2011 Annual Conference, Thursday, June 9
The Kansas East Annual Conference met June 8-11 at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. All images copyright the Kansas Area Communications Office of the United Methodist Church and may be used with credit by local United Methodist congregations. Unless otherwise noted, photographs are taken by Britt Bradley, area communications media specialist.

Brenda Davids, conference director of student ministries, introduces the students who led the morning devotions on Thursday. All participated in the spring break study trip to the Holy Land.

Jacob Cloud gave part of the morning devotion.

CCYM member Elizabeth Banks gives part of the morning devotion.

Gil Rendle, consultant to the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team, gives the first of two presentations.

Gil Rendle was the featured plenary speaker for the Kansas East Annual Conference.

Gary Beach addresses the Kansas East Annual Conference.

Morgan Whitaker Smith gives instructions for participation in the Legislative Committees.

Legislative committees met all across the Church of the Resurrection campus.

Bryce Bowers, a lay person from Baldwin City, speaks in a legislative committee.

Revs. Lane Bailey and Ken Parker present a resolution.

Conference members gather for the Awards luncheon.

Josh Gooding plays MC for the Awards luncheon.

Josh Gooding presents Linda Stotler with the Francis Asbury Award.

Julie Highfill, a member at Edgerton United Methodist Church, receives the Denman Laity Award from Gary Robbins

Rev. Donna K. Voteau receives the Denman Clergy Award for evangelism from Gary Robbins.

Junction City First UMC was recognized for 150 years of ministry at the Awards Luncheon.

Lisa Elliott Diehl presents the electronic communications award to John Collins of Coffeyville First UMC.

Lisa Elliott Diehl presents a member of Lawrence First UMC the excellence in printed communications award for their promotional campaign.

Paul Wolfe, pastor at Parsons Wesley UMC, and Randy Quinn, pastor at Hiawatha UMC, prepare to present the Doc Wollen Award.

Paul Wolfe congratulates Howard Sudduth, winner of the Doc Wollen Award.

Howard Sudduth shares a few words of thanks after receiving the Doc Wollen Award.

Jessica Thompson, right, congratulates Howard Sudduth on winning the Doc Wallen Award. Thompson is the new director at Camp Chippewa.

Lay members raise their voting cards to receive ballots for a vote.

Bishop Scott Jones leads a session of the Kansas East Annual Conference on June 9.

ev. Lois Johnson, chairperson for the Diversity and Advocacy Committee, gives the committee's report.

Rev. Dee Williamston, a member of the Diversity and Advocacy Committee, gives a portion of the committee's report.

Rev. Evelyn Fisher, Topeka District superintendent, shares an experience as part of the Diversity and Advocacy Report.

Rev. Gil Rendle speaks to the Kansas East Annual Conference.

Bishop Scott Jones introduces four members of the Kansas West Conference cabinet. From left, Max Clayton, Rick Saylor, Janet Hernandez and Lew Van Der Wege.

Nancy Brown, a member of the Transition Team, gives the team report.

Rev. David Livingston, a member of the Transition Team, gives a portion of the team's report.

Rev. Maria Campbell presents a change to the standing rules for the conference, allowing for email votes to be taken by the Leadership Team.

Tammy Shepherd, chairperson of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, gives the board's report.

Claudia Bakely, chairperson of the Conference Board of Global Ministries, gives the board's report.

Governor Mays, mission interpreter in residence, gives a report to the Kansas East Annual Conference.

Charlotte Coates, a member of the Kansas Area Health and Wellness Committee, presents the banner for winning the Kansas East-West Walk Challenge to the East Conference.

Bishop Scott Jones calls for another general and jurisdictional conference ballot.

Wooden crosses adorn the altar for the Memorial Service.

The Memorial Worship Service begins.

Rev. Dr. January Kiefer gave the scripture lesson in a dramatic retelling of Ezekiel, Revelation and John.

Rev. Dr. January Kiefer gave the scripture lesson in a dramatic retelling of Ezekiel, Revelation and John.

A choir featuring people from all across the conference perform during the Memorial Worship Service.

Candles are lit representing each person who passed in the last year.

Cindy Hebberd sings, "Down by the River to Pray" during the Memorial Service.

Pastor Karla Woodward preaches the Memorial Service message.

Ushers present the offering during the Memorial Service.

Rev. Ron King, sings "I'm Gonna Lay Down my Sword and Shield," the closing song of the Memorial Service.

Fabric was used to illustrate the image of water flowing from the altar.