Dover District July Newsletter July 5, 2016 Volume 16, Issue 7 Methodist s Legacy of Revival/ Reform Movement I love to read John Wesley s sermons. They inspire me and empower me to revive my soul and renew my faith in Jesus Christ. As Methodists, we are the inheritors of the legacy of Wesley s passionate and strategic leadership to reform and spread scriptural holiness. His inspiring leadership gave rise to the greatest world-wide revival since the Reformation. Wesley was a practical genius who responded to the visible spiritual needs of his time. This desire for revival and reform should be in our blood. Have you ever felt the guilt of how we don t live out this Methodist s monumental legacy for the sake of theological, spiritual and missional renewal? Think about how we have lost Wesley s historic mission to the poor and his passionate evangelism. Wesley believed he was commissioned by God to bring about revival in the church. Nothing stopped him. No opposition, persecution, or obstacles could prevail against the divine urgency and authority of this commission. Praise God! I cannot fathom where we would have been if he had been stopped. The emerging Methodist revival movement was successful because of aggressive evangelism, liturgical renewal, government by conference, social justice ministries, and connecting Anglican Church, Wesleyan Chapel, Moravian Class Meeting and Methodist Home into a nurturing network. Energized lay people and church leaders took matters into their own hands. At the invitation of his Calvinist friend Whitefield, in April 1739 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Clergy Gathering Schedule Upcoming Events Charge/Church Conference Q&A Session 2016 Global Leadership Summit River of Life Retreat District Revival Prayer Day CLM Orientation and Leadership Seminar 2017 CLM Class Schedule Church News
Wesley began field preaching in Bristol and his brother Charles also took to the fields. For Wesley, the most important act of mercy was evangelism: offering the gospel of Christ and the message of God s universal grace to everyone. Although Wesley was a poor missionary to Indians in Savannah, a tactless pastor and a frustrated lover, the encounter with Moravians on his way back to England stimulated his theological appetite and his experiments with small groups. His recruiting of laywomen and men as assistants, and liturgical innovations like hymn singing and extemporaneous prayers were very experimental in those days. When the revival was in full swing, the Wesley brothers expanded women s roles to include preaching. These experimental steps in the 18th century meant a lot of trouble for Wesley. The Methodist history shows us how similar Wesley s challenges are to ours. Wesley knew the difficulty of ministry to grow and reach more people for Christ. In his day, there was also a great anti-christian movement. There was a deep need for structure and organization in order for the gospel to be shared. Don t we face the same greater need for renewal and revival? What would we need to do to turn things around in this difficult climate? Thankfully, I hear that some churches in our district are embarking on a revival movement. Why don t you set aside this year as the year of renewal and revival to unleash growth in future years? I dare to believe we can apply the same church growth principles that Wesley ushered in. We can apply them for our spiritual and church growth today by creating a discipleship and evangelism environment through PRAYER and STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP. Let s claim the Methodist legacy of church growth and multiplication strategies that Wesley left behind. This starts with our persistent and consistent call to God who will tell us great and unsearchable things we do not know yet. We should take a bold, fearless leadership like Wesley. I am in, what about you? Blessings, The Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa Dover District Superintendent Benevolence Forms Please remember to submit a Benevolence form whenever submitting a payment to the Conference Office. Checks without a Benevolence form may be returned to the church, resulting in late postings. Forms can be found on the Conference website, www.pen-del.org. 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 email the District Office AA cmyers@pen-del.org
2016-2017 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 A statement from Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball regarding the Flooding in West Virginia: There are communities cut off by road and mud slides. Homes and other establishments flooded, including parsonages and churches. There is continued flooding as the water runs in our rivers and streams and off mountains. A flyer is attached to this email listing ways that we can help those affected by the flooding in West Virginia. Please print and share this information freely. Click here to read about how you can help West Virginia.
