Bishop Ward Encourages Reading
In this week’s Connections, Bishop Ward talks of her love of reading and shares some of John Wesley’s thoughts on reading. She then invites others to share their recommendations of inspiring books.
Thoughts on Online Communion
As part of a recent discussion of the possibility of online Eucharist, church leaders endorsed surveying United Methodists to get their thoughts on the practice. All United Methodist members, clergy and other individuals who attend or affiliate with The United Methodist Church are invited to fill out this short survey on Holy Communion. Survey
Clergy Breakfast on Immigration
Clergy are invited to attend a discussion on immigration on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8:30-10 a.m. at
Haw River UMC, 127 Church Circle Dr., Haw River. This event, sponsored by the NC Council of Churches, is geared toward busy religious professionals and faith leaders, and will provide an overview of immigration issues in the context of a great networking event (and free breakfast with RSVP). To date, more than 600 NC clergy and faith leaders have participated in this series of gatherings. Please RSVP.
Mission Seed Funds Applications Due
Mission Seed Funds are designed to facilitate and encourage United Methodist congregations of the NC Conference in risk-taking ministry and radical hospitality. Mission Seed Funds are provided to help the church engage in ministry that is transformative for the world and the church, to provide support in growing committed disciples, and to reach out to the poor. The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 1. To access the application and read more about Mission Seed Funds, go to Seed Funds.
“News you can use” in the NCC Christian Advocate
Two of the main features in the October “NC Conference Christian Advocate” are Congregations for Children and Developing a Culture of Calling. Congregations for Children involves ways local churches are working with elementary schools. Developing a Culture of Calling are ways churches can help individuals discern whether they are called to ordained or other formal ministry. These are just two of the items found in the issue. Free open access continues through the end of October at http://nccadvocate.com/. An ID and password will be needed for access beginning in November. The printed newspaper contains an insert of the Mission and Service Commitments 2014 brochure. To subscribe to the NCC Christian Advocate, go to subscribe.
UM Student Day is Nov. 24
Every year, thousands of United Methodist churches celebrate the Student Day Special Offering. Gifts received from this offering become an investment in the future of the church through direct scholarships for higher education. The GBHEM Office of Loans and Scholarships administers these programs so that over 3,500 students can be assisted annually. Pastors, please offer church members the opportunity to invest in the future by lifting up the UM Student Day offering on Nov. 24. For more information and promotional resources, go to UM Student Day.