When
Friday, June 10, 2022 to Monday, June 13, 2022
ACS 2022 Saturday highlights and Sunday preview
6/12/2022
Saturday began with a Bible Study led by Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan. No items were removed from the Consent Calendar. The day included fixing of appointments for Bay District, Central Valley District and El Camino Real District.
The Report of Ordain Ministry included:
Presentation of those to Receive their License for Ministry as a Local Pastor:
Bradley Charles Biggerstaff
Tamara Brewer
Akesa Po’oi Fakava
Sosaia Fineanganofo
Ivana Vath Heang
Molly Knappen
Siosaia Koloti
Kevin Murphy
Han Byul Park
Nathan Sam-Whistler
Palenitina Langa’oi Tiueti
Mele Vakapuna
Presentation of those persons as Associate Members
Jeffrey Holder
Becky Stockdale
Presentation of those persons received by Transfer
Harold Gordon, South Carolina Annual Conference
Charles Tran, Rio Texas Annual Conference
Commissioning toward Elder's Orders
Sepuloni Feleunga
Saulisi H. Kanongata’a
Karla J. Lundin
Henry Pajarillo Pablo III
Ordination and Full Connection as a Deacon:
Eileen Johnson
Mallory Cameron Naake
Melanie Oliver
Ordination and Full Connection as an Elder:
Peter Andrew Evans
Jong Sik Kim
Tara Christine Limbaugh
Dana Michelle Gill Port
Julie Helen Raridan
Full Connection as an Elder
Viseth Hou (Whose Orders were Recognized in 2019)
Rev. Susan Grace Smith summarized the Call to Wholeness program and recognized the class of 2022 along with ordination anniversary years: Greg Bergquist, 35; Lee Neish, 35; Mariellen Yoshito, 30; Elizabeth Brick, 21; Amy Beth Durward, 16; Anne Schlesinger, 11; Becky Stockdale, 6; Chelsea Constant, 5; Donna Farrell, 5; Youngmi Jung, 5; Karla Lundin, 5; Ofa Ha’unga, 5; Bener Agtarap, 32; Ernest Kan, 30; Janette Saavedra, 26; Laurie Bayen, 20; Dawn Blundell, 11; Marcelo Escarzaga; Suzanne Calhoun, 5; Jeffrey Holder, 5; Tikiko Lesuma, 5; Matt Pearson, 5; Thomas Widlund, 5. Following the introductions, two of the class (Greg Bergquist and Ofa Ha’unga briefly testified to their experience so far.
The Board of Trustees report reviewed additions to the Trust Clause of paragraph 2553 which expires on 12/31/23 including paying a share of the Boy Scout of American settlement portion, any unpaid bills, tithe, pastor compensation and 20% of the fair market value. If sold, the conference has the first right of refusal. (see report )
Item 23 brought by Rev. Richard Thompson of First UMC Bakersfield was deemed out of order by Bishop Dyck except for the opening paragraph and paragraph #4. The conference voted to refer the recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Bishop Dyck prayed over the session noting, “When we tug, push and pull, we see more clearly.”
Chair of Conference Finance and Administration (CFA) Rev. Kristin Stoneking of Epworth UMC, Berkeley reported that our annual conference is one out of eight conferences who gave full apportionments last year achieving 100% giving over the last 5 years. California-Nevada conference has the highest unrestricted assets in the Western Jurisdiction.
Budget (Item 1) was presented and will be voted on tomorrow, Sunday afternoon.
Legislative Coordinator for the Annual Conference Session, Rev. Elizabeth Cademartori of Novato UMC, moved for the approval of the Consent Calendar. It was approved. Item 22 as amended was approved. Rev. Tikiko Lesuma member of the CORE team and pastor of Hope UMC in Sacramento moved Item 8 on a Conference-wide Shared Facility Policy be approved. It was approved.
Retiree videos included Rev. Craig Brown, Rev. Dan Sturdivant, Rev. Kathi McShane, and Rev. Jim Crawford.
Lunch events included the Bystander Intervention led by Ossama Kamel CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Community Organizing and Engagement Manager explaining values of safety, steps to intervene, and how to deal with the attacker’s anger. The event was sponsored by the Committee on Advocacy and Justice, Commission on Religion and Race and the Commission on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations.
The California-Nevada Conference Committee on Reconciliation (CCOR) sponsored “What Will the #UMC Look Like Tomorrow” featuring guest speakers Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles from Texas, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, Dr. Randall Miller and Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran with special testimony by Rev. Graner, the first out gay clergy ordained in the South Central and Southeastern Jurisdictions of the UMC.
