About the Podcast

The Latest Edition of E-News - Creation Care, the Sacred Invitation, Reynolds Grant for Leadership, and more

April 28, 2021

E-News - April 28, 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

Means of Grace: Green Spaces in Ministry, Part 2
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 2 features "The Kevins" – Kevin Miller and Kevin Bates – who are starting a new outdoor faith community in the Swannanoa Valley called Way in the Wilderness: A Church Without Walls.

This series encourages you to think about your own outdoor space – it doesn’t take much – and how it can be used in ministry. Listen to Part 1, featuring The Village Green in Cashiers and G.I.F.T Aquaponics & Shepherds Garden in Wingate. Part 3 airs next Tuesday, May 4th.

Your Conference Creation Care Ministry Team is Gearing Up!

Do you love the beauty of God's creation? Would you like to become more actively and intentionally engaged in caring for it in order to honor and glorify God? Well, your Conference Creation Care Ministry Team is gearing up to help local congregations do just that - either by helping to expand existing creation care ministries or to begin new ones. We are here to serve you!

The Sacred Invitation

The Sacred Invitation is a twelve-month program specifically designed for those who hunger for a holistic approach to the inner work that deepens their life with God. It equips and empowers them to love and lead from the Center out. Registration is open now.

United Methodist Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Update

If you applied for the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program for the 2021-2022 academic year, please be advised that letters about the status of awards will be sent out via US mail around the middle of May 2021. If you receive a scholarship, important instructions and information regarding the next steps to secure your award will be included.

Apply by April 30th for the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership

The Reynolds Program in Church Leadership is a one-year leadership development certificate program offered to United Methodist clergy in the Western North Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, North Georgia and Florida conferences.

ONDCP Rural Faith-Based Series: Connecting Faith to Prevention

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has organized a series of four workshops for rural faith leaders to come together to discuss, learn, and share information and resources to help individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). The next workshop will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021. Learn more and register today.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Bishops call for dismantling systematic racism in aftermath of George Floyd verdict
The Council of Bishops stands together with all justice-loving people around the world in prayerfully bearing witness to the jury’s decision that convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd.

Laboring with God for the Kingdom on Earth: A Devotion Given to the Asian Ministries Network on March 31, 2021
Rev. David Lee offers a moving devotion reflecting on his experience as a Korean-American in school, society, and the United Methodist Church. Rev. Lee reminds us that it is our call as Christians to work with God towards the fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Both/And Worship Technology Grants
During the Covid-19 quarantine, most churches were forced to focus on online worship in new ways. As the quarantine comes to an end, churches will be exploring what it looks like to offer both in-person and online worship. The Office of Church Development is making up to 200 grants available to help churches assess their needs, purchase equipment, and provide training improve their online worship presence. This grant is designed to help churches explore and implement best practices for offering BOTH online AND in-person worship. Learn more and apply today!

Now Accepting Denman Award Nominations
Do you know someone in your church who has excelled in evangelism this year? The Western North Carolina Conference is now accepting nominations for The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Lay, and Youth.

Harambee 2021: Apart but Connected!
The National BMCR Youth Harambee, a retreat sponsored by the national office of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc to celebrate and nurture the gifts, talents, and willing hearts of United Methodist Youth - will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19. As we shift to this virtual method, our registration will also look a bit differently as well. The end of Early Bird registration is coming up quickly in 2 weeks. We look forward to seeing you all on June 25-26th for Harambee 2021! Although we will be apart, we will still be connected!

These events focus on helping youth and young adults understand BMCR's history, purpose, and focus on equipping and supporting Christian youth. This event is for youths ages 12-18.

UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:

Faith into Action: Advocating for Children in NC
Thursday, May 6, 1 p.m.
Join us on May 6th for Faith into Action: Advocating for Children in NC. The Western NC Child Advocacy Network, Congregations4Children (WNCCUMC), and NC Child will share their experience and expertise related to child advocacy.

Experiencing Fresh Expressions
Saturday, May 15
Come enjoy a day of interactive learning about Fresh Expressions, new ways of thinking about evangelism, and how you can impact your local community for Christ. Sponsored by the Uwharrie District, Experiencing Fresh Expressions will be held on May 15th at the Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. Learn more and register today!

Annual Conference 2021
Save the dates for Annual Conference 2021!
Virtual Clergy Session (Private Livestream) - Friday, June 11, 10 a.m.
Virtual Annual Conference (Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Conference Website) - Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.
Ordering of Ministry Service (Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska) - Saturday, June 19 - Commissioning Service, 10 a.m. - Ordination Service, 2 p.m.

Stay up to date with the latest Annual Conference news, updates, and announcements at www.ac2021.org.

Director of Communications: Melissa McGill

Communications Ministry Assistant: Aimee Yeager