Remember Your Baptism
In this week’s Connections, Bishop Ward uses the event of Jesus’ baptism to encourage readers/viewers to remember, with gratitude, the refreshing and renewing experience of their own baptism.
Camping Ministries Seeking a Camp Director
Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center, one of three camps of the North Carolina United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries, Inc., is seeking a dynamic, highly-motivated person to serve as Center Director to continue and advance its mission of inviting children, youth and adults to discover, reconnect and celebrate God and God’s creation through Jesus Christ. For the full description and details, go to camp director.
Sleeth’s Book 24/6 Available for Dree Download
Feeling too busy, too stressed, and too over-committed? Matthew Sleeth, MD, will be discussing his new book “24/6” at the 2014 NC Annual Conference about how keeping a weekly Sabbath is the single best thing you can do for your family, your health, and your relationship with God. Want a sneak peek? Download the “24/6” e-book for free through Jan. 20. Kindle download / Nook download
Methodist Home for Children Sunday is Feb. 16
Make a gift of stability, love and healing with the power to change a child’s life. Methodist Home for Children Sunday is the one day a year when churches in the NC Conference receive a special offering for the children and families served by MHC. Most churches in the conference will observe this special day on Feb. 16, but others participate earlier or later in the month, as schedules permit. Materials (envelopes, posters, bulletin inserts, website/newsletter text) have been mailed to church offices, and guest speakers are being scheduled for MHC Sunday. If you’d like to schedule a speaker or need additional assistance, contact Jennifer Cooper, 919.754.3625 or jcooper@mhfc.org. Find resources at www.mhfc.org/support.
Introduction to Stephen Ministry Workshop
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Laura Warner Gilmer will present a Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Knightdale UMC. The workshop will provide an excerpt of Stephen Minister training and explain how congregations can get involved. The cost is $15 per person or $50 per congregation for a group of four or more. The local coordinator is Keith Brown, kbrown614@yahoo.com. Learn more about the workshop and find registration information at stephenministries.org/workshop or call Stephen Ministries at 314-428-2600. Payment can be made on the day of the workshop or by mail. For planning purposes, it is recommended you register at least five days before the workshop.
Learning Opportunities Through GBOD and UMCom
Deadline to register for six online courses offered by United Methodist Communications is Monday, Jan. 20 – United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses: Jan. 22-March. 5: “United Methodism 101,” “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century,” “Tools for Increasing Your Church’s Vitality,” “Welcoming Ministry 100,” “Web Ministry 100: What is Web Ministry?,” and “Moodle 100 – Basic Training.” Costs vary. Details.
Free webinar “Nominating Committee Develops Leaders,” Thursday, Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m. CT Nominations committees in vibrant, healthy congregations will identify, train, and support leaders throughout the year. This is an overview of the year with tips for helping people find their ministry. Click to register.
Free webinar “Trustees Manage for Ministry,” Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. CT
Trustees are stewards of church property, both physical property and gifts and bequests. Jay Brim, Chancellor of Rio Conference and Betsey Heavner will discuss legal and fiduciary responsibilities for new and returning trustees. Plan ahead rather than react to crisis! Click to register.