September 15, 2016 Bishop s Dover District Day Specific details will be issued once confirmed September 24, 2016 2nd District Revival Prayer Day 9:00 am 3:00 pm Angola: Conley s 33106 Joslyn's Way Lewes, DE 19958 October 21, 2016 October 22, 2016 February 25, 2017 March 18, 2017 Dover Strategic Leadership Team Training 9:00 am 4:00 pm Milford: Avenue 20 N. Church Street Milford, DE 19963 Strategic Leadership Workshop with Dr. John Ewart 9:00 am noon Camden: Whatcoat 16 N. Main Street Camden, DE 19934 Lay Leadership Training 9:00 am 6:00 pm Milford: Avenue 20 N. Church Street Milford, DE 19963 3rd District Revival Prayer Day Bridgeville: Union 2 N. Laws Street Bridgeville, DE 19933
Conversation with Pastors and Lay Leaders before 2016-2017 Charge/Church Conference (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) I d like to invite pastors and lay leaders (those in key leadership) to a time of conversation before the Charge/Church Conference season which starts in September. We will meet at Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Please come prepared with questions and any suggestions you may have. The newly appointed pastors may need further information and explanation on the Charge Conference agenda, instructions, checklist, and conference forms. This is not mandatory, but open to all the appointed clergy members and lay leadership. Please contact our Dover Administrative Assistant, Cathy Myers, at cmyers@pendel.org to confirm or decline your participation. Local Pastor License School May 28 to June 4, 2017 Camp Pecometh
Greetings, Colleagues: You and a team from your congregation are cordially invited to the Summit! Mariners Bethel and Cornerstone (partnering with Connection) United Methodist Churches are pleased to serve again as host sites for the 2016 Global Leadership Summit for our area on August 11 & 12. The Summit is a two-day experience for leaders who want to get better. Broadcast live by HD Satellite to hundreds of locations in North America from Willow Creek s campus near Chicago, faculty members deliver a unique blend of vision, inspiration, and practical skills you can immediately apply. Some of the topics to be covered this year include: Executing ideas that matter most Virtues that accelerate teamwork Navigating effectively through cultural differences Harnessing the power of emotional intelligence On a national level, independent research shows that 83% of leaders who attended the Summit in consecutive years feel improved teamwork increased their job satisfaction and productivity. Locally, we are pleased to report that several new initiatives that have positively affected the culture of our congregations were birthed out of what our leaders experienced at the Summit. Fellow Peninsula-Delaware pastors will receive 1.5 CEUs for participating. Please see the attached flyer for information on this year s presenters and note that additional information and registration is online at www.willowcreek.com/summit. As noted in the attached flyer, a $60 registration savings is available this year to Peninsula-Delaware Methodists who attend using code TGLS16CRFT please contact us with any questions. Prepare to be informed, energized, and spiritually enriched. Hope to see you on August 11 and 12 at the Summit! Your Colleagues in Christ, Dave Humphrey Paul Owens Kari Jones pastordave@marinersbethel.org powens@cornerstonedelaware.com kari@connectioncc.org PS To experience some of the teaching and content you can expect at the Summit visit followthegls.com and download the GLSnext app with hundreds of FREE videos. Available in the APP and Google Play stores.
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, 2016 9:00 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 the Holy Communion and anointing. 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 cash, check, or money order and return no later than September 17, 2016 to: Dover District Office Attn: Cathy Myers, 30 Loockerman Plaza Dover, Delaware 19901 Please call the District Office with any questions at (302) 526-2629 Please print Attendee s Name: Church: Phone: Email: Please note any special dietary requirements:
CLM Orientation and Leadership Seminar Conducted by Fred Duncan and Brenda Tildon Saturday, August 20, 2016 9 am 3 pm Rehoboth Beach: Epworth UMC 19285 Holland Glade Road Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 2017 CLM Class Schedule Module 1 Feb 17-18 Module 2 Mar 24-25 Module 3 April 28-29 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 19901 If you have further questions about the CLM process please contact Brenda Tildon at 302-836-8553 or email her brendatildon@verizon.net
News from Pen-Del Certified Lay Ministers (CLM): On June 5, 2016 another class completed training for Certification as Lay Ministers. The Class was excited to pose for a picture with Bishop Johnson at the ceremony held at Ezion Mt. Carmel UM Church on June 5, 2016. Betty Gregory Easton District Daniel Gustafson Easton District Karen Miller Wilmington District Carol Stevens Wilmington District Donald Mulholland Salisbury District Bonnie Stone - Salisbury District Regina Reeves Dover District This class also made national news for being the 1 st class in any conference to have a deaf student complete the training for certification. Karen Miller and her interpreter Carol Stevens were an asset to the class and we learned much from each other. Coming events and class dates: The next CLM Class dates (2017) as follows: Feb. 17-18 March 24-25 April 28-29 June 2-3 All classes are held on Friday evening & all day Saturday at Dover Wesley U M Church ****************************************************************************** If you are interested in the CLM program or would like to attend the next class please plan to attend; CLM Orientation & Leadership Seminar August 20, 2016 Epworth U M Church For more details and registration information, please contact Brenda Tildon CLM Coordinator 302-836-8553 brendatildon@verizon.net
