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CONFERENCE NEWS

Bay Area Food Bank Needs Your Vote for $100,00

The Bay Area Food Bank, serving 24 counties in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, is one of four national finalists in the Today Show’s "What Do You Care About Today" promotion. The winning non-profit agency will receive a $100,000 grant from Pepsi.

The Food Bank was nominated by the Georgetown-Chunchula UMC in Georgetown, Ala. Rev. Diane Baldwin, pastor of the church explains why the church made the nomination for one its neighbors. “The church is a member agency of the Bay Area Food Bank and we have worked with them to bring a mobile food pantry to our local community. As part of that process, we began hearing about the increasing need for food along the coast - due in large part to the oil spill in the gulf.

“We felt the desperate need for both funds and volunteers and we thought this promotion through NBC may be a way to help them. The Bay Area Food Bank is an incredible agency that does so much to help so many, and is able to target funds to communities needing the most assistance.

According to its website: The Bay Area Food Bank, working through member organizations and special programs, provides nutritious food to meet the challenge of feeding people who are hungry as a result of personal crisis or disaster. The Bay Area Food Bank will educate the public regarding domestic hunger, proper nutrition and related issues.

“We want to strengthen the connection between community agencies and the Church,” said Baldwin. “It’s powerful when God works through our combined service.”

You can visit http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38027143/ns/today-what_do_you_care_about_today/   to watch a video about the food bank and vote online (one vote per person). All votes must be in by 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, July 6.

Oil Spill Prayer Vigil Ongoing at Point Washington UMC

Point Washington United Methodist Church is in the middle of a prayer viigil for the gulf coast oil spill. The vigil began last night, July 1, at 6 p.m. and concludes tonight at 6 p.m.  All are invited to join them in prayer for every aspect of God's creation impacted by the recent oil spill - for our precious waters of the Gulf of Mexico, for the marine life who depend upon these waters for their health and survival, for the people who have been impacted physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually by this tragedy, and for all those who are working to stop the leak and to clean up the environment and to minister to all who have been affected by it. 

Join them as they gather as the body of Christ to seek God's presence, mercy and guidance, to ask for God's wisdom, help and healing, and to affirm our faith that God is with us, even in the midst of this seemingly endless tragedy.   "Prayers for healing for creation and our community" will be a community prayer vigil - open to people of all faith backgrounds.  During the 24-hour period, Point Washington UMC is opening its doors and inviting the community to come and pray - silently or aloud, alone or in small groups, for a few minutes or a few hours.  Church members will be present to pray with you, if you would like, or you may choose to pray alone in the sanctuary or at The Stephens Center.  The Stephens Center will offer creative means for deepening prayer and reflection, including walking a Prayer Labyrinth.  

Point Washington United Methodist Church is located approximately 3 miles east of the intersection of Highway 98 and U.S. 331.  Turn north (toward the Bay) on Hwy 395 and travel about one mile due north, about a quarter-mile past the entrance to Eden Gardens State Park.  The address is 1290 North Highway 395, Santa Rosa Beach.  

For more information contact Point Washington UMC at 850-231-4928 or ptwumc@embarqmail.com; Brandy Baker at nan@purrfectspots.com; 850-865-1887; or Pat Luna at 334-202-9440 or patluna@charter.net.

Gulf Coast Oil Spill: The Connection Responds

(UMCOR) Almost five years after hurricanes wreaked havoc on the US Gulf Coast, residents thought they were reaching recovery. But when a British Petroleum oil rig ruptured, taking the lives of 11 workers and leaking millions of gallons of crude each day into the gulf and onto beaches, new troubles set in. Congregations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Florida are mobilizing to provide the affected with spiritual and emotional care and with special attention to children. School kits for children returning to classes in the fall are in demand, as parents struggle to meet family needs and deal with the loss of livelihoods in the fishing and tourism industries. Given the specialized nature of the cleanup, volunteers are not being asked to mobilize. As UMCOR works with Annual Conferences in the affected areas to assess needs and appropriate responses, your prayers and solidarity are requested. More>>

Gulf Coast Resources for Prayer and Action
Click here for Gulf Coast resources for prayer and action.

