About this Event
The theme for the 2026 Annual Assembly is "A Faith Blueprint: Revisiting the Power Source Displayed in the Early Church." We will hear keynote speaches from Dr. Emily Holladay, Rev. Dr. Charisse Gillette, Rev. James Todd Smith, Rev. Lisa Lewis Balboa, and a panel discussion on prayer and worship from representatives of multiple faith traditions.
Thursday, October 22
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration Opens and Morning Refreshments
Info: Sign in in the Lower Fellowship Hall of Somerset First UMC. Get to know your fellow delegates and enjoy some refreshments as you prepare for the day.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
New Member Orientation
Info: Those attending their first Annual Assembly receive a short orientation on who we are and what to expect over the next two days,
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome Kentuckians
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome to Somerset
Host: Mayor of Somerset, KY, Alan Keck
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Roll Call
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Approval of 2025 Assembly Minutes
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote & Discussion: Faith & Fellowship
Host: Dr. Emily Holladay; Senior Minister, Immanuel Baptist
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Plenary Session: Reports from Committees/Commissions
Info: President’s Report: Rev. Lisa Lewis Balboa,
Budget & Finance:
Nominations & Personnel: Rev. Brad Palmer,
Justice & Advocacy: Rev. Todd Smith,
Ecumenical Formations:
Funds Development Committee: Rev. June Dorsey,
Ex. Dir. Search Committee: Rev. Lisa Lewis-Balboa,
New Executive Director: Welcome For Chosen Candidate
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Break
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Keynote & Discussion: Theological & Practical Implications
Host: Rev. Dr. Charisse Gillett; President, LTS
🕑: 04:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Dinner Break
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Worship Service
Host: Somerset/Pulaski County Ecumenical Association
🕑: 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Evening Reception
Friday, October 23
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Plenary Session
Info: Adoption of New Policy Statements,
Approval/Adoption of Slate of Officers & At-Large Board Members,
Approval of New Executive Director
🕑: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Keynote & Discussion: Prayer & Worship
Host: Panel Discussion of Judicatory heads or representatives
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Closing Worship
Host: Rev. Lisa Lewis-Balboa
Info: Call to Worship & Music,
Installation of Board Members,
Scripture & Message,
Installation of New Executive Director,
Benediction & Charge
🕑: 12:30 PM
Adjournment
Event venue & nearby stays
Somerset First United Methodist Church, 99 South Central Avenue, Somerset, United States
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