LEAD Young Adult Conference
LEAD will be a three-day conversation focused on converging, innovating, and transforming young adult ministry in the church. LEAD will be a gathering of one hundred participants that includes young clergy, young lay leaders, and others who are working with young adults in the UMC. LEAD will bring together the collective wisdom of those that want to transform and grow young adult ministry in the church for the ultimate transformation of the world with the love of Jesus Christ.
LEAD will take place in Las Vegas, NV, February 16-19, 2012 at University United Methodist Church, located across the street from the campus of UNLV and just minutes from Downtown Las Vegas and the world famous Las Vegas Strip.
Participants will hear from six speakers, in a “TED” like format, offering new and innovative ideas for ministry with young adults. Participants will have multiple opportunities for conversation and reflection with speakers and other participants as every portion of the LEAD schedule will be structured to encourage the exchange and sharing of ideas during meals, in small groups, during large-group gatherings and even after hours.
Glen Simpson, director of Relevance, the official young adult ministry of the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church believes that, “this will be an opportunity for young adult leaders to look forward to the future growth of our churches and to inspire creativity and revitalization in the denomination. It is imperative that we not only explore but put into action how we will make disciples for the transformation of the world in the 21st century.”
The official LEAD website is http://www.relevancelead.com and registration for LEAD will open on September 12, 2012. Information and updates about LEAD can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/RevLEAD.
If you like more information or if you would like schedule an interview with Rev. Rob Rynders, please contact rob@valleywesley.com. To schedule an interview with Glen Simpson, please contact glen@relevancex.com.
(Note: the information above is available as a PDF press release, here.)
2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church
The 2012 General Conference will be held in Tampa, Florida Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Friday, May 4, 2012. Sites for the international gatherings, held every four years, are rotated among the church's five regional U.S. jurisdictions.
Western Jurisdiction Conference
July 18-21, 2012
Town and Country Resort and Convention Center
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
Details about the 2012 Western Jurisdiction Conference will be posted their website as they become available.
Lake Junaluska Peace Conference
November 13-15, 2011
The fourth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, “Poverty, Abundance, and Peace: Seeking Economic Justice for All God’s Children,” will lift up some of the systemic causes of poverty and economic disparity to help participants better understand these issues and to be equipped as change agents to work for alleviating these causes of poverty for a more just and peaceful world.
Learn more about the event at www.lakejunaluska.com/peace/
November 13-15, 2011
The fourth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, “Poverty, Abundance, and Peace: Seeking Economic Justice for All God’s Children,” will lift up some of the systemic causes of poverty and economic disparity to help participants better understand these issues and to be equipped as change agents to work for alleviating these causes of poverty for a more just and peaceful world.
Learn more about the event at www.lakejunaluska.com/peace/
All Saints Day
November 6, 2011
All Saints Day
The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) features a list of resources for use on All Saints Day.
2011 Human Rights & Racial Justice Convening
The U.S. Human Rights Fund, in collaboration with The Overbrook Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Just and Fair Schools Fund, is planning a convening on human rights and racial justice. This gathering of advocates and funders will take place from November 7-9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More than 100 social justice advocates working on a diverse range of issues including immigration, housing, education, criminal justice, and poverty alleviation plan to attend.
The convening welcomes the participation of funders interested in the intersection of human rights and racial justice. Please contact Angela Kahres (akahres@publicinterestprojects.org) at the U.S. Human Rights Fund for more information or to RSVP.
2011 Human Rights & Racial Justice Convening
November Convening to Address Racial Justice and Human Rights
The U.S. Human Rights Fund, in collaboration with The Overbrook Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Just and Fair Schools Fund, is planning a convening on human rights and racial justice. This gathering of advocates and funders will take place from November 7-9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More than 100 social justice advocates working on a diverse range of issues including immigration, housing, education, criminal justice, and poverty alleviation plan to attend.
The convening welcomes the participation of funders interested in the intersection of human rights and racial justice. Please contact Angela Kahres (akahres@publicinterestprojects.org) at the U.S. Human Rights Fund for more information or to RSVP.
