News

For Such a Time as This, the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Spiritual Growth Virtual Retreat 2020 is coming to you online June 12-14.

Bishop Leeland shares details for the 2020 Virtual Clergy Session which will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. as a Zoom webinar.

The Committee on Relief has secured a donation of cloth face masks through FEMA. These masks are available to staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations and will be available to distribute in the next week(s).   Interested churches or organizations should fill out the following request form. COR will review requests and distribute masks. For additional information contact Ben Rogers (brogers@wnccumc.org).

Check out the Mission Engagement Blog page for a new blog by Caroline Wood. This month's topic is Mission During Covid-19 - 2020: Back to the Basics.

An extensive resource from Candler School of Theology featuring in-depth guidance and advice from an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners. This guide includes theological foundations, benchmarks, best practices, planning checklist, and practical solutions.

In the aftermath of police killings of unarmed Black people, the bishops of The United Methodist Church today called on all United Methodists to act now by using their voices, pens, feet and hearts to end racism.

An open letter to United Methodists from the White Bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

We, United Methodists in The Western North Carolina Conference, join our voices with The North Carolina Conference in witness, protest and promise in these times of violence against our Black brothers and sisters.

May 28, 2020 The past two days have reminded us of the chaos, hurt, distrust, and anger, that emerges all too frequently in our communities. The news of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis has shocked and awakened us once again to the injustice still present in our world. My thoughts are focused on the family and friends who are grieving and all who are impacted by the traumatic effects of racism and violence.  The Church has consistently denounced racial discrimination and violence. As United...

We have curated a list of resources for celebrating Pentecost virtually with your congregation and small groups, or at home with your family!

Bishop Paul L. Leeland will continue to serve the Western North Carolina episcopal area until the postponed Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference in November, 2021. We celebrate Bishop Leeland’s extended ministry in Western North Carolina and express gratitude for his continued faithfulness in leading our Conference.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy all that Tekoa has to offer with your family?  This summer you can!  We are offering Family Camp for the first time in our history!

Our nation will soon pass a grievous point in history: 100,000 Americans will have died from COVID-19. As people of faith, we cannot allow this grim number to go unnoticed. Always and everywhere, it is the duty of religious communities to remember the dead and mourn their passing. We call on religious and political leaders to take a time of prayer, Monday, June 1st at 12 p.m. to acknowledge, lament, and mourn all those we have lost.

Coach facilitated help sessions are being offered to clergy moving in a crazy time through the generosity of the Duke Endowment.

The Commission on the General Conference has announced new 2021 dates for General Conference following the postponement of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

On May 19, the Extended Cabinet of Western North Carolina met virtually to connect and collaborate on shared ministry. As a Church, a conference and as cabinet leadership, our primary focus is on our mission and values as we move through this pandemic. We celebrate the strength of our Connection as United Methodists. The Bishop and the Cabinet continue to meet virtually and to evaluate the changing landscape for our churches, providing new updates, guidelines and resources regularly to facilitate local church ministry and support pastors and church leaders., caring for each other in good times and in times of crisis.

On this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Melissa talks with the Rev. Susan Suarez Webster about building bridges between our churches and the community. Susan is the assistant pastor for community outreach at Central United Methodist Church in East Charlotte and the recipient of the 2020 Sydnor Thompson, Jr. Community Leader Award from Mecklenburg Ministries. MeckMin describes this award as honoring local leaders committed to building bridges of understanding, compassion and justice. She will be honored at a May 27 fundraising breakfast that will be held virtually for the first time. Listen at www.wnccumc.org/meansofgrace or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rev. Denise Kilgo-Martin walks through three tutorial videos of using StreamYard to live stream worship - starting with a basic, introductory video and moving into advanced features.

he Council of Bishops (COB) has announced new dates for the 2020 Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States which have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference.

We are proud to announce the following winners of UMAC Awards from Western North Carolina.

Bishop Leeland announces an appointment change to the Western North Carolina Cabinet, effective July 1, 2020.   Rev. Beth Crissman will be appointed as Senior Pastor of West Market Street United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. Beth has served as the District Superintendent and Chief Missional Strategist in the Blue Ridge District in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2016. Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls will be appointed as District Superintendent of the Blue Ridge District. Mark has served as Senior Pastor of First Hendersonville since 2015.

In light of present challenges and future uncertainties related to the COVID-19 virus, all Hood Theological Seminary fall 2020 courses with more than 10 enrolled students will meet 100% online. Non-degree and audit students welcome!

As the state of North Carolina prepares to enter Phase Two, the Cabinet has updated our Conference Guidelines for In-Person Worship and Ministry During COVID-19. These will be effective Saturday May 23, 2020 and will remain in effect until at least June 30, 2020. In alignment and compliance with public health guidance, governmental mandates, and our scriptural and Wesleyan call to "love others" and “do no harm,” these guidelines are to be followed by churches in the Western North Carolina Conference. We have also prepared a Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate ministry concerns at this time.

As the State of North Carolina loosens restrictions imposed on the public related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the churches in The Western North Carolina of The United Methodist Church face a variety of the same questions and issues faced by the business community as they look toward opening their doors again. Find information related to employee/employer AND church/public risks when re-opening.

