Clergy Know-Before Email #2
Want to receive Annual Conference updates and reminders during the session via text? Text MOAC to 844-461-1474 to get on the list.
MOAC25 is just around the corner! This is the third of four know-before-you-go emails that will be sent ahead of Annual Conference. Eligible voting members received a second email related to Constitutional amendments. Miss our last email? View it here! Read on for more details and don’t forget to check out www.MOACinfo.com for all your Annual Conference-related needs.
Conference Workbook Now Available
The MOAC25 Conference Workbook is now available to view and download at www.MOACinfo.com/downloads. We will not be printing copies of the Workbook but invite you to print a copy of your own, if print is your preferred format (please note the Workbook is over 200 pages this year). The Conference Workbook contains logistical details, reports from Methodist institutions and business, including:
Supplemental Finance Report Information from Conference Treasurer Rev. Nate Berneking
The Clergy Support Team Report, including changes related to the Compass Retirement Plan
Constitutional Amendment full proposed text and related printable resources
The agenda is available, too!
We know you’ve been itching to get your hands on the full agenda. It’s available in a few different formats at www.MOACinfo.com/events. The special meals schedule is available on that page as well.
Pre-Conference Briefing
Join us at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 22 (one week from today!), on our Facebook page or on www.MOACinfo.com/watch for our virtual Pre-Conference Briefing. Bishop Farr and ministry leaders will share updates ahead of our Annual Conference Session in June. See the agenda and watch the livestream at www.MOACinfo.com/events/pre-conference-briefing.
Get Ready to Vote
At our Session in June, lay and clergy voting members will have the opportunity to ratify four important constitutional amendments passed by General Conference 2024. These amendments address regionalization, inclusion of gender and ability in church membership protected categories, racial justice, and voting eligibility for General Conference delegates. View all our amendment-related info at this link.
Available Resources
Printable PDF Overviews:
Ballot #1 – Ratification of Worldwide Regionalization
Ballot #2 – Article IV. Inclusiveness of the Church
Ballot #3 – Article V. Racial Justice
Ballot #4 – Article IV. Voting for clergy delegates to General Conference
Regionalization Absorb Course – The United Methodist Connectional Table has developed a brief, 20-minute course sharing an overview of regionalization and its impact.
Resource UMC Content – Check out these links from the UMC denomination:
Ballot #1 – Ratification of Worldwide Regionalization
Ballot #2 – Article IV. Inclusiveness of the Church
Ballot #3 – Article V. Racial Justice
Ballot #4 – Article IV. Voting for clergy delegates to General Conference
Special Gathering Opportunities
4th Day Communities Gathering
All members of 4th Day Communities (Cursillo, Camino, Walk to Emmaus, The Great Banquet, etc.) are invited to an informal gathering over the lunch break on Saturday, June 7. We will meet in the Rocheport Room on the third floor of the Embassy Suites property. This will give us an opportunity to meet others from different communities and build a stronger relationship between all of us. Finger foods and beverages will be provided. For information contact Tracy Jones at tracycjones@gmail.com.
LGBTQ Breakfast Invitation
If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and would like to be included in an invitation-only breakfast during Annual Conference, we’d love to make sure you’re on the list. Please reach out to Heather Dease (hdease@moumethodist.org) for more information or to request an invitation. This gathering is designed as a space for connection, encouragement and mutual support as we prepare for the work of Conference together.
Black Church Celebration
Registration for this dinner was included in the Annual Conference registration form. Join us at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 6, for dinner, worship and planning. Make sure you claim a seat at this important event by May 15! Click here to review your registration, if you've already registered.
Parking and Dining in St. Charles
Related to dining, the St. Charles Convention Center is proximate to the Streets of St. Charles as well as historic downtown St. Charles. Both areas have several restaurants. If you are concerned about wait times for a table, make sure to call the restaurant ahead to see if they take reservations for large groups or utilize a waitlist app. There will be light lunch options available through the Compass Café in the St. Charles Convention Center.
Regarding parking, for those staying at the Embassy Suites, there is parking on the hotel side. For attendees staying offsite at other hotels or lodging, there is ample free, uncovered parking onsite at the Convention Center.
Use these resources as you plan your weekend in St. Charles:
Specials Meals Schedule
Please note: Most special meals are invitation only.
Dates to Remember
As Annual Conference draws near, here are some important dates to remember:
10 a.m. on May 22 – Virtual Pre-Conference Briefing
10 a.m. on May 29 - First Time to MOAC Clergy Webinar
4 p.m. on June 6 – Clergy Session
June 7 – Constitutional Amendment Voting
Ways to Prepare for Conference
Offerings
During our 2025 Conference Session, we’ll take up two offerings – one during the Service of Recognition on Saturday and one during Celebration of Ministry on Sunday. Read up on where the monies will be directed and how you can give at www.moacinfo.com/offerings.
Accessibility at Annual Conference
We’re excited to continue to offer accessibility services this year in St. Charles. We plan to offer a captioning device option as well as assisted listening devices for the duration of the Session. ASL interpretation services, large-print materials and wheelchairs are available upon request. Want to learn more? Reach out to us via our contact form.
New This Year: A Prayground!
Praygrounds are dedicated spaces in the sanctuary where young disciples can engage in worship in age-appropriate ways. Praygrounds usually have room for kids to get up and move around, tables where they can color or read, and sensory toys to help keep their hands engaged. At MOAC25, the prayground will be in the front left corner of the plenary space. Read more ?
A More Sustainable Conference Session
Grow in creation justice by adopting one or two eco-friendly practices while at Annual Conference! Missouri EarthKeepers offer these easy tips:
Refill and Reuse: Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, shopping bag and snack containers. The Convention Center offers free water refill stations and recycling bins throughout the property.
Go Low-Waste: Try solid toiletries, bamboo toothbrushes and reusable razors to cut down on plastic.
Travel Smarter: Pack light, carpool when possible and choose accommodations that prioritize sustainability.
Let’s care for creation together — one small change at a time! Learn more about EarthKeepers at umcmission.org/earthkeepers.
Questions? Contact us via our contact form.
