eVoice 12.10.2009

News 

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The spirit of Advent giving: Alternative Christmas giving creates a new family tradition
Advent Conspiracy Opportunity: Honor Family Members with a Gift to Others by Rachel K. Sparkman I am part of a large extended family, and we have many special holiday traditions. When I was a child, the whole family drew names out of a hat to tell us whose present we were going to buy that Christmas. For me, choosing the gifts was almost as exciting as receiving them. I had to think very hard about the relative I was buying for, their likes and interests. Then I had to find the perfect...

McKendree United Methodist Church, Small Church Responding to a “Small” Disaster
Written by Jeannie Alexander With one simple word—“Katrina”-- we can picture the flooding and suffering of the people of New Orleans in August of 2005. Recorded as the largest natural disaster to hit the United States, this terrible event brought about world-wide response. News media reported constantly on the casualties and numerous rescues and heroic sacrifices on the scene. Remember John Travolta flying in his personal jet loaded with supplies? But in September of 2009,...

United Methodists give thanks by serving those in need at Thanksgiving
As people paused to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday across the United States, many North Alabama Conference congregations gave thanks and spent the holiday being the hands and feet of Christ to those in their communities. The members of First United Methodist Church in Red Bay served 300 meals to people needing a hot meal or who had no family to share with on the holiday. This was done Thanksgiving Day from 10 until 12 noon. Many members gave up their morning to help fill plates and deliver...

Northwest District’s Brandon Ministry Center provides a sign of God’s calling
Rev. Alan Beasley, pastor of Russellville First UMC recently shared the following story with Northwest District Superintendent Rev. Mike Stonbraker. A young man name Brandon, member of a rural Baptist Church in Franklin County had felt God's call to preach and had been struggling with the call. Upon leaving the Florence Mall one day recently, he prayed, "Ok God, I just need a sign to tell me this is what I am supposed to do." Just then, as he was traveling down Veterans Drive he...

 

More United Methodist News from UMNS

Support Advance Specials

United Community Centers, Inc Annual Fundraiser
Christmas Poinsettia Sale

United Community Centers, Inc. will again be selling beautiful Christmas Poinsettias this holiday season. Proceeds will be used for our Outreach Ministry for Children, Youth, Elderly, Emergency Assistance, Hunger, Community Development, Public Advocacy, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in the surrounding community of Riley.

Cost: $13.65
Size: Medium to Tall, 6-8 blooms in a 7-inch pot.
Dressed: White lace lining, waterproof pot cover with a plant ring (bracer) and your choice of bows.
Plant Colors: Red, White, Pink and Monet (when available)
Pot Covers: Red, Green, White, and Gold
Bows: Red or White
Delivery Beginning Dec. 2, 2009 Ending December 22, 2009

Orders must be placed one week prior to delivery date. Place your order by calling (205) 925-2944 or fax (205) 925-3683 or email uccsouthwest_1903@yahoo.com. For more information contact Executive Director Ken Harris at (205) 925-2944.

 

 Upcoming Events

Messers to share about work of the United Methodist Church in Senegal

Dec 17, 2009
6 p.m.
Pell City First UMC

On Thursday night, December 17, Paul and Kittie Messer will be at Pell City First UMC sharing about the work of the United Methodist Church in Senegal and their experience as United Methodist Missionaries there this year. Patrick Friday will also be there, along with Tony Fuller, our Senegal Partnership Consultant from Wisconsin.

The event will begin at 6 pm in "The Beacon" at Pell City First UMC. Dinner will be served. Please make reservations by e-mailing revpaulmesser@gmail.com  by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

The Messers will have lots of pictures that share the story of our United Methodist work in Senegal and how churches and individuals can become involved.
 

 

Children's Pastors Conference

Start Date 1/4/2010
End Date 1/7/2010
Nashville
Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conference Center (lodging is not included in conference registration - reserve separately here) 

Click here for Nashville CPC Online regisration.

REGISTER BY MAIL OR FAX: click here(check or credit card)****

REGISTER BY PHONE: 800.324.4543 M-F, 9am - 4pm MST (credit card)

****Be sure to include payment for your registration. Registrations received without payment will not be processed.

Children's Pastors' Conference is the premier Christian ministry conference that focuses exclusively on children's and family ministry. Because meeting ministry colleagues and networking is so important, most meals are included in the conference registration. You'll have plenty of chances to ask questions and learn from others also in children's and family ministry.

