eVoice 01.15.2010
News
Deadline for Annual Conference reports is Feb. 1
The North Alabama Annual Conference 2010 will be June 3-5, 2010, at ClearBranch United Methodist Church. The theme this year will focus on the Conference priority of Effective Leadership. The featured speaker will be Rev. Adam Hamilton pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. As plans for Annual Conference 2010 are underway, the deadline draws near for reports to be submitted for this year’s Annual Conference session. Below are the Guidelines for...United Methodists rescued in Haiti
A UMNS Report By Linda Bloom Two United Methodist mission leaders have been rescued from the rubble of the Montana Hotel, and workers are close to extracting a third church leader pinned under a concrete beam after the massive earthquake rocked Haiti Jan. 12. The Rev. Sam Dixon, top executive of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, was taken out of the debris Friday morning, said Bishop Bruce Ough, president of the Board of Global Ministries. The Rev. Clinton Rabb, head of...United Methodists respond with prayer, aid for Haiti
A UMNS Report By Linda Bloom and Kathy L. Gilbert* “We are OK, the building held up, thanks for your prayers.” After hours of uncertainty in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake that rocked Haiti, those words from his wife, Pam, and two other members of a mission team were an answered prayer for the Rev. Kenneth Carter Jr. of Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C. The three volunteers were safe inside the Methodist Guest House in the capital of Port-au-Prince...Fair Trade palms for Palm Sunday are now available
The North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (NACEC) and the University of Minnesota Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management (CINRAM) are working together with the Rainforest Alliance TREES program, Smartwood, and TransFair to certify palms harvested from the forests of Mexico and Guatemala for sale to Christian congregations in the United States and Europe. These Fair Trade palms are availble for order beginning January 4, 2010. Make social and...- Dallas volunteer dies from injuries in Haiti quake
- Families rejoice as mission leaders found, freed in Haiti
- Former Haitian church leader safe, but homeless
- United Methodist woman saves colleagues in Haiti
- Blog: “I Am With You”
- Bishop asks support for Haiti, Human Relations Day
- Haitians in Florida await news of family, friends after earthquake
- New Jersey church rejoices that Haiti mission team is safe
- United Methodists lift up hope, prayers for Haiti quake victims
- ‘Dire situation’ in Haiti calls for generous giving
- Concerns mount for missing UMCOR workers
- German United Methodist to lead mission agency
- United Methodists in Haiti before quake hit
- ‘Up in the Air’ beats ‘Avatar’ in moral box office
- Blog: Digital culture demands relevance, change
- United Methodists help typhoon survivors recover
- Phoenix ministry gives hope to homeless
Response to Haiti earthquake
Health Kits
The North Alabama Conference has shipped 3000 Health Kits to Haiti. We need to replenish our supply so more kits may be shipped to Haiti and other areas of disaster as needed
Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Please remember for Heath Kits to be shipped internationally, they must comply to the standards described in the instructions.
Click here for Health Kit Instructions: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/
Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF file of Health Kit instructions: http://na.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/sbdhealthkitv02_XZ7YUB4B.pdf
A bulletin insert about UMCOR's work in Haiti and how to help is now available. Click here to download a pdf file http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/media/cbi-
To save money on shipping, you may bring your church's health kits to one of the drop of locations within the North Alabama Conference. They will then be taken to the Conference Warehouse so they can be shipped in bulk.
Drop off Locations:
The North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur, AL
2342 Breckenridge Avenue, Building R, Decatur, AL 35603
Call to schedule a delivery time: (256) 341-9961
United Methodist Center in Birmingham
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
First United Methodist Church in Anniston
1400 Noble Street
Anniston, AL 36201
256-236-5605
Financial Donations to UMCOR
You can also donate directly to those affected through UMCOR. Mark your donations “Haiti Emergency Advance #418325."
Every time you give to a designated emergency or program 100% of your gift supports the intended need. UMCOR does not use any of your designated gifts for administrative or home office costs-they are covered by other funding channels (such as the One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering each year.)
You may give
By Offering - For local church and Annual Conference credit, put your gift in the offering plate on Sunday. Churches may send your check to the Conference Treasurer who will foward it to UMCOR. Mark your check "Haiti Response."
By Check - Make your check to UMCOR and send to: UMCOR,
By Credit Card - Call toll-free (800) 554-8583 or Give online by clicking here.
UMVIM, SEJ now collecting contact information for those interested in traveling to Haiti to assist in disaster recovery
At the request of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), UMVIM, SEJ (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction) is collecting contact information for individuals interested in traveling to Haiti to assist in disaster recovery and humanitarian aid. Interested missioners can visit www.umvim.org/haiti and enter their contact information into the form on that page. This list of contacts will be activated as soon as UMVIM has news about scheduling a mission trip to Haiti.
At the current time, it is unsafe for UMVIM mission teams to enter Haiti. UMVIM anticipates it being mid-March before the situation will have settled enough to be able to support mission teams.
While the desire to offer immediate help is universal among Christians, prayerful waiting is the most faithful witness missioners can offer at this time. Those wishing to give immediate assistance should continue to contribute to UMCOR.
Upcoming Events
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.
Every Member In Ministry Seminar
- Rev. John Ed Mathison A Practical Guide To Lay Member Envolvement
- Every member of the church is a minister. Incorporate more people into ministry.
- Turn the 20/80% rule into the 80/20% principle.
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
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).
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.
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.