Receive North Alabama Conference news by email.
Choose the news you need. Subscribe to eNewsletters today...
VideoShare
Watch videos. Share videos.
Learn. Connect. Inspire....
eVoice 02.04.2010
News
Bishop announces changes in the Cabinet for the coming year
Bishop Will Willimon announces changes in the Cabinet for the coming year. These changes are a part of The North Alabama Conference continuing to organize itself around its ministry priorities to work toward growth of the Kingdom of God and increased fruitfulness.
Rev. Dale Cohen will become the District Superintendent of the Northeast District in June and transition out of his role as Director of Connectional Ministries. He will specifically work with the Northeast District leadership in developing a model of Connectional Ministries at the district level to make connectionalism more effective in the other districts and the Conference as a whole.
"Major changes we have made in the Conference including our radical, creative reformation of Connectional Ministries, implementation of Natural Church Development (NCD), offering First 90 Days training for all our pastors moving to a new appointment plus other vital changes have Dale's stamp upon them," said Bishop Willimon. "Now he will bring those gifts to the leadership of one of our most dynamic areas."
In a new model for leadership, Rev. Cohen will work with an Associate District Superintendent. Rev. Sherill Clontz, pastor of New Life UMC and Secretary of the Annual Conference will join the Cabinet as Associate District Superintendent for the Northeast District.
"Sherill is doing an exciting turn around at our New Life Church," said Bishop Willimon. "She will now be giving at least a day a week to our dynamic Northeast District. She brings a unique blend of talents to this work and will be our first ever Associate DS." ....
Guntersville UMC hosts Every Member in Ministry seminar
On Saturday January 23, 2010, churches from the Mountain Lakes District gathered at Guntersville First United Methodist Church for a special focus seminar. Participants learned about the “Every Member In Ministry” program from special guest speaker Rev. John Ed Mathison. Rev. Mathison retired in June 2008, after 36 years as senior minister of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Ala., where under his leadership the church grew from 400 members to more than 8,800....
- Florida Haitians praise God after quake
- A church without walls
- (Not) talkin’ ‘bout my g-g-generation
- Oasis House offers peace for women
- Haitian Methodists, UMCOR assess volunteer needs
- School kids pack kits for Haitians
- Sports ministries reach church, community
- Students bring history to life
- Church pioneer Lina McCord dies at 86
- Haitian church members distribute UMCOR food
- Texas surgeon conducts 50 surgeries in Haiti
- Haiti journal: Deaconess, 82, cares for orphans
- Mahalia Jackson, once and future gospel queen
- UMCOR begins pilot aid project for Haitians
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
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 - Walk-ins welcome!
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).
National Prayer Day for Criminal Justice Reform
National Prayer Day for Criminal Justice Reform
Join churches throughout the United States by spending part or all of your prayer time during the worship service lifting up prayer needs.
Pray for:
- A fair criminal justice system, based on restorative justice principles, that does not sentence people to unjustly long sentences or target certain racial groups, so that the families of the incarcerated can be strengthened and local communities be safely restored.
- The empowerment of churches to serve those directly affected by the criminal justice system, by caring for victims of crime, providing necessary programs for ex-offenders seeking to reenter society, supporting families affected by crime, and advocating for reform of the criminal justice system.
- The moral leadership and accountability of elected leaders to support legislation that reflect the values of restorative justice and which will care for victims of crime, eliminate unjust and unsafe treatment in the criminal justice system, and provide for in-prison, reentry, and prevention programs so that future crimes can be averted.
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
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.
Health and Spirituality
Dr. John Simmons M.D. will lead a session on sprituality and healing for people who have terminal or chronic illness and their families. During these sessions issues such as grief, death and dying, curing or caring, health or illness will be discussed. We will use music, poetry, and personal stories to work through these four areas. We will review the evidence of the impact on health of such rituals as prayer, meditation, relaxation, etc. We will likely learn and practice some of these rituals.
Spirituality and Healing
A Retreat Model
1- Who am I?
During this session we explore the awe and wonder of being human and our place here and in the whole Cosmos.
2- The Dark Night.
Here we look at the meaning of suffering (and other dark night experiences). We address the question of how God is revealed during such experiences.
3- What is my purpose in life?
We look at how to be creative in health and in Illness by addressing such questions as how can I be creative; what will I leave behind; etc.?
4- Is life fair?
What is just about my illness? What is just about the world? What is my role in creating justice?
Revitalization Boot Camp - Basic Training
This Boot Camp is for Pastors and Leadership Teams from existing churches who need a plan to increase people, impact, finances, mission, ministry and discipleship. It is for those who are committed enough to spend a Saturday and Sunday away from their church in order to help their church. 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.