07/22/08

Golden Cross Sunday is August 3
Please remember: The first Sunday in August (August 3rd) has been designated as Golden Cross Sunday when a love offering should be taken to help this special ministry which helps laity who are overwhelmed with medical bills. With conference budget adjustments, Golden Cross receives less conference budget support.  The local church offering can make a huge difference in how many laity can be helped. Golden Cross is a Conference Advance Special.

Spanish Immersion opportunity available through UMVIM
NC Volunteers In Mission is sponsoring a two-week Spanish Immersion program in Guatemala during November 2008 and is looking for people to join the group. Any level of Spanish, from beginner to advanced, can be accommodated. Cost is $600 plus airfare and includes lessons, room & board, in-country travel, and insurance. You can visit the website at www.spanishimmersionprogram.embarqspace.com .

Conference UMM sponsoring a “No Man Left Behind” training event
The North Carolina Conference United Methodist Men will offer the “No Man Left Behind” Conference on Sept. 11-13, at St. James UMC in Greenville. This 2½ day training event is for pastors, men's ministry leaders, and potential leaders. Man in the Mirror Ministries, a national leader in men's ministry and an official partner of United Methodist Men, will provide the training for this event. Don't miss this opportunity to help stop doing “men's ministry” as it has always done and start discipling men to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ. Sign up today by calling Man in the Mirror at 1-800-929-2536, or 407-472-2100. You can also register online at the Man in the Mirror website – http://www.maninthemirror.org/ . Chartered UMM groups receive a discounted price, and pastors attend at no cost if accompanied by at least two men from their church. Questions can be directed to Rick Hebert (252-355-8906) or by e-mail – fhebert@suddenlink.net .

Support DISCIPLE Bible Outreach Ministries in August
A special offering for Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries will be received in the churches of the Western North Carolina Conference and the North Carolina Conference on Aug. 24. Offering envelopes are available in district offices. A promotional DVD will be available for use on DBOM Sunday from the district offices beginning Aug. 1. For additional information or offering envelopes call 336-454-5348 or e-mail MCHicks@northstate.net.