Questions regarding the June 12, 2021 Virtual Annual Conference were received until 11:59 pm on Monday, June 14, 2021. All questions were given to the appropriate presenter / group and all questions and answer are posted below.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
Gary Ihfe (Three Rivers District)
Question:
Will there be childcare at the In person annual conference in August?
Answer:
As of June 21, 2021, the Annual Conference Planning Team has not made a decision on this question. Once a decision in made, it will be announced in conference materials.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
Gregg Bostick (Tennessee Valley District)
Question:
Why is Mount Hermon UMC Powell not listed as giving 100% tithe? This is not the first year this has occurred. We pay 10% of our general offering each year and the amounts tie to year end reports.
Answer:
Tithe percentage payments are determined by information provided in lines 28a, 29a, and 52 of the End of Year Reports submitted in January by the local church.
Debra Dickerson (Scenic South District)
Question:
I may have the wrong "report/presentation" for my question, but it concerns the 100% tithes. I do understand that the original BoR was incorrect. St. Elmo UMC was listed in it. In the errata, under 100% tithes, St. Elmo UMC was not. I checked with our bookkeeper, Jackie Watson, who informed me that all tithes were paid. There was one payment paid on the former system, the one for January. The understanding was that only insurance could not be paid on that system, so tithes were still paid on it. We are unsure if the payment didn't go through or if Conference records don't match local church records. Just wanting to check. Peace, Debra
Answer:
Tithe percentage payments are determined by information provided in lines 28a, 29a, and 52 of the End of Year Reports submitted in January by the local church.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Exactly how much PPP money did the conference itself receive in 2020 (not the individual churches) and was it shown in the income total ($8,083,614) reported or was it reported separately?
Answer:
The conference received a PPP Loan in the amount of $1,147,700 on 4/16/2020. In accordance with Accounting Standards, PPP funds will not be included in income nor available to be used for expenditures unless or until the PPP loan is forgiven. If not forgiven, funds will be returned.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What were the conference reserve funds (NET ASSETS) level at the end of 2020? If a decrease, what were the major reasons for this?
Answer:
The conference treasury reserve at the end of 2020 was $3,883,802. Reserve was increased during 2020.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Did we sell any church property (closed churches) and if so, for how much? Was this shown as income for 2020 in the total reported?
Answer:
See trustees report.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Was the loan payoff referenced (approximately $1M) included in 2020 as income in the total reported here or spent otherwise in 2020?
Answer:
See trustees report. The money was reinvested at the Holston Foundation in the cash reserve account. CFA initially made the loan out of the same account.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Out of the total spending listed ($8,083,614), it was reported that only $2,375,590 was paid on the general church apportionment for 2020. That was a higher percentage reduction than the rest of the conference budget. Why?
Answer:
It is the policy of CCFA to pay the greatest amount possible to General Church Apportionment without using reserves.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
How do the total receipts to date (April 2021?) compare to 2020 for the same period, showing numbers?
Answer:
Tithes for 2021 are up 5.30% as of May 2021 compared to May 2020.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Were conference reserves decreased to make the payment to the General Church apportionment for 2020 and if so, by how much?
Answer:
No reserve funds were used for General Church apportionment.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What was the 2020 conference level investment dollar increase achieved?
Answer:
The conference investments of designated funds other than funds controlled by the conference board of pensions and health increased by $2,395,024.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
How much separate PPP money did the Camping organization receive in 2020?
Answer:
PPP funds are held and not disbursed unless and until PPP loan is forgiven.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What were the revised numbers of 5 star churches and 100 % tithe churches for 2020 as you indicated the printed report was incorrect?
Answer:
Corrected 5 Star and 100% Tithe Churches will be reported at the August in-person pre-conference addendum and included in the Journal.
Lou Ellen Campbell (Smoky Mountain District)
Question:
On the list of 100% tithe churches, our church was not listed in either BOR or BOR-Errata. I discussed with our church treasurer and he assured me Axley's Chapel paid all tithes on time. Can you please check?
Answer:
Tithe percentage payments are determined by information provided in lines 28a, 29a, and 52 of the End of Year Reports submitted in January by the local church.
Steve Smalling (Scenic South District)
Question:
Regarding the budget and financial statements, please explain the "Projected Reduction" line item under General Church Apportionment on page 65 of the budget. Also, on page 47, it is indicated that the Conference intent is to maintain a cash reserve equal to 90 days of projected expenditures. How large is that reserve now?