“Rather than leaving grief at the door,” stated Rev. Michael Yoshii during the memorial sermon, “we embrace where our lives are at this moment even if not fully healed…” Bishop Sally Dyck led the Litany of Loss. Offering monies support the Necessitous Grant Fund for clergy families in need. Text “NEED” to 916-238-6854. Memoirs included: the Rev. John V. Albright Sr., Rev. Norman G. Callaway, Kenneth Celli, Jean W. Conrad, Rev. Darrell W. Darling, Rev. Rodrigo De Guzman Estrada, Rev. Leo Fong, Rev. Ronald A. Greilich, Rev. Robert Johansson, Lillie T. Jue, Rev. Glen Martin, Rev. William J. Marx, Rev. Larry G. Moore, Rev. Joseph E. Parshall, Rev. Robert H. Schwartz, Rev. William H. Stegall, Jr., Georgianna H. Summers. A moment was taken for remembering lay persons who have passed this last year.
“Talk is cheap,” stated Bay District Superintendent Staci Current during the District Superintendent Reports. “…love is a verb!” Rev. David L. Niu, Central Valley District Superintendent added, “Out of the messiness of our ministry comes the love of God and the love of neighbor.”
Eight church plants were held up in prayer including Dublin (Rev. Chelsea Constant); Campbell: West African Ministry (Rev. Daniel Gbundema); Mountain View: Front Porch (Rev. Sam Blewis); Milpitas: Peace UMC (Rev. Charles Tran); San Ramon Valley, Korean (Daniel John Sik Kim); Fresno: Hispanic-Latino (Pastor Vicky Flores); Santa Rosa: Open Table College Ministry (Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr); Sacramento: Table Farm and Table Bread (Chloe McElyea).
Church closures approved included (Item 3a) Rio Linda Community church; (Item 3b) Clear Lake Oaks UMC; (Item 3c) Exeter UMC and (Item 3d) Elverta UMC.
Pastor Helen Kung testified of God’s protection during the fire at St. Paul’s UMC San Jose.
Late Item 9 Clergy Wellness Initiative was presented with edits by Rev. Kathy LaPoint-Collup. It was moved to table the motion for further edits.
There was no evening plenary session.
Sunday begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Service for the Ordering of Ministry. The plenary session begins again at 2:10 p.m. with the Fixing of Appointments of the Great Northern, Los Rios Districts and Beyond the Local Church. Reports include the Core Team, Committee on Native American Ministries, Commission on Religion and Race. The CFA Budget will be voted on. Presentations by General Agencies and UM Related Seminaries will be followed by Council of Bishops 2022 National Workshop on Christian United and United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training.
ACS Resources:
The Report of Ordain Ministry included:
Presentation of those to Receive their License for Ministry as a Local Pastor:
Bradley Charles Biggerstaff
Tamara Brewer
Akesa Po’oi Fakava
Sosaia Fineanganofo
Ivana Vath Heang
Molly Knappen
Siosaia Koloti
Kevin Murphy
Han Byul Park
Nathan Sam-Whistler
Palenitina Langa’oi Tiueti
Mele Vakapuna
Presentation of those persons as Associate Members
Jeffrey Holder
Becky Stockdale
Presentation of those persons received by Transfer
Harold Gordon, South Carolina Annual Conference
Charles Tran, Rio Texas Annual Conference
Commissioning toward Elder's Orders
Sepuloni Feleunga
Saulisi H. Kanongata’a
Karla J. Lundin
Henry Pajarillo Pablo III
Ordination and Full Connection as a Deacon:
Eileen Johnson
Mallory Cameron Naake
Melanie Oliver
Ordination and Full Connection as an Elder:
Peter Andrew Evans
Jong Sik Kim
Tara Christine Limbaugh
Dana Michelle Gill Port
Julie Helen Raridan
Full Connection as an Elder
Viseth Hou (Whose Orders were Recognized in 2019)
Rev. Susan Grace Smith summarized the Call to Wholeness program and recognized the class of 2022 along with ordination anniversary years: Greg Bergquist, 35; Lee Neish, 35; Mariellen Yoshito, 30; Elizabeth Brick, 21; Amy Beth Durward, 16; Anne Schlesinger, 11; Becky Stockdale, 6; Chelsea Constant, 5; Donna Farrell, 5; Youngmi Jung, 5; Karla Lundin, 5; Ofa Ha’unga, 5; Bener Agtarap, 32; Ernest Kan, 30; Janette Saavedra, 26; Laurie Bayen, 20; Dawn Blundell, 11; Marcelo Escarzaga; Suzanne Calhoun, 5; Jeffrey Holder, 5; Tikiko Lesuma, 5; Matt Pearson, 5; Thomas Widlund, 5. Following the introductions, two of the class (Greg Bergquist and Ofa Ha’unga briefly testified to their experience so far.
