>The "Comprehensive Strategic Plan," which includes re-sizing Holston’s districts from 12 to nine, was approved. The majority vote occurred after several presentations by the Strategy Team and a pre-vote discussion lasting 45 minutes.

> A 2018 budget of $9.07 million was approved, reflecting a reduction from the approved 2017 budget of $9.7 million. The 2018 budget provides a 2 percent raise for district superintendents and conference staff.

> The Francis Asbury Award for leaders in higher education was presented posthumously to Bennett and Evelyn Horton, members of Church Street UMC, Knoxville. 

> During a "new business" session, a motion to end the leasing or purchasing of The Connexion in Sevierville, Tenn., was ruled out of order.

> Also in the "new business" session, a motion requesting a written apology from Lake Junaluska Conference and Resort for its painful past with race relations was approved. (See motion text.)

> Also in the "new business" session, a motion was made requiring agenda items with votes for action to be scheduled at the beginning of a session rather than at the end of sessions before breaktime. (The intent is to allow more time for discussion.) The motion was approved. (See motion text.)

> The Board of Ordained Ministry presented licenses to 19 local pastors.

> The Board of Pensions and Health Benefits report on page 180 in the "Book of Reports" was approved.

> The Committee on Equitable Compensation report on page 61 of the "Book of Reports" was approved.

> The report from the Task Force on Bullying and Harrassment of Clergy by Laity, on page 173 in the "Book of Reports," was approved.

> Winners of a Tuesday-morning 5K to benefit Ishe Anesu Project in Zimbabwe: Robert Kariuki Nyaga and Lindsay Travis Bedford. (See race results.)

For continuing reports on Annual Conference, visit ACNews.Holston.org.

See video from the American American Ministries Team, below.