connections: Growing Strong and Healthy Communities
Bishop Ward reflects on the unfolding tension in days leading to the Easter story and reminds us conflict transformation is possible in this week’s edition of connections. To learn more about Just Peace and “Leading in Anxious Times” visit: http://justpeaceumc.org/.
Grants Available for Children with Medical Needs
United Methodist Foundation is trustee of a special endowment called the “One Who Is Loved Fund.” This permanent endowment makes possible love gifts (not to exceed $1,000 per year per child) to benefit children 18 and under, who have special needs, such as specialized medical equipment or supplies/medicine, transportation to hospitals or treatment centers, or other special needs. Pastors of the NC Conference are encouraged to recommend children for the “One Who Is Loved” Fund by completing the application found on the UMF website www.umf-nc.org. If you have questions about the application process, please email Kim Smith, kmsmith@nccumc.org. Deadline to apply is March 20. Contributions from others are invited and encouraged to enable this special fund to serve the needs of more children.
Unity Dialogue Rescheduled for March 10
All are invited to join the Unity Dialogue, a conversation about the Church and homosexuality in the NC Conference, on Tuesday, March 10 from 2 – 4 p.m. It will take place in Dixon Chapel in The United Methodist Building in Garner. For more information on the Dialogue, go to Unity Dialogue.
Fruitful Conversations about Race Videostream
Moving Faith Communities to Fruitful Conversations about Race, a moderated conversation sponsored by Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC), will take place on Tuesday, March 17. Panelists will include the Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Daniels Jr., (district superintendent in the Baltimore-Washington Conference-UMC), the Rev. Tom Berlin, (senior pastor, Floris UMC), Ronald C. Machen Jr., (U. S. Attorney for the District of Columbia), and the Rev. Rachel Cornwell, (lead pastor, Silver Spring UMC). Mike McCurry, Wesley’s distinguished professor of public theology and former spokesperson for President Clinton, will introduce the panel. All are welcome to this event on Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Oxnam Chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary or via livestream at www.wesleyseminary.edu/live. RSVPs are requested. RSVP to events@wesleyseminary.edu by March 12..