DREAM Sabbath 2011
To continue building supportof the DREAM Act, diverse communities of faith around the country will participate in DREAM Sabbath 2011, September 16th – October 9th. During DREAM Sabbath 2011, communities of faith will lift up the lives of DREAM students in the prayers, readings, reflection and education during at least one Sabbath service as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students and their hopes to attain full recognition of their contributions to our communities.
Sign up to participate in DREAM Sabbath 2011. Let the Interfaith Immigration Coalition know the dates of your faith community’s DREAM Sabbath celebration, and they will send a packet of resources to aid in planning.
DREAM Sabbath 2011
In December of 2010, the DREAM Act, which would ensure that millions of immigrant children can stay in the United States, was five votes shy of passing. Faith communities around the country were deeply disappointed when the Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act, but supporters have remained committed to the issue.
DREAM Act Gaining Momentum
On June 28th, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration Refugees and Border Security held a hearing on the DREAM Act, chaired by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) who has championed this legislation from the beginning. For the first time in years, public support for positive immigration reform surpassed opposition. In many ways, momentum is building!
To continue building support this year, diverse communities of faith around the country will participate in DREAM Sabbath 2011, September 16th – October 9th. During DREAM Sabbath 2011, communities of faith will lift up the lives of DREAM students in the prayers, readings, reflection and education during at least one Sabbath service as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students and their hopes to attain full recognition of their contributions to our communities.
Get Involved
Sign up to participate in DREAM Sabbath 2011. Let the Interfaith Immigration Coalition know the dates of your faith community’s DREAM Sabbath celebration, and they will send a packet of resources to aid in planning. The DREAM Sabbath 2011 packet will include theological reflections, sermon starters, stories of DREAM students, bulletin inserts, myths and facts about the DREAM Act, and a petition that people can sign to support the DREAM Act.
Your participation will help spread understanding of the DREAM Act and build broad support for DREAM students!
MARCHA's Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World
Metodistas Asociados Representado la Cause de los Hispano-Americanos (MARCHA) will host their 40th Assembly August 11-14 at the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas. Registration will begin on Thursday, August 11 at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Doubletree Hotel, El Paso Downtown-City Center.
Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World
Renewing Our Commitment: New Spaces for Renewed People
August 11-14, 2011
To register and for more information, visit http://marcha.info/AsambleaAnual.html
CORR Action Fund Application Deadline
The United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Race and Religion 2011 CORR Action Fund Priority focus is Supporting Clergy Leaders and United Methodist Seminaries to Address Racial Justice. The purpose of this priority is to help strengthen The United Methodist Church’s ability to maximize racial diversity, equity and justice within and beyond the church by identifying, supporting, and celebrating opportunities for clergy members, seminary leaders and programs to grow in cultural competence, advocacy, and education.
The application period opens June 1, 2011, and closes July 31, 2011. Applications must be postmarked by July 31, 2011. Applications postmarked after the deadline date will not be processed.
Learn more at www.gcorr.org/corractionfund.
Peace with Justice Sunday, June 19
In a world where 250,000 children are forced to be fighters or sex slaves, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest persistent violator, according to the United Nations Security Council. Because of the war, young boys are forced to enlist in the rebel army. Sexual assault of women and young girls has become the norm.
Compounding the problem is “conflict mineral,” the selling of copper, tungsten, tin and other minerals to support war efforts. Unfortunately, minerals sold to global supply chains and corporations may be used as components for electronics that are part of our everyday lives: mobile phones, MP3 players and computers.
United Methodists are trying to do something about it.
To learn more about what Conflict Material is click here.
Armed with a grant from the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the Jerusalem Justice and Peace Ministry (JJPM) is assisting communities in the DRC. While physical and emotional healing is vital, the ministry also challenges unjust systems.
|
Scales for weighing the minerals
from the mines
|
“We cannot keep quiet if there is something wrong,” said JJPM executive Dr. Leonard Kabwita. JJPM workshops educate and empower Congolese people about justice issues in their communities and seek local solutions to close the gap between rich and poor.
