The Alabama - West Florida Conference NewsCONNECTION is the official periodic newsletter provided by the Conference Resource Center.
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CONFERENCE NEWS

Don't Forget Haiti
Second AWF Conference Team Leaves for Haiti on August 17

(Susan Hunt) I remember first hearing about the reports of the Haiti Earthquake through news reports on January 12.  At that point I didn’t think much of it because the first reports did not and could not yet express the devastation as it really was.  Within just a few hours, however, the magnitude of the destruction was more evident and the story turned tragic.  Several hundred thousand people died and many more lost their homes and way of life.  Then we learned that even we as United Methodists were directly affected as several top Church leaders were trapped in the rubble, two of whom would not survive.

The outpouring from United Methodists – and all people from around the world – was generous and swift.  We collected thousands of health kits and more just from our own annual conference and sent them to UMCOR’s Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, from where they would be sent to Haiti.  United Methodist congregations and individuals all over the world have contributed more than $40 million to UMCOR's Haiti Emergency fund. Of these resources, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has already earmarked more than $15 million for immediate and long-term relief. UMCOR is there, providing immediate assistance to survivors and laying the groundwork for a large-scale, long-term recovery effort. more>>

4 Local Pastors Graduate from Course of Study
(June Jernigan)  Four full-time local pastors within the Alabama-West Florida Conference graduated from Course of Study School at Emory University, Candler School of Theology on Friday, August 6. A total of 21 students from throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction graduated in a special graduation service in Cannon Chapel. more>>

Huntingdon Selected as a "Best Southeastern" College
(HUntingdon College) The Princeton Review has once again selected Huntingdon College as one of the best colleges in the Southeast. Huntingdon is one of 8 colleges and universities in Alabama and among 133 institutions in the 12 Southeastern states to garner the recognition in The Princeton Review's "Best in the Southeast" section of its Web site feature, "2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region," that posted August 2, 2010,on princetonreview.com. 

"The most valuable aspect of this ranking is that it includes student opinion and comments," said Huntingdon President J. Cameron West. "Since our internal motto is, 'the success of every student is the focus of everything we do,' this measure of their satisfaction is more meaningful to us than other measures. Certainly, the students' comments indicate their satisfaction with the Huntingdon experience, which is the outcome for which we strive every day."

Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation Celebrates Continued Generosity
On August 10, over 300 people gathered to celebrate the achievements of seminary students benefiting from the Karl K. Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation, They were celebrating:

• The largest number of seminary students in recent years - 40
• Over $3 million in pledges;
• Receipts of over $2.5 million of the $3 million pledged;
• Gifts of over $500,000 made directly to seminary students;
• Promised bequests of over $6 million;
• Spreading the message among the people called Methodists that God is still calling effective young men and women into the ordained ministry; and
• The foundation is greatly reducing the amount of money that seminary students have to borrow to obtain their seminary education.

During the celebration, three scholarship recipients spoke to donors about their personal calls to ministry and how the support of others has made a difference in their life.

"This is not a scholarship, it's a partnership," said Joe Driver, a current student at Asbury Theological Seminary. "When I look out and see your faces, I see Jesus Christ. Thank you for what you have done for me."

Michael Precht, who is currently serving at Brewton FUMC and Branson's Chapel in Brantley, Ala. recently returned to the AWF Conference from Duke Divinity School. " {While I was at Duke}, it was the connection to the conference that binded us together. Your support affirms these students, and reminds them that the conference is eagerly waiting to receive their ministry when they return from school."

Jay Cooper, a second year seminary student at Candler School of Theology, encouraged donors to keep up the good work. "Continue to look for those in your own congregation that have a knack for doing ministry. Encourage them and pray for them. Thank you for answering your own call by supporting this foundation." View photos from the celebration dinner.

ARM Summer Recap
(Lisa Pierce) The First  Annual Alabama Rural Ministry  (ARM) Cycle of Service was a Blast! Cyclers from Alabama and Georgia embarked on a 168 mile journey encompassing heat, hills, and a few flat tires to raise awareness about poverty housing within Alabama.  Our ride  from Livingston to Tuskegee took three days.