AWF Conference To Send Second Mission Team to Haiti -- August 17-25

(Susan Hunt) In May, our first conference UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers In Mission) team went to Haiti to work with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), UMVIM and the United Methodist Church in Haiti after the devastating earthquake on January 12. This team was one of the first 5 teams to go to Haiti in the new system coordinated through UMVIM. Working with the Methodist Church of Haiti will ensure the work we do there will be meaningful and helpful, and the work teams do is what the Haitians have decided they need the most.

We are currently scheduling a second team to travel to Haiti August 17-25. If you are interested in participating with this team, contact Glenn Glover, Conference UMVIM Coordinator, at umvim@awfumc.org, or 334-703-1115. There is space on this team for 12 people. The goal is to have as many potential team leaders on this team who will lead future teams there, so first priority will be given to those willing to take future teams.

UMCOR is employing two Haitians for every American team member who serves there. The people they employ are assisting teams as cooks and interpreters, and also working as carpenters, painters, de-construction workers, and more. Plus, UMCOR is matching the project funds brought by each team ($3,500 per team). Funds are used for building materials and to hire laborers. 

The people of Haiti are very grateful for the teams who are coming to help because our teams show them they are not forgotten or in this alone. It shows we care because we’re there, and that brings them hope. The UMVIM motto – Christian Love in Action – is lived out through our teams.

The media has already moved on to other matters so we rarely hear about Haiti in the news anymore, but the situation in Haiti is as dire as ever. The immediate needs for trauma care are not as revalent. However, the current health issues are still serious and revolve around diseases such as malaria and typhoid as well as other healthcare problems such as diabetes and malnutrition. The unsanitary conditions and destruction are everywhere; the need for teams will continue for many years to come. 

Catapult Conference - September 22-24

From Bishop Paul L. Leeland: "On September 22-24, lay and clergy leaders of the Conference will gather at Christ UMC in Mobile for our first ever Catapult Conference. This is a phenomenal opportunity to learn from some of the most influential leaders in the Church today. Keynote speakers include Mike Slaughter, Alan Hirsch, Deb Hirsch, Reggie McNeal and Dr. Brian Russell of Asbury Seminary. In addition, numerous break out sessions will focus on action and implementation, one of which will be led by Lance Ford of shapevine.com.

This training is a response to the dramatic changes that have re-shaped our culture, and a recognition that our churches are not in a healthy position to effectively reach today’s non-Christians. The United Methodist Church in the U.S. loses 1,500 members every week and the rate of decline is increasing! While we might bemoan our losses, the real tragedy is the huge and growing number of people with no experience of the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ."

Catapult gathers Jesus followers of any tribe for encouragement and equipping in a post Christendom world. We explore how organic movements, innovations, and creative partnerships help the Church to be signs of the reign of God.

Community sessions reinforce the truth of God’s mission in the world. Breakout sessions equip for participation in the mission of God. Networking creates a web of innovation and encouragement for this North American mission field. Catapult sends you as an agent of transformation in your neighborhood, your church, your city, your world. Catapult will be held September 22-24, 2010 at Christ UMC in Mobile, Ala. Find out more, and register, at www.catapultconference.com. 

You Can Help Camp Discovery

(Blue Lake Camp) FACT: CAMP DISCOVERY is a week of worship, learning, fun, and safety for the children of  United Methodist Inner City Mission of Mobile, Ala.

FACT: Because of the current environment of fear and frustration on the Coast, camp this year is more important than ever to these families, and 60+ children have signed up to attend this life enhancing experience at wonderful Blue Lake Camp.

FACT: Traditional scholarship funding has been depleted due to record requests for financial assistance.

FACT: Blue Lake Camp is committed to hosting this camp and needs the help of churches, UMW and UMM groups, Emmaus communities, etc. to make this happen.

