11/13/06

Survey seeks grassroots views on future of UM Urban Ministry
Clergy and laity of urban congregations can help to shape next steps in The United Methodist Church's strategy for strengthening city-based ministries in the United States. To do this, please complete an online survey, described as a "Call to Transformation," that is available from November 7, 2006 through January 31, 2007.  The questionnaire can be found at Urban Congregation Survey . The survey is part of the research being conducted for a revision and refinement of the denomination's national urban ministry plan, "Holy Boldness," adopted 10 years ago by the policy-making United Methodist General Conference.

Conference Insurance Open Enrollment
The Open Enrollment website is now fully operational.  You can make your 2007 elections for Medical Reimbursement Accounts, Dependent Day Care Accounts, as well as update insurance addresses, emergency contact information, beneficiaries, and levels of coverage at Open Enrollment . The deadline for making 2007 elections has been extended to midnight, December 4, 2006.  If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Thornton at 800-849-4433, extension 228.

Interested in starting an Hispanic/Latino ministry?
The North Carolina Conference's Office of Hispanic/Latino Ministries is offering a one day workshop for those interested in inquiring, beginning or expanding the ministry of their church to include their Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters in Christ.  The workshop will be held December 9, 10 am - 3 pm, the United Methodist Building in Raleigh.  RSVP with name, church, address, phone number, and e-mail address by December 5 to csantiago@nccumc.org .  For further information in PDF format can be found at : E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Workshop

Rainbow Covenant a part of 2007 Mission and Service Commitments brochure
Rainbow Covenant information is available in the 2007 Mission and Service and Commitments brochure.  This is the second year the two publications have been combined.  Copies of the brochure are available from district offices or from the Missions or Communications Offices (1-800-849-4433,   lbthornton@nccumc.org or beckybiegger@nccumc.org .)  A copy of the brochure was in the September Advocate and can be downloaded, along with other publications, from NCCUMC Publications .

NBC documentary focuses on poverty, housing
For a magnified example of how poverty, housing and a just society are intertwined, take a look at the Gulf Coast. That's exactly what United Methodist Bishop Melvin Talbert has done in his role as chairperson of the Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast for the National Council of Churches. Talbert is one of the religious and political leaders featured in "Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History." The documentary, from the National Council of Churches, will be shown on NBC-TV affiliate stations beginning Dec. 10. Viewers can visit http://www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/onair.aspx   to see which stations have scheduled the program to date.  If it is not scheduled in your area, call the local NBC affiliate and ask that it be shown.