Effective Leaders

Safe Sanctuaries Basics & Best Practices

Published on
February 25, 2023

The NC Conference Safe Sanctuaries team, in partnership with the Center For Leadership Excellence, is hosting an in-person workshop on Wednesday, July 19…

@

(includes lunch)

The NC Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team will offer a “Basics and Best Practices” workshop on Wednesday, July 19, 10am-1pm at St. Luke UMC in Sanford (Fairway District).

This workshop is designed for those who need a refresher on basics and best practices and/or for those who are new to their local church’s Safe Sanctuaries team. Lunch is included at no cost, but a $10 donation can be made towards the cost of food & supplies for the event during registration.

This in-person workshop will be led by the Rev. Mamie Alley, Chairperson of the NC Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, and will include practical information about policy basics, how to create a local church Safe Sanctuaries team, how to train your congregation on your church’s specific policy, and most importantly, why we need to make Safe Sanctuaries a priority in our churches.

If you have any questions about this workshop or the work of our NC Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, please contact Rev. Mamie Alley at malley@nccumc.org.

Ready to save your seat?

We are sorry. This event has reached capacity. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, or if you would like to connect directly with a member of the Safe Sanctuaries team, please reach out to us at cle@nccumc.org. We are eager to support you and your church in your work to create an environment and policy to keep everyone safe.

Webinar for Laity

Events Published on
February 24, 2023

The Center for Leadership Excellences presents a webinar specifically designed for UMC laity…

How can we, as United Methodists, utilize our present denomination’s challenges as a catalyst for joining Christ in mission? Dedicate an hour to reflect on how we can empower forward momentum in our churches.

Willimon will focus on the laity’s role in building a hope-filled United Methodist future. This webinar will remind us who we are called to be and encourage church leaders to rebuild a church focused on missional engagement and a renewed focus on discipleship.

Don’t Look Back: United Methodist Hope for the Future
Presented by the Center for Leadership Excellence
with Will Willimon
March 9, 2023, 7-8pm ET

About Will Willimon:

A bishop in the United Methodist Church, Professor Willimon served as the dean of Duke Chapel and professor of Christian ministry at Duke University for 20 years. He returned to Duke after serving as the bishop of the North Alabama Conference from 2004 to 2012. He has taught in Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia in various seminaries. He is a trustee of Wofford College and Emory University, and serves on the Dean’s Committee of Yale Divinity School.

Willimon is the author of over 70 books. His Worship as Pastoral Care was selected as one of the 10 most useful books for pastors in 1979 by the Academy of Parish Clergy. More than a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including Theology Today, Interpretation, Liturgy, and Christianity Today. He is editor-at-large for The Christian Century. His book Pastor: the Theology and Practice of Ordained Leadership is used in dozens of seminaries in the United States and Asia.

Don’t Look Back: United Methodist Hope for the Future

Published on
February 23, 2023

The Center For Leadership Excellence presents a webinar specifically designed for UMC laity…

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This webinar will be recorded. All registrants will receive a link to the recording within a week or two of the event.

About Will Willimon

Ready to save your seat?

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About Will Willimon

Willimon is the author of over 70 books. His Worship as Pastoral Care was selected as one of the 10 most useful books for pastors in 1979 by the Academy of Parish Clergy. More than a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including Theology Today, Interpretation, Liturgy, and Christianity Today. He is editor-at-large for The Christian Century. His book Pastor: the Theology and Practice of Ordained Leadership is used in dozens of seminaries in the United States and Asia.

Praying for the Appointment Season

Announcements Published on
February 21, 2023

As we enter into the upcoming appointment season, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to engage with this process through prayer and support for your Cabinet. Each year at this time, the District Superintendents gather to work through a significant amount of information related to the churches of the North Carolina Conference. Some of this information comes from ongoing consultations between pastors and superintendents, and some comes from advisory information received from the Staff/Pastor Parish Relation Committee.

In this time of discernment, it is important to understand that these decisions are not taken lightly. Each church in our annual conference is prayed over, as is each pastor. Each decision that is made for churches and pastors is covered in prayer and in holy conferencing. A large part of this process is keeping at the front of our hearts and minds the mission of the North Carolina Conference: “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

As part of a connectional system, we all have a role to play in this process. You are invited to pray for your Cabinet as they undertake this work. Beginning this Sunday as you gather for worship, and continuing throughout the entire process, you are invited to pray the prayer below:

O God, we give thanks for our Cabinet, servant-leaders that you have raised up to help guide the work of the church. We are grateful for all of the gifts that you have given them, and for their willingness to follow the call you have placed on their lives.

As we enter into a season of discernment and decision-making in our North Carolina Conference, God, we ask that you send your wisdom to these your servants. As they gather for holy conferencing, let them be aware of your presence in their midst. May the words they speak in their conversations bear the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As they work to appoint shepherds for your church, God, grant them understanding.

