tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27888410040288753112024-02-20T15:05:41.724-05:00Washington RegionWashington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-88174466454039965232011-10-19T10:37:00.000-04:002011-10-19T10:37:02.196-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Charge Conference Follow-Up</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t forget to go back into Gateway and submit any saved reports that need to be submitted. Most importantly, the clergy compensation report needs to be submitted no later than one week after your charge conference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>CHARGE CONFERENCE UPDATE</strong> – This will be posted at the top of the blog each week until Charge Conference Season is over. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please use the following links to access the Charge Conference Information you may need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For charge conference schedules which list the dates, times and locations, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Charge Conference Sample Forms, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and scroll down to the appropriate section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information on Clergy Housing and Compensation, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and scroll down to additional resources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about how to update your committee listings, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about Call to Action Numerical Goals, please go to: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about the charge conference agenda, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Instructions for 2011 Charge Conferences</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The theme for the 2011 Charge Conferences is GO DEEP! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some key things to you will need to know to have a successful Charge Conference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Host churches will provide beverages and paper products. All other churches are asked to bring finger foods (desserts or appetizer-type items).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* The goal of having charge conferences in clusters is to share with and learn from neighboring churches. The sharing time during worship is crucial to this process, and it depends on your preparation for that time. Therefore, Please ask ONE lay person from your church to be prepared to answer the following question – and to speak for no more than 2 minutes: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Share a witness of how your small group did one of these things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Deepened your faith;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Helped you to connect in a meaningful way with another person; and/or,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Showed you something new/unexpected about God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Review the agenda. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Share the date, time and location of the charge conference with your church council. To view the charge conference schedule, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Each church is expected to attend worship and charge conference. Please be sure to view the schedule details on the day of your charge conference to determine if your charge conference is before or after worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be sure that the appropriate team in your church is ready to handle the assigned reports. Pastors – please work with your church administrators to review the Committee Listing in Gateway and ensure that it is correct and up-to-date. For information on how to update the Committee Listing, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Use sample reports to collect charge conference information. Sample reports can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We suggest that you document the answers to the reports in a Word document and then when you are ready to complete the report in Gateway, use the Word document to cut from and paste directly into the Gateway form.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be sure that all candidates (ordained ministry, lay speaking, CLM) to be recertified (or voted on in any way) are present at the charge conference. If they are not present, the will not be eligible to be voted on. If there is a compelling reason that a candidate cannot attend the charge conference, prior permission must be obtained from the guide or district superintendent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* All reports are to be completed and ready for your guides to review in Gateway one week prior to your charge conference. If there is an omission and forms are incomplete, you will be contacted by your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* For more information about completing the reports, please see the training documents at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>FINAL PREP FOR CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Only enter whole digits on Gateway forms. Do not use decimals, percent signs or dollar signs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Print the following documents for all attendees at charge conference so they can see what they are voting on. Please be sure they are in the order as it appears on the agenda:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Pastor’s Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Call to Action Numerical Goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o 2012 Congregational Goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Ministry to Disciples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Clergy Compensation Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Finance Committee Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Lay Leadership Development Form</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Prepare a folder to give to your guide with all of the forms listed above. Be sure that this folder is in the order of the agenda. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Prepare ballots for all categories of lay speakers, with names, candidates for recertification as CLM’s and recommendations of ministerial candidates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please note: It is the responsibility of the local church to maintain the files of the Laity Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire and to verify lay speaker reports. Please do not give these forms to your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>ONE WEEK AFTER CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be that sure that the online clergy compensation report is correct (accurate as to what was voted on at charge conference) and SUBMIT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Record votes for lay speakers, CLM’s and ministerial candidates and SUBMIT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Send minutes to <a href="mailto:washregion@bwcumc.org">washregion@bwcumc.org</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> within two weeks of charge conference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Remember to update any new officers and end terms of retiring officers in Gateway under the Committee Listings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Appointment and Evaluations Forms are Live!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Appointment and Evaluation forms are ready for use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/appteval">www.bwcumc.org/gateway/appteval</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• 2011 Appointment Advisory form for Clergy in Local Congregations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o A small change was made to gather additional information if Clergy are working outside the church. See sample link below to view changes (it is near the bottom of the form)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/evaluation_process/sample_appointment_advisory_clergy_churches.htm">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/evaluation_process/sample_appointment_advisory_clergy_churches.htm</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• 2012 Pastoral Goals (Call to Action)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o A new survey was created to capture up to five goals that are in keeping with Call to Action initiatives. Sample link below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/evaluation_process/PastoralGoals.htm">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/evaluation_process/PastoralGoals.htm</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>ERT Class at Fairhaven on October 22 Postponed!