Bishop Ward Asks for Prayers for Pilgrimage
Bishop Ward asks viewers/readers to be in prayer for Pilgrimage, Nov. 8-10 in Fayetteville. Pilgrimage is an annual gathering of music, worship, and service for thousands of youth from across the conference and for persons who help lead and guide them in the local churches. Connections
Insurance Open Enrollment Delayed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has notified the NC Conference that Open Enrollment must be delayed until Nov. 18. All 2014 insurance elections should be made between Nov. 18 and Dec. 18. Apologies for the inconvenience. Please refer to the Open Enrollment packet which was mailed to plan members in October for details regarding the 2014 benefits and rates. If there are any questions, please contact Caroline Thornton at 800-849-4433 extension 228.
Judicial Council Issues Decisions
The denomination’s Judicial Council recently released decisions which directly affect the NC Conference. The Judicial Council is given the responsibility by the church to ensure that the decisions of the General Conference and the Annual Conferences are sound in keeping with the constitution of The United Methodist Church. One of these decisions asks that the NC Conference continue to make clear the responsibilities of the district superintendents and the assistant to the district superintendents. The other decision is relative to the security of appointments. To read the text of the decisions, go to Judicial Rulings and scroll to Decision 1246 and Decision 1253.
Faith Summit on Child Poverty
From a recent email forwarded from Bishop Ward, pastors know that SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) has taken a huge cut in funds. The child poverty rate in North Carolina is 26%, meaning that over one in four children live in poverty. North Carolina ranks 11th in the nation in child poverty. Local church leaders and pastors can learn how to respond to this need by attending the Faith Summit on Child Poverty at First UMChurch in Wilson (100 Green St. NE,) on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The purpose of the summit is to provide information and inspiration for churches to work together to break the cycle of child poverty. The cost is $15 which includes a light continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. Register online at https://nccumc.org/child-poverty-summit/ before Nov. 16 and share the information with lay leaders and outreach/mission chairs.
Grant Applications for Local Church Racial/Ethnic Ministries
The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) is accepting applications for grants up to $10,000 to help local United Methodist churches build ministries that strengthen and support racial and ethnic church concerns. Grant applications are due Jan. 15, 2014. The ministry/project contained in the grant application must be a project of a local United Methodist church or of the United Methodist connectional system. For the other criteria and instructions for applying, go to Racial/Ethnic Grants.
Methodist University’s Wesley Heritage Celebration
The Wesley Heritage Celebration at Methodist University will be Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. in Hensdale Chapel. The day’s theme will be “Discovering the Five Passions of the Wesleyan Heritage” and the special guest speaker will be S T Kimbrough, Jr. For more information or to RSVP for the free luncheon following the celebration, feel free to contact Trey Such at msuch@methodist.edu or Donna Wilson at dlwilson@methodist.edu by Friday, Nov.15.
Advent Resources Inspire and Assist the Hungry
Reclaim the spiritual dimensions of the Advent season this December with the Society of St. Andrew 2013 devotions program, Miracle in the Manger. Used each year as a spiritual underpinning for Advent by more than 20,000 people all across the United States, these daily meditations – all new for 2013 – are the words of people of faith, both pastors and lay persons, from all walks of life. The Advent Devotions Program offers an opportunity to give in support of the Society of St. Andrew feeding ministries, reflecting Jesus’ own concern for the least, the last, and the lost. The study can be used individually or with a group. Order resources (single copies and bulk) online http://endhunger.org/advent.htm, by phone 800-333-4597, or by email: church@endhunger.org.