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Closing session

enlarge>> CCYM brings forward thinking report

Written: 6/5/2010

Opening worship of the final Annual Conference session of the Western New York Conference  began with voices lifting up "Guide Me, O Thous Great Jehovah", prayer and the reading of Psalm 122.  Scripture Acts 20: 22-24  "If only I may finish my course to testify to the good news of God's grace."   The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Lundgren brought the message. (see separate story).

176 Years of service were noted as Conference members recognized retirees.

Those to be commissioned, ordained, and those certified were recognized, as well as Board of Ordained Ministry members on the Conference and District level.  The entire Board of Ordained Ministry report affirmed by members of Conference.

Dr. Scott Johnson brought a challenging message to the laity.  ""Who might we be if truly connected," Dr. Johnson asked.  "So as you consider what might be possible, if we can revitalize the connection, if we could make it really about Christ." (separate story forthcoming).

CCYM members shared an enthusiastic report (watch for future story).

Denman Award for Evangelism presented to the Rev. Paul Gongloff of Covenant UMC, Rochester and Marvin and Lisa Ohlson of Clarence UMC. 

"Just a Closer Walk with Thee" played by the Genesee Valley Brass opened the Covenant Council Report.  Conference members rose to their feet and clapped as the brass group moved into upbeat version.

"This is my Father's World" filled the sanctuary following scripture noting that we sow and others may reap.  Various voices from the Covenant Council shared scripture and images of planting and sowing as we look to a new time in a new Conference.

"Went the Saints go Marching Home" filled the sanctuary as all left the sanctuary for lunch and received gifts of seeds to plant and remember what has been and to look forward to what will be.

 Director of Transitional Ministries lifted up the motions necessary to close the Western New York Annual Conference and move us into the soon to be creaated Upper New York Annual Conference.

"We have voted." It is done, the Rev. Natalie Hanson said in the prayer following those actions.

Members referred to the Upper New York Annual Conference a request that a way be found to maintain the relationship with the North Katanga Annual Conference.

Also referred to the Upper New York Annual Conference was a request to maintain relationships with the health and welfare agencies of Gateway-Longview Inc., Beechwood Continuing Care, and the Wesley Group.

The Rev. Dr. Gregory Crispell brought the closing motion which was adopted.

A service of appointments and celebration concluded this last session of the Western New York Annual Conference.

Photos coming soon

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