We’d like to keep everyone up-to-date about the happenings all across the NC Conference offices and committees, so we’ll be posting a roundup of all the major news at the end of every month.

Here’s an overview of NC Conference events and updates from the month of May. 

NC Conference

• The #BeUMC focus theme for April was Jesus-seeking. Learn more about the campaign, watch new video testimonials, and share A Prayer for the Connected People of God.
• The Health Team Committee shared two updates from their conversations with Disaster Medicine expert, Dr. Wes Wallace. Visit the Coronavirus Response page for more information.
• Released Clergy Care resources for rest, renewal, and respite.
• Read Asbury UMC’s experience with texting services to connect with their church and community.
• Read a message from Bishop Fairley about moving forward graciously. 
• Archives and History shared an article on North Carolina UMC Apostolic Succession.
• Bishop Fairley shared a message in response to recent mass shootings across the country.

Annual Conference

• The AC 2022 speakers, volunteer sign-up forms, special offerings, and swag were released. View the AC 2022 website for more updates. 

Christian Formation 

• The Financial Discipleship Team offered consultation opportunities for pastors or church finance teams. 

Media Center

• View resources for the Connected People of God.
• View resources written by Asian American authors.
• View resources for church transitions in preparation for Transition Week in June.

New Faith Communities

• The Office of New Faith Communities came together for a common learning day to discuss theological and practical training in Relational Discipleship. The event was held at The Mills Church in Rocky Mount on May 11-12. The guest speaker Rev. Rachel Gilmore, a church planter, coach, author, and consultant, invited attendees to look at the practical way we can meet people in physical or digital spaces and invite them into the journey of relational discipleship. 

Office of Clergy Life

• The Office of Clergy Life, in partnership with The Cabinet and Center for Leadership Excellence, offered a Transition Seminar for clergy and congregations anticipating a change in pastoral leadership this summer. Topics included: The Core Values of Appointment Making; Conference Resources for Transitional Support; Moving Logistics; Leaving Well; Extending Hospitality; Being Open to a New Presence.

Outreach Ministry

• Congregations for Children hosted the “Our Faith, Our Children, Our Public Schools” webinar.
• Creation Care hosted a book discussion this month on “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams.

Race Equity and Justice Ministries

• Hosted a two-day Changing the Lens training. Learn more about Changing the Lens and register for an upcoming training.

Treasurer’s Office

• Published a Clergy Financial Wellness survey for all active clergy members of the NC Conference (or their spouses). 
• Hosted conference-wide Zoom sessions on the Transition Fund and Insurance Plan.

Youth Ministries

• Rev. Jason Villegas was appointed as part-time Director of Youth Ministries, effective July 1, 2022.