Opening Worship
Resident bishop of the Indiana Conference Julius C. Trimble called to order the 2024 Indiana Annual Conference Session at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. “Be encouraged as we work together and give God the glory!” he said.
Members of the Annual Conference were Cultivating Joy — the Annual Conference theme — as the Conference Choir opened the Annual Conference session with “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee!”
During Bishop Trimble’s episcopal address, “A Few Minutes to Say Thank You,” he emphasized God’s steadfast love. “God loves you! And that’s not up for vote!” He reported and thanked the Indiana Conference for raising in excess of $379,000 for Africa University. “To God be the glory!” he said.
Bishop Trimble and the Rev. Marcy Patrick presided over Holy Communion.
Plenary #1
Voting
Barb Holcomb, Conference Secretary, presented the following motions.
Motion: That the voting bar, or legal limits, of the Conference be designated as the registered members present and who have been issued their voting credentials.
The motion passed.
Motion: That all votes and decisions made during this Annual Conference shall be legal and binding and that the schedule, reports, and documents that have been appropriately posted and available to all members of the Conference, be received as the official documents that are ready for action.
The motion passed.
Motion: That the Members of the Annual Conference give permission for First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble, David Robinson and Lan Davis Wilson to sit within the bar of the Conference for all sessions and have voice but no vote.
The motion passed.
Rules and Structure
The Rev. Paul Wagner presented the following motion.
Motion: That the Rules and Structure Document be accepted as presented and then added to the record of this Conference Session.
The motion passed.
Committee on Nominations
The Rev. Duane Carlisle, representing the Committee on Nominations, shared how the Nominations Committee finds joy in their service.
Consent Calendar
The Rev. Paul Wagner then presented the Consent Calendar.
Motion: That the Board, Agency and Committee Reports listed on the Conference website under the heading “Consent Calendar” be accepted and added to the record of this Conference Session.
The motion passed.
Council of Finance and Administration (CFA)
Rodney Frieden, chair of CFA, reported that the Conference’s income in 2023 was $11,256,643 and expenses were $10,766,812. The proposed budget for 2025 is $7,181,408. Frieden summarized, “What I hope you hear is good news. CFA and Conference staff have been planning for this day. We are positioned and ready to invest in the future of The United Methodist Church.”
Laity Address
Shannon Priddy, Conference Lay Leader, delivered the laity address. She stressed, “I am the Church. You are the Church. We are the Church together.” She challenged laity that “if there is something you want to see happen at your church, you are empowered to do it.”
General Conference
Delegation chair the Rev. Russ Abel reported on the postponed 2020 General Conference. He touched on the revised Social Principles, regionalization, the removal of harmful language, the General Church budget, and how deacons now have sacramental privileges. “The General Conference has now cleared the way for a Jesus-centered, mission-based, world-transforming force for the Gospel to ALL people. It placed us in a position to move into a post-conflict future. The UMC is alive and well and moving into the future of God,” he said.
Retirement Celebration
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, a long-time United Methodist, described Bishop Trimble as “an important person in this city and beyond.” He proclaimed June 6, 2024, as Bishop Julius C. Trimble day in the city of Indianapolis.
Cecilia Whitfield, Founder and Executive Director of the “Use What You’ve Got” ministry, offered a tribute to First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble. “Thank you for representing Jesus on this earth,” she said.
Words of gratitude were shared via video from leaders at Africa University. To date, the Conference has helped raise $379,000 for the Trimble Africa University Scholarship fund.
Representing the Cabinet, the Rev. Larry Whitehead offered a tribute to Bishop Trimble using the bishop’s own words, since “We’ve been paying attention!” He recalled phrases like, “This is a unique and unrepeatable moment,” “Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it,” and (of course) “Be encouraged!”
Pastor Henry F. Curtis IV, senior pastor at the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Ohio, surprised the Trimbles with his presence and tribute. Curtis answered his own call to ministry with Bishop Trimble’s encouragement. “You call him bishop — and rightfully so — but he is my pastor,” he said.
