Additional information, including updates to many conference materials, can be found

at WestMichiganConference.org

WIRELESS INTERNET:The Guest network is available for all visitors and guests. This network is available campus

wide in all locations that CalvinStudents/CalvinWireless is currently available and requires authentication every 24 hours.

Note: As of January 2013, the Guest network replaces all other networks previously used for guest access, including PrinceCC, Calvinguest,

Conferences, and Calvin Athletics.

http://www.calvin.edu/it/core/network/wireless/guest_setup.html

*As a courtesy, PLEASE SILENCEall electronic devices during presentations.

Thank You.

Greetings from Bishop Kiesey

Information

Schedule for Wednesday, May 29

Schedule for Thursday, May 30

Schedule for Friday, May 31

Schedule for Saturday, June 1

Special Meals

Welcome

Worship Offerings

Meet Lovett Weems

Meet Bishop Rader

Ordination

Fine Arts Center Map

Calvin College Map

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Table of Contents

Follow Us!Watch Annual Conference Plenary Sessions Live on our website at WestMichiganConference.org

#WMAC13

facebook.com/WestMichiganConference

facebook.com/groups/WMCUMC

WMCUMC

WMCUMC

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“I am grateful to God – whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did – when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”

- 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Once again we gather together as the Body of Christ in this unique form known as the West Michigan Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. We have come from across this great conference to celebrate – to worship – to re-connect with one another – and to do all we can to witness to the power of Christ as we extend The United Methodist Church witness throughout the state of Michigan.

During these holy days of Annual Conference, as we worship, work and fellowship together, let’s remember that the sincere and deep faith that brought us here – the “faith that lived first in your Grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, and now, I am sure, lives in you” (2 Tim. 1:5) – is still strong.

Let us come … and fill our hearts and souls and minds as we “rekindle the gift of God that is within” (2 Tim. 1:6) each one of us. Let us come … to witness and remember the “laying on of hands” (2 Tim. 1:6b) that symbolizes God’s continued movement in the lives of God’s people.

Let us come … as we move forward “not with a spirit of cowardice, but with a spirit of power and love and self discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

But most of all, let us come … in joy – in hope – and in prayer, as we open ourselves to the working of God in our lives and our Annual Conference.

With you in the Work of Christ,

Bishop Deb

WELCOMEfrom Bishop Kiesey

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The Calvin College Bookstore, located in the Commons, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and carries personal items, magazines, cards, etc.

Cokesbury Book Store is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center room 115, near the South Entrance.

Laura Witkowski is your Conference Facilitator. Her job is to help anyone who needs assistance in understanding and using the procedures and resources of the Conference in session. You will find her seated at a table left of the stage.

All conference materials are available online at WestMichiganConference.org. Daily News, a summary and preview of upcoming events, is emailed each evening to all members to Annual Conference. Printed copies are available each morning.

In case of any emergency, messages will be announced and you will be directed where to head for safety. In the event of an emergency on campus, dial Campus Safety at 3-333. Persons needing to contact you in the event of an emergency can call 616/526-6291 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hours, please call 616/526-6452.

We value your comments and suggestions for improving Annual Conference. These surveys are used to evaluate how we can improve our event for next year. Please take time to share your thoughts online:For Annual Conference (Wed – Sat) http://bit.ly/AC13surveyFor Inspiration Saturday (Saturday only) http://bit.ly/AC13Sat

A Health Station is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center in Room 125, behind the auditorium stage. It is staffed by a nurse during the hours that Conference is in session. If you have any health concerns or needs, or just need a cot for rest, please feel free to make use of this service.

Hearing devices: Excellent units are available upon request at no cost at the registration desk for use in the Covenant Fine Arts Center. Shuttle service: A limited number of golf carts are available to help people get to various locations. Schedules listing times and pickup points are available at the registration desk. Wheelchair accommodations: Space is reserved on the main level of the Covenant Fine Arts Center for wheelchair positioning. Space is also reserved in the chapel for wheelchair placement. If you have need of any assistance while at Annual Conference please visit the registration desk.

