The Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) and the Native American Cooperative Ministry (NACM), North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church members held their “Shaping the Mission” Leadership Retreat at Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC, August 11-13, 2025.

The twenty-two participating members discussed concerns about Native peoples’ needs within the CONAM/NACM churches and communities. Also, the NACM membership UMCs: Ashpole-Rowland, Branch Street-Lumberton, Pembroke First-Pembroke, and Pleasant Grove-Rowland shared the growth experiences of 5-week Duke Endowment Summer Literacy Programs at BSUMC, PGUMC, and PFUMC by using videos and resource materials. These church-based literacy camps help rural communities improve children’s reading skills through evidence-based models and community support.

CONAM/NACM members celebrated the positive impact this gathering provided…Centering Christ in all we do and visioning our future.

Article written by Pamela Brayboy Baker, NACM Coordinator