Charge conference is a gathering that is unique to United Methodism. In the organization of the United Methodist Church, a "charge" is a congregation (or congregations) that one or more pastors are "in charge of" and are "charged" (or sent) to serve.
At the charge conference, members of the church council, together with retired pastors and other guests, meet with their district superintendent. The district superintendent is a pastor who has been assigned oversight of the United Methodist congregations in a geographical area known as a "district". There are ten districts in western Pennsylvania, and First Bethel belongs to the Pittsburgh district. The district superintendent’s leadership serves as an extension of the oversight of the bishop for western Pennsylvania.
With all of this lingo about "charges" and "districts," it’s no wonder that non-United Methodists are often left scratching their heads! But at the heart of it all, this is an organizational structure that is a time-tested way of reaching out to others with the love of God through Jesus Christ.
Charge conference is, therefore, primarily a celebration of ministry. Though votes are taken and reports are given, it's really a time to reflect on who we are as Christians and what we are doing in Christ's name. Charge conference at First Bethel is a time of worship and celebration!
Do you have a question about charge conference or about United Methodism? Please e-mail Info@FirstBethelUMC.org.
Meets annually in the fall/winter, and occasionally at other times of the year.
January 22, 2011
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5,10 and Mark 1:14-20
| 8:15 am | Communion |
| 9 am | Regular Worship Service | 10 am | Church School |
| 11 am | Children's Pageant |
See the full calendar Current Month's Calendar View URL: http://www.MyChurchEvents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1L6G1F0L6K5O9L6I3 .