Representing the clergy, the Rev. Dr. Marian Miller said, “Bishop Trimble has made an imprint on our hearts forever with two words: Be encouraged! You have made a tremendous impact, especially on our clergy.”
The Trimbles’ granddaughter, Corrine, offered an adorable tribute via video.
The Board of Laity, Emerging Leaders, and the Committee on Episcopacy presented gifts and words of thanks to the Trimbles.
The Rev. Dr. Marti Lundy, Conference Superintendent in the North District, presented Bishop Trimble the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb can bestow on citizens.
First Lady Racelder choked up as she addressed the Conference, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for pouring into us and allowing us to pour into you. Thank you for being the Church. Thank you for showing up in prayer, in love, and in encouragement during our times of need.”
Bishop Trimble challenged the laity to “Love your pastor. It will pay dividends.” He concluded the evening with “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it!”
Friday, June 7
Retiree Celebration
The retiring class of 2024 includes 27 clergypersons with 663.5 collective years of faithful service.
The Rev. Kerry O’Brien shared on behalf of the retirees. “For those of us retiring, we’ve been called to new ways to serve. I can’t speak for the entire class, but — I’ll go out on a limb and guess by saying — we’ll be praying for you. Will you pray for us?” he asked.
Bells were distributed, and the Rev. Dr. Amber Karkosky-Litten and the Rev. Mary Dicken led the Conference in ringing Joy to the World, in hopes of breaking the current Guinness Book of World Record of 664.
Plenary #2
Board of Pension and Health Benefits
The Rev. Steven Conger, Chair, reported that 80% of retired clergy are currently enrolled in a Medicare supplement through Via Benefits. In 2025, monthly church contribution for health coverage will be reduced by 14% to $1,426.
Motion: For the adoption of plenary action item #3 and the following four items.
- That the Past Service Rate for Pre-1982 service be set at $1,012.00 per service year in 2024 – a 11.9% increase.
- The monthly church contribution for health coverage be decreased by 14% to $1,426.00 monthly.
- Compassion fund guidelines be expanded to include active clergy (see report for full details)
- That this report, in its entirety, be approved as presented in the written report.
Question: Matt Baughman, local pastor, asked if the Conference has explored other health care options and, if not, if they would be willing.
Request for information: Andrew Griffin, equalization member from the Central District, requested more information about the Compass plan.
The Rev. Tracey Leslie asked if the Conference would be willing to consider allowing clergy to make contributions for local pastors or those who may not have resources to benefit one another in that way since we are a Connectional Church.
The motion passed.
Mission and Justice
The Rev. Jen Huff, Missions Coordinator, described Mission and Justice resources available, such as:
-The DMJ Summit on Aug. 17
-The Conference Advance Guide
-ERT training on Aug. 3
-Team leader training for mission journeys
-UMVIM 2024
-MLK Days of Service 2025
-Grants available
She highlighted Alive Community Outreach, which is part of the Ministry Partners Network. She presented the Ripple Effect Award to the Rev. Angelo Mante and recognized 15 grant recipients.
Emerging Leaders
Several Emerging Leaders answered questions that adults from the Conference asked, such as
- “What makes you feel most welcome or connected at a church community?”
- “What are you most wanting out of your life in the next 10 years?”
- “How do rural churches reach young adults in the communities they serve?”
- “What would you dream the UMC act and look like?”
Growing Young
Dr. Chuck Hunt, Director of the Training at Fuller Youth Institute, shared a brief reminder and update about what Growing Young is. He introduced the Growing Young Cohort and invited churches to apply. Associate Director of Leadership Development - Young Leaders and Project Management, Emily Krach, presented the Francis Asbury Award to Markinson, Jubilee Director at First United Methodist Church in Bloomington.
United Methodist Foundation
Manet Shettle, President of the United Methodist Foundation and the Indiana Loan & Savings Ministries. The Foundation offered 14 new clergy students over $83,000 in scholarships and debt reduction grants. They distributed $60,000 to retired clergy experiencing financial struggles and $300,000 in support for retired clergy health insurance. The Foundation awarded over $775,000 in grants to congregations to 84 churches. She presented a check for $228,937 to the Conference.
Motion: That the slate of board members for the Foundation be affirmed.
