NCJ Update 2016's show

Newly elected Bishop Frank Beard has "great hope for the church" and looks forward to helping "the church to renew its passion for Jesus Christ." Melissa Beard has a word of thanks for the delegates who supported her husband.

Rev. Tracy Smith Malone or the Northern Illinois Conference was elected to be a bishop in the church on Wednesday, July 13 at the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference. "The framing and affirmation of who you are," she said, "is born out of community."

The Rev. David Bard, of the Minnesota delegation, was elected to be a bishop in the church on Wednesday evening, July 13, at the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference. Moments later he shared his thoughts about being elected and the importance of community.

Delegates devoted time to listening and praying, to work toward ending racism and violence on Friday morning, July 15. The small groups also expressed their commitments to bring about transformation.

"I feel so honored to be elected as an episcopal leader," said newly elected Bishop Laurie Haller. "I can't wait to hear where my assignment is going to be and to be able to be God's servant in whatever annual conference I'm assigned."

Bishop John Hopkins, bishop of the East Ohio Conference, told delegates to the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, "It's time to do start doing ministry to find unity rather than trying to find unity to do ministry. Hopkins was the preacher for the Friday morning, July 15 worship service.

Bishop Gregory Palmer, resident bishop of the West Ohio Annual Conference, is the incoming president of the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops. He describes what the College is, compares with with the Council of Bishops, and reflects on having the opportunity to be the president of both (he was Council president several years ago).

Bishop Jonathan Keaton reflected on his opening worship service sermon. He believes that the youth and young adults will lead the church. In fact, he says, "Jesus was a young adult who led God's faithful" to unity amidst diversity.

Bishop Jonathan Keaton, current resident bishop for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, was the preacher for the opening worship service of the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference. In "A Plea for Unity" he asked, "Are we open to God changing our agenda or doe we have our agenda set for what we want?"

Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble, Iowa's Resident Bishop, requested the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference to engage in a time of prayer, conversation, and sign-acts. He spoke on behalf of the College of Bishops.

Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) hosted a forum for the 17 endorsed candidates for the episcopacy on Tuesday, July 12, on the eve of the start of the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference.

Paul Black, director of communications for the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, and host communicator for the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, talks about the quadrennial gathering, set to begin on July 13.

Phil Carver, head of the Iowa Conference delegation to the 2016 North Central Jurisdiction Conference, looks ahead to that regional gathering, which begins on July 13 in Peoria, Illinois. "One of the things that's very noticeable is our diversity is reflecting more and more the change of demographics in our communities and conferences." He was speaking, in particular, about the group of 17 endorsed candidates from which four new bishops will be elected.