Bishop Ward and Chris Brady discuss Sacred Conversations
Bishop Ward and the Rev. Chris Brady appeared on the “My Carolina Today” show on Monday, Jan. 12 to discuss the upcoming Sacred Conversations: Black Lives Matter event scheduled for Jan. 28. My Carolina Today is broadcast on WNCN Channel 17 in the Raleigh area. Click here to watch their conversation. For more information about the Sacred Conversations event, go to https://nccumc.org/racial-justice/.
Delegation voting on schedule during Annual Conference
As we approach Annual Conference 2015, please remember it’s a voting year. To learn how you can participate in the voting process, visit the Conference Secretary’s site here. In accordance with the Book of Discipline, the site also includes 1) Disciplinary Information, 2) NC Annual Conference information, 3) who is eligible to vote, as well as other important information for the voting process. If you are eligible and interested in being elected, please consider filing out a laity or clergy information form. The information form for clergy and/or laity is not required for one to be nominated, but would be helpful in letting others know of one’s interest. The deadline for completion of all voting forms is May 15. Thank you for your participation and happy voting!
Couples Retreat Weekend at Camp Rockfish
A weekend focused on strengthening your marriage will be launched at Camp Rockfish Feb. 27-March 1. This retreat will be a chance for couples to come together and work on building a stronger relationship with each other and God. Couples will engage in a superb slate of classes and worship, while enjoying awesome Rockfish activities and some quality time together. Cost is $175 per couple. For more information or to register, please contact Debbie Powers at 910-425-3529, ext. 22 or Debbie@camprockfish.org.
2015 Lay Missioner Training to begin Feb. 21
Lay Missioners are committed laypersons who are trained and work in a team with a pastor-mentor to engage in developing ministries with Hispanic/Latino people. The training will fulfill requirements of the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry of The United Methodist Church allowing newly trained leaders to be certified as Lay Missioners of the NC Annual Conference. The training will be held over eight Saturdays, from Feb 21 to May 16. In addition, there will be a 2-day retreat May 29-30. Registration is due Feb 2. For more information visit Discípulos Haciendo Discípulos.
MTF payments due Jan. 31
The annual contributions payments to the Ministers’ Transition Fund (MTF) are due to the Treasurer’s Office no later than Jan. 31. Payments received after Jan. 31 will be returned to the minister. Failure to pay the contribution by the deadline may result in either forfeiture of this year’s dividend and/or lack of credit towards future dividends. For more details about the benefits of this Fund and to obtain an enrollment application, visit the Pensions Page on the Treasurer’s Office Web site or contact JoAnna Ezuka (1-800-849-4433 ext. 225).
Web conversation for local pastors and associate members
Bishop Ward and Cory Oliver, chairperson of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, will host a web conversation with local pastors and associate members on Thursday, Jan. 29 from noon – 1 p.m. Local pastors and associate members are invited to participate in a conversation around our shared ministries. An email will be sent advising how to access this event online.
Human Relations Sunday, Jan. 18
A special offering this Sunday, the closest to the observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, will focus this year on the rehabilitation of youth offenders. The Book of Discipline describes Human Relations Day as a call “to recognize the right of all God’s children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other.” Resources are available from umcgiving.org
Wesley Seminary partnering with Pfeiffer for new degree track
Wesley Theological Seminary’s practical theology team and Pfeiffer University’s business school have partnered to develop a new ministerial track in entrepreneurial leadership in the Carolinas. This track will equip pastors to be theologically and spiritually infused, innovatively entrepreneurial, and able to organize communities for greater missional effectiveness. Classes begin in May 2015 for the inaugural cohort of the Leading as a Missional Entrepreneur in the Carolinas Doctor of Ministry degree. Learn more at www.wesleyseminary.edu/missionaldmin. The application deadline is Feb. 1.
Camp Sunday – Feb. 22
Congregations around the Conference will be celebrating the life-changing ministry that occurs at conference camps on Sunday, Feb. 22. At camp, people of all ages discover new friends, accomplish new goals, grow in Christ, and experience the wonder that nature offers.
Camp Sunday can be celebrated by asking a child, youth or an adult who has been to camp to share their experiences from the pulpit. If churches want someone from camp to speak to their congregation, don’t hesitate to let that be known.
Congregations are also invited to help raise awareness of the Campership Fund, created to provide financial assistance to families who could not otherwise afford to send their children to camp. Last year, over 300 families were assisted by these funds. To make a gift to the Campership Fund or to request a speaker for Camp Sunday, please contact Dail Ballard at dail@ncumcamps.org or 910-352-8081.