connections: gratitude for generous giving
In this week’s connections, Bishop Ward expresses gratitude for the gifts each church shares through apportionments. Your generosity will support more than 91% of the 2015 mission and ministry of the NC Conference.
Lenten Reflections Submissions
The conference is still gathering reflections which will be distributed during the 40 days of Lent, The Lenten reflection theme is “Sacred Stories: Because Black Lives Matter” and persons are invited to share personal stories and experiences around matters of race in 500 words or less. Reflections will be collected from now until March 25. Stories not published during the 40 days may be selected for a print publication available after Easter. Submit your stories at Lenten Reflection.
Upcoming episode of Every Day Grace TV
The next episode of Every Day Grace TV will air on WNCN, Channel 17 (Raleigh) on Feb. 8 at noon. We explore two questions, “Are you happy with your place in the world?” and “If you could change anything about your place, what would you change?”
Missed the debut edition of Every Day Grace TV or do not have access to WNCN? No problem. Watch episodes on the Every Day Grace youtube channel.
Is your church reaching young adults?
Reaching younger adults is a challenge for many congregations, and yet, young people are highly spiritual, eager to engage in meaningful ministry and well-connected to people all over the world. A workshop is being offered in the NC Conference to provide insight, coaching and assistance in developing a plan for reaching younger adults, and it will be offered three times (same content) in three locations. The first one is Feb. 20-21, at Spring Hill UMC in Lillington. Funding for the workshop is provided primarily by The Duke Endowment and assistance for churches not eligible for Duke Endowment is available from the Evangelism Committee. Go to young adults to register.
Disciple Bible Outreach training offered for each district
Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries will be offering free facilitator’s training across eastern North Carolina this spring. This training is open to both lay and clergy persons. This will be an excellent opportunity for those who have never taken DISCIPLE, for those who have never had the training, or for all current or former Disciple Bible study teachers. Training will be provided for DISCIPLE 1-4 and for the new Disciple Fast-Track Study. Training for the Gateway and Harbor districts will be March 7 at Whiteville UMC. Training for the Capital/Corridor/Fairway/Heritage districts will be March 15 at the United Methodist Building in Garner. Training for the Sound/Beacon districts will be April 25 at First UMC: Washington.
Camp Don Lee announces new director
Don Lee Camp and Retreat Center is pleased to announce that Kate Metts of Augusta, GA has been selected to be the next Director. The vacancy was created when John Farmer announced plans to retire after 37 years as Camp Director. Metts grew up in New Bern and in the Methodist church. She was a camper and a counselor at Don Lee and has brought her son to camp for many summers. Personal experiences at camp have allowed Metts to fully understand the spiritual, life-changing impact that camp has and the very foundation upon which this ministry was built.
She is a graduate of UNC-CH with a Post-Baccalaureate from Augusta College in Middle School Education. She has worked as a writer and an education consultant and most recently, has served as Publisher for the Augusta Magazine and its various subsidiaries. With a strong background in marketing, team development, finance and communication, Metts will provide a unique depth in her new role. Her faith formation experiences will also provide a new perspective as she advances the life-transforming camp experiences and partners with local churches. Metts will step into the position in May, 2015.