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Grace and peace to all of my clergy siblings in the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference.
 
As you know, we were waiting until today to make a final decision on whether we could safely hold our Clergy Session on June 27, 2020.  After consultation with leaders of BOM, Sessions, the Cabinet, our Conference Secretary, and Ingomar UMC, I have decided that we must reschedule the session. It is now set for August 22, 2020 at Ingomar UMC. 
 
We hope that by then more of you will feel comfortable with being at a large meeting; we will be able to get together without any of you violating any guidelines or executive orders for travel from your place of residence; and we will be able to follow all state guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus while gathering together more than 250 people. 

We will confirm the new August 22 date with you by August 7, 2020.  If we are NOT able to have our Clergy Session on August 22, we will postpone it until 2021. 
 
Because my decision impacts them most profoundly, I have spoken with the individuals who BOM  recommends for commissioning, ordination, or to be received as associate or full members. I have explained to them the implications of possibly not having a Clergy Session.  I am grateful for their gracious responses and heartfelt understanding of the unique season in which we find ourselves as a church.  Please thank God for all of those who BOM is recommending for commissioning, ordination, and associate or full membership.  Please reach out to them and offer them words of encouragement. 
 
Grace and peace,
 
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
 

Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
Bishop@wpaumc.org | 724.776.1499