The NC Council of Churches recently released a report highlighting their current priority areas and activities. Jennifer E. Copeland, Executive Director for NC Churches said, “With 18 denominations representing over 6,200 congregations in N.C., the Council provides incarnational evidence of Christian Unity. By creating unity without expecting uniformity, member bodies collaborate on matters that contribute to the flourishing of God’s creation.”
Announcements
Do’s and Don’ts for the Disability Ally
Check out this resource from the UMC Disability Ministries Committee, offered through their partnership with the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR).
Interested in learning more about Disability Ministries? Check out these three recordings from the Disability Ministry Webinar series we hosted last year:
- Accessibility Audits and Becoming a Place that Welcomes All, with Lynn Swedberg
- Ableism in the Church, with Melinda Baber
- Behavior 101: Understanding Human Behavior in Faith Settings, with Joy Van Staalduinen
Help Us Plan Lay Servant Ministries Classes for the Next Year!
It’s been a great year for Lay Servant Ministries across our conference. Take a look at our “Year in Numbers” below and help us plan an even better year by filling out our survey. Your LSM district directors will meet at Annual Conference to review the survey results and plan our course offerings for the next 12 months.
Even if you filled out our survey last year, please fill it out again! That helps us plan for the courses that are most relevant for your current needs!
Looking Back – A Year in Numbers (July 2023-June 2024)
- 21 opportunities to take a course (10 in person, 8 Zoom, 3 hybrid)
- 150 different laity participated in classes
- 253 course credits earned
- All 8 districts offered courses and all 8 districts had laity who completed coursework.
- Connectionalism at work – a record 58% of laity taking LSM courses took a course hosted by a district that is not their home district. In addition, we had laity from the SC Conference and the Baltimore-Washington conference join our Zoom classes.
We also have many laity participating in our certification programs:
- 164 certified lay servants (including 17 new new this year!)
- 59 certified lay speakers (including 11 new this year!)
- 41 certified lay ministers (including 8 ready to be certified in June!)
We are grateful to all of the laity who have participated in Lay Servant Ministries offerings and who strengthen our connection by their dedication to ministries through their local church.
Thanks in advance for filling out our survey and helping us to plan Lay Servant Ministries courses that will equip you to say “yes” to God’s call on your life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email.
AC 2024: Health Opportunities, Special Offerings, and Briefing Session
đź©ş Health Opportunities
A variety of health services and activities will be available during the Annual Conference!
- The Shepherd’s Care Medical Clinic Bus will be on-site Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14, offering primary care for all walk-in visits.
- Free Health Screenings provided by ECU Health will be available June 13 from 9 am – 4 pm.
- HealthFlex insurance participants can join the Blueprint for Wellness Screening on June 14 from 6 am – 10 am, to earn up to $100 in Pulse Cash. Register by May 31 through the Virgin Pusle app.
- Participate in the AC 2024 Outreach Project by creating or bringing supplies for Menstrual Hygiene Kits.
- Pick up a calming strip, adult coloring sheets, and crayons, access prayer stations, and other helpful information at the Health Team display table at the Annual Conference!
❤️ Special Offerings
At Annual Conference 2024, two opportunities to support ministry in our North Carolina connection and beyond!
- Thursday – The Gary Wayne Locklear Mission Endowment focuses on emerging needs related to health, wellness, and abundant life, economic resources for fullness of life, education, and spiritual vitality found in Jesus Christ.
- Saturday – Professors of Methodism, a special endowed fund supporting theological educators at 30 United Methodist-related schools outside the United States.
🗓️ Important Dates & Information
Below you will find information and deadlines relating to Annual Conference 2024. Please continue to visit the AC 2024 website or download the app for more details.
- AC Kids Registration – Deadline is June 1
- Agenda
- Hotels
- Outreach Project
- Proposed Standing Rules
- Resolutions
- Speakers & Guests
- Special Meals
Celebrating 2024 Graduates
Bishop Shelton celebrates graduates and shares an opportunity for a scholarship from the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.
The Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry is happy to offer four college students the chance to receive a $500 scholarship! To be eligible, a student must be listed in the High School Seniors/College Students Charge Conference Report in the Online Data Collection System with their anticipated college or submit their information via a form available at the Annual Conference gathering in June.
Download the video to share in your services. If you do not have video capabilities, view and read the transcript.
2024 Summer Camps
Pastor families, are you looking for summer opportunities for your children and youth? Sign up for Summer Camp!
NC Conference United Methodist pastors can receive a 50 percent discount on one week of camp for each of their children at one of Camp and Retreat Ministries’ amazing residential summer camps!
The kids will enjoy a week of faith-filled fun and friendships at Camp Chestnut Ridge, Camp Don Lee or Camp Rockfish. Some sessions are full but there is still good availability for many weeks. Contact the camp you wish to attend or check out their website and register today. To receive the discount, you will need to let the camp know you should receive the pastor discount. Secure your spot today!