In anticipation and preparation for Bishop Leonard Fairley’s new role in serving multiple conferences – the Kentucky and North Carolina Conferences, as well as the Red Bird Missionary Conference – he, along with directors and other representatives from each conference, met via Zoom on Aug. 30-31, to build relationships and also dream about the possibilities… Continue Reading→
9/11 – 20 Years Later
I made the decision to write my reflection on 9/11 after letting my soul sink deeply into the morning uninhibited by the struggle of what to say. I needed to simply allow my heart to listen for the whispers of God’s voice weeping through the voices of the 2,977 fellow human beings who no longer speak. In the… Continue Reading→
Virtual District Gatherings with Bishop Fairley
As we previously announced, the district gatherings with Bishop Leonard Fairley will be held virtually over Zoom. The dates and times that were originally published for each district are the same: Gateway: Wednesday, September 8 Sound: Thursday, September 9 Heritage: Friday, September 10 Beacon: Tuesday, September 14 Harbor: Wednesday, September 15 Fairway: Thursday, September 16… Continue Reading→
Recommendations Regarding BSA
Dear North Carolina Conference United Methodists: We write this letter with heavy hearts. BSA Current Reality The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is overwhelmed with potential liability exposure from sexual assault allegations nationwide. The BSA has filed for bankruptcy protection. Under the proposed plans that the BSA has suggested as a way to continue after the bankruptcy,… Continue Reading→
Changes to Upcoming Conference Gatherings
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 trends, including increases in cases and hospitalizations, and out of a desire to “do no harm” as we look ahead to opportunities to gather across our connection, the Cabinet and Conference Leadership have made the following changes to upcoming events. Bishop Fairley’s Welcome Service and District Gatherings Welcome… Continue Reading→
Shepherding Your Congregations Faithfully and Wisely
Dear United Methodist friends, Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers. – III John 2 As the pandemic continues in challenging new ways, we renew our commitment to love God and our neighbor in every way possible. Here in North Carolina, intensive… Continue Reading→
Call to Reflection and Action on State HB 324
Friends in Christ, Justice is an attribute of God that flows out of God’s love for us. Scripture teaches us in the lessons of Nicodemus (John 3, 19) and the Woman at the Well (John 4) that God’s truth is found in the light of the day rather than in the dark of the night. Our… Continue Reading→
Bishop Ward Announces Retirement in September
Dear United Methodist friends in Christ, I give thanks to you all, using the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians, for partnership in ministry from the first day until now. Called to ordained ministry, I was set apart for this life of itinerant clergy leadership 42 years ago at the North Carolina Annual Conference Session… Continue Reading→
From the Bishop: Bishop’s Day Apart on May 5
Dear Friends, We are God’s flock. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. – John 10 I invite you to be present for a virtual gathering of all interested laity and clergy in the North Carolina Conference on Wednesday, May 5, at 12 noon. The gathering will last no more than 90 minutes. The purpose of the gathering… Continue Reading→