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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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Means of Grace: Fulfilling the Mission, Yadkin Valley District Highlight
The Yadkin Valley District has much to celebrate. In this week's episode of the Means of Grace podcast, we talk to Rev. Dr. Sam Moore, the District Superintendent and Rev. Randy Blanchard, the District Vitality Associate about everything from the ways their pastors have adapted to the pandemic, to the ways that leaders at every level have continued to serve Christ for the transformation of the world. And we at the Means of Grace Podcast invite you to celebrate with them and give God thanks and praise for the ways that God's Spirit is moving in this district.
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Neighborhood Seminary offers 10-week course on Jemar Tisby's "The Color of Compromise"
Join Neighborhood Seminary in a ten-week study of Jamar Tisby’s book, The Color of Compromise, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jim Melson, Tuesdays October 5-December 14, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Western North Carolina (WNC) United Methodist clergy and laity are eligible for a $115 scholarship. You must pay the full registration fee and will then be reimbursed. To access this scholarship, please send an email to Kim Ingram. WNC clergy in extension ministry or an appointment beyond the local church (only) may utilize this training to meet the quadrennial ethics training requirement. Full participation is expected. |
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Antiracism Ethics Trainings Have Gone Virtual
Upcoming sessions begin October 10, 17, 25, and November 8
The Virtual RISE! Workshop is an eLearning course which includes self-paced lessons, online small group discussions, and scheduled Zoom meetings spanning approximately 12 days with the following format:
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Orientation Session via Zoom (evening) |
| Days 2-5 |
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Four Self-Paced Lessons via eLearning Platform |
| Day 6 |
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Two 3-hour Zoom Sessions (morning and afternoon) |
| Days 7-11 |
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Two Self-Paced Lessons via eLearning Platform |
| Day 12 |
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Two 3-hour Zoom Sessions (morning and afternoon) |
We are offering four (4) more options for Virtual RISE! Workshops through the end of this year. The Virtual RISE! Workshops are NOT district-specific so you can choose any virtual workshop with dates that will work for you.
RISE! is designed to equip and support spiritual leaders to recognize, confront, and challenge racism and cultivate an equitable future. |
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2021 United Methodist Men Give Day
Sunday, October 18, 2021
The General Commission on United Methodist Men is committed to our mission to “Coach men & youth to THRIVE through Christ, so others may know Christ.” We also know that we are not in this race alone. Leaders in men’s and scouting ministries are doing the remarkable and we continue to expand our ministries. All of this requires additional funding beyond our normal revenue resources. We invite you to join us in this race for new disciples on October 18, our third annual UMM Give Day. |
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UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:
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Transforming Minds: The Role of the Church in Mental Illness
Sunday, October 3, 7 p.m.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very detrimental effect on mental health, such as significant increases in mental health symptoms, difficulty accessing treatment, increased risk for mental illness symptoms post-COVID in persons without prior mental health disorders, and poorer outcomes for those with mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has also raised awareness of disparities in the health care system. Faced with this sobering situation, how can the church help those who are affected by mental illness? What do persons affected by mental illness need from a faith community? Can the church actually do harm to persons with mental illness? These are some of the many topics that will be discussed during this important and timely event. |
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Register for Upcoming Innovator's Buzz Session
Monday, October 4, 12 p.m.
Here's a little invitation for you: can you join us for a little while on October 4 by Zoom? A Buzz Session is a gathering where Christian innovators (typically from WNCC churches, though not always!) talk about the project 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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Virtual Clergy Meetings with Bishop Ken Carter
Wednesday, October 6, 10 a.m.
Many WNCC clergy had the opportunity to welcome Bishop Carter in the first of two virtual clergy meetings. The next virtual meeting will be October 6 for clergy to greet Bishop Carter and enter into dialogue around the question: What is our focus as an annual conference? Or said differently, what is the one thing that is necessary? (Luke 10:41).
These webinars are limited to active and retired clergy. Registration is required. You will receive a Zoom email confirmation after your clergy status has been verified by staff.
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Starting a Creation Care Ministry at Your Church
Thursday, October 21 and Sunday, October 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
Are you interested in beginning or expanding a Creation Care Ministry at your church? If so, then get ready for the Green Church Initiative that is coming in October! It provides a variety of practical, intentional creation care related actions from which each church may choose to implement within the areas of Worship, Discipleship, Stewardship, Evangelism, and Mission. Lay persons who are interested in learning more about how to start a Creation Care Ministry at their church, as well as those who want to receive more details about the Green Church Initiative, may register to attend one of the virtual training sessions offered by the Conference Creation Care Ministry Team on Thursday, October 21st, and Sunday, October 24th, from 7:00-8:30pm. To register, email CreationCareWNCC@gmail.com and provide the name and address of your church, as well as which session you prefer to attend. |
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Future of 'First Churches': Foundations, Partnerships and Legacies
Duke Divinity School's Office of Wesleyan Engagement is hosting a free two-part interactive lunch time seminar with Bishop Ken Carter and Rev. Dr. Audrey B. Warren entitled "The Future of “First Churches”: Foundations, Partnerships and Legacies." This event is geared toward clergy and laity serving churches that have historically found themselves at the geographic and spiritual center of their community regardless of whether the church is called “First Church.” The first session will be held November 8, 2021, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., and the second session will be held February 22, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. |
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