News

Congratulations to Blue Ridge District's Newest TOP Training Facilitators!

posted on May 19

Congratulations to our April 2023 Cohort! Judy Chandler – Lay Leader at Etowah UMC & District Lay Leader Travis Smith – Pastor at Acton UMC Diana Corbin – Lay Leader at Action UMC Avery White – ...
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Civil Rights Pilgrimage with Blue Ridge District

posted on May 12

This October, Blue Ridge District will host their second annual pilgrimage through Montgomery, Alabama. Tours include Dexter Parsonage - home to Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950s, National Historic ...
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BRD Monthly - April 2023

posted on April 07

Hi Friends of the Blue Ridge District!  As we continue to remain strong in the United Methodist Church, we want to grant you the resources and support needed to thrive in leadership across the ...
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Outward Mindset Workshops Intro Session

posted on February 27

What if you discovered that the quality of our relationships depends not so much on what we do, but rather how we think, and how we see others? What if you could spend less time dealing with things ...
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2023 Metro District Lay Servant Ministries Training

posted on February 08

Registration is now open for the 2023 Metro District Lay Servant Ministries training! We are offering the trainings at two host churches as well as an advanced course via Zoom. Class size is limited ...
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February BRD Monthly

posted on February 01

February 2023   Annual Reports Due Wednesday, February 15 The EZRA platform for annual statistical reports is replaced by ACStats for 2022. ACStats is now open.  A letter from WNC Treasurer R. Mark...
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Global Ministries 2023 Grants

posted on February 01

  The Global Ministries 2023 Racial Ethnic Local Church Grant (RELC) and the Annual Conference Multiethnic Ministries Grant cycle is now open. All applications are due by February 15, 2023. RELC ...
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January BRD Monthly

posted on January 11

January 2023     Annual Reports Due Wednesday, February 15 The EZRA platform for annual statistical reports is replaced by ACStats for 2022. ACStats is now open.  A letter from WNC Treasurer R. Mark...
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Register For Your Mandatory Antiracism Ethics Training!

posted on January 11

Spring Antiracism Workshops are Now Open!  There are 8 in-person workshops and 1 online workshop scheduled between January and June. Clergy need to not wait to meet this mandatory requirement.  
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2023 Winter Leadership Training

posted on January 01

This year's WNCC Winter Leadership Training is designed for and open to all local church leaders including lay leaders, council members, volunteers, and all who lead or are considering future ...
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BRD Monthly Newsletter - December 2022

posted on December 01

  December 2022     Apportionments Due Wednesday, January 4 Apportionments for 2022 are due to the conference office no later than 3:00pm Wednesday, January 4. If you have any questions please email...
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Winter Events and Training Opportunities

posted on November 30

      2023 Winter Leadership Training This year’s Western North Carolina Conference 2023 Winter Leadership Training will take place January 23-26th online in the evenings. This training is  designed...
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Resources for Blue Ridge District United Methodists

posted on November 29

  Our Collection of Articles, Videos, and Podcasts for Hot Topics, United Methodist Doctrine, and Leadership Rolls     Fresh Expression [fresh ik-spresh-uhn] noun A form of church for our ...
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BRD Monthly Newsletter - November 2022

posted on November 02

Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 7.25.2022) View the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/covid     ...
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2022 Charge Conferences

posted on October 01

First, Bishop Carter has recorded a message that he would like to be shared at each charge conference. You can find that video here and the password is PTP. Once you have entered the password, you ...
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October 2022 BRD Monthly

posted on October 01

  Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 7.25.2022) View the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/covid     ...
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Blue Ridge District Office Has Moved!

