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The 2023 Annual Conference Laity Session was full of glorifying God, celebrations, recognitions, awards, and break-out sessions. Still, the session's highlight was the message from the Iowa United Methodist Church's resident bishop, Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, who addressed the laity at Annual Conference for the first time. "I want also to recognize and say thank you to our lay speakers, those who have gone through the School for Lay Ministry, for all of our laity, and for how you serve our ...

Illness. Death. Loneliness. Strife. Despair. Those words were read in silence as Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai stooped at the front of the stage at the beginning of the Memorial Service during the 2023 Iowa Annual Conference session. She began with a scripture reading from Luke 13:10-13 and slowly stood up as she read. The service memorialized 18 clergy, 24 clergy spouses, a former conference chancellor, and 13 closed churches.   Watch the Memorial Service on Vimeo “Illness also bends us ...

David C. Teel, Director of Laity in Leadership for Discipleship Ministries, presented the One Matters Award to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in the Aldersgate District. The One Matters Award recognizes congregations that have experienced at least one baptism or one profession of faith in the last year after having had a year where they didn't have any. Each church that wins the award receives a plaque and $1,000 to invest in the church's ministry.   Watch the One Matters Award ...

At the 2022 Annual Conference, a resolution regarding Opposition to Unjust Theology Regarding the Holy Land was passed. The resolution called for the establishment of a task force to identify the biblical and theological reasons for opposing Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people and then submit a report to the 2023 Annual Conference with recommendations for action. The following is the report that was submitted. REPORT ON OPPOSITION TO UNJUST THEOLOGY REGARDING THE HOLY LAND  Preface  ...

In her inaugural episcopal address at the 2023 Iowa Annual Conference Session of The United Methodist Church, Resident Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai encouraged the body to react to the challenges facing the church not with anger or retribution but with healing, reconciliation, and love and that it should begin within our communities and us. She emphasized being a Christ-like presence, her commitment to #BeUMC, going deep in spiritual formation and Christian discipleship, focusing outward, and ...

Written by Rev. Ryan Christenson   The Clergy of the Iowa Annual Conference gathered online and in person at the newly-opened Waukee United Methodist Church for their annual clergy session.   In liturgy, prayer, and encouragement, Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, Resident Bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference, greeted the diverse gathering. “We come with all kinds of emotions.  Oh, God, hold us…hold your church, in the palm of your hand.”   Rev. Chad Jennings, Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry,...

Saturday, June 3, 5:00-7:00 pm in the RecPlex Meeting Rooms. As clergy and laity come together from around the Conference, we have another opportunity to welcome our new Bishop - and get acquainted with her family.  In addition to Bishop Kennetha, her husband, Kee, and sons Keeton and Kamden will be present.  Light refreshments will be served.  Don't miss this informal opportunity to welcome our Episcopal family.  The Welcome Reception will be held in the meeting rooms directly across the foyer...

Contact: Liz Winders Director of Communications (515) 974-8907 [email protected] For Immediate Release Special Held Iowa Annual Conference Session Approves Disaffiliation of 83 United Methodist Churches  Des Moines, IA — The Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church held a special session on May 23, 2023, via Zoom Webinar to vote on proposed Disaffiliation Agreements between the Iowa Annual Conference and United Methodist local churches seeking to leave The United Methodist ...

Annual Conference, the once-a-year meeting of United Methodists in Iowa, takes place June 2 – 4 at the RecPlex in West Des Moines. Lay delegates from each congregation and clergy gather for decision-making, learning, and inspiration. The meetings are open, and several may be of special interest to Laypersons:   The Laity Session begins at 7:00 on Friday evening (music from 6:45 p.m.) It includes a message for Laity from Bishop Kennetha, awards, and recognitions, a presentation on the Iowa ...

Submitted by Barb Oakland, Conference Nominations Coordination Committee Secretary The 2023 Preliminary Conference Ballot is now available on the conference website. There are some open positions for which interested individuals may submit a Leadership Pool Form to indicate skills and expertise. Both of these important resources can be found under the Nominations tab. A complete ballot will be published within the week leading up to Annual Conference. Thanks to all those willing to serve the ...

