First-Time Laity Know-Before

Written By Lauren Miers

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 one week away! This is the fourth of four know-before-you-go emails that will be sent ahead of Annual Conference. Miss our other emails? View them here! Read on for more details and don’t forget to check out www.MOACinfo.com for all your Annual Conference-related needs.

Ways to Prepare for MOAC25

To get the most out of your Annual Conference experience, we recommend reviewing the following materials before you arrive in St. Charles:

Lay Events at Annual Conference

As a first-time lay member to Annual Conference, we hope you’ve RSVP’d for the First-Time Laity Lunch. We’ll see you for lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Friday in Junior Ballrooms A-B. 

The Lay Session for all registered lay members will be at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, June 5, in rooms by district.

Stay connected with Lay Ministries at Annual Conference and beyond by subscribing to the Laity Newsletter at this link.

Items to Note

Quiet Room
If you need a break from the large group, we invite you to take some time in the quiet room. Rev. Adam Baker shares more about why the quiet room exists and how anyone can utilize it. View the video

Returning 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 MOAC26, the prayground will be in the front right corner of the plenary space. Read more

BIPOC Lounge Schedule
The BIPOC Lounge is a dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to gather and find community. The Lounge will be in Room 104.

UWF Mission Walk – Sunday, June 7
Join United Women in Faith at the Lewis and Clark Boathouse for the 19th annual Mission Walk. Meet in the parking lot at 6:45 a.m. to participate. Click here to view a map of the route.

Offerings
During our 2026 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 option. ASL interpretation services, large-print materials and wheelchairs are available upon request. Want to learn more? Reach out to us via our contact form.

Exhibitors
The exhibitor showcase will be located upstairs in Grand Ballroom D. Closer to the start of the Annual Conference Session, you will be able to find a full list of exhibitors and their websites, if available, at www.MOACinfo.com/exhibitors. The hours of the exhibitor showcase are as follows:

  • Thursday - 5-7 p.m.

  • Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Saturday - 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Sunday - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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:

Recycling and EarthKeeper Opportunities at Annual Conference

The EarthKeeper booth at Annual Conference will be collecting used batteries, old writing utensils and clean plastic bags for free recycling. The booth will be located near the MOAC Office, just outside the doors to the main plenary area. Keep your eyes open for paper recycling containers near the Exhibit Hall as well.

  1. Eligible Batteries: most small batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt), hearing aid type batteries, rechargeable and not rechargeable batteries will be accepted.

  2. Eligible Writing Utensils: pens, mechanical pencils, markers, highlighters, caps, wooden pencils and crayons.

  3. Eligible Clean Plastic Bags: plastic shopping bags, produce bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, bubble wrap, air pillows, product wrap (e.g., from paper towels, toilet paper), zipper-top food storage bags and plastic shipping envelopes (labels removed).

The booth will also have free samples of compostable, Keurig-style, single-serve coffee pods. Each pod includes a promo code for a 15% discount.
For more information about recycling in your area, sustainable coffee programs at your church or other related information, please free to reach out to the following Missouri EarthKeepers:

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.

Lauren Miers
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Guest Know-Before