The Learning Lab session “See, Discern, Collaborate” opened with Ismael Ruiz-Milan, NC Conference Connectional Ministries director, introducing the afternoon’s speaker, Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz. An elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, Muñoz serves as Executive Director of The Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry for The United Methodist Church. Muñoz began by challenging a fundamental assumption… Continue Reading→

At the “From Menu to Map” Learning Lab, the team from Fuquay-Varina UMC (FVUMC) described several key tools that the church uses to help welcome people into the congregation and deepen their discipleship. Rev. Owen Barrow, Lead Pastor, began by sharing his experience with the opposite: what he described as “accidental discipleship” which relies primarily… Continue Reading→

As the Learning Lab, “Lessons From the District,” began, the Rev. Ben Roberts from Foundry UMC in Washington, DC, asked participants to consider how their churches can address broken systems, particularly those systems that have the greatest impact on persons in their communities who are already vulnerable. Roberts, who is an ordained deacon and a… Continue Reading→

Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck led a Learning Lab called “Fresh Expressions: Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World.” He was introduced by Rev. Dr. Tim Catlett, Director of New Faith Communities for the NC Conference. New Faith Communities, in partnership with the Center for Leadership Excellence, will be leading the Fresh Expressions… Continue Reading→

On Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz led a Learning Lab session centered on building resiliency through worship. She began the session by reflecting on a gathering with Hispanic/Latinx leaders, where they shared words that identified them as a community. Words such as “fiesta” and “resistencia” were mentioned frequently, leading. Muñoz to ask, “What if… Continue Reading→

We are looking forward to seeing you next week at Annual Conference! When you arrive at the Greenville Convention Center, stop by the registration desk at the front entrance to check-in and pick up your Conference Workbook and lanyard. Already confirmed your attendance?Members of annual conference should have received an email after you confirmed your… Continue Reading→