Thoughts to Help Prepare for All Saints Day
Bishop Ward shares some thoughts about All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and tells the inspiring story of a man named Shakespeare Christmas during this week’s Connections.
Save a Child this Advent
The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee asks local congregations to observe the 15th anniversary of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, by raising awareness of the HIV and AIDS crisis and committing to “just save one” child from contracting the disease. This year, Dec. 1 lands on the first Sunday of Advent. The fund has developed resources to help churches observe World AIDS Day.
Check the Media Center for Advent Resources
The Media Center has posted a Virtual Christmas Display of all of the Christmas and Advent resources in the collection. The display is hosted on LibraryThing which will replace the online catalog next year. For more information and a short video tutorial on navigating LibraryThing, visit the Media Center website.
Race for Redemption 5K Nov. 16
Come run the Race for Redemption 5K, a fundraising event for Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries (DBOM) of North Carolina. DBOM is a Methodist ministry that creates partnerships between churches and prisons to deepen Bible Study for all of Jesus’ disciples inside and outside the prison walls. The race on Nov. 16 will begin at 8 a.m. at Jamestown UMC, 403 E. Main Street, Jamestown, NC. To register, go to Race for Redemption; pre-registration fee is $30; same day registration will be $35.
Pre-Advent Online Study
The NC Conference and the Healthy Families, Healthy Planet Project of the General Board of Church & Society will be hosting “Poor, Young, and Pregnant: A Pre-Advent Study on Mary and Maternal Health” running Nov. 4-15. Throughout the course, participants will study the birth experience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, compared to the birth experience for women around the world today. Sessions will include theological and biblical reflection on the story of Mary, information and facts about maternal health around the globe, and opportunities for advocacy. This free course will be offered online and is open to the public, but registration is required. To register or ask questions, email Dr. Christine Harman at: charman@nccumc.org.
Mission Seed Funds applications Due
Mission Seed Funds are designed to help United Methodist congregations of the NC Conference develop risk-taking ministry and radical hospitality. The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 1. To access the application and read more about Mission Seed Funds, go to Seed Funds.