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 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.

 

 

Changes for Clergy Meeting with Bishop Carter

Tomorrow, October 6th from 10-11am is the last of two meetings with Bishop Carter. Clergy, if you did not participate in the previous meetings, please attend this one.

Register 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/85011275824
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!
 
The expectation is that leaders will share their learning within their church or ministry context.

Check out the preferred provider list here:
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

Rise! Anti-Racism Ethics Training has 4 starting points left for 2021.

  • October 10 (ZOOM meetings 10/15, 10/22)
  • October 17 (ZOOM meetings 10/23, 10/29)
  • October 25 (ZOOM meetings 10/30, 11/12)
  • November 8 (ZOOM meetings 11/13, 11/19)

The redesigned workshop for 2021 is now an eLearning course with self-paced lessons, small group discussions, and scheduled ZOOM meetings. The entirety of the workshop will run 12 days, with 3 days of ZOOM sessions included.

Registration and details can be found on our website, here.

 

Green Church Initiative

Are you interested in beginning or expanding a Creation Care Ministry at your church?

Lay persons who are interested in learning more about how to start a Creation Care Ministry at their church, as well as those who want to receive more details about the Green Church Initiative, may register to attend one of the virtual training sessions offered by the Conference Creation Care Ministry Team on Thursday, October 21st, or Sunday, October 24th, from 7:00-8:30pm.

To register, email CreationCareWNCC@gmail.com and provide the name and address of your church, as well as which session you prefer to attend.


Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset

This November, Arbinger Institute is offering one online workshop designed to encourage deep growth in community relationships, collaboration, engagement, and accountability.

More information can be found here.

 

 

Resources for Special Sundays in October

October has 4 Special Sundays - World Communion Sunday, Laity Sunday, United Nations Day, and Reformation Sunday. Below are resources including leader kits, graphics, and pew cards for each Sunday.

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/umcgiving/special-sundays

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/laity-sunday-2021-rise-up-and-revive-gods-gift

https://www.outreach.com/partners/united-methodist-special-sunday

https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/2022-worship-and-music-planning-calendar/

 

 

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

 

 

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