Clergy should register online for Safe Sanctuary training
This is a reminder to all clergy that in order to assist event planners in preparation for the Safe Sanctuary training events, participants must register online. This is a required training which focuses on the role of the pastor in the ministry of keeping children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe from abuse. Click Safe Sanctuary to register your attendance at one of the three upcoming dates and locations.
Mission Seed Funds are now available
There is a small amount of funding for 2011. Funds must be expended within the 2011 calendar year. Applications are due Nov. 1. Funds will be disbursed by Nov. 15.
Seed Fund applications for the 2012 funding cycle are due Nov. 1. Funds will be disbursed by March 31, 2012. Applications and budget reports can be found at Mission Seed Funds.
Final Reports and Budget Reports are due for recipients of 2011 Mission Seed Funds no later than Jan. 31, 2012. Any recipient not submitting a required report will not be eligible for future funding until required reports are received.
Time correction for Cross and Key Banquet
The Cross and Key Banquet for Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries will be held at Edenton Street UMC in Raleigh on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 7-9 p.m. (Please note the change in time from previous notifications.) The event will include dinner, a presentation by Christian speaker and comedian Andy Lambert and a live auction to support the DBOM ministry. At this time, the Cross and Key Award for outstanding volunteer service will be presented. For more information and to make reservations, visit the DBOM website.
Disciple Making is NOT a Program
Jan. 13 and 14, 2012 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: $15 per person (includes lunch)
A training event for lay and clergy will be presented by Dr. Steve Manskar, director of Wesleyan Leadership for The General Board of Discipleship. Friday’s one-day event will be repeated on Saturday. (Participants attend only one day.) This training opportunity will offer a look at small groups, a core element in the Wesleyan DNA and how John Wesley used the small group system for discipleship. It will also describe ways they can be utilized in today’s church as a means of making and growing disciples. Online registration will open Nov. 1.
Special Pilgrimage “Live the Life” sharing opportunity
Lanecia Rouse, one of the scheduled Pilgrimage speakers, works with St. John’s UMC Downtown as the project manager for the Art Project of Houston, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator for The Bread of Life. Both ministries of St. John’s Church serve to bring healing to Houston’s homeless and poor.
Pilgrimage participants are invited to share their support with the Art Project and The Bread of Life in two ways: 1) before or during Pilgrimage, go to a Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and purchase gift cards in any amount for art supplies and/or purchase food cards to Taco Bell, Jason’s Deli, Papa John’s, and KFC. Bring the gift cards to Pilgrimage. 2) Sign a Pilgrimage Banner that will be hung in the Art Project Center in Houston following Pilgrimage.
To turn in the gift cards and to sign the banner, go to the “Live the Life” collection table which will be next to the Youth Service Fund Table. Gift cards must be turned in by Saturday evening.
Casework training event scheduled next week
Following any disaster, in order to provide long term recovery, one of the key components that needs to occur is the assessment of damage, the property owners ability to pay for recovery, and the need for charitable assistance. Part of this process looks at the support received through private insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other financial resources. This is an essential action in order for volunteer work teams to then begin the process of repairing/rebuilding damaged homes. Casework Training will be held Oct. 7 – 8 at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Broad S., in Elizabethtown. The course will be taught by Ricky Hill of UMCOR. Contact Jim Smith of Bladen Crisis Long Term Recovery Team at 910-588-4217 (home) or 951-415-8486 (cell) or email: jsmith8716@aol.com. For more information, go to Caseworker training.
October is Church Library Month
The Conference Media Center is celebrating Church Library Month with a month of new website features, resources, and activities. See the Media Center website for updates and chances to win resources for churches to keep. Features will include an interactive blog post, a website scavenger hunt, training resources for church librarians, a guide to Christian eBooks, wish list, new reviews, and new electronic resources. October is a great opportunity to promote church libraries as well. See the Media Center website for ideas and bulletin inserts.
Faith & military service workshop at Duke – Nov. 11-12
A workshop entitled ‘After the Yellow Ribbon’ will be hosted at Duke Divinity School on Nov. 11-12 to discuss faith and military service. The gathering is designed to stimulate conversation between the church, military and academic communities so that all might approach service members and veterans as human beings, and more fully understand and heal the unseen wounds of war (including PTSD and moral injury). Registration is $20 for military service members and
veterans, $25 for students, and $35 for the general public. Registration includes all conference events, lunch on Saturday, and a ticket to a concert by Derek Webb on Saturday evening. Tickets may be purchased for the concert only for $10. Registration and information are online at Yellow Ribbon.
Worship and Song workshop rescheduled – Oct. 15
The Worship & Song workshop, postponed due to Hurricane Irene, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 at White Plains UMC, in Cary. Sponsored by Cokesbury and FUMMWA, this workshop explores using the newest United Methodist hymnal resource. Participants will be able to attend two of four sessions offered – “Using Worship & Song to Create Vibrant Worship Services,” “Worship & Song for Choirs,” “Contemporary/World Music Resources,” and “Using Worship & Song to Shape Our Faith.” Registration and coffee begin at 8:30 a.m. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends with worship from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and includes a copy of the Singer’s Edition and a continental breakfast. For questions call Stephanie at Cokesbury Raleigh – 919-872-8810 or 866.865.8665 (toll free). To register, send registration form and a check (made out to NCC FUMMWA) for $15 to: Mark Gourley, 306 Maplewood Dr., Goldsboro, 27534.