Latest News Regarding COVID-19

The Committee on Relief has secured a additional donation of cloth face masks through FEMA. Masks are available to anyone who requests them while supplies last. Requests will be processed on a weekly basis and mailed out each Tuesday. For additional information contact Ben Rogers (brogers@wnccumc.org). Click here to complete a request form. 

Black Clergy of the Carolinas are invited to join 12 weekly webinars sponsored by the South Carolina, North Carolina, and Western North Carolina Conferences, which seek to: -engage in collective work and responsibility by modeling faithful stewardship in a collaborative ministry that aligns with the unique and distinctive social location of black pastors and the neighboring communities we serve, -while addressing self-care, social media responsibility, and social justice amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the current challenges of meeting in-person and keeping our constituencies safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we realize it is no longer feasible to gather 3,000 people in the same location. Therefore, Bishop Leeland, the Cabinet, and Conference Secretary, Rev. Kim Ingram, propose a virtual meeting on August 8, 2020. Lay and clergy delegates to the 2020 Annual Conference will receive a paper ballot in the mail to approve moving Annual Conference to a virtual platform this year. Please return this ballot by July 15.

As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to our Biblical mandate to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and our Wesleyan call to “do no harm.” In doing so, we seek ways to engage faithfully in worship, study, and ministry while ensuring the health and safety of our members and communities. We do not recommend returning to indoor worship at this time. Continue hosting online, drive-in, or outdoor worship services while following CDC, state and local guidelines, including handwashing, wearing masks, and observing physical distancing rules.

On July 8th at 10 am EST, Shelby Systems will host a webinar over to help equip your church on how to launch successful online and text-to-give campaigns during uncertain times.

The Phase 2 Worship Guidelines remain in effect until at least June 30th. Bishop Leeland and the Cabinet will renew or update the guidelines following the release of Governor Cooper's updated statewide guidelines this week. Any extension of Phase 2 or updates to Phase 3 will be communicated as soon as possible through email, at wnccumc.org, and on all WNCC social media platforms. Please continue to be mindful of our scriptural and Wesleyan call to "love others" and “do no harm.”

We are all built for connection. Over the last two decades, we have seen modern notions of what constitutes “connection” change radically, and nowhere is that more visible than in the digital lives of Americans. Despite the need for connection and the expanding role of digital media into religious life, little is known about how digital media fosters community and the forms of leadership that can support congregations’ engagement in digital spaces. We need your help to fill this gap in knowledge.

The United Methodist Credit Union can still help local churches with the Paycheck Protection Program.

With the full support of the Reynolds, the Foundation opened a special grant cycle specifically for churches adapting to COVID-19. $100,000 went directly to the Western North Carolina Conference to support various Conference-level ministries. An additional $102,000 in grants were awarded to 178 churches and related ministries to purchase recording and lighting equipment, online meeting software subscriptions, and expand local internet access and capacity.

Hinton Rural Life Center is responding to individual and family needs to retreat, reflect, and renew during this uncertain and stressful time by offering affordable options to getaway, but still be mindful of protecting oneself and others.

One of the Western NC Conference’s Ministry partners, Shelby Systems, has agreed to partner with churches in the conference by providing a comprehensive online giving program that will include text-to-give, custom website form, and mobile app.

The Committee on Relief has secured a donation of cloth face masks through FEMA. These masks are available to staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations and will be available to distribute in the next week(s).   Interested churches or organizations should fill out the following request form. COR will review requests and distribute masks. For additional information contact Ben Rogers (brogers@wnccumc.org).

Check out the Mission Engagement Blog page for a new blog by Caroline Wood. This month's topic is Mission During Covid-19 - 2020: Back to the Basics.

An extensive resource from Candler School of Theology featuring in-depth guidance and advice from an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners. This guide includes theological foundations, benchmarks, best practices, planning checklist, and practical solutions.

May 28, 2020 The past two days have reminded us of the chaos, hurt, distrust, and anger, that emerges all too frequently in our communities. The news of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis has shocked and awakened us once again to the injustice still present in our world. My thoughts are focused on the family and friends who are grieving and all who are impacted by the traumatic effects of racism and violence.  The Church has consistently denounced racial discrimination and violence. As United...

We have curated a list of resources for celebrating Pentecost virtually with your congregation and small groups, or at home with your family!

Our nation will soon pass a grievous point in history: 100,000 Americans will have died from COVID-19. As people of faith, we cannot allow this grim number to go unnoticed. Always and everywhere, it is the duty of religious communities to remember the dead and mourn their passing. We call on religious and political leaders to take a time of prayer, Monday, June 1st at 12 p.m. to acknowledge, lament, and mourn all those we have lost.

Coach facilitated help sessions are being offered to clergy moving in a crazy time through the generosity of the Duke Endowment.

Rev. Denise Kilgo-Martin walks through three tutorial videos of using StreamYard to live stream worship - starting with a basic, introductory video and moving into advanced features.

As the state of North Carolina prepares to enter Phase Two, the Cabinet has updated our Conference Guidelines for In-Person Worship and Ministry During COVID-19. These will be effective Saturday May 23, 2020 and will remain in effect until at least June 30, 2020. In alignment and compliance with public health guidance, governmental mandates, and our scriptural and Wesleyan call to "love others" and “do no harm,” these guidelines are to be followed by churches in the Western North Carolina Conference. We have also prepared a Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate ministry concerns at this time.