Invitation extended for Prayer and Fasting
With Annual Conference quickly approaching, the Conference Hispanic/Latino Ministry team invites everyone to fast and pray on Saturday, June 7 from 7 – 11 a.m. Pray for the many needs and current immigration issues pertaining to our brothers and sisters from different countries. A summary of the team's statement is on the front page of the conference website: www.nccumc.org .
Lake Junaluska Dam Project Offering at Annual Conference
Lake Junaluska was created by constructing a dam that was completed in the spring of 1913. Now the dam is in need of major restoration. Local churches can help by taking an offering for the SEJ Dam Project. The conference goal is $118,000 or $.50 per church member. The pastor and one lay member from each church should be prepared to bring forward the offering from the local church as requested at Annual Conference. Each district superintendent has bulletin inserts about the SEJ Dam Restoration project for use by each local congregation. If a church cannot take an offering before Annual Conference, it can be taken shortly after conference. The pastor and lay member from that church may want to place a note to that effect in the offering plate at conference. A PDF files is attached if a church would like to print the inserts: SEJ Bulletin Insert
UM Retirement Homes hosting a Pig Pickin'
UMRH will host a pig pickin' at the Cypress Glen Retirement Community; 100 Hickory St., Greenville from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. There is no charge; all conference members and friends are welcome. Shuttle buses will leave the convention center at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 and return guests to the center after the event. Call (919) 384-3005 to reserve your space.
Christian Educators Fellowship to gather for lunch
The Christian Education Fellowship will meet for lunch at noon on Friday, June13 at the Golden Corral, 504 Greenville Blvd SW in Greenville. No reservations are needed. Contact Helen Champion, Raleigh-Rocky Mount CEF Networking Group at HDChamp@nccumc.org for more information.
United Methodist Men Luncheon – Friday, June 13
On Friday, June 13 from 11:45am - 1:15pm, the United Methodist Men will provide a luncheon at St. James UMC, Greenville. The program will feature the upcoming “No Man Left Behind” men's training event, to be held at St. James on Sept. 11-13. Pastors and men's ministry leaders are invited to come and enjoy the food, fellowship, and hear about this important event. Please contact Rick Hebert (phone: 252-355-8906; email: fhebert@suddenlink.net ) or the church office (252-752-6154) to register for the luncheon.
“Reverse Potato Drop” at conference
Conference United Methodist Men will be sponsoring a “Reverse Potato Drop” during Annual Conference. This will take the place of the traditional “potato drop.” The collection from the reverse drop will be used to help feed the hungry in Eastern North Carolina. Annual conference members and guests are encouraged bring a 5 or 10 lb bag of potatoes and place it in one of the collection bins in the breezeway between the Convention Center and the Hilton. Food bank representatives will be picking up the potatoes for distribution. Please join United Methodist Men, the Society of St. Andrew, and the continuing support of many in the United Methodist Church to help fight hunger in this annual drive.
To download a flyer: Potato Drop.
Join Bishop Gwinn in tracing Paul's 4th missionary journey
If you are interested in traveling with Bishop Gwinn this November tracing Paul's fourth missionary journey beginning in Athens and ending in Rome, or a trip to the Holy Land, or the Oberammergau Passion Play 2010, then you are invited by Educational Opportunities to a free lunch during Annual Conference on Thursday, June 12, at 12:00 noon at the Beef Barn on Andrews St. across from the Convention Center in Greenville. If you have any questions please call Doug Jessee at 252-259-2625.
Smithfield church celebrates new sanctuary
The sanctuary of Whitley Memorial UMC in Smithfield was destroyed in April 2007 by a fire set by an intruder. The people of Whitley rejoiced this past Sunday at an open house for their newly restored building. The story and a video clip can be seen on the WTVD Channel 11 website at http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6178436 .
FROM THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Award of Excellence in Youth Ministry
The Award of Excellence in Youth Ministry is presented at Pilgrimage each year. The application deadline is Aug. 31. The application is available at the website: www.nccumc.org/youthministry .
Deadlines for summer events
The registration deadline for the Appalachian Trail Hike is June 6. The Trail Hike is for high school students and will be take place July 12-19. The registration deadline for ACS (Annual Conference Session for Youth) is July 1. ACS is for high school students and takes place July 21-26 at Methodist University in Fayetteville. Both of these events have limited spaces so early registration is advised. The registration form can be found in the 2008 Youth Events brochure which is available at the website: www.nccumc.org/youthministry .
Youth Group Involvement at Pilgrimage
? Youth groups may contribute to leadership at Pilgrimage in a variety of ways. The deadline to sign up for any of these opportunities is Aug. 31. Individual youth may apply to be considered for the house band (auditions will be required and an audition date scheduled for early fall). To obtain the house band application, please request it via email to senicholson@nccumc.org .
? Youth groups may offer an act of worship during the sessions. Details about what act of worship would be offered should be emailed to senicholson@nccumc.org .
? Youth groups may create a video of their group interpreting the Pilgrimage theme “Pass it On” and submit that to Youth Ministry, PO Box 10955, Raleigh, NC 27605.
? Youth groups may create a portion of the stage visuals – any youth groups desiring to be part of this project should contact Sue Ellen Nicholson at the Methodist Building as soon as possible for details.
Children's Ministry Resource Event
Let the Children Come… a resource event for leaders in local church children's ministry will be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at Page Memorial UMC in Aberdeen. Registration begins at 9:45am and the worship concludes at 12:15pm. Pre-registration is not required and there is no cost to the event. In addition to worship led by All God's Children UMC, there will be four workshops offered: using One Room curriculum, children in mission, selection and use of curriculum resources and parents and the church in partnership for children's faith development. More information about this event is available at www.nccumc.org/childrnmin/events.htm .