CAMPUS BOOKSTORE

COKESBURY BOOK ROOM

CONFERENCE FACILITATOR

CONFERENCE MATERIALS

EMERGENCY

We hope your time at Annual Conference is pleasant and want to make your visit to the Calvin College campus as enjoyable as possible. If you find yourself in need of assistance or additional information there are many people waiting to serve you:

• Calvin College Conference Assistants – ready to make your stay at Calvin a pleasant one.• Conference Facilitator – for questions regarding Annual Conference procedures and will be seated at a table

left of the stage.• Annual Conference Registration Staff – for help with materials, your registration or other conference needs.

Located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center West Lobby, next to the box office. • Welcoming Team. – Here to welcome you and provide directional assistance. Just look for the purple shirts!

EVALUATIONS

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

HANDICAP ASSISTANCE

Welcome to Annual Conference

Laura Witkowski,Conference Facilitator

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MINISTRY FAIR

PERSONALPRIVILEGE

PRAYER CHAPEL

REGISTRATION DESK

REFRESHMENTS AND SNACKS

RESTROOMS

SMOKING

The 2013 Annual Conference Ministry Fair is a time to showcase the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist connection to the “world beyond home.” The Ministry Fair will be accessible for viewing throughout Conference on the second floor of the Covenant Fine Arts Center. Tables will be staffed with ministry representative beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

To keep plenary time moving smoothly, requests for “personal privilege” (speaking about an item of personal interest, making a special introduction or another matter that interrupts scheduled business) will be referred to the Agenda Committee, who will determine the next best opportunity. Requests may be taken to the Program Committee Chairperson, often found to the left of the stage. Please be prepared to check back, as they will be unable to track people down.

WMC-HOPE hosts this private quiet space for reflection. You can find this room located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center in room 230. It is open each day from 7:30 a.m. until adjournment of the evening’s activities.

Information on dining rooms for Special Meals, messages and other updated information can be found at the Registration Desk in the West Lobby of the Covenant Fine Arts Center.

The Snack Bar is operated by the Board of Christian Camping. It is located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center at the south entrance. Please be mindful we are in a new facility and they ask that you not bring refreshments into the auditorium.

Men’s and women’s restrooms are located in the West Lobby of the Covenant Fine Arts Center.

Calvin College is a Smoke-Free campus. There is no smoking inside or outside campus buildings.

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Inspiration Saturday offers a unique opportunity to worship and learn in a whole new way! Saturday will be simulcast between the Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium and Recital Hall. Each space will have both live and simulcast portions of the worship service and presentation by Dr. Weems.

The Recital Hall is ideal for those seeking a volume controlled setting, traditional instrumentation, wider seats and stair-free access. Love praise bands? Head to the Auditorium! Prefer a harp or piano solo? Choose the Recital Hall. Now there’s an ideal seating location for everyone.

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Get a new view on ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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SCHEDULEConference

Location Guide

Knollcrest Dining CenterCommons Dining CenterRoom 222College ChapelCollege Chapel Patio

Covenant Fine Arts CenterCovenant Fine Arts Center AuditoriumCovenant Fine Arts Center Recital HallCovenant Fine Arts Center Second Floor LobbyCovenant Fine Arts Center West Lobby

Wednesday, May 29th9:00 AM Registration Desk Opens Board of Ordained Ministry Clergy & Candidacy Mentor Training 9:30 AM Board of Pension Information Session (until 10:40 AM)10:30 AM Ordination Rehearsal & Photographs10:50 AM Health Care Information Session/Q & A - Ron Stoll and Mike Anthes12:00 PM Clergy lunch for Informal fellowship Laity lunch for Informal fellowship1:30 PM Clergy Session Laity Training/Dialogue Event5:30 PM Dinner Worship Rehearsal6:30 PM Usher Meeting 7:00 PM Opening Worship - Bishop Kiesey Preaching (Offering: Haiti Youth Trip and Community House)8:45 PM Welcome Reception for Bishop Kiesey

