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Healthy Congregations and Effective Leaders in Every Place Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

An Encouragement for January

One of my favorite verses from the Bible is John 1:14 and I particularly love the way that the Rev. Eugene Peterson translates this verse in The Message: “the Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” The first time I read that translation of this familiar text, I was instantly transported back to being a preschooler at the rapt attention of Mr. Rogers through my grandmother’s television screen. In my mind I began to hear him singing, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!”

An Encouragement for December

A few weeks ago I attended a retreat at a Catholic center along with other clergy women. The moment I stepped into the building my eyes caught a picture frame on the wall with the words: “Be still and know that I am God.” As I read these words in my mind, I let out a deep sigh. I sensed my shoulders drop, and then I inhaled and exhaled one more time. As I went from one room to another, I noticed that the space was filled not only with beautiful images of saints but also every room had a picture frame with the phrase “Be still and know that I am God.”

Would you like to receive a monthly email supporting women in ministry?

In June 2019, the NCCUMC Commission on the Status and Role of Women partnered with the Center for Leadership Excellence to begin sending monthly emails of encouragement to women in ministry in the NC Conference. Written by women in ministry for women in ministry, these emails highlight voices from around the Conference and offer specific… Continue Reading→

An Encouragement for November

A few weeks ago I attended a retreat at a Catholic center along with other clergy women. The moment I stepped into the building my eyes caught a picture frame on the wall with the words: “Be still and know that I am God.” As I read these words in my mind, I let out a deep sigh. I sensed my shoulders drop, and then I inhaled and exhaled one more time. As I went from one room to another, I noticed that the space was filled not only with beautiful images of saints but also every room had a picture frame with the phrase “Be still and know that I am God.”

An Encouragement for October

On her final day as our Resident Bishop, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward shared with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling in a conversation about their work together regarding race reconciliation and the Cabinet of Bishop’s Anti-Racism Task Force. Two groups of clergywomen hosted this conversation, Clergywomen of Color and White Women Doing the Work (WWDTW) of Antiracism. The invitation for this conversation was open to all clergy women, and a few men joined us as well.

Bishops Ward and Easterling talked about the relationship they had developed with each other, and the trust they shared.

Christian Resources on Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Media Center recommends these curricula, books, and online resources for pastors, church leaders, and small groups to help prevent violence against women and be able to respond appropriately when abuse occurs. Resources are also available for use with youth and children. Also, The Office of Black Church Studies… Continue Reading→

An Encouragement for September

For several of my childhood years, we had the habit of spending Labor Day underground. School would start the next day and this was the last opportunity for a summer activity. One year, as we were in the middle of a four-hour tour through Mammoth Cave, the guide told us to stop for a break and sit on some large boulders along the trail. Everyone in the group was most grateful and told him so. “Oh no, this isn’t a reward for what you just came through. This rest is to prepare you for what’s ahead.” 

Navigating Ministry in Our Time:  A Conversation with Bishop Easterling and Bishop Ward

Dear friends in Christ, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Women in ministry and other interested friends are invited to join a conversation with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and me on Tuesday, August 31, from 1 – 2:15 pm. Bishop Easterling leads the Baltimore-Washington Conference and has given stellar prophetic leadership… Continue Reading→