“Theology of the Body” seminar
A seminar for clergy and laity, “Theology of the Body: An Ecumenical Introduction,” is planned on theological issues related to human sexuality, marriage, and human dignity. “Theology of the Body” is a book by John Paul II, which is composed of 130 his addresses. Dr. Paul J. Griffiths, the Warren Professor of Catholic Theology at Duke Divinity School, will provide the seminar’s presentations. The event will take place in New Bern on May 21 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For a registration form, go to Life Watch or call (252)-726-2175. This event is sponsored by the New Bern District of The United Methodist Church, Lifewatch, and Transforming Congregations.
Annual Conference reports and information online
Check the Conference Secretary’s Office web pages on Conference Secretary to find the Pre-Conference book, formerly the Book of Recommendations and Reports as well as other important information about Annual Conference.
Packers needed for shipment to Project AGAPE Armenia
Volunteers are needed to pack a shipment of humanitarian goods to refugees and other needy people in Armenia. Packing will be done on Saturdays through the remainder of March and into April. Please come and engage in hands-on ministry that connects with Christian brothers and sisters in the world’s oldest and most devastated Christian nation. To schedule your work team, contact Ann Huffman at 888-440-9167 or MERCI.
UM Family Days at Paramount Parks
Again this year, for the Saturdays in May and Memorial Day Monday discount tickets to Paramount Parks: Kings Dominion and Carowinds will be available to United Methodists in the NC Conference. Information on how to obtain these tickets is in the mail to pastors and local church youth leaders. New this year – the tickets will be available online. Ticket orders will not be filled at the Methodist Building as in previous years. Information on how to order and where to go online will be available in News Briefs next week and on the Conference website in the coming weeks.
Programs for you from the Office of Missions and Justice Ministries
Missions – A Journey of Spirit and Justice – 7 to 10 weekly sessions, 1 ½ hours each, journeying in the life of Jesus, considering how we make that same journey today moving beyond our pews into Risk-Taking Ministry and Radical Hospitality. Using the dynamic Biblical Animation – reading scripture in today’s context. You can also receive an introduction to this highly engaging technique in a single 1 ½ venue.
Other mission presentations, support, training, and sermons are available for local churches from the Office of Missions. All teaching and learning events use adult education methodology and are highly interactive. For further information e-mail – Kathy Reavis or – Steve Taylor or call them at 1-800-849-4433.
AGAPE Team Needs You
The Project AGAPE Board is looking for dedicated people from the North Carolina Conference to serve in a ministry transforming the lives of countless persons in an area that has suffered historic devastation. The AGAPE Team is entering deeper connections with refugee families, construction of homes, and mission education opportunities – ministries of discipleship and proclamation, communication, humanitarian response, and medical care. Please email Steve Taylor – Steve Taylor or – Kathy Reavis or call 800-849-4433 ext 256.
Responding to Family Violence – Radical Hospitality: Risk-Taking Mission
The General Board of Church & Society, in partnership with the Virginia Conference is sponsoring a one-day seminar April 25, at United Methodist Family Services, 3900 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA. The keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune, founder of Faith Trust Institute, will address the cycle of family violence. The day will offer worship, Bible study, workshops and panel discussion that features victims of family violence. A special session will be for clergy-only and will provide hands-on tools for effective ministry. The Rev. Dr. Aleese Moore-Orbih, FaithTrust director of training and consulting, will lead the session. Registration is $10. To register or for more information, please see: Response to Family Violence
REMINDERS:
Church and Society Peace with Justice Grant Applications due March 31 to the Office of Mission and Justice Ministries. Application guidelines are available on-line at: Peace With Justice Grant Application.
Restroom Accessibility Grant applications must be received by March 31. Applications and guidelines are available online at: Restroom Grant.
One Great Hour of Sharing special offering Sunday is March 22.
Kaleidoscope registrations must be postmarked by March 13.
Pastors and laity receiving News Briefs: please feel free to make copies and pass along to other persons in the congregation, other staff members, or persons who do not have access to a computer. Make copies for the church bulletin boards. Pastors, forward this e-mail to the church secretary/ administrative assistant so items may be included in the church newsletter. Pastors can request that the e-mail address for the church secretary or others in leadership positions be added to the listserv. Send a message to Bill Norton with e-mail of addresses to be added or addresses that should be removed.