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We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25, CEB
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May 21, 2012
Prayers for the People
Alice Lee Wright, 92, the widow of the late Rev. Malcolm Wright, died May 17 at Asbury Village in Gaithersburg. Further information will be posted when available.
David Arthur Ward, 75, husband of the Rev. Ruth Ann (Miller) Ward, retired, died Oct. 16, 2011. A service of celebration will be held at Cleversburg UMC in Shippensburg, Pa., May 19. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery May 18. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, a stepson, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ruth Ann Ward may be reached at 26 Lantern Lane, Shippensburg, PA 17257.
Congratulations: Christ UMC in Baltimore is celebrating its 200th anniversary throughout the year with special activities planned for each month, culmination in a celebration banquet in November. Worship is each Sunday at 10 a.m. For information, see http://www.gbgm-umc.org/baltimorecumc or email cumchurch@verizon.net.
Obituaries of clergy and clergy spouses may be found on the conference website.
New This Week
Sweet potatoes to feed the hungry: The Society of St. Andrew (an UMCOR Advance) has delivered about 30 truckloads of sweet potatoes donated by a North Carolina grower to points around the United States, but more donations are needed to roll out the 36-plus additional truckloads that have been scheduled. Each truck carries 42,000 pounds of food to its destination for $1,000 to $2,500, depending on distance. That translates to only 2.5 cents to 6 cents per pound. 100% of all donations on this special appeal will go directly to packing and shipping these sweet potatoes. A ton of potatoes can be delivered for $50-$100. Quickly send a check to: Society of St. Andrew, 3383 Sweet Hollow Road, Big Island, VA 24526-8517. In the memo line, write: Emergency Sweet Potato Appeal. To learn more and contribute online, click here: Read more»
HealthFlex participants: A reminder that Healthflex participants should have received the 2012 HealthFlex wellness incentives via e-mail from Francess Tagoe at the BWC benefits office; this includes a physician result form, and the how to enroll in Virgin HealthMiles instructions. To be eligible for the $100 HealthMiles cash, you must do the blood screening by July 31 and be enrolled in the Virgin HealthMiles program. If you have already done your blood screening through your doctor's office for this year, follow the instructions on the physician result form. Deadline to participate is July 31. For more information, contact Francess Tagoe at ftagoe@bwcumc.org.
Missionaries available for visits: BWC missionaries Jeff and Ellen Hoover will be touring the conference from May 19-June 13. They continue to serve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They will be visiting supporting churches but are also available for other church visits. There are a number of weekday and weekday evenings available. If you would like to have the Hoovers visit your church please contact John and Bonnie Campbell, Conference Secretaries for Global Ministries, at revjohncampbell@gmail.com to arrange a visit.
Praying for peace: The monthly ecumenical Baltimore Interfaith Prayer Peace Partners invite all to join them in prayer for the Middle East Tuesday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 East University Parkway in Baltimore. (Corner of North Charles St. and University Parkway). The preacher will be the Rev. Joe Burnett, Assistant Bishop Diocese of Maryland. For information, contact Rev. Charles Cloughen Jr. at 410-321-0199 or frcharles@verizon.net.
National call on addictions: Robert (Bob) Pezzolesi, founder and president of the New York Center for Alcohol Policy Solutions, will talk about legislative initiatives on a national conference call on ways to end addictions Tuesday, May 22, at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The National Addictions Network call, the second in a monthly series, is sponsored by the General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). Its purpose is to build a dynamic, spiritual movement among United Methodists and the faith community that cultivates a national dialogue to connect, educate, support and bring action to help curb the epidemic of addiction. To participate in the call, go to RSVP. Call-in number is (866)494-2397; passcode is 2024885636.
Urban Connection Revival: The Urban Connection of Washington, D.C., will sponsor a revival, "Hearing the Voice of God and Acting Boldly," May 23-25 at 7 pm. each evening, Hughes Memorial UMC, 25 53rd St. NE, Washington, D.C. Speakers include the Rev. Dr. Rodney Smothers, Rev. Ronald Triplett, and Rev. Dr. Alfreda Wiggins. Download the flyer or call 202-398-3411 for more information.
