
General Conference Wrap-up
Local Church General Conference Resources
United Methodist Communications has provided the following resources to help local churches learn about General Conference.
- Video overview: Experience General Conference and share it with others https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/wrap-up-video-general-conference-2020
- Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Council of Bishops' Message after General Conference https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/bright-hope-for-tomorrow-bishops-message-after-general-conference
- Discover Key Outcomes of the Historic 2024 General Conference https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-legislative-recap
- Talk to your congregation about the mission and ministry of The UMC https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/talking-to-your-congregation-about-general-conference-2020
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Doniphan UMC Building Destroyed by Fire
The United Methodist Church building in Doniphan burned down early morning on April 24. The church building, one of the oldest structures in town, was a total loss.
“Pastor Kent Wilfong reports that recovery from the total loss of the church facilities due to the fire early on April 24 is going well. The church has been invited to use the Presbyterian church for worship and meetings until the rebuilding is complete. The insurance claim is in process. In the district, some have asked if there is a way to contribute to the Doniphan UMC. Kent has said that any contributions would be used toward making the temporary worship site more accessible and useful. There is not an online mechanism to donate, so checks should be mailed to:
PO BOX 582, Doniphan, MO 63935

"I love our UM connection and the love it fosters! It was a joy to make a porch drop of 30 UM hymnals at the Wilfong’s residence this afternoon in Doniphan." Pastor Brian Abbott and Trinity UMC (Piedmont) were able to connect with Doniphan UMC and provide hymnals.
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Conference Launches Hate Divides, Love Unites Campaign, Offers Digital Resources
The Missouri Conference has produced a digital graphics package about the uniting power of love, called Hate Divides, Love Unites, in time for another divisive election year. Print-ready files are available for download to produce yard signs, banners and t-shirts if your church would like to promote a message of love over hate. The Missouri Conference wants to become a brave, empowering place for people from diverse cultures and generations so that we can become a Church for all God’s people. We seek to do this by equipping Conference leaders and local churches for multicultural leadership, cross-cultural connection and healing justice.
- Read a press release about the campaign HERE.
- Access the digital graphics HERE.

Director of Traditional Music Ministry Position
First UMC (Poplar Bluff) is hiring for a Director of Traditional Music.
The Director of Traditional Music Ministry will plan, prepare and execute the traditional worship service, seasonal programs, and lead a variety of volunteers. This person will work closely with the Pastor to develop services and choose music that supports and enhances the message of the day that is appropriate in both length and style for worship at FUMC. At our traditional service we have a Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and children’s music ministry.
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Slides for Annual Conference
If you have announcements that you would like included in the announcement slide reel at Annual Conference, email them to Lauren Miers ([email protected] ) no later than May 16. Announcement slides will run during breaks.
Learn More About Healthcare Support in Mozambique
The Mozambique Initiative supports access to healthcare in rural Mozambican communities through its mobile health clinics. This ministry reduces the distance between the community and its medical care. Closing this gap improves outcomes for pregnant women, children under five and those suffering from easily curable, yet potentially deadly, diseases. Learn more about how mobile health clinics are improving lives with these new resources: https://mzinitiative.com/donations/healthclinic/
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2024 Wesley Heritage Tour Info Session
Join Bishop and Susan Farr and the Missouri Annual Conference on a 10-day Wesley Heritage Tour this fall, Oct. 15-25. If you are interested in this trip opportunity, attend the upcoming virtual info session at either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Educational Opportunities Tours Conference Coordinator Rev. Melissa Dodd will share more about the trip, offer cost and logistic details, and answer any questions. RSVP for the info session at www.moumethodist.org/wesley-heritage-tour
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Because Annual Conference is fast approaching, we want to give you and your local church ample time to respond generously to our 2024 Annual Conference offerings. Below are the two offerings (Mozambique and Puerto Rico) we'll be taking during our time together in St. Charles. Please prayerfully consider bringing the opportunity before your local church leadership.
WAYS TO GIVE
TEXT-TO-GIVE: Text the code listed with each offering item to 1-855-575-7888 to give.
GIVE ONLINE: Give online via our DonorBox campaigns: Mozambique Initiative | Puerto Rico
CHECK: Make checks payable to “Missouri Annual Conference” and add a designation, such as Mozambique Initiative or Puerto Rico, in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to:
Missouri Annual Conference
3601 Amron Ct.
Columbia, MO 65202
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Jump Start Your Ministry
Does your ministry feel stuck? Is yesterday's approach to ministry not yielding hoped-for results? Jump Start is a podcast series that reimagines ministry essentials and offers new questions, new thoughts and new scorecards. Each episode covers a stand-alone essential geared at jump-starting a ministry that needs new life. You’ll get practical advice and solutions that can be immediately implemented in your ministry context. Listen on your favorite podcast app or at www.moumethodist.org/jump-start-podcast

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Insurance Considerations for Leasing or Renting Church Property
Here are some tips as you consider insurance needs:
- Shop earlier than usual – 120 days before renewal
- Use an agent with access to many markets
- Get as close to the General Council on Finance and Administration’s recommendations as possible
- Always carry appropriate liability and coverage and limits
- Check your option midterm if possible (check the cancellation provisions for early cancellation penalties)
- Don't miss a premium payment. Some carriers are not reinstating accounts cancelled for no payment
FREE webinar: Insurance Considerations for Leasing or Renting Church Property. Is your ministry thinking of renting space or the parking lot for extra revenue or to be a good neighbor? Be sure to have all the facts. Register today

Southeast District Grants
Fall Grants Due by August 1st
The Southeast District is offering ministry grants to any United Methodist church or affiliated organization in the district boundaries.
• Priority will be given to organizations that have not previously received a grant.
• Priority will be given to Conference initiatives listed below.
- New Places for New People (NPNP) -New or growing Alpha programs.
- Next Generation Ministries - (birth-college age) New program that multiplies Next Gen Ministries in the local church.
- Raise up Missional Leaders – training or an experience to recruit, train or disciple missional leaders engaged in the congregation.
Details can be found in the Grant Application here:
• Fall Grants are due by August 1st. All applicants will be notified by September 1st.
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