Check Your Persistence Quotient and Boldness Quotient!

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1 Dover District August Newsletter August 2, 2016 Volume 16, Issue 8 Check Your Persistence Quotient and Boldness Quotient! How am I doing? This is an intentional question that I ask myself after one year s service as the Dover District Superintendent. As pastors and church leaders, have you ever asked these questions? How are we doing? Do we maintain the vitality of our church? Is our church inwardly or outwardly focused? Do we start with our needs, values, and goals, or with the needs, hopes, and dreams of those we exist to serve? What are the factors that will determine the vitality of our church 10 years from now? What are the issues that are pressing for us to address that will impact our church five years from now? How do we design staffing to reflect on the future of our church? How do we put together a stewardship plan not just for one year, but for five or 10 years that will shape the future? In the plea is the language used geared toward loyalty and the need to support the church? How do we put together a budget that will influence the church s vision/goals and objectives? Do we practice outside to inside thinking rather than the more common inside to outside thinking? INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Bishop s Dover District Day Upcoming Events Clergy Gathering Schedule Charge/Church Conference Training Session District Revival Prayer Day Strategic Leadership Workshop River of Life Retreat Church News Employment Opportunities

2 How do we monitor the actual results of ministries and mission activities through the planning and implementation procedures? Are they actually producing the results required by our mission? Vital congregations are supposed to keep these questions before them at all times. How did you feel when you read the above questions? Did you feel defensive or uneasy, or uncertain or even fearful without knowing where your church is? I feel overwhelmed by such questions because I am not ready to answer them clearly. Now what? The viability of our examination on church vitality beyond fear has to do with the viability of our prayers that will lead to HOPE. Prayers lead us to be proactive about the future of the Church. PRAYER IS PROACTIVE to breed hope. This prayer will then lead us to have higher persistence quotient and boldness quotient to do the mission of Christ. As a believer and a church, why don t you check your persistence and boldness quotients? I have personally been checking these quotients all the time through prayers. Chuck Lawless points out how leaders are fixers by nature. We tend to have tenacity to solve problems while seeking solutions and attempting to find answers. Most of us tend to have difficulties in admitting our deep need for help. Personally, I find myself very easy to push prayer to a last resort option. In our individual and corporate faith life, I wonder if prayer has become more like ritual than relationship. Have you ever thought of how prayerlessness can be easily hidden? Let s face it, we struggle with prayer. Sometimes prayer feels routine. Lawless points out, No one in our church needs to know about this struggle. We can talk about prayer, teach about prayer, write about prayer, and even lead corporately in prayer all without anyone knowing that personal prayer is sporadic at best. This kind of hiddenness is an enemy of heartfelt prayer. In the midst of challenges we face as churches, the God-given hope begins with the vigilant examination of why we are, who we are, and prayer. This process of examination and prayer will lead us to be PERSISTENT and BOLD with the hope God offers and to take a needed action. SO, we never give up! NEVER! Our hope is built on Jesus who raises our PERSISTENCE QUOTIENT and BOLDNESS QUOTIENT in our Dover District through REVIVAL PRAYING TOGETHER and STRATETIC PLANNING/LEADERSHIP. Together we will address some of the sacred cows in our churches. Let s increase our persistence and boldness quotients to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and the suffering! Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa

3 Bishop s Dover District Day September 15, 2016 Long Neck UMC Long Neck Road Millsboro, DE Please plan on joining us as we welcome Bishop Peggy A. Johnson to the Dover District Clergy Session - will start at noon with lunch and conclude at 3:00 pm Lunch - $7 per attendee Note: this meeting takes the place of the September Clergy Gathering Laity Session - 5:00 to 8:30 pm includes dinner prepared by District Board of Laity To assist in planning for this event, please respond to CMyers@Pen-Del.org by no later than Thursday, September 8th. If you have any special dietary restrictions please let Cathy know when you respond. Please specify if your response is for the Clergy Session or the Laity Session as we need headcounts for both sessions.