In all their good work, may they receive a renewed vision for how you are already at work in the churches and communities of eastern North Carolina. Let each prayerful decision be made with grace. And when all is said and done, O God, may your peace, that passes all understanding, rest on all the work that you have made possible. We ask this prayer in the name of the One who is and who is to come, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The appointment process will run through April, culminating with announcements in local churches.

Feature image credit: Unsplash / Jametlene Reskp
Prayer: Jay Locklear

Upcoming Grant, Scholarship & Loan Opportunities

Announcements Published on
February 16, 2023

The NC Conference recommends the following grants, scholarships, and loans available to United Methodist churches and ministry leaders in the North Carolina Conference. These programs are funded by the Conference or our partner organizations.

The funding opportunities listed here have application deadlines in the near future. Additional opportunities have deadlines coming up later in the year. View the complete list at Grants, Scholarships & Loans.

Upcoming Deadlines

Josephine Forman Scholarship

GENERAL COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

GCAH funds the Josephine Forman scholarship each year to provide financial support to minority students pursuing graduate education in archival science, to encourage students to pursue a career as an archivist, and to promote the diversification of the American archives profession.

Applications Due 2/28/23. Learn more and apply now→

Equipping the Local Church Grant

THE FOUNDATION FOR EVANGELISM

Grants for $5,000 or $10,000 will be awarded to small and medium church congregations, or clusters of churches working together, in a Wesleyan-tradition denomination. The grant focus is to launch an experiment or initiative to share the Gospel, tell their faith stories, and invite others into a relationship with Jesus. Up to 50 possible grants will be awarded in the summer of 2023. The Foundation for Evangelism Equipping the Local Church grant initiative seeks to empower pastors, laity, and smaller local congregations to dream, take risks, and partner with God in the transformation of lives and communities.

Applications Due 2/28/23. Learn more and apply now→

UMHEF Scholarships

UNITED METHODIST HIGHER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

UMHEF scholarships help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending United Methodist-related institutions. In rare cases, awards are also given to students attending other schools.

Applications Due 3/1/23. Learn more and apply now→

Grants/Awards for Students and Researchers

GENERAL COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

The General Commission on Archives and History is calling for students and researchers to apply for grants and awards offered in a number of fields of study, including United Methodist history, particularly as it relates to women and ethnic groups, and archival science. Ten grants and/or awards are available for qualifying undergraduates or graduate-level students, as well as researchers of all kinds.

Applications Due 3/17/23. Learn more and apply now→

Partners in Health & Wholeness Grants

NC COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

We are excited to partner with congregations across the state to engage our faith communities and their larger communities in living happier, healthier, more abundant lives. We have proudly done this for years through our PHW Collaborative Pledge and PHW Mini-Grant program. You can apply for an individual mini-grant, community grant, or BIPOC Mental Health Grant to support the valuable work that your health ministry is doing.

Applications Due 3/17/23. Learn more and apply now→

Ministerial Education Fund

NC CONFERENCE OF THE UMC

Certified Candidates from the NC Conference are eligible to apply for Ministerial Education Funds. Aid may be granted to students during their junior and senior years in undergraduate school, and in each of their seminary years while working on the basic degree for ordination. Students must intend to serve in the North Carolina Conference, or within the Connection, for at least five years. All Certified Candidates who meet the requirements will receive at least $1,000 dollars per year. Recipients will need to complete the MEF application each year, in order to receive funding.

Applications Due 3/24/23. Learn more and apply now→

GBHEM Loans and Scholarships

GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY

GBHEM Loans and Scholarships administers over 70 scholarship programs with one general application. Applicant must be an active, full member of The United Methodist Church for at least one year. The application period is Dec. 15 – March 30 for fall term awards only. Each applicant may apply once per year for a scholarship from GBHEM. Review the list of scholarships and select one scholarship program for which you wish to apply. If you are unsure which scholarship to choose, select the “General Scholarship” program. GBHEM will determine the best program with available funds for you.

Applications Due 3/30/23. Learn more and apply now→

Peace with Justice

NC CONFERENCE BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY

Is your church ready to step beyond charity and into solidarity and justice ministries? Peace with Justice grants are available to UMC churches and affiliated nonprofits. Funded by Peace with Justice Sunday offerings, these grants are possible because Methodists share their gifts generously and share the vision of justice ministries. The NCC Board of Church and Society reviews and awards these grants quarterly.

Applications Due 3/31/23. Learn more and apply now→

Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness

NC CONFERENCE RACE EQUITY & JUSTICE MINISTRIES

The project must relate to the Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness (CPI) and must be developed by one or more United Methodist local church(es) with priority given to ethnic churches. The project must address one or more chronic social problems or concerns that impact United Methodist ethnic local churches or ethnic persons. Priority is given to new and pilot projects.

