Yadkin Valley District E-News May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5

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1 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 THE ITINERANCY AS A MEANS OF GRACE (First Published in March, 2015, revised) In This Issue From the District Superintendent..page 1 General Conference....page 2 District Resource Center page 2 FaithHealthNC page 2 Apportionment Honor Roll page 3 Purse Project...page 3 Happenings Around the District and Conference...pages 4-5 Job Openings pages 5-7 Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members page 7 Annual Conference Love Offerings.page 8 NETworX page 9 District Joys and Concerns...page 10 Upcoming Dates page 10 New Appointments have just been announced. As I discuss appointments with pastors and Pastor Parish Relations Committees, I am being reminded that the way that we deploy clergy (i.e., the itinerancy) is a means of grace. The itinerancy is not just a Methodist thing, but I truly believe it can be a God thing. Through our willingness to go where needed, we are following in the footsteps of St. Paul and all those throughout history who have offered their lives in ministry for the cause of Jesus Christ. By yielding to an authority other than our own in the choosing of our place of service, we open ourselves to learn submission and obedience to God. I am not sure that everyone sees the itinerancy as a means of grace. Some people seem to never think of the itinerancy as a means of grace but only as unrealistic burden of an antiquated system. And, sometimes it is. But, it also can be a powerful means of grace and God s work of personal sanctification especially if we choose to see it this way. So much of life, so much of our serenity is a matter of how we see things. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the itinerancy as a means of grace. Seven times now I have been appointed to a new place and season of ministry. Particularly in retrospect, I know that in each appointment God was doing a new work of grace in me and my family. Even when I wondered if God was in the making of a particular appointment, I had no doubt that God was present in the appointment when I showed up to serve. The losses I experienced as a result of leaving an appointment, the diversity of the congregations, the challenges with which I dealt, the people s giftedness that I would experience, new expressions of worship and ways of doing ministry and even the new geographic locations became opportunities for God to do a new work in me and my family. I often suggest to people that if they want to see where God is at work in their lives presently, perhaps the best place to look is to that point in their lives where they are the most uncomfortable. The itinerancy has given me many opportunities to be uncomfortable as I get pushed beyond my comfort zone. The gift of the itinerancy have given me many opportunities to learn love, patience and trust. The itinerancy has taken me places I would have never chosen to go, but I have found God s perfecting Spirit at work in every season of ministry. Please remember to pray for our churches and pastors that are in transition. With Confidence in Christ, Jeff

2 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 2 General Conference 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church will be held in Portland, Oregon, May Both Dr. Patterson and Amy Johnson are delegates to General Conference. They will be out of the office from May 9, returning on May 23. Donna Cooke will be in the office to answer phones, receive mail, etc., although she may not be there all day, every day. If you need to come to the office, please call first. And please be in prayer for the work that will be done and the decisions that will be made by the delegates at General Conference. Follow General Conference happenings online at New Resources Received in the District Resource Center Half Truths by Adam Hamilton. This five-session DVD-based study explores popular sayings that may miss the point. He explores simple, common sayings with the wisdom found in Scripture. Sayings discussed are: 1. Everything Happens for a Reason 2. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves 3. God Won t Give You More Than You Can Handle 4. God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It 5. Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin Each session contains minutes of video and is suitable for adult and youth classes. Gearing up for Vacation Bible School? The Resource Center also has various Vacation Bible School kits from previous years available for checkout. Love s UMC in Walkertown would like to bless a church that doesn t have the budget to do VBS by offering their kit and stage setup. They are using SurfShack from Cokesbury. If your church is able, they will accept a love donation for their children s ministry. If you are interested, please send an to Crystal Farmer, kissyfur18@hotmail.com. Their VBS is June 12-16, and the materials and stage setup will be available beginning after church on June 19. NOTE TO MOVING PASTORS: When packing your office, please check for any materials you may have borrowed from the District Resource Center! Please return them before you move. Faith Health NC Caregivers, fellows, connectors and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center staff met at the Yadkin Valley District. The Faith Health Division of WFBMC will host a five-hour introductory overview of the Faith Health movement on Monday, June 13th at the Innovation Quarter, Biotech Place in downtown Winston-Salem. Registration is required. Contact UM Connector Donna Cooke for details and registration information, donna.cooke@faithhealthnc.org Lunch is included.

3 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 3 THERE ARE NO CHANGES TO THIS MONTH S APPORTIONMENT HONOR ROLL. THE REPORTS ON THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE ARE NOT UPDATING CORRECTLY. HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE AN UPDATED REPORT BY THE JUNE NEWSLETTER. 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 2016: Center (Mocksville) Cherry Street Cooleemee Maple Grove New Union Congratulations to the following churches who paid 100% of their District apportionments for 2016: Central (Mt. Airy) Central (Thomasville) Good Hope Hardison Oak Grove (Mt. Airy) St. Andrew s The District extends our sincere appreciation for this faithfulness to the connectional system of The United Methodist Church. Reverend Beverly Gaska wishes to thank those churches and individuals who have given to the Purse Project. To date, about 125 purses have been given to shelters and individuals. The following churches have participated: Snow Hill UMC Center UMW, Mocksville Midway UMW Bunker Hill UMW Withers Chapel Youth Thanks, also, to those individuals who assembled a purse, gave supplies, or donated purses to be filled. If you have questions about the Purse Project, please contact Rev. Gaska at begaska@aol.com or Congratulations!!! New Hope UMC (Winston-Salem) is sending Hispanic Youth to 2016 Carolina Cross Connection. They have been informed that this will be the first time ever that Hispanic/Latino youth have attended CCC. They have worked hard to make this happen and are thankful for the opportunity to serve.

