The United Methodist Church Louisiana Annual Conference

Pre-Conference Report SUPPLEMENT ONE

June 8 – 11, 2016 Centenary College, Shreveport

2016 PRE-CONFERENCE REPORT SUPPLEMENT ONE TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Reminders……………………………………………………………………………………...SU4 District Offices (correction for Lake Charles and Monroe)……………………………………SU5

REPORTS

Statisticians Condensed Report with 2015 Information Added………………………………..SU6 REPORTS REQUIRING/REQUESTING ACTION BY THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE WITH PRESENTATION AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Board of Pensions Note on Report and Supplement……………………………………...SU10 Board of Trustees …………………………………………………………………….…,..SU11 Commission on Equitable Compensation Note on Report………………………………..SU12 Committee on Nominations Supplement…………………………………………….…....SU13 Committee on Petitions (three petitions)…………………………………………….……SU31 Council on Finance and Administration Supplement………………………………….….SU37

OTHER CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS Episcopal Residence Committee ………………………………………………………...SU39

SU3

REMINDERS FOR THE 2016 LA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

1. Our schedule will be different this year. Check the Agenda in the Pre-Conference Report for more informationbut here are some differences in the order of things:

• We will begin the Conference work with a gathering of the Clergy on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pmin Brown Chapel.

• The Laity will hold their session on Thursday morning beginning at 8:00 am at First Church, Shreveport.• The opening worship will be held in the Gold Dome at Centenary College beginning at 10:30 am on

Thursday morning.• We will end our session on Saturday morning with the Memorial Service: A Service of Celebration and

Hope; Going Forth to See, Hear, and Believe the Good News.\2. Our offerings for the week will be for two purposes.

• The offering for both Thursday morning and Thursday evening will be dedicated to assist with DisasterResponse to provide assistance to those affected by the storms of 2016 in our own State ofLouisiana. Each congregation is asked to bring an offering from the church to the AnnualConference. At the Annual Conference, individuals will also be asked to give personally to this cause.Checks should be made to the Louisiana Conference, and marked “for the Storms of 2016.” These fundswill be used directly for our work within Louisiana.

• During the Celebration of Ministry (Ordination) Service on Friday evening an offering will be takenwhich, as is our tradition, be used to assist our recent Ordinands in our Holy Land Tour.

3. Breakout conversations will be held for those interested in additional information on the CFA report andon the Health Care Task Force.

• The CFA session will be held during the lunch break on Thursday in the Centenary Room in theCafeteria.

• Those interested in the Health Care Task Force of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefitsconversation are invited to meet immediately following the close of the Friday afternoon business sessionin the Conference office in the Gold Dome.

4. The LA Association of Local Pastors and Associate Members Breakfast on Thursday, June 9, has beenchanged to 8:30 – 9:30. It will still be held in the Whited Room, Centenary College Cafeteria. For moreinformation, contact Rev. Caroline Wilkinson, 318-564-3723, cwilkinson@fumcshreveport.org.

SU4

DISTRICT OFFICES The correct mailing address for the Lake Charles District office is:

816 Kirkman St Lake Charles, LA 70601

The correct mailing address for the Monroe District office is: P. O. Box 1000 Delhi, LA 71232

SU5

STATISTICIAN’S CONDENSED REPORT 2015 (Page 29 of the original Pre-Conference Report)

TABLE I

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 2014 2015 Total Professing Members Reported At Close of Last Year 120,251 118,833 Received On Profession of Faith 1,513 1,572 Restored By Affirmation 123 71 Correct Previous Year’s Professing Membership by Addition 156 452 Transferred In From Other United Methodist Churches 966 1,008 Transferred In From Non-United Methodist Churches 862 899 Removed By Charge Conference Action 1,539 988 Withdrawn From Professing Membership 231 455 Correct Previous Year’s Professing Membership by Subtraction 981 1,007 Transferred Out To Other United Methodist Churches 670 587 Transferred Out To Non-United Methodist Churches 337 212 Removed By Death 1,281 1,265 Total Professing Members Reported At Close of This Year 118,725 118,194

RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUP Asian 294 331 African American/Black 13,687 13,561 Hispanic/Latino 339 350 Native American 264 268 Pacific Islander 36 37 White 103,540 103,021 Multi-Racial 565 577 Female 68,739 68,581 Male 49,986 49,564 Average Attendance at all Weekly Worship Services 39,764 39,071

BAPTISMS Number of Persons Baptized This Year (All Ages) 1,357 1,365 Baptized Members Who Have Not Become Professing Members 9,407 9,533 Number of Other Constituents of the Church 18,036 16,796 Enrolled In Confirmation Preparation Classes This Year 836 775

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Children in Christian Formation & Other Small Group Min. 10,325 10,114 Youth in Christian Formation & Other Small Group Min. 5,906 5,786 Young Adults in Christian Formation & Other Small Group Min. 3,117 3,034 Other Adults in All Christian Formation & Small Group Min. 22,542 22,802 Number of Persons Participating Christian Formation Groups 41,890 41,736 Average Weekly Attend. (All Ages) Sunday Church School 14,712 14,290

SU6

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Continued 2014 2015 Participants in Vacation Bible School 19,129 18,321 Ongoing Classes (All Ages) in Sunday Church School 2,149 1,881 Ongoing Classes for Other Than Sunday Church School 1,132 1,487 Short-Term Classes and Groups (All Ages) For Learning 1,310 1,394

UNITED METHODIST MEN Membership in United Methodist Men 2,968 2,731 Amount Paid for Projects 205,238 165,828

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Membership in United Methodist Women 5,914 5,696 Amount Paid for Local Church & Community Work 334,110 341,902

UNITED METHODIST VIM UMVIM Teams Sent From Local Church 91 61 Persons Sent Out On UMVIM Teams from Local Church 619 505 Persons Sent On Other Mission Teams From Local Church 26,783 28,865

COMMUNITY MINISTRY PROGRAMS Persons Served By Community Min. for Daycare and/or Educ. 23,536 23,677 Persons Served By Comm. Min. Outreach, Justice, & Mercy 352,273 381,846

TABLE II

PROPERTY AND OTHER ASSETS 2014 2015 Value of Church Land, Buildings & Equipment 822,957,205 839,071,169 Value of All Other Church-Owned Assets 108,467,689 117,788,724 Debt Secured By Church Physical Assets 40,210,134 49,184,085 Other Debt 127,8495 552,535

APPORTIONMENTS APPORTIONED to Local Church - Paid to AC Treasurer 7,415,036 7,573,900 PAID By Local Church to AC Treasurer 7,126,986 7,308,162 APPORTIONED to Local Church - Paid to District 810,869 914,036 PAID By Local Church to District 793,056 866,499

BENEVOLENCES General Advance Specials Remitted to AC Treasurer 156,269 166,383 AC Advance Specials Remitted to AC Treasurer 139,980 142,452 Youth Service Fund Remitted to AC Treasurer 4,220 4,527

SU7

BENEVOLANCES Continued 2014 2015 All Other Funds Sent to AC Treasurer for Connectional Mission & Ministry 65,845 52,316 AC Special Sunday Offerings Remitted to AC Treasurer 3,285 2,713 Given Directly to UM Causes (Not Sent To AC Treasurer) 694,497 448,411 Given to Non-UM Benevolent & Charitable Causes 17,561,344 18,550,686 Human Relations Sunday 10,318 10,476 One Great Hour of Sharing 28,297 28,512 Peace with Justice Sunday 8,571 10,161 Native American Ministries Sunday 9,303 12,499 World Communion Sunday 15,627 14,422 U.M. Student Day 10,308 8,672