Answer:
The Holston Foundation is a separate organization from the Holston Conference and therefore the Foundation does not appear in the Holston Conference’s audit. The Holston Foundation Board of Directors are confirmed by the Holston Annual Conference as outlined in the Conference’s standing rules (I.2.8). Grants awarded by the Holston Foundation can be found at www.holstonfoundation.org.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What was the underfunding data for 2020 for each of the three plans?
Answer:
Active/Early Retiree: ($1,217,999)
Retiree: ($1,114,316)
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Why is it conference policy to fund only 70% - 80% of the Pre-82 plan requirements while funding between 100 and 110% of the other two?
Answer:
The Conference Benefit Funding Plan is a tool created by Wespath that looks at a specific point in time and incorporates the plan sponsor’s obligations and funding of the benefits provided to clergy and laity. It is important to note that funded status is a temporary measure tied to a specific valuation date. These liabilities and assets change over time, which cause fluctuations in the funded status. For various reasons, including but not limited to market volatility, demographic changes, potential benefit increases, and potential surplus use, it is likely that the circumstances may change and an Annual Conference may experience a higher or lower contribution. It is understood by the signees that defined benefit plan liabilities, which include the Pre-82 Plan, continue until the last benefit is paid to participants and their surviving spouses irrespective of the funding level of the plan. So, even if a fund shows as being below 100% funded at the time the report was filed, this does not mean that the Conference will not complete its obligation to those plan participants.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
Michael Newsom (Appalachian District)
Question:
Speaker stated if you are white and have no relationship with person of color ask yourself why. This implies that only white persons are racist. Should she not have said if you do not have a relationship with another race, ask yourself why?
Answer:
It was not my intention to imply that only white persons are racist, because as you rightly suggest, the failure to love our neighbor as we love ourselves knows no color. At its heart, I believe that is what racism is, a failure to love well. However, it was intentional on my part to specifically challenge those of us who are white in Holston Conference to consider those we draw into our close circle of relationships. My experience is that I gain deeper understanding and appreciation for my neighbor when I seek to know them as friend. In our context, both in the geographic area of Holston and even more in the churches of Holston Conference, we are overwhelmingly white. I believe the burden of initiation is for us who are in the majority.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
I am trying to understand the Task force on Dismantling Racism that was presented at the AC. There are no written reports for reference. The 2020 reference was about you and Connectional Ministries. Could you please give a brief connecting summary of this effort? Why was it formed, what was the official charge, when was the 2020 membership appointed (per Leah and Kim - months of activities had been in progress), when and why moved to Discipleship, the direction, the leadership, and any other information to better understand the reasons for this action within the timeframe for the conference? I know this is more than one question but the nature does not lend to splitting up.
Answer:
Our Task Force on Dismantling Racism was formed in response to a call from the Council of Bishops on June 19, 2020. (Bishops' Juneteenth Announcement - Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom - YouTube) In this call they make the statement several times that enough is enough. We need to work to dismantle racism in society and within the church. We will be working toward that goal through conversations at the Conference, District, and local church levels. We will be encouraging people to develop relationships, friendships, with people that are different from themselves. We will be working in conjunction with the Extended Cabinet as they continue their weekly conversations on dismantling racism. In our current structure, the obvious place for this Taskforce is under the umbrella of the Conference Discipleship Team.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Mickey, was there a movement in Holston to not use supply preachers for 2021 that might explain the removal of two in the three rivers district from their charges? Or was this maybe a district specific initiative? Also, would not performing infant baptism have been a valid reason for dismissal? The definition for SY is that they have no sacramental authority, I believe? These were around 2 year assignments with no membership issues.
Answer:
1. Was there a movement in Holston to not use supply preachers for 2021 that might explain the removal of two in the three rivers district from their charges? Or was this maybe a district specific initiative?
To my knowledge there was no move to not use Supply Preachers. Supply persons bridge the gap were there are no licensed or ordained pastors available. I myself served as a supply for 1 year in 1980 as I prepared to transition to License Local Pastor. Where a license or ordained pastor is available, every effort will be made to appoint those persons, as they have specific training and sacramental authority where a Supply person does not. Each district is responsible for submitting the names in response to the BAC questions of those under appointment as either licensed, ordained or supply. I typically do not have knowledge of the specifics of appointment of supply persons and local pastors.
2. Would not performing infant baptism have been a valid reason for dismissal?
There would not be a question regarding infant baptism since the Supply person would not be in the position to baptize.