4 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 4 Happenings Around the District and Conference Harmony Grove UMC, located at 5041 Styers Ferry Road in Lewisville behind J. Butlers, is having their annual spring Community Yard Sale on Saturday, May 7, rain or shine. The event will run from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Spaces are available for vendors and trademark vendors are welcome. The cost for spaces is $20 and you must provide your tables and tent (if needed). Concessions will be available from the United Methodist Men. There will be sausage and ham biscuits, as well as hotdogs with all the trimmings. Proceeds will benefit the new Christian Family Life Center they are hoping to build. For more information, contact the church office at Harmony Grove UMW, 5041 Styers Ferry Road in Lewisville, will be having a port-a-pit chicken dinner on Saturday, May 14, from 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. The dinner includes BBQ chicken, potato salad, slaw, roll and dessert for $9. This is take out only and you drive up and pick up your dinner. Tickets are available through the church office at Walk-ins will be available until sold out. Proceeds will benefit mission projects of the UMW. Mocks UMC, located at the corner of Mocks Church Road and Beauchamp Road in Advance, will host a breakfast on Saturday, May 14, from 6:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Cost is $7.00, which includes meat, eggs, grits, sausage gravy, biscuit, and beverage. This will be the last breakfast before the summer break, resuming in September. The breakfast is sponsored by the Mocks United Methodist Men and proceeds benefit their mission projects. Konnoak Hills UMC, located at 430 Weisner Street in Winston-Salem, will have a steak supper on Saturday, May 14, 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. You may dine in or take out. The cost is $15/person. Contact Donald Shelton at for tickets. New Hope UMC, located at 5125 Shattalon Drive in Winston-Salem, will be having revival services Sunday, May 15, - Tuesday, May 17, on the front lawn of the church. Rev. Paul Perkins of St. James UMC in Rural Hall will be preaching. Folks are welcome to bring an outdoor-type chair or a chair will be furnished for you. The music begins at 7:00 p.m. each evening with special musicians from St. James on Sunday and various musical groups from New Hope on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Lunch and Learn at Lewisville UMC, located at 6290 Shallowford Road in Lewisville, on Monday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Use entrance off of Conrad Circle. The topic is Introduction to Medicare by Samuel Matthews, Executive Director of Shepherd Center of Winston-Salem. The event is free. Participants bring their own lunch; beverages, sides and desserts will be provided by the Stephen Ministry Team. No RSVP needed. The West Forsyth Charge will have a yard sale on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at Doubs Chapel UMC located at 5591 Seward Road in Pfafftown. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and last until 2:00 p.m. each day. Along with yard sale items, there will be breakfast biscuits and hot dog lunch items for sale. For more information, please contact the church office at St. Paul UMC, located at 2616 Buck Shoals Road in Hamptonville, will have a soup and sandwich supper at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20, followed by a presentation of Nara Melkonyan, Director of Project AGAPE. Project AGAPE has served the people of Armenia and Nagerno Karabach since There continues to be vast needs particularly in the NK due to no permanent peace today.

5 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 5 Salem UMC, located at 169 Salem Church Road in Mocksville, will be hosting their monthly breakfast on Saturday, May 21, 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. Chestnut Grove UMC, located at 1024 Volunteer Road in King, will be having a yard sale and auction on Saturday, May 21, with May 28 being the rain date. Yard sale is from 7:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.., with the auction to begin at 1:00 p.m. Food will be available. Proceeds will be used to assist with parsonage renovations. For any questions, please contact Linda Black at or SAVE THE DATE: Sunrise UMC, located at 1111 Lewisville-Clemmons Road in Lewisville, will have a Dominicanstyle dinner and silent action on Saturday, June 4. This event is to raise funds for Hands of Hope, NC. Kids can also meet some of their favorite movie characters. More details coming soon! Hands of Hope travels to the Dominican Republic yearly to provide free medical and surgical care for inhabitants in some of the poorest areas in the Western Hemisphere. With funds received from a District Congregational Vitality Grant, Mt. Carmel UMC will be sponsoring Calling all Cast Members! Children who will be in the K-8 th Grade this Fall are invited to GO MAD this summer at Mt. Karmel Kids Music, Arts, and Drama Camp. The MAD Camp is a week-long day camp which will be held June 27-July 1 from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Children will use their MAD skills and focus on planning, learning, and preparing a full musical production which will be open to the public on Friday, July 1, at 7:00 p.m. (Children with Special Needs are welcome.) Ann Farthing, Music Direction at Kimel Farm Elementary School, will be the musical director. Cost of the entire week is a deal at $50/child (before June 6 th ) which includes all snacks, art supplies, and a performance t- shirt. Spaces are limited to 50 kids so be sure to register your child early by calling or sign up online at The church prefers that you download the PDF, complete it and mail with your full registration fee before June 6 to Mt. Carmel UMC, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, NC Mt. Carmel UMC is now hiring talented persons in the area of music, art, drama, and dance to work in the one-week Summer MAD Camp. The times of the camp are stated in the above notice. Stipends range from $500 for clinicians, $250 for classroom assistants, and $125 for helpers (runners) for the week. This is a five-day camp for one week only. All applicants should be in good standing in their church and community. A Safe Sanctuary background check will be required in the event you are hired. If interested, please complete an application that can be downloaded at Send the completed application and a resume by May 13, 2016 to Mt. Carmel UMC, Attn: Jane Beeding, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, NC

