Revelation 5 Task Force Works on Racial Justice Initiative

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1 Dover District February Newsletter Volume 18 Issue 2 Revelation 5 Task Force Works on Racial Justice Initiative On January 13, 2018, Rev. Giovanni Arroyo led the first session of the strategic planning for the actual action steps of the Dover District Revelation 5 Task Force team and intercultural coaches who were trained by the Kaleidoscope Institute. These ongoing strategic planning sessions aim at empowering communities toward justice and establishing churches as gracious places for honest dialogue on the challenging topic of racism which can lead to reconciliation and transformation. The Revelation 5 Task Force invites all to pray for this process based on the following vision and learning objectives. Distinctively Christian, Unapologetically Multiethnic Dover District Racial Justice Initiative Vision: A deeper experience of multiethnic community within and among Dover District congregations, in order to be more effective at offering the hope of Jesus Christ in today s world. Learning Objectives: In order to live into this vision we propose a program of healthy dialogue and education that result in the following: 1. A better understanding of how the social realities of systemic racism and white privilege impede our sanctification as a Christ-centered community of faith. 2. The recognition that whites have participated in systemic racism, even though unintended or beyond the individual misdeeds associated with known acts of hatred and injustice. 3. Exploration of practical, grace-filled ways in which whites might relinquish the social realities of privilege in solidarity with their brothers and sisters of other ethnicities, thus fostering: 4. Christ-centered renewal offering Dover District congregations new ways to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in multiethnic community.

2 Dover District CLM Graduates L-R are Charles Scott, Jacquela Horsey, Datsie Adams, John Benson, Ernie Gaudioso On Sunday, January 21, 2018, the Peninsula Delaware Conference held the Graduation Worship Service for the latest Certified Lay Ministers. Rev. Elder Davis, Jr. was the host pastor from Whatcoat UMC in Dover. Bishop Peggy Johnson was the guest preacher who provided an encouraging message for the graduates. The Dover District was well represented with five new CLM graduates. Datsie Adams - Whatcoat UMC Dover John Benson - St. Paul UMC Milford Ernie Gaudioso - Long Neck UMC Millsboro Jacquela Horsey - Bethel UMC Bridgeville Charles Scott - Serving Trinity UMC Bridgeville

3 THANK YOU, DENISE SNYDER In everything, give thanks - 1 Thessalonians Thank you for your leadership, guidance and support throughout your tenure as the District Lay Leader of the Dover District. We have been especially thankful for you sharing your gifts and skills in working with the laity and clergy throughout the lay academies, leadership trainings and many visitations to your district churches. We appreciate your time of service and pray that God will continue to bless you on your new journeys ahead of you. We thank you as you continue to be the Associate Conference Lay Leader for the Peninsula Delaware Avenue as well as the President of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Women Leadership Team. Many prayers being sent your way as you continue to serve God from your Dover District and myself. Yvonne Jackson Conference Lay Leader Peninsula Delaware Conference

4 Dover District Lay Leader Roslyn D. Harris Roslyn D. Harris is married to James N. Harris Sr. She is the mother of two, James Jr. and Tracey. She is also a foster parent to David Lewis and grandmother of five. Roslyn earned a bachelor s degree in Education from Delaware State College, now Delaware State University in She taught in the Lake Forest and Milford school districts, and retired in Roslyn has been a member of Wesley Chapel U.M. church for over 55 years. She presently serves as the Lay Leader and is the chair of the SPRC committee. Member of the chancellor choir, and Daniels family and Daniels Sister s gospel singers. She is the past chair of Education, youth choir director, Sunday school teacher, and worship chair. Roslyn is a member of the outreach ministry for Feeding Thousand through the Mountainare program giving out food boxes at Easter and Thanksgiving. Roslyn is the past associate Lay Leader for the Dover District, past president of the Slaughter Neck Community Action Organization, and the past treasure for the 3rd of the 36 Democratic Representative district, Roslyn is presently the interim director of the Slaughter Neck Senior program in Lincoln, De, the NAACP Milford Slaughter Neck branch membership chair, volunteer for Hospice and the coordinator for the Slaughter Neck After school program. She received the DSEA Human and Civil Right s Service Award in 2003, Peacemaker award from Wesley chapel in 2001, and the NAACP community service award in Roslyn has received many other certificates and awards from other civic organizations. Roslyn s motto is If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in Vain.