posted on September 30

The Blue Ridge District Office has moved to our new office at Abernathy UMC! Please review the changes to our phones and addresses, below. Mark Ralls, mralls@wnccumc.org Ruth Kapely, ...
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September BRD Monthly

posted on September 07

  Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 7.25.2022) View the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/covid     ...
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Covid-19 Guidelines Update (7.25.2022)

posted on September 01

Our Bishop and Cabinet have released the following update in regards to worship alongside Covid-19. We have begun to get updates from local churches reporting Covid outbreaks after an event or ...
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August BRD Monthly

posted on July 21

  AUGUST 2022     Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 7.25.2022) View the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc...
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July BRD Monthly

posted on July 05

  Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.1.2022) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wncc...
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#BeUMC - Strengthening the Connection

posted on July 01

#BeUMC Strengthening the Connection: A Discussion with Blue Ridge District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls, on the Continuing UMC   General Conference has been postponed until 2024, and we have ...
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June BRD Monthly

posted on June 03

JUNE 2022     Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.1.2022) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit http...
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2022-2023 Appointments

posted on June 01

2022-2023 Appointments  Blue Ridge District welcomes the following new pastors!  Andrew Crimmins - St. Timothy’s  Veranita Alvord - First Brevard  Joe Tarpley - Skyland  Richard Blount - ...
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Important Dates and Events - May 2022

posted on May 05

Upcoming Dates & Events May 1: Native American Ministries Sunday May 3: Aldersgate Day of Prayer with Bishop Carter May 8: Mother's Day May 10: The Right Start Seminar for New Appointments  May 12: ...
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May 2022 BRD Monthly

posted on May 02

Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.1.2022) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc...
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2022 Rise! Anti-Racism & Ethics Training

posted on April 01

  May and June workshops still have spaces available. Blue Ridge District will NOT be hosting a district-specific workshop this fall. As a reminder, it is still important to take advantage of these ...
News Article

April 2022 BRD Monthly

posted on April 01

  Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.1.2022) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnc...
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Tempered Resilience: Becoming an Adaptive Leader Webinar and Group Sessions

posted on March 04

  March 15 at noon, Author Tod Bolsinger will lead a webinar based on his book Tempered Resilience with Bishop Carter moderating. Cultivating leadership not just to survive but to thrive. Tod ...
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Recognition of Anniversary Churches

posted on March 03

The WNC Conference Commission on Archives and History will recognize all churches celebrating their 100th, 150th, and 200th anniversaries in 2022. If your congregation is celebrating one of these ...
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Updated Covid Guidelines - 3/3/2022

posted on March 03

As we enter Spring and Lent, we have been given new guidelines from Governor Cooper's office and the Center for Disease and Control (CDC). Please review these guidelines with your Covid Safety team to...
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BRD Monthly - March 2022

posted on March 01

Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.1.2022) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc...
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February 2022 BRD Monthly

posted on January 31

  March Clergy Meeting: Save the Date The next clergy meeting will be held via Zoom March 8. Further details coming soon.     Outward Mindset Training This March 8 and 9, a special opportunity for ...
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New Year, New 2022 Conference Offerings

posted on January 17

Happy New Year!  We pray that you enter 2022 with hope.   …and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. ...
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Fresh Expressions Exponential

posted on January 07

March 7-10, join Bishop Ken Carter, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand of Metro District, Rev. Dr. Michael Moynagh of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Rev. Dr. Michael Beck of the Florida Conference, and more ...
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January 2022 BRD Monthly

posted on January 01

Current COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 12.14.2021) View & Download a copy of the current guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wncc...
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WNCC Christmas Worship Service 2021

posted on December 15

Bishop Carter, the Appointive Cabinet, and churches across the conference have come together to bring this year's WNCC Christmas Worship Service. We invite clergy and worship leaders to take this ...
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Updated Covid-19 Guidelines • 12/15/21

posted on December 14

With COVID infections on the rise, increased hospitalizations over the past 4 weeks, and the highly contagious nature of both the Delta and Omicron variants, the Bishop and Cabinet of the Western ...
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BOTH/AND Hybrid Worship Cohort Grant

posted on December 10

This cohort, beginning the last week in January, is made for those of you who want to learn how to harness the power of technology to include those who are in the room and those who are online at ...
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Sabbath Life 2022 Cohort

posted on December 10

The Uwharrie District has extended an invitation to  Blue Ridge District Clergy to join a 2022 cohort of Sabbath Life. Their ministry has operated in the North Carolina Conference since 2015, and are ...
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December 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on December 01