In between riding, we helped a group of volunteers decorate their church for Vacation Bible School and then did extensive cleaning at a school being converted into a community center. Though we physically hurt, we smiled as once again the meaning of loving our neighbor became real. There IS good out there despite the negative we tend to hear. Quietly, silently, yet with great intensity, nine riders shared this goodness and the love of Christ with others. more>>

Fourth Grader Creates Artwork to Benefit Oil Spill Relief
(Ed Glaize) Lyon Jernigan, a fourth grader attending the First United Methodist Church of Brewton, Ala. wanted to do something in response to the disaster in the Gulf caused by the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. So Lyon painted some artwork to sell to raise money for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab where animals are treated after coming in contact with the oil spill.  Then Lyon went a step further, he invited other artists to join him in a silent auction called “Funds for Fishes.”  Over 100 artists from around the country have responded and the silent auction will take place on Thursday, August 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hour Glass in Brewton, Ala.  Everyone is invited to the event to bid on artwork and to enjoy a time to celebrate gift of creativity.

Artists are invited to donate art to P.O. Box 37, Brewton, AL  36427.  All monetary donations should be made out to Dauphin Island Sea Lab.  

Lyon’s vision has inspired many. One person who heard of what Lyon has gotten started is Jan Phillips.  Phillips heads the Living Kindness Foundation which helps raise the awareness of grassroots philanthropists who are making a difference in the world where they live.  She wrote this about Lyon and his efforts:

“I'm hoping to inundate him with artwork, to give him a living example of his own power as a creator and to set him on a path of seeing/believing how his words matter, his actions matter, and his life matters. No one needs to tell him he's connected to those fishes. But what we can flesh out for him is how connected he is to all of us, thousands of miles away, and yet moved to action by his initiative.”

Everyone can make a difference.  Lyon Jernigan has shown that no one is too young or too old to change the world.

Zirlott Road Distributes Food to those affected by oil spill
(Jabe Fincher) Recently, Zirlott Road UMC distributed over 10,000 pounds of food to 136 households. Of the 394 people receiving food that day, 127 were children. It was an awesome day as we distributed the food to this community which has been so affected by the oil spill. People in this area are still confused, angry, depressed, and frustrated but this helped them see that other people are thinking about them. Many, many thanks to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers: Wa-mart, Target, Winn-Dixie, The Bay Area Food Bank, CGI (from Troy, Al.), Christ UMC (Mobile, Ala.) , Irvington UMC, and Zirlott Road UMC. This was a wonderful missional outreach to the community and was much appreciated. View photos here.

Register now for Mission Team Leader Training
(Susan Hunt) Are you or someone in your church leading a mission team this year or considering leading a team in the future?  Have you been trained to lead a mission team?  Do you have a trained team leader for your church’s mission team?  If not (or maybe if so), plan to attend one of two scheduled AWF Conference UMVIM Team Leader Training sessions: 

Saraland UMC, Saraland, AL, August 28, 2010, 9 am – 4 pm, or
Brundidge UMC, Brundidge, AL, September 11, 2010, 9 am – 4 pm

Participants will receive a wealth of information on preparing an UMVIM team for service, such as effective project selection, spiritual development, cultural sensitivity for teams, logistics, and finance.  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.

Even if you have previously led mission teams, this training will benefit your leadership abilities.  If you have been trained, but it has been several years, it may be time to “refresh” your skills and share your leadership and mission experiences with new team leaders.

The cost of the Team Leader Training is $35 – you can register online at www.awfumc.org/umvimtraining.  Included in the registration fee is the UMVIM Team Leader Handbook and lunch.  This training is open to all Alabama-West Florida United Methodists, and satisfies training requirements for leading an UMVIM team.  For more information, contact Glenn Glover at umvim@awfumc.org or 334-703-1115. 

Greetings from the United Methodist Children’s Home
(Lonna Lynn Higgs) As the new Chaplain for the Children’s Home, I look forward to getting to know you—my colleagues in the Alabama-West Florida Conference.  I am an elder in the North Alabama Conference with 23 years of experience.  I feel at home in your company as I meet you and your congregations and learn the territory.  United Methodists are so very diverse and yet so very much the same.  I saw our similarities and enjoyed some refreshing differences as I visited your Annual Conference at Frazer this past June.

Each day brings opportunities to share the love of Christ.  My new congregation is diverse and widespread—stretching from Florence and Scottsboro in north Alabama through the Wiregrass region all the way to the Gulf Coast.  The UMCH community includes: babies, children, youth, young adults and staff in residential care facilities; foster parents caring for sibling groups and special needs kids; at-risk parents and youth receiving family preservation services; and couples seeking home studies in preparation for adoption.

