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Iowa Annual Conference and Clergy Session Update

Iowa Annual Conference and Clergy Session Update

May 29, 2020

Dear 2020 Iowa Annual Conference members,
 
We thank you for your continued dedication and ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like you, we are discovering new ways to continue our ministry and work together.
 
As the COVID-19 health crisis unfolds, special arrangements have been made so that the lay and clergy members of the Iowa Annual Conference have the opportunity to meet and conference for the discernment of those actions that are necessary for local churches, pastors, and the Conference to fully function for 2021. 
 
We will be meeting virtually through Zoom and use the VVoter system provided by Option Technologies. Options Technologies has provided a secure and reliable electronic voting system for the Iowa Annual Conference for many years. The VVoter system works through tablets, computers, and smartphones. 
 
Please read the information below carefully and watch your email inboxes for invitations to participate in these events.
 
Blessings,
 
The Conference Sessions Team
 

Clergy Session Rehearsal

  • Tuesday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m NEW!
All clergy members of the Iowa Conference will receive a personalized email with a link to register. When your registration is completed, clergy persons will receive a personalized login and PIN for the VVoter system for the rehearsal. For details, click here.
 
Do not share these email invitations with anyone else. These are personalized to each member so that voting is secure. These credentials will be used for both the practice session on May 27, June 2, and the Clergy Session on June 5. 
 
The rehearsal will allow participants to connect and practice the Zoom Webinar and the VVoter System. If you have difficulty connecting, please email [email protected] or call 515-293-7137 for technical assistance.

Clergy Session

  • Friday, June 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

These credentials will be the same as the rehearsal session from May 27. Please keep these credentials and do not share these logins with any other person. These are personalized to each member so that voting is secure. 
 
If you have difficulty connecting, please email [email protected] or call 515-293-7137 for technical assistance.

2020 Iowa Annual Conference Zoom Webinar
Pre-Conference Town Hall Meetings

  • Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m

  • Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Two Pre-Conference Town Hall meetings will be held for Iowa Annual Conference (IAC) lay and clergy members. The purpose of these Town Hall meetings is to have conversations regarding the 2020 IAC legislation, finances, and to practice the VVoter system prior to the legislative session.

The 2020 Pre-Conference Manual (PCM) will be available on June 1, 2020. After that date, you can download it here. All lay and clergy members of the IAC are encouraged to download the PCM and become familiar with its contents. 
On Friday, June 5, following the conclusion of the Clergy Session all lay and clergy members will receive a personalized email invitation with a link to register. When your registration is completed, you will receive a personalized login and PIN for the VVoter system for the rehearsal.
 
These credentials will be used for both the Pre-Conference Town Hall Meetings and the 2020 IAC Legislative Session. Please keep these credentials private and do not share these logins with any other person. These are personalized to each member so that voting is secure. 
 
If you have difficulty connecting, please email [email protected] or call 515-293-7137 for technical assistance.


The 2020 Iowa Annual Conference Legislative Session

  • Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Remember, the credentials you received for the Town Halls will be used for the Iowa Annual Conference Legislative Session. Do not share these email invitations with anyone else. These are personalized to each member so that voting is secure. 
 
If you have difficulty connecting, please email [email protected] or call 515-293-7137 for technical assistance.


2020 Iowa Annual Conference Ordering of Ministry Services

  • Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 718 Clay Street, Cedar Falls
  • Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m., Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 South 1st Street, Council Bluffs

Anticipating the continuation of some social distancing precautions, two Ordering of Ministry services are being planned with those who will be ordained, commissioned, and recognized as Course of Study graduates. Attendance will be limited to them, their families, and Conference leadership presiding and supporting the services. Both services will be livestreamed to the conference, with information on how to connect being released at a later date. 


2020 Memorial and Retirement Services

The IAC Worship Planning Team is preparing the 2020 Memorial Service and the 2020 Retirement Service as pre-recorded services of worship. An announcement will be released through Conference Communications giving the date and time of their first showing so that everyone may experience these meaningful events online together. Following their first showings, the services will be available on the Conference website for viewing and downloading at https://www.iaumc.org/ac2020.