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ERT class scheduled for October 22, 2011 at Fairhaven United Methodist Church has been postponed. A new date will be forthcoming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Youth Financial Literacy Program</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Market USA Federal Credit Union is hosting a Youth Financial Literacy Program at the Conference Mission Center on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 7 p.m. Topics of discussion will be budgeting, credit management and identity theft. RSVP to memberservices@marketusafcu.com. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Hosting Visiting Churches </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Conference Mission Center receives a number of calls each year asking if we know of churches in the DC area that are willing to host churches visiting from outside the area - usually with youth groups or those working on mission projects. Requirements include churches that have showers and can provide overnight accommodations. If you have a church that can host, please email <a href="mailto:pmullay@bwcumc.org">pmullay@bwcumc.org</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Visioning 2020 – Listening Days</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We invite the laity and clergy of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to help create the future our Conference’s future by attending one of the twelve listening/town hall meetings that will be held the end of October and November.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2005 we had the four days of “great discernment” with our bishop and conference leadership to set goals and plans through 2012. These four days shaped the direction and goals for our Conference. The Discipleship Adventure reflected the deep desire in our conference for vital Acts 2 congregations. Our Conference Vision “to become more like Christ” and our Mission “to call, equip, send and support disciple-making leaders to grow Acts 2 congregations for the transformation of the world” emerged from those listening sessions. The Big Holy Audacious Goal to have 600 Acts 2 congregations by the end of 2012 was a direct outcome of those conversations and demonstrated a trust in God and a commitment to measure our progress to end the trend of decline. Four hundred and eight (408) of our congregations so far became Acts 2 congregations by the end of 2010. Progress has been made in each of our districts in the face of a multitude of challenges. We already accomplished six of our eight 2012 goals. We want that to continue the strong progress we made toward our goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today as we plan for our future, we build on our past and the beckoning Call to Action from our bishops and denominational leadership. We will also be informed by and build on the planning and goal setting that each of our congregations are presently engaged in. Building on the Discipleship Adventure, The Call to Action and your ministry plans are the pathway for a fruitful future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The BWC Discipleship Council began discussing the need and process for a 2020 Vision at the beginning of 2011. The Discipleship Council wants both lay and clergy input from across the Conference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following days and locations are set aside for times of prayer, conversation and listening to where God is calling us. We need your input and participation. We also need you to register prior to the event so that we can prepare for your participation. Please register online by using one of the following links. You may attend an event in any region. The registration deadline is one week prior to each event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Western Region: October 27, Thursday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Centre Street UMC, Cumberland, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Asbury UMC, Shepherdstown WVA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Middletown UMC, Frederick, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1911">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1911</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annapolis/Southern Region: November 7, Monday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Severna Park UMC, Severna Park, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Trinity UMC, Prince Frederick, MD</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, St. Paul UMC, Oxon Hill, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1912">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1912</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washington Region: November 15, Tuesday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Damascus UMC, 9700 New Church Street, Damascus, MD </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Good Hope Union, 14680 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Jones Memorial UMC, 4625 G Street, SE Washington, DC </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1914">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1914</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baltimore Region: December 8, Thursday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Ames UMC, Bel Air, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Epworth Chapel, Baltimore, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Towson UMC </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1913">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1913</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should you require assistance registering please contact your Regional Administrator or Nancy McCarthy, Administrator, Connectional Ministries at nmccarthy@bwcumc.org, or by calling (410) 309-3400.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing you at one of your regional meetings. Your participation is important as we renew our commitment to growing vital congregations. You may forward this email to church members and post in your weekly bulletin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Christ,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John R. Schol, Bishop </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cynthia Taylor, Chairperson, Discipleship Council</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A. David Argo, Director of Connectional Ministries </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-27738279982845066742011-10-14T12:35:00.000-04:002011-10-14T12:35:17.186-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>CHARGE CONFERENCE UPDATE</strong> – This will be posted at the top of the blog each week until Charge Conference Season is over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please use the following links to access the Charge Conference Information you may need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For charge conference schedules which list the dates, times and locations, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Charge Conference Sample Forms, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and scroll down to the appropriate section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information on Clergy Housing and Compensation, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and scroll down to additional resources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about how to update your committee listings, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about Call to Action Numerical Goals, please go to: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For information about the charge conference agenda, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Instructions for 2011 Charge Conferences</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The theme for the 2011 Charge Conferences is GO DEEP! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some key things to you will need to know to have a successful Charge Conference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOW</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Host churches will provide beverages and paper products. All other churches are asked to bring finger foods (desserts or appetizer-type items).