AC Update #5 - May 21, 2015

AC Updates are sent every other week to members and guests of the Annual Conference session June 11-13, 2015 in Salem, OR.

UMCOR Health Kits to be Collected at Annual Conference

Kits or individual items are welcome.

UMCOR is in urgent need of Health Kits. Glenn and Donna Waltman, Conference Coordinators for the UMCOR West Depot, will have a table in the Ministry Marketplace where you can drop off the following items:  hand towels, wash cloths, combs, metal nail files, nail clippers, bath size soap, toothbrushes, bandaids and gallon size zip-lock bags.  Please check the UMCOR website for the specifics on these items. Bring only those listed.
 
UMCOR partners with other nonprofit agencies to help distribute the kits. To date, two grants totaling $175,000 have been sent to buy and distribute blankets, cooking utensils, safe water, sleeping mats and health kits in Nepal after their devastating earthquakes. Thank you for your participation in this important mission. If you have questions, contact the Waltmans at dgwaltman@frontier.com, or 503-622-3226.

Be Prepared for Conference

See items to download and read in advance here: http://www.umoi.org/AC  Please take the time to study the large amount of legislation this year and be informed of the issues. You can also read statements from candidates for General Conference delegates.

Read a letter of Orientation from Conference Lay Leader Mary Foote.

What to Bring

• Printed materials from the Conference website  or download to your portable device in advance.
• 3 ring notebook with dividers if using printed materials, pen or pencil.
• Checkbook or cash for offerings and shopping at the Cokesbury book store and Ministry Marketplace. Credit cards are accepted for registration and at Cokesbury.
• Payment for meals and late fee if you have not already paid.
• Running/walking shoes for the Miles4Malaria Fun Run/Walk.

If you haven't registered - Don't get stuck with a late fee!

There is no fee to register for the conference through May 29. The registration form lists all the meals to choose from and shows the prices. Everyone, members and visitors alike, are welcome at the meals and they are a great place to connect. Payment for the meals is handled online through the registration or by mailing a check to the Conference Center in Portland (before June 3) if you prefer. There is an automatic $50 late fee to register online between May 30 and June 3. After June 3 the only way to register is on paper at the Salem Convention Center and a $75 late fee will be assessed. All are encouraged to register early and pay in advance so that check-in is a breeze!  Register online now

Conference Schedule Highlights

* Salem Convention Center     ** Reconciling United Methodists

Check the website for more information and to see the latest updates to the conference schedule.

Reminders

1. Last day to request a scooter is May 27. Please contact Linda Grund-Clampit at linda@umoi.org.
2. Last day for special meal leaders to request AV equipment is May 27. Contact Communications Director Greg Nelson at greg@umoi.org.
3. Don't forget to register for the Miles4Malaria 5K at miles4malaria.org. 100% of your $20 registration fee goes to fight malaria. Ask a friend to join you.
4. You won't want to miss the fun on Friday evening at the Circles Around the World dinner and awards. Sign up on your registration form before June 3.
5. Please note: we will place the food order for all meals on June 4 and pay for them whether used or not. We cannot issue any refunds for meals after June 3. Thanks for your understanding.

Helpline

If you can’t find the information you need on the website, contact Annual Conference Manager Sally Blanchard, at 503-802-9203 or sally@umoi.org. Messages are checked twice a day Monday-Thursday.