Annual Meeting 2026 did not disappoint! It was filled with fun, fellowship, and we even got some business completed.
Friday Night Experience
Conference President, Theresa Graham, opened the event on Friday evening, welcoming everyone to Lakeview Methodist Conference Center. After a short devotional by Spiritual Growth officer, Carolyn Milby, we were treated to a lovely Praise Dance by The Phoebe Morrison Anointed Angels of Trinity UMC in Houston. “Chef” Paulette Moore-Hall brought a “soul-stirring” devotional centered on bringing flavor to the world, and the whole crowd had a good laugh as members pantomimed their flavors while others tried to guess what they were.
And what’s an Annual Meeting without an ice cream social? It was fun and frivolity with the photo props and sprinkles.
Greet the Day
The sunrise at Lakeview did its best to impress on Saturday morning as early risers gathered for the Greet the Day service. This year the Southeast District led the service, and President Kandy Lawson gave the devotion based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
Annual Meeting
After breakfast, we convened to begin our morning session. Meredith Bates and Florence Snyder led us in music throughout the day. After a message from Sally Vonner, Conference Treasurer Kathy Aubin announced that units had purchased over 242 minutes for the Mission Candle in honor and in memory of loved ones and had raised $2,091.86. (This number has since increased to $2,542.86 as other names were received after the event.) Thank you all for your faithful giving!
Later in the morning, Conference Program Director Paulette Moore-Hall introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Lataya Simpson, Senior Pastor of St. Matthew’s UMC in north Houston. Rev. Simpson reminded us that if the dreams we dream are only about ourselves, then they are too small. She also explained how health problems had led her to a new understanding of her faith and that she had written a book as a result. Afterward President Theresa Graham presented Rev. Simpson with a pin as a token of our appreciation for the word she brought us.
Theresa also presented Kathy Aubin with a Special Recognition Pin for her years of service at all levels of the organization. A well-deserved award!
The morning session came to a close with the dedication of the feminine hygiene kits. The Texas Conference assembled more than 1,000 kits this year far outpacing previous years. A large part of the success can be attributed to the newly-formed unit at Fairwood UMC. They began a church-wide drive to gather supplies around Mother’s Day and were able to bring 500 kits to Lakeview. WOW! Outstanding work, Fairwood!
We were able to pack two large SUVs with the kits to take to the Mission Center in Conroe to be distributed throughout the Conference in times of disaster and despair.
Business Meeting
After a short break, Theresa Graham opened the business meeting. Our first order of business was to elect new officers. Those elected were:
| Office | Nominee | Church Affiliation |
| President | Theresa Graham | CrossRoads UMC, Houston |
| Secretary | Debra Wroblewski | Deer Park UMC, Deer Park |
| Treasurer | Kathy Aubin | Terrace UMC, Houston |
| Chair, Committee on Nominations, Class of 2028 | Susan Muzny | Onalaska UMC, Onalaska |
| Communication Co-coordinator | Valerie Adame | Middleton Memorial Methodist Church, Wallisville |
| Membership Nurture and Outreach | Rhonda Carpenter | First UMC, Huntsville |
| Spiritual Growth | Charlene Himburg | John Wesley Methodist Church, Spring |
| Program Resources | Kathy Kraiza | Strawbridge UMC, Kingwood |
| Language Coordinator | Ashley Mayho | Klein UMC, Spring |
| Member, Committee on Nominations, Class of 2029 | Dorothy Ringer Sumner | St Andrews UMC, Houston |
Next, we adopted the budget for 2027 with a goal of income and expenses of $33,000. That was followed by the pledge service where the five districts pledged $68,000 towards Mission Giving in 2027.
Theresa recognized two retiring officers, Carolyn Milby and Lillian Rogers-Martin. Immediately after, Ellen Lipsey, former South Central Jurisdiction President, installed the newly elected officer. With that the business meeting was called to a close.
At that point, we were treated to our first Focus Group of the day led by Deaconess Kristen Tropeano. Based on the book of Esther, Kristen’s workshop challenged us to step up to do the right thing even though stepping up might be costly.
Afternoon Session
After lunch, National Board member, Stephanie Pounds, encouraged members to speak out in this Year of Influence and brought her own story of learning to recognize racism. She was followed by Conference Social Action Coordinator, Dorothy Ringer-Sumner, who brought a Response Moment, emphasizing the work we are doing and still need to do around racial justice. Paulette followed with a report on the Legacy Fund. We are only $3 million dollars away from our $60 million dollar goal.
Our second Focus Group followed. Paulette led the members in an exploration of the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging us with the thought that the Prayer becomes purpose in motion, highlighted by a splendid liturgical dance.
Closing Worship
The day ended in worship led by Rev. Lynn Willhite. A special offering was held as women came forward for communion. After the sacrament, a benediction, and then hugs and goodbyes until next time.
