01/22/07

Bishop explains why he signed library petition
Bishop Al Gwinn of the North Carolina Conference and Mississippi Bishop Hope Morgan Ward are among a list of bishops and others signing a petition in opposition to locating the George W. Bush library at Southern Methodist University.  News reports have cited different reasons for the signings. Bishop Gwinn has provided a statement about his reasons for signing the petition.  To read the statement, click on the following link: Bishop's Response

MHC Sunday, February 18, 2007
On Sunday, February 18, congregations across the Conference will celebrate your mission that serves children, youth, and families by taking up a special offering for Methodist Home for Children. Voted by our Annual Conference and strongly supported by our Conference UMW, this is one of the most popular special offerings received each February in our conference. If your church or charge needs bulletin inserts, envelopes, or would like a speaker, please contact Jennifer Cooper at jcooper@mhfc.com or 919-754-3625.

Retirement seminar for clergy
Clergy considering retirement should register for the 2007 Retirement Planning Seminar, scheduled for Thursday-Friday, March 15-16, 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 February 22. 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.

A church with several campuses
A Multi-Site Church Workshop with Paul Nixon, author of Fling Open the Doors: Giving the Church Away to the Community , will be open to all laity and clergy of the North Carolina Conference on Monday, February 26, from 7 - 9 p.m.  In his book, Paul Nixon tells the story of Gulf Breeze UMC, a church whose second campus brings vibrant worship and effective community ministry to its adopted neighborhood.  The workshop is sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development and is free of charge.  Location: Apex UMC, 100 S. Hughes Street, Apex.

Annual gathering of the Order of Elders
Monday, April 23, Nashville, UMC, is the date and location for the gathering of all Elders in Full Connection.  An informal time of fellowship will begin at 9 am. The plenary will begin at 10 am, lunch will be at noon, the afternoon session will begin at 1 pm, and the closing worship will begin at 2:30 pm.     
Spiritual Formation will be focus. Dr. Robert Mulholland, author of Shaped By the Word , will be the keynote speaker.  Bishop Al Gwinn will be the celebrant for Holy Communion. Pre-registration is not required. If you have questions, call or write Mack McMillan, chair of the Order of Elders, smcmillan@nccumc.org or (910) 276-6821.