The United Methodist Church has continued to carry out its mission despite the unique challenges and uncertainties of 2020. That’s according to the new 2020 State of the Church Report produced by the Connectional Table and United Methodist Communications, themed “Blessed is the Church.”

The report uses the framework of the Beatitudes to share a compilation of stories that provide an inspiring look at the ways the church responded in an unprecedented year – which included a global pandemic, renewed calls to end racism, a delayed General Conference and the possibility of a denominational split.

The Bishop and Cabinet remain committed to our biblical mandate to “love our neighbors as ourselves” and our Wesleyan call to “Do no harm. Do all the good we can. Follow the ordinances (stay in love) with God.” Using Governor Cooper’s latest Executive Order as a guide, the Bishop and Cabinet make these specific recommendations for United Methodist Churches in the Western NC Conference.

The Leadership Development Team is committed to intentionally modeling racial unity, racial healing, and racial reconciliation. As a first step toward working in love and unity in the body of Christ, and toward the endeavor of ethnic equality, the Leadership Development Team seeks to ensure that equal opportunities are given, not only within the ministry of the LDT, but in actual leadership placement and practice for ethnic minorities. In that spirit, Rev. Kari Howard, the chairperson of the WNC Leadership Development Team, made the following statement, affirmed by the Leadership Development Team, at the most recent meeting of the Connectional Table.

This edition of the Means of Grace podcast is a three-part series highlighting four ministries in Western North Carolina who are using green spaces in ministry. These ministries meet people where they are and invite them to something new – an orchard, a story walk, a worship service, exercise, a meal. Part 3 features George Eubanks, Mark Hovis, Sean Bloom, and Rev. Noel Sweezy, friends from the multi-faceted ministry, Common Ground, in Stanley.

These episodes are airing on the Tuesdays surrounding Earth Day to encourage you to consider how you might connect the earth and its Creator with the lives of people in your community. It doesn't take much green space to start an innovative and inspiring outdoor ministry! Be sure to check Part 1 - featuring The Village Green and G.I.F.T. Aquaponics - and Part 2 - featuring Way in the Wilderness: A Church Without Walls.

Join the North Carolina Conference’s first-ever creation care conference, Redeeming Creation. Learn from Duke professors Dr. Jerusha Neal and Dr. Ellen Davis. Celebrate the justice work being done by the Rural Advancement Foundation International. Explore the disconnect between faith and science. All from the comfort of your own home.

Did you know the roof of the WNC Conference Center is covered in solar panels that not only provide enough energy to power the entire building but also provide excess energy that can be redistributed in the community? Rev. Dr. Mark King, WNC Conference Treasurer & Director of Administrative Services, and Joel Gilland, President & CEO of Wesley Community Development, share how the UMC values of creation care and energy efficiency played a role in the design of the WNC Conference Center.