CLERGY SUPPORT AND LOCAL CHURCH Paid By Local Church for All Direct-Billed Clergy Pensions 2,387,271 2,366,659 Paid By Local Church for All Direct-Billed Clergy Health Ins. 2,762,822 2,790,725 Paid In Base Compensation to Pastor 11,248,490 11,553,962 Paid In Base Compensation to All Associate Pastors 1,675,411 1,609,798 Paid To/For Pastor & Associate(s) For Housing/Utilities/Related Allowances 3,814,657 3,788,519 Paid To Pastor & Associate(s) For Acc. Reimbursements 1,370,813 1,462,489 Paid To Pastor and Associate(s) For Other Cash Allowances 485,954 356,295 Paid In Salary and Benefits for Deacons 426,239 495,172 Paid In Salary and Benefits for Diaconal Ministers 4,521 4,521 Paid In Salary and Benefits for All Other Church Staff 21,592,334 21,675,575 Spent For Local Church Program Expenses 4,745,530 3,107,636 Spent For Other Local Church Operating Expenses 17,628,101 17,217,857

*All Other Current Operating Expenses 12,472,689 12,271,016 *Property Insurance Premium 5,042,722 4,946,840

Paid For Principal & Interest On Debt 6,507,325 5,700,538 Paid On Capital Expenditures For Building 10,209,130 8,701,885

GRAND TOTAL PAID 110,258,586 111,289,078

*Denotes a breakout of the total amount spent for other local church operating expenses

TABLE III 2014 2015

Number of Households Giving to Local Church 40,238 38,561

RECEIVED FOR ANNUAL BUDGET/SPENDING PLAN Amount Received Through Pledges 47,684,852 47,807,964 Amount Received from non-pledging, but identified givers 29,438,866 29,631,156

SU8

RECEIVED FOR ANNUAL BUDGET/SPENDING PLAN Continued 2014 2015 Amount Received from Unidentified Givers 2,717,093 2,949,088 Amount Received from interest and Dividends 562,931 567,403 Amount Received from Sale of Church Assets 421,381 315,222 Amount Received through Building Use Fees, Contributions, Rentals 2,493,842 2,187,065 Amount Received through Fundraisers and Other Sources 5,931,264 5,844,184 Total income for annual budget/spending plan 89,250,229 89,302,082

RECEIVED FOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS/OTHER PROJECTS Capital Campaigns 4,747,353 5,313,133 Memorial, endowments, and bequests 2,388,295 2,068,760 Other Sources and Projects 4,054,241 3,226,514 Amount received for Special Sundays, General Advance Specials and World Service Specials 1,161,478 1,234,249

Total income for designated causes including capital campaign and other special projects 12,351,367 11,842,656

RECEIVED FROM CONNECTIONAL CHURCH STRUCTURES/ OTHER INSITUTIONAL SOURCES OUTSIDE LOCAL CHURCH Equitable Compensation Funds received by Church or Pastor 29,254 19,552 Advance Special, Apportioned, and connectional funds received by church 162,358 137,840

Other grants and financial support from institutional sources 793,440 47,699 Total income from connectional and other institutional sources outside the local church 985,052 205,091

SU9

BOARD OF PENSIONS (Page 33 of the original Pre-Conference Report)

As noted in Report 1, III, C. the dollar figures listed for the classification of status were subject to being changed if the 2016 General Conference took action which would change the calculation of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). The General Conference did adopt a change in the calculation of DAC; however, the Board of Pensions has not received from the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) the revised DAC. Thus, as stated in the original report, the dollar amounts listed will need to be adjusted but the same formula will be utilized using the new DAC amount. This will also require revision of the report wherever the DAC is listed (e.g., Report 1, IV, C)

As noted in Report I, IV, the eligibility rules on CPP were subject to being modified by General Conference action. Action was taken by the 2016 General Conference modifying these eligibility rules. Thus, Report I, IV, A, is amended to read: Participants shall be all elders and deacons in full connection, provisional elders and deacons, associate members or full time local pastors under Episcopal appointment, who have a plan compensation of not less than full time as calculated on 60% of the DAC or CAC whichever is the lesser and that in 2016 and 2017, the lesser amount is the DAC, and all elders, provisional elders and associate members under Episcopal appointment, who have a plan compensation of not less than ¾ time as calculated on 60% of the DAC or CAC whichever is the lesser and that in 2016 and 2017, the lesser amount is the DAC. The Conference Board of Pensions has not received clarification from the GBOPHB regarding ¾ time local pastors (presently covered under the UNUM policy), deacons and provisional deacons.

REPORT II, I C is amended to list the members of the Task Force of the Board of Pensions working as a result of the Board of Pensions A Way Forward: Joy Irwin (chair), Chris Blanchard, Ashely McGuire, Larry Stafford, Fredrick Sweetwyne, Omer Davis, Willis Mount, Crystal Nunnally, Chris Shankle. Ex-officio: Kenny Beauvais (CFA), James Goins (Woolworth Foundation Board of Directors), Jan Curwick (Executive Director of Administrative Services/Treasurer/Conference Benefits Officer)

SU10

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (Page 122 of the original Pre-Conference Report)

The report is amended to present the following 2 resolutions with regard to churches that are recommended to close:

RESOLUTION ONE To discontinue and abandon Iota United Methodist Church, Iota

Acadiana District Whereas it is the judgement of the Acadiana District Superintendent, Rev. John A. Cannon, after having followed the required provisions of The Book of Discipline 2012 of the United Methodist Church, that the Iota United Methodist Church with a municipal address of 219 South Fifth Street, Iota, Louisiana, should be discontinued and abandoned; and Whereas, this decision and action has been approved by the Acadiana District Board of Church Location and Building, the presiding Bishop, Cynthia Fierro Harvey, and the unanimous District Superintendents of the Louisiana Annual Conference; The Conference Board of Trustees present this resolution: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLCED by the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, South Central Jurisdiction, in Annual Conference assembled, in accordance with The Book of Discipline 2012 of the United Methodist Church, that Iota United Methodist Church, Iota, Louisiana in the Acadiana District is now discontinues and abandoned; BE IT FURTHER RESPOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Louisiana Annual Conference through its President and either its Vice-President or Secretary, be authorized to use or to sell the said property under such terms and conditions as the Board of trustees may deem meet and proper.

J. Jay Caraway, President

RESOLUTION TWO

To discontinue and abandon Pine Grove United Methodist Church, Pine Grove Lake Charles District

Whereas it is the judgement of the Acadiana District Superintendent, Rev. Steven M. Spurlock, after having followed the required provisions of The Book of Discipline 2012 of the United Methodist Church, that the Iota United Methodist Church with a municipal address of 825 Victor Martin Road, Pitkin, Louisiana, should be discontinued and abandoned; and Whereas, this decision and action has been approved by the Lake Charles District Board of Church Location and Building, the presiding Bishop, Cynthia Fierro Harvey, and the unanimous District Superintendents of the Louisiana Annual Conference; The Conference Board of Trustees present this resolution: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLCED by the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, South Central Jurisdiction, in Annual Conference assembled, in accordance with The Book of Discipline 2012 of the United Methodist Church, that Pine Grove United Methodist Church, Pitkin, Louisiana in the Lake Charles District is now discontinues and abandoned; BE IT FURTHER RESPOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Louisiana Annual Conference through its President and either its Vice-President or Secretary, be authorized to use or to sell the said property under such terms and conditions as the Board of trustees may deem meet and proper.

