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
https://www.wnccumc.org/covid
Haywood St. Offers and Invites Guest Pastors
Haywood St. Congregation is offering the chance to share their story with your congregation or group. They are also interested in hearing yours! Please contact Jody Halstead for more information and scheduling.
WNCCUMC Annual Conference
The Western North Carolina Conference will be held in-person at Lake Junaluska June 16-19, 2022. For all clergy, please ensure you submit an excused absence request if you are unable to attend.
Registration and conference materials will be available in the Terrace Auditorium Thursday, 10:30am-6pm, and Friday 8:30am-4pm. Masks are recommended indoors and will be available at the door.
Complete Details and registration can be found here.
Annual Conference - Thursday Connections
This year's Annual Conference will have several opportunities Thursday to connect with others through various led-activities. Options include golf, hiking, paddling the lake, playing D&D, bible journaling, and more!
Find all options and registration here.
#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 received questions from a few of you regarding what actions your congregations need to take at this time. Even though no formal action is needed currently, we think this is a perfect time to gather and talk about those actions we can all take to continue to strengthen our connection in our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World as the United Methodist Church.
We would like to invite you to one of five discussions with District Superintendent, Mark Ralls which will be centered around addressing what is known at this point about the continuing UMC, as well as your pre-submitted questions which can be submitted electronically by clicking on the "Register Here" button below. This link can also be used to register to attend one of these events.
Registration is needed for planning purposes, and would be appreciated no later than one week prior to the event you wish to attend. Feel free to attend the event which is most convenient for you.
We are grateful to be in connection with each of you, and look forward to being together over the coming weeks.
Scheduled Discussions:
- June 26, 2pm: First UMC Forest City
- June 26, 4pm: Montmorenci UMC
- July 3, 2pm: Fletcher UMC
- July 10, 2pm: Christ Weaverville
- July 10, 4pm: Black Mountain UMC
Register and submit your questions here.
Registration for Fall 2022 Antiracism Ethics Training is open!
The Conference will be offering nine RISE! Workshops Fall 2022. One of these workshops will be offered virtually and eight workshops will be in-person.
The 2-day in-person RISE! Workshops will take place from 10am-6pm both days.
The Virtual RISE! Workshop will include self-paced lessons, online small group discussions, and scheduled Zoom meetings spanning approximately 12 days.
Antiracism Ethics Training is the Clergy Ethics Training for the quadrennium through June 2024, and thus it is mandatory for all clergy in the Western North Carolina Conference. The training will be facilitated by RISE! (Race: an In-depth Spiritual Examination) trainers. Each clergy person is to have a lay leader participate in the training. This inclusion of laity will foster more effective change in congregational culture.
Register and learn more: https://www.wnccumc.org/
MEF Service Loan Application Deadline Change
The MEF Service Loan Application has been updated and the deadlines have changed. Deadlines are now August 15 and January 15 of each year.
https://www.wnccumc.org/files/
New Duke Endowment Scholarships Available
The Professional Renewal Initiative has been awarded a grant from The Duke Endowment that will enable approximately 16 North Carolina UMC pastors to attend the Clergy Program at Davidson Clergy Center. Scholarships will cover full tuition ($2,800) and a $300 stipend for travel and lodging. Applications should be requested from Professional Renewal Initiative by email at info@professionalrenewal.org, or information about the Clergy Program or scheduling inquiries made directly to Davidson Clergy Center at info@davcp.com. Applications will be reviewed on a first come basis. Scholarships are for members of both North Carolina Conferences.
These scholarships for members of the North Carolina Conferences and are designed especially for self-referral! As pastors navigate their new normal exiting from COVID, ramping programs up and new organization is causing new stressors, and accentuating residual stresses. These scholarships will be a valuable resource for these leaders.
The four-day Clergy Program includes intensive wellness work with pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, consultants, life coaches, nutritionists, financial counselors, and personal fitness trainers. It is a time of self-care to obtain tools for personal and professional resilience. General information is found: http://davcp.com/on-site-programs/ministry-the-clergy-program/
All records are confidential between the client, Professional Renewal Initiative, and the Davidson Centre.
Juneteenth Celebration
On Sunday, June 19th, The Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church will host a Conference-wide JUNETEENTH Freedom Celebration at Lake Junaluska.
Stage Schedule:
1 p.m. | Catamount Choir
2 p.m. | Dr. Tiffayny Jackson
3 p.m. | Community Gospel Choir
This FREE celebration will be held at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym from 1pm-5pm with food trucks, inflatables, games and more! All are welcome!
Fresh Expressions Leadership Academy
Registration for the 2022/2023 Adventurers Leadership Academy is now open. Join Rev. Dr. Michael Beck during this year-long immersion into Fresh Expressions.Churches - consider sponsoring a layperson from your congregation to attend.
Registration Link - https://secure.acceptiva.com/?
Referral Form - https://secure.acceptiva.com/?
Upcoming Dates & Events
- June 16-19: Annual Conference
- June 19: JUNETEENTH Celebration
- June 26: #BeUMC
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