The Board of Trustees report reviewed additions to the Trust Clause of paragraph 2553 which expires on 12/31/23 including paying a share of the Boy Scout of American settlement portion, any unpaid bills, tithe, pastor compensation and 20% of the fair market value. If sold, the conference has the first right of refusal. (see report )
Item 23 brought by Rev. Richard Thompson of First UMC Bakersfield was deemed out of order by Bishop Dyck except for the opening paragraph and paragraph #4. The conference voted to refer the recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Bishop Dyck prayed over the session noting, “When we tug, push and pull, we see more clearly.”
Chair of Conference Finance and Administration (CFA) Rev. Kristin Stoneking of Epworth UMC, Berkeley reported that our annual conference is one out of eight conferences who gave full apportionments last year achieving 100% giving over the last 5 years. California-Nevada conference has the highest unrestricted assets in the Western Jurisdiction.
Budget (Item 1) was presented and will be voted on tomorrow, Sunday afternoon.
Legislative Coordinator for the Annual Conference Session, Rev. Elizabeth Cademartori of Novato UMC, moved for the approval of the Consent Calendar. It was approved. Item 22 as amended was approved. Rev. Tikiko Lesuma member of the CORE team and pastor of Hope UMC in Sacramento moved Item 8 on a Conference-wide Shared Facility Policy be approved. It was approved.
Retiree videos included Rev. Craig Brown, Rev. Dan Sturdivant, Rev. Kathi McShane, and Rev. Jim Crawford.
Lunch events included the Bystander Intervention led by Ossama Kamel CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Community Organizing and Engagement Manager explaining values of safety, steps to intervene, and how to deal with the attacker’s anger. The event was sponsored by the Committee on Advocacy and Justice, Commission on Religion and Race and the Commission on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations.
The California-Nevada Conference Committee on Reconciliation (CCOR) sponsored “What Will the #UMC Look Like Tomorrow” featuring guest speakers Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles from Texas, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, Dr. Randall Miller and Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran with special testimony by Rev. Graner, the first out gay clergy ordained in the South Central and Southeastern Jurisdictions of the UMC.
“Rather than leaving grief at the door,” stated Rev. Michael Yoshii during the memorial sermon, “we embrace where our lives are at this moment even if not fully healed…” Bishop Sally Dyck led the Litany of Loss. Offering monies support the Necessitous Grant Fund for clergy families in need. Text “NEED” to 916-238-6854. Memoirs included: the Rev. John V. Albright Sr., Rev. Norman G. Callaway, Kenneth Celli, Jean W. Conrad, Rev. Darrell W. Darling, Rev. Rodrigo De Guzman Estrada, Rev. Leo Fong, Rev. Ronald A. Greilich, Rev. Robert Johansson, Lillie T. Jue, Rev. Glen Martin, Rev. William J. Marx, Rev. Larry G. Moore, Rev. Joseph E. Parshall, Rev. Robert H. Schwartz, Rev. William H. Stegall, Jr., Georgianna H. Summers. A moment was taken for remembering lay persons who have passed this last year.
“Talk is cheap,” stated Bay District Superintendent Staci Current during the District Superintendent Reports. “…love is a verb!” Rev. David L. Niu, Central Valley District Superintendent added, “Out of the messiness of our ministry comes the love of God and the love of neighbor.”
Eight church plants were held up in prayer including Dublin (Rev. Chelsea Constant); Campbell: West African Ministry (Rev. Daniel Gbundema); Mountain View: Front Porch (Rev. Sam Blewis); Milpitas: Peace UMC (Rev. Charles Tran); San Ramon Valley, Korean (Daniel John Sik Kim); Fresno: Hispanic-Latino (Pastor Vicky Flores); Santa Rosa: Open Table College Ministry (Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr); Sacramento: Table Farm and Table Bread (Chloe McElyea).
Church closures approved included (Item 3a) Rio Linda Community church; (Item 3b) Clear Lake Oaks UMC; (Item 3c) Exeter UMC and (Item 3d) Elverta UMC.
Pastor Helen Kung testified of God’s protection during the fire at St. Paul’s UMC San Jose.
Late Item 9 Clergy Wellness Initiative was presented with edits by Rev. Kathy LaPoint-Collup. It was moved to table the motion for further edits.
There was no evening plenary session.
Sunday begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Service for the Ordering of Ministry. The plenary session begins again at 2:10 p.m. with the Fixing of Appointments of the Great Northern, Los Rios Districts and Beyond the Local Church. Reports include the Core Team, Committee on Native American Ministries, Commission on Religion and Race. The CFA Budget will be voted on. Presentations by General Agencies and UM Related Seminaries will be followed by Council of Bishops 2022 National Workshop on Christian United and United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training.
ACS Resources:
- 2022 ACS resources
- Agenda
- conference offering
- Reports
- Motion form.
- Recommendations, Resolutions, and Petitions.
- Online exhibits HERE.