J. Jay Caraway, President

SU11

There may be additional resolutions regarding some additional churches. These will be in the same format as the above resolutions.

SU12

COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION (Page 123 of the original Pre-Conference Report)

As noted in Equitable Compensation Grants: A, at the time of the report there was legislation pending at General Conference that would lower the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) for 2017. The 2016 General Conference passed such legislation. However, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has not released the new 2017 DAC figure. Thus, the dollar amounts listed will have to be revised when this new 2017 DAC figure is released. The formula is to remain the same.

SU13

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS (Page 125 of the original Pre-conference Report)

The following corrections and additions are made to the original Pre-conference report are made:

CONFERENCE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND TEAMS

RELATED TO CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY

Discipleship Team (Page 125A of original Pre-conference Report)

On the list of clergy: Add the name Valla Johnson

On the list of laity: Remove the name Valla Johnson

Missions and Mercy Ministries Team (Page 125A of original Pre-conference Report)

On the list of clergy: Add the names Bradley Franklin and Kirby Verrett Remove the name Theresa Sandifer

On the list of laity: Add the name Theresa Sandifer

RELATED TO CLERGY EXCELLENCE

Committee on Administrative Review (Page 125B of the original Pre-conference Report)

List the classes of the members as follows:

Clergy Alternates Pam Crews (2012) Ellen Alston (2012) Michi Head (2016) Hadley Edwards (2016) Scott Wright (2016)

Committee on Investigation Clergy (Page 125B of the original Pre-conference Report)

List the classes and classification of the members as follows

Clergy Laity Alternates Clergy Alternates Laity Elaine Burleigh (2012) Terrell Deville (2012) Robert Burgess (2012) Carolyn Dove (2012) Bertrand Griffin (2016) George Ragsdale (2016) Lynn Malone (2016) Rob Fairly (2016) Juan Huertas (2016) Gard Wayt (2016) Juliet Spencer (2016) Kay Irby (2016) Rob Weber (2016)

SU14

Committee on Investigation Diaconal Ministers (This committee is added to the report)

Clergy Laity Alternates Clergy Alternates Laity Joseph D. Awotwi (2012) Brian Blackwood (2012) Darryl Tate (2012) Margaret Johnson (2012) Karl Klaus (2012) Rhonda Whitley (2012) Leslie Stephens (2012) Pete Agular (2016) Donald C. Cottrill (2012) Rachel Scott (2016) John Tu’uta (2016) Lynette DeLaune (2016) Scott Sutton (2016) Theresa McConnell (2016) Carolyn Dove (2016) RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES

Board of Pensions and Health Benefits Page 125C of the original Pre-conference Report

On the list of Laity:

Remove the name Katie Clark Add the name Crystal Nunnally Correct the name Drew Harvey to read Dean Harvey.

Council on Finance and Administration (Page 125C of the original Pre-conference Report)

(Listed incorrectly as Council on Finance and Adminsitrative in original Pre-conference Report) On the list of Laity: Remove the name Amanda Rothrock Add the name Amanda Short

Committee on Courtesies Page 125D of the original Pre-conference Report)

On the list of Laity:

Correct the name Wanda Whitley to read Rhonda Whitley

DISTRICT BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND TEAMS (None of these were listed in the original Pre-conference Report)

Acadiana District District Leadership Team (consists of Missional Strategy, Church Location and Building, Finance. Superintendency and Nominations; includes the duties of the District Ministry Team under the Conference Rules)

Leadership Team Chairperson: John Locascio Lay Leader: Paul Fontenot Associate Lay Leader: Doug Rogerson Associate Lay Leader: Tammy Johnson Trustees Chairperson: Molly McGee* Church Location & Building: Ramonalynn Bethley* Congregational Development Grants: Scott Sutton Lay Leadership Development: Al Franks Superintendency: Scott Bullock*

SU15

Finance Chairperson: Bryan Sibley* Treasurer: Chris Blanchard* Youth Coordinators: Nikki Barr, Angie Champine, Julie Lafosse Disaster Response: Scott T. Bullock District Superintendent: John A. Cannon *denotes Trustee District Board of Laity Lay Leader: Paul Fontenot Associate Lay Leader: Doug Rogerson Associate Lay Leader: Tammy Johnson Lay Servant Director: Charlene Smith UMW President: Dixie Hebert UMM President: Wayne Prejean Youth Coordinators: Nikki Barr, Angie Champine, Julie Lafosse DCYM President: Trevon Smith District Committee on Ordained Ministry Chairperson: Susan Ferguson Registrar: Steven J. Porter 2017 Stephen Fleming Andrew Sutton Squirrel Lovelady, Laity

2018 Lewis Morris Sue Pugh Monica Monk Joy Egby, Laity

2019 Jean Sanders Robert Johnson Ramonalynn Bethley Paul Fontenot, Laity

Baton Rouge District

District Mission Strategy Team (includes the duties of the District Board of Laity and the District Ministry Team under the Conference Rules) Mike Allen Colleen Bookter Sue Catchings Clifton Conrad Marty Ducote John Gilmore Jay Hogewood

Tom Howe Jacqueline King Latrice Mallard, DCYM Gene Rives Henry Stamper Donnie Wilkinson

District Board of Church Location and Building Bill Catchings Jim Delaune, Jr. Bill Drake Isaac Hammond Jay Hogewood Jonathan King

Debbie O. Miller Arthur Perkins Danny Robinson Fredrick Sweetwyne Idell Thomas

SU16

District Board of Trustees Sue Catchings, Lay Leader Clifton Conrad Bill Rowe

Ernest Walker Brady Whitton

District Committee on Finance and Administration Sue Catchings, Lay Leader Bridger Eglin Will Mercer

Berlin Perkins Jane Riecke Henry Stamper

District Committee on Ordained Ministry Steve Berger Colleen Bookter Sue Catchings, Lay Leader Michi Head Derrick Hills Daniel Hixon Tom Howe

Margaret Johnson Fred Neal Gene Rives Susie Thomas Walter Weiss Scott Wright

District Superintendency Committee Sue Catchings, Lay Leader Mark Crosby

Derrick Hills Fred Loy

Lake Charles District

District Ministry Team

District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Dolph Chairperson: TBD CFA Representatives: Kayla Rigney Lay Leader: Jennifer Swann Associate Lay Leader: Rick Watson Education Coordinator: Peggy Williams Mission Outreach Coordinator: Dean Sawyer Church Locations & Church Extension: Angela Bulhof Spiritual Life Coordinator: Laura Nusbaum Communication Advisor: Jennifer Wright Disaster Response Coordinator: Cliff Kelley, Wayne Taylor Youth Coordinator: Doug Young Youth Representative: Alana Rembert At-Large: TBD At-Large: TBD Scouting Ministries: Joe Hoover Recording Secretary: Sheila Foreman District Board of Church Location and Building Class of 2016-2017 Angela Bulhof (Chair) Charles Langford Eric Roan

Class of 2017-2018 Joseph Awotwi Sam Lowery Karen Talbot

Class of 2018-2019 Ed Cooper Nathaniel Langford Ellen Alston

Ex-Officio: Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Dolph

SU17

District Board of Laity District Lay Leader: Jennifer Swann Associate Lay Leader: Rick Watson Secretary: Sheila Foreman D-M Scholarship Chair: TBD Lay Speaking Co-Chairs: Randy Esters, Glenn Turner District UMW President: Anne Fields District UMM President: Robert Handy District DCYM President: Alana Rembert Youth Coordinator: Doug Young Asst. Youth Coordinators: Dylan Reed, Crystal Benoit At-Large Member: Bob Nash Ministerial Representative: Rev. Mark Strickland District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Dolph District Board of Trustees Class of 2016-2017 John Hamilton Gayle Myer Robert Fields

Class of 2017-2018 Hank Smart Bradley Swire Janet Whittle

Class of 2018-2019 Susan Grand David McCain, Chair Walter Parker, Jr.

