AC21 Technical Information for Members

We have contracted with GNTV Media Ministry, our annual conference partner for over 20 years and experts in this field, to help us produce this year’s online Annual Conference.

• The Clergy Executive Session, Laity Session and Annual Conference Plenary sessions will take place online through a Zoom Webinar.
• Voting will use an online voting system run by GNTV.

Those who are able to participate from home are encouraged to do so.  Local congregations are requested to assist their clergy and lay members in finding a safe, local location and internet-connected devices to participate. For Annual Conference members who do not have reliable internet capabilities in their area we will have satellite locations available.  

All Zoom links and voting credentials will be shared with Annual Conference participants through email.

If you are not receiving Conference emails please contact Conference Registrar Doris McCullers or Conference Director of Communication Danette Clifton.

Annual Conference Sessions:

Links to these sessions and Voter ID codes will be shared with participants/voting members through email three days before the session.

Equipment:

Zoom webinar: 

To participate in the Zoom webinar you will need 

• an internet connected device (computer, tablet or smartphone)
• an internet connection
• speakers – built-in, plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
• microphone – built-in, plug-in or wireless Bluetooth or a phone line if you wish to  join the discussion of a motion

You will want to download the Zoom Desktop Client on a desktop or laptop computer (Windows, macOS, and Linux) or the Zoom application on a tablet and smartphone (Surface Pro, iOS, Android or Blackberry).

See Zoom’s system requirements for more specific information: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux
 

Voting:

It is recommended you have a second internet-connected device (computer, tablet, smartphone, e-reader) to use for online voting. Voting can happen on the same device as the Zoom webinar, it will just take skill in switching between internet windows or programs. Thus, a second device will be easier to navigate for most participants. 

Any internet-connected device with a web browser (e.g. Android phone, iPhone, iPad, Surface tablet, Nook, Fire, etc.) should work. 

Satellite Locations:

Satellite locations will display the Zoom webinar.  They will also provide public WI-FI.

Participants are expected to bring an internet-compatible device in order to participate in online voting.  Participants who do not own a device are asked to borrow one from a family member, neighbor or church member. For health and safety reasons, host sites will not have devices available. 
 

More Information:

As always, meticulous care has been taken in reviewing voting member credentials and ensuring that members will have access to the appropriate voice and voting protocols. 

All Annual Conference members are asked to watch your email closely between now and Annual Conference to make sure you don’t miss any important information.  Also frequently visit www.umcna.org/ac2021 where information will also be posted.

Public Live Stream:

Only those with voice and/or voting privileges will be admitted to the Zoom webinar sessions.  However, all North Alabama United Methodists are invited to watch the June 5 Annual Conference session live through the North Alabama Conference’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/umcna.