Small groups leader training: Effective small groups are an essential component of vital churches. The Discipleship Academy is offering training for developing outstanding small group leaders. Led by the Revs. John Campbell and Stacey Nickerson, workshops will be held in each region from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Saturdays:
• May 26 at Community UMC in Crofton
• June 2 at Salem UMC in Upper Falls and
• June 9 at Memorial First India UMC in Silver Spring.
Cost is $10. Learn more and register. For additional information, contact Jo Chesson at 410-309-3490. Go to http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/smallgroupleaderstraining.
DEADLINE May 30- BWC scholarships available: The Conference scholarships application process for 2012 opened online March 1. Only applications submitted through the online process will be accepted. They can be found here. Scholarships are for undergraduate students enrolled fulltime in an accredited college or university in the United States. Scholarship applications and supporting materials including the pastor’s statement will be accepted online until May 30. Awards will be determined based upon the application being completed and submitted by the deadline, including required supporting documentation such as official transcripts, letter of recommendation from pastor, student essay or other supporting materials. The scholarship award letters will be sent out between July 30 and August 30. For information, contact Jo Chesson at jchesson@bwcumc.org.
Strawberry Festival: Savage UMC, 9050 Baltimore St. in Savage, will hold its annual Strawberry Festival Saturday, June 2, from 11a.m. to 6p.m. In addition to all things strawberry, menu includes open pit roast beef sandwiches, pulled beef bar-b-que, chicken salad sandwiches and hot dogs, with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Will hold a bake sale inside the church. For information, see www.umcsavage.org or call 301-725-7630.
BWC pastor featured: An article by the Rev. Joe Daniels, lead pastor of Emory UMC in Washington, DC, was adapted from his most recent book, “The Power of REAL: Changing Lives, Changing Churches, Changing Communities,” in the May 9 issue of Leading Ideas. The book was written with Christine Shinn Latona and published by Not Just a Curtain Puller in 2011. To read the article go to www.churchleadership.com where a free subscription to Leading Ideas is also available. Daniels uses the literary device of a fictionalized mentoring relationship between his current self and his younger self and the book is particularly relevant to those getting started in ministry, especially in urban settings or other contexts in need of significant renewal. This book is available from Cokesbury.
Beginning ministry in a new setting? For help, read “The Right Start”, the Lewis Center’s proven video-based learning resource at www.churchleadership.com/rightstart.
Summer day camps for children: Glen Mar UMC, 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City will hold a variety of summer day camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18 through July 27. These sessions are for children who will be 4 years old by June 1, through children who were in fifth grade during the 2011-12 school year. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.glenmarumc.org, email Camp@glenmarumc.org or call 410-465-4995 ext. 212.
ALL ABOUT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
- Last minute registration for Annual Conference: Online registration for the 228th session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference has closed. Onsite registration will be available for $149. No special meals will be sold onsite. The BWC meets May 30 -June 1 at Baltimore's Waterfront Marriott Hotel. Hotel reservations must be made separately.
- Annual Conference volunteers needed: If you are interested in serving as an usher or a marshal at the 2012 annual conference session, call the Rev. Yvonne Mercer-Staten at 202-882-2122. If you are interested in serving as a page or teller, contact the Rev. Pauline Wilkens at 410-362-8547.
- "Highlighters" needed for Annual Conference hospitality: Each year, a group of volunteers serve as “Highlighters” to offer welcome, hospitality and information to those attending Annual Conference. Volunteers are needed for all three days of Annual Conference to sign up for shifts of 4-5 hours. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and support the work of the conference. For more information, or to sign up today, contact Rev. Sarah Schlieckert (240-315-6965).
