New and Notes for August 31, 2010
Charge Conferences begin tonight! Thank you for preparing your congregations for the holy conferencing that will be the centerpieces of our 47 gatherings across the district between now and the end of November.
Each charge will have a time when the six questions at the bottom of the Charge Conference form can be addressed. Also, don’t forget that the questions in the introductory paragraph will also be asked of each church. If there are multiple churches on the charge, each congregation will offer input on each question.
Please use the district website for downloads and links and the conference website for online data collection purposes. At Charge Conference, have a folder for the district superintendent as well as one for the secretary. We will go through the business portion of the Charge Conference after the opening dialogue section is completed.
As you lead your congregations, be aware of the great resources of the connection. The conference website allows you to get a glimpse at future events that can benefit your churches. Links to such events as Pilgrimage can be found there. Then, too, there is the denominational website that gives one an understanding of what is taking place across global United Methodism.
What is your opinion on district pastors’ meetings? I have tried to have only a couple per year, believing this allows for pastors to do the work of ministry. In this age of electronic technology, I have sought to use emails and the website to distribute information. Thus, our meetings have been for worship and fellowship, with a little coaching and teaching added in on occasion. Are we getting together at other times for fellowship and/or study and accountability? If not, should this be a reason for more pastors’ meetings?
Let me know your opinion of this format as well as your feedback on the way we are doing Charge Conferences this year! Your thoughts are important, and I want to know them!
In Christ’s Peace,
Mack
August 31, 2010
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News and Notes for August 23, 2010
Please remember to use the Conference website to access information about upcoming events! For instance, you can find info on the homepage about: UMM Day at Duke on September 25; a one-day workshop offered on both October 29 and 30 on Deepening Your Effectiveness in Discipleship; and a link to find information on Pilgrimage, November 12-14.
As you get the data you need, pass along pertinent information to those who can use it in your parish setting. It is imperative that your laity get the information that’s available on the web. Of course, they can access the information directly, but many don’t know the website is there. Help your parishioners know about the site as well as helpful workshops and events that will benefit some or all in your congregations.
Another issue to bring up regarding the Conference website is that this site provides a link to all churches with websites. Make sure you or your webmaster alerts the conference IT people about your site so that a link can be set up. Currently, only 14 churches are listed there, and we have more than 14 websites up and running in the district. Lastly, whatever website design you have, keep it current! Since newcomers to communities often check the web for information about UMC’s, you want to ensure that your site is up to date!
One youth event that is close in proximity to all of our district churches is CO-Mission, to be held October 1-3. Look for a mailing from Marty Cauley and St. Paul UMC concerning this exciting mission opportunity for youth and their adult leaders!
Please begin the process of working with your laity to prepare for Charge Conference! As we discussed at the pastors’ meeting, the format will be new to all of us. Now is the time to schedule meetings and prepare for the discussion parts of our holy conferencing!
Like the Apostle Paul, I find myself giving God thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Please know you are in my prayers, and I covet your prayers, too!
May the Lord of the Church bless you in your ministry!
In His Love,
Mack
August 23, 2010
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News and Notes for August 18, 2010
Some of you already subscribed to the bi-weekly e-newsletter LEADING IDEAS. I want to recommend this free resource to you. It presents relevant topics in practical language. If you are interested in leading your congregation well, you will want to add this resource to your tool kit! It is produced by Wesley Seminary, and its editor is Lovett Weems, a well-respected United Methodist theologian. You can look at the present issue and subscribe by going on the website: www.churchleadership.com
Passionate worship is not just a catch phrase for fruitful congregations; it is the most important and lasting impression that a person who visits will take into account when determining if there will ever be a second visit. Let's be intentional about ensuring that the worship of God that we offer members and visitors alike each Sunday touches the hearts as well as the minds of all in attendance. Please note that this is one of the subjects tackled in this week's edition of LEADING IDEAS.
Apportionments for 2011 have been mailed to each church. This mailing is also a subtle reminder to us that we need to pay attention to our 2010 apportionment giving. Across the conference, the trend is that churches are woefully behind where they need to be in connectional ministry support.
Please take time to view your congregation's information on the district website's directory. In particular, make sure the worship time(s) are correct. Even if your summer schedule is different from other times during the year, send a note to Fran so that the information can be current. If the schedule of services changes again for the post-Labor Day time period, send Fran a notice at that time about the change.
As mentioned at our pastors' meeting, every pastor in the NCC must attend one of the quadrennial sexual ethics training sessions this fall. Pick a date, and find the right place for you to attend. Sites are available through an email that went out to all pastors yesterday. The dates are: September 27; October 4; October 21; October 25; and October 30. Most of our district's pastors will attend the October 4 event in Smithfield. It is your responsibility to sign-up; make sure you are only registered for one!
Please begin the process of working with your laity to prepare for Charge Conference! As we discussed at the pastors meeting, the format will be new to all of us. Now is the time to schedule meetings and prepare for the discussion parts of our holy conferencing!
Like the Apostle Paul, I find myself giving God thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Please know you are in my prayers, and I covet your prayers, too!
May the Lord of the Church bless you in your ministry!
In His Love,
Mack
August 18, 2010