When you give to Peace with Justice Sunday, you support ministries in the DRC, the United States and worldwide to remove unjust systems and equip the victimized to live more fulfilled lives.
To read additional stories of lives changed by Peace with Justice Sunday click here.
To send donations by check, mail to:
GCFA
P.O. Box 340029
Nashville, TN 37203
NOTE: List the name of the Sunday in the note section of your check.
GCORR Webinar: CORR Training for Annual Conference
Facing the Future: Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Appointments in a Global Church
Cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments signify one of the preeminent questions facing a denomination seeking vitality and relevance in the 21st century. This event is where clergy and laity will obtain the skills and insights necessary to prepare The United Methodist Church to face the future authentically.
Be a part of the future! Join us in L.A. May 16-May 18. Pre-event offerings begin May 15.
Learn more about Facing the Future at www.gcorr.org/crccevent.
Peace with Justice Sunday, May 30
On May 30, United Methodist churches across the United States will observe Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the Special Sundays with offerings designed to support programs that advocate peace and justice locally and globally.
Peace-Building Begins with Resource-Building
By Aisha Russell
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
May 30, United Methodist churches across the United States will observe Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the Special Sundays with offering, designed to support programs that advocate peace and justice locally and globally. In light of a recent position paper on diversity within the denomination, published by the General Commission on Religion and Race, we are compelled to ask ourselves how to create a peaceful world where racial-ethnic justice is addressed.
We can begin by asking about the services available to “new communities” and how well-equipped annual conferences are to provide them with “culturally relevant places and experiences.” There are annual conferences with a wealth of resources available on racial-ethnic justice, and others which face challenges that limit their ability to sustain a racial justice emphasis.
Desert Southwest Conference is one example of a conference with various resources focused on racial justice, particularly immigration reform, including training materials and study guides available in both English and Spanish.
When asked what approach is needed for starting a plan on racial-ethnic justice if one isn’t already in place, Desert SW Director of Communications, Stephen Hustedt said, “The key is to be intentional about it. We talk about the need for planting churches, especially [at] the rate at which our cities are growing.” One focus of the conference is to start new churches, with the idea that one in four of these churches will be a racial-ethnic church. But, what can new churches bring that existing churches cannot? According to Hustedt, “A lot of times it’s easier to reach out to a new community and build a ministry for that community without the baggage” associated with existing churches. “It’s easier to reach a community with a new church start because everybody’s new.”
For Rev. Fitzgerald Lovett of the Mississippi Conference, another conference with various racial-ethnic resources in place, “leadership is a key ingredient” for building racial-ethnic justice programs. He said, “We were blessed to have the right people at the right time, [which] allowed people to have those conversations”.
Other needs for conferences across the country include: more racial-ethnic clergy and laity; finances to build and sustain racial-ethnic programs; building renovations; and partnerships with other UM agencies. Some conferences are in need of finances just to get their programs off the ground. Conference Committee on Religion and Race Chair Josephine Deere, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, cited that pastors in this region are some of the lowest paid in the Church. Thus, Oklahoma Indian Missionary is developing an endowment fund to help pay for pastor salaries. They also require funding for two other programs: the Construction Project Fund (for church repair) and the Native American Children’s Fund (to provide school supplies, medical attention, clothing, and summer activities for low-income children).
In addition to planting new churches, diversifying leadership and renovating spaces, annual conferences and general agencies within the United Methodist Church can lend a helping hand to each other.
Rev, Jerry DeVine, Director of Connectional Ministries, Detroit Conference, said he would welcome involvement from general agencies to strengthen the focus on racial-ethnic justice at his conference; “to highlight the issues and provide both human and financial partnerships.” Emphasizing the importance of rebuilding communities in areas like Detroit and Flint, Michigan that face increasing violence, Rev. DeVine sited The Message reading of John 1:14a, The word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. “Our local church and district leaders need larger support to fully ‘move into the neighborhood.”