5 2018 Dover District Clergy Gatherings January 25 Harrington: Prospect February 22 Seaford: Wesley March 22 Millsboro: Long Neck April 26 Cheswold: Cheswold September 27 Roxana: Zion October 25 Clayton: Ewell s-saint Paul December 13 Magnolia: Orchard All gatherings start with Worship from 10:00 am to 12 noon with lunch to follow. We look forward to seeing all Dover District Pastors in attendance! Special thanks to our host churches who make our District Clergy Gatherings possible by cheerfully hosting with hospitality!

6 February 13 February 24 Lenten Day Apart - 8:30 - noon St. Luke's UMC, 100 S. 5th Ave. Denton, MD Leadership Training - 8:30 am - 2:30 pm - Open to clergy and laity - Avenue UMC, Milford, DE March 17 Revival Prayer Day #5-9 am - 3 pm - Open to clergy and laity - Whatcoat UMC, 16 N. Main St., Camden, DE April 13 April 14 April 20 Dover SLT Team Training 9 am 4 pm - Wyoming UMC, 216 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover, DE SLT Workshop with Dr. John Ewart this workshop is open to all the clergy members and laity 9 am noon - Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church St. Milford, DE Spring Lay Academy 6-9 pm Location TBD - details coming soon April 21 Spring Lay Academy 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Location TBD - details coming soon May 17 May 31 - June 2 August 14 September 19 DATE CHANGE September 22 October 26 October 27 Pre-Annual Conference Briefing - 7:00-8:30 pm [sign-in starts at 6:30 pm] Centennial UMC, 44 E. Mt. Vernon St., Smyrna, DE Annual UMES Pre-Charge Conference Orientation 6-7:00 pm - more details to come Bishop s Day on Dover District - all clergy and laity can attend 6:30-8:30 pm - Union UMC - 2 N. Laws St., Bridgeville, DE Revival Prayer Day #6-9 am - 3 pm - Open to clergy and laity Asbury UMC, 200 Weiner Ave., Harrington, DE Dover SLT Team Training 9 am 4 pm - Wyoming UMC, 216 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover, DE SLT Workshop with Dr. John Ewart this workshop is open to all the clergy members and laity 9 am noon - Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church St. Milford, DE

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16 Please lift the following people or situations up in prayer this month. Bill Steward - continued prayer for Bill and his wife. Gary Meekins - hand surgery John Rogers - eye surgery Helen McFadden - stroke 2 Richard Evans 3 David Hill 8 Shannon Harris 8 Marie Robinson 10 Rudy White 16 Carol Price 25 James Sipes 28 John Rogers

17 The Minutes of the Charge (Church) Conference shall serve as the guide for reporting. Please have one set of Minutes of the Charge (Church) Conference (available by download from prepared to serve as the official minutes for the Charge (Church) Conference. Please complete as many sections as possible especially Sections 15, 16, 18a and 18b prior to the Charge (Church) Conference. We will need a signed copy with any notations, actions, or decisions. Please provide a list of those attending by name. The Minutes are due in the District Office no later than 30 days following the Charge (Church) Conference. CLM Class dates for 2018 are as follows: March 9-10 April May June 8-9 Graduation June 24, 2018 All classes are held on Friday evening 6-9PM, and Saturday 9-4PM at Whatcoat UM Church in Dover. If you are a Certified Lay Servant interested in the CLM program and would like to attend the next class contact Brenda Tildon at or brendatildon@verizon.net CLM Orientation & Leadership Seminar coming soon!