District Committee on Finance and Administration District Treasurer: Don Ash Finance Secretary: Sheila Foreman Youth Representative: Alana Rembert Ex-Officio: Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Dolph Class of 2016-2017 Lottie Bash David Nugent John R. (Randy) Morgan

Class of 2017-2018 David Humphries Weldon Bares Marjorie Franklin

Class of 2018-2019 Charles Langford Kayla Rigney (Chair), Mark Srickland

District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Class of 2016-2017 Joseph Awotwi Roger Templeton, Registrar Weldon Bares, Chair

Class of 2017-2018 Ashley McGuire Katie McKay Simpson Ed Stewart

Class of 2018-2019 Taylor Philips, Lay Ken Kerry, Lay Mickey Shannon, Lay Pamela F. Roy

District Committee on the Superintendency District Lay Leader: Jennifer Swann District Youth Representative: Maddie Patto Class of 2016-2017 Nancy McCulloch Rev. Pam Roy Clara Scott

Class of 2017-2018 Melody Bertrand Nolan Johnson Rev. Lamar Oliver (Chair)

Class of 2018-2019 James Gaitlin Mark McMurray Rev. Roger Templeton

SU18

Monroe District District Ministry Team District Superintendent: Gary D. Willis Chair: Brenda Moffett Lay Leader: Sue Carroll Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Lori Spangler Education Coordinator: Lala Ball Cooper Communications Coordinator: Meredith Brooks Evangelism Coordinator: Truman Stagg Mission Outreach Coordinator: Jeremy Jones Worship Coordinator: Micky Cloud Youth Coordinator: Michelle Jennings DCYM President: Joey Gardunio DCFA Chair: John Hankins District Board of Church Location and Building Class of 2016-2017 Bob Deich, Chair Fred Eubanks Henry Stone

Class of 2017-2018 Mary Ann Tellis Lynn Lincecum Courtney Hornsby

Class of 2018-2019 Gary Green Jerry Kennedy Jerry Hilbun

Ex-Officio: Gary D. Willis, Sue Carroll District Board of Laity Lay Leader/Board Chair: Sue Carroll Lay Speaking Director: Pat Wiersma UMM President: TBD UMW President: Donnell Wilhite D-M Scholarship Chair: Olivia Pruett Church Starts Ministry Dir.: Meredith Brooks Youth Representative: Joey Gardunio Clergy Representative: JoAnne Pounds At-Large Member Lamar Johnston District Board of Trustees Class of 2016-2017 Lisa Mayo Howard Anderson Dana Thrash

Class of 2017-2018 C. A. (Hap) Martin Truman Stagg Judy Gamble

Class of 2018-2019 Michael Brewton Tim Neustifter Jimmy Wilkins

Ex-Officio: Gary D. Willis District Committee on Finance and Administration Class of 2016-2017 Kim Alexander Tommy Leoty, Lay Dottie Smith

Class of 2017-2018 Melissa Cummings, Lay Johnny Hankins (Chair) Truman Stagg

Class of 2018-2019 Bruce Bagwell, Lay Juliet Spencer Bill Willis, Sr.

Ex-Offico: Gary D. Willis, D.S.; Linda Murphy, Administrative Assistant for Monroe District Office

SU19

District Committee on Ordained Ministry Lala L. Ball Robert L. Burgess Richard L. Cockburn Stephen Fife Sonia Gee

Frances Hooton Richard C. Hooton Ben McGehee Danny Peel, Lay Lorraine Sparks, Lay

Truman Stagg Henry Stone Jon E. Tellifero Nannette White, Lay

Ex-Officio: Gary D. Willis District Committee on the Superintendency Class of 2016-2017 Juliet Spencer Olivia Pruett, Lay

Class of 2017-2018 Linda Beth Neustifter, Lay Amanda Carpenter

Class of 2018-2019 Jedd Lewis, Lay Katherine Staff, Lay

New Orleans District District Ministry Team District Superintendent: E. Andrew Goff Chair: To Be Appointed Co-Chair: To Be Appointed CFA Representative: Marva Mitchell Church Location & Building: Tim Smith Education Coordinator: Linda Berg Spiritual Life Coordinator: Janet Davis Mission Outreach Coordinator: Mary Corban Communication Advisor: Lisa Fitzpatrick Youth Coordinator: Nancy Hopkins Associate Youth Coordinator: Debria Upton Disaster Response Coordinators: Denny & Lynn Otillio District UMW President: Doris Harry District UMM President : Randall Schnexnayder Youth Representative: Belama Derefaka Young Adult Representative: To Be Appointed Recording Secretary: Brenda Marks District Board of Church Location and Building Gerald Gibson Alfonso Gonzalez Liz Lund Bob Moffet Timothy M. Smith, Chair Ruben P. Vaughn David Webber Ex-Officio: E. Andrew Goff (Ex Officio) District Board of Laity Lay Leader: To Be Appointed Associate Lay Leader: To Be Appointed Secretary: Benda Marks D-M Scholarship Chair: Nick Harris

SU20

Lay Speaking Chair: Gloria Davis UMW President: Doris Harry UMM President: Randall Schenaxnayder Youth Coordinator: Nancy Hopkins Associate Youth Coordinator: Debria Upton DCYM Representative: Belama Derefaka Cursillo Rep. Northshore: Bryan & Dawn Burns, Kathy Garrett, Jill McGuire Cursillo Rep. Southshore: TBD District Committee on Finance and Administration John Davidson Linda Derby Hadley Edwards Marva Mitchell, Chair Howard Morgan Sara Kreutziger, Recording Secretary Ex-Officio: E. Andrew Goff, Shari Smothers District Committee on Ordained Ministry Shawn Anglim Doug Cain Simon Chigumira, Vice Chair Warren Clifton Becky Conner M. Janet Davis

Bertrand Griffin Kenneth Johnston, Lay Sarah Kreutziger, Lay Levi Lewis, Lay Anice Moses Martha Orphe

Karli Pidgeon Carrie Roy, Lay Lane Cotton Winn, Chair Max Zehner, Registrar

District Board of Trustees Bryan Burns Irvin Boudreaux

Marion Gaines Gary Lipps, Chair

Denny Otillio

District Committee on the Superintendency Becky Conner, Chair Simon Chigumira

Lenora Gray Levi Lewis

Bill Moon

Shreveport District District Ministry Team District Superintendent: Wybra Price Lay Leader: Gordon Bartage Chair: Laura Vaughan Education Coordinator: Beth Cole Education Coordinator: Billie Logan Tate Older Education Coordinator: Willis Dear Lay Servant Director: Paul Merkle Spiritual Disciplines: Betty Johnson Mission Outreach & Coordinator Rachel Scott VIM Team Co-Chairs Tom Dungan Susan Dungan Ashley Goad Youth Coordinator: Melissa Enis Assistant Youth Coordinator: Alexis Ramey

SU21

Religion & Race: A. J. Williams Director of Camping: Anita Shelton Disaster Response Coordinator: Scott Spalding Youth Representative: David Black Youth Representative: Angela Ramsey Communications: Katie Winningham At Large: Mary Harris District Board of Church Location and Building Class of 2016 Doug Filler Wayne King Hulen Warren, Jr.