HOPE:  That the concerned and generous people of the AWF Conference will help Blue Lake give these kids a week of joy and hope.

$155 scholarship per child…...can you help?

Checks may be made out to:
Blue Lake Camp
Discovery Scholarship
8500 Oakwood Lane
Andalusia, Alabama 36420

More UMVIM Team Leader Trainings Scheduled

(Susan Hunt) Interested in leading a mission team, but don't know where to start?  There are two upcoming United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader trainings.  Saturday, August 28 at Saraland United Methodist, and Saturday, September 11 at Brundidge United Methodist.  Both are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Participants will receive a wealth of information on preparing an UMVIM team for service, including such topics as effective project selection, spiritual development, cultural sensitivity for teams, logistics, and finance.

Included in the $35 registration fee is the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook and lunch.  Both training sessions satisfy training requirements for leading an UMVIM team.

Participating in the training does not obligate you to lead a team, but will help you understand the fundamentals of team leadership and will enrich any future Mission experiences you have. You will also gain ideas on places around the world where you can serve.

Maybe you do not think you are qualified to lead a team, or have doubts about your ability to lead a team. Answering God's call to mission is not about feeling equipped or worthy; instead it is about trusting the God who called you to use you as you are. Participating in God's Mission is the call of every Christian. Your willingness to serve can and will transform your life, the lives of those who go with you, and your congregation as well. United Methodist Volunteers In Mission can be a vital tool in helping you and your church be more effective as partners in God's Mission to a hurting and broken world, whether you take a team down the street to your own community or across the globe. For more information, contact Glenn Glover at umvim@awfumc.org or 334-703-1115.

Annual Conference & the Children’s Ministries Display

(Leigh Meekins) At the 2010 AWF Annual Conference the Children’s Ministries of the conference had a display for the first time.  The display was designed by a team of children’s directors from across the conference.  Pictures were collected from churches for the display.  The display was host to a variety of flyers for ministries sponsored by the conference.  In addition, the display offered candy and prayer stones for those who visited the table.

So what does this display have to do with connectionalism?  Connectionalism is about working together to share the Gospel of Christ. As the display design team gathered the pictures for the display they were absolutely amazed at the variety of ministries for children across the conference.  After the display was assembled at Frazer Memorial UMC, several children’s directors staffed the table display to answer questions and give guidance for Children’s ministries.  Several of the children’s directors who staffed the table were new to Annual Conference.  They had not seen the spirit of Christ present at Annual Conference or had the opportunity to connect with others from across our conference. The children’s ministries display allowed for those at Annual Conference to see the ministries happening for children while also helping our children’s directors to see how connected we are as a conference.

The Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference is host to a multitude of children’s ministries, from Vacation Bible Schools, to Blessings of the Back-Packs, to offerings for The United Methodist Children’s Home, to summer camp experiences and retreats, Created by God workshops, and Safe Sanctuaries.  Children’s Directors - whether part-time, full-time, or volunteer - resource each other, share ideas, and create opportunities for children to experience the love of Christ throughout our Conference.  If your congregation needs guidance with ministries for and with children, call Rev. Leigh Meekins at the conference office.  She is the resource person for children’s ministries and safe sanctuaries and will provide you with resources for developing your children’s ministries.

CONNECTION NEWS

2010 STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORT

Envisioning Tomorrow: From the Rich Heritage of Our Past and the Realities of the Present
(UMC.org) This annual snapshot of The United Methodist Church is a resource to help evaluate our current realities, to celebrate the momentum of our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to identify opportunities and challenges as we move forward in ministry. The findings in this report are helping to shape conversations around the future of the church and to inform strategic planning and measurement of success across the life of the denomination. We acknowledge challenges, but we also see signs of hope. More>>

Report Download
Low-resolution version (PDF) - 3MB
High-resolution version (PDF) - 16MB