18 What does the Bible reveal to us about the church? What does a biblical church look like? What is the definition of healthy church? How can we move forward to a healthier church? Following our 4th Strategic Leadership workshop with Dr. John Ewart, the Dover District Strategic Leadership Team (DDSLT) invites pastors and laity to conversation about shared challenges and successes based on the above questions. Our missional strategists and I will meet with you to listen to you and to support you with resources. Bring your questions and specific requests for any help you may need. Come and join this conversation Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa April 13 April 14 Dover SLT Team Training 9 am 4 pm - Wyoming UMC, 216 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover, DE SLT Workshop with Dr. John Ewart this workshop is open to all the clergy members and laity 9 am noon - Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church St. Milford, DE

19 L-R back row Rev. Fred Duncan, Bill Westbrook, Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa, Rev. Joseph Archie L-R front row Bishop Peggy Johnson, Rev. Dr. Shirlyn Brown Youth from Long Neck UMC Millsboro

20 Gethsemane UMC youth members pose with their pastor Jake Macklin and youth coordinator and chaperones. They shout the name of Jesus with joy. DS Kyung Hee Sa poses with two youth members from Greenwood UMC, David and Daniel Smith.

21 MILFORD COMMUNITY CELEBRATES THE 3 RD ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY On January 15, 2018, two racially diverse ministerials located in Milford, DE, along with the community, celebrated the 3 rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The program committee was a mixture of pastors from varied denominations. Although each ministerial (Milford Area Minister s Ministerial and the Milford Interdenominational Ministers Alliance) host some meetings separately to promote their ministries, they also meet together to plan joint events such as the Dr. King Day Celebration, National Day of Prayer, Lenten Services at noon, Thanksgiving service, and Annual Christmas Party. Jointly, the ministerial annually awards one to three (1-3) scholarships to a deserving senior in honor of Dr. King. The focus is young people. In 2017, three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors. The scholarship recipients were the keynote speakers and each shared what Dr. King's Life and Work for justice and equality for all means to them. This was accomplished via technology, given they had returned to college. This year we decided to focus on younger students; therefore, we had an elementary, middle, and high school student share their views about Dr. King s dream. They all did a wonderful job. Further, we had the Central Middle School Academy Choir, which includes about 25 students, and Moment UM youth choir from Avenue United Methodist Church provide the music and a middle school student read the scripture. We were pleased to have our local politicians, which included, Mayor Bryan Shupe, Senator Gary Simpson, former Senator Robert Voshell, Rep. Harvey Kenton, Milford Council Woman, Katrina Wilson, and Eric Norenberg, city manager. Remarks were given by The Milford School District Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Dickerson, and Mayor Bryan Shupe. Our pastors from varied denominations were also in attendance. We pray for greater involvement next year. We are appreciative for Dr. Dickerson who provided the Benjamin Elementary School to host this community-wide event. Our children and youth are important and we desire that they grow and appreciate the goals established by Dr. King in his I have A Dream speech. We want all youngsters to become the best they can be in an ever-changing world. The dream lives on when we witness our children and youth stepping out in faith to make a difference in the world right where they are and beyond. Special thanks to the program committee: Rev. Patrica Green, (Baptist), Pastor Tiana Banks-Scott (Non Denominational), Rev. Claudia Waters (United Methodist), and Rev. Jeanel Starling, program chair,-(united Methodist).

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24 2018 Annual Conference The Peninsula-Delaware Conference will celebrate their annual conference at UMES in Princess Anne, Maryland on May 31-June 2, The Theme will be: Leading as Followers of the Way 2018 Annual Conference Timeline Conference Appeals Calendar Keep checking the website for additional information as it becomes available. Save the date for our Spring Lay Academy April 20th 6-9 pm April 21st 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Details coming soon!