  WNCC Christmas Worship Service 2021 Bishop Carter, the Appointive Cabinet, and churches across the conference have come together to bring this year's WNCC Christmas Worship Service. We invite ...
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November 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on October 29

Disaster Response Efforts The WNCC Committee on Relief has been putting their efforts into assisting with damages caused by Hurricanes Ida and Fred across Western North Carolina.  "Clergy, we ask that...
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Public Assistance for Houses of Worship

posted on October 04

View and Share the Official PDF Here   Public Assistance for Houses of Worship    Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for emergency ...
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Green Church Initiative

posted on October 01

  Are you interested in beginning or expanding a Creation Care Ministry at your church? If so, then get ready for the Green Church Initiative that is coming in October! It provides a variety of ...
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October 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on October 01

Disaster Response Efforts The WNCC Committee on Relief has been putting their efforts into assisting with damages caused by Hurricanes Ida and Fred across Western North Carolina.  "Clergy, we ask ...
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WNC Leadership Development Team Scholarship Opportunities

posted on October 01

  The WNC Leadership Development Team is offering scholarships to Clergy and Ministry Professionals to participate in your choice of growth opportunities! Just in time training choices include:   * ...
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Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan ADDENDUM

posted on September 28

  Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan ADDENDUM October 1, 2021 Covid-19 Vaccination Protocol Requirements for ALL employees of the Conference The conference will now require Full ...
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Letter to Faith Leaders from Gov. Roy Cooper

posted on September 28

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First UMC Hendersonville Presents: Resting in God

posted on September 21

Hendersonville First United Methodist Church is hosting a Centering Prayer workshop with Rev. Rob Carr, a student of Thomas Keating at Saint Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado. Centering ...
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Preaching Like Peter Cohort

posted on September 14

Clergy are invited to register for this cohort which will begin Sept. 30th. During this time, clergy will reflect on the sermons of Peter, practice, apply, improve sermons of their own, and enjoy ...
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2021 Charge Conferences

posted on September 10

2021 Missional Network Charge Conferences   ATTN: All Missional Network Charge Conferences for 2021 will be held virtually on October 10th via Zoom unless otherwise requested. All participants will...
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MLAB: A Movement to Experience Space for Innovation, Creativity, and Collaboration

posted on September 08

MLAB: A movement to experience space for innovation, creativity, and collaboration   Do you have a problem you are trying to solve? Is there an adaptive challenge you are facing? Do you want to ...
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Clergy Health and Wellness Opportunities

posted on September 01

Clergy Health and Wellness Opportunities In order to help BRD clergy further pursue spiritual, mental, and physical health, we are now offering the following opportunities:   *New* Discounted YMCA...
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September 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on September 01

COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 8.9.2021) View & Download a copy of the guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/covid     ...
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Spiritual Renewal Grant for Clergy and Lay Ministry Professionals

posted on August 09

This season of ministry has been hard on leaders and many are exhausted, discouraged, and in need of time away.  The WNCC Leadership Development Team wants to help nurture the spiritual growth of ...
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Updated Covid Recommendations - 8•9•2021

posted on August 09

Updated masking recommendation: Due to the increasing Covid-19 spread verified by the data revealed on the CDC’s Community Transmission Map (see below), the Bishop and Cabinet are strongly ...
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August 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on August 05

COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 7.28.2021) View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/co...
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Fall Offerings

posted on August 03

Offerings to help develop your capacity to lead and to add tools to your toolkit. Several include laity. The costs are reduced thanks to the generosity of local church giving. Click on the links to ...
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Fall Offerings Overview Webinar

posted on August 03

Thursday, August 19th, several Western North Carolina Conference leaders will host a webinar to explain resources and opportunities they are offering to congregations this fall. All are welcome to ...
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Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset Workshops

posted on August 02

This fall Arbinger Institute is offering 5 workshops throughout the conference in conjunction with the WNC Leadership Development Team. These are designed to encourage deep growth in community ...
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Post-Pandemic Game Changers Cohort

posted on August 02

Beginning in September, join teams from other WNC churches via ZOOM once a month for conversation, assessment, action-plan creation, and implementation plans for your congregation as we navigate the...
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Clergy Housing Allowances Webinar

posted on August 01

Tuesday August 10, Mr. Bryan Mills, General Counsel for G.C.F.A. and Rev. Ken Sloane of Discipleship Ministries will be covering details and questions about the Household Expense Allowance as well ...
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Navigating Change Retreat

posted on August 01

August 21, join Groce UMC for a day of fun, stories, fellowship, and food as we contemplate the changes COVID-19 has brought to our lives. Led by award-winning storyteller, Certified Grief Recovery...
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Relaunching Dinner Church

posted on July 01

Western NC Conference Fresh Expressions invites you and your family to join us for a time of food, fun, and inspiration! August 13th through August 15th you have three opportunities to join us ...
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July 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on June 01

COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 5.18.2021) View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/...
News Article

Stories of Us: Wellspring Congregation

posted on June 01

  Wellspring Congregation is Opening Their Doors! Blue Ridge District's latest congregational formation, Wellspring, is having their first in-person worship service on June 27! This congregation has ...
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'Launching a Non-Profit' Ongoing Peer Learning Workshop

posted on May 31

  Beginning June 10, The Non-Profit Peer Learning Cohort will meet every 2nd Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. This is designed for clergy and/or laity who are working to develop a 501(c)3 non-profit ...
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The Ultimate ReLaunch Playbook Workshop

posted on May 30

Based on best-selling author Kay Kotan's book, Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World, The Ultimate ReLaunch Playbook Webinar will be hosted by The WNCC Leadership Development Team Wednesday, ...
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June 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on May 19

COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 5.18.2021) View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org/c...
News Article

May 2021 BRD Monthly

posted on May 01

  COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.24.2021) View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here. For more resources related to COVID-19 visit https://www.wnccumc.org...
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Faith into Action: Advocating for Children in NC!

posted on April 22

Join us from 1-2 p.m. on May 6th for Faith into Action: Advocating for Children in NC! The Western NC Child Advocacy Network, Congregations4Children (WNCCUMC), and NC Child will share their ...
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WNCC Second Sunday of Easter Worship Service

posted on April 10

On the Sunday after Easter (April 11), the Western NC Conference will offer a conference-wide virtual worship led by our District Superintendents, with music and liturgy from pastors and churches ...
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BRD Monthly - April 2021

posted on April 01

Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry (updated 3.24.2021) View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here. WNCC Second Sunday of Easter Service On the Sunday after Easter...
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Live with Chris Singleton

posted on March 24

The Blue Ridge District, in partnership with Rev. Heidi Campbell-Robinson, President and Lead Coach of WaterRock Institute, is excited to host Chris Singleton at 2pm on May 2nd, live online via ...
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WNCC's Faith Formation Community Meet and Greet Event via ZOOM

posted on March 03

Come gather with church leaders, both clergy and laity, staff and volunteers. This will be a time of collaborating, learning, sharing difficulties, and celebrating ministries in a variety of faith ...
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BRD Monthly - March 2021

posted on March 01

    Updated Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry During Covid-19  February 24, Governor Cooper issued an easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The Bishop and Cabinet remain committed to our ...
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Reclaiming and Living Covenant : An In-Depth Lenten Study

posted on February 12

  The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church has created and shared an in-depth Lenten study with a focus on scripture, UMC Social Principles, and anti-racism. Although it ...
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BRD Monthly - February 2021