At CPC, you will spend four life-changing days being taught by experts in children's and family ministry. You'll hear quality speakers and performers throughout the conference while interacting with others in children's and family ministry. You will be able to browse through the largest gathering of children's and family ministry resource providers available. Most of all, you will be equipped, motivated, and challenged to increase your effectiveness in ministry to children.

Over 5,000 people participated at our previous CPC events and the excitement is building! With different sites and dates, there is sure to be one that fits your schedule. The "CPC Experience" includes over 140 breakouts, inspirational speakers, meaningful worship, excellent networking, a jam-packed exhibit hall and plenty of fresh ideas for ministry. 
 

Church and Community

Start Date 1/10/2010
End Date 1/10/2010
Start Time 3pm
End Time 6pm
Highlands UMC, Birmingham
1045 South 20th St
Birmingham,AL
Coordinator: Rev. Matt Lacey
Coordinator Email: mlacey@northalabamaumc.org
(205) 226-7962

This event will be designed to help churches get started in reaching out to their respective communities.  Big or small, city or rural, this workshop will give you questions to start engaging your church on this very important issue.  The event will be at Highlands UMC in Birmingham on Jan, 10, 2010 at 3-6pm.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided. 

Tools such as detailed demographic information, as well as examples will be provided to help churches know who is in their community, and how to reach out to those around them.

Contact Rev. Matt Lacey at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org or Reggie Holder at reggie@highlandsumc.net for more info. 

This is a free event, open to all members of the conference.

 

Canterbury Academy for Christian Studies

Canterbury United Methodist Church
Winter/Spring Semester, 2010
Sundays, 6:00 PM
Orientation will be on January 10,2010

The Canterbury Academy for Christian Studies class for the Winter/Spring 2010 semester will be: A Deeper Look at Five Theological Perspectives: Augustine, Martin Luther, Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, and the Emerging Church. Three sessions will be spent on each perspective ... led by Bishop Will Willimon, resident bishop of the Birmingham Area; Dr. David Bains, Associate professor of Religion at Samford University; Steven Ingram, Director of Sr. Highs at Canterbury (authority on the Emerging Church); and Dr. Oliver Clark. Orientation will be on January 10 and Sunday evening classes will begin on January 24. Registration can be made on the Canterbury web page (www.canterburyumc.org ) or by calling or emailing Brooke Wilkens (205-874-1533) (brooke.wilkens@canternuryumc.org ) or Oliver Clark (205-868-6580) (oliver.clark@canterburyumc.org ).

At this point, the Canterbury Academy is self-supporting. We will not charge a fee for these classes: however, any contributions participants would like to make to support this educational ministry are appreciated. Checks should be made out to Canterbury UMC and marked "For Canterbury Academy." 


 

Academy for Student Ministry 2

Start Date 1/11/2010
End Date 1/12/2010
Start Time 1pm
Camp Sumatanga
3616 Sumatanga Road,
Gallant,,AL 35972
Coordinator:Robert Mercer
Coordinator Email: rmercer@northalabamaumc.org
(205) 226-7952

Youth workers who have completed the Academy for Student Ministry now have an opportunity to extend their training with LINK: Academy for Student Ministry 2. This dynamic program consists of three intensive two-day training sessions which will culminate with a youth training event designed by participants and offered to conference youth and youth workers.

SESSION 1: LEAD
January 25-26, 2010
Led by transformational architect Dr. Ron Martoia, this session focuses on developing leadership skills for youth leaders in the local church.

SESSION 2: INSPIRE
March 22-23, 2010
Steve Case will bring his 25 years of youth ministry experience together with his passion for inspiring worship to help youth leaders develop exciting new ways to reach youth.

SESSION 3: NURTURE
May 3-4, 2010
Rev. Sheri Ferguson, Executive Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling, will guide participants through the steps required to nurture self, youth and families.

TRAINING EVENT: KIDS
August 21, 2010
The ASM2 class will serve as faculty for a conference-wide youth ministry training event! Event panning will take place at each of the three sessions and the seminar will be open to all conference youth and youth workers.

