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eVoice 01.22.2010
News
Bishop adds to extended Cabinet and Connectional Ministries staffing update
Bishop William H. Willimon announced that he is adding Rev. Lori Carden to the Extended Cabinet. Rev. Carden is the Connectional Ministries Coordinator for Natural Church Development (NCD) and also serves as a consultant to Rev. Bill Gandy in the Mountain Lakes District. Willimon says, “Recognizing the way that NCD is changing the way we work, the way we evaluate the performance of pastors, and the way we invigorate churches, I wanted Lori working even more closely with the Cabinet. She...Sumatanga Executive Director to return to local church in June
Rev. Bob Murray has served as Executive Director of Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center for two years. This week he has announced that he will resign that position to return to local church pastoral ministry. Rev. Murray says: For nearly 60 years Camp Sumatanga has been a place where many of our spiritual experiences have taken place. I have been aware of the presence of God on this Holy Ground throughout my faith journey. For the past two years I have been blessed to serve Sumatanga as...
North Alabama United Methodists continue response to Haiti Disaster
A message from Rev. Matt Lacey, North Alabama Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy We in North Alabama grieve the loss of Sam Dixon of UMCOR and Clint Rabb of GBGM Mission Volunteers. I have served with Rev. Rabb for several years on the UMVIM board, and with Sam through UMCOR, and know these losses will be felt instantly across the denomination. Though the loss of these lives and many, many others are tragic, we must continue to believe in a God who continues to move and work, and a...Shipment of relief supplies for Haiti departs North Alabama
On Tuesday morning, January 19, 2010, a PX-12 airplane departed Huntsville, Ala, with relief supplies for Haiti including water purification systems and medical supplies. This shipment of supplies is a joint effort of several organizations including the North Alabama Conference Disaster Warehouse, SIFAT, members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville and others. Rev. Ray Crump, Director of the North Alabama Conference Disaster Warehouse in Decatur says, “Many miracles took...Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church welcomes 53 confirmands
The Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church family is stronger as they received the wonderful gift of 53 confirmands into full membership on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 5 p.m. Bishop Bob Morgan, was on hand to baptize seven of those who had not been baptized earlier in their lives and to confirm those who professed their faith in Christ. The special evening included all clergy in attendance and the New Life Singers youth choir on hand to lead this meaningful time of worship. Rev. Ruth...SEJ Bishops Meet in Birmingham
United Methodist connectionalism was alive in Birmingham this week as the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Southeastern Jurisdiction Annual Conference Lay Leaders both held meetings in the city. As President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops this year, Bishop Will Willimon served as host for the historic meeting of the SEJ College of Bishops in Birmingham, January 13-16. North Alabama Conference Lay Leader Ellen Harris, also hosted the SEJ Conference...Two United Methodist mission agency staff members die of earthquake-related injuries
from UMNS stories by Linda Bloom* A second United Methodist mission worker has died of injuries sustained during the earthquake in Haiti. The Rev. Clinton Rabb, 60, who organized mission volunteers for The United Methodist Church, died on the morning of Jan. 17 in a Florida hospital. He had been trapped under a concrete slab at the Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince for some 55 hours. Officials at the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, where he was a staff member, announced his...- New worship and song collections planned for 2011
- Haiti Journal: Encountering refugees, stories of loss
- Haitian Methodists and UMCOR size up needs
- Medical specialists top volunteer list for Haiti
- UMCOR’s Sam Dixon remembered for life of service
- God is present amid suffering in Haiti
- Haitians help Louisiana mission group return home
- Methodism founder inspires Christian vegetarians
- United Methodists keep on giving to quake survivors
- Haiti mission volunteer remembered as symbol of love
- Haiti quake survivor Chand recalls hotel rescue
- Haitian challenge: Remember history, look forward
- Pilots carry people out, bring supplies into Haiti
- UMCOR joins on-the-ground relief for Haiti
- ‘We were spared to help,’ Haiti volunteers believe
- Hudson plane crash survivor still ‘braced for impact’
- United Methodist music video gives hope to Haitians
- Worshippers remember Haiti in prayer, song, gifts
- Blog: Using digital media to explore the interaction between faith and culture
- Blog: “This Ain't Uncle Walter's World”
- Hope in God supplants grief in Haitian congregation
- Survivor: UMCOR trio kept faith in Haiti ruins
- Haiti quake survivor vows return following her ordeal
- United Methodists build prayer wall for Haiti
Response to Haiti earthquake
Conference extends invitation to give to UMCOR to North Alabama neighbors
Thank you North Alabama United Methodists for your generous donations to UMCOR – both financial and health kits.
This weekend the North Alabama Conference is offering a special invitation – through the Saturday, Jan. 23 editions of The Birmingham News and The Huntsville Times – to people in our communities looking for a way to respond to Haiti.
Our invitation is to join us in prayer and to give to UMCOR through a local United Methodist Church or online. We also provide a web address to learn more about health kits and future mission teams. UMCOR has a four star rating from Charity Navigator and is one of the only organizations working in Haiti to have an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. So it isn’t just us United Methodists who understand UMCOR is a trusted way to give to those facing disaster!
Our prayer is that this invitation will be a way we can serve our brothers and sisters in Haiti through added support for UMCOR and serve our neighbors in North Alabama looking for a way to help – and maybe also looking to connect with a church that is actively serving in the world.
Drivers Needed
Drivers Needed for Health Kits delivery: Anyone who is willing to volunteer for a one-time or on a reoccurring basis to take health kits to the North Alabama Conference warehouse in Decatur from the United Methodist Center in Birmingham please contact Director of Mission and Advocacy Rev. Matt Lacey at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org or call (205) 202-1879. Donations are coming in and we need to have all the supplies in one location to be shipped when needed.
Health Kits
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
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
Upcoming Events
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).
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
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
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.