4 September 6, 2016 Newly Appointed Pastor Training 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Bridgeville: Union 2 N. Laws St., Bridgeville, DE September 15, 2016 Bishop s Dover District Day Long Neck UMC - Millsboro September 24, nd District Revival Prayer Day 9:00 am 3:00 pm Angola: Conley s Joslyn's Way, Lewes, DE October 5, 2016 October 21, 2016 October 22, 2016 February 25, 2017 March 18, 2017 Pastor and S/PPRC Training 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Laurel: Centenary 200 W. Market St., Laurel, DE Dover Strategic Leadership Team Training 9:00 am 4:00 pm Milford: Avenue 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE Strategic Leadership Workshop with Dr. John Ewart 9:00 am noon Camden: Whatcoat 16 N. Main Street, Camden, DE Lay Leadership Training Timeline will be announced later Milford: Avenue 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE rd District Revival Prayer Day Bridgeville: Union 2 N. Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE 19933

5 Clergy Gathering Schedule 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! Many thanks to our host churches who make our monthly District Clergy Gatherings possible by cheerfully hosting with hospitality! Note: In lieu of the September Gathering all clergy are encouraged to attend the Bishop s Dover District Day on September 15, 2016 October 27, 2016 December 1, 2016 January 26, 2017 February 23, 2017 March 23, 2017 April 27, 2017 May 25, 2017 Lewes: Bethel Camden: Whatcoat Felton-Viola Georgetown: Grace Millsboro: Grace Seaford: St. John s Wyoming Apportionment Process Please click this link Revised Apportionment Review Process to become familiar with the changes in the Apportionment Process If your church wants to meet with the Apportionment Review Committee to discuss Apportionment reduction, please the District Office AA cmyers@pen-del.org

6 Dover District Charge/Church Conference Training Session (Acts 1:8 Assembly for Dover District) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Are you a new pastor in our district? Do you struggle with all the forms needed by the DS for Charge/Church Conference? Are you confused about the whole process? If you are responsible for any of the reports required for your Charge/ Church Conference, this session is for you! When: Where: Tuesday, August 23rd, 6:30-8:00 pm Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE So we can prepare, please RSVP to our Dover Administrative Assistant, Cathy Myers, at cmyers@pen-del.org by August 9, 2016 Local Pastor License School May 28 to June 4, 2017 Camp Pecometh

7 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV) PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Saturday, September 24, :00 am to 3:00 pm Conley s United Methodist The theme of the 2 nd Dover District Revival Prayer Day will be Why Pray? Why do we pray? Do you pray to be restored? Do you pray to reach out to the nations? Let s gather to listen to God s answers! This day-long prayer session will focus on praise, worship, the teaching on Why Pray, practice of corporate prayers as we lift up the Church, our country, the world, and one another, along with making prayer circles. You will experience the power of prayer and spiritual breakthroughs during this event. Come, and be blessed to see the Holy Spirit at work in our midst. All clergy and laity are welcome to attend. REGISTRATION FORM REGISTRATION FEE: $5 Lunch will be provided by the Dover District Board of Lay Ministries. Please enclose check, or money order, made payable to Peninsula-Delaware Conference and return no later than September 17, 2016 to: Dover District Office, Attn: Cathy Myers, 30 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE Please call the District Office with any questions at (302) Please print Attendee s Name: Church: Phone: Please note any special dietary requirements:

8 Strategic Leadership Workshop with Dr. John Ewart Saturday, Oct. 22nd 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Whatcoat UMC 16 N. Main Street Camden, DE Are you planning to attend the Strategic Leadership Workshop? Dr. John Ewart, our district consultant, will come again to instruct us on the necessity of strategic planning for our churches. It is open to every clergy and lay person in the district. Every church in the Dover District is accountable for sending pastors and leaders to this training so that they may be equipped for strategic visioning. Those who missed the first training workshop are encouraged to visit the website of the Dover District Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) to become acquainted with Dr. John and his teaching. Please visit the website at to find all the resources and information about our district SLT.

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10 Bridgeville Charge Vacation Bible School VBS was held from July 11, 2016 thru July 15, 2016 at Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, 28 Church Street, Bridgeville DE. More than 55 adults, teenagers, youth and children enjoyed the daily activities at Vacation Bible School. The lesson for VBS was entitled, "Joy in Jesus", Everywhere All the Time. Lesson 1 - A Room for Praise - Psalm 100 (Celebration); Lesson 2 - A Room on a Roof - II Kings 4:8-17,32-37 (Gratitude); Lesson 3 - A Room Without a Roof - Mark 2:1-12 (Healing); Lesson 4 - An Upstairs Room - Acts 20:7-12 (Teaching); Lesson 5 - Under a Roof - Matthew 8:5-12, 13 (Faith). Each evening the kids were treated to a wonderful snack, an inspiring lesson, the opportunity to make new friends and to learn about the Joy in Jesus. On the last night of VBS, parents were invited to join us as the children and adults shared what the lessons meant to them. Thank you to all the teachers, students and support staff for another successful Vacation Bible School. Everyone did a great job. To God be the glory! Rev. Gary L. Meekins Mt. Calvary UMC - 28 Church Street, Bridgeville DE Exercise classes every Tuesday and Thursday - 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Join the fellowship as we strive to keep our temples healthy by walking away the pounds..

