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 you appeal to your congregations, both in person and those online, to give generously to this fund so that we, as a Conference, may assist these churches in working with their communities."
Find more information and ways to give here.
Charge Conferences
Dates, times, and a zoom link for the 2021 Fall Charge Conferences are available on our website and will continue to be updated as needed. Those who are not listed have been scheduled individually. Please reach out to Ruth (rkapely@wnccumc.org) for more information.
Fall 2021 Charge Conference Schedule
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 850 1127 5824
Connect online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8501
Connect via phone: 929 205 6099
Clergy Health Opportunities
In order to help BRD clergy further pursue spiritual, mental, and physical health, we are now offering the following opportunities:
Discounted YMCA Memberships
The Blue Ridge District has entered into a partnership with the YMCA of Western North Carolina to offer clergy and their families discounted gym memberships. Below are links to locations, rates, and an application for membership. You can apply by filling out that application and emailing it to Chris Fox with the Y (cfox@ymcawnc.org).
If you are outside of the YMCA of Western North Carolina area, but know of another YMCA area we could partner with that is closer to you, also please let Shonnie know (sstreder@wnccumc.org).
Counseling with Stacy Watkins-Griffith
Clergy are invited to schedule up to 6 counseling sessions with UM Elder and Licensed Counselor, Stacy Watkins-Griffith for $10/session. Stacy only communicates with the Blue Ridge District about supplemental fees. Counseling sessions and those who enter into them are held completely confidential by her.
Online Means of Grace
We know that a lot of times when clergy are the ones providing opportunities for others to participate in the Means of Grace, there is little space for them to participate as well. Because of this we want to offer the opportunity for clergy to gather with other clergy from around the Blue Ridge District in prayer, scriptural study & conversation, fasting & communion, and conversations/action planning surrounding justice. So that we can better plan, if you are interested in any of these opportunities, please fill out this form. We will provide more information as available.
Ongoing Grant Opportunities
Native American Ministries Sunday Grant
Through offerings collected each year on Native American Ministries Sunday, the General Board of Global Ministries is able to grant funding to congregations and ministries working to enhance the relationship or wellbeing of Native Americans.
Download the 2021 application here.
WNC Leadership Development Team Scholarship Opportunities
The WNC Leadership Development Team is offering scholarships to Clergy and Ministry Professionals to participate in your choice of growth opportunities!
Ministries in partnership include the following:
View details and register below.
Preferred Provider Scholarship Opportunities (wnccumc.org)
Scholarships are available until December 1 or funds are completely utilized.
Conference-wide Training Opportunities
Anti-Racism Ethics Training
Registration for the last fall workshop has filled and closed. Details for the spring 2022 workshops will be shared by the beginning of December.
More information can be found here.
Worship and Spiritual Renewal Virtual Workshop
with
Dr. Marcia McFee
The Appalachian District has invited all WNCC clergy to a time of worship and spiritual renewal with Dr. Marcia McFee of Worship Design Studio, based out of California. With a focus on "connecting worship professionals and volunteers to their passion and depth of spiritual leadership", her workshops have been enjoyed all over the world.
This event will be held online Tuesday, November 16 from 3:00 - 4:30.
Please register here by 11-16-2021
Events Within Our District
Our Congregational Event Calendar is here to help share events and workshops from our congregations that are open to all members of the Blue Ridge District. Please have a look, and if you would like to add an event, send an email to sstreder@wnccumc.org.
https://www.blueridgedistrictumc.org/congregational-event-calendar?month=10&year=2021&cals=49237
Job Openings Within Blue Ridge District Congregations
There are currently several job openings throughout our district posted on our website. Please feel free to share among those who may be interested in applying!
https://www.blueridgedistrictumc.org/joblistings
Upcoming Events
- November 8: Rise! Ethics Training Last Start Date
- November 16: Dr. Marcia McFee Spiritual Renewal
- November 16/17: Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset Workshop
- December 1: WNCC Leadership Scholarships Deadline
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