Remember the Children and Youth: 1-K for 1-Kid
True stories of homeless and abused children and youth highlighted the need for $1,000 for every child and youth at home because the ministry of The Methodist Home for Children provides for them. The Rev. Bruce Stanley, Executive Director, thanked conference members and encouraged each congregation to give at least “one kid” with ($1000) annually to support the needs of housing, food, clothing, education, and emotional support.
Camp and Retreat: Let’s play!
Dail Ballard, Executive Director of North Carolina UMC Camping and Retreat Ministries provided an afternoon stretch with badminton as she reminded the members that fun was actually not number one on the list of “why camp.” Before the fun, survey respondents listed safety, fellowship, and faith formation.
Ministry Across the Conference:
Conference Lay Leader, Gary Locklear, invited conference members to visit the Annual Conference website, www.nccumc.org to read “all about” individual congregational ministries.
Youth: Action!
Jacob Beasley, Conference Youth President, thanked the clergy and laity of the Conference for their support of youth ministries as they move, improve, and strive to do better. He assured conference members that youth will continue to speak up for support from clergy and laity for Conference Youth Ministry. He added the challenge to local churches to find new ways to serve others and become the hands and feet of Christ.
Let us pray:
Afternoon prayer concerns specifically addressed: the 12 year old who was killed on a zip line in Allegheny County at camp, UMM President Paul Wilson, and Tom Holsclaw.
United Methodist Men (In Ministry):
3MC – Goldsboro Disaster Ministry Director Rev. Brickhouse was recognized by the Conference UMM Vice President as he highlighted various events and missions taking place at 3MC. He also mentioned that there will be a new website for UMM coming soon at www.nccmim.org.
United Methodist Women: Time to Address the Violence in Homes
LaNella Smith, President of the Conference United Methodist Women pointed conference members to the pamphlet, “What Every Congregation Needs to Know About Domestic Violence,” in the materials to begin their conversation and action to prevent and stop domestic violence. Pastors and congregations are failing the homes of their parishioners and communities when they ignore the issue of domestic violence. She emphasized that UMW are women who turn faith, hope, and love into action and advocates for social justice. Smith noted that her term of office ends in 2015.
Lay Servant Ministry: An Opportunity
Lisa Bachman, Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, encouraged members in this area as she recognized those who both are commissioned and in the process of becoming commissioned deaconesses and home missioners. She also recognized the newly certified Lay Speakers.
Board of Laity: Conference Leadership
Locklear introduced the Conference Board of Laity for the coming year as he thanked the group for their ministry.