Please know that I thank God for you each day as you encourage generosity of spirit and the sharing of resources--financial, time and talent.  The fruits of your labor are bountiful.   Every day lives are changed, needs met, hurts healed and hope renewed. For specific examples, please visit our website, umch.net, and read the Summer 2010 edition of Heart Prints you received in the mail recently.  

UMCH is about serving the needs of all God’s children.   If a need arises in your congregation or community regarding the well-being of children and families, please contact me.  I will help you consider how you and/or your congregation can be most helpful and suggest reliable resources nearby.   My email address is lonnalynn@umch.net and my telephone number is 205/919-8298.
Thank you again for being partners in God’s work through the Children’s Home!

Lonna Lynn Higgs, Chaplain
United Methodist Children's Home
Chaplain Mailing Address: 
904 Oak Grove Road, Homewood, AL  35209
Chaplain Telephone: 
205/919-8298

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. 

Connectional Giving: Thank you!
(Frank Dunnewind) Thank you for your continued support of our shared mission and ministry. Please click here to view the report of AWF Conference churches "on track" with their support of connectional giving" through June 2010.

Staying Connected
Make sure you and/or your church staff are receiving the most up-to-date information from the AWF Conference by updating your subscriptions here.

CONNECTION NEWS

New degree program focuses on military chaplaincy
(UMNS) Wesley Theological Seminary is offering a new program, "Military Chaplaincy as Call and Practice," for active and reserve chaplains and clergy pursuing a doctor of ministry degree. "Satisfying the operational needs of military leaders and the religious needs of warriors and their families requires intellectual and spiritual dexterity. This program of study is designed to enhance both," said the Rev. Lewis A. Parks, professor of theology, ministry, and congregational development and director of the doctor of ministry program.
The deadline for application is Oct. 1. The first session will be Jan. 3-7 and 10-14, 2011. To learn more, contact Parks at lparks@wesleyseminary.edu. For details and application materials, contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary at admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.

Combating Addiction
(GBCS) Alcohol and drug addiction confront every community. Often, though, local churches and their pastors do not become aware of serious problems until confronted with tragic circumstances. Consequently, it is important to foster ongoing, open dialogue with factual information about addiction, prevention and recovery. An important component of this is to offer church members opportunities to become engaged in addiction advocacy and ministry.

The United Methodist Church has spoken forthrightly about alcohol and other drugs for decades. It works diligently on effective methods to combat them. United Methodist Resolution #3042, "Alcohol and Other Drugs," outlines how to address addiction, offer compassion and not stigmatize addicts or their families. more>>

HAITI: Head of Mission & Other Job Postings
(UMCOR) UMCOR is seeking qualified and experienced professionals to fill a number of key senior positions in Haiti and help advance the organization’s relief and long-term recovery work there, following the January 12 earthquake. Positions are open for a Head of Mission, Shelter and Reconstruction Coordinator; and a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Coordinator. Please feel free to share this information so that UMCOR can fill these key positions with highly qualified, experienced and committed individuals. For more information, please visit UMCOR’s Job and Volunteer Opportunities website.

2012 Jurisdictional Conference Dates Set
The 2012 Jurisdictional Conference will be held July 17-21, 2012, at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, NC.

Agencies receive poor grades on mission
(UMNS) United Methodist general agencies rate below average in fulfilling the church’s mission to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” A comprehensive study of church structures also found that agencies often fail to collaborate with each other and their boards are too large and meet too infrequently to provide effective oversight. “The agencies are a cacophony of voices,” said the report commissioned by the denomination’s Call to Action Steering Team. “Their ‘brands and communications compete with one another’ and result in confusion and dilution of the impact at the annual conference and local church levels.” More>>

Top court takes up membership issues
(UMNS) When the United Methodist Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, meets Oct. 27-30 in New Orleans, seven of the 31 docket items revolve around membership issues, including the right of pastors to decide who is worthy of membership. More>>

Conferences feature petitions, push-ups
(UMNS) Each spring and summer, the U.S. conferences of The United Methodist Church meet to conduct business, pass petitions on social issues, install new clergy and hold worship services. Moods range from sober to buoyant as delegates confront budget problems, ponder the future of the denomination and rejoice in the faith that makes it all worthwhile. With several mergers, the number of conferences was reduced from 62 to 59 this year, but more people than ever were following the proceedings as numerous conferences took advantage of new technology to stream their sessions live over the Internet and posted news on Facebook and Twitter. More>>

