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eVoice 01.29.2010
News
Bishop Willimon reflects on 2009 connectional giving
SBC21 Annual Event equips churches for Effective Leadership
Director of Congregational Development to supervise Campus Ministries
Hannah UMC makes significant contribution to missions
- Clinton Rabb celebrated for making a difference
- Haitian Methodists offer healing love to survivors
- Fallen colleagues remembered at Hotel Montana
- UMCOR partnership gives Haitians keys to clean water
- Haiti journal: Home is a field, but families remain families
- Worship goes on beside damaged Haitian church
- Tent city dramatizes plight of Haitians, helps raise funds
- Pastor joins U.S.-led interfaith dialogue in Indonesia
- Haiti triggers heartfelt reflections on social media
- Mission agency prays for missing students in Haiti
- Food, water, housing top priorities for Haitians
- United Methodists reach out to Haiti in many ways
- Haiti Journal: Life goes on amid destruction
- United Methodist doctor helps set up Haiti clinic
- Pastor calls on Wall Street to help Haiti
- Grace Hospital is home to children abandoned by quake
- Haiti quake survivors need food, medicine
- Deaconess, 82, cares for Haitian orphans despite dangers
- UMCOR begins pilot aid project for Haitians
- Jones to step down as Duke Divinity School dean
- Lake Junaluska sponsors ‘Caring for Creation’ retreat
- Faith groups urge Congress to finish health-care reform
- Green Thumb Garden Project boosts self-sufficiency
Response to Haiti earthquake
Please note: Due to the inclement weather forecast, The United Methodist Disaster Warehouse in Decatur will close on Friday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. for the weekend. The Warehouse will reopen on Monday morning at 9 a.m.
This week Volunteers from the Warehouse networked with the Tennessee Conference to send an eighteen wheeler with 2,780 Health kits, 56 Layette Kits; and 150 School Book Bags to the main UMCOR Sagar Brown Depot in Baldwin Louisana.
There is still a need for health kits. The warehouse is also collecting these specific items: rice, dry beans, baby formula and diaper rash ointment. All items may be delivered to a drop off location (see below) or directly to the Warehouse in Decatur. Please call to schedule a delivery time at the Warehouse (256) 341-9961.
Director for the Disaster Warehouse Rev. Ray Crump says, “Thanks, to every United Methodist for your time spent volunteering, your contributions, and especially your help at the warehouse. For those who have not been to the warehouse, come see what God's church is doing. Wear warm clothes and bring a camera. You will be blessed!”
Resource
Lay Leadership Guidelines
A new version of the North Alabama Conference Lay Leadership Guidelines is now available! If you are a lay leader in your local church you will find this resource valuable.
Click here to download the handbook.
(The booklet it is PDF form. You will need the free Adobe Reader program to open and print the booklet.)
Upcoming Events
Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for GBOD at Canterbury UMC
It has been estimated that by the year 2030, more than 20% of Americans will be at least 65 years old. Even now, over half of the approximately 8 million members of The United Methodist Church in the United States are 50 years of age and older, according to Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.
Recognizing the increasing need for ministry and service to older adults, Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham has invited Dr. Gentzler to lead a one-day conference to help guide and encourage area churches and church leaders as they plan for the increase in an older adult culture. All church staff, lay members, and faith group leaders are invited to attend the conference regardless of their church affiliation or location. During the six-hour group of sessions, Dr. Gentzler will discuss later-life spiritual issues as well as ways for designing and implementing a strong ministry for baby boomers and older adults.
The Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century Conference is set for Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration fee is $10, which includes a lunch and drinks for all who register by the deadline of 12 noon, January 25, 2010.
To register call Canterbury United Methodist Church at (205) 871-4695. Or go to www.canterburyumc.org for a registration form and for additional information. The church is located at 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35213.
Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long of Candler School of Theology at Trinity UMC in Birmingham
The Harry Elliott Bible Conference Presents The Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
The Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long is the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and the author or editor of 14 books on preaching and worship. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He is the chair of the Day1 Advisory Board, comprised of leading preachers, scholars, and other leaders.
Dr. Long received his BA and M.Div. from Erskine Seminary and his Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1980. He began his career as a preacher at McElroy Presbyterian Church near Atlanta, GA and since that time has taught at a number of seminaries, including Princeton. Columbia, and Candler. In 1996, Dr. Long was named one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking world by Baylor University, along with the likes of Fred Craddock, Billy Graham, James Forbes, Barbara Brown Taylor and William Willimon. He was ordained by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and currently his ordination is held by the PCUSA.