3. The definition for SY is that they have no sacramental authority, I believe?
These were around 2-year assignments with no membership issues. A Supply person is one who serves week-to-week as the pastor of a church without credentials. They are not clergy and have no sacramental authority. They may not perform marriages.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Given that Holston has an “unofficial” official UMCNext presence and majority in the Strategy Team (and others) what has happened to the push for LGBTQAISP + issues and emphasis?
Answer:
This question is difficult to answer because it is based in false information and inaccurate claims.
However, if the intent were to inquire about what happened to the 2020 General Conference and the various proposals for LGBTQ inclusion/exclusion, that answer is simple. A global pandemic happened. With the twice postponed General Conference of 2020, now scheduled for August 29-September 6, 2022, we are waiting. All the legislation presented for the 2020 General Conference, including the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, is still before us. All legislation will be discussed, debated and voted on at the next General Conference and not before.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Statistics: For the last 10 years, Holston Conference has lost 2% of membership, 20% of attendance, significant reduction in giving, seemingly little focus on conference issues (more aligned with ‘national’ issues), disruption to churches (especially small ones – 70% of conference during the last 18 months and totally ignoring the coming protocol consideration at GC (whatever #). In addition, we have 0.3% Hispanic, 1.7% black Methodist, and 97% white Methodists with little change in percentages over this time period. Why is the overriding focus on racism and related national issues rather than the poor state of the conference? We see and hear nothing else. I know you are not a direct recipient of this question, but you probably are in the best position to respond. I do expect this to be posted on the web site along with the response.
Answer:
I interpret the heart of this question to be about who defines annual conference issues. The statement seems to indicate that the conference has a set goals and defined issues. That suggests a working and functioning organization. What seems amiss, to you, is that the conference is not focusing on what you believe to be the relative issues. Furthermore, I must disagree with the assertion that the conference is in a poor state. We are active in outreach and are making a difference in the lives of people around our annual conference and around the world. I further disagree that the issue of race is not one that is important. It is important. I appreciate, that as your statistics point out, race related ministries is one area in which the annual conference can seek to grow. You assert that 1.7% (2,605 –a number used in one of your other questions) of the Annual Conference is Black. Using your number, suggest that we have a long way to go and that there is a large ministry opportunity within the bounds of the Holston Annual Conference. According to Mission Insite, the total number of blacks within the bounds of the Holston Conference is 165,689 persons. That suggests, that we have a large mission/ministry/outreach opportunity. The issue is not about who is part of us. It is about who is not part of us that needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Annual Conference Secretary’s Note: It was unclear who you felt would be a direct recipient of this question. However, you implied that for some reason it would not be posted on the website. I had previously clearly stated that all questions would be posted. Your statement suggesting that the annual conference would withhold questions and answers, that you seem to assume are uncomfortable to the annual conference, is not appreciated. As the Secretary, I said all questions and answers would be posted. I have kept my word by posting this and all the other questions that were received. I would appreciate your refraining from such suggestions in the future. The annual conference has nothing to hide.)
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
I have scanned the 2017 Comprehensive Plan for the Conference and noted one theme that I am asking about. Throughout is an emphasis on improved communications and how critical this is especially now. Laity and clergy are frequently mentioned throughout. However, there is no focus on being able to communicate between laity in churches as well as conference to laity. In actuality, there is no mechanism mentioned in the enhancements outlined such as a data base of laity leaders or members to the AC. In fact, there is a full resistance to the establishment of such (current resolution rejection recommendation). We assume that the only official communication that laity are allowed to receive is through the clergy network and if they want church to church, permission is required from clergy. This is very clear and obvious from many actions over several years. Why is this as it is very concerning from many aspects?
Answer:
The Annual Conference Communications Department exists to help persons understand the ministries, missions and activities of the annual conference. It provides numerous avenues for persons to become informed. Since the adoption of the Conference Strategy Team proposal, the communications team has met with the Communications Advisory Council, Extended Cabinet, Conference Strategy Team, and each conference department to improve the communication across the conference. Since 2018, a full-time communications director was hired, Holston.org was completely redesigned, a new demographic database has been implemented, multiple social media channels have been created or redesigned, and a new email contact center has been developed that has the ability for people to subscribe to their desired communications. Each of these systems were designed to be used with and for clergy and laity alike. There are multiples ways of getting connected to these communication channels. One could call or email the conference or their district office to be added to email subscription lists, or they could visit Holston.org to subscribe to the communication they would like to receive.
