AC Update – April 9, 2014 - Issue 2

AC Updates will be emailed every two weeks until the Conference begins. If you are not planning to attend the conference, please let your District office know right away so we can send the information to the right person. Thank you.

Day of Learning open to all

Bishop Hagiya has invited Brian D. McLaren to hold a conversation with conference members and guests about ways they can continue to embrace a new form of ministry as they look for new models of engaging in the mission field and making disciples. The 2014 Annual Conference will be the fifth year that time has been set aside for learning about the characteristics of Healthy Vital Churches.

The special Saturday, June 14 event is open to everyone. Churches are urged to bring a team to hear, discuss and share McLaren's ideas. Admission for one day guests is $25.

McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is an ecumenical global networker among innovative Christian leaders. His latest book, “We Make the Road by Walking: A Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation,” will be released in June.

McLaren writes, “Over the years I’ve really tried to help [others] get a fresh and fair and reasonable and coherent understanding of what it means to be a committed follower of Christ in today’s world. That really is what’s behind my new book, ‘We Make the Road by Walking.”

Learn more at www.brianmclaren.net
Tickets will be available at the door, or you can register in advance (and order lunch) on the visitor registration page.
Pre-order book from Cokesbury .

Are you a newbie?

Mentors are available to help new members navigate the ins and outs of Annual Conference. If you would like to be matched with an experienced attendee, simply mark the box on your member registration. There will be an orientation on Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. to welcome new people and connect mentors to the “mentees.” If you have questions about having a mentor, please contact Conference Lay Leader Mary Foote at 503-648-3072 or marycfoote@yahoo.com.

How to request a roommate

If you would like a roommate to share the hotel or Willamette dorm room cost, please contact your District office. They will share names of others who are seeking a roommate. Cascadia 503-581-3969; Columbia 503-249-1851; Crater Lake 541-689-3725; Sage 541-389-1047.

Reserve a mobility scooter now

If you will need an electric scooter while at the Annual Conference Session, please contact Linda Grund-Clampit at 503-581-3969 or Linda@umoi.org as soon as possible. Rentals in Salem are very limited, so don’t delay.

Pre-Conference reports

Pre-conference reports are due by April 18. Please send to Conference Secretary Rev. Laura Jaquith Bartlett, revlaurajbartlett@gmail.com.

Useful links:

Online Registration is available now
Lodging information and rates
Notify us if you need childcare during the conference
Laity Workshops to choose from

Important dates

May 10	Ministry Marketplace deadline to reserve a display table
May 15	Last day to register for child care
May 10	Grand Hotel special rate good thru today
May 30	Last day to register online with no late fee
May 31-June 3	Online registration w/late fee
June 11	On-site at Salem Convention Center, 4-8 p.m.
June 12-14	46th Session of the Oregon-Idaho Conference

Helpline

If you can’t find the information you need on the website, contact Sally Blanchard, Registrar, at 503-802-9206 or sally@umoi.org.