You have received an email titled, “May 23, 2023, Special Called Session Confirmation” from [email protected]. In the email will be what you need to log into the webinar. If you don’t see it in your inbox, make sure you check your spam or junk folder. Reach out to your District Administrative Assistant if you don't find it at all. This is for the May 23 AC2023 Special Zoom webinar, and you will receive a reminder email one week before, one day before and one hour before.  The session ...

Midwest Missions sends tangible resources to those in need to make an intangible difference in their lives through hope and empowerment. SPECIAL NEEDS FOR 2023 is used medical equipment, including: Walkers Crutches Wheelchairs Canes Shower chairs Orthopedic supplies THEY ALSO NEED gently used tools. AND Home Care Kits. Liquid household cleaners - 56-80 oz total (no spray bottles) Dish soap - 42-64 oz total Liquid laundry detergent - 100-150 oz total 1 scrub brush (with or without handle) ...

To donate by check, make checks payable to the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, note what offering you are donating to on the memo line and mail to 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines, IA 50323 by June 30, 2023. Clergy Sustentation Fund A special fund has been set up to assist clergy with direct financial support from the Clergy Assistance fund when a desperate need does arise. For many years, this fund has been the dedicated offering during the Clergy Session of the Iowa ...

The Health Screenings Event, made available by the Iowa Conference's Well-Being Coordinator, Kae Tritle, is open to conference employees, and all clergy and spouses. This includes all local pastors, part-time pastors, commissioned, probationary, extension, retired clergy, elders, deacons, and ministry candidates, even if you aren’t on the conference insurance. It will be Saturday, June 3, from 6 am to 8:30 am at the RecPlex of West Des Moines at the Annual Conference session site.   Included are...

Call for Iowa Delegation Nominees In the summer of 2019, the Iowa Conference elected delegates to serve at the 2020 (now 2024) General Conference.  The majority of these leaders are (still!) excited and willing to serve on your behalf, but we have had some vacancies because of changes in status, life, or exits from the denomination.  As we prepare to head into 2024, we want to bring this delegation back up to full capacity so we can serve you well.   In the wake of the delayed General ...

April 13, 2023 Dear Clergy and Lay Members to the Iowa Annual Conference,    In accordance with our standing rules and Paragraph 603.5 of The Book of Discipline, I hereby call for a special session of the Iowa Annual Conference on May 23, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The special session will be conducted via electronic conferencing using Zoom.    The special session shall be held for the sole purpose of voting on the Iowa Annual Conference Board of Trustees' recommendations for the ...

As we prepare to gather for Annual Conference, we are looking for your help in “remembering who we are.” We are gathering digital photos of life and ministry, the people and the places of the Iowa Annual Conference. In particular, we would love to have photos of people serving together, baptisms, breaking bread, and historical photos. These photos will be used as part of our Annual Conference worshipful work as we surround ourselves with these images that ground our identity. Photos can be ...

The 2023 Iowa Annual Conference Session will be held in a hybrid format on Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4. The session will take place in person at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines and will also be offered virtually for those who choose to participate that way. The Call to Order and Episcopal Address will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 2. Clergy Session will be earlier that morning at a time and location to be determined, and the Laity Session will be at ...

Have you ever wanted to be a part of something bigger than the local church? Have you ever wanted to serve your church brothers and sisters in Christ? This opportunity might be for you! The Diakonos (Greek for a servant) Leadership Development program application is open for 15 high schoolers from around the state to assist during the Iowa Annual Conference 2023 session from June 1 – 4 at the RecPlex in West Des Moines, IA. Diakonos will help deliver communications, directions, aide and assist...

At the 2022 Annual Conference, a resolution regarding Opposition to Unjust Theology Regarding the Holy Land was passed.  This resolution called for the establishment of a task force to identify the biblical and theological reasons for opposing Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people and then submit a report to the 2023 Annual Conference with recommendations for action. We are looking for both clergy and laity to serve on this team. The United Methodist Church has previously spoken out on ...

Equalization information for the 2023 Iowa Annual Conference is now available on the 2023 Iowa Annual Conference website. The number of lay members for churches and districts is updated every year. If you have questions, please email Nitza Dovenspike, Iowa Annual Conference Session secretary.