Prayer Breakfast: Shiloh Community UMC, 12705 Shiloh Church Road in Newburg, will hold a Prayer Breakfast, sponsored by Christian Fellowship on Wheels Ministry, Saturday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lay Speaker Gloria Cooper, Social Justice Ministry, and Sheila Lyles of Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington will bring the message on “When was it that we saw you?” from Matthew 25:31-46 Music will be provided by The Gospel Travelers. Tickets are $15. Contacts: Patricia Queen at 301-609-8622 or Thelma Holton at 301-408-8591.
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Annual Conference Breakfast: CCUIC is hosting a breakfast meeting for members of the annual conference Thursday, May 31. Rev. Clark Lobenstein, Executive Director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington and a representative of the Central Maryland Ecumenical Conference will be the guest speakers. They will discuss the importance of interfaith ministry. Conference members are invited to attend. For information, contact Rev. Dell Hinton, pastorsharpst@verizon.net, Rev. Edwin Hostetter, edwinhostetter@comcast.net or Rev. Ken Hawes, pastor@hughesumc.org.
Peace with Justice Sunday:On the first Sunday after Pentecost (June 3), The United Methodist Church observes Peace with Justice Sunday, one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offering. The offering supports many diverse ministries that challenge war and other forms of violence, as well as injustice, suffering and abuse, all of which imperil God’s world and the human lives that inhabit it. Half of the offering is reserved for ministry within the BWC. The other half supports peace and justice advocacy far and wide. For resources including litanies, sermon helps, worship planning, bulletin inserts, posters and videos, go to www.umcgiving.org. Read more»
Service to honor longest serving clergy: The congregation of Asbury UMC, 110 W. North St. in Charles Town, W. Va., will hold a Service of Celebration to honor the Rev. Richard Kroll Sunday, June 3, at 10 a.m., with a reception following. Kroll is the longest serving pastor (42 years) in the 2012 retiree class. All are welcome. For more information, call the church at 304-725-5513.
Fish Fry: The United Methodist Men of Cheverly UMC, 2801 Cheverly Ave. in Cheverly, are sponsoring a Fish Fry Saturday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m. in the church parking lot. Menu includes fish, French fries, cole slaw and ice tea for adults for $8, and chicken nuggets, fries, fruit cup, cookies and lemonade for children under 12 for $4. Tickets available at the church or at the event. Call the church 301-773-1314 for more information.
Concert: Grace UMC, 11700 Old Fort Road in Fort Washington, extends an invitation to join The Voices of Grace as to present "The Moye' Ensemble of Metro DC, Baltimore and Virginia" in concert Sunday, June 10, at 4 p.m. For information, call the church office, 301-292-7828.
Bike-a-Thon/Trike-a-Thon for Cystic Fibrosis: Mount Zion UMC, Lothian, will host "Rock and Ride for Cystic Fibrosis" at Southern High School in Harwood, June 16 from 2 to 9 p.m. The church is seeking sponsorships to help with the cost of the event as well as registrants. Download the flyer for more details or contact the church at 410-867-4035.
Melodies from Heaven Gospel Competition: The St. John Experience of St. John UMC in Baltimore (Pumphrey) is holding a gospel choir competition at the Chesapeake Arts Center July 7 at 4 p.m. The competition is sponsored by 20/20 Visioning and others. The proceeds will benefit the Global AIDS Fund. Grand Prize winner will get $1,000 and an invitation to perform Nov. 9 at the Hippodrome Theater (not guaranteed). For detailed information and how to register, go to www.thestjohnexperience.org/rnfhgc.
Baltimore County Christian Workcamp:: The 29th annual Baltimore County Christian Workcamp (BCCW) will occur July 15-20, 2012. It is structured like those workcamps that many travel far from home to attend for a week or more. However, with the work sites in the County, it has become a commuters’ workcamp where volunteers only need to commit for one day and can sleep in their own bed each night. For more information, download the 2012 flyer or the 2011 BCCW report, contact Chip Day (410-744-2794) or Frank Thomas (410-667-1725). In addition to volunteer workers, the BCCW can always use appropriate supplies and donations. BCCW is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Personal Retreats for Clergy and Church Staff. Manidokan is offering its Chaplain's apartment as a place of personal retreat for clergy and other conference and local church staff members. The apartment has a full-size bed, table and chairs, desk, comfy chair, deck and wireless internet (if desired). It is a perfect place for sermon writing, reflection or just a change of pace. For information, contact Manidokan at Manidokan@gmail.com or call 301-834-7244.
