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

Conference Leaders Gather Saturday for Summit
Bishop Paul L. Leeland has invited all members of the five conference leadership teams to a day apart on Saturday, August 28 at St. James UMC in Montgomery, Ala. The groups invited are:

• The Conference Board of Laity
• The Conference CORE Team
• The Extended Cabinet
• The Conference Council on Finance & Administration
• The Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Throughout the day, attendees will participate in shared conversation among the primary leadership teams of the Annual Conference. As the day progresses, the summit hopes to work toward best discerning God's vision for our future together as an Annual Conference and determine how the teams can relate in connection to one another.

Conference WalkingWorks Challenge
Greetings WalkingWorks Participants! Seven weeks down, three to go-- welcome to Week 8! Keep up the good work. Figure out the average number of steps you took per day for Week 7. You know your ultimate step goal. Keep your goal for Week 8 that ultimate step goal or increase your Week 7 average by 10%-20% to work up to that goal.

NEW THIS WEEK! Aim for 5-6 days with an exercise walk totaling at least 30-40 minutes(Don't forget: those minutes can be split up into "mini-workouts"). Continue to log step totals for each day in your Participant Guide and record last week's step total at www.walkingworks.com.

Golden Cross
(Julie Terrell) Golden Cross is a special fund of the United Methodist Church.  It exists in order to respond to the most pressing health care needs within a local congregation. Golden Cross funds are retained within the conference where they are received and the conference designates the use of the offering. The contributions given to the Alabama-West Florida Conference provide the opportunity to make available financial aid for medical delinquent expenses from a hospital, physician or pharmacy. Specific guidelines and policy are in place for awarding these funds. 

Golden Cross receives no funds from apportioned items.  The only source of income is from the people of the local churches within our Conference.  Please consider a contribution to Golden Cross this Fall so that the most urgent requests can be fulfilled. Donations may be made through your local church, designated "Golden Cross Offering."

For more information regarding Golden Cross, or to obtain a current application for funds, contact Julie Terrell, RN, Chairperson, UMCOR Health, AWF Conference at cdt1230@aol.com or 850-478-9489.

'Festivity of Nativity' Seeks Nativity Scenes for Showcase
(Blue Lake Camp) Blue Lake Camp is planning to host a ‘Festivity of Nativity’ celebrating the beauty of the nativity story from December 2-4.
Our hope is to have 200+ nativity scenes on display, host a Nativity Luncheon on Friday and Saturday. and be a unique event for those
In our area for the season. If you possess a special nativity scene you would be willing to share for that week, with a description of its story and your name, Please contact Phyllis Murray, Blue Lake Camp Director, at 334 222 5407 or director@bluelakecamp.com

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 July 2010.

Bring Your Group to the Beach This Fall: Special Rates at Noah's Ark Beach Ministry
(Luke Pinegar) Fall is a great time to visit the beach for a retreat.  The crowds are smaller, the temps are lower, the water is beautiful, less noise, AND lower rates along with other seasonal specials.  Fall is a fantastic time of the year on Panama City Beach.  It's a great time of year to retreat to the world's most beautiful beaches and enjoy the emerald green waters and mild gulf breezes.  With the slower pace and less congestion it is possible to "get away" from the everyday and really unplug and spend time together with your group and with God.  Consider making a trip to the beach with your youth group, adult group, staff, or other group to enjoy each other, the beach, and of course to grow in your walk with God.  Locals love this time of year as it is truly the BEST time of year on Panama City Beach.

Just give us a call at 850-234-6062, toll free at 1-888-438-5561, or send us a email at noah@noahsarkpcb.com.  Also, check out our website at  www.NoahsArkPCB.com for more info.

1. Groups of 10 or more up to 80 people
2. Reduced low off season group rate of $19 per person per night with a minimum of 10 people
3. Off season availability and rates good through Feb 28, 2011
4. If you would like any programming, music, or really anything, just ask and we will do what we can to help you have a great retreat
5. Don't forget the Ark when planning your Spring Break Activities!!

We have accommodations available for clergy and youth directors to use in our off season free of charge for personal retreats and time away.  Just call for scheduling and we can set you up.

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

Give a Bible to someone who’s searching
(UMNS) For less than the cost of a matinee movie ticket or a couple of gallons of gas, you can place the New Testament in the hands of a spiritual seeker who has responded to The United Methodist Church’s advertisements. This is United Methodist Communications’ message to the church, as the agency begins offering the Rethink Church Edition Common English Bible (New Testament) at no cost to seekers who request it when they visit the Rethink Church campaign website, beginning in October.

United Methodist members and friends are encouraged to make gifts of $5—the cost to print and ship one Bible to a seeker.  Gifts are accepted online or by texting the word Bible to 27722 to make a *$5 gift via cell phone billing.

Churches may also order their own copies at $5 each to give away to church visitors or at Rethink Church events in their communities. The Rethink Church Edition Common English Bible (New Testament) is a special edition that features a seeker-sensitive introduction to the Bible and to The United Methodist Church.