Church Outside at Mt. Olivet UMC in Seaford We met for worship in the prayer garden behind the church on Sunday June 19 th and we explored the Fruit of the Sprit. The first picture shows us preparing for worship as people begin to arrive. During the service, we wrote our prayers on ribbons and then tied them in the breeze to remind us that the Holy Spirit brings these gifts to life in each of us. We will worship outside again on Sunday July 17 th and Sunday August 21 st at 8:30 am both days. This is an interactive and very family friendly worship time. You re welcome to join us. Bishop s Dover District Day September 15, 2016 Magnolia UMC Specific details will be issued once confirmed
WHATCOAT U.M.C.-DOVER WOMEN HONORED Courtney W. Stevenson Whatcoat s Oldest Member Courtney Stevenson has been a resident of Dover, Delaware since coming here as a college student in the 1930s. She is an active member of many civic, fraternal, and professional organizations. She has been an active member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church for more than 70 years and has served Whatcoat in many capacities. Sis. Stevenson recently turned 102 years old and celebrated her birthday on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Whatcoat where she received proclamations presented by DSU, President Harry Williams, City of Dover Mayor Robin R. Christiansen and was saluted as a former DSU Assistant Professor as well as the university s oldest living alumnus and a living embodiment of what the college tries to instill in students daily. Susan Young Browne Life Achievement Award Whatcoat s 2 nd Oldest Member Susan Young Browne recently turned 98 years old in April. She has been an active member over 60 years. She remains remarkably active within the church where she still attends every Sunday. Sis. Browne taught in one-room schools as well as public schools before retirement after 30 years of teaching. Sis. Browne still drives, still walks without help, and is a talker. She is the mother of two children she is proud of James Young (retired teacher) and Dr. Lynnette Overby (currently administrative assistant at the University of Delaware. Susan received a life achievement award during Women s Day at Whatcoat on June 26, 2016.
WHATCOAT U.M.C.-DOVER WOMEN HONORED Grace S. Williams 2016 Whatcoat s Woman of the Year Grace Williams attended Whatcoat during her childhood when her teacher brought her students to Whatcoat to perform. She visited Whatcoat again with a friend in 90 s and become a member in 1999. Her love for people and seeing people satisfied was her passion. She was asked to be the Hospitality Chair and she organized over 60 repasts after funerals along with other activities she cooked for. She has done an awesome job over the years a job well done! Grace has been graced with 4 children Janice Goodman Lewis, Troy Williams (deceased), James Goodman, and Eric Williams. Ewell's-Saint Paul 401 West St. Clayton, DE 19938 will be holding VBS: July 17-21 starting at 5:30pm (with a light meal). "Surf Shack"
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 Email 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 19933 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For Office Use Only: Date Received: Cash: Check #: Amount Paid: Guests:
Bethel UMC - 3435 Harper Road, Federalsburg MD Women's Day July 17, 2016 3:30 p.m. Rev. Ashley Jones of the East New Market Charge will be the guest preacher. 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.. An all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner Saturday, July 23, 2016 3 to 6 pm eat-in or take home Tickets cost $13 for adults and $7 for children Sound United Methodist Church located on Sound Church Road (Route 54) Selbyville, Delaware
Come Celebrate Christmas in July FREE ITEMS Where: Friendship UMC 30983 Friendship Rd. Millsboro, DE 19966 When: Every Friday July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016 Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm F R E E I T E M FREE ITEMS FREE ITEMS Donations are accepted! Sponsored by Rev. George W. Fisher, Sr. & the members of Friendship UMC, 30983 Friendship Rd., Millsboro DE 19966
Too Hot for cookin? Bar-B-Q Chicken Platters $10.00 Fried Fish Platters $10.00 Includes: 2 Sides (to be determined) Saturday, July 23, 2016 Time 11:00 am until Friendship United Methodist Church 30983 Friendship Road, Millsboro, DE
4th Annual Scholarship Celebration!!!! Help send a Cancer Patient s Child or Parent to Delaware Technical Community College Owens Campus When: Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 5:00 pm Where: Long Neck United Methodist Church 32051 LONG NECK RD. Millsboro, DE 19966 Featuring: Sussex County Community Mass Choir Sonz of Transition Ken & Mr. Goodwood Donation: $15.00 (children free) Contact: Joyce Rickards at Cell: (302) 745-2634 or Home: (302) 945-0780 Make checks payable to: DTCC Scholarship Fund #210/Memo-Rickards Scholarship Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring to it health & healing; I will heal them & reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
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, 2016 4:00 pm Where: Friendship UMC 30983 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 302-945-0780.
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 25-30 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 emailing 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, 2016.
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 19901 Phone: 302-526-2629 Fax: 302-526-5555 Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee Sa Dover District Superintendent e-mail: doverds@pen-del.org Cathy Myers Administrative Assistant e-mail: cmyers@pen-del.org Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8:00 am 3:00 pm Friday: Closed