The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to affect the ways that we live, the ways that we minister to others, the ways that we “do” church, and the ways that we meet with—or don’t meet with—each other.
After consulting health care professionals, including epidemiologists at IU Health, we feel it is most prudent to postpone our Annual Conference session, previously scheduled for June 11-13. This was not an easy decision, but it is one that we need to take for the protection of our clergy and laity.
Instead of the original June dates, the Indiana Annual Conference will be held on two Saturdays: August 15 at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind., and October 10 at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis. Different information will be shared on both dates, so please mark your calendars for both. Even as we meet, special health precautions will be taken.
The world we live in is not the same as it was when our Annual Conference was originally scheduled. Thus, this Annual Conference session is not going to be the same as well. But rest assured, the business of the Church will still happen; ordinations will still be celebrated; retirees will still be honored; and those who have gone before us will still be memorialized.
We apologize in advance because we know that this change will cause difficulty for some of you. And we know this brings up a lot of questions. Many details are still being solidified and will be available next week. Please try to be patient.
I could not be prouder of the ways that you are being the Church in the midst of this pandemic. I look forward to communing with you whenever and wherever that may be.
May God grant us grace, courage, and hope in the coming days.
Be encouraged,
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church
See the Bishop’s video message below.