The motion passed.
Wesley Foundation
Students shared their testimony of the ministry, speaking to it being a safe space and having a strong sense of community. “I felt accepted, welcomed, and loved for exactly who I am,” said Abigail, a Purdue University student. They thanked churches and the Conference for their support and shared about their new capital campaign.
Nominations Committee
The Rev. Duane Carlisle brought the final nominating report. He stated that the team does their best to choose people who reflect diverse perspectives and urged the Conference to apply to serve.
Motion: That the Indiana Conference approve this report as presented.
The motion passed.
Cabinet
The Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Dean of the Cabinet and Conference Superintendent for the Central and West districts, reported how the Cabinet strived to live out what it means to Cultivate Joy and lead with “Thank you!”
Fulbright shared that it has become increasingly clear that the Conference must reimagine its district structure. The bishop and cabinet will solicit input from the Conference and will work to develop new boundary lines. A full report will be available in January 2025 on what was heard, the decisions made for resources, and what will be the district lines, effective July 1, 2025.
The Rev. Mark Fenstermacher asked how congregations will receive support and how pastors will be evaluated. He expressed concern that pastors would not be well known or supported if Conference Superintendents are responsible for over 100 churches.
The Rev. John Nyota shared concerns for the required travel of Conference Superintendents with fewer, larger districts. He inquired how the Cabinet arrived at their proposed five districts.
Randall Bellamy, lay member, inquired why input was not sought prior to having the Conference vote on the proposed five districts. “You already made the decision. You’re just wanting our OK?”
The Rev. Dr. Paul (PT) Wilson shared how he has seen the decline in quantity of districts over the years and every time, he feared it. But every time, the Lord has been behind it. He urged the Conference to “trust in the bright future God has for us.”
Michael Davis Wilson, equalization member, asked if there would be a way to submit questions prior to the Charge Conference and called for the question, which was seconded.
The vote to end debate was passed.
Motion: To reduce the number of districts in the Indiana Annual Conference from ten (10) to five (5), effective July 1, 2025.
The motion passed.
Legacy Churches
Thirteen (13) churches closed in the last year:
Burlington UMC – NW District
Cana UMC – Southeast District
Doverhill UMC – Southwest District
Lake Chapel UMC – Northeast District
Liberty Greenwood UMC – East District
Oaktown UMC – Southwest District
Oolitic UMC – South District
Roselawn UMC – Northwest District
Walkerton UMC – North District
Washington Wesley UMC – Southwest District
Wilmington Wesley UMC – Southeast District
Burns UMC – Southwest District
Weaver Chapel UMC – Northwest District
Board of Trustees
The Rev. Teri Crouse, chair of the Board of Trustees and President of the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Inc., reported that 14 properties sold in the last year for a total return to the Conference of $1,114,903. The Shera Trust did not recoup its 2022 losses during 2023, so there will be no distribution of proceeds again this year.
General Conference passed no new legislation to permit disaffiliation by churches still in the denomination; however, it did pass a measure calling for Annual Conferences to adopt a policy inviting back churches that previously disaffiliated.
Church Development
The Rev. Trish Johnsen and Ed Fenstermacher, members of the Church Development team, encouraged Conference to “Be joyful in hope!” Johnson shared how Michigan City First is celebrating its 4th birthday of its Messy Church and how it is bringing hope to their church.
In the last year, the Conference met its goal to launch at least 25 new faith communities, and they are hoping to launch another 25 in the coming year.
Fenstermacher talked about Faith (Fort Wayne) that launched Food for the Soul, a fresh expression, and how God has provided for them, which is “what happens when you step out in faith,” he said.
Church Development sponsored eight of our predominately Black congregations to participate in a Maximum Impact Cohort, which is empowering these congregations to bring hope to their communities.
Lighthouse Congregations: There’s a Place For You
The Rev. Tracey Leslie shared that over the last 10 months, 72 churches have participated in Lighthouse Congregation training, and 34 have completed the process to become Lighthouse Congregations. One-time grants for community outreach are available for up to $400. She also shared some additional upcoming trainings.
