Yadkin Valley District E-News December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12

Transcription

1 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 THE CHURCH AS THE ON-GOING INCARNATION OF CHRIST In This Issue From the District Superintendent......page 1 District Resources...page 2 PPRC Training.page 2 Apportionment Honor Roll....page 3 Happenings Around the District and Conference....page 4 Lay Servant Training...pages 5-6 Clergy Ethics Training.page 7 Called & Gifted to Lead....page 7 Purse Project page 7 Choral Workshop page 8 Job Openings...pages 8-10 Big Sigh Ministries..page 10 Travel to Ireland..page 10 Bloom Where You Are Planted.page 11 District Joys and Concerns...page 12 Upcoming Dates page 12 In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.. And the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:1,14) The most distinctive doctrine of the Christian faith is our belief that God took human form and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ is not just a great Teacher or simply the Way to God. Jesus Christ is so much more. Jesus Christ is God in human form. We call this the Incarnation. Without the doctrine of the Incarnation, the death of Christ would only be another martyr s death. Without the doctrine of the Incarnation, the resurrection of Christ would only be another resuscitation like Lazarus. But, because of the doctrine of the Incarnation, the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ is God s action in the world. An action that changed everything we humans thought we knew about life and death, religion and God. In the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, humanity has seen the complete revelation of God. No more revelation of the nature of God is needed. If we want to know the desires, dreams, thoughts, intention, actions of God, we now can look to Jesus. If you want to know how God works in the world, look to Jesus. Often, our sentimentalizing of Christmas trivializes the doctrine of the Incarnation. Our Christmas Eve services should be filled with the mystery and awe that surrounds this central Christian conviction. When we proclaim that the Light has come into the world, we are not just proclaiming that a way to God has come into the world, but that God himself has come into the world. God impregnated a young virgin and entered our world in an obscure place called Bethlehem. Particularly on Christmas Eve, we try to wrap our brain and our heart around this gift. God has come down to a world that is incapable of coming up to God. It is the Incarnation that raises us into the work and presence of God. In the second century, Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons (c ), said that God "became what we are in order to make us what he is himself (Against Heresies, Bk. 4, Ch. 38). But, the glory of the Incarnation does not end with the life and ministry of Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ continues to move among us today through the Church. Paul s favorite image for the Church is the Body of Christ. This image reminds me that the Church is the physical presence of Christ in the world today. Christ continues to work flesh and blood and other material objects like water, bread, and wine. The challenging, frustrating, gifted, irritating, people that make up the Church is the Body of Christ in the world. The Church is the mystical and mystifying Body of Christ at work in the world. Christ today continues his ministry through the Church. This is what keeps me wedded to the Church. This is what brings adventure and meaning to the life of discipleship. This is what raises us above the mundane, knowing that God uses the mundane, to bring God s kingdom to this world. With Confidence in Christ, Jeff Patterson

2 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 2 New Resources Received in the District Resource Center New from Adam Hamilton John, The Gospel of Light and Life. This six-week, DVD-based study explores the major themes of John. Each session has a minute video on the following topics: 1. The Word Made Flesh 2. The Miraculous Signs of Jesus 3. The I Am Sayings of Jesus 4. The Farewell Discourse 5. The Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion of the King 6. Eternal Life We also have the youth and children s studies available. This would be an excellent study for Lent. Are you looking for something to boost your Sunday School attendance? Several new resources have been purchased in this area. Sunday School Attendance Boosters This resource has 165 fun and creative ideas for making your Sunday School a place that kids want to be. No matter the curriculum that you are using, there are tips on growing the group by making Sunday School a fun time to share with friends. The ideas are easy, cost very little or nothing, and can be put to use now. They would also be great for youth or adults. Seasonal Specials for Children s Ministry Celebrate holidays with preschoolers through preteens from a Christian perspective. This resources provides you with ideas for making each holiday a Jesus-centered experience. Holidays covered are: New Year s Day, Valentine s Day, St. Patrick s Day, Palm Sunday, Easter, Earth Day, Mother s Day, Memorial Day, Father s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Instant Skits for Children s Ministry This resource contains 30 skits that you can do instantly. There is easy-to-read dialogue, simple facial-expression symbols, and clear guidelines for making the most of each skit without spending a lot of time practicing. You can use the 5-10 minute skit as a discussion starter in Sunday School, children s church, VBS, etc. Each skit includes easy setup ideas, puppet options, Bible verses, discussion questions, and more. PPRC TRAINING Dr. Jeff Patterson, along with Dr. Nancy Rankin, District Superintendent of the Northern Piedmont District, will be offering a training for Pastor Parish Relations Committees on Sunday, January 10, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sedge Garden UMC, 794 Sedge Garden Road, Kernersville, NC They will specifically be addressing the issues PPR Committees face when there is a pastoral change; therefore, churches expecting a change in pastoral leadership should make this training a priority. Please share this information with your 2016 Pastor Parish Relations Chairperson. We are going to use an online sign-up for this event. Here is the link to the online registration site: Instructions for Registering: Just go to this link, and click on the green REGISTER button. Then click on the little drop down number to let us know how many of your committee members will be attending the training. Then click on CHECKOUT, and fill in the quick requested information, and then click on COMPLETE REGISTRATION. We do not need the names of your committee members that are coming just the count. Reservations must be made by 5:00pm on January 6 th.

