The Latest Edition of E-News - MLK, Jr. Commemoration, New PPP Loans, School of the Spirit, and more

January 13, 2021

E-News - January 13, 2021

E-News is an email newsletter sent out by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. It contains important news, stories, and events from around our conference. Submit articles for the next e-news. Submit events.


NEWS

2021 WNCC Martin Luther King, Jr Commemoration 
Saturday, January 16, 2021, 10 a.m. EST.
The WNC Black Methodists for Church Renewal, the Justice & Reconciliation Team and the Commission for Religion and Race are pleased to sponsor the 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Service. The theme for this year's service is "The Urgency of Now - Ushering in the Kingdom of God," and the keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniels, the Senior Pastor of Emory Fellowship United Methodist Church, Washington DC. With four ways to watch (Zoom, YouTube Live, FB Live, and the WNCC website), we invite you to join us for this important service.
Fresh Round of Payroll Protection Loans for Churches
Congress approves and President signs new Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 which includes a new round of Payroll Protection Program loans. Once again, nonprofit organizations, including churches, are eligible to apply, regardless of whether the entity received a loan in the first rounds. 
The Weird Delight of Preaching
This preaching cohort will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee, WNC clergy and Butler Chair in Homiletics at the Vancouver School of Theology. Group meets monthly for 7 months beginning in February.  This cohort is limited to 11 participants. Learn more and register.
Means of Grace: Creating Space and Connection with Rev. Brandon Lazarus
In this episode, Melissa McGill talks with Rev. Brandon Lazarus, an ordained elder in our Conference and the Director of the LEAD conference, about his story, the role LEAD has played in his life and ministry and how you can get involved in this creative community.
The 2020 Journal is Available Online
The 2020 Journal is now available for viewing and download on the WNCC Administration page!  (www.wnccadmin.org > Journals) Visit this link to view reports and activities of the 2020 Annual Conference, photos of ministries around the WNC Conference...
School of the Spirit registration open
School of the Spirit is an online and in-person twelve-month journey into contemplative practices that bring the seeker closer to God. The focus of this structure is not on the latest fad but on centuries-old practices that will renew our encounter with Christ, grounded in the vitality of a committed community to hold each participant’s journey.
Mental Health First Aid for Youth Ministry Leaders
The conference is thrilled to partner with Hinton Rural Life Center to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on January 26, 2021. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach adults who regularly interact with young people how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis.
Concord UMC, Catawba shares the love of Christ through their Advent Acts of Worship in 2020
This Advent, Concord UMC in Catawba began with a challenge to boost their food pantry giving. They collected almost half a ton of food to divide between two local food pantries.
Give Your Ministries a Nudge in 2021
Brian Mateer, Associate Director of Missional Engagement shares a different take on New Year's resolutions in the latest Mission Engagement blog.
In the midst of COVID-19, Davidson UMC spreads joy
Each year during the Advent season, Davidson UMC hosts its annual Joy Store. In the gathering space outside the sanctuary, an Angel Tree is displayed where members can find angels listing the Christmas wishes of children in their community who may ...

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

From Bishop Leeland: Preparing for Worship in a Time of Crisis
Bishop Leeland offers a message of guidance and hope to the clergy members of the Western NC Conference as they prepare for worship in this time of national crisis.
2021 Explore Summer Internships
The Explore Summer Internship exists to help young adults (18-25 years old) discern their call to vocational ministry by providing an environment for exploring their gifts and giving the intern opportunities to explore particular aspects of ministry ...
Means of Grace: The Heart of Our Calling with Dr. Sam Wells
In this episode, we have a guest host, Parker Haynes, pastor of Trinity UMC in King, NC and member of the Leadership Development Team. He interviews the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, parish priest of the Church of England, and former Dean of Duke Chapel, and research professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Wells speaks to us as a follow-up to a recent webinar that he participated in through Duke Divinity School called “Soul-Tending in a Virtual Age: How to Preach, Pastor, and Disciple in these Challenging Times.” 
IRS releases 2021 mileage rates
The Internal Revenue Services has released reimbursable mileage rates for 2021. Beginning on January 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 56 cents per mile driven for business use, ...
Statistical Reporting for 2020 is READY and AVAILABLE!
The GCFA/Western North Carolina Conference statistical system is open and available for input of 2020 information.  All statistical information must be entered and complete by Monday, February 1, 2021.
 

UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:

Journey Inward - The Big Silence Retreat
January 17-20, 2021

We are all on a spiritual journey in this life, but so much of our journey is spent outside of ourselves. How often do you get away from the distractions of this world to find a holy place within? When was the last time you just hung out with God with no expectations whatsoever? Maybe it’s time for you to journey inward at The Big Silence Retreat. Start the New Year with a different kind of experience.

Eating Together Faithfully Online Introductory Training
Friday, January 22, 2021, 12 p.m.

As we look ahead to the possibility and promise of a new year, many of us are wondering how we can make 2021 a time for healing, rebuilding, and cultivating compassionate and equitable communities. Let's begin around the (literal OR virtual) table! The team at Life Around the Table joyfully invites you to join our next Eating Together Faithfully (ETF) Online Introductory Training on Friday, January 22nd!
National Caring Congregation Training
February 26-27, 2021

The Caring Congregation is excited to announce that our next National Webinar has been set for February 26-27, 2021. This live streamed 2-day event covers the Basic CCM Model of Care Training to equip and inspire your staff and volunteers to revitalize your church's care ministry. Take advantage of our Holiday Discount and save $50 per registrant now through Epiphany Jan 6, 2021.

 
Director of Communications: Melissa McGill

Communications Ministry Assistant: Aimee Yeager

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