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 & Retirement Celebration for Debra Luther
Mark your calendar for March 3rd! The Blue Ridge District will host a gathering at First UMC Hendersonville from 1:30-6:30 including time for:

Worship - A time of worship celebration led by First UMC Hendersonville's Ignite Worship Team.
General Conference Recap - Understanding the decisions made at the 2019 specially called General Conference.
Leadership Training - Clergy and Lay Leaders will have the opportunity to learn more about and discuss topics such as cooperative parishes, faithful stewardship, church security, and mission based communication. Information about registration will follow.
Retirement Celebration for Debra Luther - Debra is retiring in February and we want to celebrate her faithful years of service

3
Prayer Vigil for 2019 General Conference
Join us February 21st from 6-7:30pm at Central UMC for a prayer vigil surrounding the specially called General Conference, it's delegates, and the decisions that will be made.

4
Loans for Federal Workers
The United Methodist Credit Union (TUMCU) is offering loans to Federal Government Employees that may need paycheck replacement during the current shutdown. Loan amounts are based on the member's monthly pay prior to the shutdown. Loans have a 0% APR during the shutdown, and are available up to a maximum of $5,000.

Please share this information with those in your congregation who may be impacted by the shutdown.

Contact TUMCU at 866-657-0004 to apply or for more details.

5
Summer Exploring Candidacy Retreats
If someone you know is exploring a call to candidacy, please encourage them to meet with District Superintendent, Rev. Beth Crissman. The next candidacy retreat for exploring candidates is scheduled for July 12-13 at the WNCC office in Huntersville, and we would love to include them in this time of discernment. Email Shonnie at sstreder@wnccumc.org to set up an appointment.

6
Vitality Grants for 2019

Applications for consideration in 2019 grant cycles are due April 30, July 31st, and October 31st. The grants will be reviewed quarterly. Contact Rob Parsons rparsons@wnccumc.org for more information.

7
Support Groups
If your congregation hosts or takes part in a support group that is open to the community at large, please let us know! We would like to start putting together a resource page on the Blue Ridge District website. Please email Shonnie at sstreder@wnccumc.org with a short description including group name, location, date, & time.

8
Meals for UNCA Students
If your church is willing to commit to providing a meal for students when we gather on Wednesday nights please sign up here.This is a great opportunity for a Sunday school class, bible study, or just 2-3 folks who want to come together and make a meal! If you are not a cook but would like to sponsor a week with a financial contribution you may also do that.

9
Other Opportunities for Growth

February 1-3 - Summit Youth Retreat
February 7 - Church Audit Webinar
February 8–10 - Lake Junaluska Youth Retreat
February 15–18 - Lake Junaluska Youth Retreat
March 4-6 - Homegrown Leaders Leadership and Economic Development Training (Applications due February 8th)
March 10-12 - Marriage Enrichment Retreat
March 11-13, June 3-5, Sept 9-11 - Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process

Resources:
Clergy and Lay Ministry Professionals are invited to a time of spiritual renewal. The Leadership Development Team has provided a menu of opportunities that come with a $500 scholarship. https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/spiritual-renewal-9296372

10
Conference & District Events
Take a look at the Blue Ridge District web calendar for a full list of Conference & District Events.

In Christ,
Shonnie Streder, BRD Communication Strategist