The United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities met October 5-8, 2009, at the Perkins School of Theology, Dallas.
Attendees: William (Bill) Downing, Nancy Webb, Sharon Burniston, John A. Carr, John and Lisa McKee, Lynn Swedberg, Jennifer Yound, Kirk VanGilder, Eric Pridmore, Lisa Pridmore, Russell Ewell, Al Herzog, Greg Edwards, Evy McDonald, John Elliott, Tom Hudspeth, Bruce Birch, Bill Fentum, Liz Moen, Patricia Magyar and Carol Stevens. On the evening of October 5 we gathered for a dinner and sharing of introductions with Bishop Peggy Johnson. The following morning we began at 9:30 with opening devotions and an official greeting from the University. After more sharing of our individual histories and how we came to ministry we were enriched with a Bible Study and discussion that was lead by Dr. Bruce Birch. Discussion continued after lunch. Dr. Birch's insights into disabilities in the Bible and our reflections were valuable. Late in the afternoon, we reviewed the ATS Disabilities Policy Statement and we reflected on the initial set of bi-laws for APCM (furnished by Rev. John Carr). There was much discussion around changing our name. We wanted to broaden our name to more accurately reflect who we were and who we hoped to become. Our new name: United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities. Wednesday October 7th was when we officially adopted our new name. We led Chapel Service with Dr. Birch delivering the message. In the afternoon we continued a visioning process that had become in the morning. Our final statement which drew together the parts of the vision was: UMAMD is a caucus within the United Methodist Church whose purpose is to reach out to others with disabilities that our in ministry. As an organization we are committed to remembering the journey of the past and developing a vision based on a solid Biblical and Theological framework which will form the foundation of our work. OUR GOALS
REMEMBRANCE AND VISION
BUILDING SOLIDARITY AND MISSION
UMC CONNECTIONALISM
RESOURCING
DEVELOPMENT
After our visioning workshop we concluded the day with further discussion in the new direction we were heading and the initial steps we would take to get there. Tim Vermande, though not present, would be our secretary and assist with website development. Eric Pridmore and Evy McDonald would continue as co-chairs and Greg Edwards will be the treasurer.
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