Register now for the Spring Retirement Planning Seminar
The Conference Board of Pensions Retirement and Financial Planning Seminar will be held March 24 – 25. The seminar sessions and meals will be held at the Conference Building in Garner with overnight hotel accommodations at the Hampton Inn at Raleigh/Clayton. The two-day seminar will provide vital information meeting the needs of pastors considering retirement within the next ten years. Spouses are encouraged to join in making preparations for this milestone event in a pastor’s (and his/her family’s) life. Two methods of registration – online and by mail – are being offered this year. For further event and registration details, visit the Pensions page.
GBOD-UM Publishing House to debut song and worship book
Rethinking Worship & Song,the national introductory event for the new GBOD-UM Publishing House song and worship book, will be March 1-3 in Nashville, TN. Workshop leaders will include Carlton Young, Marcia McFee, Michael Hawn, Lester Ruth, Mark Miller, David Bone, Safiyah Fosua, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Gary Alan Smith, Joe Stobaugh, Jackson Henry, Anne Hook, Karen McIntyre, Kwasi Kena, and Dean McIntyre. There are two weeks left to register. Go to Worship and Song, or call 877-899-2780, ext. 7073.
Support UM Camps on February 27
Every day, NC Conference UM Camps – Chestnut Ridge, Don Lee and Rockfish – are transforming lives with the love of God. At camp, people of all ages discover new friends, accomplish new goals, grow in Christ, and experience the wonder that nature offers. read more
Two free webinars available for local church leaders
The General Board of Discipleship is continuing a series of free webinars to equip local church leaders. “Leading the Church Council: Administration IS Ministry” will be Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. CST. Space is limited so reserve a webinar seat now at Church Council.
“Trustees: Stewards of Church Property” will be Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. CST. Space is limited so reserve your seat at Trustees now. For more information on these learning opportunities, go to Committee Resources.
Ready, Set, Teach – Important Tools for Discipling Mission
Delia Halverson, author and consultant in all areas of Christian Education, will lead a teaching seminar, which will explore age-related needs and offer practical tools for leading, teaching, facilitating, and giving general oversight to all areas of the teaching ministry of the local church. This event will be Saturday, March 19, at St. Francis UMC, Cary, NC from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $25, which includes lunch and materials. For more information and registration, click Christian Formation.
CareNet of NC to offer resources for Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health month and CareNet of North Carolina is providing several opportunities for pastors to gather for a meal, a program which CareNet will provide on the church’s ministry of mental health, and guides for preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and spiritual practices, utilizing scriptural references and focused on mental health and wellness. These guides can be used during the month of May, or anytime a particular pastor or congregation decides. For more information on locations and dates of the gatherings or registration, go to Mental Health resources.
African-American clergy invited to retreat at Lake Junaluska
The African-American Clergy Leadership Retreat at Lake Junaluska will be April 4-6. The theme is “Bringing It All Together: Organizing Your Church for Successful Ministry. There is a discount on the registration fee if registered before Feb. 28. read more
New Subject Guide for Lent and Easter
The Media Center has posted a new subject guide full of resources to help your church study and celebrate Lent and Easter. It includes all available video and print resources for adults, youth, and children that focus on Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and the church’s celebration of Easter. From multi-week Lenten Bible studies to Gospel dramatizations, see what the Media Center has to enhance your church’s Easter celebration in the Easter/Lent Subject Guide.
New Sexual Ethics information to be posted in every church
The hotline telephone number to report sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct will be changed effective March 1. A new poster is available at Sexual Ethics poster which is to be posted in a readily accessible public place in every church, district office, conference office, etc. All old existing posters should be destroyed. The change is that persons with any sexual ethics/boundaries issues can call the confidential hotline, leave a report on the website listed on the poster or email the address on the poster. There is also a line for Spanish-speaking persons.
Society of St. Andrew offers Lenten devotional series
The Society of St. Andrew is offering a daily devotional booklet, “We’ve a Story to Tell,” for Lent. The devotions were contributed by a variety of writers from different denominations who share how their personal walk with Jesus impacts their lives. The Lenten materials are free, but participants are asked to consider giving a contribution to this feeding program. read more
VIM team-leader training to be offered by the conference
Many local churches are now planning mission trips for 2011 or are preparing volunteers to serve others in times of crisis. Effective training can make the vital difference between a successful mission and an experience better forgotten. Prepared individuals have the tools, insight and knowledge to successfully lead groups in a mission experience that glorifies God through service done effectively. read more
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