Additional Peace with Justice Resources:
General Board of Church and Society
General Board of Discipleship
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Light Partners Program
United Methodist Church
Native American Ministries Sunday is May 8
Native American Ministries Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to the church and society. The observance, approved by the 1988 General Conference, is one of six special churchwide Sunday offerings.
The funds collected will allow The United Methodist Church to partner with existing native ministries and create programs on behalf of Native Americans. Money collected also supports seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. Learn More
GCORR Webinar: Call to CORR{age}
Join the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) online for the Call to CORR{age} webinar.
End Racism Day
What is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
Throughout history, many of the horrible things that people have done to each other have occurred because one group of people felt superior to another. They learned to see differences in others--such as race, color, gender, age, disability, religious belief or sexual orientation--as a reason for thinking that people with that characteristic were not worthy of the same rights as they were. This prejudice justified their decision to discriminate against the other group--the other group was humiliated, excluded, restricted or marginalized because of these perceived differences.
When the United Nations was formed to help countries work together to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable world, a cornerstone of its Charter declared that all people are entitled to the same human rights and freedom, regardless of their color, sex, language or religion. Our global community has come a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination, but we still have far to go.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, also known as End Racism Day, is a perfect opportunity to help our communities celebrate human unity and the diversity of the human race rather than allow our differences to become an excuse for racial separation. It's a chance to recognize prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination in our society, and how each of us may have our own prejudices and may be making people feel excluded without our even realizing it. It's a chance to reaffirm our commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination and help create communities and societies where all citizens can live in dignity, equality and peace. Read More
National Week of Prayer for the Healing of Aids
The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS
March 6-12, 2011
The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God’s love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS
Every Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Temple and Home is invited to join in prayer, education, advocacy and service for the healing of AIDS in the United States and the World. Learn more at http://www.nationalweekofprayerforthehealingofaids.org/
CORR/COSROW Training 2011
Join the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) Feb. 18 and 19 at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas, where GCORR and GCSRW staff will review new monitoring tools.
Learn more about the event at www.gcorr.org/corrcosrowtraining.
Do No Harm Sexual Ethics Summit
"Do No Harm 2011” is a sexual ethics summit addressing the prevention of and response to abuse, misconduct, and harassment of a sexual nature, particularly by persons in ministerial roles (both lay and clergy) within The United Methodist Church.
This event is intended for annual conference Response Teams, annual conference Safe Sanctuaries Teams, Bishops and other cabinet members, as well as chancellors, conference lay leaders, Board of Ordained Ministry members, and others who coordinate annual conference ministries related to sexual ethics and boundaries in ministerial relationships.
For more information or to register for the summit, visit www.umsexualethics.org.
United Methodist Student Day
United Methodist Student Day is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Student Day furnishes scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities. Read more
Embracing Christ’s Multiethnic Body: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Bridges
On December 2-4, 2010 Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will sponsor the 2010 Multicultural Event in partnership with the College of Bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. The theme for this event is: “Embracing Christ’s Multiethnic Body: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges.”
The key areas of focus that will be addressed are: The church’s theological task and racism; Fear and prejudice; Cultural Awareness and competency; Racism and racial privilege.
In addressing these issues, participants will examine the impact and role that racism and white privilege play in society. We will examine the interplay of racism with issues such as immigration, criminal justice, economics, healthcare and other societal issues. We will also consider the influence of racism in the way The United Methodist Church handles these and other issues within the church itself.
Plenary speakers will be asked to speak to these issues. Participants will then form into sharing/study groups to engage in reflection around these specific issues. Stories will be shared to identify the terrible toll that racism and racial privilege take upon relationships in society and the church in particular.
The studies and format being used are such that they can be easily transferred for use to local church and community settings once the participants return to their communities.
The event will be punctuated with opportunities for powerful worship experiences for the participants that are reflective of the Multiethnic nature of Christ’s body.