Applications Due 3/31/23. Learn more and apply now→

Global Youth Service Fund

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES OF THE UMC

The Global Youth Service Fund (YSF) is a unique grant program within the UMC, because all aspects involve youth. Youth create fundraisers and contribute money, youth decide what projects receive money, and all of the projects supported must be youth-designed, led by youth, and benefit young people.

Applications Due 4/15/23. Learn more and apply now→

Grants for Ministries with Young People

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES OF THE UMC

Young People’s Ministries offers these grants through our program budget because we believe that dynamic, creative individuals and groups sometimes need resources to help a ministry become reality. These grants are meant to support creative and innovative approaches to ministry for, with, and by young people.

Applications Due 4/15/23. Learn more and apply now→

Rural Church Grants

THE DUKE ENDOWMENT

The Duke Endowment is committed to preserving the pivotal role churches play in rural communities. We support clergy and congregations — ensuring they have the tools to walk faithfully together — as they strengthen rural areas. We help United Methodist Churches make greater contributions that have lasting, positive impacts in their communities.

Applications Due 5/10/23. Learn more and apply now→

Reflective Leadership Grants

LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AT DUKE DIVINITY

The Reflective Leadership Grant supports an opportunity for structured reflection for lay or clergy leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission following the multiple pandemics — COVID-19, racial inequity, economic disruption, and mental distress — that emerged and/or intensified throughout the past few years.

Applications Due 5/15/23. Learn more and apply now→

BIPOC Mental Health Grant

NC COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Thanks to The Duke Endowment, Partners in Health and Wholeness is able to offer this new grant opportunity of $5,000-10,000 for faith communities of color to apply towards COVID-19 mental health efforts. In mid-2022, we plan to award 50 grants in this funding range throughout the entire state. This application period for this grant opportunity will be rolling, with quarterly reviews, from May 2022 until May 2023. Beginning February 15, 2023, there will be an opportunity to apply for a large grant, up to $50,000, to establish or expand a mental health resource hub in your region.

Applications Reviewed Quarterly until May 2023. Learn more and apply now→

Refugee and Immigrant Communities

NC CONFERENCE REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION COMMITTEE

Churches can now complete one of three short Google forms to request monetary assistance to assist refugees and immigrants for: Refugees’ or immigrants’ filing and legal fees; Refugees’ or immigrants’ resettlement and transition expenses; Projects impacting the refugee/immigrant community. Applications are reviewed quarterly.

Applications Reviewed Quarterly. Learn more and apply now→

Rolling Deadlines

Learn more and apply now→

Grants, Scholarships & Loans

Come Meet Bishop Shelton

Announcements Published on
February 14, 2023

There is still time for you to meet and have conversation with Bishop Shelton at a district gathering. Gatherings are scheduled in the Fairway, Gateway, and Capital districts.

Fairway District – February 16, St. Luke UMC (2916 Wicker St, Sanford, NC 27330)
Gateway District – February 20, First UMC – Laurinburg (101 W Church St, Laurinburg, NC 28352)
Capital District – February 23, Garner UMC (201 Methodist Dr, Garner NC 27529-5420)

“A lot of our churches practice spiritual obesity. We come to the table over and over and over, but we never go out into the world and exercise it off.”

These gatherings allow Bishop Shelton to introduce herself and share highlights of her life and how she discerned her call to ministry. She names the building blocks she believes will empower churches to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As we work toward this goal, the Bishop reminds us that “discipleship begins with relationship.”

She is also listening to clergy and laity — hearing their concerns, visions, and dreams for local churches, the NC Conference, and The United Methodist Church.

Clergy are encouraged to meet at the location at 2 pm, and laity will gather at 7 pm.

Effective Leaders

The NC Conference Safe Sanctuaries team, in partnership with the Center For Leadership Excellence, is hosting an in-person workshop on Wednesday, July 19…

@

Ready to save your seat?

The Center For Leadership Excellence presents a webinar specifically designed for UMC laity…

@

Ready to save your seat?

About Will Willimon

Upcoming Deadlines

Josephine Forman Scholarship

Equipping the Local Church Grant

UMHEF Scholarships

Grants/Awards for Students and Researchers

Partners in Health & Wholeness Grants

Ministerial Education Fund

GBHEM Loans and Scholarships

Peace with Justice

Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness

Global Youth Service Fund

Grants for Ministries with Young People

Rural Church Grants

Reflective Leadership Grants

BIPOC Mental Health Grant

Refugee and Immigrant Communities

Rolling Deadlines

Course of Study

Continuing Education

Clergy Counseling

Board of Mission Church Loans

UMVIM Leadership Training

Golden Cross

One Who is Loved

Leadership Grant Assistance

Hispanic-Latinx Ministries

Retired/Medical Leave Clergy Grants

Farmer Fund Grant

Local Church Marketing Services

UMCOR Grants

Community Engagement Grants

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