connections: The Second Sunday of Advent
As we prepare for the second Sunday of Advent, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward reflects on the story of John the Baptist in light of the Imagine No Malaria Campaign in this week’s connections.
The Duke Endowment Gift to Retirees/Widows
The grants gifted by The Duke Endowment to qualified retirees, widow/ers and conference members on medical leave were processed this week. Please allow for the increased holiday mail volume which may slow the delivery of this mailing. For questions, contact the Conference Benefits Team at 1-800-849-4433.
Extension Ministries forms due Jan. 31
All provisional or full elders and deacons that are members of the NC Conference are required to fill out the Extension Ministry Forms for the reporting period of Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2014 by Jan. 31. Forms and instructions are located at Extension Ministries. You must complete this form using your nccumc.org address. If you have problems logging into your nccumc.org address, please contact Linda Smith at lsmith@nccumc.org or 800-849-4433, Ext. 238.
Free training available through webinars
Tuesday, Dec. 9
“Planning Lent and Easter for Discipleship'” – 7:30 p.m. CT. The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, director of worship resources for Discipleship Ministries, will offer advice for liturgical planning. Details
Wednesday, Jan. 7
“Local Church Lay Leaders/Lay Members to Annual Conference: What’s My Job?” – 6:30 p.m. CT. Local Church Lay Leaders and Lay Members to Annual Conference have a responsibility to promote the role of laity in fulfilling the denomination’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Jodi Cataldo, the United Methodist Discipleship Ministries director of laity in leadership, will lead discussion around this ministry. Details
Thursday, Jan. 8
“Stewardship and Finance: Getting it Right at the Starting Line” – 6:30 p.m. CT. This webinar focuses on the new member of the Stewardship Team, Finance Committee or Church Council – those who are looking to get started on the right foot. Details
Deadline for grant applications is Jan. 10
The deadline to apply for Peace with Justice grants, Ethnic Local Church grants, and Human Relations Day grants is January 10.