This morning, a hearing was held in the North Carolina Court of Appeals on the former Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church congregation’s appeal of the decision dismissing the lawsuit that had been filed against the NC Conference and Conference officials. Both parties presented their cases, and a decision will be made in the near future.
Announcements
Congregations for Children Director David Rockefeller Retires, Jo Wainright to Serve as Interim Director
NC Conference Congregations for Children (C4C) Director, David Rockefeller retired from his position as of February 29, 2024. David has served us since April 1, 2020.
David has been successful in building a working districtwide committee. They have partnered with United Women in Faith and presented informative summits, and strengthened the work of local churches with grants for tutoring and afterschool programs. David has also joined efforts with several organizations that advocate for children in public schools, thus streamlining our United Methodist Advocates for Public Schools (UMAPS) ministry. We are grateful for all the ways David invested in Congregations for Children.
One of the C4C faithful committee members serving with David as the Harbor District C4C Coordinator has been Jo Wainright. We are excited to announce that Jo will transition into the role of director for an interim period as she and the Conference leadership discern our way forward.
Jo is a retired public school teacher and has held many leadership roles with United Women in Faith. We are excited to welcome Jo to the North Carolina Conference!
If you have questions about Congregations for Children or would like to contact Jo, email c4c@nccumc.org.
Conference Committee Nominations Deadline Extended
Are you interested in serving on a Conference committee?
You still have time to express your interest! The nomination deadline has been extended until March 8. Visit our Nominations page to learn more and complete the interest form.
A Live Wespath Event
Join Wespath for a no-cost virtual event for UMC clergy and lay employees on April 10 at 12 pm ET. The event features information and insights from Wespath about General Conference, investments, benefits, and well-being to help assist with navigating benefits and the general UMC environment.
The event will run approximately 4 hours. Registration allows participation in the entire event, or you can drop in for the segment(s) that interest you the most.
February 2024 Updates
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a weekend retreat for middle school youth to help them grow closer to God. The retreat includes small groups, worship, camp activities, and the opportunity to connect with God in God’s creation!
Join us April 12-14, 2024, to learn how the Holy Habits can be used as tools to guide us in the darkness and trust the Lord to lead us to a place of being found, known, and heard. The registration deadline is March 29.
TENx10 Relational Discipleship Kickstart
Are you a youth pastor, a passionate volunteer, or someone who is looking for ways to deepen your faith and empower others to do the same? Join the TENx10 Relational Discipleship Kickstart and unleash your potential to cultivate a culture of discipleship!
The second set of cohorts will begin in April. If you are interested, please fill out an interest form by March 15.
Follow NC Conference Youth Ministries on Facebook and Instagram.
Lay Equalization Plan Nominations Now Open
In 2021, our annual conference adopted a Lay Equalization Plan that helps guide the nomination and selection process for At-Large Lay Members for the NC Annual Conference. The purpose of this plan is to ensure an equal number of clergy (active & retired) and lay members participate and vote in our NC Annual Conference. This plan calls for the District Superintendent, in partnership with the District Lay Leader(s), to nominate professing members from within their district as At-Large Members for participation in the NC Annual Conference meeting.
From now until March 23, 2024, we are actively receiving lay equalization plan nominations. Nominations may come from pastors, congregational lay leadership, or self-nomination. You may also submit the nomination yourself if you have spoken with someone who would like to be considered.
You can absolutely submit more than one nomination! Remember, this is a nomination in addition to the name(s) you have already elected at your annual Charge Conference. All nominations will be reviewed by our Conference Board of Laity, and all who have been nominated will be notified by April 7, 2024, as to their status – either elected or alternate.
Please submit all nominations by midnight on March 23.
Please share the nomination form with anyone who you believe might be interested in serving. We are asking both pastors and laity to help us seek, encourage, and ultimately send lay members of every age, gender, and color to Annual Conference as we work together for our conference and the glory of our Savior.
Please note that elected lay members will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodations. There is no funding available from the district or conference for travel, meals, or accommodations. College Hill Suites at East Carolina University provides very affordable lodging for lay members to Annual Conference. Visit the Annual Conference 2024 page for more information on housing. Please note that all hotel and ECU housing reservations must be confirmed by May 13, 2024.
We are seeking committed and willing hearts to serve as At-Large Members to Annual Conference. Thank you in advance for helping us to ensure that our decision-making members are as creative and diverse as the God who created us all!
John Hall
NC Conference Lay Leader