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In The United Methodist Church, the Charge Conference is the official annual gathering where the congregation, generally under the leadership of a District Superintendent, conducts essential ministry and administrative business, celebrates God’s work among us, and discerns priorities for the year ahead.

Hilldale UMC held its 2025 Charge Conference on December 8, convened by Rev. Dr. Vona Wilson, who serves in the Conference Office as Assistant to Bishop David Graves.

Rev. Dr. Wilson opened the evening with prayer, gratitude for Hilldale’s resilience, and a reminder of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference’s five discipleship priorities guiding the church through 2028: Mental Health & Well-Being, Professions of Faith, Culture of Call, Spiritual Leadership Development, and Disrupting & Dismantling Racism & Discrimination so we may cultivate God’s beloved community.

Together, the Charge Conference remembered the members and friends who entered Life Eternal this past year, giving thanks for their lives and for the foundations of faith, service, and love they left for us to build upon.

The Charge Conference approved the 2026 clergy compensation recommended by SPRC and affirmed the leadership slate for the coming year. Hilldale will continue to operate with a Leadership Board and will launch a co-equal Ministry Table in January to strengthen coordination of mission, discipleship, and spiritual leadership. 

Dr. Bruce Myers and Larry Newton were reaffirmed as Certified Lay Speakers.

Rev. Mary Kate Myers offered a brief report on children, youth, college students, and young adults. She celebrated:

  • Growth in participation across all age groups
  • A strong VBS and an upcoming confirmation class
  • Deepening relationships among youth and increased involvement in worship and service
  • Significant momentum in the APSU Wesley Foundation, including new student leadership, pastoral care opportunities, and a student baptism
  • The formation of a growing 20s/30s ministry seeking meaningful discipleship and service

These ministries continue to expand Hilldale’s reach and nurture the next generation of disciples.

Members named reasons for celebration: vibrant music ministry, expanding outreach efforts, the Habitat for Humanity partnership, meaningful grief support, strong children’s ministry, and a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

They also lifted up stirrings of the Spirit: hopes for a conversational evening worship service, continued healing after a difficult season, growth in community unity, and deeper collaboration with community partners.

Rev. Dr. Jefferson M. Furtado shared his State of the Church report, expressing gratitude for the congregation’s compassion and support during his mother’s illness and reaffirming Hilldale’s calling to love God, love neighbors, and make a difference in Clarksville.

He named 2025 as a year of clarity, courage, and spiritual growth. In the wake of the 2024 General Conference, Hilldale navigated financial realities, strengthened leadership structures, expanded community partnerships, and renewed its focus on Wesleyan discipleship. Worship attendance normalized and new energy continued to emerge even as financial pressures required budget adjustments, reserve usage, and staffing realignments.

Hilldale’s missional presence remained strong, with ongoing partnerships including Fuel, Good Neighbor, The Little Pantry, Urban Ministries, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross. Hilldale continues to be a church that “shows up” for Clarksville, meeting real needs with real grace.

Looking ahead to 2026, Rev. Dr. Furtado highlighted several priorities:

  • One by One – collecting 1,700 stories as we seek to reach 1% of Clarksville
  • Strengthening an Invitation Culture and sustained hospitality
  • Expanding relational evangelism and community presence
  • Achieving financial sustainability and increasing recurring giving
  • Growing intergenerational ministry
  • Deepening community partnerships for shared impact

In the report, he affirmed Hilldale as a church “in motion—led by the Spirit, shaped by grace, and committed to loving Clarksville with the heart of Christ,” noting that the best is yet to come.

After all business was concluded, Dr. Wilson offered a final blessing, sending the congregation forward with hope, peace, and renewed commitment to the ministry God is unfolding through Hilldale UMC.