25 An Invitation to Vital Conversations Presented by Bridging the Divide, a joint ministry of Faith, Israel, and Epworth United Methodist Churches Start the new year in an exciting way. You do nothing more right now than call one of the folks below (or sign up at church on Sunday). In the past, you have expressed an interest in or have already participated in exploring the nature and effects of racism. We believe that Vital Conversations will inspire, instruct, and help to broaden your views of racism. You might also consider talking with your friends and acquaintances about Vital Conversations. There are no restrictions on attendance except that you care about the topic. Bring yourself and perhaps another. Vital Conversations is a series of eight discussions about race and ethnicity. Most importantly, these discussions are about you and your fellow Christians. They are frank and challenging and are designed to elicit and, by this, to examine our own views of racism and the factors that have contributed to it. The first session will consist of an introduction to the material, and each of the remaining sessions will open with a short video, followed by discussion in small groups with a final wrap-up of the entire group. These conversations also challenge the church s role, which is often positive, but sometimes avoids the topic of racism by ignoring the subject or by allowing the continued expression of especially institutional racism. Vital Conversations also elicits ways in which each of us, as well as our churches, can identify and act on a new understanding of and a Christ-led plan to confront and defeat racism. 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Rehoboth January 3,10,17,24,31; February 7,24,31, and March 7 Sign up at church or telephone for further information: Ruth Ann Curley at or David Dagenais at Sallie Duffy at Norman Moore Sandra Neal at Carolyn Morris

26 Lewes Charge Extends A Special Invitation To Everyone! To You, Community, Family, Friends, Neighbors, Children, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Co-Workers! Lewes Charge Early Morning Prayer Services 7/7/7 7:00 am/7 days/7 weeks January 7 th February 3 rd at Faith United Methodist Church Church Street Rehoboth, Delaware Rev. Marjorie Belmont-Burns, Pastor (Parsonage) (Cell) ( ) bellbird59@@gmail.com (Church) Lewes Charge Early Morning Prayer Services 7/7/7 7:00 am/7 days/7 weeks February 4 th February 24 th, 2018 at Israel United Methodist Church Plantation Road Lewes, Delaware Rev. Marjorie Belmont Burns, Pastor (Parsonage) (Cell) ( ) bellbird59@gmail.com

27 We want to know what is happening in our district and I need your help! We are blessed and inspired when our local churches share stories of success and joy in mission and ministry. Please share the events and activities at your Church by ing me your stories and photos to: cmyers@pendel.org Deadline for the March issue is February 20th. Clergy Pension & Insurance payments due the 15th of the month. Arrearages occur after the 15th. IR , Dec. 14, 2017 WASHINGTON The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2018 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven, up 1 cent from the rate for cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 1 cent from the rate for cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

