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Brotherhood/Sisterhood Sunday
February 20, 2022 has been approved by the Annual Conference as Brotherhood/Sisterhood Sunday in the local churches. This Affiliate Ministry was organized by clergy and laity in 1893 to provide immediate financial assistance to help parsonage families with the challenges they face when death comes to our clergy members. We have already assisted 13 families since July 2021. |
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2022 Missional Collective Journey
WNCC Mission Engagement has opened registration for the 2022 Missional Collective Journey and welcomes applications. The MC Journey is an immersive learning, five-retreat series designed for a diverse gathering of clergy, laity, and community lovers. Experiential neighboring happens through shared meals, interactive discussions, historical and theological field trips, discernment and planning activities, personal spiritual direction, and corporate spiritual disciplines. |
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Are You Interested in Becoming a UMC Commissioned EarthKeeper?
Presently, there are seven commissioned EarthKeepers in the WNCC, working towards engaging their churches, their communities, and other churches in the WNCC in acts of renewal of, and care for, God’s creation. There is room for many, many more! And an online training opportunity begins on March 18th through the General Board of Global Ministries. |
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Lenten Resources and Studies
The Lenten season is upon us. Find resources and studies from across our United Methodist connection. If the studies currently listed are not quite the right fit for you, bookmark this page and come back often for updates. |
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WNCC PAUMCS To Host National Conference
The Western North Carolina Chapter of PAUMCS (Professional Administrators of The United Methodist Connection Structure) will be hosting the annual conference of the national PAUMCS organization April 21-23, 2022, at Lake Junaluska. In addition to offering continuing education workshops led by leaders in the WNCC, there will also be times of worship led by Bishop Kenneth Carter, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand, and Rev. H. Jae Lee. All church administrators are invited to attend. You don't have to be a member of PAUMCS in order to attend this event. |
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Innovator's Buzz Session (February 28, 2022)
Here's a little invitation for you: Can you join us for a little while on February 28, 2022, via Zoom? A Buzz Session is a gathering where Christian innovators (typically from WNCC churches, though not always!) talk about the projects they're working on, and then have give-and-take of ideas and suggestions for next steps of development from the folks on the call. |
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Applications Open for 2022 Explore Summer Ministry Internships
The Explore Summer Internship exists to help young adults (18-25 years old) discern their call to vocational ministry. The internship is a hands-on experience in a church setting or a church-affiliated organization. Interns engage in a broad range of ministerial work and/or program development then reflect on their experiences. Applications are due February 16, 2022. |
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Spiritual Renewal Grant for Clergy and Laity in Ministry
This season of ministry has been hard on leaders and many are exhausted, discouraged, and in need of time away. The WNCC Leadership Development Team wants to help nurture your own spiritual growth, as you nurture the spiritual walks of others. This could be through a renewal retreat or by engaging with a Spiritual Director. Ministry leaders (clergy and lay professionals) who sign up for a Spiritual Renewal offering, and pay a personal investment of $50 toward the experience, are eligible for up to $500 to cover the cost of registration, fees, and lodging/travel expenses. |
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OTHER NEWS
- It's Black History Month! No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is everyone’s story. The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race offers resources for Black History Month including 29 Ways You Can Participate in Black History Month, Do's and Don'ts - Helping White Congregations Observe Black History Month, and Black History Month Activities for Kids.
- C. DeWitt Foard and Associates, PA, CPAs, a nationally renowned accounting firm and also the Western NC Conference’s auditors, is offering WNC clergy $50 off usual tax preparation fees for 2021 returns. Simply mention you are a WNC clergyperson or spouse to receive the discount. Returns can be submitted from all regions of the conference.
- Over the past two years, the world has changed dramatically and our ways of doing church have been disrupted. In the latest episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Bishop Carter explores four interrelated pathways to the Post-Covid Church. This is a journey we are called to walk together.
- Global Ministries launched a new initiative joining interfaith partners in an effort to increase the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine around the world. The project was established to support UNICEF’s interfaith movement to end the pandemic. The Love Beyond Borders campaign will support COVAX’s initiative to equitably distribute vaccines around the world. For just $37 dollars, you can help provide 10 people with two doses of the vaccine. Global Ministries has created this project to ensure that 100% of donations go directly to UNICEF USA
- The Smoky Mountain District of Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church is seeking candidates for the position of District Administrative Assistant. The purpose of this position is to support the District Superintendent as he/she both resources the mission and ministry of the churches within that district, and will foster a relationship with clergy and
candidates associated with the district. Read the full job description and find directions for application.
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UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:
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Upcoming Events at Starrette Farms
The Welcoming Prayer Using the Labyrinth - Saturday, February 26, 9:30 a.m.
Using the ancient prayer practice of walking the Labyrinth, you will learn to release and return with an open-hearted embrace of all that is in ourselves and the world.
Stations of the Cross - Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m.
We will explore the history, the scriptures, and experience the newly-created Stations of the Cross prayer walk —nestled in a peaceful setting leading through the woods near the labyrinth at Starrette Farm Retreat Center. Limited to 20 participants.
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Youth Ministry Network Retreat & Resource Gathering
March 7-9, 2022
Get excited for the next Youth Ministry Network Gathering! We will be getting together to share resources and ideas, and to develop a network of collaboration and encouragement for one another and our ministries with young people. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions: youthministry@wnccumc.org. |
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Clergy Leadership Webinar with Author, Tod Bolsinger
Tuesday, March 15, 12:00 p.m.
Join Bishop Carter as he moderates a webinar led by Tod Bolsinger on his book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change. The webinar is open to all clergy in the Western NC and Florida Conferences.
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