- About the 2012 Annual Conference theme
- AC2012 Agenda
- AC2012 Handbook
- Day 1 Wrap Up
- Day 2 Wrap Up
- Day 3 Wrap Up
- Video Captures of the 2012 Annual Conference Session
About the 2012 Annual Conference theme
The theme for the 2012 Annual Conference Session is “Seeing the World Through the Waters of Baptism.” This year completes four years of connecting our theme with the denomination’s areas of focus; and the 2012 focus is Developing Christian Leaders.
Elements of our 2012 logo include four visuals:
- The globe reminds us of John Wesley’s words “the world is our parish.” As United Methodists we are called to continue Wesley’s passion to make disciples for the transformation of the world. Matthew 28:19 calls us to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the importance of the 2012 Mission Offering that supports World Methodist Evangelism.
- Ripples of water that cover the globe are symbolic of the baptismal covenant that brings hope and healing to a hurting and broken world. We are reminded of our own baptism and our call to witness to the world
- The dove above the globe reminds us not only of the dove that descended at Jesus’ own baptism, but it also reminds us of the spirit of God that brought order out of chaos in the creation story of Genesis 1:2.
- Hands remind us of our corporate and personal witness. We are called to greet the world with open hands rejoicing in acts of Christian hospitality and invitation. Seeing the world through the waters of baptism, as laity and clergy we remember our own baptism and our call into ministry. Baptism calls us into many different ministry functions in the life of the Church. It is in this call to leadership that there is a corporate and personal witness that reaches out to neighbors, near and far, making disciples of Jesus Christ.
During this annual conference session, we joyfully celebrate lives of witness in word, deed, and sign. Through the waters of baptism we have been named, claimed, and called by God. As principled Christian leaders, we respond to God’s call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.