Dr. Long¹s research interests are homiletical theory and biblical hermeneutics and preaching. He also is doing research on the theology and practice of Christian funerals. He will visit Trinity on Sunday, January 31 and deliver lectures throughout the day.
You are invited to attend one or all of the following:
- Sermon | 8:45 & 11 AM Worship, Sanctuary | ³A Great Chasm² based on Luke 16:19-31
- Lecture | 10 AM (Sunday School Hour), Sanctuary | Jesus as God¹s Riddle: Parables in the Gospel of Mark
- Lecture | 5 PM, Wesley Hall | Wisdom and Foolishness: Parables in the Gospel of Matthew
- Lecture | 6:30 PM, Wesley Hall | Making Room at God¹s Table: Parables in the Gospel of Luke
Riverchase UMC will host Dr. Jim Fleming for series of presentations
From January 31 to February 2, 2010 Riverchase UMC will host Dr. Jim Fleming each evening for series of presentations.
- Sunday, January 31 - will begin at 6 PM with refreshments and a lecture.
- Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2 - Dr. Fleming will begin at 630 PM. He will discuss “The Life and Times of the Disciples” and will discuss his new book upon request.
About Dr. Jim Fleming: Dr. James (Jim) W. Fleming has worked and lived in Israel since 1973. As an archaeologist he is responsible for 18 excavations of important sites in Israel. As a scholar he has taught and lectured extensively, including: Lecturer in Archaeology at the School for Overseas Students at the Hebrew University in Jeruslaem, and as Professor of Geography and Archaeology at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Advanced Theological Studies.
Successful Small Groups featuring Debi Nixon of Church of the Resurrection
Start Date 2/6/2010Small Group formation, sustaining, and nurturing!
Cost $15 per individual
Break out sessions include:
- Small groups in small membership churches
Mark Puckett - Successful church plant senior pastor of The Beacon and believer in the strength of Life Groups. - Young Adult Ministry Small Groups
Mary Hardie – Adult Ministry Coordinator for the Northwest District - Older Adult Ministry Small Groups
Fran Gatch – Older Adult Minister at Canterbury UMC
Barbara Lee – Older Adult Minister at Vestavia Hills UMC - Couples Ministry Small Groups
Anne Skinner - - Building a Faith Home with Children - Small group for parents
Greg Foust – Associate Pastor at Asbury UMC - Men’s Ministry Small Groups
Andy Wolfe – Senior Pastor of Trinity UMC, Homewood - Women’s Ministry Small Groups
Mary Bendall – Associate Pastor of Tuscaloosa First UMC
Denise Mullaney – Associate Pastor of Alabaster First UMC
Joy Morgan – Associate Pastor Florence UMC - Service Ministry Small Groups
Deb Welsh – Director of the Joe Rush Center for Urban Mission and Volunteer Recruitment - Activity based Small Groups
Lana Johnson – Lay leader extraordinaire from Liberty Crossings UMC - College Ministry Small Groups
Ken Smith – Wesley Foundation Director at the University of Alabama
Sherri Bassham – Wesley Foundation Director at Athens State - Outreach Ministry Small Groups
Edmund Perry – Alpha leader from Highlands UMC who understands the need for authentic outreach to those outside our church walls - Stewardship and Financial Resource Small Groups
Rick Owen – United Methodist Stewardship Resources - Caregivers Small Groups –
Carolyn Neiswander - - Support Ministry Small Groups –
John Douglass – North Alabama UMC Center for Pastoral Care - Fundamental Bible Studies (Disciple, Christian Believer, etc.)
Oliver Clark - Canterbury UMC
Who is this spectacular small group leader?
Debi Nixon is Executive Director of Adult Discipleship and Catalyst Ministry for The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and serves under senior pastor Adam Hamilton. She leads the team focused on helping the congregation on their faith journey to know, love, and serve God which includes small groups, affinities, connection ministries, leadership development, and missions. She also leads the team focused on the renewal of the church through conferencing, teaching events for church leaders, and special initiatives. Church of the Resurrection encourages all members to participate in small groups, and strives to have everyone in the life of the church invloved in a small group setting because of the transformational spiritual dynamics that happen within small groups. Debi has been through the process of transforming small group minsitries at church of the Ressurection into the powerful spiritual formation outlets they are today. Debi has been on staff at The Church of the Resurrection since 1994 and was the founding children’s minsitry director. She is the author of CATCH: Connecting and Attracting Visitors (October 2009, Abingdon Press).