Membership
Compared to 10 years earlier, membership globally has increased more than 14%; baptized membership has risen nearly 27%.
View membership statistics>>
Addressing decline in US & Europe>>
Areas of growth>>

Conferences and Clergy
United Methodists continue to share God's love in their communities every day.
Conference and clergy statistics>>

Giving
Local churches in the U.S. reported more than $6.5 billion in contributions in 2008.
Learn more about giving trends>>

Additional Resources
Monitor these contributing resources to see what changes will be proposed to General Conference 2012.
Resources>>
Learn more about this report>>

US Congregational Life Study
Participants reported on their sense of belonging in the congregation and their financial commitments to the church.
Read the key findings>>

Growth in Africa outpaces decline in U.S.
(UMNS) The 2010 State of the Church Report tells United Methodists something they are already painfully aware of — U.S. membership is continuing its long decline even as the denomination expands internationally. But Ohio East Area Bishop John Hopkins is hoping that soon such reports also will offer more advice on how to grow members and otherwise “rethink” the church. While various denominational groups produce annual reports and conduct research studies, “nobody looks at the whole,” explained Hopkins, chairperson of the Connectional Table, a 60-member international body that helps coordinate the mission, ministries and resources of The United Methodist Church. More>>

Annual Conference Sessions Coverage
Click here to read reports from Annual Conference sessions across the connection.

Book of Discipline Errata Sheet
Click here for the Errata for the Book of Discipline following the results of the Constitutional Amendments.

Advisory Group Reports on Church Debt and Guaranteed Clergy Appointments
(Newscope) A new report shows that the congregational debt load of local churches rose from approximately $260 to $420 per member between 2000 and 2007, growing about 6 percent faster than the annual inflation rate. “The UMC tracks the major demographics of the nation,” explained the Rev Stan Sutton, treasurer of the West Ohio Annual Conference. Since then, Sutton said, the level of debt has started to drop. But indebtedness has affected the ability of some congregations to pay their apportionments. “When you look across the statistics, you see that it’s not that 35,000 churches have taken on a little debt; it’s that a few churches have taken on a lot of debt,” Sutton said.

Sutton is a member of the Sustainability Advisory Group. The study group formed in the wake of the economic recession that put pressure on conferences and brought greater attention to the financial challenges already facing the church. Barbara Boigegrain, top staff executive of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBPHB), in March 2009 requested volunteers to examine the sustainability of the church’s financial obligations. Staff members from 15 conferences, including benefits officers, treasurers and a director of connectional ministries, joined the endeavor. The group also received support from staff members from the GBPHB and the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA).

The report examining the church’s short- and long-term financial challenges was released in May. Overall, the report suggests some tough solutions may be necessary to help the denomination remain financially viable as membership continues to decline. Such solutions range from eliminating clergy job guarantees to closing and selling “unsustainable” churches to revamping clergy and lay pension plans. In terms of increasing debt, the Sustainability Advisory Group report found that debt levels “appear to be inversely related” to a local church’s financial support of The UMC’s connectional ministries. In 2007, the more than 20,000 churches that paid 95 percent to 100 percent of their apportionments to the general church had an average debt of $476 per congregant. For the more than 8,000 churches paying less than 95 percent, the debt figure was more than 50 percent higher—$721 per church member.

The report recommends that the Book of Discipline be amended to require approval of local church loans by the annual conference itself. The group also suggests establishing debt analysis training for churches and district boards and distribution of a debt analysis process across the connection. The Texas Methodist Foundation has created one model for the analysis process.