Class of 2017 Ronnie Carlson Ken Hill Mike Newman

Class of 2018 Bob Carrell, Chair Leah Gaughan Michelle Sauls

Ex-Officio: Gordon Bartage, Lay Leader and Wybra Price, D.S. District Board of Laity Lay Leader: Gordon Bartage Dir of Lay Servant Ministries: Paul Merkle UMM President: Mike McLallen UMW President: Marilyn Turnley UMY President: David Black UMY Vice President: Angela Ramsey Dir of Camping: Anita Shelton Scholarships: Beth Cole Ministerial Member: Cheri Godwin Scouting: Jim Maker At Large: Laura Vaughan At Large: Joseph Levingston District Board of Trustees Class of 2016 Kristen Blancher Parker Self Mike Vasko

Class of 2017 Roxann Fallin Jim Hatch Ford Stinson, Chair

Class of 2018 Robert Davis Ernel Jones Shannon Huertas

District Committee on Finance and Administration Class of 2016 RB Moore Clay Johnson Mel Phillips

Class of 2017 Vance Smith Carl Stewart Dianne Wilkerson

Class of 2018 John Robinson Chris Shankle (chair) Randy Slagle

Ex-Officio: Kenny Beauvais, Wybra Price, D.S.

SU22

District Committee on Ordained Ministry Class of 2016 Elenora Cushenberry Greg Davis Tom Dungan Cheri Godwin James Graham Brian Mercer Matt Rawle

Class of 2017 Lindy Broderick Doug Cain Ethel Haughton, Lay Shirley Robinson, Lay Suzanne Watson, Lay Kathy Wafer

Class of 2018 Elaine Burleigh Kathy Fitzhugh, Registrar Juan Huertas, Chair Theresa McConnell Mimi McDowell Billy Turner Gina Wiggins, Lay Katie Winningham, Lay Nancy Wofford

Ex-Officio: Gordon Bartage, Lay Leader; Wybra Price, D.S. District Committee on the Superintendency Class of 2016 Shannon Brown Bill McLain Janet Parker

Class of 2017 Brenda Benton David Dietzel Betsy Eaves

Class of 2018 Debbie Digilormo Mimi McDowell Steve Terrell

Ex-Officio: Gordon Bartage

TRUSTEES AND BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF ENTITIES RELATED TO LA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Camps

Caney Class of 2016 Danny Baskin Ron Jones Kenny Morrow Shirley Payne Gail Pickering Anita Shelton Leslie Stephens

Richard Varner Class of 2017 Debbie Cloud Brad Franklin Lynn Lincecum Jon Lord Allison Milliron Jamie Moore

Class of 2018 Jeanne Brown Marcelle Crow Freida Peel Brett Pickering Rich Varner Corry Wafer

Ex-Officio: Wybra Price (Shreveport D.S.), Gary D. Willis (Monroe D.S.), Patrick Clawson, Brian Mercer, Anita Shelton Istrouma Term Ends 2017 Stewart Craig, Chair Vicki Frick Justin Proctor, Secretary Elizabeth Vinturella

Term Ends 2018 Fran Belas Warren Clifton Susannah Craig Mike Dupree Dane´ Long David Orges Bart Peak Matt Rawle

Dan Weber, Treasurer Term Ends 2019 Sheantel Baker Issac Hammond, Vice-Chair

Executive Director: Garth Frenzel Ex-Officio: Ken Irby (Baton Rouge D.S.), Andy Goff (New Orleans D.S.)

SU23

Uskichitto Katie Black Andrew Connell, Secretary, Trustee Fred Fraser Matt Fuller, Trustee

Chris Godair, Trustee John Krause Michael McFarlain, Presdient Ingrid Milo John Patton, Jr.

Seven Porter, Trustee Ron Sarver Paul Warner

Directors: Matt and Sharon Shaw Ex-Officio: John Cannon (Acadiana D.S.), Tom Dolph (Lake Charles D.S.)

Centenary College of Louisiana

2015-16 Officers Chairman: George D. Nelson, Jr. Vice Chairman: Jon Q Petersen Treasurer: Archer Frierson Secretary: John F. George Jr. Immediate Past Chair: Edward J. Crawford, III Trustees and Term Expirations 2018 2019 2020 C. Ellis Brown Jr. John Atkins Imad Anbouba Bill Broyles David Barlow J. Stafford Comegys G. Archer Frierson II Edward J. Crawford III Beth Bonner DeVille Jane Hutchinson James Daryl Fultz Mark D. Eldredge Thomas E. McElroy Fred Loy Lennis S. Elston Harry McInnis Paul Michael Mann John F. George, Jr. Jon Q Petersen Carol Borne Spencer George D. Nelson, Jr. Charles B. Simmons W. Juan Watkins Ex-Officio Life Members Bishop of the Louisiana Conference Cynthia F. Harvey William G. Anderson President of Centenary College Christopher L. Holoman Charles Ellis Brown Gretchen S. Crow Kenneth M. Fisher William W. Hutchinson

Patricia A. O'Brien John T. Palmer William D. Peeples Austin G. Robertson, Jr. Vernon Sanders Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen Sally S. Treat Hoyt L. Yokem

Dillard University Chair: Michael D. Jones First Vice-Chair: Frank Mason Secretary: Ronald V. Burns, Sr. Treasurer: Cleland Powel, III President: Walter M. Kimbrough Board Members: Kim M. Boyle, Dathel C. Georges, Orim Graves, Sidney Green, Ruth Carter, Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Asuncion Hostin, Lana Michel Moorer, Press Kabacoff, Charles L. Rice, Jr., James E. Lyons, Sr., Carol Solomon, Carl E. Stewart, Erroll G. Williams, Matthew Wisdom

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Dulac Community Center President: Joyce Thibodeaux Vice-President: Linda Yates Secretary: Annie Parfait Treasurer: Ladonna Billiot Board Members: Bette Billiot, Louise Billiot, Vickie Bollinger, Raymond Devillier, Janie Luster, Margery Manuel, Annie Parfait, Don Ross, Sarah Schoeffler Ex-Officio Members: Acadiana District Superintendent (John Cannon), UMW President (Marjorie Franklin), Acadiana District UMW President (Dixie Hebert), UMW Representative (Connie Paulk), Pastor Dulac UMC (Kirby Verrett) Executive Director: John Silver

LA Conference of the UMC Disaster Response, Inc. Board Randy Ewing James Goins Larry Miller

James Moore Anice Moses Denny Otillio Wayne Prejean

Van Stinson Ruben Vaughn Dianne Wooden

Ex-Officio: Cynthia Fierro Harvey (Bishop of the Louisiana Area); Bernadine Johnson (Director of Connectional Ministries); Jan Curwick (Executive Director of Administrative Services)

Louisiana Conference of United Methodist Men President: Wayne Prejean Vice-President: Ron Sarver (Acadiana & Lake Charles Districts) Vice-President: Joe Kelley (Baton Rouge and New Orleans Districts) Vice-President: Gard Wayt (Monroe and Shreveport Districts) Secretary: Barny Babin, Treasurer: Jerry Beauchamp Hunger Relief Advocate: Sonny Evans Prison Ministries Coordinator: Mike Grace

Louisiana Conference of United Methodist Women

President: Marjorie Franklin Vice-President: Sandy DeCelle Secretary: Karen Martin Treasurer: Jeanette McCalman Spiritual Growth Coordinator: Vickie Bollinger Education & Interpretation Coordinator: Joyce Thibodeaux Members, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator: Margery Manuel Social Action Coordinator: Melinda Graham Secretary Program Resources: Linda Trouard Communications Coordinator: Erica Washington Committee on Nominations, Chair: Cynthia Alfred Logan Acadiana President: Dixie Hebert Baton Rouge, President: Callan Corbett Lake Charles, President: Anne Fields Monroe, President: Donnel Wilhite New Orleans, President: Doris Harry Shreveport President: Marilyn Turnley Mission U Dean: Carrie Roy