Special Needs Support Group: Our mission is to facilitate parent networking by sharing information, resources, and experiences unique to families challenged by caring for children and adults with special needs. Meetings held quarterly. Lunch is provided and childcare is available upon request. Mt. Zion UMC is located at 12430 Scaggsville Road, in Highland, — Conference Room #1. Future Meeting Dates: Sept. 9, and Dec. 2. For more information, contact Barb Jacques at barbjacques@verizon.net or by phone at 301-854-2324 ext. 26.
FOCUS ON YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Summer Camp 2012: Schedule and Registration is open for summer camping. Get ready for a summer filled with fun, friends, and faith. Also swimming, games, music, adventure, discovery, giant swing, zip line, worship and much more await you and your friends. Visit www.bwccampsandretreats.org for all the information.
‘The Hunger Games’ study: Two United Methodist pastors (father and daughter) have responded to the growing popularity among young people of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and have written a study for pastors and church members. “The Gospel According to the Hunger Games Trilogy” is available on Amazon Kindle for $.99. The study includes analyses of themes and discussion questions to help students consider deeper meanings in the books. A number of characters and themes have parallels to classic Jewish and Christian figures and theology. Read more»
Young adults - Spark12 applications open: Spark12, a young-adult justice ministry project of The United Methodist Church, is looking for innovative justice-oriented, community-based projects that push the boundaries of ministry to transform the world. Spark12 seeks young adults, ages 18-35, able to explain their vision with some depth. Applicants will need to clearly explain how their project will transform the world. In addition, applicants are expected to have the drive and focus to turn their vision into reality. Those selected as Spark12 fellows will receive funding. They will also have their ideas vetted by mentors with expertise in a related field and by peers eager to perfect the work of the team. Spiritual coaches will help the fellows remain grounded and oriented toward doing the most good. Project ideas must be submitted by June 29. Learn more at Spark12, or http://www.spark12.org/.
Manidokan Senior High Week: Go further, higher and deeper with this Senior High only camp., June 17-22. Campers will choose their activities each day to create the camp experience they want and will be encouraged to push themselves through activities, small group discussion, and worship to expand their understanding of themselves, the world around them and the faith that guides them. For more details see www.bwccampsandretreats.com.
Middle School campers ‘Best Week Ever’: Manidokan is offering a Best Week Ever camp, exclusively for middle school (grades 6-9) campers, June 24-29. The camp will provide dynamic worship, enriching fellowship and awesome adventures. Campers will be able to choose their own activities (rafting, zip line, climbing wall, arts and crafts, and much more) to create a camp experience that will make it their best week ever. There will be plenty of opportunity to connect and make new friends from all around the area. In the midst of the daily adventures small group discussions and large group worship will be aimed at meeting the spiritual needs of these campers. For information, go to www.bwccampsandretreats.com.
Faith in Action Week at West River: This week is loaded with opportunities to serve through projects like painting, minor home repair, yard work or building handicap ramps July 15-20. Campers (grades 7-12) will break into teams and head out into the local community where there is real need every day. There may be other needs at local food banks or assisted living centers. When the work is finished for the day, campers will return to West River with plenty of time to hang with friends, have fun on the water or swim at the pool. Day will finish after dinner with some great games and worship with great music. For information and to register, go to www.bwccampsandretreats.com.
Encounter dates announced: Encounter, the youth festival at Manidokan, will be held Sept. 7-9, at the Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center. The featured guest musicians are Eric Samuel Timm, and Chase Callahan and Anthem Lights.