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Thursday, May 30th

6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM7:00 AM Registration Desk Opens8:30 AM Devotions - GR Metro Ministry9:00 AM Organization of Conference - Bishop Kiesey Setting Limits of the Floor - Nichea Ver Veer Guy Accessibility Accommodation - Nichea Ver Veer Guy Setting Agenda - Nichea VerVeerGuy Enabling Motion for Episcopal Staff - Nichea Ver Veer Guy Greetings from Calvin College - Michael Wildschut Greetings from Conference Host Grand Rapids Metro Ministry - Julie Liske Acceptance of Conference Journal Volume 1 - Benton Heisler Greetings and Regrets - Greg Buchner Conference Youth Service Fund Offering Presentation - TBA Conference Council on Finance & Administration - Sue Cobb Conference Committee on Nominations Report - Gary Haller Laity Report - Anne Soles Greetings from Detroit Annual Conference Lay Leader - Wayne Bank Imagine No Malaria Presentation - TBA 10:30 AM Break 10:45 AM Decision Calendar - Anne Soles Rules of Order Report - Judy Coffey Legislation 12:00 PM Lunch1:30 PM Legislation - Anne Soles General Conference Constitutional Amendments 2:30 PM Board of Ordained Ministry Report - John Boley Board of Christian Camping Report - Jeremy Williams Africa University Update - Laurie Haller 3:15 PM Break 3:30 PM Marking Sacred Time5:30 PM Dinner7:30 PM Memorial Service: Bishop Sharon Rader Preaching9:00 PM Strawberry Shortcake hosted by Methodist Children’s Home Society9:45 PM Late Night Worship: Board of Christian Camping

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6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM8:30 AM Devotions - New Church Team9:00 AM Legislation Corporate Session 11:30 AM Director of Connectional Ministries Report - Benton Heisler12:00 PM Lunch1:30 PM Journal Committee Report - TBA Decision Calendar - Anne Soles Conference Council on Youth Ministries Report - Rachel Krahulik New Church Development Presentation - Gary Step 2:15 PM Legislation Break 4:00 PM Cabinet Dean Report - Robert Hundley Fixing of Appointments - Bishop Kiesey 5:30 PM Dinner7:00 PM Ordination - Bishop Kiesey Preaching. Offering: Ministerial Education Fund

Friday, May 31st

Location Guide

Knollcrest Dining CenterCommons Dining CenterRoom 222College ChapelCollege Chapel Patio

Covenant Fine Arts CenterCovenant Fine Arts Center AuditoriumCovenant Fine Arts Center Recital HallCovenant Fine Arts Center Second Floor LobbyCovenant Fine Arts Center West Lobby

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6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM8:30 AM Devotions - New Church Team9:00 AM Legislation Corporate Session 11:30 AM Director of Connectional Ministries Report - Benton Heisler12:00 PM Lunch1:30 PM Journal Committee Report - TBA Decision Calendar - Anne Soles Conference Council on Youth Ministries Report - Rachel Krahulik New Church Development Presentation - Gary Step 2:15 PM Legislation Break 4:00 PM Cabinet Dean Report - Robert Hundley Fixing of Appointments - Bishop Kiesey 5:30 PM Dinner7:00 PM Ordination - Bishop Kiesey Preaching. Offering: Ministerial Education Fund

6:00 AM Clergy Wellness Clinic until 8:30 AM 6:30 AM Breakfast until 8:00 AM8:30 AM Devotions: Conference Council on Youth Ministries 9:00 AM Ministry Fair9:00 AM Journal Committee Report - TBA Conference Nominating Committee Final Report - Gary Haller Conference Council on Finance and Administration Final Report - Sue Cobb Wesley. Report - TBA 9:50 AM Announcements 10:00 AM Break/Gathering Time 10:15 AM Welcome - Benton Heisler Greetings from Bishop Kiesey 10:25 AM Lovett Weems Leadership Presentation 12:15 PM Lunch Worship Rehearsal 1:30 PM Worship: Lovett Weems Preaching. Offering: Spirit Journey Adjournment of Conference

Saturday, June 1st

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I am excited we are together as we launch our four year cycle of ministry themes: “Disciples – Made in Michigan.” This year the emphasis upon “INSPIRE” will strengthen us all in our capacity for fruitful leadership.

