You are the Light of the World
In this week’s Connections, Bishop Ward thanks the conference for generous giving towards the 2013 apportionments and reminds viewers/readers that ministries made possible through faithful apportionments help shine the light of Christ and proclaim the Good News.
Duke’s Pastores Caminantes Program
The Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School is recruiting a third cohort of pastors for the Pastores Caminantes program. All pastors who are passionate about ministering for and with the Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina are encouraged to apply. This group of 12 sojourners meets periodically for spiritual formation from a Hispanic/Latino Methodist perspective. Thanks to a generous grant by The Duke Endowment, the cost of this program is only $100. CEUs will be granted after the completion of the program. For more information, or to apply, visit the website. Deadline for applications is March 7.
MissionInsite Workshops Offered
Two workshops on MissionInsite will be offered at the NC Conference office in Garner this month. On Feb. 24, 1-4 p.m., Tom Bandy will present demographic information related to the census data and demographic reports available from MissionInsite. Register online for this workshop. On Feb. 25, 9 a.m.- noon, Peter Wernett will present the MissionInsite Demographic Resource for churches. Register online for this workshop. Both workshops will be held in the Dixon Chapel, and participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or notepad. There is no charge for the workshops, but space and internet capacity are limited to 60 persons per workshop, so registration is required by Feb. 10. Participants wishing to attend both workshops should register individually for each workshop. For more information, go to MissionInsite.
Sing More, Spend Less at Cokesbury
Cokesbury is having a Music Resources Sale which includes the UM Hymnal and the Faith We Sing and Worship and Song hymnal supplements. There are discounts ranging from 20-45% on the books and accessories through Feb. 28. To view the items with the discount information, go Music Sale.
UM Clergywomen Leadership Seminar
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is excited to invite clergywomen to the UM Clergywomen Leadership Seminar, May 5 – 7 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The theme is ‘Where Grace Meets Power – Standing for Each Others’ Greatness.” The UM Clergywomen Leadership Seminar will provide an opportunity for networking and fellowship among clergywomen and women leaders of the church throughout the connection. Please register for this event by clicking here.
Registration Deadline for United Methodism 101
Whether you are a lifelong United Methodist or new to United Methodism, United Methodism 101 is designed for anyone wanting to know more about Methodist history, structure, beliefs, ministries, and challenges. The course includes four web-based lessons, each with many interactive features. The class will run from Feb. 26 – April 23. The course has a limit on the number of participants and will close registration when the maximum number of participants is reached or Feb. 24 so register now to not miss out.
Congregational Care Teams Day of Learning
Modeled after Christ’s work, a shared (clergy and lay) Congregational Care model can help even small churches keep congregants well-cared for in times of need. Congregational Care pastors, Karen Lampe and Wendy Chrostek from Resurrection UMC in Kansas City will empower leaders from all-sized churches to frame a new and broader congregational care model, solidly grounded in theology and demonstrated by their best practices. Presented by The Academy for Leadership Excellence, the event will be hosted at First UMC, Cary on Tuesday, Feb.18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.theafle.org for registration information or call 919-208-2169.