District Conference 2014
Over 300 delegates and guests gathered at the ALIVE Wesleyan Church on July 12 for the 47th Annual Conference of the South Carolina District. General Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon was the denominational representative at the conference and led in the Ordination Service. The tone for the day was set by the worship team from the host church and the opening message by Dr. Mark Gorveatte, President of Kingswood University, and the time of communion around the tables led by host pastor, Rev. Tom Harding. The inspiring and anointed messages of Rev. Mark Wilson punctuated the afternoon with encouragement and challenge. The presence of the Holy Spirit was unmistakeable!
The day concluded with the Ordination Service that was held in the chapel of ALIVE. The leadership of Rev. Tony Casey and the DBMD that helped this beautiful and moving service become a highlight for the day is deeply appreciated. General Superintendent Lyon’s persona and anointing made this an unforgettable time for the ordinands and for those present to affirm their calling. We extend our congratulations to them.
Highlights from the District Superintendent’s Report include the following increases:
Primary Worship Attendance 4,175 (+326 or 8.5%)
Sunday School Attendance 1,881 (+76 or 4.2%)
Baptisms 238 (+ 35 or 17%)
Conversions 502 (+94 or 23%)
Sanctifications 151 (+80 or 113%)
Total Enrolled in SS, Discipleship, Small Groups 6,176 (+306 or 13%)
Declared call to ministry or missions 25 (+9 or 56%)
Total Assessible Income $5,237,240 (+ $355,828 or 7.3%)
Combined USF/EIF/District Assessment received increased from 94.9% to 98.99%
Other extremely noteworthy facts:
- For the first time in the history of the district we had a congregation break the 1,000 attendance barrier with an average attendance of 1051! Congratulations, ALIVE!
- Twenty-five congregations showed a gain in Worship attendance (compared to 15 last year). Seven churches had the same attandance as a year ago, and eighteen churches registered decreases in attendance.
- Five churches reported NO Conversions (this is down from last year).
- Nineteen churches reported NO Baptisms (the same as last year).
- The Tuckasegee Church had a Centennial Celebration on August 18, 2013.
- Global Partners Recognition: Highest Total Giving - Trinity (Don Milstead); Highest per capita giving - Fountain Inn (Bob Broome)
Special Recognition:
Sue Rickman - 24 years as DBA member, 8 years as District Secretary
Mark Payne - 21 years as District Treasurer
Joan Rampey - 10 years as Administrative Assistant to the DS
Minister’s Retiring: Phil Baily, Arnold Beard, Lewis Edwards, Donald Milstead
Deceased Ministers: Wayne Tippey, Johnny Wells
Elections:
District Superintendent - Rev. Buddy Rampey (Four-year call)
Assistant District Superintendents: Tony Casey, Tim Jones, Wayne Otto
District Secretary: Casey Gadsby
District Treasurer: TBD
DBA At-Large:
Ministerial Lay
Patrick Gué (2017) Sandy Buchanan (2015)
Richard Hall (2017) Julie Kellett (2017)
Heath Mullikin (2016) LInda Moore (2015)
Frankie Rodriguez (2016) Josh Ray (2016)
Wade Rogers (2015) Charles Tegen (2016)
Matthew Tietje (2015) Jack Watson (2017)
Ordained: Joy Bryant, Michelle DeRossett, Justin Donnahoo
Commissioned Special Workers: Johanna Jimenez, Gabriel Santamaria
We are deeply inbebted to the staff and team of ALIVE, to the conference creative and production teams and for the wonderful spirit of cooperation and unity that was present.
(Courtesy of Elizabeth Edge)
(Pictured above is an image from the baptismal video.)
