Disciple Bible Outreach Training for 2008
This year's DBOM DISCIPLE Bible Study training initiative schedule has now been set. Training events in the NC Conference will take place in the following districts: Feb. 16: Sanford District -St. Luke UMC; May 10: Rocky Mount District - Nashville UMC; May 17: Durham District - McMannen UMC; and May 24: Elizabeth City District - First UMC: EC.
Training in all four levels of DISCIPLE Bible Study and the RINGS OF FELLOWSHIP youth study will be provided at these events. The event is free to all lay and clergy persons. Lunch will be provided for a small fee. Registration is required. For more details and to register, go to www.disciplebibleoutreach.org .
Conference Nominations Committee seek interested persons to serve
Every pastor and member of a United Methodist congregation in the North Carolina Conference is invited to prayerfully consider persons, including themselves, who might effectively serve as a member of a Conference committee, board or agency. Individuals are asked to be a part of identifying and inviting persons to serve our annual conference. At the following link, “Nominations Information” lists all the committees, boards and agencies to which people are to be elected. “Nominations Form” is the sheet to be completed by each person who is willing to serve. Nominations will be received through March 21. Conference Nominations
Speaking Peace in the Midst of Violence
What do we have to say to a world infected with the virus of violence? Do we have any helpful words to speak to a world torn apart by war and too often blinded by arrogance? Lake Junaluska will host the first annual Peace Conference Jan.31-Feb. 2. Leaders for this conference will help participants look at issues from a Biblical and theological stance, offer insights on peace-making from personal experience, and share strategies from a practical and political view. For registration and housing information, go to Peace Conference
Society of St. Andrew develops Lenten Devotional program
“ I Wonder …” is the theme of this year's Lenten Devotions program from the Society of St. Andrew, a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry and Advance Special #801600. The program is a collection of personal “wonderings” and insights of ordinary people as they read, think, and pray about the symbols, people, and places that shaped Jesus' last days on Earth. The daily devotions will also enjoin readers to think about how they might be Christ to others. All materials are free and a sample packet can be ordered for review before placing a congregational order. Orders can be placed online at End Hunger , by email at church@endhunger.org , or by phone at 800-333-4597.
Caring for Creation symposium to be held at Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and the United Methodist Women of the SEJ are offering the third Creation for Creation experience at Lake Junaluska, April 3-6. Leadership for this experience will offer challenges and directions for what individuals can do to take better care of their home – Earth. The workshops will present practical information for action and will open new avenues for participants whether persons are interested in what the Biblical challenge is about care for the earth or inexpensive solar solutions for home or church. For more information about the leadership, schedule, or registration, go to Caring for Creation .
Materials for the 2008 Book of Recommendations & Reports is due April 15
The absolute deadline for the 2008 Book of Recommendations and Reports is April 15. However, the Conference Secretary's Office strongly urges everyone that will have a report to turn in, to do so as soon as possible and not wait until April 15. Reports may be emailed to smedlin@nccumc.org in Word or WordPerfect. Reports will not be included in the book if turned in past April 15.
ITEMS FROM YOUR TREASURER'S OFFICE
Local Church Treasurer/Finance E-mail Discussion Group
We are happy to announce the start up of an email discussion group for those interested in local church finance that will enable you to discuss issues facing you with your peers at other local churches. This list was requested by local church treasurers because of the need for an easy way to ask each other questions about local church policy and procedures, accounting software, auditing issues, etc. To join the discussion group, click on the following link : Discussion Group .
Political Election Guidance for Churches
As the focus grows on future political elections, churches are reminded that organizations exempt from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) may not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The Internal Revenue Service has issued Revenue Ruling 2007-41 to provide guidance on situations that may or may not be considered to fall under these guidelines. If your church has involvement in election matters or activities, you are encouraged to read the situations listed in the Revenue Ruling to make sure your involvement is not in violation of the guidelines. The Revenue Ruling can be found on IRS .
YOUTH AND CHILDREN MINISTRY NOTES
Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry
The Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry Workshop will be held on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 3-5 p.m. at Pine Forest UMC in the Goldsboro District. This workshop is for adults working with youth ministry in local churches. The workshop was held in eight other districts in 2007. This is the last scheduled date for this workshop.
Confirmation Celebration
The Conference Confirmation Celebration will be Saturday, March 8 at Methodist University in Fayetteville from 10 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Since the program will include lunch – groups planning to attend must pre-register by Feb. 25 and the event will cost $7 per person (paid upon arrival at the Celebration). Participants are asked to bring items for UMCOR health kits as well. Full details and other information, including the registration form are available at Youth Ministry .
Vacation Bible School Preview
The Christian Education Showcase for Cokesbury taking place Jan. 25 through Feb. 9 will include a VBS curriculum preview at the Raleigh Cokesbury store. There will be expanded displays of VBS curriculum as well as sample crafts. The store staff is familiar with the features of the VBS curriculum options and can help evaluate what resource will best meet the VBS needs of your church. For the Christian Education Showcase, free shipping is available for phone or online purchases. Further special values are included with Cokesbury store purchases as well. The Raleigh Cokesbury store is located on North Market Dr off Old Wake Forest Rd. More information about the Christian Education Showcase is available at www.cokesbury.com and Curric-U-Phone at 1-800-251-8591.
Global Vision registration deadline is Jan. 25
Global Vision is for youth currently in high school grades 10-12 and involves a study seminar at the UM Offices for Seminars on National and International Affairs in Washington, DC and New York City. Cost for the event is $550. More information and the registration form for Global Vision is available at the website: Youth Ministry under “events”.
North Carolina United Methodist All-State Youth Choir
In its 14th year, the NC United Methodist All-State Youth Choir will be holding auditions in February. The Youth Choir will take place June 15-22 at Greensboro College in Greensboro. Tuition is $250 per student and includes music rehearsals, private vocal instruction, housing, and food. The choir will tour North Carolina churches June 18-22 with a final performance at Greensboro College on June 22. Auditions will be Feb.16 in Greensboro and Charlotte and Feb. 23 in Hickory and Durham. Tape/CD/MD auditions will be accepted through Feb. 24. For more information contact Dr. Jonathan Brotherton, professor of music, 815 W. Market Street Greensboro NC 27401 or (336) 272-7102.
