Retirees and spouses processed into the Indianapolis Convention Center to upbeat renditions of “Hail Jesus, You’re My King” and “Endless Praise” as they greeted Bishop and First Lady. They carried vessels of water they poured into a central baptismal, which will be used during the Celebration of Ministry service.
Sixty-nine retirees were honored for their nearly 900 years of service to the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church as members gathered to celebrate during Annual Conference. (To read more about the 2019 Retiring Class, click here.)
Rev. David Byrum, 2018 Retired Elder, encouraged the 2019 class to “fully receive the expressions of thank you, well done, and congratulations that people are sharing with you.”
Rev. Dr. Kent Millard, President of United Theological Seminary, presented the Distinguished Ministry Award to Rev. Dr. Cindy Reynolds, 2019 Retiree and Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries.
A representative of the 2019 Retiring Class, Rev. Chris Newman-Jacobs brought Words of Faith, during which she thanked spouses and families, colleagues, and congregations. “Thank you, for the joyful and deep, heartfelt conversations whether in the office or in a Bible study, or even at a committee meeting. We’re honored and humbled of your trust in us in these important times of life.”
Bishop Julius C. Trimble, led the Passing of the Mantle, as 2019 Retiree representative Rev. Mark Fenstermacher symbolically laid a stole on the shoulders of Kate Muhlbaier, representative of the 2019 Ordination Class.