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| Council on Finance & Administration to offer grants for churches serving as COVID-19 community stations
The WNCC Council on Finance & Administration is setting up a fund for churches to make application for COVID 19 strategies, principally testing and vaccine administration. We know our congregations are being called upon to assist as stations for COVID 19 needs. There is a cost to such in both set up as well as cleaning afterwards. Therefore, the CFA has set aside $250,000 for this effort, with $125,000 specifically set aside to assist our churches of color. Learn how you can apply.
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| UMC bishops offer Lenten Season Devotions
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church will be offering a weekly devotion during the Lenten season which begins this week. Each Wednesday during Lent and every day during Holy Week, a 15-minute recorded devotion, led by a bishop and leaders from their episcopal areas will be released.
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| Means of Grace: Online Worship is Here to Stay with Jason Moore
In this week's episode Luke Edwards talks with Dan Pezet, Director of Church Development, and Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions about designing worship for both in-person and online participants. On Sunday, March 14, 2021, the WNCC Office of Church Development invites you to join Jason Moore for Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences For Online and In-Person Audiences.
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Both/And Worship: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for Online and In-Person Audiences
Join us for Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences For Online and In-Person Audiences on Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The Western North Carolina Conference Office of Church Development is making this opportunity available at no cost to you. This two and a half hour workshop will delve into strategies for how to create powerful, transformative worship where no one feels like they’re an afterthought. Registration is required. |
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| Recognition of Anniversary Churches
As has been the practice for some years, the WNC Conference Commission on Archives and History will recognize all churches celebrating their 100th, 150th, and 200th anniversaries in 2021. If your congregation is celebrating one of these anniversaries this year, please contact Jim Pyatt, Archivist, at jpyatt@wnccumc.org by April 1, so that your church will be included in this year’s recognitions.
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| NC Education Corps seeking tutors for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
The North Carolina Education Corps is on a mission to build a better North Carolina by activating residents to support K-12 students. We seek community-minded change-makers to close the education divide and advance student achievement. Apply by 02/20 to join the inaugural Corps!
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2021 Wesley Theological Seminary MILK, Jr. Lectures
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
Wesley is pleased to invite all to hear this year's guest lecturer, Allissa V. Richardson, PhD, assistant professor of journalism at The University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism (USCAnnenberg) in Los Angeles, CA.
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Webinar: Justice for Black Farmers Act
Tuesday, February 23, 12 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month, join the team at Life Around the Table for an important conversation about the Justice for Black Farmers Act. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend this virtual webinar! Registration is required. |
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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Brotherhood/Sisterhood of the WNCC 2021: Special Recognition and Membership Drive
The WNCC annually approves the third Sunday in February (or other times deemed more suitable) for special recognition of the Brotherhood/Sisterhood. The interest and support of local churches, organizations, and individual members is deeply appreciated and vital since this Affiliated Ministry is entirely self-funded. With the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, let us continue to affirm our clergy and their families. |
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Spiritual Renewal Grant for Clergy/Lay Ministry Professionals
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. |
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Come to the Table offers mini-grants for rural churches
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. |
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UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:
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Racial Healing and the Gospel of Reconciliation
February 18, March 7, and April 24, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:16-20, this workshop will teach reconciliation as spirituality, highlighting biblical examples of reconciliation and our call to be ministers of reconciliation as followers of Christ. With this theological foundation, participants will learn practical strategies for the Church to live out our role in the reconciliation process. Using racial healing as our focus, participants will learn a 6-step process of reconciliation that can be taken back to congregations as a resource tool for further healing and reconciliation in their communities. |
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De-Colonizing the Church: A Commitment to Anti-Racism
Every Thursday for five weeks, beginning February 18, 2 p.m. EST
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.
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A Season of New Beginnings: How Rural Churches Can Use Pandemic-Inspired Innovations
Thursdays, February 25-March 25, 12 p.m.
As the pandemic evolves, our churches continue to learn, innovate, and respond to the needs of our communities. This webinar series explores ways in which we can continue to use and adapt the pandemic-generated tools, resources, and approaches as we move into new seasons of church life post COVID-19.
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People Over Property: Reimagining Church Space in a Pendemic
Thursday, February 25, 1 p.m.
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.
The two will build upon the work presented in their 2020 book Fresh Expressions of People Over Property during the event titled "People Over Property: Reimagining Church Space in a Pandemic." The webinar will be an opportunity to dream and imagine the possibilities when people return to their church facilities after the pandemic.
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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. |
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WNCC Christians Engaged in Faith Formation (CEF)
Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.- 12p.m.
We are excited to begin our work on intentionally connecting people who are leaders in faith formation, especially during our current times. Be on the lookout for more information that is forthcoming. |
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