Web site on China mission
The General Board of Global Ministries has launched a Web site on China that focuses primarily on the mission work of The United Methodist Church and Protestantism in the country, during the Olympic Games. Includes worship resources. To learn more, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/partnerships/chinaprogram.
Urgent appeal for flood buckets
With all the flooding happening in the Midwest and hurricane season approaching, UMCOR is in great need of flood buckets. In the past six weeks, 6,624 flood buckets were shipped to emergencies around the country, and the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., is almost out. Congregations and individuals are urged to send completed buckets, bulk materials or a contribution to purchase supplies. To purchase items for each bucket requires $45. Checks can be mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write “UMCOR Advance 901440, UMCOR Material Resources” on the memo line of your check. Online gifts can be made at www.givetomission.org. One hundred percent of every donation goes to support recovery efforts. For instructions, go to: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/
American Red Cross seeks church participation
The American Red Cross depends on the support of local citizens to maintain a safe and adequate community blood supply for patients in this region. Through its Community Heroes Program, participating local businesses and churches have a unique opportunity to earn community recognition while helping a neighbor in need. As a Community Heroes member organization, church members will be invited to participate at a local blood donor center with the convenience of exclusive donor hours and recognition on the Heroes Wall. For more information, see www.my-redcross.org or contact A. Ray Charles, Direct Marketing Coordinator, Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region, at 800-272-0024, Ext. 5276 or 410-365-4253 or CharlesA@usa.redcross.org.
Project Hope for Mt. Auburn Cemetery
The United Methodist Men of the Baltimore Region and the Baltimore-Washington Conference continue Project Hope, a mission initiative to help clean-up and beautify Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 2501 Hollins Ferry Road in Baltimore. The UMM has committed to continuing its work on this very important United Methodist landmark throughout the summer. All are invited to join in this effort. Clean-up dates continue on Aug. 23, Sept. 6 and 20. The sessions run from 7 a.m. to noon. Individuals may also work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bring gloves, plastic bags and lawn equipment for cutting (water will be provided). For more information, contact Larry McCrae at 443-527-5822 or Sherman Harris at 301-299-2984, or visit www.BWCUMM.org.
Day of art and prayer
Artists of all kinds and would-be artists are invited to the Conference Center Thursday, Aug. 14, for a day of art and prayer. Come with your ideas and passions to spend the day in retreat as you join a community of artists of faith. Set apart this day to explore how God and your creativity intersect in bold and interesting ways. Visit www.bwcumc.org/artandprayer for more details. RSVP by Friday, Aug. 1, to Kate Thomas at kthomas@bwcumc.org.
National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling
NCALG is looking for 100 Marylanders to attend its annual conference at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Oxon Hill Sept. 26-27, with the theme "Stop Predatory Gambling." Registration before Aug. 20 is $70, plus hotel, after $100. The first 100 hotel reservations (separate) receive a $54/night discount. For information and to register, go to www.ncalg.org.
Prayers for Peace
The monthly interfaith and ecumenical meeting to pray for peace in the Middle East will be Friday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Episcopal Church, 5 Sherwood Road (corner of Sherwood and York roads) in Cockeysville. For more information, contact Charles Cloughen Jr. at frcharles@verizon.net.
Summer Palooza Youth Event
Bel Air UMC, 21 Linwood Ave., in Bel Air, is inviting youth to join activities Saturday, Aug. 23, from 2-7 p.m. They include a rock climbing wall, a 65-foot two-person blow up obstacle course, a 100-foot slip n’ slide and a variety of snacks. All free. A concert follows at 7 p.m., by Julienne Irwin, fourth place contestant on last season’s “America’s Got Talent.” For information, call 410-838-5181.
Gateway training
Two more sessions of the Gateway Training for clergy, administrative assistants and church secretaries, who were unable to attend previous trainings, will be held Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Conference Center. One session will be 1-3:30 p.m. and the other will be 6-8:30 p.m. The deadline to register is Aug. 20. Seating is limited. To register, e-mail to regional secretaries: Annapolis-Southern Region, Sharon Fleet (sfleet@bwcumc.org); Washington Region, Stephanie Kinchen (skinchen@bwcumc.org); Baltimore Region, Sandra Cockrell (scockrell@bwcumc.org); Western Region, Martha Jones (mjones@bwcumc.org). Include your contact information and which session you plan to attend. For the evening session, bring a "bag dinner."
Metropolitan Rappers for Christ
Metropolitan Rappers for Christ will be featured at the second annual dinner and concert Saturday, Aug. 30, at Metropolitan-Indian Head UMC Cooperative Parish, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road in Indian Head. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20/adults, $10/students. For tickets contact church office at 301-375-9088.
Disciple Bible study in Spanish
Oakdale-Emory UMC in Olney is offering a Spanish Disciple Bible study course, beginning in September. For registration and information, contact the Rev. DaeWha Park at 301-774-4666, Ext. 12 or dpark@oeumc.org.
