Update: 2012 Conferences

Online operations are expanding for Annual Conference in late May.

For the first time, all participants must register online prior to the meeting, May 27-30 in Tulsa at Boston Avenue UMC.

One form will be used to sign up for the many activities that are part of the week, as well as register for the conference itself. Examples:

• Retired clergy and their spouses will sign up for the specific meals they will attend. This will reduce food waste

• Make special meal reservations—seminary alumni luncheons, Celebrate the Laity Luncheon, United Methodist Rural Fellowship banquet, etc.

• Choose to serve an hour in hands-on mission. At midday Tuesday and Wednesday, several locations in Tulsa will welcome volunteers from Annual Conference. Jeff Jaynes, director of Restore Hope Ministries, is coordinating this.

For those who cannot attend Annual Conference in person, live streaming again will be offered. A broadband, high-speed Internet connection is needed for best viewing.

Watch for more details in the packet that will be mailed to local-church delegates, in Contact, and at www.okumc.org.

For the first time in 44 years, Oklahoma will host the South Central Jurisdictional Conference, and every church is asked to share in extending hospitality to United Methodists from 15 annual conferences in eight states (including ours).

On July 18-21, the meeting will be in Oklahoma City.

An Oklahoma showcase will dazzle guests at Area Night, July 20, in Cox Convention Center. Wall banners are sought from every church in the state, to encircle the gala.

Jeannie Himes, who is coordinating the banner effort, provided details.

• A banner should be vertical, with attached rod and cord for hanging. Design should include the name of your church. Overall size should be suitable for use in your church sanctuary. On back, attach a small label identifying who will retrieve your banner after the July meeting; include phone number.

• Prior to that meeting, deliver the banner to one of two designated sites. OKC-Douglas Boulevard church, where Rev. Himes is pastor, is one location. And during Annual Conference in late May, Tulsa-Boston Avenue church will accept banners.

• After the July event, pick up your banner at OKC-Douglas Boulevard.

To contact Himes: 405-732-3035, dbumc2003@coxinet.net.

Area Night will feature performances by Edgar Cruz, the Cherokee Children’s Choir, Oklahoma City University performing arts students, and tribal princesses. Emcee will be OCU President Robert Henry. The banquet is open to all people. Online registration: http://scj.umportal.org