As the Lenten season approaches, we find ourselves still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have witnessed this past year, however, even COVID cannot keep the Church of God down. As you make plan to observe the season of Lent in your churches, we have compiled a list of resources that can help you have a COVID-safe time of remembrance and reflection.

This season of ministry has been hard on leaders and many are exhausted, discouraged, and in need of soul-deep renewal and self-care. The Leadership Development Team wants to help nurture your spirit, for you to be renewed and restored in life and ministry. Apply for a grant for one of the identified offerings, to receive up to $400 for your renewal needs. Funds are available because of the generosity of churches who pay their apportionments.

With support from The Duke Endowment, Come to the Table is excited to once again offer technical assistance funds to assist up to 30 rural United Methodist churches throughout North Carolina. CTTT will fund churches that are engaging in emergency hunger relief efforts during the coronavirus crisis with mini-grants of up to $1,000.

This week’s episode is about the Missional Collective, which desires to help churches and ministries shift the work of mission from relief to empowerment. Missional Collective participants attend a series of retreats together and remain in connection through the support of one another’s work.  Brian Mateer speaks with Missional Collective Coordinator, Erin Burleson, who shares details of the cohort and how you can participate.

Greg Jones, dean of the Duke Divinity School, will be stepping down at the end of the academic year to become president of Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Effective July 1, Edgardo Colón-Emeric will begin a two-year term as Dean of the Divinity School.

A team of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) pastors and church planters developed a five-week webinar in the hopes that judicatory leaders, pastors, and laity could learn more about the inherent racism in the church and commit to de-colonize The United Methodist Church in America.

We invite you to join Path 1 on a journey to name and explore our own history of racism and what it means to be intentionally anti-racist as we start new ministries and faith communities in the UMC.

Join this five-week event every Thursday from 1-2:15 p.m. Central time beginning February 18.

Join Strengthening the Black Church for weekly Facebook Live conversations during the month of February. We will discuss topics such as trauma, social activism, politics, and economics. Plan to engage clergy and community members as we reflect on the history of the Black Church and it's exciting future!

Duke Divinity School will sponsor a free webinar with the Rev. Dr. Audrey B. Warren and United Methodist Church Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. offering guidance and inspiration on how the pandemic might be used to reimagine church space. Registration is required.