U.S. conferences report declining numbers
(UMNS) United Methodists across the United States rejoiced to see old friends and celebrated their shared faith at annual conference gatherings this spring and summer. But when the time came for reports on membership and attendance, the news was often sobering. The pews at many churches are emptier this year. In statistical reports from 39 U.S. conferences, most disclosed declines in membership, worship attendance or church-school participation in 2009. Twenty-six conferences reported losses in all three categories. Thirteen reported membership drops of more than 2 percent. Four conferences gained members. More>>

Global event showcases young leaders
(UMNS) The 2010 Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly brought together some 350 young leaders from around the world and created unity through the sharing of cultures. The youth and young adult participants from more than two dozen countries also approved legislation that will be presented to the 2012 General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body. More>>

United Methodists aid Pakistan flood victims
(UMNS) United Methodists are making plans to assist those displaced by the worst floodwaters to hit Pakistan in 80 years. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is coordinating with four partners — Church World Service, Muslim Aid, Global Medic and the Church of Pakistan — “to support whatever relief efforts they’re doing,” said Melissa Crutchfield, the executive in charge of international disaster response. More>>

Reclaiming lay leadership key to revival
(UMNS) The United Methodist Church can experience revival by returning to the spiritual practices of Methodism’s early years, say two scholars leading an effort to develop passionate lay leaders. In joining the mainline establishment, the church jettisoned many of the activities that made John Wesley’s movement so vibrant, said Scott Kisker, associate professor of church history at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. More>>

Red Bird Mission School to reopen
(UMNS) After almost shutting its doors, the Red Bird Mission School will once again welcome students in the remote mountains of southeastern Kentucky. In May, the Red Bird Mission Board had voted to suspend classes during the 2010-2011 academic year to build up the school’s cash reserves after years of dwindling donations. But after receiving more than $100,000 in gifts and making substantial budget cuts, the board voted on July 22 to open the United Methodist school in Beverly to 150 kindergartners through 12th graders this coming school year. The first day of class was Aug. 5. More>>

Peace Conference set for September, Special Celebration planned for children and youth
(SEJ) The third annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference set for September 18-21, 2010, at Lake Junaluska will offer a variety of workshops and presentations. Leadership includes Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Jeni Stepanek, and Bishop Kenneth Carder. Participants in the peace conference, Peace for the World's Children, will have the opportunity to join with children's advocates from across the United States to explore social issues facing children. For the first time, the Lake Junaluska Peace Conference includes a Saturday - Sunday session specifically for children, youth and their adult leaders, led by Jeni Stepanek. Youth and children are invited to become peacemakers at the 2010 Lake Junaluska Peace Celebration: Mosaic of Hope, September 18-19, 2010. This unique 2-day event features leadership from children’s activist Jeni Stepanek, in addition to leadership from youth and children themselves. This is being held in conjunction with the Peace Conference. Click here for more information on the Peace Conference and the Peace Celebration for Children and Youth.

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

8 church communication faux paus
(UMCom) Effective church communication requires careful planning and consideration of your audience. Avoid these eight common church-communications blunders.  
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Social media etiquette handbook
(UMCom) Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, blogs, forums or websites, proper etiquette can set the tone for how people view you and your church.
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Joining 'voices for recovery' in September
(UMNS) The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is encouraging local churches to observe National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September by hosting a special worship service or other educational event to highlight the realities of addiction, the benefits of treatment and the possibility of recovery. More information, including a planning toolkit, is available at www.recoverymonth.gov or by calling (800) 662-HELP. 

Church planting for cheap
(UMCom) If you want to reach people where they are, constructing a church building may not be the first step. The following tips will help you think strong when your wallet is weak. 
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Manage media relations to your church’s benefit
(UMCom) Having solid relationships with reporters can help promote your church’s ministries—and ensure fair coverage in a crisis. Here are some great ideas to consider:
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Facebook, MovieMaker connect grieving families
(UMCom) The digital world permeates our communication, even during times of death or serious illness. Churches can help grieving families use the Internet and other digital tools to make a difficult time easier and more meaningful for everyone. continue >>

UM Higher Education Guidebook Available
(UMNS) A new guidebook, The Guidebook of UM-Related Schools, Colleges, Universities and Theological Schools, to the 121 UM-related schools, colleges, universities and theological institutions is available. The guide is aimed at helping high school students and others easily compare tuition, degrees offered and possible financial aid. It lists each institution’s website and contact information for the admission office as well as information about religious life on campus, dorms and sports. The guide can be ordered at www.cokesbury.com.