3 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 3 We will continue to add to our Apportionment Honor Roll as churches complete paying 100% of their apportionments. The churches added this month are in bold lettering. Congratulations to the following churches who have paid 100% of their District AND Conference apportionments for 2015: Asbury Bailey s Chapel Baltimore Bethel (Mocksville) Bethesda (Lexington) Beulah Brookstown Burkhead Center (Mocksville) Central (Thomasville) Cherry Street Chestnut Grove (King) Clemmons Delta (Sandy Ridge) Dulin East Bend Elbaville Elm Grove Epworth Fairview (Pinnacle) Fairview (Thomasville) First (Mocksville) Forest Chapel Hanes Hillsdale Johnsontown Kingswood Level Cross Main Street Mallalieu-Jones Maple Grove Mount Herman Mount Olive (Yadkinville) Mount Olivet (Lexington) Mount Pleasant (Boonville) Mount Pleasant (Winston-Salem) Mount Zion (Pinnacle) Mountain Grove New Union Palmyra Pilot View Pine Grove (W-S) Piney Grove (Advance) Pleasant Hill Prospect St. Andrews St. Mark St. Paul (Hamptonville) St. Paul (Kernersville) Saints Home Salem (Mocksville) Salem (Mount Airy) Shiloh (Germanton) Shoals Smith Grove Stokesburg Stony Knoll (Dobson) Stony Knoll (East Bend) Trinity (King) Union Ridge Whitaker s Chapel Withers Chapel (Belews Creek) Congratulations to the following churches who have paid 100% of their District apportionments for 2015: Advance Arcadia Bethel (King) Bethel (Winston-Salem) Centenary (Winston-Salem) Center (Welcome) Center (Yadkinville) Central Terrace Dobson First (Thomasville) Franklin Heights Friendship Good Hope Hardison Hickory Ridge Maple Springs Memorial New Mount Vernon Pine Woods Pinnacle Pleasant Grove Rockford Street Salem (Mt. Airy) Siloam Yadkin College Yadkinville Congratulations to the following churches who have paid 100% of their Conference apportionments for 2015: Harmony Grove Marvin The District extends our sincere appreciation for this faithfulness to the connectional system of The United Methodist Church. The last day to pay 2015 apportionments is Monday, January 11, 2016.

4 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 4 Happenings Around the District and Conference Salem UMC, located at 169 Salem Church Road in Mocksville, will be hosting their monthly breakfast on Saturday, December 19, 6:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. at the church. Menu will be country ham, sausage, eggs, grits, country gravy, apples, pancakes to order, biscuits, coffee, orange juice, plus soft drinks. Proceeds go toward building their Fellowship Hall. As the New Year approaches, FaithHealthNC of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center extends gratitude to the generous caregivers of the Yadkin Valley District who offer their time and kindness to those whom they do not know. There is an asset mapping for Davie County on Friday and Saturday, January 8 th and 9 th, at First Baptist Church in Mocksville. If you would like to participate as a provider or seeker, please contact Donna Cooke, United Methodist Connector, donna.cooke@faithhealthnc.org. Mocks UMC, located at the corner of Mocks Church and Beauchamp Roads in Advance, will have a Country Ham and Tenderloin Breakfast on Saturday, January 9, 6:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Country ham, tenderloin, eggs, grits, sausage gravy, biscuits, and beverage for a cost of $7.00. The breakfast is sponsored by Mocks United Methodist Men and proceeds will benefit the ministries of the UMM. District Superintendent s Book Study Sin and Grace in the Short Stories of Flannery O Connor Tuesday, January 5, 11:00 a.m. - Everything that Rises Must Converge & Greenleaf Tuesday, February 2, 11:00 a.m. - Enduring Chill & The Comforts of Home Tuesday, February 23, 11:00 a.m. The Lame Shall Enter First & Revelation Tuesday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. Parker s Back & Judgement Day Novelist Flannery O Connor s works are both hauntingly memorable and deeply rooted in her Christian faith. Each month, the DS will lead a discussion of two of her short stories particularly focusing on her storytelling as a way to present Christian doctrine to an unbelieving world. All of these short stories are available in one volume entitled Everything That Rises Must Converge though these stories are available in several different compilations. Anyone interested in exploring the connection between faith and literature is invited to attend. The discussion will last one hour, and then you may join the DS for lunch. To sign up, please the DS at jpatterson@wnccumc.org.