“The Rethink Church Edition is a powerful tool for evangelism,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.  “It introduces the Bible and denomination to seekers with sensitivity to their worldview, in welcoming language.”

Accessibility is key to the entire Common English Bible (New Testament), as it is a new translation (not a revision or update) that seeks to make the Bible more readable and understandable without compromising scholarship.  The translation is sponsored by the Common English Bible Committee, an alliance of denominational publishers that includes The United Methodist Publishing House.  The full Bible translation will be available in fall 2011.

Gifts made by mail can be made payable to The Foundation for United Methodist Communications: 810 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37209. To learn more about the Common English Bible, visit www.commonenglish.com.  To learn more about the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign, visit umcom.org/rethinkchurch.

*Note:  $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill/deducted from your prepaid account.  Message & Data Rates May Apply.  Full Terms: mGive.org/T.

UMCOR's Sagar Brown Depot Needs Cleaning Buckets
The United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Sagar Brown Depot is in great need of cleaning buckets (formerly called flood buckets). Click here for more information on assembling the buckets.

Donors respond slowly to Pakistan floods
(UMNS) The outpouring of donations following the Jan. 12 earthquake that rocked Haiti is not being repeated for the people of Pakistan fighting for survival in the wake of massive floods. The United Nations blames donor fatigue and the fact the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis is unfolding slowly. Others say the time of year, the distance from Pakistan to the United States and scaled-down media coverage are factors, too. Whatever the case, a massive financial response is necessary because the devastation is many times worse, said David Sadoo, an executive with the United Methodist Committee on Relief.  "We are in need of donations to deal with a desperate situation," he said. "The scope of the disaster is immense. But this isn't registering yet in the United States."  More>>

Pakistan floods threaten millions of children
(UMNS) For some 3.5 million children, Pakistan’s worst floods in 80 years could have deadly consequences.  That’s the United Nations’ estimate of how many are at risk for diarrhea, cholera, typhoid and other water-borne diseases.  In response, relief workers like Matt Capobianco, director of emergency programs for GlobalMedic, are on the front lines of the disaster, trying to provide clean drinking water to those displaced by the floodwaters.  More>>

UMCOR Assists Rehab Efforts in Haiti
(Newscope) The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is helping Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti build a rehabilitation infrastructure that will provide both immediate care and the foundation for a long-term program to meet the rehabilitation needs of adults and children, including earthquake survivors, in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The agency also will assist the hospital as it develops a professional force of rehabilitation specialists trained in physical and occupational therapies. Make donations online to support UMCOR’s work in Haiti.

Facebook fans rank favorite hymns
(UMNS) It’s “A Mighty Fortress” for one person, “Fairest Lord Jesus” for another. They’re answering the question, “What is your favorite hymn in The United Methodist Hymnal?” More than 1,500 people recently responded to this question on The United Methodist Church’s official Facebook page.  They ranked “Here I Am, Lord” first, followed by “How Great Thou Art,” and then “Amazing Grace.” More>>

UM Seminaries Offer Online Continuing Education
(GBHEM) United Methodist theological schools are offering 11 online continuing education classes for clergy and laity beginning fall semester of 2010. The Online Continuing Education Consortium aims to provide theologically sound, financially affordable, and easily accessible continuing education programs. All 13 of the United Methodist theological schools are expected to participate. Five seminaries are offering classes this fall. More>>
 
Connect with other Christians to deepen your faith and grow in discipleship with Wesley Ministry Network online
(WMN) In partnership with Bishop Richard Wilke’s Institute for Discipleship, Wesley Ministry Network now offers its acclaimed lay education courses on-line.  Each course features streaming video lectures and on-line discussions with other students and experienced Wesley Ministry Network teachers.  Courses are open to everyone, and CEUs are available for pastors.  Fall courses begin September 12 and include: Simply Christian, Devotion to Jesus: The Divinity of Christ in Early Christianity, Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth, A Life Worthy of the Gospel, and In God’s Time: The Bible and the Future.  Click here for more information.

Deacons Gathering set for October
(SEJ) Join together with colleagues in the Diakonate and find community and rest at Lake Junaluska’s 2010 Deacon/Diakonate Gathering, October 24-26, 2010. Rev. Gary Gunderson, Deacon in Full Connection in the Memphis Conference and the Director of Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, will be the Gathering speaker.  For more information and to register online, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/deacons or call 828-454-6656. Lodging and meals are separate. Call 800-222-4930.

2010 Peace for the world's children Conference
Children are a paramount concern of all great religions. In our world of war, violence, and poverty, the 2010 Peace Conference, set for September 19-21 at Lake Junaluska, is a call to join hands with others who are sounding alarms and issuing calls to action to bring peace for the world’s children. Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of The Children’s Defense Fund, will be the featured speaker. For more information, please visit http://www.lakejunaluska.com/peace/.