Interpreter enrollment changes
(UMCom) United Methodist Communications wants to alert you to a very important change in the process to enroll your church leaders to receive complimentary subscriptions to Interpreter magazine. You will now receive this information DIRECTLY from United Methodist Communications and NOT from your district office. You can expect to receive this information soon after your charge conference. They hope that by preparing you for this important change, you will be able to update your church’s Interpreter enrollment information for 2011 more easily. If you’re ready to update your 2011 enrollment information today, you may use the online option at www.umcom.org/subscriptions. For questions, you may contact United Methodist Communications Customer Service at 888-346-3862, or by e-mail csc@umcom.org.

What Is 10-Fold?
(UMCom) 10-Fold is about mobilizing passionate people to stand up and be counted for the causes they believe in. The event launches on October 10, 2010 and lasts for 10 days. Every day will focus on a different project supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church. The goal is to gain the support of 10,000 people for each of the 10 projects. All one has to do is register with one of these Advance projects. During the event, $1.00 will be donated for every person that signs up as an advocate for a 10-Fold project, up to $10,000 per project. It can create an effect that is 10-Fold in good works. For more information visit www.10-fold.org.

Featured Event: Pray 40
(Newscope) A nationwide prayer campaign for college students and campus ministries, “Pray 40,” begins Aug. 23. The campaign asks UMs to pray for students and campus ministries for 40 days. Some 17 million U.S. students head to colleges and universities each autumn, while millions more flood campuses worldwide. The campaign will feature 40 prayers written by students, campus pastors, bishops and church leaders. The Upper Room will publish the prayers. Participants can sign up to receive a daily prayer by e-mail, download and share a prayer guide, follow the effort on Twitter or by text, commit to a 24-hour period of continuous prayer and teach about prayer. The website—www.Pray40.com—launched Aug. 2

Featured Event: Web and Social Media Training Event - September 10-11
If you are a church leader or volunteer interested in learning how to develop an effective social media strategy, create a more appealing and usable church website, or would like to grow your ministry using web technology, M2LIVE Orlando is the event for you! M2LIVE training events feature insight from many of today’s brightest church web evangelists. This event will be held in Orlando, Florida September 10-11. For participants to save an additional 10% off registration (in addition to the Aug. 20th early bird discount) use the following discount code when registering online: COUP0910. Click here for more information

Featured Event: Multicultural Conference
December 2-4, 2010
Embracing Christ's Multi-Ethnic Body: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges.
If you desire to experience and learn proven and effective strategies to address the increasingly divisive issue of diversity, come be a part of this experience. We will increase awareness and appreciation in church and the world for the richness of diversity. Leaders include Rev. Eric Law, Bishop Gregory Palmer, Bishop Will Willimon, Kristina Gonzalez, Dr. Anne Marshall, Dr. Tim Tyson, Dr. Mary John Dye, and Bishop William Morris. Find out more today and register at www.lakejunaluska.com/multicultural/

Other Upcoming Events

• AWF Conference Leadership Summit, August 28
• UMVIM Team Leader Training, August 28
• Conference CORE Team Meeting, September 2
• Multiplication of Leaders Training, September 4
• UMVIM Team Leader Training, September 11
• Empowering Ministries of Health, September 21
• Catapult Conference, September 22-24
• VISION Camp at Blue Lake, September 26-28
• Living with the Wesley's, September 27-30
• Energize {Fall Rally}, October 1-3
• Academy for Ministries with Children, October 1-2
• World Communion Sunday, October 3
• Ten-Fold, October 10
• Wesley Heirs Fall Roundup, October 12-13
• St. James UMC Hosts VeggieTales, October 19
• Three Notch Road Fall Festival, October 29-30
• UMW Sunday, November 7
• Academy for Ministries with Children, November 12-13
• Children's Directors Gathering, November 9
• Deadline for MEF Scholarships, November 15
• UM Student Day, November 28
• Conference CORE Team, November 30
• spiritual Direction Training, November 30
• Multicultural Conference, December 2-4
  2011
• UMM Advance, January 14-15
• Human Relations Sunday, January 16
• Spiritual Direction Training, January 31
• SEJ Clergywomen's Consultation, April 4-7
• 2011 AWF Annual Conference, June 5-8

FOR EVENT DETAILS & MORE, check out the online calendar!