Executive Session for Clergy is May 14
Clergy are reminded that the Executive Session for Clergy will be at First UMC: Rocky Mount on Friday, May 14. The session will begin at 10 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 12:30 p.m. All clergy are expected to attend. For information about parking and restaurants, go to Clergy Executive Session.
Unity Dialogue Meeting on May 16
All laity and clergy are invited and urged to attend the next meeting of The Unity Dialogue on the Church and homosexuality, which will take place at Centenary UMC in downtown New Bern. Running from 3 – 5 p.m., the meeting will take place on Sunday, May 16. This meeting will be moderated by Bishop Al Gwinn, and a devotion will be offered by New Bern District Superintendent, Dennis Goodwin. Plan now to attend and engage this important discussion.
UMB Staff preparing to move
The United Methodist Building will be closed on Thursday, May 27, to allow staff to continue preparing for the move to the new building. This day is geared to clearing clutter and organizing business files in preparation for the upcoming move to the new facility in late June. Phone calls will be received through voice mail on Thursday, May 27, and will be returned on Friday, May 28.
Please assist by completing the Media Center Survey
The new Conference Media Center Associate, Laura Dallas, would like to know more about your church’s wants and needs for the Media Center at the new building. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey: http://is.gd/bYZph.
Conference-wide Annual Conference briefing session scheduled
The Annual Conference briefing session for all districts will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23. All persons attending Annual Conference – pastors and lay members to Annual Conference – should make plans to view the session. Each district will have locations open for persons to go and view the session or it can be viewed from a member’s personal computer. To see where the district locations are, go to AC Briefing Sessions. A weblink to the site, for persons watching from home, will be published in News Briefs at a time closer to the event and will be listed on https://www.nccumc.org/. Pastors, please make sure the lay members from your church are aware of the time and locations of this event.
Celebrating Our Heritage – Methodism On the Roanoke
Methodism in North Carolina began in 1772 when a circuit rider, Robert Williams, preached in farm yards, fields and forests along the Roanoke River. On Saturday, May 22, 10:30 a.m., there will be a dinner on the grounds in the Apple Yard (1010 Hinton Mill Rd., Boydton, VA 23917, Smith Creek on Lake Gaston). Bobby and Janie Coley’s restored 1800’s farm house provides a fine setting. Gospel singing and heritage stories are scheduled for 11 a.m. Dinner will be served at noon (Brunswick stew, grilled chicken and pork will be provided.) Bring side dishes and desserts. A circuit rider, Rev. Jon Strother, supported by a choir, will arrive and preach at 1 p.m. Please invite friends and neighbors. The Jerusalem/Warren Plains Charge of the Rocky Mount District are hosting this gathering.
Dedication of New Building to be June 6
Please join in a service of dedication for the new NC Conference building on Sunday, June 6 at 3 p.m. The building is located at 700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC 27529. The building will be open and accessible for viewing and tours after the service. The dedication of the Dixon Chapel and Meeting Room, to be named in honor of Dr. Sam Dixon, will follow the building dedication service.
Trail Hike Registration Deadline June 7
The registration deadline for the Appalachian Trail Hike for high school youth is June 7. The Trail Hike will leave from the new Methodist Building in Garner on Saturday, July 10 and will return Saturday, July 17. The week includes hiking and camping along approximately 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The registration form may be found in the 2010 Youth Events brochure which is available for download from the “Events” page of the website: www.nccumc.org/youth/events.
Mission Team is Receiving Applications for Mission Seed Funds
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.
Commission on Missions seeking Key Taylor Award nominations
Rural church nominations for consideration of the Key Taylor Award are needed by May 25. Congregations are welcomed to nominate themselves. For 2010, $1300 will be awarded. The award, sponsored through the United Methodist Foundation, is to call attention to the mission work of all rural churches, by honoring the specific achievements of one rural church. To nominate a church, respond via email in a one-page narrative based on the criteria below to Kathy Reavis: kreavis@nccumc.org, at the Office of Outreach Ministries. Please include the name of the church and district. Criteria includes: a) the church is in a community of less than 1,500 people; b) the church has 250 members or less; c) the church is significantly involved in community mission; d) the church shows faithfulness in its stewardship of the mission and service commitments (apportionments) and supports Advance Specials; and e) the church displays commitment towards growth in ministry and perseverance toward accomplishing their vision of ministry.
Tornadoes and floods continue to plague Southeast
Tornadoes, spring storms, and flooding continue to devastate the MidWest and lower Mississippi Valley states, most recently, the tornadoes in Oklahoma on May 10. UMCOR is responding to all of these areas. Please pray for those who have suffered losses in these tragic storms and help UMCOR respond with your gift to US Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670. Gifts can be placed in any United Methodist offering plate or you can give online at US Disaster Relief.