The study group report said the church must also confront a hard financial reality regarding guaranteed appointments: The denomination now has fewer people responsible for supporting more clergy. The UMC in the United States has seen its membership decline by 25 percent to fewer than 7.8 million members since its peak in 1968, the report said. More than 80 percent of local churches now have fewer than 125 congregants. Yet the number of active clergy has held relatively steady and the number of retirees has grown by 250 percent. The group suggests following the examples of the Indiana and Missouri annual conferences. The Indiana Conference helps clergy who might do better in another profession with the “Called Anew” program, which includes three to six months of severance. The Missouri Conference provides intervention and training for struggling clergy. But if no improvement happens, the conference counsels ineffective clergy out of pastoral ministry. Another possible savings, the study group said, is extending the terms of appointments. The report is being distributed to bishops, conference benefit officers and task forces studying the future of the denomination. More>>

Churches struggle with debt load
(UMNS) The U.S. housing crisis has filtered down to United Methodist congregations. A new report shows that the congregational debt load of local churches rose from approximately $260 to $420 per member between 2000 and 2007, growing about 6 percent faster than the annual inflation rate. More>>

Pension initiative hits $20 million goal
(UMNS) The United Methodist Church’s Central Conference Pension Initiative has reached its initial fundraising goal of $20 million to help provide for retired pastors like Nyanungo and their surviving spouses. The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits will invest the money. The earnings will pay pensions for about 1,200 retired clergy and 1,300 surviving spouses in 62 central conferences in Africa, Asia and Europe. The pension initiative has set a goal for each central conference to have its own pension system in place by 2014. But Dan O’Neill, managing director for the Central Conference Pension Initiative, is working with his team to accelerate the timeline. Retirees already receive quarterly pension payments under pilot projects in Liberia, Mozambique and Angola. More>>

Pension board sets July 16 public forum
(UMNS) The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits is holding a public forum on July 16 at the Sheraton Northbrook, 1110 Willow Road, Northbrook, Ill., tentatively scheduled for 11:45 a.m. The forum is designed to allow the board of directors to hear concerns of constituents from across the church during the course of its regularly scheduled meeting. To place your name and topic on the agenda, call Colette Nies by July 7 at 1-800-269-2244, ext. 4296, or e-mail her at cnies@gbophb.org.

Peace Conference planned for Lake Junaluska
Set for September 18-21, 2010, the 2010 Lake Junaluska Peace Conference will focus on "Peace for the World's Children." In our world of war, violence, and poverty, all are invited to join hands and work to bring “Peace for the World’s Children.” The plight and promise of children will be featured during the 2010 Lake Junaluska Peace Conference through keynote speaker presentations and workshops which will prepare us to be strong advocates for children in every arena of our lives. Click here for more information.

General Conference 2012 Theme and Logo Selected
(UMCom) The Commission on the General Conference has selected  “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to Transform the World” as the theme for The United Methodist Church’s 2012 General Conference, scheduled for April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla. The theme echoes the mission of The United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world as a way of aligning the General Conference with the denomination’s central mission—so that the conference is not a one-time event, but a part of the ongoing ministry of the church. More>>


UMCOR issues appeal for flood survivors
(UMNS) As a “1,000-year flood” drenched the southeastern United States early last month, viewers were glued to their TVs and other media. However, most of the news reports they saw focused on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the attempted bombing in Times Square, drawing attention—and funds—away from communities pummeled by spring storms. Responding to the crisis, the United Methodist Committee on Relief on June 8 issued a special appeal—U.S. Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670—for all affected areas in the southeastern United States. UMCOR e-mailed the appeal to regular donors. More>>


United Methodists 'net' $2 million for Sierra Leone
(UMNS) Through Imagine No Malaria, a tangible expression of the Global Health initiative, the people of The United Methodist Church have contributed $2 million to distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets in Sierra Leone, where malaria is a leading cause of death. The November 2010 distribution of 2.5 million to 3 million nets will provide almost every household with three nets per family. An integrated health program will dispense Vitamin A supplements and treatments for intestinal worms.

