[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_image src=”https://arumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/AnnualConference_finalbranding_slide_graphiconly-1-web.png” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1500ms” animation_delay=”250ms” animation_speed_curve_last_edited=”off|desktop”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (April 24, 2020) – In an effort to ensure the health and safety of voting members and visitors to the 2020 Arkansas Annual Conference amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference has made the decision to reschedule the May 27 – 30 gathering in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and move the business of the conference to an online Zoom meeting.
In accordance with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson’sExecutive Order #20-15, meetings such as Annual Conference via remote communication are allowed.
The rescheduled date for the Annual Conference business session will be Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All clergy and lay voting members will be provided information to join the Zoom call, and guests will be able to view the meeting through a YouTube livestream.
This session will consist only of items deemed essential.
The Clergy Session will be held on Wednesday, May 27 beginning at 1:30 – 2 p.m. on Zoom. Participants who will need to participate in this meeting include all who would normally attend the clergy session.
Additionally, on May 27 from 2:15 – 4 p.m., clergy voting members will participate in the clergy voting session via Zoom. clergy in full connection, clergy with voting rights, those presented for commissioning and ordination, and Board of Ministry lay members.
All District Conferences have been rescheduled to Zoom meetings, which will take place between May 16 – 19 and will last approximately one hour each. The new District Conference dates are as follows:
- Southeast District – Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.
- Southwest District – Sunday, May 17, 2 p.m.
- Northeast District – Sunday, May 17, 4 p.m.
- Northwest District – Monday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.
- Central District – Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.
Participants for the District Conferences will include all district clergy; district laity who are members of Annual Conference by charge conference vote; district laity who are members re: Conference Standing Rules; and those selected to serve as lay-clergy equalization at-large members. The meetings will also be open to all guests for viewing through YouTube live stream.
In district sessions, the agenda will consist only of items that have been considered essential. For Lay equalization, due to the unique nature of circumstances, we will continue to use our current standing rules.
Those who may have trouble being part of the online sessions because of internet connectivity issues will be provided a place to participate in a safe manner consistent with current guidelines. Specific locations and safety precautions are being identified and will be announced soon.
To allow for in-person ordination, the Ordination Service has been rescheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30 beginning at 4:00 pm. A location has not yet been set, but plans are still in the works for the service to take place in a church setting.
For updated Annual Conference information, visit arumc.org/ac2020/.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]