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Louisiana Interchurch Conference (LA Annual Conference Representatives) Clergy: Steven W. Bush, Clifton C. Conrad, Sr., Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Jan H. Curwick, Bernadine Johnson, Larry G. Miller, Monica G. Monk, Karli Pidgeon, Cory Sparks, Hulen C. Warren, Jr., Donnie Wilkinson, Lane Cotton Winn Laity: Joyce Annison, Mary Harris, Collin Hughes, Willie Mae Kimbrough, Glenn Turner, Pat Wilkerson At Large Member: Lindy Broderick (Member at Large to LIC) Ex-Officio: Van Stinson (serve as Ex Officio)

Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services, Inc. Ex-Officio Board Members: Resident Bishop of the Louisiana Area (Rev. Cynthia F. Harvey), Lake Charles District Superintendent (Tom Dolph), Monroe District Superintendent (Rev. Gary Willis), New Orleans District Superintendent (Rev. Andy Goff), Shreveport District Superintendent (Dr. Wybra Price), President, United Methodist Men (Wayne Prejean), President, Conference United Methodist Women (Marjorie Franklin), LA Annual Conference Lay Leader (to be elected), President/CEO, LUMCFS (Rick Wheat), President Emeritus, LUMCFS (Terrel DeVille), Pastor, Grace United Methodist Church (Bob Deich), Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church (Juliet Spencer)

Term Expires 2016 Jeanne Browning Joanna Hauser Juan Huertas Don McGehee Matt Vincent Joan Warren

Term Expires 2017 Fred Banks William Henning, Jr. Bill McIntyre Darryl Tate Robert Temple Robert Tillery

Term Expires 2018 Ramonalynn Bethley Steve Burkhalter Bill Goforth Babs Mollere Cindy Qualls Betty Rowell

Term Expires 2019 Evelyn Evans Reid Falconer William Billy James (Treasurer) Richard Lewis Richie McKinney Stacie Woodard

Life Members: Chris Andrews, Bob Burgess, Terrel DeVille, Rosemary Ewing, Jimmy Love, Byrum Teekell

MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Services, Inc. Chair: Douglas Holloway Vice-Chair: M. Dianne Williams Secretary: Amanda Mustin Treasurer: Craig Stanga Elected Board Members: Suzanne Achee, Roberta “Bobbie” Dickerson, Ernest Ellender, Jon Foret, Cheleste Gottschalk, Michael Garner, Tina Granger, Corey Harris, Keith Rhea, Joyce Thibodeaux, Paul White, Jr. Ex-Officio Members: President of the LA UMW (Marjorie Franklin), Resident Bishop of the LA Annual Conference (Cynthia Fierro Harvey), Acadiana District Superintendent (John Cannon) Honorary Members: Liaison from the UMW National Office (Ebony Diaz) Advisory Council: Lisa Farmer, Grace M. Gueydan, Betty Thomas, Janette Taunton, Arlanda Williams

Methodist Health System Foundation, Inc. Chairman: Patrick Gibbs Vice-Chairman: Marian L. Eggerton Treasurer: Donald E. Pate Secretary: Patrick Mottram President: Frederick C. Young, Jr. Board Members: Wendy Beron Judy Dawson

Mary Giraud Joseph A. Labat Enrica K. Singleton

Oscar Del Portal Larry Wink

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North Rampart Community Center President: Casey Adams Vice-President: Glenda Johnson Secretary: Kazell Williams Treasurer: Larry Miguez Board Members: Jason Greenaway, Allen “Al” Harris, Jeff Kessler Ex-Officio: UMW President (Marjorie Franklin)

The Retired Ministers Homes Board, Inc. Danny Brouillette Henry Broussard Earle Cefalu Dave Fortuna

Jerry Hilbun, Executive Director Bruce Hursey Charles Jimerson Lewis Love, President

Spiller Milton Andrew Moore Steven Spurlock Nelba Stine, Secretary/Treasurer

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana Chair: Nettles Brown Vice-Chair: Weldon Barres Immediate Past Chair: Joseph Awotwi Secretary: Sandra Kuykendall Investment Chair: Michael G. Dehart Grants Chair: Mae C. Belton At-Large Ex. Comm.: Omer C. Davis President/CEO: Robert C. Fairly, Jr. Board of Directors:

Term to Expire 2017 Term to Expire 2018 Term to Expire 2019 Weldon C. Bares Joseph Awotwi Mae C. Belton L. Nettles Brown Dean Harvey Hadley Edwards Omer C. Davis Michi Head Irwin L. Felps Michael G. Dehart Sandra Kuykendall Frank W. Harrison Richard Lewis Chris Spencer R. Larry Stafford Diane Wilkinson

By virtue of position: Executive Director of Administrative Services (Jan Holloway Curwick), Chair, Council on Finance and Administration (to be elected)

United Methodist Hope Ministries

Term ending 2016 Ginny Allen, Chair Judson Banks, Vice-Chair Stephanie Gargile

Term Ending 2017 Bob Barton Michael Kirby Allen Posey

Term Ending 2018 Steve Werner, Treasurer Birkett Warren Kim Ginn Cheryl Olinde, Secretary

Term Ending 2020 Don Collins Cheryl Kirchoff Kathy Shirley

Term Ending 2021 Emily Landry A J Walker Steve Windham

Ex-Officio: Ken Irby

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Wesley Center

Term Expires 2017 Dayton McCann Truman Stagg Earl Taylor

Term Expires 2018 Elaine Burleigh Carolyn Dove Debbie Hancock

Term Expires 2019 Gary Golden Tammie Johnson Joyce Thibodeaux

Term Expires 2020 Don Cottrill Pookie Ingram Scott Sutton TBD TBD TBD

Ex-Officio: Bishop Cynthia Harvey, Van Stinson, Jan Curwick, Tom Dolph, LA Annual Conference Lay Leader (TBD), Chair CFA (TBD)

Wesley Foundations

Grambling University

Chair: Doret Gilbert-Wilson Vice-Chair: Thomas Nsubuga Trustee: Eddie Rushing Finance/Treasurer: Kim Alexander Secretary: Rozina Newman Board: Jan Rose Jerry Hilburn

Clara Toombs Patrick Taylor Earl Griffin

Stavinoah Bradley John Tellis

Director: Carlron Hollins Ex Officio: Juliet Spencer (Monroe D.S.); Gary Willis (Senior Pastor, Trinity UMC); Janet Guyden (GSU VP); David Ponton (Baptist GSU Student Affairs)

Louisiana State University

Lee Allen Brad Davis, Chair Jennifer Fontenot Lisa Frost, Vice Chair

Emma Gordon, Student David Holladay Amanda Holley, Student R Laura O’Quinn, Matt Rawle

Todd Rossnagle Daniel Shroyer, Treasurer Matt Smith, Secretary James W. Wetherford

Ex-Officio: Jane Riecke (University UMC, Baton Rouge), Ken Irby (Baton Rouge D.S.) Director: Adam Darragh Faculty Advisor: John Fletcher Interns: Philip Hahn, Lauren Hudson

Louisiana Tech University

Chair: Mark Graham (Personnel) Secretary: Meghan Magee Staff: Becky Clark, Kaiti Rees Lammert, Carla Terry Board voting: Todd Clark (Trustees) Jeremy Jones Lisa Lord Wesley McConnell Jonathan Magee Kate Perot (Personnel)

