The 2020 Annual Conference meeting of the Florida United Methodist Church will be held on Sept. 19 at First Lakeland UMC.

The one-day meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. An online option will be available for those unable or unwilling to meet in person. Those who join online will be able to vote.

After considering the option of a virtual Annual Conference meeting on June 6, leadership has decided instead that will be a Clergy Session only.

Although the Annual Conference schedule is condensed to fit the one-day format, it includes several important items that typically are presented at that meeting. There will be the ordination service, memorial service, and the recognition of retiring clergy.

Business items include the approval of the budget, approval of leadership and committees, election of the Lay Leader, and church closures.

The meeting is open to all UMC members.

“If you are a lay member typically you do not need to register in advance,” said Alex Shanks, assistant to Bishop Ken Carter.

“However, this year we will ask you to let us know your plans to attend in person or virtually so we can plan accordingly.  An email will go out soon with that registration information.”

The Laity Session will be held online only on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m.

Business items include welcoming the new Leadership 2020-2024 and bringing closure to the 2016-2020 leadership.  It will celebrate the past and welcome the future.