At 10:03am on Wednesday 11th September, at the Leonardo Hotel in Hinckley, Leicestershire, the North England Conference (NEC) Session began. It was a day filled with motions, motions, and more motions. Pastor George Kumi (NEC President) welcomed the delegates and briefly introduced the devotional speaker for Session, Pastor Ian Sweeney (TED Field Secretary). Pastor Sweeney started by thanking the NEC membership for their continued generosity and faithfulness, as the second-largest giver in the Trans-European Division (TED). His devotional thought focused on Isaiah 1:12-16, challenging delegates, invitees, and observers with the idea that "Worship and living are one," and emphasising that our Christianity should be visible at all times, not just on the Sabbath.
Following this devotion, Pastor Kumi extended greetings to invitees representing various fields of the British Union Conference and the Trans-European Division, who had come to support the NEC. The series of motions was then introduced and led by Pastor George Kumi and Pastor Emanuel Bran (Executive Secretary). These included, but were not limited to, the acceptance of newly formed churches, the seating of the chair and parliamentarian, voting systems, time limits on comments, and voting on the agenda. The motions sparked vigorous but productive discussions, providing delegates with valuable insight into how the church operates during a business session and the procedures to be followed.
The motions were briefly paused for an ‘In Memoriam’ segment, which recognised all the members of the NEC who had passed away during the current term. The Executive Secretary did note, however, that this recognition was based on what had been reported through ACMS. It was a moving tribute, serving as a reminder of those who have left us as we await the Lord’s return.
The focus then shifted back to the motions and proposed elected budgets. The main suggestion was to budget for 12.5 administrator and director positions. Various delegates highlighted the need for other areas within the Conference that would benefit from having a director and a budget, and this discussion continued until lunchtime.
The next motion addressed the length of departmental reports and the time frame for questions. This prompted a lengthy discussion and numerous questions, but an agreement was eventually reached. The final time limits voted were 30 minutes for director reports and questions, and 45 minutes for administration reports, with questions added to the Presidential report. The President delivered his report, providing an overview of all that had taken place in the Conference during his term. He celebrated the achievements and responded to various questions.
After a short break, the meeting resumed with the Executive Secretary’s report. This detailed baptisms, deaths, and membership information, especially in regard to the use of ACMS. During his report, he also expressed gratitude to Yvonne Weeks for over 33 years of service to the NEC, BUC and TED.
The Treasurer then presented his report and answered questions on topics ranging from Gift Aid and financial support for churches purchasing buildings, to the campsite in Aberdaron. Delegates and leaders were content to conclude this meeting with a meal and fellowship.
After dinner, reports were received from the AMR, Children’s Ministries, and Communications and Media departments. The AMR report highlighted the work done among Muslims and efforts to equip and protect our youth from the influences of Islam. The Children’s Ministries report emphasised the importance of children’s self-esteem and how the department aims to provide resources. Finally, the Communications and Media report detailed the expansion and growth of both the number of workers and the scope of the media team’s work.
As the day came to a close, the recommendations committee presented a partial report, announcing those selected to serve on the nominating committee. The session concluded with a devotion from Pastor Ian Sweeney, who drew from Isaiah 1:17 to remind us that God calls us to right wrongs, urging us not to remain passive but to actively engage in making a difference.
