New date for Clergy Executive Session
The 2010 Clergy Session of the North Carolina Annual Conference will be held on Friday, May 14 at First UMC, 100 S. Church Street in Rocky Mount. The session is scheduled to last from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The decision to separate the clergy session from the opening day of annual conference was made by the annual conference planning team after surveying the clergy members. The discussion for this began while trying to decide how to adjust this year’s schedule given that annual conference will be one day shorter. The only order of the day on May 14 will be the clergy session. While lunch will not be provided, the hope is that colleagues will take advantage of this time to visit with one another, pray for one another and share lunch together without having to hurry in order to get to the opening session of annual conference.
NC Conference Peace with Justice Grant Applications Due March 31
Peace with Justice grant applications should be received (preferably electronically) in the Outreach office by March 31. Application guidelines can be found on-line at Peace with Justice Grants. For more information, please call Kathy Reavis at 1-800-849-4433, ext 256 or e-mail: kreavis@nccumc.org
Retirement Seminar Registration Filling Fast
Register now for the upcoming Conference Board of Pension’s Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar on April 29-30 to be held at the Riverside Hilton hotel in Wilmington, NC. Experience has shown that when clergy families have a good handle on their financial condition and future plans, then ministry is enhanced as the burdens of financial worries are lessened. The topics addressed at this seminar will help prepare clergy anticipating retirement within 10 years. Registration deadline is April 1. For a brochure and registration form, visit the Treasurer’s Office Pensions page or contact JoAnna Cafferty in the Treasurer’s Office at 1-800-849-4433, x225.
Annual Conference materials to be posted online
In an effort to conserve funds, be good stewards of resources, and to utilize the most up-to-date avenues available, the Annual Conference Planning Committee has asked members to go online to the conference website, and click on the link https://nccumc.org/secretary/. Materials which will be helpful for members attending Annual Conference will be available for printing out as needed and will be updated regularly. Pastors are asked to the lay members from their churches aware of the website link and assist them in securing the information.
Deadline for spring cycle CPI applications is March 31
Grant applications for the spring CPI grant cycle must be postmarked by March 31 or be delivered to the Conference Building by 4:00 p. m. on that day. The application has been modified and is now on the conference website at CPI Grant App. No faxed applications will be accepted and all signatures must be included on applications when submitted. For more information, call Lawrence Johnson at 1-800-849-4433, ext. 255 or 258.
Reports and resolutions due to Conference Secretary in May
Please be aware of the following deadlines:
May 3 – all reports are due to the Conference Secretary’s Office and should be sent by email in MS Word format to: smedlin@nccumc.org
May 10 – resolutions are due to the Conference Secretary’s Office and may be sent by email in MS Word format to: smedlin@nccumc.org.
UMCOR Responds to Earthquake in Chile
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the needs of people affected by the massive earthquake which struck Chile on Feb. 27. UMCOR is working with partners in Chile: Iglesia Metodista de Chile (IMECH), Ministerio Social Methodista (MISOM) and Equipo Metodista de Acción Humanitaria (EMAH) to respond with resources and support. At this point, it is not anticipated that relief supply kits will be needed. Financial support can be made to Chile Emergency Advance # 3021178. Give now by clicking on Chile Emergency or placing a gift in the church offering plate. Please indicate in the memo line of the check that it is for the Chile Emergency.
United Methodists asked to participate in socially responsible investing survey
United Methodists are invited to participate in an online survey about socially responsible investing. The 2008 General Conference established a task force to develop a common standard for determining investments to be avoided and those considered to have a positive social impact. General Conference decreed that the standard should be consistent with the United Methodist Social Principles. The task force developed a brief survey regarding investing practices and standards. It is being handled through a secure server to ensure confidentiality of information. To access the survey, go to Socially Responsible Investing. Deadline to fill out the survey is March 10.
NC Bar Association offering a free “Ask-a-Lawyer” day
The North Carolina Bar Association Foundation is hosting the third annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 5 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. On that day, anyone in North Carolina can call and talk with a North Carolina lawyer for free. Lawyers will take calls from call centers around the state. Call centers serving the North Carolina Conference areas include: Raleigh/Triangle Area: 800-424-9725; Greensboro/Triad Area: 866-529-2204; Charlotte Area: 866-616-4255; Greenville/Eastern NC Area: 888-616-0614; and Wilmington/Southeastern NC Area: 877-310-0025.
Mark the Calendars
A Gathering of the Order of Elders will be held at Nashville UMC in Nashville, NC on Tuesday, September 14. The day will begin with a gathering at 9:30 a.m. with the even starting at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The day will conclude by 3 p.m.
A Gathering of the Order of Deacons will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, at a place to be announced. The day will begin with a gathering at 9:30 a.m. with the event starting at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The day will conclude by 3 p.m