6 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 6 Director of Children s Ministries Position Mount Tabor UMC, Winston-Salem Mount Tabor UMC, a church with members, 3 worship services, and a multi-site campus, seeks an energetic Christian leader for the position of Director of Children s Ministries. This is a full-time position that includes oversight of the children's Sunday School, children s midweek programs, Vacation Bible School, Weekday Preschool, After School Care Program, special events, and other ongoing opportunities for children. The qualified candidate should preferably have a Bachelor s degree or equivalency in Christian Education or related field from an accredited college or university, a minimum of 3-5 years experience as a professional Christian Educator in a large membership church, be passionate about leading children in the Christian faith and have a solid understanding of the spiritual, physical, and emotional development of children. They must be a team player who shares a love for the mission of the United Methodist Church and adheres to its policies and traditions, and must have experience in recruiting, training, and enabling volunteers. They must possess a proficiency in computer software and internet, strong oral and written communication skills to articulate a clear and consistent understanding of the Christian faith, and have proven administrative and managerial abilities. The church will run a background and criminal check as well as require a drug test prior to employment. If you are interested in applying for this position or want additional details about job duties, salary range and benefits, please go to the church website and under the tab for About Us go to the Employment Opportunities heading to find the full job details as well as a link to the Mount Tabor Church Employment Application. The completed and signed application, along with your resume, should be returned to: Director of Children s Ministries Search Committee Staff Parish Relations Committee c/o Mount Tabor United Methodist Church 3543 Robinhood Road Winston Salem, NC Applications with resumes will be accepted through Noon on Friday May 13. Youth Director Fair Grove United Methodist Church, Thomasville, NC Fair Grove UMC in Thomasville is currently seeking a dynamic person for the position of Director of Youth Discipleship at Fair Grove United Methodist Church, Thomasville NC. The mission of Fair Grove UMC is to make disciples of Christ who worship God, grow in their faith, and serve in the church and world. This is a part-time position. Areas of ministry include: Be an advocate for youth and educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth in the local church and community Cultivate relationships with youth for the sake of their faith development Lead the planning, development, and implementation of all aspects of a balanced youth ministry in the areas of group building, worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach Be available to youth in a variety of ways Coordinate Sunday School curriculum for youth and help recruit teachers Assist pastor with teaching Confirmation classes and provide leadership for confirmands, mentors and parents beyond the classroom Manage youth ministry budget Provide caring support and resources to youth families Please forward resumes or questions to Gale Smith, SPRC Committee, at gsmithgs94@gmail.com.

7 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 7 Oak Forest UMC has an immediate need of a full-time drummer to participate in their Praise Band. The job includes: Familiarity with a wide range of current contemporary Christian music (i.e., music played on K-Love, WBFJ) Availability for band rehearsals on Wednesday evenings (approximately 7:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m.) Availability for leading worship on Sunday mornings with the Praise band (approximately 7:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.) Availability as needed for a few special rehearsals and performances throughout the year Willingness to rehears on own time to learn new music Prayerful consideration for commitment If interested or if you know someone who might be interested, please contact Mark Saunders at

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10 May 2016 Volume 5, Issue 5 Page 10 District Joys and Concerns We send get well wishes to Reverend Jerry Evans (Union Ridge UMC) recuperating from surgery. Please be in prayer for the decisions that will be made at General Conference, May Upcoming Dates May 9-20 General Conference, Portland, Oregon Donna Cooke will be in the District Office while Dr. Patterson and Amy Johnson attend General Conference. It would be best to call the office before you drop by during that time. May 30 Memorial Day, DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED. June 3-5 SEJ UMW Meeting, Charleston, SC June WNCC UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat, Lake Junaluska June Annual Conference, Lake Junaluska (DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED) June 28 MOVING DAY Yadkin Valley District Staff Jeffrey S. Patterson, District Superintendent, , jpatterson@wnccumc.org Amy Johnson, Administrative Assistant, , ajohnson@wnccumc.org Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Closed on Friday