AC12 FAQ

Who are the voting members of the Annual Conference?

The voting membership (clergy and lay) of the North Alabama Annual Conference is established by the 2008 Book of Discipline and the North Alabama Conference Call to Mission and Ministry (see page 46 of PreConference Book). The roll of Clergy Members of the North Alabama Conference is kept up-to-date by the Office of Ordained Ministry. The roll of lay members is developed as each charge reports its lay member(s) through the charge conference process. The equalization process laid out in the 2008 Book of Discipline and Call to Mission and Ministry is followed to include additional laity serving in leadership.

What if my nametag is misspelled?

Contact Conference Registrar Doris McCullers by email at dmccullers@northalabamaumc.org or by phone at (205) 2267950 or (800)-239-7950. You may also mail the card with the corrections noted to Annual Conference Registrar Doris McCullers, 898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham AL 35204. If corrections are received before May 17, 2012, a corrected nametag will be mailed to you. During Annual Conference you may go to the Registration area, and the team will help you.

For what do I need to register online?

It’s probably best to think of the online process as “reservations” instead of “registration.” The online reservations process allows you to order meal tickets, purchase a Journal Volume II, Clergy Directory, Annual Conference t-shirt, request special assistance for disabilities or register your child for the Kids' Camp or childcare. You can also make these reservations by mail using the card included in the mailing with this book. Just detach the Reservations portion and mail it with your check to the Conference Registrar. Remember, your reservations must be received, either online or by mail, by May 17, 2012. Your reservation is not complete until payment is received.

What if I miss the May 17 reservations deadline?

There may be a few meal tickets and t-shirts for sale at Annual Conference in the Registration Area (Norton Center First Floor). The Registration Team will sell these on a first-come, first-served basis during the Annual Conference event. However, there will be a limited number available and potentially long lines. It is best to make your meal ticket reservations by the deadline to be guaranteed meals. Please note that the BSC Caf will not accept cash—they will only accept meal tickets.  You can continue to make your Journal and Clergy Directory orders until July 15.

What if I forget to bring my nametag and attendance tabs to Conference?

Members must wear Annual Conference nametags in order to speak from the floor or vote during Annual Conference sessions. The Registration Team will be able to print a new nametag if you need one. Go to the Registration area on the first floor of the Norton Center and show proper identification. Please be aware, this may be a time consuming process, so it’s best to make sure you bring your nametag to Annual Conference.

Where do I sit during the business sessions?

Members of Annual Conference must sit in the bar of the Conference as set by the Conference Secretary. This makes voting and discussion easier. With members sitting in designated seats, it will be easier to count votes and distribute materials needed by members. The bar is expected to be the entire floor of Bill Battle Coliseum, plus four additional sections of the upper seating level. Setting the bar is one of the early acts of the Friday morning business session. Visitors will have ample seating in the remaining seating sections in the upper level.
Disability seating will be near the front of the floor, on the left as you are facing the stage, and will be clearly marked. Any usher, teller or host will be able to direct you to this area. Ushers and tellers will be wearing bright green/yellow vests and hosts will be wearing Annual Conference t-shirts.

Why is no housing being offered on campus this year?

Although BSC graciously offered the use of campus housing, the Annual Conference Planning Team decided not to use on-campus housing because we have grown accustomed to using hotels for our housing at Annual Conference for the past six years. In addition, we know Birmingham-Southern's campus is extremely busy during June with sports camps and other activities.

Why are we using shuttle buses on campus?

During our last few Conferences on campus, three individuals were taken to hospitals for injuries received while riding on golf carts. Buses seemed the most cost efficient and safe way to shuttle individuals to and from their vehicles on this large and beautiful campus. Using church buses and vans was considered, but we did not want to exclude the drivers, who are many times active church members, from attending Conference activities.

Why were no local worship leaders/choirs utilized in the on campus sessions?

Our goal this year is to allow everyone, including the marvelous worship leaders, musicians and choir members from across our conference, to relax and enjoy the worship sessions at Annual Conference. The Ginghamsburg Praise Team often accompanies Rev. Mike Slaughter when he speaks to conferences, and we are honored to have them lead us this year. The Asbury UMC Madison Senior High Choir is kicking off their summer tour as they lead us in worship on Saturday afternoon of Conference. Please pray for this group as their tour takes them to several performances across the Southeast.