I know Bishop Deb is equally excited as she greets and leads the Annual Conference in this first session of her tenure. If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet her, you will want to be sure you take advantage of the opportunities to interact with her and her husband Brad.

We are fortunate to have the vast and newly constructed or renovated facilities of Calvin College available to us. Thank you for your patience as the Program Committee has worked closely with the college these past four years the campus had been in transition. The committee has listened to your feedback and continues to make adjustments each year that it believes will improve our ministry each of these times we gather.

Our schedule for these four days we are together has been designed with an eye toward balancing the many components of worship, fellowship, celebration, teaching and legislative action for which the Annual Conference is responsible.

Thanks for your leadership and preparation that will contribute to a conference which claims and celebrates God’s good activity in our midst.

Peace, Rev. Benton R. Heisler, Director of Connectional Ministries

Welcomes

On behalf of the congregations and United Methodist-related ministries in metro Grand Rapids, welcome to Annual Conference! We look forward to a time together filled with God’s presence and energized by the Spirit’s guidance as we look to inspire visionary adaptive leaders in our Conference. Through this gathering, in all that we do and say, may each and all find deeper relationships, greater wisdom, wider understanding and a renewed sense of God’s call in us as the Body of Christ.

Rev. Julie Liske, Executive DirectorUnited Methodist Metro Ministry of Greater Grand Rapids

I am excited to welcome you to the 2013 West Michigan Annual Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for our denominational faith community to come together in fellowship and in intentionally working at becoming tooled adaptive leaders for our church congregations. The Program Committee has worked tirelessly fine-tuning this event to make it an inspiring venue of worship, learning and celebration. The Purple Shirt volunteers are ready to assist you...the abundant meals are being prepared, the committed leadership is in place to offer you an amazing conference.

I pray your experiences in these next few days together will warm your hearts with the love of Jesus Christ through being in this United Methodist community.

Welcome...home.Nichea VerVeer Guy, Chair AC Program Committee

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Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He came to this position in 2003 after eighteen years as president of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Previously he was a local church pastor in Mississippi for many years.

A native of Mississippi, Dr. Weems is a graduate of Millsaps College; Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; and Wesley Theological Seminary. He holds honorary degrees from Baker University and Central Methodist University.

His years in local church ministry in Mississippi were marked by emphasis on both evangelism and social concerns. His work in Mississippi led the distinguished Mississippi writer Willie Morris to describe him as “one of the persons who added much to the growing civility of Mississippi.”

He has been a clergy delegate to several General and Jurisdictional conferences.

The author of several books published by Abingdon Press, his most recent include Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church, Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results (with Tom Berlin), and a revised edition of his classic Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, and Integrity, described by Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter of Harvard Business School as “an invaluable guide to leadership in the church.” His book Take the Next Step: Leading Lasting Change in the Church is used by churches seeking revitalization. His books Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit and John Wesley’s Message Today are used widely by United Methodist laity and clergy. He also co-edits the online newsletter Leading Ideas, available free at www.churchleadership.com.

KEY SPEAKERMeet Lovett Weems

Offerings Wednesday:YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO HAPIFundraising is now underway to support West Michigan youth in their mission to Haiti this summer. They will be working on behalf of HAPI (Haitian Artisans for Peace International) a program started by West Michigan Conference Deaconess Valerie Mossman-Celestin. The 2013 youth team will be working on a maternal health clinic for the mountain-top community of Mizak. In this remote community the mortality ratio, lifetime risk, for pregnant mothers is 1 in 93.

The youth team will be working on Phase 1, building the walls, roof and floor of the first-level facility. Your support will help our youth team get to Haiti, grow in mission and service, and change lives in this community.