Will Peshoff Erik Rasmussen Andrew Roan Chad Wages (Finance)

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Board Non-voting Marie Burns (Personnel) Bob Deich Joe Koskie (Personnel) Jon Lord

Charles Penuell (Personnel) Leslie Stephens Gary Willis

McNeese State University

Class of 2016 Pat McKee Shirley McKee, Secretary Buddy Montgomery James Watts

Class of 2017 Andrew Connell Cindy Hodge Anna Hoffpauir, Finance Chair Matt Shaw Dottie Spann

Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Chris Bourgeois Ralph Brinkley, Vice-chair, Lay Leadership, Trustee Chair Janet Bruce Brian Robinson, Treasurer Susan Clark Katie McKay Simpson Marcellus Hawkins Faith Hawkins Bradley Swire, ChairWayne Taylor Ann Warner

Director of Ministry/Campus Min: Kevin Hodge Staff Parish Relations Chair: Rev. Walter Parker, Jr. Faculty Advisor: Ann Warner Administrative Assistant: Myra Bennett Director of Development: TBA Bookkeeper: Jacki Seal Student Intern: Haley Leleaux Student Intern: Morgan Dieterich Student Council President: Morgan Dieterich Student Council Vice President: Jake Miller Student Council Secretary: Emily Keeley Student Council Senator: Ben Musgrove Student Council Senator: Andrew Hedlesky Ex-Officio: Thomas E. Dolph (Lake Charles D.S.), Richard Sirmon Student Representatives: Haley Leluex, Ben Musgrove, Ben Parker Northwestern State University 2016 Class Carolyn Dove Jamie Flanagan Rosanne Osborne Gwen Robinson

2017 Class Sondra Alexander Deborah Caron, Secretary Judith Hayes Shannon Huertas, Chair Diane Smith, Vice-Chair

Class of 2018 Grace Barnett Mike Bredlove Annie Kendig Brad Pollit

Campus Minister: Clair Carter Ex-Officio: Wybra Price (Shreveport D.S.), Doug deGraffenreid (Pastor, FUMC, Natchitoches), TBD (Conference BOHE & CM), TBD (Conference BOHE & CM), Kayla Viree (Administrative Asst), Danette Westfall (bookkeeper)

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Southeastern Louisiana University

Emily Bergeron Mitchell Black (Chair) Bryan Burns

Warren Clifton Joe Donakey Paul Hermann

Sam Hubbard James Lirette Mike McKlaurin

Southern University Board Members: Rodney Burris Karen Burton Mary Burton (Secretary) Donald C. Cottrill Jesse Glasper Isaac Hammond Gwendolyn Herson

Edna B. Hickman Willie Johnson (Trustee Chair) Joe Kelly Eileen Kennedy, Chair Lana Lathan Josh McDaniel Rogers Newman(emeritus)

Joyce O’Rourke Dianne Shelmire (Treasurer) Donald Shelmire Ernise Singleton Edmond Stewart Linda Washington(Vice-Chair)

Campus minister: Tiffanie Postell Ex-Officio: Ken Irbry (Baton Rouge D.S) , Students (Jarred Hayes, Devin Robertson, Samantha Smith,

Natalia Matthews, Denise Smith, Lakeisha Mills,) Clifton Conrad(Camphor Memorial UMC)

Tulane and Loyola Universities Irvin Boudreaux Kathryn Davis

Kotosha Griffin Elder Gwin Caleb Hicks

Alex Sloan Andrew Smith

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Chair: Marlice Dugas Vice-Chair: Jordan Forsthoff Secretary: Janell Ducrest Treasurer: Jimmy Mayeux Director: Bill Baker Board: Doyle Coffelt Sydney Fuller Matthew Louis Hall

Melissa Kinniff Kathleen Knierim Mike Lavergne Julie Lafosse

Carllene MacMillan Kay Riedel Malika Taylor

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Don Arrington Skip Caisse Devin Caldwell

Cheryl Carr Paul Nelson Cindy Strickler

Bruce Walker Nannette White Bill Willis, Sr.

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COMMITTEE ON PETITIONS (No report in the original Pre-Conference Report)

Three petitions were timely submitted. Copies of the petitions follow this page. The petitions were referred to the bodies indicated on the petitions.

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PETITION TO THE 2016 LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Petition Number 1 Referred To: Council on Finance and Administration

Subject: _Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Journal

Petitioner: __Kermit Curtis “K.C.”Roberson ______ Signature: __________________________________

Local Church: __Roberts United Methodist Church___________________________________________

(If individual petitioner)

Reasons for the Petition (Whereas): We are receiving the Conference journal later and later for the past three years and as we are now in pertinent part a digital community. The majority of all conference data having be received via pre­conference reporting, we believe that in light of transparency that the completed journal should not take longer than 90 days after the corporate meeting of the Louisiana conference to produce. Even if the preconference meeting does not take place, the information is still requested and compiled.

Proposed Action (Be it therefore resolved): We the members of the Louisiana Annual Conference desire to have the physical Journal of our annual meeting or the PDF version of the Conference in a published form, with supplements and corrections to be added prior to Pre­Conference reports for the next Conference year if applicable; And that the conference approved journal, be published, at a minimum 99 days, but not later than 120 days after the Annual Conference proceedings close. And that the bishop should enforce the same upon their designee for compliance to this new annual conference standard.

Committee or Commission Report

(number of votes): Concur ____________________________________

Do Not Concur ______________________________

Abstain ____________________________________

If Concurrence is Sustained Refer to _________________________

for Implementation.

All Petitions must be typed. Margins of at least ½” are needed for reproduction. Send

Petitions (preferably by email) to johns.bern@gmail.com or mail to Rev. Bernadine Johnson,

Chair, Committee on petitions, 12500 Old Hammond Hwy, Apt E5, Baton Rouge, LA 70816­

1090. All Petitions must be received by Sunday, May 29, 2016; this is not an arbitrary date

but is required by conference rules. Each person or organization submitting a petition must

supply 1200 copies printed on the official form (on yellow paper) using “Astrobright Paper” –

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PETITION TO THE 2016 LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

color – Sunburst on the opening day of Annual Conference. These may be brought to the office

located in the Gold Dome.

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PETITION TO THE 2016 LA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Petition Number 2 Referred to: Commission on Equitable Compensation

Subject: Commission on Equitable Compensation, Moving Expenses

Petitioner: William Hawn

Local Church: Faith Crossing United Methodist Church (If individual petitioner)

Reasons for the Petition (Whereas):

The current guidelines regarding moving expenses do not appear to be consistent with the actual mandated charge expenditures for pastor relocations.

Currently, for charges of 250 members or less and the charge has not initiated the change, the Conference will provide to the charge V of actual moving expenses up to a maximum of $500 if the pastor is moved after one year and provided to the charge V4 of actual moving expenses up to a maximum of $300 if the pastor is moved after two years.

The maximum relocation expense in 2014 to be paid by the charge was $5,000 (separate correspondence indicates this maximum will be raised to $6,000 for 2016). The $500 and $300 to be provided by the Conference to the charge is clearly out of balance with the additional statement of up to % of actual moving expenses. The Conference assistance should be modified to more accurately reflect the current maximum moving expense allowance as well reflect the actual financial impact of changing pastors on all charges and, in particular, upon charges of 250 members or less.

