October 2019 Cabinet Recap

By: Rev. Amy Coles

The Western North Carolina Conference Cabinet met October 23-24 in Huntersville. After a reminder in our opening devotion of the clearing that comes after the fog and our choice in all matters of faith or fear, the Cabinet spent time discussing the importance of consultation with clergy and pastor/staff-parish relations committees in preparation for appointment-making early next spring.  News of potential retirements and on-going consultations was shared so that the Bishop and District Superintendents can begin to prayerfully consider the needs of these congregations and clergy.  The Cabinet was made aware of some health concerns of our clergy and families, and in addition to lifting them up in prayer, also confirmed that their churches were receiving adequate pastoral support.  
 
The Cabinet celebrated the wonderful response of our churches in contributing to the ministries identified in our conference connectional giving. Conference Treasurer Mark King shared the significant information that out of our conference-only $10 million-dollar budget, $3.5 million is returned in various ways to our local churches. In response, the Cabinet clarified that general church, conference, and district grants would be made available to those who contribute missionally through apportionments. The Cabinet also reaffirmed our support of the Development Fund of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, which has lent more than 21 million dollars to churches throughout North Carolina since its inception in 2006. 
 
Some fun was had as well, as the Cabinet joined others in the Conference Office in celebrating three conference staff birthdays.  Finally, the Bishop and District Superintendents learned about and gave thanks for the ministry of the Methodist Home for Children, particularly as their ministry is impacting the lives of children and their families throughout the state of North Carolina and our two conferences. The meeting concluded with prayerful gratitude for the vital ministry of the local churches and missional networks throughout our Conference and their commitment to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their communities and the world.