Laity Know-Before Email #1
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 2025! We’re excited to be gathering again in St. Charles to celebrate our United Methodist Connection. This is the first of four 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 checking the appropriate boxes when you register or by reaching out via contact form.
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 our FAQs related to voting at Annual Conference, and these amendments, at this link.
May 13 Virtual Info Session
To help prepare you to vote, we will host an informational webinar at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Register for this live webinar and Q-and-A to attend live or receive the recording after the session. RSVP for Info Session ?
Additional Resources
On May 8, we will send a “Know Before You Vote” email to all voting members with the full set of resources available. In the meantime, you can become an informed voter by utilizing the following:
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
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. Check to see that you indicated your attendance in your registration by reaching us at our contact form.
Additionally, on the current draft agenda, the Lay Session for all lay members will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 6.
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!
Dates to Remember
As Annual Conference draws near, here are some important dates to remember:
6 p.m. May 13 – Constitutional Amendments Virtual Info Session
May 15 – Conference Workbook made available at moacinfo.com (you’ll get an email, too)
10 a.m. on May 22 – Virtual Pre-Conference Briefing
11:30 a.m. on June 6 – First-Time Laity Lunch
4 p.m. on June 6 – Laity 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.
