News
Below are news stories published by the Western North Carolina Conference. We recommend that you also subscribe to ENews and bookmark the United Methodist News Service to be more aware of what is going on in the conference and denomination.
Articles for the news can be submitted here.
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The Latest Edition of E-News - May 6th Special Session is This Saturday, a New Means Of Grace Podcast Episode, and more!
5/4/2023
News
Read this edition of the WNCC E-News published on May 3, 2023.
Celebrating Asian American/Pacific Islander History Month in the WNCC: Rev. Samuel Om
5/4/2023
#BeUMC
Personal Reflections
Did you know that Rev. Samuel Om grew up Buddhist before becoming United Methodist in the WNCC in 2004?
In this short bio, Conference Archivist and Historian Jim Pyatt tells a story of Rev. Om's influence in The United Methodist Church.
Means of Grace: Lighthouse Congregations: Creating a Space for Healing & Hope
5/2/2023
#BeUMC
Connect
Engage
Imagine
Means of Grace
Spiritual Care
Director of Church Development, Rev. Rob Hutchinson, speaks with several pastors of Lighthouse Congregations. Together, they explore what it means to be a Lighthouse Congregation, how these families of faith are creating space for healing and hope for the individuals who find themselves without a church home after painful disaffiliation votes, and how this care-first initiative is providing opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus for our fellow United Methodists.
2023 Convocation and Pastors' School
5/1/2023Please mark your calendars for October 15-17, 2023 for the 2023 Convocation and Pastors’ School at Duke Divinity School. This year, our theme is Growing Where You Are Planted. Registration will open in early to mid July so keep an eye out for the registration link.
Introducing the Good Neighbor Experiment
5/1/2023Faith in Rural Communities, a program of the NC Rural Center, invites all churches to join us on a 4-month journey taking seriously Jesus' call to love our neighbor. The Good Neighbor Experiment includes worship resources, small group study with practices or "experiments" to try, and experienced coaching. The next nationwide cohort is launching July 16, but applications are due June 1. The full cost of the program is $1,000, but Faith in Rural Communities is able to offer scholarships of up to $500.
Remaining UMC Resources
5/1/2023
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This current moment is hard, painful, and maybe even scary. But, you are not alone. Check out these resources for remaining United Methodist, even if your church is disaffiliating.
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The Latest Edition of E-News - 2023-2024 Projected Local Church Appointments, Meet Up with Bishop Carter Tomorrow at Merlefest, and more!
4/27/2023
News
Read this edition of the WNCC E-News published on April 26, 2023.
Women's Weekend at Lake Junaluska
4/27/2023
#BeUMC
Christian Education
Clergy
Connect
Connect and Fellowship
Faith and Theology
Laity
Leadership
News
Older Adult Ministry
Spiritual Care
Ways To Engage Your Congregation
Join your sisters-in-Christ for a Journey to Joy Women's Weekend. Come on your own and make new friends, or come with members of your church, women's group, friends, or family. This weekend promises to bring you closer together with each other and with the Lord.
Laity Forum
4/26/2023
Laity
Laity – Training Opportunities
Leading In Community
Register now for the next Laity Forum - May 22, 6:30-7:45pm via Zoom. Topic: Loving People
https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/LaityEngagementTransformationForumMay222023
School of the Spirit - Cohort #14 Starting Soon
4/26/2023
Spiritual Care
Have you been praying about participating in School of the Spirit this year? Are you or someone you know longing for something deeper in your spiritual life?
We have a few spots left for our next Cohort - Apply Now to begin this Summer.
Journey with other clergy and leaders who long to reclaim the practices and experiences that spiritual seekers down through the ages have used to open themselves to God’s transforming work.
If you have questions, reach out to program director Ann Starrette at starrette@mindspring.com