While the Annual Conference has a listing of local church leaders, these local church leaders are members* of the local church they attend. Clergy, on the other hand, are members of the Annual Conference. The Annual Conference, thus, has the authority to share clergy information and the local church has the authority, with consent of their members, to share their local leadership information. (*The reference to membership is not to be mistaken with an elected member of the Annual Conference meeting.)
As for official communication, the Annual Conference has worked hard to create an official communications channel through Holston Communications. This channel includes information from the Resident Bishop and Cabinet, District offices, General Church Agencies, and Conference Departments. Therefore, any correspondence through Holston Communications is considered verified and can be identified as coming from the Holston Conference. Communications from outside sources are not verified as official conference communications.
Lauren Gunnell-Beck (New River District)
Question:
Can we please have a copy of the missions project for Africa video sent to our church charge to show to our congregation? It was wonderfully done! I would like to share with the congregations.
Answer:
Thank you for your interest in showing the Hands On Mission Project video to your churches. Here are two ways to access the video; the first is on the Conference website at this address, Hands-on Mission - Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. The second is to go directly to the Conference’s YouTube Channel at this address, 2021 Hands On Mission Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church - YouTube. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Adrian Keir (New River District)
Question:
How can we get a copy of the video to show to our congregations?
Answer:
Thank you for your interest in showing the Hands On Mission Project video to your churches. Here are two ways to access the video; the first is on the Conference website at this address, Hands-on Mission - Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. The second is to go directly to the Conference’s YouTube Channel at this address, 2021 Hands On Mission Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church - YouTube. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What definition are you using for ‘racism’ as it is many faceted?
Answer:
The definitions of racism and its facets are taken from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book: How to Be an Antiracist. Dr. Kendi defines racism as “a marriage of racist policies and racist ideas that produces and normalizes racial inequities. A racist policy is any measure that produces or sustains racial inequity between racial groups. Racial inequity is when two or more racial groups are not standing on approximately equal footing. A racist idea is any idea that suggests one racial group is inferior or superior to another racial group in any way.”
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Why use the terms ‘white priviledge’ and ‘white supremacy’ and what are the definitions used with each of these here?
Answer:
The definition of white privilege is the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary definition. The definition of white supremacy is from the book White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.
White Privilege: “The set of social and economic advantages that white people have by virtue of their race in a culture characterized by racial inequality.”
White Supremacy: “A term used to capture the all-encompassing centrality and assumed superiority of people defined and perceived as white and the practices based on this assumption. White supremacy in this context does not refer to individual white people and their individual intentions or actions but to an overarching political, economic, and social system of domination.”
These terms are used in accordance with the Council of Bishops Dismantling Racism Initiative announced on June 19, 2020 https://www.umc.org/en/content/bishops-juneteenth-dismantling-racism-announcement
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
What data indicates we as a conference have issues with ‘racism’, ‘white priviledge’, and ‘white supremacy’ to justify the level of effort and expenditure?
Answer:
The justification comes from the Council of Bishops calling for “a multi-level effort to initiate a sustained and coordinated effort to dismantle racism and promote collective action to work toward racial justice.” The Council of Bishops used the following basis:
Specific details about the actions to be taken can be found here: https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/advocating-for-justice/racial-justice/united-against-racism
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Do you not think there is overlap of this task force and the other 4 committees with race as a focus? VI.c.11 STRENGTHENING THE BLACK CHURCH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY (SBC-21) VI.c.10 BLACK METHODISTS FOR CHURCH RENEWAL (BMCR) I.c.9 AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTRY TEAM Committee on Religion and Race Data: Data: HOLSTON HAS 1.7% BLACK MEMBERS (ABOUT THE SAME AS 2012) OR 2605 out of 157,200.
Answer:
There may be some overlap but no more than with all the other Conference committees, teams, taskforces, and councils. Each of the groups mentioned here have a distinct purpose. The Black Methodists for Church Renewal is the organized black caucus of the United Methodist Church since 1967 (Black Methodists for Church Renewal | Our Time Under God is Now (bmcrumc.org)). Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century(SBC21 – Strengthening Black Churches for the 21st Century) is connected through Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church and works with local churches to “offer cutting-edge resources and transformational learning models to empower conferences, congregations, and communities to share gifts of vitality to enhance church growth and development.” Our African American Ministry Team helps with coordinating these efforts as well visioning next steps.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
Exactly what does this statement mean (included with the Strategy Team in nominations for 2022)? "No more than three (3) team members can serve consecutive terms on the Conference Strategy Team. (Approved, but accidentally omitted from 2018 Standing Rules.)"? Does it mean that the entire Strategy Team is not legal and must be replaced?
