Using her own design, The Church Communications Audit Workbook: A Practical Guide to Help Any Church Close the Gap Between Ministry and Visibility, Rev. Jenifer Anne Swindell led participants through a step-by-step audit of their current communication tools.  Rev. Swindell is an ordained Deacon in Full Connection in the NC Conference, and she currently serves… Continue Reading→

Shiny red pom-poms brought both laughter and curiosity as attendees entered the Healthy Congregations Learning Lab. The gesture, with a personal smile and a joke or two from Caleb Parker and Rev. Kim Lamb, signaled “FUN” to those in the room. The question was posed: is it possible that the Charge Conference Church Health Report… Continue Reading→

NC Conference laity and clergy gathered for a hands-on Learning Lab, “From Blank Page to Pulpit,” to explore how sermon planning can help congregations engage the Conference’s five focus areas while remaining rooted in the Revised Common Lectionary.  Presenters Rev. Tobi Nguyen, pastor at Trinity UMC, and Rev. Dr. Glen Stallsmith, pastor at Oxford UMC… Continue Reading→

Angelica Acosta Garnett, an educator, and Doug Thie, an immigration lawyer with 14 years of experience, drew on their experience in community education, advocacy, and immigrant support to provide biblical frameworks and context on current immigration realities affecting our neighbors and communities.  Angelica started by inviting attendees to reflect on a question: “where do your… Continue Reading→

Rev. Dr. Tim Catlett, Executive Director of New Faith Communities, and Rev. Hope Ledbetter-Bock, Associate Director of New Faith Communities and Clergy Life, led the learning lab on “Engaging and Welcoming New People.” It was grounded in Matthew 25, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and Hebrews 13, “Do not neglect to show… Continue Reading→