Learn More about Legacy Building Sunday – Sept. 13
Sunday, Sept. 13 has been designated as Legacy Building Sunday, a day to celebrate the lives of local church members who have made endowment gifts or other legacy gifts for missions, ministry, and capital projects in the NC Conference. To assist local churches in planning for this special day, see http://umlegacypartners.org/lbsunday.html. Contact the Rev. Jim Mentzer at: jmentzer@nccumc.org or 919-836-0029 for more information.
Convocation & Pastors’ School at Duke Divinity School
This year’s Convocation and Pastors’ School event, Oct. 5-7, is titled “The Next Generation: Engaging the Christian Faith in a Global Context.” Christian ministry in the United States faces challenges that extend far beyond the current economic crisis. To serve the church in this time of change, ministry must claim and re-claim the transformative power of the Gospel, especially through the direction of the Holy Spirit. In this endeavor, everyone has much to learn from young people as well as from developments in the global church. Learn more about this event, which is generously supported by The Duke Endowment, and register at Duke Convocation.
Registration Open for Financial/Retirement seminar
Register now for the upcoming Financial and Retirement Planning Seminar in the fall. The Middle Years Seminar (recommended for clergy with more than five years of ministry and more than 10 years away from retirement) is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at Garner UMC in Garner. Registration deadline is Oct. 8. Visit Pensions Page or contact JoAnna Cafferty in the Treasurer’s Office at 1-800-849-4433 x 225 to obtain a brochure/ registration form.
October is time to celebrate World Communion Sunday
The World Communion Scholarship office is getting more calls than ever from U.S. students saying the tough economy is making it harder for them to manage educational costs. Scholarships for international students are being hit hard. Many of these students come from economically stressed countries with few financial options. Last year, the World Communion Sunday offering was down, and a drop in giving is projected for this year as well. While the suggested date for celebrating World Communion Sunday is Oct. 4, local churches can receive an offering for this ministry at any time. To promote World Communion Sunday, please go to Special Sundays to download resources.
Christian Educators’ Retreat in September
The CEF retreat based on the theme, “Let’s Explore: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” will be led by the Belton Joyner on Oct. 12-13 at Camp Agape near Fuquay-Varina. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. For a more information and a registration form, go to https://nccumc.org/christian-education.
Academy for Christian Witness for Laity
The Conference Commission on Evangelism is sponsoring the Academy for Christian Witness for Laity Oct. 15-17 at Camp Rockfish. The cost is $25 per person. For more information and a registration form, go to: https://nccumc.org/files/laywa.pdf.