Rabbi’s study group: The study group will meet Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Conference Mission Center Library. The study is of the “Pierke Avos: Ethics of the Fathers,” exploring the wisdom of the ancient rabbis, some of whom lived at the time of Jesus. A short summer session will be held. Bring a bag lunch if you wish. All are welcome.
Prison Ministry symposium: “Involving Yourself in Prison Ministry”, sponsored by Eastern District United Methodist Men, will be held Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albright College, 13th and Union Streets in Reading, Pa. Among the presenters will be Bishop Peggy A. Johnson of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences. Others include Mark Hicks, executive director of DISC IPLE Bible Outreach Ministries; Gerry Goerlitz of Kairos Prison Ministry International; Laura Downton/Bill Mefford of the Board of Church & Society; and several others. Open to men and women of all churches. Cost is $15. To learn more and register online, go to http://www.lumc-online.org/PrisonMinistry.
The Tussle Over Metrics: Lovett Weems of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership writes about the debate over measurements in the church.
2012-2013 Adventure Devotional: The new 2012-2013 pocket-size book edition of the Adventure Daily Devotional Guide is available for purchase. The new book offers daily devotions for one year beginning September, 2012, and ending August, 2013. This pocket-size book is easy to carry with you for daily devotion or to use with a small group as an opening devotional and prayer. The Devotional is published by the Baltimore-Washington Conference and includes the following writers in order of months beginning with September. For information and online ordering and purchasing with credit card, click here. Questions? Email pbowen@bwcumc.org.
‘It’s a Miracle’ – VBS curriculum: The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is offering “It’s A Miracle!” as a Vacation Bible School mission program. Each day of VBS, students will be introduced to one of Jesus’ miracles; from feeding the multitudes to cleansing the lepers. Included in the VBS packet are student sheets containing a short Scripture story, facts about hunger and the SoSA ministry, Go Green statistics, mission adventure opportunities and a pencil activity. Also included are song suggestions, craft ideas and yummy snack choices for each day that compliment the “Miracle of the Day!” May be used alone or as part of another VBS curriculum. All pages are reproducible. The complete VBS program is free of charge and there’s no obligation. Order a packet by emailing the Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore at Church@EndHunger.org or call 800-333-4597.
Innovative Master of Arts Program: Wesley Theological Seminary is offering a Master of Arts program for “those seeking to deepen their spiritual life and to examine the texts and traditions of Christianity.” Students are welcome to take a few courses or pursue the full MA degree. Courses may be foundational theology or self-designed to relate to professional life. To learn more, visit www.wesleyseminary.edu/degrees/masterofarts. Contact Admissions at: admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
Course for Deacons: The Rev. Jacqulyn Thorpe, FD, will teach “The History and Ministry of the Deacon” at the fall semester at Wesley Theological Seminary. The course (CF-295-0) meets on campus Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. For information, contact her at 301-530-1736. For more on fall courses, go to admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
Building clergy network for cross-racial ministry: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is excited to promote its 2012 event entitled “Facing the Future: A Clergy Network for Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Appointment and Ministry.” The training event with plenaries, covenant groups and workshops will be held at the Westin Baltimore Washington Airport, July 26-28, from 4 p.m. Thursday to noon Saturday. Registration is $300 with discount before May 24. Information, speakers, hotel accommodations and online registration is at www.gcorr.org/CRCCNetwork.
Parish nursing scholarships: Scholarships of up to $1,000 per applicant are being offered by the Baltimore-Washington Conference to licensed registered nurses to complete a minimum of 34 hours continuing education in Faith Community/Parish Nurse Basic Preparation Program. Support through scholarships is intended to increase the number of dedicated faith community/parish nurses. Learn more.
New leadership book: Lovett H. Weems Jr., director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, has published a new book: “Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church.” With insight, conviction, and calm resolve, Weems challenges United Methodists to face up to the difficult decisions required of us as we continue to seek God's will for our lives together. “Lovett speaks the truth.,” says Bishop John Schol. “His ability to capture the essence of the meaning, purpose and role of local churches, regional bodies and denominations makes this book a key resource for leading.” The book is available from Cokesbury or Amazon.
