Dinner will honor women in ministry
Come celebrate with women in ministry at 5:30pm, Wednesday, June 10 at the Hilton. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Glenda Johnson. This year’s Red Shoe Recipient – a clergyman who has been especially supportive of women in ministry – will be announced. A Second Red Shoe will be presented. Email the Rev. Elaine Lilliston, elilliston@nccumc.org with your reservation. Dinner is $15, payable to Fuquay-Varina UMC – c/o Rev. Elaine Lilliston. Email Para Drake pdrake@nccumc.org or Elaine Lilliston elilliston@nccumc.org if you have questions.
Spanish-immersion event to be held in July
Spanishtown offers complete immersion in Spanish for church leaders, both lay and clergy, July 19-24. Sponsored by the Latino/Latina Ministry Center of the Northern Illinois Conference, Spanishtown is offered in Rockford, IL, to participants of all faith traditions. With at least one native speaker present for each non-Hispanic participant, Spanishtown is unique: 14 hours each day of conversation, meals, worship, games, skits, and presentations in a supportive and relaxed environment. The only prerequisite is a basic knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, the equivalent of two years in high school or college. Native speakers volunteer their time, keeping costs as low as possible. For more information or an application, go to Spanishtown or send an e-mail to kirk@trinitywilmette.org. Applications should be submitted by June 10.
Duke Divinity Alumni and Course of Study students to gather
An invitation has been issued to anyone interested to attend the gathering of Duke Divinity School alumni at noon on June 11 during Annual Conference. Lunch will be served in meeting room 1 at the Hilton Greenville. Cost is $15.00. Reservations and pre-payment are required by May 31 and should be sent to Rev. Tony Joyner, 11867 Hobbton Hwy, Newton Grove, NC 28366. The check should be made payable to Duke Divinity School. Please contact Tony Joyner at tonyjoyner@gmail.com to register or if you have any questions.
The deadline for submissions to the Book of Handouts is May 15
The deadline for submissions to be included in the Book of Handouts is Friday, May 15. All submissions must be sent electronically to the Conference Secretary’s office, Shannon Medlin.
Visuals for Annual Conference needed by May 26
Anyone planning to use a PowerPoint or video during a presentation at Annual Conference should let Bill Norton know as soon as possible. The completed visuals should be given to Bill by May 26. If for some reason the visuals will not be ready by that date, call Bill and discuss this with him. Bill Norton / 1-800-849-4433
Church Website Link listings on the NC Conference website
If a church would like their website linked on the “Churches” section of the conference website, send a request to Derek Leek or Linda Smith. A request is needed for the link to be listed.
Travel with the Bishop in 2010
Anyone interested in learning about traveling with Bishop Gwinn to the passion play at Oberamagau in July 2010, in journeying to the Holy Land, or engaging in another spiritual formation trip should attend a free lunch on June 12. Educational Opportunities is hosting the lunch during Annual Conference at noon on Friday, June 12, at the Beef Barn in Greenville to discuss these plans. Anyone with questions should call Doug Jessee at 252-281-4357 or Tom Holtzclaw at 336-597-9194.
Conference Asian Ministry Celebration to be May 30
The Conference Asian Ministry Team is sponsoring an Asian Ministry Celebration on May 30 at Agape Korean UMC in Cary. The day will include praise and worship, games, cultural performances, and free Asian food samples. Agape Korean UMC is located at 1427 Walnut Street in Cary. All persons are invited to come be a part of this celebration.
Trail Hike Registration Deadline
The registration deadline for the Appalachian Trail Hike for high school youth is May 22. The Trail Hike leaves from the Methodist Building in Raleigh on Saturday, June 20 and returns Saturday, June 27. The week includes hiking and camping along approximately 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The registration form may be found in the 2009 Youth Events brochure which is available for download from the “Events” page of the website: Youth.
Clergy breakfasts on immigration
The NC Council of Churches is sponsoring a statewide series of clergy breakfasts on immigration. The first round will be in Greenville (May 19), Durham (May 21), and Winston-Salem (May 27). The breakfasts will give local clergy the opportunity to learn more about immigration issues in the U.S. The focus will be on providing attendees with valuable information and resources for use in congregations. There is no cost but RSVP’s are required. Click on the following for details and to RSVP: immigration breakfast
Peace with Justice Sunday is June 7
Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six United Methodist church wide Special Sundays, witnesses to God’s demand for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world. Established by the 1988 General Conference, Peace with Justice Sunday supports programs that advocate peace and justice at home and around the world. It will be observed on June 7 this year. For bulletin resources, children’s sermon, talking points, and more information, please see Peace with Justice Sunday.
Key Taylor Award nominations
Rural church nominations for consideration of the Key Taylor Award are needed by May 15. Congregations can nominate themselves. For 2009, $1145 will be awarded. The award, sponsored through the United Methodist Foundation, is to call attention to the mission work of all rural churches by honoring the specific achievements of one rural church. To nominate a church, respond via email in narrative form on one page to the criteria below by May 15 to Kathy Reavis at the Office of Mission and Justice Ministries. Include the names of the church and district.
1) The church is in a community of less than 1,500 people.
2) The church has 250 members or less.
3) The church is significantly involved in community mission.
4) The church shows faithfulness in its stewardship of the mission and service commitments (apportionments) and supports Advance Specials.
5) The church displays commitment towards growth in ministry and perseverance toward accomplishing their vision of ministry.
Clergy, please share with lay member of Annual Conference
AC Briefing Sessions have been scheduled
Briefing Sessions for the 2009 Annual Conference will be held Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.- noon at Queen Street UMC in Kinston and 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Hay Street UMC in Fayetteville. Another session is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 3-5 p.m. at Highland UMC in Raleigh. Clergy, please provide this information to local church lay members of Annual Conference. Both clergy and lay members of Annual Conference should attend one of the three sessions. Thirty-two proposed constitutional amendments will be voted on during the conference. Arthur Jones and Eddie Fox will be at each session to present their views on the amendments and the impact they might have on The United Methodist Church. In addition, the sessions will include information about the 2011 budget, other matters requiring conference action, and an agenda that is different from past years. The new agenda incorporates workshops and presentations for learning.