02/06/06

Observe Methodist Home for Children Sunday on February 19
MHC Sunday should be observed on February 19 or another appropriate Sunday. Offerings taken during the observance will support the work of the Methodist Home for Children with youth, children, and families in their group homes, through their foster care and adoption services, family-based counseling services, and childcare services. Call Jennifer Cooper at 800-305-4321 ext. 305 or jcooper@mhfc.com to get materials or to reserve a speaker for the observance. Visit www.mhfc.org for additional information on the ministry of the Methodist Home for Children.

Microsoft FrontPage (web design) class offered
The Communications Office will be sponsoring a Microsoft FrontPage 2003 Class for beginners on Saturday, March 18, at the United Methodist Building in Raleigh, NC. This is a basic introductory class in Microsoft FrontPage 2003 which will cover design and publishing a simple website for a local church. The only requirement is that participants have basic computer skills. The class is available in a morning or afternoon session. The cost for registrations postmarked by February 10 is $35.00. For registrations postmarked February 11 up to the March 8 deadline, the cost is $40.00. Classes will feature hands-on participation with two students to each computer. Class size per session is limited to 20 students. Early registration is advised. For more information, visit http://www.nccumc.org/docs/events/frontpageclass.pdf

Basic orientation training workshops for Safe Sanctuaries
The final basic orientation workshops that will be offered throughout the Conference to assist churches in getting started with developing a safe sanctuaries policy and procedures are scheduled as follows: Sunday, March 12 from 3-5:30 pm at St James UMC in Tarboro; Saturday, March 18 from 10 am to 1 pm at White Plains UMC in Cary; and Saturday, April 1 from 8:45 am to 12:00 pm at Salem UMC in Fayetteville. Any church not attending one of the district training session during the fall of 2005 should plan to attend one of these workshops. For Tarboro and Cary, please register name of church and number planning to attend with that local church office by the Monday prior to the workshop date. For Salem-Fayetteville, please register with the Fayetteville District Office.

CPI applications for grants must arrive on March 31
Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness grant applications are due March 31. Applications are available on the conference website, www.nccumc.org. New and innovative ministries will get strong consideration. For further information call Lawrence E. Johnson in the multi-cultural office (919-832-9560).