Certification for church professionals: United Methodist Certification for church professionals and laity is now being offered through Wesley Theological Seminary in Christian Education, Evangelism and Youth Ministry. Certification requires three core courses in Bible, Theology and United Methodist Studies, plus two or three additional courses in a particular interest. UM Certification is a program sponsored by the GBHEM and run in partnership with UM seminaries. For more information go to http://www.gbhem.org or to see UM Certification courses offered at Wesley this summer go to http://www.wesleyseminary.edu/ContinuingEducation.aspx
Upper Room app available: A free Upper Room Devotional Life app is available for download on Apple and Android products. The app will offer meditations from The United Methodist Church’s Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide. Learn more and download app.
Church leadership resources: Leading Ideas is a publication of the Lewis Center on Church Leadership at Wesley theological Seminary. It is available free and offers resources for “effective, faithful, and fruitful practice of Christian leadership” for both clergy and laity. To learn more click here.
New from Cokesbury: "Hijacked" by Mike Slaughter and Charles E. Gutenson explores the phenomenon of political discord in this country. The last 30 years have seen the political discourse within our country grow more rancorous and increasingly uncivil. During the same period, there has been a growing tendency to conflate one's theological commitments with one's political ideology. As a consequence, partisan politics has infiltrated our churches and political commitments are creating unnecessary divisions. Perhaps of most concern, these trends generally tend to obscure the properly holistic nature of the Gospel of Christ and turn people off to Christianity altogether. Purchase from the Cokesbury stores in Fulton (301-317-6814) or Baltimore (410-281-7090), or order online.
'Catch' Evangelism program: Church of the Resurrection has developed a successful evangelism program that is a comprehensive 4-week study for implementing the proven marketing and visitor follow-up. “Catch” shows how to attract visitors, help them connect to the faith community, and find the space to know, love and serve God. Published by Abingdon Press, “Catch” is filled with practical ideas, the DVD includes a program guide with DVD-ROM, an implemenmtation guide, small group participants book and leader’s guide. Available from Cokesbury. Email inquiries to cokesburycommunity@cokesburycommunity.com.
“Dreaming of Vital Congregation” is a five-part film series produced by the General Board of Discipleship to stimulate discussions about The UMC’s four areas of focus. Clergy and lay leaders, as well as General Conference delegates, are being encouraged to discuss the films, available online at www.GBOD.org/Dreaming. The first film, “Church 2092: Transforming Our Congregations to Arrive There,” seeks to look at how to transform congregations to arrive at 2092. Subsequent films are “Creating New Memories,” Our Over-Messaged Lives:, “Making Growth Sustainable,” and “A New Generation of Church Leaders.” Go to www.GBOD.org/Dreaming.
Wesleyan Approach to Developing Disciples: A new study, “A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship with Christ and the Church,” by James Hornish is available through Cokesbury. The study combines a Wesley understanding of God’s love and grace with the time-tested United Methodist practices of spiritual discipline. Available from Cokesbury, the six-week study is ideal for the Lenten season. The six-week study covers: introduction to United Methodism, A Disciples Path, prayers and Scripture meditation, corporate worship and small group community, financial generosity, spiritual gifts and gifts-based service, and invitational evangelism. Included in the study packet are a daily workbook, a companion reader, and a leader’s guide and CD ROM, plus additional products. To learn more, see www.cokesbury.com.
‘Bearing Fruit’ study guide: The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. and the Rev.Tom Berlin, authors of “Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results,” have prepared a free study guide to facilitate reflection, discussion and application of their book’s key points. The book and guide aim to provide church leaders with tools to assess whether their ministry bears fruit. Weems is the director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. Download the free study guide».