28 Dear Pastor: To help you plan out your Giving calendar for 2018, this letter provides a list of dates for both the United Methodist Appeals and the Conference Appeals. Thanks for your support!! Date Appeal Information 1/14/18 Human Relations Day This Appeal supports the UMC s Community Developers Program, Voluntary Services Program, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. 3/11/18 UMCOR Sunday (formerly called One Great Hour of Sharing) When a catastrophe occurs, your offerings enable the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to reach out and ease the pain and suffering by providing humanitarian aid of food, shelter, health and peace. 3/18/18 PLRCA Partners of Leadership Resources for Churches in Africa. Contact Rev. Labala at jsei@dimdigital.com 4/15/18 Native American Ministries Funds support urban missions with Native Americans and fund scholarships for Native American seminarians. 50% of the Appeal is used for these programs within our Annual Conference. 5/20/18 Peace With Justice Poverty and violence need not be a reality in the world today. This Appeal aims to witness to God s hope for a faithful, loving world. 50% of the Appeal is used for these programs within our Annual Conference. 5/6/18 AC Appeal Sunday Receive offering for AC Appeal if not already provided for, 5/31/18-6/02/18 Annual Conference Appeal special-sunday-envelopes-and-posters-kit = free resources for Human Relations Day, UMCOR Sunday, Native American Ministries, Peace With Justice, World Communion, Student Day Churches are encouraged to raise funds in advance and bring them to AC meeting. This year s appeal will support, BOOM Scholarships, the Central Congo Partnership, and Global Migration Offering. There are 65 million displaced persons in the world. This is more than any time since WWII. These millions of migrants include children and their families escaping violence, economic hardship, and other dangerous situations. They seek safety and opportunity in a new land, but are probably unfamiliar with the customs, do not know the language, and may feel unwelcome. The Bible charges God s people with caring for brothers and sisters just like these. In Exodus 22, God commands, Don t mistreat or oppress an immigrant, because you were once immigrants in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21). 7/15/18 Deaf Awareness Sunday Provides our churches a Sunday to uplift those with deafness or other hearing problems. Offerings will support the Deaf Ministries within the Annual Conference. 8/12/18 Camp Pecometh Sunday This appeal provides fund for programs at and scholarships to Camp Pecometh. 9/9/18 PD Student Scholarship Sunday This appeal directly benefits Pen-Del students attending college by providing scholarship funds. 10/7/18 World Communion Provides funds for racial & ethnic undergrad scholarships and advance-degree work related to the mission of the UMC. 10/14/18 Disaster/VIM Sunday Funds raised are used for disaster response within the AC and for VIM Team scholarships. 11/4/18 Africa University Sunday Raising costs and a growing student body means every year more scholarships are needed at AU. Your gifts help grow the endowment fund that provides this assistance. A bulletin insert will be provided. 11/25/18 Student Day Provides loans and scholarships to students attending a UM Church affiliated college. Some of the funds are returned to the Annual Conference to award. Questions? contact Amy Yarnall at pastor.amy@wesleyumc-dover.com Or Kevin MissionsCzar@aol.com or

29 Throughout the year, Pecometh runs several programs geared towards clergy. The Center for Clergy Excellence (CCE) is a Pecometh initiative focused on outstanding spiritual leadership. These programs address a variety of ministry needs and situations. Encourage clergy in your life to attend two of our upcoming programs. Our Clergy Retirement Transition Retreat is designed to help clergy who plan to retire in the next two years, or those who have retired in the last two years, to develop an intentional path to a meaningful and joy-filled retirement. The retreat runs from March 22nd-23rd and is $129/person double occupancy or $199/person single occupancy (includes program fees and accommodation for 1 night & 5 meals).spouses, if applicable, are encouraged to attend and participate fully. Our Voice of the Heart Clergy Retreat is a course in spiritual development and prayer for clergy. This two-part program is designed for clergy by clergy, and has been approved by the Pen-Del Conference for 4 CEU s. The next cohort starts in April-Session 1: April 17th-19th, Session 2: October 16th-18th. The cost is $800 for both sessions (includes a 2 night & 6 meal package in a private room at the Riverview Retreat Center). To find out more about these and other CCE programs, visit us at clergy-excellence or by calling P.S. Save the Date for another great Pecometh program, River of Life Retreat, run by Pastor Kay Lanasa, September 11th-13th 2018!

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33 Nurturing Wholeness in Community Level 1 Training Tuesday, March 6, 2018 to Thursday, March 8, 2018 Pecometh Camp & Retreat Center 136 Bookers Wharf Road Centreville, MD An introductory racial inclusiveness seminar experience for clergy and laity of the Peninsula- Delaware Conference. The introductory seminar is designed to: Foster wholeness in Christian community by undoing racism Encourage participants to journey together in the love of Christ Enable persons to experience reconciliation Strengthen mutually supportive interracial relationships Registration is now open. The cost of the seminar is $ per person and includes accommodations, 6 meals and miscellaneous items. Commuter fee is $ per person. 2 CEU's will be available. Click here for brochure Order your 2017 Journals now! Please download and complete the appropriate form and submit it along with payment to the conference office: Peninsula-Delaware Methodist Conference - Attn:Journal Order Journal Order Form 139 N. State St. Dover DE Retiree Journal Order Form

