Native American Ministry Sunday
Native American Ministry Sunday is April 6. This Sunday serves to remind the Church of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society." (¶ 264.6, The Book of Discipline 2004). If April 6 is not appropriate, consider another taking the offering another Sunday.
For more information: Native American Ministries .
General Conference Listening Sessions
The third and fourth dates for General Conference Listening Session are Sunday April 6 and April 13. Two gatherings will be held on April 6, one at 3 p.m. in First Elizabeth City and the second at 4 p.m. at Epworth in Durham. The last session will be held on April 13, 4 p.m., Page Memorial in Aberdeen. Earlier sessions were held on Feb. 14 and 17. The purpose is for delegates to hear from pastors and church members about concerns and hopes they have related to the 2008 General Conference, April 23-May 2 in Ft. Worth, TX. This is not a time for debate but a time for sharing. Each session is open to any UM pastor or local church member. Information about General Conference and possible issues have been in the Feb., March, and April issues of the NC Conference Christian Advocate . Information is also available at www.gc2008.umc.org
Special rate to attend Christian music concert presented by Methodist University
Special Group Rates are being offered for groups of 20 or more to attend the David Crowder Band Concert, presented by Methodist University on April 13, 6 pm, Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville. Under this special rate, $10 and $15 tickets are offered by contacting Johathan Mitchell, jmitchell@methodist.edu or call 910-630-7062. This rate is not available through ticketmaster.
"Cruise into History" will follow Paul's 4 th Missionary Journey
Bishop Al Gwinn invites clergy and lay persons to join him at Raleigh's Highland United Methodist Church (corner of Lake Boone Trail and Ridge Road near Exit 5 off the Raleigh Beltline) on Sunday, April 13 at 4 p.m. to learn more about the upcoming "Cruise into History" scheduled for Nov. 12-22. Bishop and Mrs. Gwinn will be hosting the North Carolina Conference contingent on the cruise that will follow Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey to Athens, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Malta, Sicily, and Corinth. Educational Opportunity Tours is sponsoring this opportunity to travel via the sea and learn via the land. Refreshments will be served during the Highland gathering which should end around by 5 p.m.
Multi-district Clergy Health Initiative will be held April 29 in Clayton
A one-day continuing education event about the theological perspectives on care for our bodies will be held April 29 at Horne Memorial UMC in Clayton. The day will consist of reflections on the leading causes of life; the connection of health and holiness; and contemplating how we physically embody the "Body of Christ." The event will also include an opportunity to hear an update on the Clergy Health Initiative project. The registration fee, which includes lunch and materials, is $10 per person. Registration should be made by April 21. For further information and to register, click on: http://www.divinity.duke.edu/programs/health/clergy/events
April Advocate mailed, front page available on web
The front page of the NCCC Advocate is now available on-line at: http://www.nccumc.org/advocate/issues.htm , along with previous issues which contain news articles about General Conference, youth events, local church news and more. To subscribe to the Advocate call: I-800-849-4433, Ext. 238
SOME DATES DURING APRIL
Conference to build congregational capacity to Care for God's Creation
Congregations have an opportunity to discover how to help care for the earth through an April 3-6 gathering at the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center, sponsored by the United Methodist Women. There will be presentations by Bishop Ken Carder, Fr. Thomas Berry, and others. For more registration and more information please see: Caring for our Creation.
Lawyers answer questions for free
Have a legal question but want the answer for free? The answer could be available on Friday, April 4 with the North Carolina Bar Association holds a "Justice 4 ALL" campaign. Over 500 lawyers will staff phones across North Carolina to answer legal questions for residents, for free. The phone number to call on April 4 is 877-404-4149. For more information: 4allnc
Assistance available to attend African-American Clergy Leadership event
The African-American Clergy Leadership Development event will be April 7-9 at Lake Junaluska, The event is designed for African-American clergy and will utilize a retreat and life coaching model that is designed to inspire and empower. Leadership for the event will be provided by Dr. Jim Robey, executive director of Attentional Growth Center, of the N. Alabama Conference and the Dr. Carl Arrington, director of African-American Ministries for the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
There is still scholarship assistance available from The NC Conference Academy for Leadership Development, which will pay the program registration fee for the first 10 persons who wish to attend this event, plus a $50 grant for lodging. There are seven scholarships remaining. Send your request by email to Dr. Irene Brownlee, executive director of the Academy, ibrownlee@nccumc.org . For brochure, schedule, and registration information, click on SEJ Ministries or call 828-454-6681.
Deadline for Book of Reports information
The deadline for reports and other items to go in the Book of Reports is April 9 , sooner if possible. Reports should be in MS Word or WordPerfect formats and sent to smedlin@nccumc.org . Questions, call Shannon Medlin at 1-800-849-4433, ext. 222.
Districts to sponsor an auction to benefit MERCI
A banquet/auction will be held Saturday, April 12 to benefit MERCI. The Burlington, Durham, and Raleigh Districts are joining together to hold a fundraiser with all proceeds going to MERCI. The event will be held at Aldersgate UMC in Durham. Bishop Al Gwinn will be delivering remarks and Dr. Belton Joyner will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. Doors will open at 5pm for the auction preview. Supper will begin at 6pm, followed by the live auction. Auction items are needed. Tickets are still available. To purchase tickets and/or donate an auction item, please e-mail rmaynard@nccumc.org or phone 919-772-4410.
Alban Institute at Lake Junaluska
The Lake J unaluska Ministry Team has developed a new partnership with the Alban Institute to provide a new learning and leadership event April 13-16 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. The Alban Institute event theme is " Leading Your Congregation: Health, Holiness, and Hospitality" . The facilitator will be Ed White, an Alban senior consultant. CEU credits are available upon request. For more information about this event and the topics to be explored, go to Junaluska Alban Institute . Click here for Event Registration .
Criteria for naming Acts 2 churches
Churches are invited to consider the criteria for being named an Acts 2 church in response to Bishop Al Gwinn's challenge to have 200 such churches recognized at Annual Conference. Criteria for determining Acts 2 churches and an application form have been completed to identify congregational initiatives and witness in four areas: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intention Spiritual Formation, and Risk-Taking Mission and Ministry to the World. The deadline for having a completed form in the district office is April 15 . Further information and an interactive application form are available at: Acts 2 .
Living Life to the Fullest
The NC Conference Committee is sponsoring the Annual day-a-way event for Older Adults and those who work with Older Adults. It will be held at Garner UMC on May 14. The theme for the day is "Living Life to the Fullest." The cost is $15.00 before the registration deadline of April 23 . Ten different workshops will be offered. The day will also include music, storytelling, lunch, displays and a worship service. A brochure with all the details is available online: Day-A-Way .
