The first Great Plains United Methodist Conference Session took place June 11-14, 2014, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in downtown Lincoln, Neb. The theme focused on growing vital, dynamic congregations using the phrase, “Healthy, Inviting, Abundant,” descriptive words derived from special guest speaker, the Rev. Jorge Acevedo. He drew from his ministry experiences and book Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World during his services on Friday and Saturday. Our journey continues as we strive to create great churches, great leaders and great disciples in the Great Plains Conference. The challenge to make a transforming difference in the world is before us as United Methodist Christians.
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News articles posted during the session are aggregated here.
Photos are posted here.
Videos referenced by Rev. Acevedo:
Download your copy of critical information. (PDF)
Download your copy of resource materials used on the floor. (PDF)
Read about the business of the 2014 Annual Conference Session
Bishop Jones' recommendation regarding the reduction of districts. (PDF)
2014 Annual Conference: Healthy, Inviting, Abundant Theme Video
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The Rev. Jorge Acevedo is the lead pastor at Grace United Methodist Church. Grace church is a multi-site congregation located in Southwest Florida. In 1984, Acevedo graduated from Asbury College with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Bible. He also has a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. Acevedo was ordained as a deacon in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1986 and an elder in 1990. Acevedo will address growing both faithful and fruitful congregations.
Acevedo has been a delegate to both Jurisdictional and General Conference for multiple years. He was named Distinguished Alumni of the Year at Asbury College in 2007. Other accomplishments include receiving the Denman Evangelism Award from the Florida Conference and serving on the Southeastern Jurisdiction and Florida Conference Episcopal Committees. Acevedo is very involved in the Walk to Emmaus in Kentucky, Florida and the Bahamas.
Acevedo migrated to the United States from Puerto Rico when just four months old. He is married with two sons and two grandchildren.