Haiti: Looking toward a future
(UMCOR) In the midst of recovery following the January 12 earthquake that devastated much of Haiti, UMCOR staff met with more than 25 leaders of the Methodist Church of Haiti (EMH) to strategize long-term development. The three-day workshop on looking toward the future in Haiti was attended by circuit superintendents, lay members, and other church leadership from the nine circuits in Haiti as well as by representatives from The General Board of Global Ministries, United Church of Canada and the Methodist Church of Britain. UMCOR consultant Rev. Jim Gulley facilitated the three-day meeting, guiding the group to outline long-term development priorities, goals, and indicators in the areas of health, education, microenterprise, and agriculture. As Haiti approaches the six-month anniversary of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated the country, UMCOR is planning a series of new resources and updates to promote continued solidarity with the Haitian people. Your support for Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325 is as urgent now as it was immediately following the January 12 disaster. Please give generously.


Asbury Seminary's Florida Dunnam campus hosts Doctor of Ministry Open House
Asbury Theological Seminary is hosting an Open House for persons interested in pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Transformational Innovation. The Open House, set for Event August 19, 2010 on the campus in Orlando, offers opportunities for guests to meet with faculty, program directors, and admissions staff. The event is free, and a meal will be served.   Call 800.2.ASBURY or visit asburyseminary.edu to register and find more information.

FOR MORE GLOBAL AND LOCAL UNITED METHODIST NEWS,
check out the press room!

Discipleship board offers July 4 resources

(UMNS) — The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship has worship resources available for Independence Day, which falls on Sunday this year. The board has suggestions for patriotic hymns, a special call to worship and a “A Great Thanksgiving for Independence Day.” The board also recommends Bible verses for family or personal devotional time on July 4. The resources are available here.

2011 United Methodist Program Calendar Now Available
(UMCom)  The official United Methodist Program Calendar  – United Methodist Communications’ top-selling resource – is now available for 2011 in 10 convenient designs. The calendar ranges from electronic to a pocket size that shows a week-at-a-glance. The most popular designs, known as the Standard and the Classic, measure 8.5-by-11 inches and contain monthly planning checklists, lectionary Scriptures, liturgical colors, dates of special Sundays and celebrations, descriptions of offerings, and church agency contact information. A DVD with giving stories and stewardship help is included with the Standard and Classic calendars. To place an order, call toll free (888) 346-3862, or visit www.umcom.org/calendars.

The public is invited to the opening worship service on Thursday, July 22
Bishop James E. Swanson preaching; Bishop Paul Leeland will also be in attendance

7 p.m., Ligon Chapel, Huntingdon Campus, Montgomery, Ala.

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. is the resident bishop of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. An award-winning preacher, Bishop Swanson oversees the Holston Conference, which includes more than 900 churches in Tennessee, southwestern Virginia and northern Georgia. 

This will be a spirit-filled worship experience that you won’t want to miss.  All are invited to attend, whether or not you are participating in the rest of the seminar.

Strengthening the Black Church (SBC21) Event
July 22-24, 2010, Montgomery, AL

“We’ve Come this Far by Faith:  Celebrating our Past, Engaging our Present, Embracing our Future”

What can your church do to become more effective in ministry?  Come to this seminar at Huntingdon July 22-24, 2010. Top-quality speakers will present plenary sessions and workshops on topics such as worship, evangelism, leadership, hospitality, and more.

The event begins on Thursday, July 22, at 5 p.m.  The closing worship and sending forth will conclude at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 24.  For participants coming from outside of the Montgomery area, lodging will be available on campus at Huntingdon College.

Cost is $75 per person to stay on the Huntingdon Campus, which includes housing and meals and registration fees.  There will be a $20 commuter fee for those staying off campus.

For more information, the brochure, and to register, visit the website www.awfumc.org/sbc2010, or contact Susan Hunt at 888-873-3127.