 
 

Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Annual Event

Start Date 1/22/2010
End Date 1/23/2010
St. Paul UMC (Birmingham)
1500 6th Avenue North
Birmingham,AL 35203
Coordinator:Dr. Thomas Muhomba
Coordinator Email: tmuhomba@northalabamaumc.org
(205) 226-7958
 
 
Workshops for Clergy and Laity
1. Effective Leadership for Congregational Renewal and Church Growth (Rev Tyrone D. Gordon)
2. Effective Leadership for Real Church in Urban Ministry (Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr.)
3. Effective Leadership for Empowering a New Generation of Christians (Rev. Telley Lynnettee Gadson)
4. Effective Leadership Through the Change Process and Visioning (Rev Dale Cohen)
5. Effective Leadership for Reaching and Touching Secular People (Rev. Rudy Rasmus)
 
 

North Alabama Conference Pastor's Prayer Summit

Start Date 1/25/2010
End Date 1/28/2010
Start Time 10:00 a.m.
End Time 10:00 a.m.
Camp Sumatanga
Coordinator:Paul Lawler
Coordinator Email: plawler@christchurchtv.org
(205) 991-5065

This four day experience allows pastor the opportunity to focus upon God's call, vision, and direction for his or her life and for the church he or she serves.

Printable Brochure: PrayerSummit1_N9B6M8KA.pdf  
 
 

CORE STRATEGY

Start Date 1/26/2010
End Date 1/26/2010
Start Time 9:00 am
End Time 4:00 pm
Vestavia Hills UMC
Coordinator: Stewardship Resources
(866) 404-GRO W

CORE is creating opportunities for renewing effective churches with dynamic ministry strategies.  Move beyond church diagnosis and claim your church's missional strategy for making and growing new disciples.  Speakers include Bishop Will Willimon, Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church and is a prolific author and transformative Christian leader.  Reggie McNeal is the author of Present Future and Missional  Renaissance. 

 

Confirmation Retreat 2010 "5 to Thrive"

Start Date 1/29/2010
End Date 1/30/2010
Sumatanga
3616 Sumatanga Road
Gallant,Alabama 35972
Coordinator:Elizabeth Nall
Coordinator Email:enall@northalabamaumc.org
(205) 226-7993

Note to Confirmation Leaders:

Coming up on January 29 and 30, 2010 is the North Alabama Conference Confirmation Retreat 2010. Our theme is “Five to Thrive,” which is a reflection on the five vows of membership and the commitment that we are making to place Christ as Lord of our lives.

All children or teenagers who are participating in your confirmation program are welcome to attend. Last year nearly 100 confirmands had an exceptional experience that included great speakers, quality musicians, reflective time, engaging discussion, really messy games, and powerful worship. This is truly a do not miss event, make sure to put it on your calendar for January 29 and 30, 2010.

The cost is $70 per participant before January 21, 2010 and $75 per participant after that date.

We will see you there!

If you have any questions or would like more information contact:
Elizabeth Nall
205-226-7993
enall@northalabamaumc.org 

 

Academy for Spiritual Formation - Five Day

Start Date 1/31/2010
End Date 2/5/2010
Camp Sumatanga
Coordinator: Kathy Norberg
Coordinator Email: knorberg@gbumc.org
 (850) 324-1015

Theme: Taking the Christ Journey
Faculty: Loyd Allen & Elise Eslinger
Retreat Leader: John Bonner jbonner419@aol.com

$545 with an early bird discount of $50 if registering before December 1
$50 non-refundable deposit holds your space and is deducted from the final payment

Registration deposit may be mailed to 209 Northcliff Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

 

Successful Small Groups featuring Debi Nixon of Church of the Resurrection

Start Date 2/6/2010
End Date 2/6/2010
Start Time 9 am
End Time 2 pm
Canterbury UMC
Coordinator:Elizabeth Nall
Coordinator Email:enall@northalabamaumc.org
(205) 266-7993
 
 
 
 
Debi Nixon - Executive Director of Adult Ministries at Church of the Resurrection

Small Group formation, sustaining, and nurturing!

Cost $15 per individual

During the morning session we will hear Debi speak about function, structure, and the fundmentals of small group ministry. In the afternoon we will break out into detailed small group sessions to learn more specifically about curriculum suggestions and the intricacies of small groups that you would like to strengthen or start.

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 Wolf – 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

 

CORE FUTURE

Start Date 2/9/2010
End Date 2/9/2010
Birmingham
Coordinator: Stewardship Resources
1-866-404-GROW

CORE is creating opportunities for renewing effective churches with dynamic ministry strategies.  Move beyond church diagnosis and claim your church's missional strategy for making and growing new disciples. This session includes Planning for a Lifetime of Ministry featuring John Ed Mathison.