eVoice 01.08.2010
News
Training Event for local churches to grow successful Small Groups will feature Debi Nixon of Church of the Resurrection
On Saturday, February 6, 2010, North Alabama Conference congregations have an opportunity to gather at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham for a training event called Successful Small Groups.
Small groups have played an important part of the discipleship process in the Methodist Movement since the days of John Wesley and the Holy Clubs. Small groups are still a vital part of growing disciples of Jesus Christ today.
This training event will feature Debi Nixon, one of the premiere leaders in United Methodism on developing and growing small groups at the local church level. The afternoon will include breakout groups led by North Alabama United Methodists seeing growth in their small group ministries. The sessions will focus on specific types of small groups, curriculum suggestions and other intricacies of starting or strengthening small groups in a local church...
InnerChange UMC celebrates Christmas with the baptism of new Christians
On Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, InnerChange UMC celebrated Christmas with a high energy worship service that included the celebration of baptism for several new Christ-followers. Rev. Mike Skelton explains, “We set worship up like a big Christmas party. I had a couple of folks who wanted to be baptized. At the end of the baptism, the guy who came dressed as Santa Claus came down and asked me to baptize him. This guy is a recovering drug user and new follower of Christ. We didn't know he...
Christmas means sharing at Chase Valley UMC
The first and third Saturday of each month Chase Valley UMC in Huntsville shares God’s love by providing food boxes to area families in need. Pastor Fred Webster explains, “It is a special ministry that makes a difference in peoples lives. The third Saturday in December is extra special because that is the day that not only does the food pantry do its thing, but presents are given out to the parents and guardians of the Angel Tree Angels.” To prepare for this extra special..
Moody UMC children make Health Kits as an act of compassion
Scholarship event planned for aspiring seminary students
Emory University's Candler School of Theology is helping make theological education affordable for the next generation of Christian leaders by hosting a special scholarship event Feb. 28-March 2, 2010. Leadership Candler will bring together a distinguished group of prospective Master of Divinity students from across the country and the world. The three-day event includes interviews with scholarship committees, visits to classes and conversations with Candler's faculty. Leadership Candler also...
- Mozambique church celebrates women in ministry
- Letter to King: battle to end racism continues
- United Methodist initiatives boost clergy health
- Churches respond to cold weather with warm welcome
- Widows rebuilding lives at Mozambique home
- Bishop says time is critical for peace in Middle East
- Frances Smith, retired journalist, dies at 87
- Hanke named top executive of United Methodist Men
- Blog: Change the World in the New Year
- Church launches ‘Voice of Hope’ radio in Côte d’Ivoire
- Top photos of 2009
- Faith groups struggle with abortion, health care
- Downturn prompts questions on clergy pensions
The Year-End Local Church Statistical Report to go live Jan. 15
The Year-End Local Church Statistical Report will be available through the Local Church Dashboard portion of the North Alabama Conference website beginning Jan. 15, 2010. It will be available until Jan. 29, 2010. This report asks for ministry information from the life of the church in 2009. All North Alabama Conference local churches must complete this required report between Jan. 15 and Jan. 29, 2010.
North Alabama Conference Director of Information Technology Pete Banish explains that the report will be filled out online just like the year-end statistical report completed last year. Local churches must login to the Local Church Dashboard of the North Alabama Conference website using their church username and password just as they do to complete Charge Conference forms. Any church that needs its username or password may contact their District Office.
All pastors will receive an email the week of Jan. 11, 2010, which will have an attachment with instructions on completing the report.
Banish also notes that 2009 was the beginning of a new quadrennial in the United Methodist Church. Therefore there are a few changes in the questions on this year’s report. The Year-End Local Church Statistical Report questions are determined by actions of the General Conference. The 2008 General Conference added several new questions, reworded some questions and omitted others from previous years.
The General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church has a spreadsheet that compares the previous quadrennial’s questions to this year’s questions. It can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet at: http://www.gcfa.org/2009-2012_Quadrennial_Training/Statisticians/Excel/Table1-3_Comparisons_BMR.xls.
Upcoming Events
Church and Community
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."
Disaster Response Case Management Course
A case management class for persons interested in disaster response will be held January 21-22, 2010 at Prattville UMC in Prattville, AL. Cost is $12.
This is the full course and not just the introduction course. It will be led by Dr. Christopher Perry, certified UMCOR disaster response trainer and vice-president of ALVOAD. Dr. Perry is executive director of the Elmore County chapter of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
For information and reservations, contact Ray Crump, 256-642-1759.
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Annual Event
Start Date 1/22/2010Click here to download a printable event schedule
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)
VBS 2010 Showcase and Training
30% off all Cokesbury VBS material and 25% off all other VBS Materials for that day ONLY!
For the first hour you can explore through the curriculum to choose your VBS materials from nine different VBS selections, and last half of the event Cokesbury Bookstore will provide training on more specifics in regards to the Cokesbury and Group materials.
North Alabama Conference Pastor's Prayer Summit
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.
CORE STRATEGY
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 1/29/2010Coming 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.
Meet Our Speakers and Special Guests
Click here to download speaker and guest bios.
Speakers include
- Lane Gilbert (Youth Director at Fort Payne UMC)
- Jeff Moore (Youth Director Cullman UMC)
- Wannell Scott (Florence First UMC)
- Beth Green (Youth Director at Decatur FUMC)
- Marcus Singleton (Pastor at Saint Paul UMC, Birmingham)
Team members and Special Guests include
- Melody Traylor (Director of Discovery Ministries)
- Diane Wood (Director of Children's Ministries at Anniston First UMC)
- Rick Owen (Stewardship Resources)
- Nick Jones (Contemporary Worship Leader at Vestavia Hills UMC)
- Don Barnett (Senior Pastor at DeArmanville UMC)
- Kelsey Jones (Contemporary Worship Leader at Pleasant Hill UMC)
- Carolyn Douglass (Vestavia Hills United Methodist)
- Ben Williams (United Methodist Stewardship Resources)
- Chelsea Pruitt (Student at Snead College)
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
Academy for Spiritual Formation - Five Day
Start Date 1/31/2010(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 2/6/2010Small 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).
CORE FUTURE
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.
Encounter 2010
Start Date 2/19/2010Encounter 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.