Proposed Action (Be it therefore resolved):

The current guidelines regarding Moving Expenses (sections A and B, page 124) be revised to read:

Regarding Moving Expenses: Charges of 250 members or less that have frequent changes in pastors shall be eligible for assistance from the Conference with moving expenses on the following basis:

A. If the pastor is moved after one year and the charge has not initiated the change, the Conference shallpay to the charge 1/2 of actual moving expenses up to a maximum of $3,000.

B. If the pastor is moved after two years and the charge has not initiated the change, the Conference shallpay to the charge 1/2 of actual moving expenses up to a maximum of $2,000.

Committee or Commission Report (number of votes):

ConCur

Do Not Concur

Abstain

lf Concurrence is Sustained Refer to for Implementation.

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PETITION TO THE 2016 LA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Petition Number 3 Referred to: Council on Finance and Administration (the above to be filled in by the Petition Committee)

Subject: Clergy Moving Expenses

Petitioner: Rev. Lane Cotton Winn Signature:

Local Church: Pearl River United Methodist Church

WHEREAS, the Conference Council on Finance and Administration recommends that local churches reimburse the moving expenses of incoming clergy up to $6,000, and;

WHEREAS, $6,000 is a financial burden for many churches, especially during the summer, which is historically the lowest season of financial giving of the year, and;

WHEREAS, the average length of pastoral appointments in the Louisiana Conference is on the decline, which means more frequency in moves for churches and clergy, and;

WHEREAS, a number of pastoral appointment changes are initiated by the Cabinet and not requested by the pastor or the local church, and;

WHEREAS, there are at least 20 Annual Conferences, seven of which are in the South Central Jurisdiction, paying all or a portion of their clergy’s moving expenses: Arkansas, Baltimore­Washington, Central Texas, Dakotas, Desert Southwest, Detroit, East Ohio, Great Plains, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma, Rio Texas, Susquehanna, Texas, Upper New York, West Michigan, Western North Carolina, Wisconsin;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: THAT beginning in 2018, the Louisiana Conference shall provide $2,000 towards the expense of moves for full elders, provisional elders, associate members, full­time local pastors, and seminarians receiving their first appointment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT beginning in 2020, the Louisiana Annual Conference shall provide $3,000 towards the expense of moves for full elders, provisional elders, associate members, full­time local pastors, and seminarians receiving their first appointment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Cabinet, following coordination with the Conference Treasurer and President of the Council on Finance and Administration, may on a case­by­case basis make exceptions to this policy.

Committee or Commission Report (number of votes:) Concur __________________________

Do Not Concur ____________________ Abstain __________________________

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PETITION TO THE 2016 LA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

If Concurrence is Sustained Refer to _________________________________________________________ for Implementation

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COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (Page 126 of the original Pre-Conference Report)

The pre-conference report is supplemented and amended as follows:

REPORT 1

Due to legislation passed at the 2016 General Conference, Report 1, 1A is amended to change the name of the Sunday to be celebrated on March 26, 2017, from One Great Hour of Sharing to UMCOR Sunday.

The following numbered item regarding sales tax collection is added to report 1:

16. The Council points out to churches that the Louisiana Legislature amended the sales tax provisions in Louisianain Acts 25 and 26 of the 2016 regular session and churches must now collect and remit sales taxes on the sale ofmany items that were not required in the past (e.g., fund raiser dinners, tickets to entertainment events). If thechurch sponsors a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, the church should not collect and remit any sales taxes for theseorganizations under the churches application and number, but the scouting organizations should obtain their ownnumber and collect and remit sales taxes in their own name.

REPORT 2

As indicated in Note b to the Budget Proposal, the amounts listed for General Church and Jurisdictional Apportionments were provided by the General Council of Finance and Administration and the office for the South Central Jurisdiction and were subject to change depending upon action of General Conference in May or Jurisdictional Conference in July.

The 2016 General Conference approved a budget that increased funding from the proposed amounts and after General Conference, the Louisiana Annual Conference received a revised apportionment figure for 2017 from the General Council of Finance and Administration for General Church apportionments. These revised Apportionments for the General Church are as follows:

2016 Budgeted Amounts

2017 Apportionments Before General

Conference

2017 Apportionments

After General Conference

Difference Between 2017 After General

Conference & the 2016 Budget

World Service 1,092,570 1,113,677 1,132,374 39,804

Ministerial Education Fund 375,101 382,343 382,463 7,362

Black College Fund 149,632 152,513 152,561 2,929

Africa University 33,496 34,132 34,143 647

Interdenominational Fund 29,350 29,902 29,911 561

General Administration Fund 131,911 134,418 134,460 2,549

Episcopal Fund 352,202 335,236 335,342 (16,860)

TOTAL 2,164,262 2,182,221 2,201,254 36,992

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Thus, if Jurisdictional Apportionments for 2017 do not change, the amounts for General Church and Jurisdictional Apportionments will be:

2016 Budgeted Amounts

2017 Apportionments Before General

Conference

2017 Apportionments

After General Conference

Difference Between 2017 After General

Conference & the 2016 Budget

General Church 2,164,262 2,182,221 2,201,254 36,992

Jurisdictional 64,538 80,210 80,210 15,672 TOTAL Gen Church/Jurisdiction 2,228,800 2,262,431 2,281,464 52,664

Assuming no change in Jurisdictional Apportionments, the Louisiana Annual Conference Budget and Apportionment for 2017 would be:

2016 Budgeted Amounts

2017 Apportionments Before General

Conference

2017 Apportionments

After General Conference

Difference Between 2017 After General

Conference & the 2016 Budget

Total General Church/Jurisdiction 2,228,800 262,431 2,281,464 52,664

Total LA Annual Conference 5,425,395 5,391,750 5,391,750 (33645)

TOTAL 7,614,430 7,614,416 7,673,214 19,019

Considering these figure, the Apportioned Amount for 2017 would be $7,673,214 – 39,765 from the Lily Grant, or $7,633,449, which is $19,019 more than in 2016 (¼% increase)

The budget and apportioned amount would be adjusted and be set prior to the 2017 apportionments being run for any changes adopted at Jurisdictional Conference in July 2017 that are allocated to the Louisiana Annual Conference.

In Note p to the budget, the dollar amounts were listed correctly but some positions were inadvertently left off the list of positions budgeted under each area of ministry in 2017. The amended list is as follows:

o Congregational Vitality• Clergy – Executive Director of Center for Congregational Vitality/Director of Connectional

Ministries; Director of Communication Strategies; Director of Congregational Development(expenses only, no salary or benefits)

• Staff – Assistant for the Center of Congregational Vitality; Youth Ministry Strategist ½;Communication Liaison ¼

o Clergy Excellence• Clergy – Executive Director of Center for Clergy Excellence ½; Director of Center for Pastoral

Effectiveness; Coordinator of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry• Staff – Assistant for the Center of Clergy Excellence ¾

o Bishop and Cabinet• Clergy – Assistant to the Bishop ½• Staff – Assistant for the Assistant to the Bishop ¼

o Administrative Ministries• Clergy –Executive Director of Administrative Services/Treasurer/Conference Benefits Officer• Staff – Comptroller/Assistant Treasurer; Assistant Benefits Officer; Assistant to the Center for

Administrative Ministries; Receptionist/Finance & Benefits Assistant

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EPISCOPAL RESIDENCE COMMITTEE (Not included in the original Pre-Conference Report)

The Episcopal Residence has served as host to many gatherings including young clergy, the Cabinet, pastors of large churches, the Committee on Episcopacy as well as others, and has served the episcopal family well for family gatherings and celebrations. During the past year, several small household items have been repaired and drapes have been added to the front rooms. Plans include adding a backup generator to provide power during outages. Jim DeLaune

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