Stories

An Encouragement for November

Stories Published on
November 22, 2022

The Center for Leadership Excellence, in partnership with COSROW, is pleased to lift up the voices of women in ministry encouraging
fellow women in ministry. Please enjoy this month’s Encouragement
from Gypsie Murdaugh, pastor at Piney Grove UMC in Maxton, NC. Anyone can sign up to receive these monthly emails here.

As I learned the names and genders of the newly elected bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, oh what joy that filled my soul when I realized that two of the three were our sisters in Christ. Not that we don’t have some amazing male bishops, but this was definitely a blessing for us as women in ministry. It was an affirmation of our call, both clergy and lay, and confirmation that God is elevating us to new levels in this Kingdom work. In this season of Thanksgiving, we are very grateful that the Lord has chosen us to serve God and the people of God.

In Peter’s sermon in Acts, he shares God’s call and lifts God’s anointing from Joel 2:28-29.

Read: Acts 2:17-18 (CEB):
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Even upon my servants, men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Reflect: This passage is a constant reminder that as women in ministry, we are walking in our call and anointing. God has created and raised us up to do mighty work and we must serve God without timidity or hesitation. We may always encounter some who question our roles in the church, but we must be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in this good work of the Lord. God is calling us to be bold as we step out on faith to do that which is much needed to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Where do you see yourself in God’s plan for the healing and transformation of this broken world? How can you encourage other women to be confident enough to step out and take leadership in the church universal, as well as in our denomination?

Take Action: We can begin by ministering to young women, including youth girls, to help them gain a healthy and bold perspective of how they can be effective in ministry. So many times, they are victims of people discouraging them, so they need strong women to encourage them to aspire to be all that God created them to be.

We must encourage our sisters, again clergy and lay, to reach the highest level of authority in the United Methodist Church and all other denominations/movements. We are called to be district superintendents, bishops, leaders of faith-based organizations, and much more. God has empowered us to take our rightful places.

In partnership,
Center for Leadership Excellence and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women

Check out these events open to women clergy and laity alike.

Just Energy 4 All Monthly Webinar
United Women in Faith
November 16, 2022

Faith Talks
United Women in Faith
November 17, 2022

Biblical Women, Advent Waiting, and 21st Century Lives
BeADisciple.com
November 28, 2022

NC Conference ERTs Volunteer in Florida

Stories Published on
November 11, 2022

The devastating winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Ian in late September impacted many homes and lives. As the emergency response phase ended in Florida, Early Response Team (ERT) volunteers from the NC Conference traveled to Fort Myers to support the Florida Conference’s disaster recovery efforts.

A team of five volunteers arrived in Florida on October 11 to help two homeowners begin repairing their homes. The team removed debris, treated mold, and removed drywall and flooring damaged due to flooding. Cynthia Moscarito, an NC Conference volunteer, said the water level line in one of the homes almost reached her shoulders.

Corridor District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC), Martin Hunicutt, arrived early one morning to remove flooring, and the family joined in working alongside the volunteers.

Over the next three days, the volunteers connected with the families and listened as they shared their stories and experiences. “It is amazing how well you work with [one another] and watch out for each other. By the time the trip is over, you feel like family”, said Cynthia.

As the team traveled back to North Carolina, other volunteers and groups arrived to continue helping the families repair their homes. The support of volunteers across cities, states, and conferences shows the power of connection. Marty said, “even if you are a small team, you can make a difference.”

We continue to pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Thank you to all who give their time and gifts to those in need.

An Encouragement for October

Stories Published on
October 18, 2022

The Center for Leadership Excellence, in partnership with COSROW, is pleased to lift up the voices of women in ministry encouraging fellow women in ministry. Please enjoy this month’s Encouragement from Grayson Dye, associate pastor at Millbrook UMC in Raleigh, NC. Anyone can sign up to receive these monthly emails here.

It seems there is so much tension in the air. Disagreements are at every turn…on the news, on talk shows, on social media, in our churches, and sometimes within our own families. Disagreements over things big and small, from theology to politics to the most heated debate of them all, “Does pineapple belong on pizza?” Of course, pineapple has no place on pizza, but still, we argue about it.

All kidding aside, it seems we are so quick to debate and argue in the face of disagreement. Recently, at the Center for Leadership Excellence and the NCCUMC Christian Unity committee’s event, I was reminded of the very timely words of Paul in Ephesians 4.

Read: Ephesians 4:2-4
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.

Reflect: Above all else, we are called to bear with one another in love. In the face of disagreement, we are first called to be patient and completely humble. What a breath of fresh air this posture would be in our communities.

Unity does not require uniformity. That is wonderful news. We can celebrate our diversity, celebrate our unique perspectives, and hold each other accountable for loving one another through all disagreements. This is often easier said than done. But I find peace knowing that we can be a united force through Christ’s unfailing love even when we do not always see eye to eye.

How can you seek peaceful reconciliation in your life? How can you foster a spirit of humility, patience, and love in spaces full of disagreements? How have you done this work already?

Take Action: I encourage you this week to highlight people in your life who are living into this calling well. Tell them how their humble and patient stance has inspired you.

In partnership,
Center for Leadership Excellence and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women

Check out these events open to women clergy and laity alike.