Small church evangelism workshop
Dublin UMC in Street is hosting an Evangelism Workshop for Small Churches Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, preceded with refreshments and fellowship at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Bishop Richard Looney from the Evangelism Foundation will lead the event, discussing the impact of small churches on the community, encouraging older congregations to change with the times, how limited resources may impact efforts, igniting the congregation to be engaged in evangelism and finding the unchurched. Input and suggestions are invited on the subject matter that may be of specific interest to your community. To attend or submit suggestions, leave a message for Ruth Ann Cleary or Pastor Jim Johnson at 410-836-3647.
Baltimore Region celebration
Baltimore region clergy and laity will hold a regional celebration Sunday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m., at Towson UMC on Hampton Lane. The occasion will celebrate the history of the Baltimore region and embrace the future with hope. The worship service will include a message from Bishop John Schol, words from former district superintendents and bishops, choirs and special music. Clergy will robe and wear red stoles. An offering will be taken for Hope for the City. There will be a display of images of church buildings and ministries. Submit photos of churches and historical photos to “Baltimore Region Celebration” at the Conference Center.
Frederick District Lay Speaking Ministry
Classes will be held Mondays and Saturdays at dates beginning Sept. 8 in various locations in Frederick District. These include:
• Basic Lay Speaking classes Mondays, Sept. 8-Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at St. Luke’s UMC in Martinsburg, and Saturdays, Sept. 13-Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon, at Trinity UMC in Frederick. Registration must be in by Aug. 18 and 25 respectively.
• Refresher course for Local Lay Speakers will be Mondays, Sept. 8-Oct. 6, 7-9 p.m., at Asbury UMC in Shepherdstown, W. Va., and Saturdays Oct. 11-Nov. 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Brook Hill UMC in Frederick. The respective registration deadlines are Aug. 11 and Sept. 15.
• Certified Lay Speaking class will be Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. to Saturday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m., at Camp Manidokan. Registration deadline is Sept. 29.
Costs vary. Contact Gary Mason, Director, Frederick District Lay speaking Ministry, 1926 Saint Andrews Drive, Hedgesville, WV 25427 or vmason@mountain.net
Rabbinical Christianity courses offered
"Jesus, the Rabbi": A course to discuss the Jewish setting and implications of Jesus' teaching will be held this fall, led by Rabbi Martin Siegal, the conference rabbi.
• Session I: "The Beatitudes" will be held at Linden-Linthicum UMC, 12101 Linden Linthicum Lane in Clarksville, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2. Cost is $25 for 4 weeks.
• Session II: "The Sermon on the Mount" will be held at Glen Mar UMC, 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City, Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25. Cost is $35 for 6 weeks.
To register, contact the Rev. John W. Nupp at 410-465-4995, ext. 206.
National Healthy Homes Festival
The Board of Child Care is co-sponsoring the National healthy Homes Festival Sept. 12-14, at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will focus on Baltimore area school children and local universities; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., is for families, homeowners, renters, property owners and the general public; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will be a time of family fun and trainings, seminars, and workshops aimed at “do-it-yourselfers,” contractors, renters and homeowners. Learn more at www.leadsafe.org, call 410-534-6447 or e-mail mledonne@leadsafe.org.
“It’s All About The Children” Day
The 3rd annual fun-filled day for children in foster care, will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, noon to 5 p.m., at Carroll Park, 2100 Washington Blvd. and Monroe St. in Baltimore. Baltimore has more than 8,000 children in foster care. For information, go to www.iflp.org or call 410-362-3758.
Congregational Health Ministries Conference
The 4th Annual Congregational Health Ministries Conference will be held Sunday through Wednesday, Sept. 21-24, at Lake Junaluska, N.C., with the theme "Connecting Health Ministries of Congregations, Conferences and Communities around the World." The conference is sponsored by the United Methodist Boards of Global Ministries and Pension & Health Benefits. For more information, contact Patricia Magyar, executive secretary, Health & Welfare, General Board of Global Ministries, (212) 870-3683.
International Day of Prayer for Peace
The International Day of Prayer for Peace is Sept. 21. The theme for this year’s observance is “Witnessing to God’s Peace.” The World Council of Churches, of which The United Methodist Church is a member, invites original or cited “Prayers for Peace” for and from the Pacific Region, this year’s regional focus, for its “Decade to Overcome Violence.” Prayers should be submitted soon, since they need translation, publishing and distribution. E-mail to Hotavia.Porter@wcc-coe.org, fax to +41 (0)22 791 61 22, or mail to: Decade to Overcome Violence, World Council of Churches, P.O. Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland.
Discipleship Academy coming soon
The Discipleship Academy will kick off Saturday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. in each location. The afternoon sessions will be the first class, followed by five weekly sequential evening sessions at each regional location, beginning at 7 p.m. The locations are as follows:
- Baltimore Region: Sundays, Timonium UMC in Timonium and Mondays, John Wesley UMC in Baltimore
- Southern Region: Sundays, Community UMC in Crofton and Tuesdays, Mt. Zion UMC in Mechanicsville
- Washington Region: Mondays, McKendree-Simms-Brookland in Washington and Goshen UMC in Gaithersburg
- Western Region: Tuesdays, Christ UMC on Ballenger Creek Pike in Frederick and Hancock UMC in Hancock
For information, go to www.bwcumc.org/academy.