Workshop for high school seniors, sponsored by Bluff Park UMC
Bluff Park UMC (Central District) is sponsoring a workshop for high school seniors who plan to go to college. The workshop entitled "How to be Successful in a College Classroom: Tips and Guidance from a Professor with 30 Years Experience in Passing & Flunking Students" will be Sunday Feb. 7, 2010, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on the UAB campus.
High School seniors throughout the Birmingham area are being invited on a "first-registration-first reservation" basis. Seating is limited. Registration is $25 (before January 1), or $30 (after January 1), or $40 on the day of the workshop.
The workshop will help high school seniors prepare for college. The registration fee will help the BPUMC Youth Ministry do God's work – all proceeds go to the Bluff Park UMC youth ministry.
If you know a high school senior and would like to gift them with this wonderful opportunity, contact Director of Student Ministries Michael Pugh at Bluff Park UMC at mpugh@bpumc.org or (205) 822-0910 for registration forms and detailed information.
CORE FUTURE - Planning for a Lifetime of Ministry
Planning for a Lifetime of Ministry
Stewardship Resources is pleased to provide significant resources for clergy and their families. John Ed Mathison and Charlie Carlton have joined to provide a special seminar -Planning for a Lifetime of Ministry. The morning session John Ed will share important insights on developing effective lay leadership. The former pastor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, John Ed brings a wealth of pastoral experience in growing and leading a church from several hundred persons to over 7,000 members.
The afternoon session Certified Financial Planner Charlie Carlton will share a seminar focused specifically on Clergy Financial Planning. Charlie Carlton is recognized as one of the top clergy financial advisors for United Methodist Clergy in the United States. Topics covered will include Clergy Tax Planning, understanding your Methodist Pensions, and three legal documents everyone needs.
Encounter 2010
Encounter Takes Over Florence Alabama!!!
FEATURING:
Speaker:
Steve Case
Steve has been in youth ministry for more than twenty years. He is the author of numerous books including The Book of Uncommon Prayer (Volumes 1 and 2) and the laugh-out-loud Rejected Sunday School Lessons. His latest work is CRASH: Prayers From The Collision of Heaven and Earth. Steve serves as the youth minister at the Windermere Union United Church of Christ in Winderemere, Florida.
Worship Leader:
Lost and Found
The songs of Lost and Found are notable for the catchy tunes that communicate quite a lot in less than three minutes. The music is organic and fun, and the lyrics comment on life, faith, travel, friends and relationships. Their songs of faith have been tapped by publishers from Augsburg-Fortress to Concordia to Zondervan for use in teaching and aiding group discussion.
REGISTER YOUR GROUP:
Registration deadlines are as follows:
- $45 Early Bird Registration by January 6, 2010
($30 registration for participants who are staying at the Marriott Shoals—space is limited) - $55 Regular Registration January 7- February 10, 2010
- $65 Late Registration after February 10, 2010
Schedule:
Friday, February 19
- 7:30 p.m. Registration
- 8:30 p.m. Opening Session
Saturday, February 20
- 9:00 a.m. Morning Session
- 10:45 a.m. Encounter Groups
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
- 1:00 p.m. Free Time Options
- 4:30 p.m. Dave and Brian Concert
- 5:30 p.m. Dinner on Your Own
- 7:30 p.m. Evening Session
- 9 p.m. Comedy of Max Winfrey
Sunday February 21
- 9 a.m. Closing Communion Service
Free Time Options 1-4 p.m. ($5 free time wrist bands)
Youth can purchase a wrist band for $5 at registration on Friday night. This includes Karaoke in the main room and Extreme Inflatables at the Brandon Center.
Karaoke in the main room...The main stage will be set up from 1-4 p.m. for youth to strut their stuff with a professional Karaoke DJ!
Extreme Inflatables...Just down the street will be four inflatables. It will include a Mechanical Bull, a Eurobungy, Boulder Dash and an Obstacle Course.
There will be a hospitability room at the convention center with video games at no cost. Also, guests of the Marriott Shoals can enjoy an indoor pool. Groups staying at the Marriott Shoals will receive a $15 discount on each registration.
LODGING: Each group is responsible for meal and lodging arrangements.
The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (Venue Site- Be sure to let them know you are with the North Alabama Conference of the UMC)
www.marriottshoals.com
Set in the Tennessee River Valley, this Alabama resort and golf refuge invites you to experience a new level of refinement and charm in Florence, Alabama hotels. Inspired by Southern hospitality, conservative elegance and the beauty of nature combine for a memorable experience.