COSROW Book Club
NCC COSROW
October 17, 2022

Just Energy 4 All Monthly Webinar
United Women in Faith
October 19, 2022

Faith Talks
United Women in Faith
October 20, 2022

Voices From the Field: Ukraine
United Women in Faith
October 25, 2022

NCC Wesley Campus Ministry’s Summer Literacy Camp

Stories Published on
October 6, 2022

The NCCU Wesley Campus Ministry’s C4C Literacy Program at Rivers of Water Day Center’s Summer Enrichment Camp (SEC) was a huge success due to community efforts and contributions, including funding from a Congregations for Children Summer Literacy Program Grant.

SEC ran from June 21st through August 5th. The weekly schedule consisted of breakfast, morning prayer with the children, team-building activities, and attention to specific subject areas each week. Twelve children, ages four to ten, participated. Interns from NCCU Wesley Campus Ministry, retired professional educators, and other volunteers served as tutors and activity facilitators, carefully serving and caring for each child individually.

Students from various parts of the world attended, and the curriculum ensured that each student was highlighted and able to share global geographic insights as well. Weekly reading activities and public library visits allowed the children to check out their own books and enjoy the fun activities. Children also attended the NC Museum of Life and Sciences, the Morehead Planetarium, and the NC Museum of Art.

On the last day of camp, some children were tearful, not wanting to leave! The collaboration among the NCCU Wesley Campus Ministry, Pastor Gloria Winston-Harris, volunteers from Rivers of Water Christian Center, and others made this Summer Enrichment Camp a great success for children in their community.

What does the UMC Say? The Board of Church and Society

Stories Published on
October 4, 2022

The North Carolina Conference Board of Church and Society is a group of committed clergy and laity who seek to relate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ministry and mission of our churches and communities. One role of the Board is to help churches have an awareness and understanding of the UMC’s Social Principles. Each quarter, the Board will highlight an issue of justice, share a story of good work happening in our communities, or let you know how you can get involved in advocacy as a United Methodist. All are welcome to sign up to receive these quarterly emails here.

Attention, Israel! God, our God! God the one and only! Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got! Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, The Message)

Charity, Social Justice – or Both?

In the current climate of intense public education scrutiny in North Carolina, church volunteers and other education advocates are working overtime to serve as charitable organizations and vehicles for social justice. Our NC General Assembly refused to comply with the 1997 Leandro decision to fully fund our public schools in a manner that ensures that all children receive a “free, appropriate public education.” Inadequate funding causes our schools to struggle to educate children. Our General Assembly withholds millions of available dollars while increasing the amount earmarked for vouchers that allow public tax dollars to be used for private school tuition. Per pupil expenditure is among the lowest in the country, the teacher shortage is at an all-time high, and educators’ salaries are the lowest in the Southeast.

Yet amid this bleak picture, churches throughout our conference sponsor school supply drives, provide food backpacks, maintain clothing closets at schools, and provide caring adults to help children learn to read. And more and more churches are hosting free after-school tutoring services and summer literacy camps. These efforts are hallmarks of United Methodist charity.

While charity meets immediate needs, how can we affect long-term, systemic change that translates to social justice for all children? We must make people aware of the challenges that face public schools, educate congregations about solutions, and mobilize them to advocate for public schools. One of our valued partners in this effort is Pastors for NC Children. This non-denominational, non-profit public education advocacy organization is promoting “Mission Amplify,” a letter-writing campaign that teaches church groups how to write messages encouraging their government representatives to support public schools. And our most potent tool is the vote. Identify candidates who support public education, regardless of party affiliation, and support them.

Charity and social justice are not an either/or choice. It can and should be both.

David Rockefeller
Director, Congregations for Children (C4C)

Prayer:

God of justice and mercy, You who have shown us how to live well with one another, help us teach our children Your ways. Give us discernment and courage to advocate for our children, for quality public education for every child, for educators and school staff, and for parents. Just as Christ loved the children of the world, we strive to love as He loved. Amen.

What does the UMC Say….

Our United Methodist Social Principles affirm that all children have the right to quality education (¶ 162C). Moreover, in the Book of Resolutions, the UMC urges United Methodists worldwide to advocate for their governments to provide quality education for all children. Read More

West End UMC’s Summer Literacy Camp

Stories Published on
September 29, 2022

The Summer Literacy Program at West End UMC was highly successful. A team of dedicated adult volunteers, including several retired educators, worked with a large group of young children at the church on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from mid-June to mid-August. Dr. Erin West, a local elementary school principal, did a remarkable job in organizing the program, developing the curriculum, leading the children, and communicating with parents.

There was a theme each week and a therapy dog, Remy, visited from time to time for the children to read to him. The children chose a book the prior session in preparation and then had fun reading to Remy. The theme the week I visited the program was gardening, and it was a joy for me to meet the volunteers who were teaching the children about raising their own food, planting, caring for, and harvesting fresh vegetables, and learning about creation care through their reading and hands-on experiences.

Thank you to Rev. Leechford and the many community volunteers who made reading and learning fun for so many children throughout the summer. They were, indeed, the hands and feet of Christ in their community.

Written by David Rockefeller, C4C Director.

Stories

Charity, Social Justice – or Both?

Prayer:

What does the UMC Say….

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