"Empowered" was the theme for the 2009 North Alabama Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church June 4 - 6, which was held at Clear Branch UMC near Trussville, AL. This year Terry Marmann, who is our Alternate Lay Delegate from Tuscumbia UMC, also attended. It was a fast, packed two days with a lot of opportunities to expand ideas related to the vision priority of Empowering a New Generation of Christians and Psalm 78:4. This scripture reminds us that we, today, must pass our spiritual heritage to those who come after us, whatever age! This idea was presented in a variety of forms: worship, reports both written and oral, video presentations and inspirational speakers.

YOU also were a big part of this gathering because our church contributed $500 to the Ishe Anesu Children's Project in Zimbabwe. A total of $12,000 was collected from the whole conference. Once again, I was reminded of the many facets of work, which comprise our North Alabama Conference. Even though we are part of the connectional system, we are often ignorant of the great effort made in our name. The conference web site, www.northalabamaconferenceumc.org, can keep us up to date. You can also get regular email newsletters from the Bishop.

You will hear more at a later date about two important topics which were voted on: (1) Plans to correct the financial crisis at Camp Sumatanga will be reported to us in a few weeks; and (2) The final count from ALL annual conferences on the 32 proposed amendments to the UMC Constitution will not be completed until January. Our conference clergy and Lay Delegates only approved four.

Commissioning and Ordination services were held with great traditions of music, sermons, Communion and ceremonies. This was another vivid example of empowering a new generation of Christians. As usual, I was awed and inspired by the tremendous work being done in our conference by a large number of super-dedicated Christian men and women. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your delegate.

In His Holy name,
Carolyn McCollum

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