Virtual Cokesbury Store from the Conference Media Center
The NC Conference Media Center has set up a virtual Cokesbury store. Purchases made through this link provide a 5% rebate to the Media Center that goes back into providing Christian education resources for the local church. The Media Center recommends using the link for any of your Cokesbury needs, especially participant books for studies that are borrowed from the Media Center. A link to the virtual store is available on the Conference Media Center’s website, or Virtual Cokesbury.
Survey for Input on District Transitions
The 2011 Annual Conference approved a plan to transition from 12 districts to eight. A draft map showing the new district lines and the full report of the task force can be viewed at District transition. The Transition Team has begun work and is eager to receive and consider individual contributions regarding the implementation of the decision. The thoughts of individuals can be shared with the team by participating in the online survey at transition survey. This survey is anonymous. Names and contact information provided in the field with responses will enable the team to follow-up for further conversation. This survey will be available until Aug. 31.
Stewardship in the African-American Church
Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Lake Junaluska
The “How to Raise All the Money Your Church Needs” event will bring together African-American pastors and church leaders to explore effective stewardship development with some of the most effective leaders in stewardship development in The United Methodist Church. Come and discover new insights and ideas that can be taken back to the local church and used to strengthen the ministries of the church. For more information, go to stewardship.
SoSA seeking church volunteers to assist food project
The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) invites congregations to take part in the Farmers Market Initiative. SoSA’s Farmers Market Initiative pairs volunteers from United Methodist Churches with farmers markets in the associated area to collect fresh, nutritious produce for those in need. According to the USDA, one in six North Carolinians is in need of food assistance. SoSA’s Farmers Market Initiative provides an opportunity for congregations seeking to expand their mission with local on-going outreach work to end hunger. For further information, go to Farmers Market.
Conference directory provided online only
The Conference Clergy Directory is available for download from the conference website, https://nccumc.org/secretary/directory/, and will not be printed and mailed this year, Conference Secretary Jerry Bryan has announced. A PDF file can be downloaded for viewing or printing from the website. Two specific reasons were cited by Bryan for the change: 1) up-to-date information throughout the year, and 2) cost savings. For a complete explanation, go to Directory pdf and refer to the cover page.
Persons wishing to share talents at Pilgrimage – deadline is Sept. 1
There are many ways for youth and youth groups to participate and share at Pilgrimage 2011. Entries for every category must be received and/or postmarked by Sept. 1 to be considered. Please share this information with youth and youth leaders and encourage them to get involved. Complete details about each category, as well as how to apply may be found at http://www.nccpilgrimage.org/.
Youth share personal stories and testimonies throughout the weekend that challenge, encourage, and inspire everyone to grow deeper in their relationship to Jesus. Testimonies may be submited online. Letters of recommendation are sent to NC Conference Office, ATTN: Robin Harry, 700 Waterfield Ridge Pl., Garner, NC 27529.
House Band youth must be in the 10th grade by Pilgrimage. There is an application and audition process. Learn more about it and get the application online.
A Youth Group video, dance, skit, or puppet presentation is a wonderful way to praise God and inspire praise in others. It is also a chance to offer reflections on the 2011 theme. Please see all categories and requirements online at http://www.nccpilgrimage.org/.
“Getting Started” Alpha training to be in Burlington
A one-day Alpha “Getting Started” Training event will be held at Trinity Worship Center in Burlington on Sat., Aug. 20. The Rev. Jonathan Jeffries and Jenny Noyes will lead the event. Churches can send a whole team to learn how to run the Alpha course in various settings. Marriage, Pre-Marriage and Parenting courses, now offered as additional resources for churches, will be introduced. The registration cost is $30 per person and groups of five or more get a group discount of $25/each. There is an additional fee for walk-ins. Resources will be available at a 5% conference discount. To learn more, or to register, go to Alpha registration.
Golden Cross Sunday is Aug. 21
Golden Cross is a ministry that reaches out in love to the laity in the NC Conference who are experiencing financial difficulty due to excessive medical expenses. Through Golden Cross, United Methodists care for members of local churches in times of emotional stress and financial need. Golden Cross has served scores of families across all 12 districts. Pastors, please offer church members the opportunity to reach out during a special Golden Cross offering on Aug. 21 or another Sunday that works for your church. For more information and a bulletin insert, go to Golden Cross.
DISCIPLE Bible Outreach Special Offering Aug. 28
A special offering for Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries will be received in churches of the North Carolina Conference on Aug. 28. Offering envelopes are available for each local church in the district offices. For additional information or offering envelopes, call 336-454-5348 or e-mail: MCHicks@northstate.net. To read more about the ministry of DISCIPLE Bible Outreach Ministry, go to DBOM
GBOD to sponsor Wesleyan Leadership Conference
The second annual Wesleyan Leadership Conference, which will bring together people who want to be more missional in their ministry like the original Methodist movement, is scheduled for Oct.13-15 in Nashville. Speakers will include the Rev. Steve Manskar, director of Wesleyan leadership at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship; and the Rev. Elaine Heath, the McCreless assistant professor of evangelism at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. For registration information, go to Wesleyan Leadership.