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12 Please join us for a fun filled evening as Ovation Dinner Theatre and Epworth UMC Presents the Murder Mystery Dinner MURDER: TAKE TWO!! It s a DINNER AND A SHOW! which includes an audience-interactive theatre production and a four-course gourmet sit down dinner. Show starts promptly at 6:00 PM. Doors and Will Call Window open at 5:30 PM at EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach. COME HELP US SOLVE THE MYSTERY and figure out WHO DUN IT!!!!! ADVANCED TICKET SALES ARE REQUIRED Credit card sales add $2.00 per ticket.

13 Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown is having an "Ice Cream and Cake Social" and some good gospel music singers Saturday, August 13, 6pm-8pm One scoop of ice cream - $1 One slice of cake - $1 So come on out and enjoy some dessert and good music. For more information, please call the church

14 CLM Orientation and Leadership Seminar Conducted by Fred Duncan and Brenda Tildon Saturday, August 20, am 3 pm Rehoboth Beach: Epworth UMC Holland Glade Road Rehoboth Beach, DE CLM Class Schedule Module 1 Feb Module 2 Mar Module 3 April Module 4 June 2-3 All modules must be taken in order All classes are held at Dover Wesley UMC 209 S. State Street Dover, DE If you have further questions about the CLM process please contact Brenda Tildon at or her brendatildon@verizon.net

15 Luther Vandross Mahalia Jackson Lip Sync your FAVORITE ARTIST! From the youngest to the most mature talent; all are welcome! Fellowship, fun & Laughter! When: Saturday, August 20, :00 pm Where: Friendship UMC Friendship Rd., Millsboro DE Free Will Offering CeCe Winans Harmonizing Four Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proceeds to benefit Capital Campaign for church repairs Sponsored by Friendship Board of Trustees and Rev. George W. Fisher, Sr. For more information, contact Niecey Rickards

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20 Living Proof Simulcast 2016 with BETH MOORE God s Sweet Grace REGISTRATION FORM September 17, 2016 Union United Methodist Church 2 North Laws Street, Bridgeville, Delaware 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (doors open at 9:30am) Name Address Phone Home Church Early Bird Registration - $25 (must be received by August 26 th ) Regular Registration - $30 (August 26 th -September 10 th ) SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 125 PAID REGISTRATIONS Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided as part of your registration cost Ladies age 14 and over (Childcare not available) Caution: Some candy/food being distributed may contain nuts. Make check payable to: UUMC (On the memo line: Beth Moore Simulcast) Mail or return to: Union United Methodist Church, 2 North Laws St., Bridgeville, DE For Office Use Only: Date Received: Cash: Check #: Amount Paid: Guests:

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22 Wesley United Methodist Church of Dover, Delaware, is hiring a part-time Minister of Nurturing, Visitation, and Witnessing. This position is located in our historic downtown location, and is for hours a week. The position is to provide leadership for members and guests in our programs that create a welcoming and caring atmosphere for members and guests at all phases of their spiritual journey. A Masters of Divinity is strongly preferred, with experience in pastoral care visitation, connecting with new people in the church through education and conversation, and leading groups in these areas being very helpful. Duties include working with volunteer visitors, visiting members in hospitals, nursing homes, and homes, communicating prayer team information, occasional preaching at services and consulting with the senior pastor on support, reaching out to absent members, conducting new member classes, and sharing in the conducting of Services of Death and Resurrection, and marriage. Interested candidates are welcome to apply, or request further information by ing Wesley Church at doverwesleyumc@gmail.com. The interview process is scheduled to be completed by September, with the position being filled by October 1 st, Felton-Viola UMC is in need of a person, over 18, to work in our nursery each Sunday from 9:00a to 12:30p. $45 per week! Must be reliable and pass background check. Contact Joan Nicholls, or Pastor Sally

23 Connectionism is one of the hallmarks of our identity as United Methodists. As we abide together in a covenant of mutual care and accountability, we rejoice in the ways that faith and love flourish and God s grace is revealed as we answer the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are blessed and inspired when our local churches share stories of success and joy in mission and ministry. Please contact me at cmyers@pen-del.org with your submissions for the next issue of the Dover District News. Cathy Myers Dover District Administrative Assistant Clergy Pension & Insurance Payments due 15th of the month Arrearages occur after the 15th Dover District Office 30 Loockerman Plaza Dover, DE Phone: Fax: Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa Dover District Superintendent doverds@pen-del.org Cathy Myers Administrative Assistant cmyers@pen-del.org Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8:00 am 3:00 pm Friday: Closed