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The Latest Edition of E-News - Christmas Message from Bishop Ken Carter and more

December 22, 2021

E-News - December 22, 2021
E-News is an email newsletter sent out by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. It contains important news, stories, and events from around our conference. Submit articles for the next e-news. Submit events.

NEWS

The Western North Carolina Conference will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays from Thursday, December 23 until Thursday, December 30. We will reopen for normal hours on Monday, January 3, 2022.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Bishop Carter Shares a Christmas Message with the Conference
As we anticipate the arrival of Christmas, Bishop Ken Carter offers an intercessory prayer and a blessing - reminding us of the hope of Emmanuel, God with us. 
WNCC Christmas Service 2021

The Western NC Conference is pleased to offer a conference-wide virtual worship with a homily from the Bishop, music and liturgy from the Appointive Cabinet and churches around the conference. All videos and the order of worship are NOW AVAILABLE for viewing, downloading, and streaming. Clergy and worship leaders, take a much-needed break after the Advent season and worship with friends around the conference. 
Means of Grace: Being Still When You Can't Sit Still
In the midst of the busiest time of the year, listen in on a conversation with Rob Hutchinson and Ashley Thomas about what it’s like “Being Still and knowing God” is present – even when you can hardly sit still.
Navigating Uncharted Waters
Navigating Uncharted Waters is a ministry leader’s guide designed to help lead congregations through our current times in which the future course for our churches may be unsure, even unsteady, with difficult decisions ahead. This free resource from Plowpoint Ministries offers lectionary-based resources for worship and holy conversation. Currently, January through Transfiguration Sunday is available. The entire year will be developed. 

2022 Mileage Rates
The IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2022.
How a Hickory church is taking on the digital divide among local students, seniors
The people of First UMC in Hickory have found a way to respond to two of their community’s most pressing needs. In doing so, they show us a model for local mission work in the 21st century.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Bishop Carter Offers Simple Guidance for Preachers on Christmas Eve
As pastors and congregations prepare to receive guests on Christmas Eve, Bishop Carter offers simple, heartfelt advice.

A Serenade for Shepherds
"A Serenade for Shepherds" featuring High Point University choirs and Rev. Dr. Michael Brown will air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on ABC affiliate stations in North Carolina and across the nation.
Second Round of the BOTH/AND Hybrid Worship Cohort Grant Now Open!
Your community is eagerly waiting to experience God during your worship service and you have the tools to foster this encounter BOTH in-person AND online! Explore how your church can build relationships online & in-person during monthly cohorts and individual sessions with hybrid worship expert, Jason Moore, and various "learning lab" hands-on training opportunities! 
 
Applications Open for 2022 Explore Summer Ministry Internships
The Explore Summer Internship is a hands-on experience in a church setting or a church-affiliated organization designed to help young adults discern their call to vocational ministry. The application process is now open!
 

UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS: 
2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service
Januray 15, 2022, 10-11:30 a.m. via Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live
The theme of the event is: Infinite Hope: Honoring the Legacy-Advancing the Vision -Fulfilling the Vision of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This year's keynote speaker will be the Rev. Nelson Johnson, Executive Director of the Beloved Community Center in Greensboro, NC.
 
Winter Leadership Training Webinar Series Dates Announced
Like most events during the pandemic, our District Winter Leadership Training Events will look a little different for 2022. Rather than hosting in-person events in each district, we will offer a series of Conference-wide training webinars during the week of January 23-27 to resource and equip all areas of your Church leadership. More details will be announced soon.
 

Transformational Generosity: Enhancing Stewardship In Your Church
Join us on Thursday evenings in January and February for a webinar series on trending best practices and proven strategies for cultivating a culture of year-round generosity. This opportunity is co-sponsored by the Conference Office of Equity & Justice Ministries and the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina.
 

Certificate In Church Treasury
March 5, 12, April 23, 30, 2022, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Conference Office of Treasury Services and the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina will offer a certificate training program for United Methodist volunteer treasurers within our conference. Dr. Mark King and Rev. David Snipes will lead the four-session program on March 5,12, April 2 and 9, from 10 am – 3 pm. 

 

View Conference Calendar

 

E-News will take a break next week for the Christmas holiday. The next issue of E-News will arrive in your inbox on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Until then, we hope you have a merry Christmas and happy New Year! 
Director of Communications: Melissa McGill

Associate Director of Communications: Aimee Yeager