34 Important 2018 Dates From your Conference Disability Ministry Committee *resources for these dates can be found at Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Deadline to submit nomination for disability Connection Award to be given out at Annual Conference; NOTE - Application has been changed; only one of the 4 E questions needs to be answered. Applications on Pen-Del site. Saturday, March 3, 2018 Peninsula-Delaware Conference Committee on Disability Ministries presents: Putting the Pieces Together for Effective Ministries with People with Disabilities. For more information and to register, go to Can we include ALL people, including those with disabilities, in making disciples for the transformation of the world through Christ? YES, We Can Board of Pensions Financial Seminar Are you financially prepared for your future? This Financial Seminar, presented by the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Board of Pensions, will help you answer this question with, YES I AM! The Board of Pensions Financial Seminar When: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 From: 8:30am-4:00pm Where: Asbury United Methodist Church 20 W. Mt. Vernon Street Smyrna, DE Cost: $25 for Clergy, $15 for Spouse (Includes lunch and materials) 0.5 CEU s are available for Clergy Click Here for Registration form and flyer

35 You are invited Saturday, March 3, 2018 At Cornerstone UMC, Bear, DE Peninsula-Delaware Conference Committee on Disability Ministries presents: Putting the Pieces Together for Effective Ministries with People with Disabilities With Opening Session: All About Autism ALL ABOUT AUTISM: Finding some answers in order to welcome and engage special children and youth Autism appears to be on the rise and many questions are also quickly rising regarding its causes, characteristics, and appropriate interventions. Despite all the questions, one thing is for certain: Children and youth with autism (and their parents) need to experience the welcoming love of Jesus through the church. This plenary session will include a primer on what is known and still unknown about autism spectrum disorders (ASD); some interactive demonstrations regarding the challenges with core communication, behavior, and sensory impairments; and recommendations for making church programs for children and youth with ASD more welcoming and engaging. Speaker: Lori Bennett is the Clinical Coordinator of therapy services at The Benedictine School, a nonpublic school for students with multiple disabilities and autism. Lori is a physical therapist with a Master s degree in Special Education: Severe disabilities and autism. She is also the wife of Reverend David Bennett and leads the Children s Chapel program at Kent Island UMC. Breakout workshops include: Basics 101 for Disability Ministry Involving Persons Living with Mental Illness in the Life and Ministry of the Church The HOW of HOH: Ministry with people who are hard of hearing Embrace: Making community connections with those who have disabilities Schedule 8:30 9:30 Registration 9:30 10:30 Opening worship and Keynote Speaker Lori Bennett 10:45-11:45 Workshop session 12 noon 1 p.m. Lunch and Networking Registration cost - $10, due by 2/28/2018 To register, go to and register online or use this mail in form. Additional questions, contact the Peninsula Delaware Conference office at or Disability Committee Chair Rev. Rebecca Collison at pastorbecky@gmail.com

36 Bishop's Confirmation Rally Catch the Spirit! Confirmation Rally March 24, 2018 Who: Youth participating in Confirmation in their local churches What: A Pokemon Go! themed experience to learn about the evolving process of salvation, the power of spiritual gifts, the energy of spiritual disciplines, and the gift of the sacraments, in addition to some of the history of Methodism on the Delmarva Peninsula. When: Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to noon, with registration between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. Where: Barratt s Chapel 6362 Bay Road Frederica, DE Why: To gather with other youth in an historic chapel to learn and grow together!

37 Contact: Rev. Karin Tunnéll Saturday, April 21, :00 AM to 3:00 PM Wesley UMC 209 S State St Dover, DE 19901

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39 Dover District Office 30 Loockerman Plaza Dover, DE Phone: Fax: Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa Dover District Superintendent Cathy Myers Administrative Assistant Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8:00 am 3:00 pm Friday: Closed Peninsula-Delaware Conference The United Methodist Church Bishop Felton Edwin May Resource Center 139 N. State Street Dover, DE Website: Phone: Toll Free: Presiding Bishop Bishop Peggy A. Johnson PO Box 820 Valley Forge, PA 19482