posted on February 01

Resources for Black History Month With racial justice becoming an ever-increasing focus of the United Methodist Church, we would like to share some great resources for Black History Month. United ...
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Royce and Jane Reynolds Ministry Fund Grants

posted on January 28

The Royce and Jane Reynolds Ministry Fund aims to support ministries who demonstrate an intention, plan, and ability to make disciples of Jesus Christ. All award decisions are made by a team of ...
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BRD Monthly - January 2021

posted on December 29

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Under Covid A wonderful piece from United Methodist Communications on making the most of Martin Luther King Day for your congregation this year while ...
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Stories of Us: Haywood St. Congregation

posted on December 29

On the edge of Downtown Asheville, in an area known as the "homeless corridor", stands a unique mission congregation of the United Methodist Church. Haywood Street Congregation has stood a pillar in ...
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Information on Christmas Service from the WNC Conference

posted on December 22

As a gift of many thanks for this season's hard work, conference leadership is creating a virtual service for clergy to enjoy a break the Sunday following Christmas.  One full-service video is ...
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BRD Monthly - December

posted on December 01

December 2020 *We apologize for any inconvenience, but after sending this email on Monday we realized Spiritual Renewal Grants are no longer available as listed under #5. Please see the wnccumc.org ...
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BRD Monthly - November

posted on November 01

Advisory Forms  Advisory forms will be mailed November 12th.  If pastors or their 2020 S/PPRC Chairs do not receive the form and letter, please contact Ruth Kapely at rkapely@wnccumc.org.  Church and...
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BRD Monthly - October

posted on October 01

    October 2020   1 Lunch Conversations with Mark (District Superintendent, Missional Strategist) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, Mark will be hosting leadership conversations via Zoom with pastors in ...
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Farewell Letter from Rev. Beth Crissman

posted on June 25

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of thanksgiving because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about ...
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COVID-19 Response

posted on March 25

Conference and District Offices are closed but working remotely. In cooperation with the directives of the Western North Carolina Conference, The Blue Ridge District office is closed until further ...
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Thank You from Debra Luther

posted on March 27

Dear District Staff, Clergy and Laity, “I give great thanks for you” and for the last 27 plus years of building relationships that will never be forgotten. Having joined the ranks of the “retired” on ...
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BRD Monthly - March

posted on March 06

March 2019 1 A Prayer for Ash Wednesday (from umcprays.org) - I pray that Christ may come to you early in the morning, as he came to Mary that morning in the garden. And, I pray that you find Christ ...
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Time to Push

posted on February 18

United in Prayer "When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices united in prayer to God." - Acts 4: 24 Greetings, sisters and brothers in the gracious name of our Lord and ...
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BRD Monthly - February

posted on February 01

February 2019 1 Year End Statistical Reports Please remember to fill out your year end statistical reports before January 31st.    2 District Leadership Conference, General Conference Recap & ...
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A Way Forward

posted on September 26

Peace Be with You "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." - John 14:27   Peace ...
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Developing Daily Disciples

posted on March 23

Being a part of the church as a disciple of Christ is a 24 hour, 7 day a week calling. If we consider ourselves followers of Christ, It is who we are in the very core of our being. Jesus does not call...
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Seeking Sabbath at the Center

posted on March 22

In our busy lives, taking time to find rest, renewal and delight has an impact on everything else about us. The quiet of Sabbath has the power to inject God’s freedom into our lives of slavery to our ...
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Becoming Instruments of Justice

posted on March 20

“In every moment...we choose to see others either as people like ourselves or as objects. They either count like we do or they don't.” ― The Arbinger Institute, The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the ...
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Creating Community for All

posted on March 19

Jesus told us this was going to happen. When he met the woman at the well, she began by recounting the past and current culture,  “Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you say that the place...
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2019 Blue Ridge District Charge Conference Dates

Once again, our annual charge conferences for local churches will be in each Missional Network. The dates for each Missional Network Charge Conference Celebration can be found here.  Training for ...
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