Conference news - day 1

2015 Yellowstone Annual Conference Highlights: Day 1

Go to www.yacumc.org/annualconference2015 to view and download the latest schedule, Daily Proceedings, the Nominations Report, the Statistician's Report, petitions, and more. Be sure to check the website throughout the day for updates.

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	Episcopal Address Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky delivered her Episcopal Address at the 2015 Yellowstone Annual Conference session on Thursday, June 18. She highlighted three main points: The 2016 General Conference, discussion of the Mountain Sky Shared Futures Committee and the theme of "God is Speaking ... Renewal of Creation."
	Memorial Service and Holy Communion Clergy and laity who have passed away since the last Annual Conference were remembered during a memorial service. Stories about each person was read, highlighting their faith and their ministry in The United Methodist Church. A Holy Communion was then held following the memorial service.
	Keynote by Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker spoke about Paradise and the Tree of Life during her keynote June 18. Drawing from early Christian art, Parker analyzed the symbols used to depict abundance and enjoying the fruits of creation. "Remember this is God's world. All of Earth's ecosystems give glory to God," she said.

	Clergy and Laity Sessions The morning of Annual Conference opened with clergy and laity sessions. Candidates for the General and Jurisdictional Conferences spoke about why they are running for election. During the laity session, Don McCammon was introduced as the incoming Conference Lay Leader for 2016 and certificates were presented to certified lay servants.
	UMW Luncheon The Yellowstone United Methodist Women's luncheon was held at Covenant UMC. The featured speaker was the Rev. Calvin Hill, of the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish. Hill talked about his vision for the area and working to improve relationships with the community and the Blackfeet nation. "How can we create a Christ-centered community?" Hill asked.
	Missions Picnic The first day ended with a Missions Picnic at Covenant UMC. The picnic cookout featured a blues/jazz band, along with a bounce house, dunk tank, and a "Tug-o-Love" to raise money for Angola Pastors and the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish (BUMP). Youth, conference staff, and district superintendents were all game to be "dunked" in the tank and the team for BUMP won the "Tug-o-Love" competition. Money raised during the picnic: Angola received $4,594.55; BUMP received $2,875; and Nepal received $408.