2010 African-American Women’s Leadership Conference August 5-7
Registration is still open for “The Strong Black Woman – a Gentle Force for God,” an African-American Women’s Leadership Conference, to be held at Lake Junaluska. African-American women, clergy and lay, are encouraged to attend this conference. Discussions will include health, spirituality and family from a distinctively African-American female perspective and approaches in dealing with relevant life issues and the impact being grounded in faith can have upon these issues. Speakers will include powerful African-American women who are influential in the church and other venues, including Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes of Durham. More information about the conference, including speaker biographies, schedule, and registration information can be found at African-American Women’s Conference, or by calling Pam Naplen at 828-454-6656.
North Carolina Conference members called to prayer and fasting
All United Methodists in the NC Conference are invited to participate in the Isaiah 58 National Solidarity Vigil and Fast during the week of July 18-24. During this time, congregations are invited to be in prayer and action for Christ-centered, comprehensive, and just immigration reform. For more information, see Vigil and Fast or download an excellent free Christ-centered immigration reform study-guide, “For You Once Were a Stranger” at Once A Stranger.
Pilgrimage House Band Application Forms
Pilgrimage is scheduled for Nov.12-14. Youth wishing to participate in the Pilgrimage House Band should download an application form at https://nccumc.org/youth. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1. The date for auditions will be announced in the future.
Applications for Mission Seed Funds Due Aug. 2
The NC Conference Mission Team is receiving applications for a second round of Mission Seed Funds for 2010. Applications are due no later than Aug. 2. Funds will be disbursed by Sept.15. Seed Funds are to be used to develop and start new ministries or make significant changes or additions to on-going ministries. Application guidelines and downloads are available at Mission Seed Funds.
Sexual Ethics Training required of all clergy and lay ministers
Each quadrennium all pastors and certified lay ministers serving in the NC Conference must attend the updated sexual ethics training, regardless of when they last attended. All persons who are under Episcopal appointment in the NC Conference (including clergy in extension ministry) must attend this training. Not attending may impact a clergy appointment therefore five dates have been provided so each pastor serving can make himself/herself available to attend. To register, pastors must contact the host district office for the selected training location. To see the dates and locations, go to Ministerial Relations. Ideally, pastors would attend on the day/location in the district where he/she serves, but if that is not possible due to a conflict, the pastor must (a) alert their DS and (b) connect with the host district for the site they plan to attend. Each training day will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. – please plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. in order to settle in prior to the beginning of the training. Lunch will be provided and pastors will be asked to pay a nominal fee to cover the cost of lunch, typically around $5.00.