Final Resource Giveaway Extravaganza Scheduled
Items will be available for give away to local churches and pastors in the NC Conference on Friday, July 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the old Methodist Building (1307 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh). Items available include resource materials or books no longer included in the Media Resource Center, older desks and other furniture items that were not used in the new facility and various other items left in the recent move. There are several desks, bookcases and filing cabinets available. The items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If your church is in need but cannot come on Friday, please contact kbell@nccumc.org to arrange for an appointment. Items remaining after July 30 will be donated to other charitable and/or non-profit groups.
Walking with Jesus program offered by Office of Outreach
The Conference Outreach Office can make available to local church groups an 8-10 week study, “Walking with Jesus – A Journey of Transformation.” Each 1 ½ hour session will journey in the life of Jesus and consider how each person can make that same journey today moving beyond the pews into risk-taking ministry and radical hospitality. The presentation uses dynamic biblical animation, reading scripture in today’s context. A single 1 ½ hour introductory session is also available. All teaching and learning events use adult education methodology and are highly interactive. Please email Steve Taylor at staylor@nccumc.org or Kathy Reavis at kreavis@nccumc.org or call 1-800-849-4433 ext 256.
NC Council of Churches recommends Racial Reconciliation Workshop
A racial reconciliation workshop will be held on July 29 at First Baptist Church in Wilmington. The event is sponsored by the Racial Reconciliation Ministry Team of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina. The Revs. Willard Bass and Nathan Parrish of the Institute for Dismantling Racism will lead a discussion to include questions of biblical and theological foundations for racial reconciliation in the church and communities. A working definition of racism will be offered as a way to shape the conversation regarding the nature of racism, the ways racism impacts communities, diminishes humanity, and impairs the witness of congregations. The session will conclude with a panel discussion and concrete strategies and practices to assist ministry engagement in a congregational setting. Registration is $15, which includes lunch. Register and find more information at Reconciliation Workshop. Contact Laura Barclay: lbarclay@cbfnc.org with any questions.
Applications for Mission Seed Funds due Aug. 2
The NC Conference Mission Team is receiving applications for a second round of Mission Seed Funds for 2010. Applications are due no later than Aug. 2. Funds will be disbursed in September. Seed Funds are to be used to develop and start new ministries or make significant changes or additions to on-going ministries. Applications guidelines and downloads are available at Seed Funds.
Being United Methodist in the 21st Century
Do you know conference or church leaders who are struggling with what it means to be Christian and Methodist in the 21st Century? If so, the General Board of Discipleship recommends the Wesleyan Leadership Conference to be held Oct 14-16 at West End UMC in Nashville, TN. The conference will look at not only the vision, message, and method that helped John Wesley lead a revival among the people called Methodists but also how the same vision, message, and method can bring revival in the church today. For more information or to register, go to Wesleyan Leadership.
Disciple Bible Outreach Training Sessions
In partnership with the Duke Endowment, Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries will bring DISCIPLE Bible Study and Rings of Fellowship training to the NC Conference this fall by offering training in Cary and in Fayetteville. These events are free of charge to all clergy and lay persons in the North Carolina Conference of the UMC. The dates and locations are Sept.18 at First UMC: Cary and Sept. 25 at Haymount UMC in Fayetteville. Register online at www.disciplebibleoutreach.org or call 336-454-5348.
Edelman, Carder at Peace Conference Sept 18-21
The third annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, on 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.
10-Fold – Global Connections in the Life of Jesus
10-Fold is about multiplying ministry and mobilizing passionate people to stand up and be counted for the causes they believe in. The event will launch on Oct. 10 and last for ten days. Every day will focus on a different project supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church. The goal is to gain the support of 10,000 people for each of the 10 projects. View a video about 10-Fold at 10-Fold or connect through 10-Fold Facebook.
July “Faithlink” addresses immigration reform
The July 25 issue of “FaithLink” addresses immigration reform, acknowledging that people are divided over immigration reform and identifying major issues involved in immigration reform. The issue also addresses how faith guides Christian thoughts and actions toward immigrants. “FaithLink” is a downloadable guide for use by individuals or groups of mature youths and adults who want to apply United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues and world events. This study guide not only motivates Christians to consider their personal views on important contemporary issues, it also encourages persons to act on these beliefs. For more information, please see FaithLink Immigration. Also, a similar resource “For Once You were a Stranger” can be found at Once a Stranger.