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 Conference Antiracism priority, inspiration, and a choice of three workshops:
- Laity in Ministry; Ways to Touch the World
- Engaging Young People in 2023
- The ABCs of LGBTQ+
Margaret Borgen, Iowa Conference Lay Leader, will give the Laity Address at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The
Exhibits Area will have lots of information useful to local church leaders. Among the nearly 80 displays, you will find a Board of Laity table, Ingathering, Self-help, and several of the General Boards. UM Discipleship Ministries, which supports lay ministry, will have a staff person, David Teel, at their table to talk about your individual interests.
Attending any portion of the Annual Conference helps one feel the connection we have with United Methodists around the country and around the world!
