eVoice 02.12.2010
News
One Great Hour of Sharing is March 14. Materials now available
When the first tremors of the earthquake in Haiti rocked that island nation, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) staff were already in country, strategizing how United Methodists could help improve the lives of the people there. Their work is a direct result of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, which supports the operating expenses of those who bring healing and help in our name. It makes it possible, when United Methodists respond to an emergency like Haiti, to know that 100%...The Carpenter's Hands ministry repairs homes and builds relationships
A house is considered substandard if it does not provide safe and adequate shelter; endangers the health or safety of a family in its present condition; has one or more critical defects such it does not have operable indoor plumbing; it does not have electricity or has inadequate or unsafe electrical service; it does not have safe or adequate source of heat; it should, but does not, have a kitchen; or it has been declared unfit for the habitation by an agency or unit of government. There are...Church of the Reconciler holds memorial service, raises awareness of city's growing homeless population
Jasper First UMC Sunday School class lives out calling to be the hands of Christ
The Celebration contemporary worship service at Jasper First UMC features a segment called “The Hands of Christ." During this time, pastor Tex Ergle highlights some ways members can be involved in the mission work of the church and therefore be the hands and feet of Christ as they live their lives. One Sunday school class decided to take "Hands of Christ" seriously. At Christmas members of this class heard about some children in west Jasper who wouldn’t be receiving...West End Community Garden celebration planned for March 20
The Community Garden of Birmingham’s Community Church Without Walls is based on the firm belief that the way to a community’s heart is through its stomach. The garden, now ready to begin its third growing season, is realizing its vision to revitalize Birmingham’s West End community through the growing and sharing of naturally-grown produce. Rev. R.G. Lyons, pastor of Community Church Without Walls, invites United Methodists in the North Alabama Conference to celebrate the...- Mission board protests arrests in Philippines
- Haiti journal: Dreading the rainy season
- Ohio Wesleyan students belly flop for Haiti
- Free pharmacy will open in Ohio church
- Judicial Council to look at new church structures
- United Methodists recall Orangeburg Massacre
- Wesley’s diet, exercise tips promote health
- All Haiti scholarship students reported safe
- Super Bowl rivalry promotes health kits
- ‘Do Not Be Afraid’
Disaster Response
The following is a notice from Rev. Ray Crump, Director of the Disaster Resonse Warehouse in Decatur:
We have decided to close the Disaster Warehouse until next Thursday, due to weather. If our volunteers get sick, we will lose them and could be unable to keep it open. Our concern is that there is no heat in the warehouse and one day it is not expected to get above freezing. Those of you who have been at the warehouse, know what I am talking about. We will continue to operate by appointment only, just through next Thursday. So call these numbers if you have items you would like to bring to the warehouse and someone can meet you there, (256) 341-9961 or (256) 642-1759.
Please pass this along to your church family, as many of them may be serving as volunteers. Thanks and have a great weekend!
Upcoming Events
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.
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 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.
CORE FUTURE
www.corechurches.com
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.
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.
Manna and Mercy Retreat
Start Date 2/26/2010
End Date 2/27/2010
Avondale UMC
Coordinator Email: mannaandmercy@gmail.com
(205) 532-0494
Rediscovering the Bible through the Lens of Jesus
The retreat was developed by Reverend Alan Storey.
Manna and Mercy is the name of a book written by Daniel Erlander. Using Erlander’s book, Alan Storey, South African pastor, develop the retreat to be a journey from Genesis to Revelation over the course of the weekend, with sensitivity to the contexts in which the scriptures were written and of our present day.
The Bible is meant to be an instrument of God to enable abundant life for God’s creation. Yet sadly through the ages it has been read and interpreted in such a way that it has been used as an instrument of human domination and death. It has been used to cheer on the crusades, support slavery, advocate Apartheid, glorify genocide, sanction sexism, bless war and worship prosperity in the face of the poor, to name just a few horrors of our human history. During the Manna and Mercy retreat, we will take a fresh look at scripture through the interpretive lens of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and God’s overall call for each one of us to partner with God in mending this fractured world. The hope is that after we have done so, our interpretations and use of the scriptures will be truly liberating and life-enabling.
Retreat Speaker is Rev. R. G. Lyons, who will lead a week-end journey from Genesis to Revelation.
To register, email mannaandmercy@gmail.com or call 205-532-0494.
Cost $25 — Scholarships available.
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.
"Youth Ministry" Leaders Training
What is the status of your "Youth Ministry"? Whether you are just beginning or have a successful ministry, Youth Minister, Russell Bernard, will provide tips to help your ministry reach youth and connect with Jesus Christ in 21st Century terms.
This will be an excellent opportunity to gain insights from an innovative and out-of-the-box minister who believes that we should not compromise the Gospel but we must engage the culture to reach our youth.
Russell Bernard has a passion for discipling youth and assisting them to make sense of their relationship with Christ through their context. He has both initiated and grown youth ministries. As a result of this success and experience, he is finishing his first book entitled, Doing Effective Youth Ministry. Below is an abbreviated bio:
- Served as Minister to Teens for The Empowerment Temple AME Church, Baltimore, MD, growing the youth service to over 150 young people in attendance.
- Served as Pastor of Students and Young Professionals for The Fountain Ministries, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where over 80 students received Christ and joined the ministry in the first year.
- Wrote articles for The American Bible Society's Student Magazine "Elementz of LIfe", www.elementzoflife.com.
- Prepared national curriculum on youth leader training for The Urban Youth Workers Institute "Reload", www.reloadtour.org .
Basic Lay Speaking Ministries Workshop: Equipping
Please Join Us As The Northwest District Presents An Exciting And Brand New
Basic Lay Speaking Ministries Workshop: Equipping
Learn About Leading, Caring And Communicating
Open To All United Methodist Laity Throughout The North Alabama Conference
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Registration: 8:00 Am – 8:30 am
Workshop: 8:30 Am – 4:30 pm
Cost $30: Includes All Materials, Lunch And Breaks
Presenters Include:
Rev. Greg Reynolds
Rev. Mike Stonbraker
Rev. John Yeates
Dr. Wendy Sellers
Multiple Guest Panelists
Please Register By Monday, March 8, 2010
Download the Registration Form below: Registration_Form_BASIC_LSM_HMM4TWXC.pdf
Denman Evangelism Award Deadline
Deadline for nominations for the Denman Evangelism Award is March 15, 2010. One clergy and one lay person will be selected to receive the Harry Denman Evangelism Award. The awards will be presented to the individuals who have shown effective leadership in evangelism.
Click here to submit nominations online or download and print application forms.
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.
North Alabama Clergy Spouses - Babies First Benefit Luncheon 2010
Fellowship Hall
980 Hughes Road
Madison, Alabama 35758
Lunch and Program - Noon-1:30 p.m.
Individual Reservations $15
Sponsorship (Table for 8) $120
Make checks payable to the North Alabama Conference of the UMC
Reference Babies First Luncheon in the memo line, and
give checks to your clergy spouse or mail to:
Pat Bell
2116 Southwood Road
Birmingham AL 35216
Reservation deadline is March 19, 2010.
Your name tag will be waiting for you at the door.
For more information about Babies First, visit www.umch.net
Click for Flier: ClergySpouseLuncheon_ITF55FXN.pdf
Sounds of Sumatanga
Come join friends for a day of fun by the lake at Camp Sumatanga!
Entertainment – Arts & Crafts – Food
Admission is $5 – Ages 4 and up
Proceeds benefit Camp Sumatanga