Annual Conference proposals: Budget reduction of 6.3%

BY HOLLY MCCRAY

The eight district meetings previewing Oklahoma’s Annual Conference (May 29-31, Tuesday-Thursday, in OKC) took Treasurer Norma Quinn on a quest across the state.

Associate Conference Lay Leader and physician Don Kim referenced the “Quest” theme when he joined Rev. Dr. Quinn at the Heartland and Crossroads Districts’ preview. He defined quest as an opportunity for congregations to reach people outside their church families.

Dr. Kim said, “I hope this conference is an opportunity to go beyond our walls.”

Delegates are urged to read in advance the 2018 Pre-Conference Workbook, available online to view and download.

Quinn pointed out the budget proposal would reduce by 6.36 percent the 2019 apportionment for each church based on that church’s 2018 apportioned amount. It would replace the current Conference Decimal Plan.

And she fielded questions about other financial proposals to: 1) reduce by half the Health Reimbursement Account subsidy for clergy who retire after June 1, 2019; and 2) retain the 2018 pension annuity rate of $684 for clergy with qualifying pre-1982 service.  

“This budget represents hundreds of people and hundreds of hours” of collaboration, Quinn said. “None of this was done in a vaccuum.”

“Vitality” statistics are trending up:

Worship attendance, up from 48,493 people in 2016, to 50,176 people in 2017 (counts online attendance for first time).

Stewardship, up from $23 million to $23.7 million (includes all giving).

Mission involvement, up from 35,533 to 37,993 people engaged at all levels.

A Consent Calendar is new for business matters. That makes it possible to shorten Annual Conference to three days and to dedicate most of Wednesday to teaching time and 20-plus workshops. Resources from all the workshops will be placed online after Annual Conference concludes.

Bishop Jimmy Nunn explains the Consent Calendar in a video at www.okumc.org/consentcalendar.

More news to note:

• Bring your digital device Tuesday evening. Lay Leader Chuck Stewart will led an interactive response session using Mentimeter, after the bishop’s Episcopal Priorities speech.
• Download the app “OKUMC” to access details about all aspects of the meeting.
• Find live stream link and more at: www.okumc.org/annual_conference