News & Stories
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Ministry Spotlight: Certified Lay Minister, St. Matthews UMC
Dr. Michelle Taylor Skipper serves as a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) at St. Matthews UMC in Fayetteville. She has served in the Gateway District since 1991. She is currently serving as a bivocational CLM assigned to St. Matthews UMC while leading the Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner programs at East Carolina University. The internet and… Continue Reading→
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Finish 2025 Strong: Apportionments Close-Out Reminder
To receive credit for 2025, apportionment and Advance Special payments must be received in the Conference Treasurer’s Office by Wednesday, January 14, 2026. You can check your church’s current balance anytime on the District Remittances page. Reports are updated daily as payments are posted. If you see any discrepancies between the posted amounts and your… Continue Reading→
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New Book by NC Conference Pastor Jabe Largen
Rev. Dr. Jabe Largen, senior pastor of Pinehurst UMC, has published a new book, They Call Me Jabe: A Hillbilly Tale of Life, Death, and Grace. The book is Jabe’s memoir of growing up in Appalachia and his “many strange and unexpected encounters with grace.” Description Read a description of the book from the publisher:… Continue Reading→
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Extension Ministry Spotlight: Church Transformation Ministries
Welcome to our series that spotlights NC Conference pastors serving in extension ministries. Read about other extension ministers as these stories are published weekly. Rev. Ken McLean Rev. Ken McLean serves as the Director of Church Transformation Ministries (CTM). Following many years in design, construction, and real estate, he answered God’s call and became an ordained Elder.… Continue Reading→
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A Season of Giving and Serving with Project AGAPE
“It’s a most wonderful time of the year…” Once again, MERCI in Goldsboro has received a number of Christmas boxes, which will go to the children of Armenia this year. We anticipate that 3,000 boxes will be processed and shipped to Project AGAPE in Armenia, so that children who have been displaced because of war… Continue Reading→
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2026 Duke Divinity School Preaching Initiative Now Accepting Applications
Applications are now open for the 2026 Duke Divinity School Preaching Initiative. The curriculum is comprised of nine sessions that will occur once a month beginning on March 12 and concluding on November 12. The March and November Sessions meet in person from 10 am – 3 pm. The April–October sessions meet virtually from 10:00… Continue Reading→
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Bringing the “Hanging of the Greens” Full Circle
We will soon take great care in preparing our sanctuaries to celebrate the birth of Christ through the annual Hanging of the Greens. For many, this reverent ceremony is one of peace, hope, and joy, and it marks the real beginning of the season – one that is not yet harried by Christmas lists, decorating,… Continue Reading→
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Advent Whisper
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton offers an Advent reflection grounded in Romans 13, calling us to “wake up” to God’s nearness. She invites us to step beyond comfort and build genuine relationships with neighbors, especially those impacted by poverty, hunger, and immigration, as a way to encounter Christ and connect with new people. Let’s begin Advent… Continue Reading→
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Thanksgiving Reflections: Joy, Gratitude, and Acknowledgment
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton shares a Thanksgiving reflection centered on Psalm 100, highlighting joy, gratitude, and the presence of God. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical truths about Thanksgiving, including the struggles of Indigenous peoples, and calls for transparency and action against exploitation while affirming God’s love for all. She encourages caring for oneself… Continue Reading→