Wednesday:UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY HOUSESharing the offering during Opening Worship will be this non-profit agency based in Grand Rapids that has a mission to increase the ability of children, youth, adults and families to succeed in a diverse community. UMCH offers a nationally accredited Child Development Center with before and after school programs, tutoring, mentoring, recreational activities, sports and more for at risk children, a Center for Family Development and transitional housing for young people. It also has a large Senior Development Center with meal

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Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader (Ret.)Memorial Service Preacher

The West Michigan Conference is honored to welcome Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader to the pulpit. She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and graduated from North Central College in 1961 with a B.A. degree in Elementary Education and taught in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey. During that time she did graduate work at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. She later graduated from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Adrian College conferred an honorary doctorate in 1989. She has been a trustee of Albion College, North Central College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Sharon was ordained deacon in the Detroit Conference by Bishop Dwight Loder, and elder in the Northern Illinois Conference by Bishop Paul Washburn. She served as pastor at Mayfair UMC, Chicago; Baseline UMC, Battle Creek and University UMC, East Lansing. From 1981-86 she was a member of the West Michigan Conference Program Staff with responsibilities for Global Ministries, New Church Development and advocacy groups. At the time of her election to the episcopacy she was the Grand Rapids District Superintendent.

Sharon was elected to the 1980 North Central Jurisdictional Conference and to the 1984, 1988 and 1992 General and Jurisdictional conferences. She served on the General Council on Ministries (where she chaired the Division on Research, Planning and Futuring); the General Commission on Communications; the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry; and for two years worked for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women as the developer of a Talent Bank of Women in The United Methodist Church. In 1992, she was elected to the episcopacy by the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in 1992 and assigned to the Wisconsin Area. From 1996-2004 she served as Secretary of the Council of Bishops. She retired as an active bishop in 2004 and is currently Bishop-in-Residence at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, as well as Executive Secretary for the Connectional Table. She retired in 2008, and is currently serving as the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops.

Sharon and Blaine Rader are the parents of Matthew and Mary, and the grandparents of Ethan and Abigail Rader and Jasper and Zimm Davis.

Meet Bishop Sharon Rader

programs, transportation, health education and outreach. Your support of this superb program is a wonderful way to support ministry actively engaged with an at-risk community.

Friday:THE MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUNDAs we continue to share the responsibility of educating our clergy, this is one of the seven apportioned funds that enables United Methodists to do together what no church, district, or annual conference could do alone.

Saturday:SPIRIT JOURNEY/NORTHPORT INDIAN MISSIONSpirit Journey seeks to provide a sense of community and a recapturing of traditional values for at risk Native American children ages 8-14. Supported by the Northport United

Methodist Church and its pastor, the Rev. Tom John, Spirit Journey is a lifestyle, not just a camp. At its heart, Spirit Journey is about new attitude and new tools for these kids. Your support of this new program assures that this innovative program will continue to grow and support this important Native American community.

Photo Courtesy of UMNS, photographer Mike DuBose

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Full Elders: BRYCE FEIGHNER Home Church: Hastings First UMC Seminary: Methodist Theological School in Ohio, May 2003 Ecumenical Theological Seminary, June 2006, Wesley Theological Seminary, U.M. Courses

JULIE GRYERBIEHL Home Church: Bay City Central UMC Seminary: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, May 2005 JOHN MATTHEW WEILER Home Church: Edwardsburg Hope UMC Seminary: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, May 2007

ELLEN ZIENERT Home Church: Charlevoix UMC Seminary: Methodist Theological School in Ohio, May 2010

Full Deacons: JANICE LANCASTER Home Church: Holland First UMC Seminary: Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Deacon’s Certification June, 2007

Provisional Deacon: NANCY FANCHER Home Church: Quimby UMC Seminary: Asbury Theological Seminary, May 2012

Service of Ordination

The West Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry invites your attendance at the Ordination, Commissioning and Recognition Service as we celebrate God’s call upon the lives of these candidates. Your presence will share your appreciation for these who will lead the Church of Jesus Christ into the future!

Of Elders and Deacons and CommissioningFriday, May 31st, 2013 – 7:00p.m. Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin CollegeBishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, Worship Leader

If you have any questions for a Board of Ordained Ministry registrar, please begin by asking Rev. Dean Prentiss, who will be seated near ASL

Interpreters during Annual Conference sessions.

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Covenant Fine Arts Center Map

Calvin Collegecampus map