Adaptive Leadership Series: The United Methodist Publishing House is issuing five new books, now available online, called the “Adaptive Leadership Series.” Each book offers an analysis of where the United Methodist Church stands and the changes that are needed to create a viable future. Key themes include: focusing on the church’s core purpose; embracing change and even sacrifice; empowering clergy and laity to recover the Wesleyan movement; and meeting hard realities like the end of guaranteed appointment—with hope and resilience. The books are: Jesus Insurgency: The Church Revolution from the Edge by Rudy Rasmus and Dottie Escobedo; Frank; Focus: The Real Challenges that Face the United Methodist Church by Lovett Weems; Lord, I Love the Church and We Need Help by Virginia Bassford; Back to Zero: The Search to Rediscover the Methodist Movement by Gil Rendle; and The Recovery of a Contagious Methodist Movement by George Hunter III.All of the books of the Adaptive Leadership Series will be available Feb. 1 from Cokesbury stores or www.cokesbury.com.Find excerpts online now or order copies at www.ministrymatters.com/adaptiveleadership..
Rethink immigration: Rethink Church will help you to rethink immigration by offering a free package of materials to use in many different ways. The package features a 12-minute video about Jasmine, a Michigan teen who found solace in The United Methodist Church when the complications of immigration left her alone. Also included are bulletin graphics, promotional poster designs and newspaper ads to help advertise to the community. In addition, the package features supplementary resources including videos to use all year in Sunday school or in worship as sermon illustrations, study material for Sunday schools or neighborhood Bible studies, and informational pieces to help jump-start a new understanding of immigration. A DVD is available for the cost of shipping.
Nan McCurdy and Miguel Mairena, two BWC-sponsored missionaries who serve in Nicaragua, are available to talk with your congregation or any interested groups about mission and ministry in Nicaragua, Covenant Relationships, the General Board of Global Ministry's Advance and a variety of other themes. They are available at almost any time except Sunday mornings. Contact them at nanmigl@yahoo.com.
North Texas Tornadoes: Although 13 tornadoes touched down April 3, there were no fatalities. There were numerous injuries, however. No significant damage to NTC United Methodist churches was reported, but the city of Lancaster was especially hard hit. Let us remain prayerful for all persons affected. If you wish to donate, please send funds to the North Texas Conference and mark for "UMCOR Spring Storms 2012” or donate online directly via the UMCOR Spring Storms 2012 Website. For volunteer opportunities, please register with the Volunteer Center of North Texas.
Holy Land pilgrimage: The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is organizing a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Nov. 1-11, that will provide an overview of the historical, archaeological and cultural settings of the Bible, particularly with how they relate to Christianity’s origins. “A high-quality Holy Land pilgrimage is bound to have a significant impact on any person’s ministry for years to come,” said the Rev. Neal Christie, assistant general secretary for Education & Leadership Formation at GBCS. Cost, including airfare from New York, will be $3,453. This is for a double-occupancy room. A deposit of $200 is due Aug. 4 with the balance due Aug. 24. An option is being offered to stay an additional three days to explore Petra (Jordan). Cost for this option is $898. Christie and the Rev. Julie Wilson, GBCS Conference Relations organizer, will lead the pilgrimage. Itinerary of the trip and detailed registration information is available at Holy Land, Holy People. Registration should be made directly with the Society for Biblical Studies (www.sbsedu.org/), 1 Mass. Ave., Suite 40, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-641-4453. For more information, contact Christie, 202-488-5611 or nchristie@umc-gbcs.org or Wilson at 202-488-5650 or jwilson@umc-gbcs.org.
Two sites for UMCOR kits: UMCOR kits, which churches make and assemble, are used in disasters (such as floods, hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes) and for long term follow up of disasters. They are sent or taken to Mission Central in Pennsylvania. Now, they may be delivered to two sites in Maryland. The kits can be dropped off on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Bentley Springs Hub at 419 Bentley Road in Parkton or at St. Matthews UMC, 14900 Annapolis Road in Bowie. Call the church, 301-262-1408, for times to deliver them.
