Laity Know-Before Email #1

Apr 30

Want to receive Annual Conference updates and reminders during the session via text? Text MOAC to 844-461-1474 to get on the list.

It’s that time of year: We’re gearing up for Annual Conference 2026! We’re excited to be gathering again in St. Charles to celebrate our United Methodist Connection. This is the first of three know-before-you-go emails that will be sent ahead of Annual Conference. Read on for more details and don’t forget to check out www.moacinfo.com for all your Annual Conference-related needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Annual Conference wouldn't happen without an amazing team of volunteers. We are seeking a few more hospitality and prayer volunteers for this year's session. The hospitality team includes volunteers serving as hotel and convention center greeters, ushers and tellers, and parking lot attendants. Prayer volunteers serve at prayer stations, by praying on-stage during plenary sessions, and as prayer partners in the chapel.

If any of these opportunities interest you, indicate interest by editing your already completed registration form, checking the appropriate boxes when you register or by reaching out via contact form.

Lay Events at Annual Conference

Is this your first time attending Annual Conference as a lay member? Make sure to register for the FREE first-time laity lunch! This year's lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6. Lunch registration is a part of your Annual Conference registration. Reach us by our contact form to learn more.

Dates to Remember

As Annual Conference draws near, here are some important dates to remember:

May 14 – Conference Workbook made available at moacinfo.com (you’ll get an email, too)
10 a.m. on May 21 – Virtual Pre-Conference Briefing
11:30 a.m. on June 5 – First-Time Laity Lunch
4:45 p.m. on June 5 – Laity Session

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 6. 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 Kirk Duncan at 3sqroot@gmail.com.

LGBTQ Breakfast Invitation
If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and would like to be included in a 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 Gathering
Registration for this dinner was included in the Annual Conference registration form. Join us at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5, for dinner, worship and planning. Make sure you claim a seat at this important event by May 15!

Ways to Prepare for Conference

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 captioning 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.

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

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.

Eligible Batteries: most small batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt), hearing aid type batteries, rechargeable and not rechargeable batteries will be accepted.
Eligible Writing Utensils: pens, mechanical pencils, markers, highlighters, caps, wooden pencils and crayons.
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.