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.
Celebrating Black History Month in the WNCC: Rev. Dr. James Walter Ferree, Sr.
2/16/2023
#BeUMC
Personal Reflections
Did you know that Rev. Dr. James Walter Ferree, Sr. was involved in realigning the North Carolina-Virginia Conference into what is now the three separate North Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Virginia Conferences?
In this short bio, Conference Archivist and Historian Jim Pyatt tells a story of Rev. Dr. Ferree's influence in The United Methodist Church.
The Latest Edition of E-News - Statistical reporting due today, Learn more about Lighthouse Congregations, Join Bishop Carter for a Lenten study, and more
2/15/2023
News
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"Caring for God's Creation" Art Contest
2/14/2023
Creation Care
Calling all visual artists! The Conference Creation Care Ministry Team is sponsoring an art contest featuring the theme "Caring for God's Creation" as expressed on canvas or paper using pen, pencil, markers, oils, paints, charcoal, or watercolors. Submissions of photographs of the artwork are due via email by May 5th to metrocreationcare@gmail.com. Additional rules apply. The top three placers in each of three age categories will be displayed at this year's Annual Conference at the Creation Care Ministry table area.
The Spiritual & Psychological Value of Knowing & Being Known through Examination, Confession, & Celebration
2/14/2023
Spiritual Care
A 2 Day Lenten Retreat at Starrette Farm
Saturday, March 17 - 1 pm to 8 pm
Sunday, March 18 - 9 am to 4 pm
Through the practices of examination, confession & celebration, we seek to move beyond shame, blame and condemnation and revive the beauty and goodness of who God made us to be. "Penance [self-knowledge, confession, and celebration] is a form of spiritual medicine which helps us to bring a soul back into harmony." (from Celtic Christianity).
During this retreat, you will:
? Identify your early church experience of confession-for good or bad-and how it shaped your image of God and self.
? Explore the spiritual and psychological value of coming to your senses, turning Homeward, assured of celebration (Luke 15:11-32).
? Receive a clear perspective on the soul, its role, and how to bring a weary, thirsty soul back into harmony (Willard, Wesley, & Maya Angelou).
? Learn ways to recognize God’s voice (Genesis 4: 1-7).
? Find healing through greater self-knowledge and opening ourselves to being fully known by God (Ignatius, Wilson & others).
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UMCOR Response to Earthquakes in Turkey & Syria
2/14/2023
#BeUMC
Leading In Community
Mission
Statistical Reporting for 2022 is DUE FEB. 15!
2/13/2023
Administration
Statistical Reporting for 2022 is DUE FEB. 15!
To Our Local Church Pastors, Treasurers, and Membership Secretaries:
The Western North Carolina Conference statistical system (NEW: ACStats) will open on January 3, 2022, and thus, be available for input of 2022 information. All statistical information must be entered and complete by Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Celebration of Foster Families
2/13/2023
#BeUMC
Check out this mission Rebekah and Robert Ralph started for foster families in their community.
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Lenten Bible Study
2/13/2023
Bishop - Feature
Bishop - News
Join Bishop Carter for a Lenten study featuring a combination of live Zoom conversations and weekly reflections with discussion questions.
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New Safer Sanctuaries Book!
2/13/2023
Children and Youth
Childrens Ministry
Christian Education
News
Older Adult Ministry
Youth Ministry
A new Safer Santuaries book will be published in April 2023. The publisher, Upper Room Books, has priced these books at $49.99 each; however, the conference has preordered the books and will be offering them to United Methodist churches in the Western NC Conference at a deep discount. For only $10, we will ship a copy of Safer Sanctuaries to you, once we receive them after publication in April 2023! Preorder your copy today at https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/safersanctuaries.
Clergy Excused Absence Requests for AC2023
2/10/2023
AC2023
WNC clergy who are in full connection, provisional members, associate members, and local pastors are required to attend the Western North Carolina Annual Conference meeting, June 15-18, 2023. If ...