference, which may last 3-5 days. These sessions include reports of past and ongoing work; adoption of future goals, programs and budgets; ordination of clergy members as deacons and elders; and election of delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences (every 4 years). The bishop presides over these meetings.

Who is invited?

Lay members of annual conference, along with clergy, interpret the work done by the annual conference session to the congregation. This is an opportunity to listen and learn from each other and to experience a greater variety of God’s human creation than you may experience in your local congregation. Take advantage of this opportunity by getting acquainted with people sitting near you and celebrate the diversity of The United Methodist Church. Guests are invited to participate in workshops and worship. *2020 Local church lay members should remain the same for both sessions, August 15 and October 10.  Newly elected lay members, who are approved during their fall charge conferences, will take office the first of 2021.

When is the next Annual Conference Session?

The 2020 Indiana Annual Conference Session, originally scheduled June 11-13, 2020, has been postponed and redesigned to be two one-day sessions.  Instead, we will meet on two separate Saturdays: August 15 and October 10.

The first session is on August 15, 2020. The second session is on October 10, 2020. Each session will convene at 10 am EST / 9 am CST and adjourn at 6 pm EST / 5pm CST.

Where will the next Annual Conference session gather?

The first session on August 15 will be on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. This allows for social distancing space as well as outdoor space for community. The second session on October 10 will be at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What will happen during the next Annual Conference session?

Essential Business Scheduled:
August 15

10:00 am EST: Laity Session, Clergy Session, and Clergy Spouse Gathering will convene.

12:45 pm EST: Plenary 1 – Business includes voting on the Rules and Structure, Consent Calendar, and recognition of those retiring in 2020.

2:00 pm EST: Break

2:30 pm EST: Plenary 2 – Business includes essential voting on nominations, trustees, Pension and Health Benefits, a presentation of the 2021 budget, and work on submitted resolutions.

3:30 pm EST: Break

4:00 pm EST: Worship – Celebration of Ministry – This includes ordination and the giving and receiving of appointments.

NOTE: All appointments will be effective July 1, 2020.

October 10

10:00 am EST: Plenary 3 – Business includes a report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force, recommendations, and voting.

1:00 pm EST: Worship – Celebration of Life – Remembering the lives of those who have joined the Church Triumphant.

3:00 pm EST: Plenary 4 – Business includes completing the work on resolutions, the celebration of legacy churches, the celebration of new church charters, and voting on the 2021 budget.

When will registration open?

Registration
Guests will need to register for both the August 15 session and the October 10 session. There will be no registration cost this year. Registration will open May 15 for the first session and on August 29 for the second session.

Meals
Lunch will be provided both days, at no cost, to all who are pre-registered.

Per Diem
There will be no per diem offered this year. Per diem covers overnight housing on the dates Annual Conference is in session and for meals. There is no overnight housing on the date of the Annual Conference Session, and lunch is provided at no cost to those who pre-registered. Please contact Lisa Timmerman at lisa.timmerman@inumc.org if there is a special need.

Childcare 
Childcare will be provided at both sessions. Please indicate your need when you register.

When will vender registration open?

There will be no displays or vendors at the 2020 Indiana Annual Conference session.

Will there be health screenings?

There will be no health screenings this year. You will receive information about how to complete your screening from the Indiana Conference Health Benefits team.

Will there be a mission offering?

The Annual Conference will collect school supplies and “stuff the bus” at the August 15 gathering. To see what items are needed, a school supply list can be found at https://www.inumc.org/annual-conference/2019-missional-opportunities/.

How much does it cost to park?

Free parking will be available at both locations.

Where can I find general information?

A booklet with additional information will be mailed to all voting members by mid-May.

Please check the Indiana Conference United Methodist Church website for additional details, which will be posted as they are available.