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2001 - GROUNDED IN SCRIPTURE A REPORT ON ANNUAL CONFERENCE      From the Desert Southwest Annual Conference which was held in Mesa from June 6-10:

With a stage backdrop of a 10 foot by 20 foot open Bible proclaiming "The Greatest Story Ever Told," the 17th Session of the Desert Southwest Annual Conference spent four days focused on being "Grounded in Scripture." Under the continuing leadership of Bishop William W. Dew, Jr., each year part of the Vision Statement provides the theme for the annual 'holy conference.' (The Vision Statement is: Bold in Christ, Abounding in Love, Grounded in Scripture, Disciplined in Ministry, Together we fan into flame the gifts of God within every child of God.)      During three grace-filled sessions of Bible study and small group discussion, Claremont School of Theology's Dr. Marjorie Suchocki inspired everyone to consider the nature of God revealed in prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. The Conference used round tables this year in order to better facilitate small group development and discussion.      The Conference celebrated the highly successful "Bold in Christ" campaign which raised more than $10 million in cash and pledges to establish new churches, revitalize current churches, and improve camp facilities and outdoor retreat ministries. Each time the word Bold was used during the report, the hall erupted with noise makers, horns, and loud shouts of joy.

Eleven new missionaries were introduced during the report of the Covenant Council. These women and men are serving within the bounds of the Annual Conference under the auspices of the 10-10-10 program of the General Board of Global Ministries. Additional covenant churches are needed to help support these missionaries.      The mission outreach of the conference collected 1350 Health Kits and 500 School Kits. These kits have been shipped to UMCOR's Sagar-Brown Depot in Louisiana for distribution as needed around the world.      As the pending execution of Timothy McVeigh commanded newspaper headlines and television broadcast time, Bishop Dew took time to remind us all that the United Methodist Church opposes capital punishment no matter how heinous the crime and the Social Principles affirm that every person is a child of God and possesses sacred worth. The bishop urged that this issue be kept in prayer.      Sidewalk Sunday School Ministry reported that during the past year more than 4,000 children have participated at the seven conference-wide sites (2 in Tucson, 2 in Las Vegas, and 3 in Phoenix). More than 450 adults have become program leaders and volunteers.      The 2002 budget was adopted at $4.9 million. The Conference also agreed that no less than 100% of the General and Jurisdictional apportionments be paid in 2002. The 100% payment for 2001 was reaffirmed as the Conference was recognized for the second straight year of 100% payments.

Nine persons were ordained as Elders in full connection, four were commissioned as Probationary Elders, one accepted as having ordination in a different denomination (our own Don Chatfield), and one was commissioned for the ministry of Deacon. Five clergy retired from the Conference this year.      Membership stands at 46,076, down 675 from the previous year. Worship attendance stands at 30,296 (66% of membership), up 444. Unofficial totals from an additional 13 UM Fellowship/New Church Starts add 475 members and worship attendance of 650.      Four special offerings were taken during Annual Conference this year totaling nearly $6200.      Resolutions which were adopted: Engage in an act of repentance with our Pan-Methodist brothers and sister during the next Annual Conference. Urge all Conference and local church personnel be paid a living wage not less than $8.00 per hour w/benefits or $9.00 per hour w/o benefits; Affirm and support the action taken by the Western Jurisdiction in the passing of "We Will Not Be Silent" resolution. It was adopted with a vote of 191 in favor, 137 against. (Ask a pastor or one of our delegates if you want to know what that resolution is about.)