North Carolina Episcopal-United Methodist Dialogue continues Oct. 19
The next gathering of the North Carolina Episcopal-United Methodist Dialogue will bring together both North Carolina United Methodist bishops and three Episcopal bishops to Mt. Pleasant UMC near Greensboro at 3 p.m., on Oct. 19. At 7 p.m., the bishops will lead a service of reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant. The afternoon session will include comments by a United Methodist bishop and by an Episcopal bishop on “The State of the Church in Our Tradition.” Dialogue participants will follow with discussion of the issues raised in these presentations. After a brief update on the National Dialogue, the bishops will form a question and answer panel, exploring matters that seem to be “sticking points” in the effort to move toward full Communion. The service of baptismal reaffirmation will offer a chance for worship together. Congregations within driving distance of Greensboro may wish to invite their members to be a part of this service. Persons attending the afternoon session and planning to remain for the evening service can reserve a snack supper by sending a check for $5.00 made payable to “North Carolina Conference,” to the attention of LeeAnne Thornton, P. O. Box 10955, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605. Mount Pleasant UMC is at the corner of Mt. Hope Church Rd. and Hwy. 70 (5120 Burlington Road) in Greensboro. Take exit 132 off Interstate 85 and follow Mt. Hope Church Rd. for two miles (toward McLeansville) to the church. If you have questions, contact Patricia Page at patnpage@yahoo.com or Belton Joyner fbjjr2@msn.com
NC Conference Mission Seed Fund information and application
For those interested in applying for 2010 Mission Seed Funds, an information and training session is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Millbrook UMC, from 7- 8:30 p.m., in Raleigh. Though attendance at this session is not mandatory for applying for Mission Seed Funds, attendees will learn about the 2010 application, will receive an overview for 2010 Seed Fund parameters, and will receive bonus points toward funding consideration. If attending, please RSVP the Office of Mission and Justice Ministries, 800-849-4433 ext 256 or kreavis@nccumc.org or staylor@nccumc.org.
Welcoming the Stranger – Refugee Support and Resettlement Seminar
Trinity UMC in New Bern is hosting “Welcoming the Stranger,” a Refugee Resettlement Seminar from 9-11a.m. on Sept. 26. This gathering is a great opportunity to hear the stories of those who have had to flee their country, live in refugee camps, and learn to live in the US. Participants will also hear the story of a small rural church that has been transformed by their work with refugees. There is no cost for this event but pre-registration is required by Sept. 20. Call 252-638-2248 or email luv2intercede@juno.com if there are questions.
Workshop to lift up African-American history
The African-American Methodist Heritage Center, an initiative of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, is sponsoring a workshop Oct. 2-4 at Gammon Theological Seminary. “The Journey: History as a Bridge to the Future” is designed to increase awareness about African-American contributions to the church and to encourage effective discipleship, evangelism and mission. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and Commission on Archives and History also are sponsors. Further information is available at www.aamhc-umc.org.
Second Annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference
The 2009 Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska will be held Sept. 20-22. The theme is “People of Faith Building Partnerships for Peace,” bringing together persons from the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Registration can be completed online at Peace Conference. The webpage will have additional information on the Conference and provide a link for housing.
United Methodists Call for Health Care Reform
Everyone is encouraged to engage in the John 10/10 challenge, engaging in 10 actions over 10 weeks to help bring about a just and holistic health care system. Jesus provided a promise of God’s grace for all when he proclaimed we shall “have Life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NRSV) Please consider joining this important effort. For information on how to develop a John 10:10 team, please see: John 10/10 Health Care Reform.
Feasting With God: a Peace with Justice Retreat
“Feasting with God: A Peace with Justice Retreat” will be held at Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Efland, Sept. 26- 27. Participants will explore what it might mean to eat in a manner pleasing to God. Weekend activities include shopping for, cooking, and preserving fresh, local foods with the help of local chefs; a celebration and thanksgiving for the season’s harvest; film, discussion groups, worship; and eating healthy, delicious food. The retreat begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 and ends at 1 p.m. Sept. 27. Registration fee is $55 (includes meals, lodging, and workshop materials.) Financial assistance is available. Registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Chris Burtner at chris@campchestnutridge.org or 919-338-2820
Lake Junaluska to host gathering for Native American women
SEJANAM, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries, and Lake Junaluska will be hosting the first Native Women’s Gathering and Conference Oct. 16-18. The theme of the event is “Re-Defining Our Place: Native Women Speak!” Helping to lead worship will be Louisa Locklear and April Oxendine of the North Carolina Annual Conference. Some of the subject areas will include the psychology of cancer, domestic violence, substance abuse, tobacco and HIV/STDs. SEJANAM is the advocate for 23 Native American congregations and three other ministries in the Southeast Jurisdiction. For more information, visit Native American Women, contact Darlene Jacobs, SEJANAM Executive Director, at (828) 454-6724, or email djacobs@lakejunaluska.com.
CPI application deadline approaching
Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness grant applications are due no later than Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. (if hand-delivered) or postmarked no later than Sept. 30. No faxed applications will be considered and all must have the appropriate signatures. Applications are available at CPI Grant Information. New and innovative ministries will get strong consideration. For further information call Lawrence E. Johnson in the Multicultural office (919-832-9560).
United Methodist Family Days at Kings Dominion and Carowinds in October
Tickets to Kings Dominion and Carowinds at a significantly discounted price will be available to NC Conference UMC groups and families for the dates October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31. This discount price applies to advance purchase only.To purchase tickets, go to www.kingsdominion.com or www.carowinds.com and click on “tickets” then on “corporate partner.” The company ID is FALLMFD. A contribution is made to Youth Service Fund for all tickets redeemed on these special NC Conference UM Family Days.
REMINDERS
· Managing Conflict, sponsored by the Academy for Leadership Excellence, Sept. 22 at Haymount UMC in Fayetteville.
· The CEF retreat on Oct. 12-13. Registration deadline: Sept. 15.
· The Bishop’s Day Apart for Reflection and Renewal on Sept. 15 at Nashville UMC.
· Legacy Building Sunday on Sept. 13.
· International Day of Prayer for Peace Sept. 21 http://www.idpvigil.com.
· EXPLORATION 2009 registration by Sept. 30.