Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiCONNECTIONAL COUNCIL
Dr. Jessica LaGrone Dr. Daniel Topalski Dr. John Beyers The Rev. Mike Schafer Chair Vice Chair Secretary Connectional Operations Officer
CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL
MINUTES
June 9, 2025 | 9:00 AM EDT | Via Zoom
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Members Present: Harrison Bell (Alabama Emerald Coast), John Beyers (North Georgia), Bulus Audu Daniel (Southern Nigeria), Arturo Cadar (Trinity), Debra Davis (Trinity), Gene Floore (Alabama Emerald Coast), Erik Grayson (South Carolina), Sam Gregory (West Plains), Jeff Jernigan (North Georgia), Jessica LaGrone (Trinity), Paul Lawler (Mississippi–West Tennessee), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: Asaba Chin Ali (Southern Nigeria), Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Dan Gildner (Allegheny West), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Eugene Paik (Korean American)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Executive Director of Finance), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Gene Floore
APPROVAL OF MAY 10, 2025 AND MAY 25, 2025 MEETING MINUTES
• Moved by Sam Gregory
• Seconded by Vida Mei Rivera
o Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Episcopal Evaluation Process
• Review presented by Lyndol Loyd
o See the accompanying document.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
2. Connectional Council Leadership Covenant
• Debra Davis presented an updated Connectional Council Leadership Document and asked for feedback.
o See the accompanying document.
▪ Edit 3.2 per Cara Nicklas
▪ Edit 4.3 per Jessica LaGrone
▪ Edit 4.1 per Vida Mei Rivera
• Email Connectional Council members for final review and vote at next
meeting.
3. Venezuela Covenant of Understanding
• Having been referred to the Ecumenical Relations Commission, Jessica LaGrone updated the Connectional Council based on Bishop Carolyn Moore’s responses.
o Re: Ordination: No UMC bishop willing to consecrate. Dr. Warren Lathem, authorized by Bishop Lindsey Davis, consecrated the bishop.
o Re: Eucharistic Practices: No differences.
▪ Artie Cadar requested a revised Covenant of Understand document for Connectional Council review.
4. Update on Bishop Eduard Khegay (Confidential)
• From the Global Episcopacy Committee
o Bishop Eduard Khegay has been received into the Global Methodist Church. 5. New Alternate Members for Connectional Council of Appeals
• Request for two additional Clergy alternates.
o Bring two Clergy names to our next Connectional Council meeting.
▪ Those nominated cannot serve in any other Annual Conference or General Conference leadership positions.
6. CC In-person Meetings
• October 26-29, 2025
o Barcelona, Spain
▪ Hotel & meeting location pending
• Planning sub-committee: Artie Cadar, Gene Floore, Erik Grayson,
Daniel Topalski
• March 11-14, 2026
o Atlanta, Georgia
▪ March 11-12 with Assembly of Bishops and Commission Chairs
▪ March 13-14 as a Connectional Council
• June 22-26, 2026
o Location TBD
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CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST • Concluding Prayer: Mike Schafer
• Adjournment: 10:18 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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