METHODIST CONFERENCE COMES TO WOLVERHAMPTON

Contents

The Methodist Conference meets in Wolverhampton this year. The Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church and is also a festival of celebration, worship and friendship.  More than 300 representatives from across British Methodism will gather at the Civic Hall from 2 to 9 July, as well as hundreds of visitors.  The Conference is the time when the new President The Revd David Gamble and Vice-President Dr Richard Vautrey begin their year in office. Their induction will open the main Conference on the afternoon of 4 July.

DETAILS OF SOME CONFERENCE REPORTS: [The complete text of all the Conference reports can be found on the Conference website at http://methodistconference.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=conference.content&cmid=20.]

HOPE IN GOD'S FUTURE (CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE)
- a comprehensive report which tackles one of the great issues of our age. It includes scientific and biblical material to provide a theological response, before making recommendations of responses by churches and individuals. 

SINGING THE FAITH
- Hymns are close to Methodists' hearts as they express doctrine and theology through words and music. The Music Resource Group has chosen hymns for a new authorised collection. This list was opened for consultation at the beginning of the year. This report gives results of the consultation, with costings for the project and publications.

 THE USE OF INTERNET BANKING FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHURCH ACCOUNTS
- With internet banking becoming increasingly popular and easier, this report considers how churches can use this facility. It includes guidelines for good practice following advice from the Charity Commission, preserves the need for authorisation of payments by two individuals and makes use of the experience of bodies in the Methodist Church already using internet banking.