North Carolina Conference members called to prayer and fasting
All United Methodists in the North Carolina Conference are invited to participate in the Isaiah 58 National Solidarity Vigil and Fast during the week of July 18-24. During this time, congregations are invited to be in constant prayer and action for Christ-centered, comprehensive, and just immigration reform. Possibilities include taking prayers to the streets, standing as witnesses outside the statehouse, detention center, school, and other places where the brokenness of our immigration system is most apparent. For more information, please see Vigil and Fast or download an excellent free Christ-centered immigration reform study-guide, “For You Once Were a Stranger” at Once-a-Stranger.
Burlington District to sponsor Lake Junaluska Singers
The Burlington District in partnership with University UMC in Chapel Hill will be hosting the Lake Junaluska Singers, under the new direction of Dr. Melodie Galloway, in concert on Thursday, July 29, 7 p.m. at University UMC. This will be an evening of family entertainment. The concert is free although a love offering will be taken.
Conference Secretary seeks feedback on 2010 Annual Conference
Jerry Bryan, conference secretary, is requesting responses to questions about the 2010 Annual Conference. Lay and clergy members of the Annual Conference are asked to click on the link below and complete this short survey: Annual Conference Survey.
Edelman, Carder at Peace Conference – Lake Junaluska – Sept 18-21
The third annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, Sept. 18-21, will explore social issues facing children. Participants in the conference, “Peace for the World’s Children,” will have the opportunity to join children’s advocates from across the United States for a variety of workshops and presentations. Conference leaders include Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Dr. Jeni Stepanek and Bishop Kenneth Carder. For more information please see Peace Conference.
UM Foundation seeks input
United Methodist Foundation, Inc. (UMF) is asking local church and Conference leaders to provide needed feedback about the current ministry services of United Methodist Foundation. Anyone who has not taken the survey, please do so as soon as possible. The survey will close Aug.15. The Foundation board and staff seeks information on the effectiveness of the Foundation’s current programs and to identify potential new or expanded services that would be of value to the Conference. Responses from churches not currently using the services of UMF are especially desired. All responses are confidential and anonymous. To respond, please see UM Survey at UMF Survey. For further information about this survey, contact Jim Mentzer at jmentzer@nccumc.org or Lynn James at ijames@nccumc.org .
Haiti Response continues
Please remember that brothers and sisters in Haiti continue to suffer from the horrific earthquake destruction. Families continue to struggle in nightmarish conditions. Please continue to promote the Haiti relief efforts. Donations can be made through local church offering plates, offering noting on the check: UMCOR: Haiti Disaster- Advance #418325 (Disaster relief/response in Haiti.) You can also give online at Haiti Relief.
Lake Junaluska seeking applicants for Executive Director
Lake Junaluska Assembly is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Lake Junaluska Assembly Executive Director. Since June 2000, the Rev. Dr. Jimmy L. Carr has served as the executive director of Lake Junaluska. Carr recently announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of 2010. For information on the application process and qualifications, go to Executive Director position.
Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) – Hunger Relief Ministry
SoSA invites all United Methodists to participate in Feed Your Neighbor Sunday on Aug. 29. At the end of the summer growing season, gardeners usually have an overage of tomatoes, zucchinis and okra. On Feed Your Neighbor Sunday, persons can bring the extra produce to church, and Society of St. Andrew will find people in need in the local communities who can use the food. Feed Your Neighbor Sunday includes a worship guide and activities for kids. Please e-mail Kate Pattison at sosanc@endhunger.org for details.
Discount registration deadline for 2010 Convocation approaching
How do we witness to the timeless truth of the Reign of God in an age of rapid-fire change? The 2010 Convocation and Pastors’ School: The Living Witness: Tradition, Innovation, and the Church, at Duke Divinity School, Oct. 11-12, will explore the future of Christian witness with leaders Bishop N.T. Wright, journalist and author Andy Crouch, pastor Rob Bell, and Bishop Vashti McKenzie in addition to Duke Divinity School faculty. Deadline for the discount registration is Aug. 1. For more information, go to 2010 Duke Convocation.