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7 November 2015 Volume 4, Issue 11 Page 7 Clergy Ethics Seminars for ALL clergy (provisional and associate members, licensed local pastors, and full connection members) and diaconal ministers under appointment (active or retired) within the bounds of the Western North Carolina Conference (whether appointed to a church, appointment beyond the local church, or extension ministry) are REQUIRED to attend one of the upcoming seminars. Clergy must participate in one of the events and must remain for the entirety of the event. Pre-registration is required at least one week prior to the scheduled date. All seminars will be 9:15 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Dates and locations of the seminars are: January 14, 2016 Metro District Huntersville UMC February 9, 2016 Catawba Valley District First UMC, Lincolnton February 11, 2016 Uwharrie District Pfeiffer University February 27, 2016 SATURDAY EVENT First UMC, Hickory March 8, 2016 Yadkin Valley District Maple Springs UMC, Winston-Salem March 10, 2016 Northern Piedmont District Rehobeth UMC, Greensboro Pastors are encouraged to attend the seminar in your district. However, if you are unable to attend the seminar scheduled for your district, you are welcome to attend an event in another district. The cost of the seminar is $10/person. No childcare is provided. Register online via the Conference website ( Called and Gifted to Lead We want to invest in YOU! We want to empower YOU to develop your capacity for leadership. There are openings available in the next Called and Gifted to Lead workshop! It is a 48 hour experience during which clergy and lay ministry professionals remember your call and best ministry moments, celebrate your strengths, consider your current ministry, identify development needs, and create a 3-5 year plan for growth. Using feedback, small group experiences, and individual and group leadership coaching, you are able to create a self-directed, individualized plan for your next steps in ministry. Once you have completed the workshop, you are eligible for up to $1000 in scholarship funds to resource your leadership develop plan. The next workshop is scheduled for February at The Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. The program is limited to 30 participants. If you are interested, please complete the application and send it, with $100 registration fee, to Rev. Kim Ingram at P. O. Box 18005, Charlotte, NC This is a $1000 value for only $100 cost. The deadline for registration is January 11, This workshop is sponsored and funded by the Leadership Development Team of WNC. For more information, contact Kim Ingram at kingram@wnccumc.org. Purse Project Do you have a good, clean purse you do not need (or know of someone who has one)? If so, fill it with items a homeless woman might need to get through the day. Items could include a toothbrush in a travel container, soap in a container, travel size items like shampoo, lotion, Kleenex, toothpaste, Vaseline; sanitary supplies and sanitary wipes, comb, brush, pen, chapstick, sports bra, etc. If you church, neighborhood, bridge club or other organization would like to fill purses and collect them, Rev. Bev Gaska will pick them up and distribute them to women s shelters. Thank you for caring for some of the most vulnerable among us. You can contact Rev. Gaska at or begaska@aol.com if you have any questions or to arrange for a pick-up.

