05/07/07

Annual Conference updates
· Anyone with a computer and Internet connection can view an Annual Conference briefing session on Sunday, May 20, at 3:15 pm through video streaming. The first part of the presentation will be general information, and the second portion will be a question and answer session from viewer e-mail messages. Details for accessing the presentation can be found in the Videoroom .  Views should access the page 15 minutes prior to the steaming on May 20. Some districts may participate in the May 20 presentation and others may hold a session on another date.  Check with your district office for details.
· Test signals will be streamed on Monday, May 14, from 10 - 11 and again on Thursday, May 17, from 2 - 3 pm. Access information is available in the Videoroom .
· The following names were left off the list of the list of eligible Deacons and Elders in Full Connection in the Clergy Nominations book.  The following names should be added to the list: Herbert Davis, Joe Lister, and Richard Williams
· Anyone planning to check in on June 12 at College Hill Suites at East Carolina University may check in from 8 am - 12 midnight in Todd Dining Hall which is located next door to College Hill Suites.

Christian Educators Fellowship (CEF) Meeting
The NC Conference chapter of CEF (Christian Educators Fellowship) will meet on Thursday, May 10 at the Methodist Building Assembly Room from 12:30-2:30pm.  The program topic is "Too many books.too little time" - this is the favorite program of the year when folks share what good books they've read/come across over the past year.  Those attending the meeting are invited to bring a couple of books to share how God has touched your life through your reading.  All are welcome - it is not required that you be a member of CEF to attend.  Remember to bring your lunch as we will start out with fellowship over a meal together.

Appalachian Trail Hike for youth
The registration deadline for the Appalachian Trail Hike for youth is May 15.  The Trail Hike is for youth in high school (this summer having completed grades 9-12) and will take place from Saturday, June 23 to Saturday, June 30.  The Hike will depart and return from the Methodist Building in Raleigh.  The cost is $125.  Upon registration, a confirmation packet with needed equipment list will be sent to the youth registered.  There are only a few spots open for registrations.  The registration form may be found in the 2007 Youth Events brochure which is available for download on the "Events" page of the Conference youth Youth Ministry website.

Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry Workshop
There will be a Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry Workshop held for the Burlington District (and any other interested adults giving leadership to local church youth ministry) on Saturday, May 19 from 10am to 12pm at Efland UMC.  This workshop is being conducted in most districts throughout 2007 (the workshop has already been held in the New Bern and Wilmington Districts and future dates are scheduled for the Raleigh, Elizabeth City and Fayetteville Districts - for the schedule see the "Districts" page on the Youth Ministry website.  Anyone planning to attend the workshop in Efland on May 19 should correspond with the district youth coordinator Tom Pritchard at talkntom@netpath.net by Wednesday, May 16

Deacons, Diaconal Ministers will meet on May 22
The Order of Deacons and the Diaconal Ministers of NC will meet Tuesday, May 22, at St. Francis UMC in Cary, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Bishop Al Gwinn and the Cabinet have been invited to attend. There will be a catered lunch at a cost of $8.00 a person (which can be paid on the day of the event).  Lunch reservations are necessary.  Please RSVP by May 15 to Trish Archer at parcher@nccumc.org or call her office at 910-791-0353, ext. 24.

Hymn suggestions from The General Board of Discipleship
· For commencement and graduation: GBOD Worship one
· For graduation and baccalaureate: GBOD Worship two

Transforming Lives...Embracing God's Diversity
The Southeastern Jurisdiction and Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will host an innovative conference which will address congregational struggles to be inclusive and welcoming to all. Designed to inspire and equip, the Transforming Lives by Embracing God's Diversity conference will show you how to be more ethnically inclusive through relevant and well-researched techniques and methods. Not only will these skills help build diverse congregations; they can also be used to address other areas of conflict and differences within the church. The conference will be held Dec. 13-15 at Lake Junaluska. A brochure with registration information can be found at SEJUMC News .