Last day to register favorite and least favorite hymns is Nov. 6
For several months GBOD has been surveying United Methodists' choices for their favorite and least favorite hymns and thousands have responded. The last day to participate in the survey is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Participants will be asked to identify their 10 favorite and 10 least favorite hymns in The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) and/or The Faith We Sing (2000).
To take the survey, go to Favorite Hymns
Court says administrative or judicial action needed to change clergy status
The United Methodist Judicial Council has upheld Bishop John Schol's decision that a pastor who changed gender from female to male remains eligible to serve the church. In combining two separate docket items related to the Rev. Drew Phoenix, a Baltimore pastor, the Judicial Council stated that it was not ruling on whether changing gender is a chargeable offense or violates minimum standards set by the church's legislative body, the General Conference. Rather, the court said, "a clergyperson's standing cannot be terminated without administrative or juridical action having occurred and all fair process being accorded." (Complete article)
OPPORTUNITIES
Join Bishop Gwinn in tracing Paul's 4 th missionary journey
Interested in tracing Paul's fourth missionary journey with Bishop Gwinn and other United Methodists in November of 2008 on a cruise starting in Athens and ending in Rome? If so, an invitation is extended to for a free meal on Monday, Nov.19, either lunch at FUMC Wilson at 12 noon or supper at Hay Street UMC in Fayetteville at 6 pm. Bishop Gwinn and Ed Crump from Educational Opportunities will be at both sites. A tour host needs only to recruit five people to earn a free trip. Anyone planning to attend one of these meals, respond no later than Wednesday, Nov.14, to Doug Jessee by e-mail ( djessee@nccumc.org ) or by telephone (252-259-2625).
Public invited to “The Lighting of Wesleyan” Nov. 27
The public is invited to join North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount for “The Lighting of Wesleyan” on Tuesday, Nov. 27, beginning at 5:15 pm at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. This free event offers a lighted stroll around part of the campus—which will be decorated with luminaries—and includes Christmas carols, a live nativity scene complete with animals, wagon rides, the lighting of the Wesleyan Christmas tree, and free admission to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which will be performed on stage in the Dunn Center following “The Lighting of Wesleyan.”
In case of rain, the event, including the live nativity scene, will be held in the Garner lobby of the Dunn Center.
New contemporary music and worship listserv
A new interactive listserv sponsored by The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church (GBOD) will provide discussion, debate, research, exchange of information, and networking around issues of contemporary music and worship. Contemporary here is used, not in the sense of contemporary Baby Boomer worship and music, but in the sense of newer, more modern worship and music, including alternative styles, emerging worship, and certainly young people's music. The listserv, called Ruach , is designed for musicians, directors, singers, composers, pastors, worship planners, leaders, publishers, and students. The list is intended for and funded by The United Methodist Church but membership is open to all without charge.
To join Ruach , go to Worship Listserv and follow the instructions. To post a message to this list, send an e-mail to: ruach@listbox.com. (Only a member of the list can post a message.)
Duke Endowment extends deadline for Rural Church Safe Sanctuaries Grants
The Duke Endowment assists eligible rural United Methodist Churches in their response to Safe Sanctuaries. An application for assistance with making a church compliant with Safe Sanctuaries can be found on-line at The Duke Endowment website: Duke Endowment Forms . Churches need to act and decide what their plan is and what they need to do and make application to The Duke Endowment for assistance. The Duke Endowment is extending its grant deadline for Safe Sanctuary application to Dec. 1 in an effort to be flexible with our eligible churches.
Check out employment listing
Free employment listings for local churches and related groups is available on NCCUMC.ORG. For example, part-time directors of youth ministries and the general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries can be found on the current listing. Visit Employment and follow the instructions for having an employment opportunity posted. The service is sponsored by Conference Communications.