8 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 8 Choral Workshop Brighten your choral music program during the bleak of winter and attend the workshop of singers at Main Street UMC, 306 S. Main Street, Kernersville, Saturday, February 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. We ll spend the morning under the direction of Adam Ward, Director of Music Ministries at Providence UMC in Charlotte, rehearsing several anthems for use in our local churches. The specific selections will be announced in early January. The event is sponsored by Main Street UMC, Bunker Hill UMC, and Mt. Tabor UMC. There is no cost for you. Please register with Nancy Blakemore, Director of Music Ministries, Main Street, at nancy@mainstreetumc.org. Registration deadline is Monday, February 8. Mt. Zion UMC in Trinity is searching for a pianist for the Sunday morning worship service. This is a traditional service that begins at 9:00 a.m. This will be a paid, temporary position that could easily become a permanent situation if the church and the pianist enjoy working together. For more information, please contact Rev. Mike Lee at mlee@wnccumc.net or call Friendship UMC in Davidson County is seeking a friendly, enthusiastic, and flexible person to lead their youth into a future that will deepen their faith, strengthen their connection to the church both locally and into the world and provide opportunities for missions and service to the community around them. Friendship is a small, rural church with 15 or so youth in middle and high school that are eager for new experiences with Christ. They are seeking a person with a sense of call and passion for working with youth. Youth leader will be responsible for planning and implementing strategies, programs, and ministries that will enhance the faith development in the youth at least two Sundays a month. The ideal applicant will have the following qualities: Spiritual maturity, Good organizational, communication, and teaching skills An understanding of the need to make church a place of joy, where youth feel welcomed, safe and included Good judgment and decision-making skills Ability to serve the unique needs of youth and serve to integrate the youth into the multi-generational mix of the congregation. To apply, please send a cover letter and detailed resume along with two references to Friendship UMC at dpryor49@gmail.com Main Street United Methodist Church, Kernersville, NC, a 2,000 member congregation in the Piedmont Triad area, is seeking a part-time Organist. Responsibilities: Organist for two Traditional Sunday Services at 8:30am and 11:00am. Accompany the Chancel Choir at the 11:00 Service. Accompany Chancel Choir Rehearsal weekly. Provide organ music and choir accompaniments and any extra rehearsal required for additional special services, concerts, Cantatas, Christmas Eve, and Holy Week, choral workshops or other special events; Accompany any vocal or instrumental soloists or ensembles, Handbells, including Blackwell Singers; Play for weddings and funerals, as needed. Necessary Skills: Excellent organ skills technical dexterity and accuracy; command of the instrument; improvisatory skills a plus; knowledge of classical organ repertoire. A true church organist with service-playing experience; ability to play hymns with proficiency and sensitivity; Excellent accompanying skills; excellent sight-reading skills; ability to play open score. The candidate should also possess strong piano skills. Qualifications: A degree in organ/music is preferred; previous experience as a church organist is essential; Must be a team player who works well with others both staff and lay-people; can be flexible. Part-time: 10 hours each week competitive salary, commensurate with education and experience. Applicants should a cover letter and resume, and links to YouTube to nancy@mainstreetumc.org. For additional information and further details, as well as detailed organ specs, go to this link:

9 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 9 Stokesburg UMC in Walnut Cove has an opening for a Musical Worship Leader. This individual will be able to lead musical worship in a mostly traditional but somewhat blended musical setting. The optimal person would be skilled in playing music on an electronic keyboard and would be vocally skilled in order to lead the congregation in singing. Persons who possess one of the two skills, vocal or piano skills, will be considered as well. The position will require Sunday mornings, approximately 8:30 10:30 a.m. Personal preparation time will be needed, but this can be performed at the discretion and location of the person s choosing. The successful individual who is chosen for the position will receive compensation based on their abilities. Persons who are interested in discussing this position should contact Pastor Johnny Lord, or jlord@wnccumc.net. Ardmore UMC is seeking a Youth Leader. This is a part-time, salaried position that reports directly to the Senior Pastor. This job description is basic and may not be all inclusive. This ministry requires the following: A genuine and demonstrable commitment to Jesus Christ and the holy desire to utilize one s gifts and talents for the glory of God. Ability to connect with the Youth of our Church and mentor them on their Christian journey. A team player. Organizational and leadership skills. A dedication to personal faith development and growth. Accepts accountability and direction as part of a ministry team. JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the director of Children and Youth, the successful candidate will plan, coordinate, and direct programs that will encourage faith development, incorporate worship opportunities, and provide mission outreach experiences for the youth of the Church. Recruits youth and their families for involvement in youth programs. Plans and leads weekly Youth meetings, currently held on Sunday evenings. Organizes and recruits parents and other interested members to provide snack supper during Youth meetings. Plans and coordinates regular service projects and organizes summer mission trip. Establishes meaningful relationships with youth in their daily lives. Participates in district and/or conference events to maintain a network among peers for the exchange of ideas, corroboration on events, mentoring, etc. 20 hours/week. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Please send resume to: Ardmore United Methodist Church Attn: SPRC 630 S. Hawthorne Road Winston-Salem, NC or reply by to sprc@ardmoreumc.org. Ardmore UMC also has a job opening for an Epic Worship Contemporary Music Leader. This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor. The job description is basic and may not be all inclusive. This ministry position requires the following: A genuine and demonstrable commitment to Jesus Christ and the holy desire to utilize one s gifts and talents for the glory of God. A love of worship and the ability to engage others in worship. Knowledge and love of contemporary Christian music. Ability to read and direct music. Vocal and/or instrumental talents A team player.