On December 2-4, 2010 Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will sponsor the 2010 Multicultural Event in partnership with the College of Bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. The theme for this event is: “Embracing Christ’s Multiethnic Body: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges.”
The key areas of focus that will be addressed are: The church’s theological task and racism; Fear and prejudice; Cultural Awareness and competency; Racism and racial privilege.
In addressing these issues, participants will examine the impact and role that racism and white privilege play in society. We will examine the interplay of racism with issues such as immigration, criminal justice, economics, healthcare and other societal issues. We will also consider the influence of racism in the way The United Methodist Church handles these and other issues within the church itself.
Plenary speakers will be asked to speak to these issues. Participants will then form into sharing/study groups to engage in reflection around these specific issues. Stories will be shared to identify the terrible toll that racism and racial privilege take upon relationships in society and the church in particular.
The studies and format being used are such that they can be easily transferred for use to local church and community settings once the participants return to their communities.
The event will be punctuated with opportunities for powerful worship experiences for the participants that are reflective of the Multiethnic nature of Christ’s body.
The 2010 Summit on Black Church: Rekindling the Flame
On September 23-25, 2010, clergy and laity from across the state of SC and beyond will gather at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Columbia, SC for a conference on strengthening the ministry of African American congregations in the SC Annual Conference.
The conference will feature keynote speaker, Bishop Linda Lee, President of the General Commission on Religion and Race, a member of the Connectional Table for the United Methodist Church.
Additionally, attendees will learn from other dynamic and effective leaders from across the SC Annual Conference, who will lead workshops exploring the eight quality characteristics that can be found in congregations that are healthy and growing.
Upcoming events of the Oklahoma Commission on Religion and Race
Monitoring Workshop
for the 2010 Oklahoma UMC Annual Conference
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 12:00 p.m.
Quayle UMC/5001 N. Everest
OKC, OK 73111
Contact: 405-424-2770 x3
CORR Membership and Leadership Training Retreat
September 10-11, 2010
Canyon Camp, Hinton, OK
Contact: 405-424-2770 x3
Asian American & Pacific Islander United Methodist Clergywomen Association Biennial Meeting
The Asian American & Pacific Islander United Methodist Clergywomen Association (AAPIC) will hold its biennial meeting in San Jose, Calf., Wednesday, July 28, 2010 and Thursday, July 29, 2010.
The theme this year is: "Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we equip and empower Asian American & Pacific Islander women as disciples of Jesus Christ and transformational leaders of the United Methodist Church and the world." For more information see the AAPIC Web site.
Solidarity Vigil and Fast for Arizona Immigrants
The Isaiah 58 National Solidarity Vigil and Fast for Arizona will consist of weeks of rolling prayer. For one week, people of all faiths will pray 24 hours a day, with one hour per day focused on corporate prayer as a public witness against the harsh measures in the Arizona law. In signing up to pray for a 30-minute slot, there will be a statement that participants will be endorsing that can be used to send to state and federal elected leaders.
The weeks of prayer have been separated for each group of states. Find your state in the schedule below and then see to the side for the call date and time to coordinate with others from your state.
For all calls, the call-in information is 800-920-7487 and the code is 76723736.
- Week 1 (June 6-12): Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware. Call: Wednesday May 26, 3 pm EST.
- Week 2 (June 13-19): Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Mississippi. Call: Wednesday, May 26, 4:30 pm EST.
- Week 3 (June 20-26): South Carolina, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Call: Thursday, May 27, 4 pm EST.
- Week 4 (June 27-July 3): New Jersey, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Hawaii. Call: Thursday, May 27, 4:30 pm EST.
- Week 5 (July 4-10): Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana. Call: TBA.
- Week 6 (July 11-17): Minnesota, Illinois, North & South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan. Call: TBA.
- Week 7 (July 18-24): Ohio, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Florida. Call: TBA.
- Week 8 (July 25-31): Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska. Call: TBA.
NFAAUM's Annual Meeting
|
|