Featured Event: Wesley Heirs Fall Roundup

(Myrt Carr) All retired Methodist ministers and spouses are invited to attend the Fall Round Up for a Celebration of Life, Love, and Laughter at Blue Lake Camp on October 12 - 13. Helen Phillips, past curator of the Victory Garden South at Callaway Gardens, will share "Herbs of the Bible". Helen has strong ties to Wesley Heirs through her mother, Mabel Carlton. Nelda Williams, Ann and Bill Calhoun will be waiting to play board games with those interested. Jo Mixson plans to quench our thirst and tempt us with good snacks. Minta McDavid will lead us in our quest for Spiritual Direction, followed by a devotion led by Bruce Johnson. Dr. Karl Stegall will preach the Memorial Sermon on Wednesday after we remember each departed servant in a special way, led by Jimmy Dannelly, Monette and Charles Walker. Woven through out the two day event will be "Old War Stories" and "Funny Things that Happened on the Way to Heaven" These stories produce much fun, remembrances and laughter by all. Just ask Keron Vickers why he shot the window out in the old parsonage in Seale.

Featured Event: Leadership Institute 2010

(COR) The best years of the church are ahead of us, and in anticipation, this year’s Leadership Institute will focus on “Preparing for a Future with Hope.”  Join Adam Hamilton, the staff of the Church of the Resurrection, and thousands of United Methodists from around the country as we seek to “Prepare for a Future with Hope” at  Leadership Institute 2010 October 7-8, Leawood, Kansas  www.cor.org/institute10
Special Discounts available for young adults, and leaders of new churches.  

Featured Event: Cooperative School of Christian Mission
Dear Friends,

I encourage you to attend the 2010 Alabama – West Florida Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission.  The School will be held July 23 - 24 at Blue Lake Assembly Grounds (Andalusia, Ala.), with an optional day on July 22. Bishop William Morris, who we enjoyed hearing from at the Annual Conference session earlier this month, will be leading a study entitled: “For the Love of God: John’s Letters.” 
Bishop Morris’ study will be offered all day on July 22 and will be repeated on July 23 and 24.  Other study leaders participating include:

• Rev. Dr. Clayton Childers, Board of Church and Society in Washington, D.C.; 
• Rev. Walker Epps, District Superintendent of the Dothan District; and
• Ruth Gynther, retired Auburn professor and active UMW member at Auburn (Ala.) UMC

Dr. Childers and Rev. Epps will each facilitate the study entitled: “Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity.”  This will be a timely look at mission work and evangelism in the Methodist church.  Mrs. Gynther will lead the study, “The Beauty and Courage of Sudan: Why a Dream of Peace is Possible.”  She has taught courses on the Sudan and East Africa and she closely follows the situation in the Sudan. 

This annual school is a tremendous way for clergy and laity alike to gather to explore what it truly means to be in mission. These two days are a wonderful follow-up on our Annual Conference theme of “Nurturing Disciples.”

Studies will be interspersed with worship, fellowship, a mission fair, and even a Sudanese banquet.  Scholarships are available and I encourage anyone seeking a scholarship to apply and be a part of this educational and spiritual opportunity. More information, registration forms, and a scholarship application may be found on our conference website at www.awfumc.org/CSCM2010.  The deadline for registrations is Friday, July 9. The event is sponsored by the Conference Board of Church and Society, the Conference Board of Global Ministries, and United Methodist Women and is open to all. For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Andrews, Dean, at elizand01@aol.com or 850-485-5397.

Nurturing disciples together,
Bishop Paul L. Leeland

Other Upcoming Events

• Student Leadership Institute, July 5-9
• Spiritual Direction Training, July 13-16
• PAUMCS Certification Institute, July 18-23
• SBC 21 Gathering, July 22-24
• School of Christian Mission, July 23-24
• African American Women's Leadership Conference, August 5-7
• Willow Creek Leadership Summit Simulcast, August 5-6
• Soul Care, August 9-10
• Teacher Training, August 21
• AWF Conference Leadership Summit, August 28
• UMVIM Team Leader Training, September 11
• Catapult Conference, September 22-24
• Living with the Wesleys, September 27-30
• Energize {Fall Rally}, October 1-3
• Wesley Heirs Fall Roundup, October 12-13
  2011
• SEJ Clergywomen's Consultation, April 4-7

FOR MORE EVENTS, check out the online calendar!