Contacts for jurisdictional UMVIM teams: Volunteers are needed, including ERT-trained volunteers, those experienced in flood recovery, and others with a willing spirit. Contact information for each area includes:
• Greater New Jersey: CJ Caufield |609-859-2262, cj.caufield@delanco.org. See www.delanco.org.
• Upper New York: Greg Forrester, 607-756-7799 or cell 607-345-2928; umvimnej@twcny.rr.com.
• New York: Denise Hamilton, 914-615-2226; nyacdisaster@gmail.com. See www.nyac.com.
• Vermont: Rev. Bill Elwell -DR coord. Contact Eric Covey, ericjamescovey@gmail.com.
• New England: Dave Stackpole vimnecumc@charter.net; Doug Spanks, dougfishboy67@verizon.net; Stacey Bullock sdowdbullock@gmail.com.
• Susquehanna Conf. (center of Pa.): Larry Siikanen, 570-898-8710 or lsiikanen@susumc.org.
Please find a way to serve our neighbors in this disaster.
Make kits for UMCOR's relief efforts: UMCOR needs and welcomes Health Kits for Haiti. Supplies are being depleted in other places as well. Any of the seven kits are needed - school, flood buckets, birthing, and others. Kit assembly and delivery instructions can be found at http://www.stmatthews-bowie.org/ under Missions/St. Matthew's Disaster Response/Outreach HUB. Check for delivery times at 301-262-4691 (Irene Schneider) or e-mail missions@stmatthews-bowie.org. They may be taken to Mission Central, 5 Pleasant View Dr., Mechanicsburg, Pa., about an hour north of Baltimore. The phone is 717-766-1533. Groups may wish to deliver kits and spend a day or part of a day volunteering. For more information about visiting, volunteering and other kinds of kits and supplies needed, visit : www.missioncentral.org.
UMCOR cleaning buckets needed: As disaster responders in many areas of the country are preparing for spring flooding, they are urging church members to purchase or assemble cleaning buckets so that UMCOR's relief-supply depots will be ready to ship them out to flood-affected communities without delay. One recent example were the 100 buckets deployed to each of three different locations in the Carencro area of Louisiana. Learn how to assemble cleaning buckets here. Your support for Material Resources Ministry, UMCOR Advance #901440 will help purchase and ship cleaning buckets and other relief supplies to disaster survivors
2012 Advocacy Conference: Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 24 national Church denominations and organizations, including The United Methodist Church, will hold its 2012 Advocacy Conference June 18-19, at Catholic University. This is an opportunity to learn about the conflict and work for peace in the Holy Land, and be an advocate for a just and sustainable resolution for all peoples of the region. Workshops will include: Middle East Peace and U.S. Federal Elections; Palestinian Christian and Muslim Relations in the West Bank and Gaza; Raising U.S. Christian Voices: Local Organizing; How U.S. National Christian Churches and Organizations Differ and Work Together for Peace; and many more. You can register today using a credit cardor a check. To register offline click here and print the registration form. Click here to learn more about the conference and registration. To learn more about the work of CMEP click here. CMEP is located in the United Methodist Building at 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 311, in Washington, DC. For information, contact info@cmep.org or 202-543-1222.
School of Congregational Development: Registration is now open for the 2012 School of Congregational Development, a United Methodist event for laity and clergy to learn how to grow and develop local churches, Aug. 16-19, in St. Louis. Leadership includes Bishop Robert Schnase, the Revs. Robyn Miller, Telley Gadson and Emanuel Cleaver II, and Reggie McNeal. The event is sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries as well as Path 1: New Church Starts. It will be held at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet. Participants will choose from 10 seminars, 16 ministry tracks and 12 workshops. Fees range from $375 to $475. 4 CEUs available. To register and learn more, go to http://www.scdumc.org/ .
Shalom Summit: The 20th Anniversary Shalom Summit, "Growing Healthy Communities," will be held Oct. 3-6, 2012, at the Historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, Calif. Download the postcard or visit the website for more information.
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