10 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 10 (Job Openings continued) Organizational and leadership skills. A dedication to personal faith development and growth. Accepts accountability and direction as part of a ministry team. This is a part time, salaried position (15 hrs/week). The successful candidate will lead the Church s contemporary praise band during the EPIC worship service. Work with pastors to select the musical pieces for upcoming worship service. Prepare audio/visuals for service including scripture text and song lyrics, using PowerPoint and Easyworship. Coordinate praise team rehearsals, currently happening Sunday AM prior to worship service. Leads congregation in prayer as needed. Ensures that music abides by copyright laws and maintains appropriate licenses. Participates in church-wide worship and mission events. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Please send resume to: Ardmore United Methodist Church Attn: SPRC 630 S. Hawthorne Road Winston-Salem, NC or reply by to sprc@ardmoreumc.org. Big Sigh Ministries, Inc. Reverend Jacqueline Tookey and Reverend Jack Tookey have formed a ministry entitled Big Sigh Ministries that helps to facilitate the renewal leave of ministers and other Christian leaders in three particular areas: Acute care (nearing burnout needing renewal leave) Spiritual renewal leave planning Maintenance of spiritual balance and follow-through upon return For more information, please see the attached flier. Travel with Dr. Patterson to Ireland in 2016 Join Dr. Patterson and his 70 traveling companions as they travel to Ireland July 26-August 4, The tour, sponsored by Educational Opportunities, will arrive in Dublin and pass through the Irish Midlands, where John Wesley repeatedly returned to preach and shepherd the circuits and societies. Visit Connemara, a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains, stone walls and thatched cottages. Worship with a United Methodist congregation in Killarney and tour Blarney Castle. Visit the Rock of Cashel, the most photographed site in Ireland. End your trip back in Dublin as you visit St. Patrick s Cathedral. Visit the site of St. Mary s Church, where John Wesley preached his first sermon in Ireland. Costs are $3396 from Charlotte or $3496 from Greensboro and includes roundtrip international airfare from Charlotte or Greensboro, basic tour and guided sightseeing, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, deluxe motorcoaches, first class hotels, etc. Save $$$ when you register early. For more information, please contact Dr. Patterson (jpatterson@wnccumc.org) or Donna Cooke (donna.cooke@mttaborumc.org).

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12 December 2015 Volume 4, Issue 12 Page 12 District Joys and Concerns Congratulations to Reverend Myra Ward Brown (Johnsontown-West End Charge) on her retirement January 1. Reverend William Mandelstamm will be appointed to the Johnstontown- West End Charge effective January 1. We express our heartfelt sympathy to Bishop Lawrence McCleskey on the death of his mother, Doris Reese McCleskey, on November 25. We express our heartfelt sympathy to Reverend Jim Long (retired) on the death of his wife, Nancy, who passed away on December 5. We extend get well wishes to Marian Funderburk, spouse of Rev. Donald Funderburk (retired), who is recuperating from a fall. Congratulations to Reverends Chris and Gloria Hughes on the birth of a new granddaughter, Mary Blythe Maner, on December 9. Congratulations to Tammy Patterson, wife of our District Superintendent, Jeff Patterson, on her graduation from East Carolina University with a Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership. Upcoming Dates January 8 Clergy Epiphany Party, 6:30 p.m., Maple Springs UMC REGISTRATION DEADLINE December 31, 2015 January 10 PPRC Training, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Sedge Garden UMC, Kernersville January 11 Last day to pay 2016 apportionments January 18 DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January Yadkin Valley District Beach Retreat, Myrtle Beach Jeff and Amy wish each of o f you a blessed Christmas and New Year. The District Office will be closed for vacation and Christmas and New Year s holidays beginning December 21 and will reopen Monday, January 4. 4 In case of an emergency during the holidays,, please Jeff at jpatterson@wnccumc.org and/or Amy at ajohnson@wnccumc.org.