Resolutions
The Rev. Paul Wagner gave an update on the Petitions & Resolutions from 2023:
Resolution #R2 “Encouraging Leadership with Integrity” submitted by the Rev. Meg Lassiat, was referred to the Indiana Conference Board of Trustees, who were encouraged to follow up by developing a clergy and laity code of conduct. After thoughtful discussion the Board of Trustees did not feel that developing a code of conduct for Indiana United Methodists fell under their area of responsibility, or expertise, and sought to refer the resolution elsewhere within our conference structure. So, at this time, no substantive action has yet been taken on resolution R2 as we seek the appropriate group or persons to address this important matter.
Wagner then presented R#2 “Return to Active Ministry” submitted by the Rev. Andrew Scanlan-Holmes for deliberation and action.
The Rev. Mary Dicken spoke on behalf of Rev. Scanlan-Holmes, author of the resolution, who is in the hospital recovering from surgery.
The Rev. Tony Alstott made a motion to refer R#2 to the Board of Ordained Ministry.
The Rev. Mary Dicken spoke against the motion to refer R#2 to the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Bishop Trimble called for the question
Motion: To refer R#2 to the Board of Ordained Ministry.
The motion passed (267, 266) by simple majority.
Alisa Isaacs Bailey brought a point of order stating that there was confusion and suggested that the vote be taken again.
Bishop Trimble determined that there should be a revote.
Motion: To refer R#2 to the Board of Ordained Ministry.
The motion passed (371, 276).
The Rev. Paul Wagner presented R#3 “Parental Leave” submitted by the Rev. Julia Pritchett-Gonzalez for deliberation and action.
Rodney Frieden, chair of CFA, clarified that this resolution was submitted in April 2024, so CFA did not have time to determine the potential ongoing impact on the Conference budget.
Nancy Palmquist, local pastor, clarified that this resolution does not only impact women. She also pointed out that it is unfair and urged the Conference to “pass it and figure out how to pay for it.”
The Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Conference Superintendent for the Central and West districts, made a motion to refer this resolution to CFA in collaboration with COSROW and the Cabinet.
The Rev. Joe Boggs spoke against the referral of the motion, claiming that every delay causes harm to parents.
Debbie Knicks spoke against the referral, claiming “Once again, we’re kicking the can down the road” and urged the Conference to not refer the motion but instead to discuss and pass the resolution.
Lonnie Spearman, equalization member, spoke in favor of the referral. He claimed that to not refer it to CFA could do harm to the budget and “all of the things represented in the budget” because we don’t know the financial implication.
Monica McDougal, local pastor, spoke in favor of referring the motion because “sometimes these big measures require time to do it right.” In the meantime, she suggested that individual congregations can “show up and support parents.”
Kerry Clear, local pastor, made a speech against referral, quoting Bishop Trimble by saying “Two things can be true at the same time.” While this resolution “needs great thought for the upcoming year, we can also do something now.”
Fulbright, maker of motion to refer, clarified that as per The Book of Discipline, there are opportunities to request parental leave from the Conference that are paid. “It’s not a matter of not having leave or providing leave,” she said. “It’s about us having sustainable financial measures to measure that moving forward.”
Motion: To refer R#3 to CFA.
The motion passed (351, 288).
COSROW
The Rev. Julia Pritchett-Golzales gave a COSROW monitoring report.
Outdoor Ministries
Peggy Nunley, local pastor and chair of the Board of Camps and Retreats, reported these statistics:
- 45% of students attending INUMC camps were from UM churches.
- 8,775 people experienced the love of Christ at one of our campsites in 2023.
- In 2023, 156 students experienced their call to vocational ministry
Nunley shared that the Board of Camps and Retreats and the Impact Ministry staff are engaged in a strategic planning process
The Rev. Brian Durand requested a point of personal privilege. Currently, our 227 local pastors can vote on General Conference delegates but cannot serve as delegates. In 2025, he hopes to submit a resolution “to stand with our local pastors for the 2028 General Conference for full voice and vote for them.”
Children Matter Most
Gary McRae, Director of Foster Care for Bashor Children’s Home, thanked volunteer groups (like NOMADS) and individuals that come to Bashor Home “for the good of the children.”