Call for Writers for UM Global Bible Study on Addictions and Recovery
(GBGM) The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) is creating a Bible study entitled, Hope, Healing, Health and Wholeness, to provide a biblical basis for our denomination’s compassionate response to substance abuse in our global community. SPSARV is a general church initiative that works to raise awareness and equip church leaders to effectively respond to alcohol, other drugs and related violence worldwide. The General Board of Global Ministries is reaching out to United Methodist members to join in creating a global resource that offers biblical study and reflection on four themes: Hope, Healing, Health and Wholeness. Each study brief will be 500 to 600 words, including discussion questions. Writers are encouraged to use their creativity and ingenuity in developing the study brief. A United Methodist bishop will write an introductory reflection on each theme. Click here for more information, including writer's guidelines.

African American Clergy Health Summit
(Newscope) Lake Junaluska Retreat Center and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits are hosting the African American Clergy Health Summit: A Self Care Covenant, Sept. 27–28. The theme of this self-care covenant work- shop, designed specifically for African American clergy, is “Wanting to Heal and Be Healed” (see John 5:1-9). For details about this event and to register, call 828-454-6656 or visit www.lakejunaluska.com/health-summit.

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

'Credo' Now Available at Conference Media Center
Now available in the Conference Media Center: the new United Methodist Confirmation curriculum available from Cokesbury: Credo. This new curriculum includes the Directors Tools, Confirmation Journal,  and the Confirmation Guide for Parents, Mentors, and Adult Leaders.
The sample is available for free check out as you make decisions about what curriculum you will use for confirmation.

Credo is grounded in 3 core principles:             

• Confirmation is the continuation of one’s faith journey and the beginning of one’s covenant relationship with the church             
• Confirmation is more than just a series of classes
• Confirmands should emerge from their confirmation experience prepared for a life of Christian discipleship.
  

10 Fold (Online Global Gathering) Explained
(GBGM) 10 projects in 10 days. From October 10th through 19th you will be able to learn about Global Ministries' projects around the world supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church, during an online event unlike anything you have experienced before. It's called 10-Fold. Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media, you will see and hear about amazing projects that are changing people's lives. To get more details, download the 10-Fold Participant's Guide that includes: tips so you can get the most out of 10-Fold; ways you can help spread the word to family, friends, and fellow church members; and information about how you can trigger a $1.00 donation with one click when you visit 10-Fold.org daily and register your interest for a project. Up to $10,000 is available for each project. Take a look at the attached guide, start spreading the word, and join us at 10-Fold.org starting on October 10, 2010, for this online global gathering.

‎40 Days of Prayer for Campus Ministry
40 Days of Prayer for campus ministry began on Monday. Join others in praying for students as they head to college and university campuses: http://pray40.com/.

Materials Available on Web Will Help Boards of Ordained Ministry, District Committees
(GBHEM) A variety of resources for those who work with candidates for ordained ministry are now available on the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s website. The resources  – which include PowerPoint presentations, training outlines and models with related materials for events, and frequently asked questions about the various aspects of candidacy are all available from the Boards of Ordained Ministry page, www.gbhem.org/bom.

A Service of Holy Communion for Labor Day
(GBOD) Click here for A Service of Holy Communion for Labor Day.

Grandparents Day Worship Resources - Sep. 12, 2010
(GBOD) Click here to view worship resources for Grandparents Day.

September is “National Hunger Action Month”
(Newscope) September is “National Hunger Action Month," and The Society of St. Andrew (Advance #801600) is providing a variety of free, ready-to-use resources to motivate church congregations to step out in faith to follow Jesus’ commands concerning the poor and hungry. The resources include Scripture readings, sample sermons, a prayer calendar, litanies, U.S. and world hunger fact sheets and steps to fight hunger. All are available for free download or by contacting the Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore at the Society of St. Andrew (800-333-4597; church@endhunger.org). For more information about Hunger Action Month worship resources or about the Society of St. Andrew’s hunger-relief ministry, contact Rev. Moore or go to www.endhunger.org.

Featured Event: E-zekiel Web Training - September 23
Join professional E-zekiel trainer Dacia Gulledge on Thursday, September 23 at Decatur (Ga.) First UMC as she shows participants ways to use E-zekiel to maintain a great web site. In three sessions, you will learn how to utilize the syndication manager for podcasting, blogging, as well as discuss media options for audio and video such as E-zekiel.tv, look at the tips and tricks of the pages and panels managers, and explore the management of events (calendar) and forms. At the end of the day, there will be a special Q & A/Lab session if you want more information or to work directly with your site. This event is primarily geared toward those who are already using E-zekiel. However, if you're new to the application or just now considering using E-zekiel for your website, you can sign up for a trial site here and then watch the "Getting Started" video to learn the basics and feel like a pro when you arrive at the event. Click here for all the details.

Featured Event: Extreme Experience Camp for the Vision Impaired
In partnership with Covington County Blind & Low Vision Outreach, Blue Lake Camp will host a camp designed specifically for adults who are vision impaired, Sept. 26-28. more>>

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
• God's Can Do Kids, September 17-18
• Peace for the World's Children, September 19-21
• 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
• Clergy Women Day Apart with Bishop Leeland, October 6
• 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
• Festival of the Nativity at Blue Lake, 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!