01/09/06

A word of caution about sharing directory information
Groups sometimes request directories containing mailing and other information about local church members. The request may go to clergy or to laity. Such a request was in a recent Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) newsletter with fund appeal. If a local church directory is sent to IRD (or any group) it may be considered an abuse of the trust placed in the church when information was provided for a local church directory. Unless persons providing the information have given permission, the information should not be shared outside the “family,” and even with restrictions inside the “family.” The policy for the News Briefs e-mail list is to not share the list.

Workshops on reducing energy use in buildings
The State Energy Office is offering workshops in mid-January, at 15 locations across the state, on reducing energy use and cost in buildings. This information can be shared with church members since it also applies to their homes. If possible, the person attending should know the church buildings, how it is heated and insulated, and the amount of gas and/or electricity used monthly for heat (usage, not price paid). General information and a link to download the brochure with workshop sites, dates, and time are on the Council of Churches web site: http://www.nccouncilofchurches.org. Registration can be done by phone through the State Energy Office at 1-800-662-7131 or at http://www.p2pays.org/workshopReg.

Registration open until January 15 for Christian Educator’s Fellowship
Registration for the Annual NC Conference Chapter of the Christian Educator’s Fellowship in is open until January 15. The theme will be “Experiencing the Mystery of God” and led by chapter president, Rev. Joyce Horn. This time of fellowship and devotion will take place at Bergland Adult Retreat Center at Camp Rockfish, January 30-31. Contact Laura Bailey llbailey@nccumc.org if you would like more information and a registration form. The cost of $70.00 includes one night stay and 3 dining hall meals.

Celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18-25
Local churches are encouraged to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25. The Theme for 2006 is “Where Two or Three are Gathered in My Name.” Prepared materials, which can be found online at http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/wop2006contents.html, include the biblical text, introduction, ecumenical worship service, biblical reflections and prayers for each of the eight days.

Epiphany: Ordinary Time, Extraordinary Worship
Did you know that Epiphany, as an observance in the church, is older than Christmas? Why does our Book of Worship say there is no theme for Epiphany? Why does the length of the Epiphany season vary from year to year? Does Ordinary Time mean ordinary, boring worship? What’s the link between Epiphany and brotherhood, bigotry, hatred, and fellowship? For answers: http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=15483&loc_id=17,823

Christian Educators Fellowship
The CEF chapter of the NC Conference is holding a retreat on Experiencing the Mystery of God, January 30-31 at the Bergland Center at Rockfish Outdoor Center. The cost of the retreat is $70 per person and the retreat registration deadline is January 15. The retreat is open to anyone finding themselves in ministries of Christian spiritual formation/education with any age group in NC Conference United Methodist Churches. For registration information: Wray Stephens at wray@ncumcamps.org. You may also visit the CEF website at the Conference webpage.

Safe Sanctuaries Workshop
There will be an introductory workshop for Safe Sanctuaries (as was conducted in each district in the fall) at Garner UMC on Sunday, January 15 from 2-5pm. The workshop is open to representatives from other churches. Please call the Garner UMC church office at 919-772-2042 to indicate plans to attend with church name and number expected. The Safe Sanctuaries Committee meets in January and will schedule additional workshops across the conference for this spring for those churches not able to attend a workshop this past fall. All churches should be on their way to developing and adopting a safe sanctuaries policy and procedures by June, 2006 according to a motion passed at 2005 NC Annual Conference.

Retirement seminar for clergy
Clergy considering retirement should register for the 2006 Retirement Planning Seminar, scheduled for Thursday-Friday, March 2-3, at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Whether considering retirement in the next six months or three years from now, this event will provide vital information. Encourage your spouse to attend. Space is limited and the registration deadline is January 23. Additional information and download of the brochure are available from the Conference Pension website, or contact Sharon Saige in the Conference
Treasurer’s office (ext. 316) for more information.

Note early registration deadlines for 2006 Youth Events
Registration deadlines for PK Getaway and Global Vision are January 20 and 27 respectively. PK Getaway is a weekend retreat for youth age (grades 6-12) children of UM pastors. PK Getaway will be held February 3-5 at Rockfish Outdoor Center. Global Vision is a study seminar trip to Washington, DC and New York City for youth in high school and will be held March 21-26. More information about these events and the brochure with registration form (mailed to pastors and others in December) is available online at the Conference Youth Ministry website: www.nccumc.org/youthministry.

Cokesbury VBS and Christian Education Showcase
The Christian Education Showcase is taking place at Cokesbury January 27-February 11. During the showcase, free shipping is available for any purchase of Christian education resources made by phone or online at www.cokesbury.com. Purchases at a Cokesbury store receive a coupon for 15% on the next purchase through 3/31/06. Information about resources, etc. is available online at www.cokesbury.com or by calling Curricuphone at 1-800-251-8591. During this showcase period – VBS materials are 20% off in the Raleigh store. The VBS Preview Day will be Saturday, January 28 from 10am-1pm at Millbrook UMC in north Raleigh. The VBS training event for those using the Cokesbury VBS curriculum “Adventures of the Treasure Seekers” will be Tuesday, March 21 at Millbrook UMC from 7-9pm.

Stewardship seminar for new pastors
The Stewardship Seminar for Pastors new to the Conference will be held March 13-15 at Trinity Center in Salter Path. First time pastors and pastors who could not attend the last year or two will have first choice on space until February 14 when the seminar will be open to all clergy. Deacons are encouraged to attend. The cost is $35 before February 14 and $45 until the March 3 registration deadline. Charges are encouraged to assist with travel expenses. To download a brochure:
http://www.nccumc.org/docs/events/stewardshipbrochure2006.pdf. Questions: Bill Norton or LeeAnne Thornton, 1-800-849-4433

Deadline for AC reports is March 3, resolutions deadline is May 15
The Annual Conference Secretary has announced that the deadline for reports to be included in the 2006 Conference Program, Recommendations, and Reports is no later than March 3 in his office. The deadline for Resolutions is no later than May 15. The deadlines are necessary to meeting printing schedules. Information can be sent via e-mail to jlbryan@nccumc.org or smedlin@nccumc.org.

Confirmation Celebration
The annual Conference Confirmation Celebration will be Saturday, March 11, at Garner UMC from 10am to 1pm. Bishop Gwinn will speak to the confirmands and adult leaders and preside over the celebration of Holy Communion. The celebration will explore the church membership covenant of prayers, presence, gifts and service. Details on the service project will be available later in January and will be mailed to pastors. Pre-registration for the event is not required. An offering will be taken but otherwise there is no cost to the event.

Copies of 2005-06 Conference Directory and Journal available.
The Conference Secretary’s Office still has some copies of the 2005-2006 Conference Directory and the 2005 Journal left. If you or your church are interested in purchasing additional copies of either of these publications please contact Shannon Medlin in the Conference Secretary’s Office. The Conference Directories are $10 and the Journals are $20.

Members celebrating 100 years-of-age
Do you have a church member who will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their birth in 2006? Bishop Gwinn would like to acknowledge and celebrate this event by sending a letter. If you notify the Bishop’s office within 30 days of the birthday, a letter will be prepared and sent. Please send name of the individual, address where you would like the letter to be sent, names of the local church and Pastor, to the Bishop’s secretary: Sandy Smith, 1307 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605 or smsmith@nccumc.org