The Rev. Stacy Downing urged the Conference to consider how their Kingdom gifts could help a child and offered resources for helping individuals figure out that answer.
The Rev. Jen Huff invited the Conference to submit stories of how they are helping children and invited everyone for a mental health summit on September 28.
Diversity, Missions and Justice (DMJ)
Associate Director of DMJ Lan Davis Wilson celebrated outgoing COSROW chair Crystal Jacobsen and welcomed incoming chair the Rev. Julia Pritchett-Gonzalez. He announced that the Conference has a new EarthKeeper, Anita Sanford. He reported that Prison and Jail Reform recently held a book study on “A Knock at Midnight” and invited the Conference to the DMJ Summit on August 17. Davis Wilson spoke to the need of more diverse leadership within the Conference and urged members to fill out the Willingness to Serve form. He concluded, “The best is yet to come!”
Celebration of Ministry
Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, addressed the Conference and spoke of the potential full communion between the denominations.
These licensed pastors completed Course of Study:
Christine Fodrea
G. Thomas Jones
Mark “Steve”King
Sheri LoCascio
Zachary Manton
Christena Poehlein
Dale Stum
The following were ordained as deaconesses:
Elizabeth Miller
Alicia Mitchell
The following was ordained as deacon:
Lori Grasty
Commissioned as provisional members:
David Boyd
Marybeth Scheibel
The following were ordained as elders:
Heather Cress
Ron Marcoux
Cynthia Uhrich
Sermon
The Rev. Dr. Javier Viera, President of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, offered words of inspiration in his sermon “Sent Into the Unknown.”
Passing of the Mantle
2024 ordinands the Revs. Heather Cress and Lori Grasty received the mantle, which was passed from 2024 retirees the Revs. Marcy Patrick and Daryl Gilbert.
Saturday, June 8
Strategic Direction
The Rev. Larry Whitehead gave an update on the Conference’s strategic direction. The plan is comprised of three areas of focus: Disciple, Connect, and Transform. “We want you to know that this all comes from the focus of Cultivate Joy! Our work for Jesus Christ in the world is cause for joy!” he said.
The Rev. Jon Meunier made a motion: To live into a new day that we recognize not just the reality but the value of diversity of theological views of marriage and human sexuality. Pastors, churches, and laity across the spectrum of theological understandings are valid, valued, and important to our mission in Indiana as we work together in unity to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Rev. Russ Abel spoke in favor of the motion because it is “a way to say there is a place for everyone.”
The Rev. Duane Carlisle offered a substitute motion: Whereas, Isaiah 40:31 says that “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,” the LGBTQIA+ community has been waiting upon the Lord, and our strength is renewed. Whereas, in the 52 years that The United Methodist Church has been in difficult conversation around its relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community, members of that community who committed to staying in the conversation have experienced pain, grief, and harm. There has been the collateral damage to those relationships that extend from the individuals who have taken active roles in this conversation. These include children, family, members, and partners of LGBTQIA+ people. Therefore, be it resolved that we in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church commit this 2024-2025 year as a season of contemplation leading us to action on ways we can repair our relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Rev. Dr. Saneta Maiko offered a speech against, claiming the motions have different intentions.
The Rev. Charlene Allen also offered a speech against the motion. “One is how we accept our brothers and sisters in Christ. The other is how we live that out and how we talk to our communities of faith,” she said.
The Rev. Carlisle offered to add his motion as a “friendly amendment” to the Rev. Meunier’s motion.
Motion: To live into a new day that we recognize not just the reality but the value of diversity of theological views of marriage and human sexuality. Pastors, churches, and laity across the spectrum of theological understandings are valid, valued, and important to our mission in Indiana as we work together in unity to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Whereas, Isaiah 40:31 says that “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,” the LGBTQIA+ community has been waiting upon the Lord, and our strength is renewed. Whereas, in the 52 years that The United Methodist Church has been in difficult conversation around its relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community, members of that community who committed to staying in the conversation have experienced pain, grief, and harm. There has been the collateral damage to those relationships that extend from the individuals who have taken active roles in this conversation. These include children, family, members, and partners of LGBTQIA+ people. Therefore, be it resolved that we in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church commit this 2024-2025 year as a season of contemplation leading us to action on ways we can repair our relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The motion passed (437, 39).