Holistic Health Seminar on Memory Loss
Epworth UMC, 3317 Saint Luke’s Lane in Baltimore, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center, is hosting a conference on dealing with memory loss Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and will include continental breakfast and lunch. Register before Sept. 18. To register, call 410-561-3433.
Certified Lay Ministry course
The Certified Lay Ministry course will begin Sept. 27, as part of the Discipleship Academy at locations in each region. For further information, see the Web site at www.bwcumc.org/academy.
Clergy response to gambling
Members of the Laurel Clergy Association have set aside Sunday, Sept. 7, as a day to preach on “a biblical response to state sponsored gambling,” and invite all clergy to join in the effort. Non-clergy are asked to contact their pastors and urge the same. For information and to “join in,” contact the Rev. Kevin McGhee, president of the association, at KGMcGhee@aol.com.
Volunteers in Mission training day
A conferencewide Volunteers in Mission event will be held at the Conference Center Saturday, Oct. 4. Gathering and registration is at 9 a.m. Worship, rally, speakers and testimonies will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Team leaders training will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Lunch will be served. There is no charge for the event but registration is necessary to plan for the food, for which a free will offering will be taken. To register, go to www.bwcumc.org/content/umvim-upcoming-events or call Sandy Ferguson at 410-309-3400. Contact conference VIM leader, Jeff Odom at jvodom@comcast.net.
Gammon Seminary Founders Day
The 125th Founders' Day and Thirkield-Jones Lectures will be Oct. 6-8 at Gammon Seminary, 653 Beckwith St., SW, in Atlanta. Bishops Violet Fisher, retired, and Gregory Palmer, Iowa area, will be the lecturers on Tuesday, Oct. 7. For more information, call 404-581-0310.
Married couples enrichment retreat
“Keeping Our Divine Balance,” a married couples enrichment retreat, is being sponsored by Covenant Point UMC, from Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m., to Sunday, Oct. 12, after worship. It will be held at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel. Cost is $400 per couple. For brochure and information contact, Earl and Wanda Wyatt at 301-868-8042. Also see www.covpoint.org/marriage_retreat
Willow Creek Group Life Conference 2008
Bel Air UMC will host the simulcast of Willow Creek’s Group Life Conference, “Essential for the Human Heart,” Oct. 17-18, via satellite on CCN. Conference is Oct. 17, 7-9:30 p.m.; Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prices are $59/person for groups of 10 or more; $79 if registered by Sept. 15; $99 regular. Approved for .7 CEUs. Details and registration form are at www.baumc.com. For information, contact Cindy Caldwell, 410-838-5181 or caldwellc@baumc.com.
Wesley Theological Seminary training
“A Day at Wesley” will be held Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program will include “A Morning with St. Paul for Preachers and Teachers” with the Rev. Craig C. Hill and “Worship Planning for Advent” with Eileen Guenther and Deborah Sokolove. The cost is $110 for both sessions or $65 for one. Lunch is included. Register at www.wesleyseminary.edu/elm, or call 202-885-8720.
Ginghamsburg 'Change the World' conference
“Change The World,” conference at Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, is co-sponsored by UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Oct. 24-25. Featured speakers include the Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.; author and church consultant Brian McLaren; Sojourners magazine editor and author the Rev. Jim Wallis; and the Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC. For details and registration click here: http://www.ginghamsburgglobal.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CNF_CTW&Category_Code=CNFGL
New Church Leadership Institute
It's not too early to register for the 2008 New Church Leadership Institute, "Is New Church Planting for Me?" Nov. 3-6, at the Virginia Conference Center in Glen Allen, Va. The training program, aimed at clergy interested or involved in starting new churches, is co-sponsored by the Northeast and Southeast jurisdictions. Early registration is $399 per clergyperson, spouse free. For information, contact the Rev. Matt Poole at mpoole@bwcumc.org.
Bible study with rabbi
Rabbi Joshua Siegel, the conference rabbi, leads a lectionary-based Bible study every Thursday, 12:15-1:30. Current study is on the lectionary Psalms. All are welcome. Bring a bag lunch and your Bible.
Bishop’s cruise to Paul’s lands
Bishop John R. Schol will lead a cruise that follows Paul’s fourth journey to Greece and Italy in November. Pastors, teachers, church leaders and members are invited to join the cruise on the Orient Queen from New York Nov. 12 and returning Nov. 22. Sites to be visited include Athens and Corinth, Malta, Sicily, Rome, Naples and Pompeii. The bishop will lead a lecture series, “The Studies of Paul’s Life and Teachings.” Costs range from $2,298 to $4,148, including roundtrip airfare to New York. Discounts are available for early registration. Two CEUs available. For information and registration forms, go to http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/.