Video editing is the process of taking raw footage from your smartphone or other camera and formatting it for your viewers. This training from UM Communications will help you learn how to use Adobe Rush to edit your videos and format them for popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Alex A. Shanks explores why reopening a church is different than reopening a business. "Planning for the future during COVID-19 presents challenges for the church unlike any other. How will we lead in a time of change?"

It is moving season! The Mission Response Center has an abundance of cardboard boxes available until supplies run out for anyone taking a new appointment, moving, or in need of boxes for any reason. Options for obtaining boxes: Schedule a time to pick up boxes at the MRC either individually or by pallet (~60 boxes per pallet) loaded onto your pickup truck. If you are in need of more than two pallets of boxes you can schedule them to be delivered. Contact Ben Rogers at brogers@wnccumc.org for ...

As we emerge from the crisis of the last weeks and enter a new era of being church, establishing strong spiritual disciplines requires innovation, mutual support and accountability. Join one of these learning sessions to grow alongside your clergy and lay peers.

With questions arising about viral safety and communal singing, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Chorus America, Barbershop Harmony Society, and Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA) present an important webinar about the near term future of singing as we seek fact based solutions in protecting our singers, teachers, and conductors during this time.

The Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers advice for pastors facing ministerial transition during this unprecedented time.

With Facebook rolling out the new Live Producer, we want to be sure you have the information you need to keep live streaming your services! *Please note, as of now, the camera option for Live Producer only works in the Chrome Beta and/or Firefox browsers.

The Bishops of The United Methodist Church are calling for justice and the eradication of racism and white supremacy in the aftermath of the killing of an unarmed Black man, Ahmaud Arbery, in Brunswick, Georgia.

The clergy session of the Western North Carolina Conference will be held virtually this year using the Zoom platform on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m.

The latest edition of E-News includes the re-opening guidelines from the WNCC Bishop and Cabinet, summer missions and VBS considerations, stories of local congregations, and more.

Announcement of suspension of scheduled summer camp and addition of new summer opportunities Also announcement of the Tekoa "Raise Your Candles High" Emergency Fund campaign

In this episode, Caroline and Brian check in with Rev. Louis Timberlake for an update on the conference Innovation initiative that began at Annual Conference last year. Listen at https://www.wnccumc.org/meansofgrace or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about the Innovation initiative at http://www.wnccinnovation.org/ Complete a few questions here to be included in the number of innovative ministries in WNCC. https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/WNCCInnovatorsInformationSurvey

First United Methodist Church in Mocksville dedicates itself to caring for seniors in two stages of life - homebound and college-bound.

Join the Conversation about "Ten Questions to Consider when Rethinking this Summer's Mission Experience"

UPDATED May 21, 2020: Phase One guidelines are no longer in effect. Please find the Phase Two guidelines and FAQs here. Phase Two is effective starting Saturday, May 23, 2020 and will remain in effect until at least June 30, 2020. ------- Greetings, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:   We give thanks for the many ways that you have continued to be the body of Christ during this pandemic. Your innovation and creativity are to be applauded. As a state, we are...

Check out our new Mission Engagement Blog.

Using examples of three United Methodist Churches in the WNCC, Aimee Yeager explores some of the ways our perspectives of online ministry have shifted in the wake of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of the Louisiana Area has made history by becoming the first Hispanic woman to be president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.

May 4, 2020 As congregations, laity, and clergy, continue to deliver exceptional ministry to our communities, we have been inspired by the gracious spirit pervading our entire annual conference. Many churches have given careful thought to sharing worship online, expressing the faith of Jesus through hymns, music, scripture, and inspirational messages. Our communities have witnessed the kindness and compassion of the church through food and clothing initiatives. It has been inspirational and ...

Bishop Leeland and the Western North Carolina Cabinet have made the following local church appointments for the 2020-2021 year.  View the full list at the link below. 

We realize many churches may be struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Conference wants to partner with you in these ways - (1) A three-month waiver of the local church component of pension and health benefit premiums. (2) The establishment of the WNC Connexion Fund to help our WNC congregations support clergy and their families as they continue to lead our ministries. (3) Interpretation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

As livestreaming worship becomes a higher priority, many churches are looking to level up their media production from a smartphone to more advanced camera equipment. Eric Brown, founder of Picnic Table Productions, shares some broad equipment options at various price points to aid in streaming online content for congregations.   LOW Cost option (<$400) This is ideal for small setups with one person only (like a pastor) on a stationary shot.  Audio will be taken from the sanctuary’s sound system ...

Bishop Leeland and the Cabinet have made the decision to postpone the Western North Carolina Annual Conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of our traditional three-day event, the decision has been made to hold a one-day Annual Conference session on the afternoon of Saturday, August 8 at Lake Junaluska. The Ordering of Ministry Service where persons will be ordained, commissioned, and licensed for ministry will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

Peer learning sessions for clergy and church leaders who are experiencing an appointment change during this season of physical distancing and disrupted church activities.

Fresh Expressions is hosting webinars on how to navigate the complexities of being the church during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Otto Harris will join the Western North Carolina Extended Cabinet, effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Harris leads the Comprehensive Plan of Equity, a conference-wide initiative centered around anti-racism in Western North Carolina launched last year.