The Rev. John Huff took a moment of personal privilege saying that “We need to celebrate this moment!” Bishop Trimble then asked him to pray.
Resolution #4
The Rev. Paul Wagner presented #R4 entitled “Building Beloved Community” submitted by the Rev. Leah Peksenak for deliberation and action.
The Rev. Dr Marti Lundy, Conference Superintendent for the North District, requested that the motion be referred to the Coordinating Council and that an update be given at the 2025 Annual Conference.
David Robinson, Chief Financial Officer and Director for Finance and Administration, shared that the Conference’s Human Resources seeks to hire diversity in both white and persons of color and gender. He noted that two of the Conference’s recent hires are from Egypt and Belgium. Conference staff is currently 35% male, 65% female, and 20% people of color. “Although Finance and Administration fully supports the essence of this resolution, we’re concerned about adding an additional level of organization that may unnecessarily jeopardize efficient handling of our personnel hiring practices,” he said.
Motion: That Resolution #4 be referred to the Coordinating Council, in consultation with the appropriate staff and committees, for further conversation with an update to be brought to Annual Conference 2025 with recommendations.
The motion passed (427, 44).
The Rev. Paul Wagner presented Resolution #1 “Responsible Compensation” submitted by Matthew Oates for deliberation and action.
Bishop Trimble ruled the motion out of order based on ¶604.2 of The Book of Discipline.
Conference Council of Finance and Administration (CFA)
Rodney Frieden, chair, presented the 2025 budget. He shared that CFA has strategically built a financial plan not just for the upcoming year but also for this season of the Church.
“I want you to look beyond the numbers and see that these numbers represent people, clergy, churches, community, and ministries. We are blessed, and we should be able to look at these numbers with a sense of joy,” he said.
Motion: That the Annual Conference approve the 2025 Annual Conference budget as presented.
The motion passed (476, 9).
COSROW
The Rev. Julia Pritchett-Gonzales, chair, gave the final COSROW monitoring report:
Worship
Gender of Speakers
36.1% Women
63.9% Men
Speaking Time by Gender
50% Women
50% Men
Race/Ethnicity of Speakers
53% White
3.6% Asian
3.6 % Hispanic
39.8% Black
Speaking Time by Race/Ethnicity
51% White
6.9% Hispanic
41.1% Black
Plenary
Gender of Speakers
47.5% Women
51.5% Men
1% Nonbinary
Speaking Time by Gender
52.5% Women
47.5% Men
.2% Nonbinary
Race/Ethnicity of Speakers
79.4% White
16.5% Black
3.1% Multiracial
Speaking Time by Race/Ethnicity
4.2% Multiracial
76.5% White
19.1% Black
Closing Business
The 2025 Annual Conference will meet June 5-7, 2025, at St. Luke’s in Indianapolis.
Celebration of Life
Bells rung as the Conference honored the lives of 25 clergy and 22 spouses who have joined the Church Triumphant in the last year.
In his sermon, “The Best of All Is, God is With Us,” Bishop Trimble posed the question, “What do you know for sure?” then answered it. “I know that Jesus cares. I know the Bible says, ‘Blessed are those who mourn.’ I know John 14:1 says, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’ And I know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
The Rev. Mary Dicken and Bishop Trimble led the Conference in Holy Communion.
Number of people ordained, commissioned or received into associate membership, and average age: 4 ordained (average age 51); 2 commissioned (average age 37); 0 associate members
Number of clergy retired: 32 (average age 67)
Membership stands at 110,838, down 16%.
Worship attendance stands at 36,705, down 15%
Church school attendance stands at 9,747, down 21%
Professions or reaffirmations of faith 750, down 23% from 2022.
Adults and young adults in small groups 34,399, down 13% from 2022.
Worshippers engaged in mission 25,108, down 13% from 2022.
Serena Acker, Communications Officer, Indiana Conference