Be sure to let the Marriott Shoals know that you are with the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Participants who stay at the Marriott Shoals will pay $30 per person for registration if registered by January 6, 2010. The cost per room is $129. This means that for a four person room the cost is $69 to stay at the venue site.
VIM Team Leader Training/ERT Disaster Training
Start Date 2/19/2010This will be a joint training (those who register are welcome to come to both or either of the sessions). The VIM Team Leader training will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, starting at 6pm. This training is for folks who are looking to lead their first mission team. This training should conclude around 9pm on Friday.
The Emergency Response Training (ERT) is a day-long extensive training for members who wish to be among the first on the ground if a disaster occurs, either within the annual conference, or anywhere in the country where assistance is needed. This training will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 8am until no later than 7pm.
- The cost for the VIM training alone is $20. (Friday, 6-9pm)
- The cost for the ERT training along is $30. (Saturday 8am-7pm)
- The cost for both the training combined, including meals and lodging will be $75.
Prayer and Missions Conference
Start Date 2/26/2010Download the brochure: brochure-final_DC9H4EWQ.pdf
GLOBAL IMPACT CELEBRATION
Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a two-day prayer and missions conference, “Becoming 360° Disciples of Jesus.” Designed to transform attendees “full circle” as 360º disciples, the conference is an opportunity for growth for those seeking to become more faithful servants of Jesus and to do God’s will in the world.
More than 50 breakout sessions feature renowned speakers and cross-cultural workers from all around the world. Keynote speakers are Marilee Pierce Dunker and Leonard Sweet. Marilee Pierce Dunker is the daughter of World Vision founder Bob Pierce. She is an author of four books and has had her own radio talk show. Leonard Sweet is the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, Madison, NJ and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon. He is the author of more than two hundred articles, over twelve hundred published sermons, and dozens of books.
1.2 Credits for the entire two day event, no partial credit available.
$25 covers two lunches and workshop materials. Register at www.asburygic.com.
Dr. James Fleming, biblical archaeologist Holy Week and the Passion of Christ Bible Conference
Sunday, February 28, 2010
8:30 am – Session 1 – Pam Sunday and Messianic Expectation
9:45 am – Session 2 – The Last Supper
6:30 pm – Session 3 – The Death of Jesus and “The Jews”
Monday, March 1, 2010
9:00 am – Session 4 – The Crucifixion as Passover
10:45 am – Session 5 – Meaning from the Cross
All sessions will meet in our gym.
Each session will be approximately 60 minutes in length. Monday’s session will conclude by noon and will include a mid-morning refreshment break.
This is an approved option for Advanced Lay Speaker continuing education. Lay Speakers please contact Larry Millard for credit information.
Clergy Integrity *INITIAL* Training
The Prevention of Clergy Sexual Abuse Training is required for all clergy appointed to a church. This training is required for all 2010 Licensing School students to be eligible for an appointment. There are around 40 current clergy who have not attended this training who must also attend. If you have questions if you are one who needs to attend contact Cindi Patsios at cpatsios@northalabamaumc.org
The cost is $60 for room (double occupancy) and meals at Camp Sumatanga and all material.
Click this link to get printable registration form and information - March_2010_Initial_Training_JCXXSQEX.pdf
Clergy Integrity RETRAINING
The Conference Committee on Ministerial Integrity on the Prevention of Clergy Sexual Abuse has scheduled required refresher training sessions for all clergy in the North Alabama Conference who have previously received Ministerial Integrity training. The North Alabama Conference insurance, the Bishop and Cabinet and the Board of Ordained Ministry now require this retraining every four years. All clergy include:
- All clergy appointed to a church (Deacons, Elders, Local Pastors and Associate Members)
- Retired clergy appointed to a church
- ATEMs within the bounds of the North Alabama Conference
- Lay Speakers appointed to a church
Closing Service for Bessemer First UMC
Historic First United Methodist Church of Bessemer, Al. Will be having its closing service Sunday, March 7, 2010.
All former members, pastors, associate pastors, families and friends are invited to join in this service at 10:30 a.m. Marking the end of 123 years of ministry in the city of Bessemer. This church has touched thousands of people throughout the state and nation. The Reverend Dr. Gordon McKinney will be joined by several former members recounting the history and heritage of this great church.
New Church Leadership Institute
Curious about church planting? Want to know more about planting a new church or satellite? This is an event for pastors and key leaders who are curious and want to explore some possibilities. No strings attached. This event will be led by Jim Griffith, founder of Griffith Coaching Network and veteran of five new church plants. Jim is the coach for our North Alabama new churches.