Answer:
The phrase (Approved, but accidentally omitted from 2018 Standing Rules.) was an editorial addition in the 2019 Book of Reports that should have been deleted in the 2020 Book of Reports. This does not invalidate the entire Strategy Team.
Steve Smalling (Scenic South District)
Question:
Regarding Report VIe1, Small Membership Congregation Team -- Besides establishing what the size of a small membership church is, did you discuss why small churches struggle with membership and evaluate any ideas to potentially implement to grow the size of small churches?
Answer:
Before COVID the Small Membership Congregation Team met several times to discuss our strategy to resource and strengthen our small churches which make up most of the churches in Holston Conference. We believe if we can link small churches into parishes such as the Meigs County parish or the new Bristol parish in the Clinch Mountain District then we have the capacity to share resources and pastoral leadership. Jane Taylor the Clinch Mountain superintendent is a resource person as well as Hugh Kilgore in the Hiwassee District. This is the basis of our Missional Hubs. As we move into the future it is imperative that small churches link together so that they can fulfill their calling to make disciples. The ability to support a pastor is going to depend upon churches being willing to not only share pastoral leadership which many are doing now but to combine their resources, people and financial, to meet the spiritual needs of those who live in the communities where the church is located.
Steve Smalling (Scenic South District)
Question:
This question is directed toward the Holston Foundation, item XIV, which I do not see listed above as a report/presentation category. My question is: "How is the Board of Directors of the Foundation selected? Where is a list of the specific grants issued by the Holston Foundation? I searched the most recent audit and did not see a list.
Answer:
Resolutions and Petitions will be given time on the agenda. However, there are other items on the agenda that will be decided before these items are brought to the floor. I cannot say, one way or the other, if there will be “enough” time. There will be time, but we will not be able to spend an inordinate amount of time on any of the matters that come before us at the in-person session.
Natalie Justice (Clinch Mountain District)
Question:
Are we going to have enough time to truly debate and discuss these resolutions and petitions before voting on August 28th?
Answer:
Resolutions and Petitions will be given time on the agenda. However, there are other items on the agenda that will be decided before these items are brought to the floor. I cannot say, one way or the other, if there will be “enough” time. There will be time, but we will not be able to spend an inordinate amount of time on any of the matters that come before us at the in-person session.
Leamon Lawson (Appalachian District)
Question:
For clarity and sharing, please document the unusual situation verbally presented at the AC Zoom session concerning Resolutions #1 and #6 submitted by UMCNext Holston and their current status?
Answer:
When the committee on petitions and resolutions met (virtually via Zoom) on March 3, 2021, only five resolutions were on the agenda and considered by the committee. Those are numbered one through five on pages 114 through 118 in the book of reports. The committee reviewed and formed a recommendation on each resolution.
The committee’s recommendations for resolutions two through five are attached to those resolutions. However, the committee’s recommendation concerning Resolution #1 is mistakenly attached to Resolution #6 in the book of reports. Please refer to the book of reports errata, page 6.
After the committee recommended non-concurrence on Resolution #1, the author/originator of that resolution withdrew it from the committee’s and annual conference’s consideration. Please read the procedural note on page 114 of the book of reports.
At some time after the March 3, 2021, meeting of the committee on petitions and resolutions, the author/originator submitted Resolution #6. The committee has not received, reviewed, or formed a recommendation concerning this resolution. Its appearance in the book of reports is simply an error.
Presumably, the originator of Resolution #6 intended to submit it in compliance with the process described in the Holston Conference By-Laws, according to which resolutions may be offered from the floor of the annual conference in a typical year, provided that they are “submitted to the Secretary of the Annual Conference by noon on the first full day of Annual Conference” (Procedures, III. Program and Reports, 17).
However, because of the unique circumstances of our 2021 annual conference, the committee on rules and order has recommended a procedural change this year, according to which such resolutions were required to be submitted via email during a four-hour timeframe on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Please refer to the report of the committee on rules and order (Procedures, III. Program and Reports, 17) on page 130.
In the June 12, 2021, online session of the annual conference, Bishop Taylor determined that Resolution #6 must comply with this process.
So, in response to this specific query about the current status of Resolutions #1 and #6:
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
There were no questions asked about this Report / Presentation.
End of Questions & Answers from June 12, 2021 - Virtual Annual Conference.