Bishop Ward offers encouragement during time of change
Bishop Ward reflects on why United Methodists embrace the intineracy system and encourages pastors and congregations in transition in this week’s Connections.
Pastors reminded to update personnel information
The Conference Secretary’s Office is requesting that all pastors go online and update their contact information for the 2013 Conference Directory. Please have all information updated by July 5. Contact: smedlin@nccumc.org if you have questions or need assistance.
2nd Quarter Critical Drivers
|The Treasurer’s Office has been receiving questions about the timing of the critical drivers data entry in light of pastors who are changing appointments. Since the data entry period for the second quarter is July 1-7, they will leave the appointments as is in the On-line Data Collection System until July 8. This will give pastors until July 7 to enter the data for the appointment they had through the second quarter. The online system will be updated on July 8 to reflect the new appointments and to prepare the system for charge conference data entry. If you are changing appointments and feel that this data entry after the move will be troublesome, please email your second quarter critical driver information to: helpdesk@nccumc.org before you move and it will be entered on your former church’s record for you.
Better Marriages Conference in Raleigh
Better Marriages Conference: Educating Couples – Building Relationships is a series of workshops for engaged couples, married couples wishing to build the best relationship possible, and for clergypersons and therapists wanting to strengthen their skills at helping couples and families through difficulties. The event will take place July 11 -14 at the North Raleigh Hilton. For information on the workshop choices and registration, go to Better Marriages.
OASIS: Church Music Conference
Registration deadline for the OASIS Church Music Conference is July 1. Join outstanding musicians Pepper Choplin, Joseph Martin, Randy Edwards, and others at the Renew for the Journey Church Music Conference at Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, July 15-17. This ecumenical event is co-sponsored by the NC Conference Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. For more information and registration, go to OASIS or call 800-334-4111, ext. 1830
Register now for Mission u
July 18-20, Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC Formerly known as the School of Christian Mission, Mission u promises to be an exciting event with opportunities for learning, fellowship, and community building. Though the name has changed, the format and purpose are unchanged. Methodist u remains dedicated to providing opportunities for persons to grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. Full-time attendees will have the opportunity to attend two of the three mission studies offered: Living Sacramentally and Walking Justly; The Roma of Europe; and Poverty. Leaders this year will include Steve Taylor, Laura Early, and Christine Harman. To learn more about Mission u and the studies offered this year, click information. For a registration form, click register.
Golden Cross Sunday is Aug. 18
Golden Cross is a ministry that reaches out in love to the laity in the NC Conference who are experiencing financial difficulty due to excessive medical expenses. Through Golden Cross, United Methodists care for members of local churches in times of emotional stress and financial need. Golden Cross has served scores of families across all districts. Pastors, please offer church members the opportunity to reach out during a special Golden Cross offering on Aug. 18 or another Sunday that works for your church. For more information and a bulletin insert, go to Golden Cross.
Conflict Resolution in Small Congregations August 22-24
Hinton Rural Life Center At one time or another in the life of a congregation, there may be conflict. While congregations and pastors seek to be faithful to the call of Christ, this faithfulness and loving example are challenged when faced with conflict. How can a congregation live out its call to love amidst disagreement? How can a congregation carry out ministry when faced with division? How can a pastor offer effective leadership when conflict works against cooperation? Hinton Rural Life Center invites pastors of small congregations to join together to consider these questions and many more, at “The Reconciliation Story: Conflict Resolution in Small Congregations.” This two-day workshop will explore the Biblical heritage of reconciliation, how Family Systems Theory applies to congregations, and the nature of conflict. Participants will assess personal conflict resolution styles and the implications of these styles on ministry and will acquire tools for conflict resolution and reconciliation ministry. For more information, go to Reconciliation.