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* The goal of having charge conferences in clusters is to share with and learn from neighboring churches. The sharing time during worship is crucial to this process, and it depends on your preparation for that time. Therefore, Please ask ONE lay person from your church to be prepared to answer the following question – and to speak for no more than 2 minutes: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Share a witness of how your small group did one of these things:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Deepened your faith;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Helped you to connect in a meaningful way with another person; and/or,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Showed you something new/unexpected about God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Review the agenda. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Share the date, time and location of the charge conference with your church council. To view the charge conference schedule, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Each church is expected to attend worship and charge conference. Please be sure to view the schedule details on the day of your charge conference to determine if your charge conference is before or after worship.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be sure that the appropriate team in your church is ready to handle the assigned reports. Pastors – please work with your church administrators to review the Committee Listing in Gateway and ensure that it is correct and up-to-date. For information on how to update the Committee Listing, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Use sample reports to collect charge conference information. Sample reports can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We suggest that you document the answers to the reports in a Word document and then when you are ready to complete the report in Gateway, use the Word document to cut from and paste directly into the Gateway form.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be sure that all candidates (ordained ministry, lay speaking, CLM) to be recertified (or voted on in any way) are present at the charge conference. If they are not present, the will not be eligible to be voted on. If there is a compelling reason that a candidate cannot attend the charge conference, prior permission must be obtained from the guide or district superintendent. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* All reports are to be completed and ready for your guides to review in Gateway one week prior to your charge conference. If there is an omission and forms are incomplete, you will be contacted by your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* For more information about completing the reports, please see the training documents at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>FINAL PREP FOR CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Only enter whole digits on Gateway forms. Do not use decimals, percent signs or dollar signs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Print the following documents for all attendees at charge conference so they can see what they are voting on. Please be sure they are in the order as it appears on the agenda:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Pastor’s Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Call to Action Numerical Goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o 2012 Congregational Goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Ministry to Disciples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Clergy Compensation Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Finance Committee Report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o Lay Leadership Development Form</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Prepare a folder to give to your guide with all of the forms listed above. Be sure that this folder is in the order of the agenda. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Prepare ballots for all categories of lay speakers, with names, candidates for recertification as CLM’s and recommendations of ministerial candidates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please note: It is the responsibility of the local church to maintain the files of the Laity Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire and to verify lay speaker reports. Please do not give these forms to your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>ONE WEEK AFTER CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Be that sure that the online clergy compensation report is correct (accurate as to what was voted on at charge conference) and SUBMIT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Record votes for lay speakers, CLM’s and ministerial candidates and SUBMIT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Send minutes to washregion@bwcumc.org within two weeks of charge conference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Remember to update any new officers and end terms of retiring officers in Gateway under the Committee Listings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CLM Report at Charge Conference – From Sandra King-Shaw</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you are completing your CLM Report to the Charge Conference, we want you to know the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Certified Lay Minister and Certified Lay Speaker are two different roles in the United Methodist Church, and they are to be accounted for separately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are the answers to some questions you may have:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. The location of original certification is the site where you met with the DCOM. The date of original certification will be the date you received your letter informing you that you were being recommended for certification by DCOM.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Recertification: The only course for recertification for this year is the course based upon the book Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations. This means the classes taught spring and late summer 2011. Please remember that all the work must have been completed successfully -- including the paper that was to be sent to the instructor at the end of the session. Any student who did not submit the paper did not satisfy the training requirement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The place where the course was held refers to the actual site (the name of the church or the Mission Center) where the course was taught.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope all this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to email or call me if I can help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peace,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sandra M. King-Shaw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conference Director of Certified Lay Ministry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:sandraumc@verizon.net">sandraumc@verizon.net</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Visioning 2020 – Listening Days</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We invite the laity and clergy of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to help create the future our Conference’s future by attending one of the twelve listening/town hall meetings that will be held the end of October and November.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2005 we had the four days of “great discernment” with our bishop and conference leadership to set goals and plans through 2012. These four days shaped the direction and goals for our Conference. The Discipleship Adventure reflected the deep desire in our conference for vital Acts 2 congregations. Our Conference Vision “to become more like Christ” and our Mission “to call, equip, send and support disciple-making leaders to grow Acts 2 congregations for the transformation of the world” emerged from those listening sessions. The Big Holy Audacious Goal to have 600 Acts 2 congregations by the end of 2012 was a direct outcome of those conversations and demonstrated a trust in God and a commitment to measure our progress to end the trend of decline. Four hundred and eight (408) of our congregations so far became Acts 2 congregations by the end of 2010. Progress has been made in each of our districts in the face of a multitude of challenges. We already accomplished six of our eight 2012 goals. We want that to continue the strong progress we made toward our goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today as we plan for our future, we build on our past and the beckoning Call to Action from our bishops and denominational leadership. We will also be informed by and build on the planning and goal setting that each of our congregations are presently engaged in. Building on the Discipleship Adventure, The Call to Action and your ministry plans are the pathway for a fruitful future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The BWC Discipleship Council began discussing the need and process for a 2020 Vision at the beginning of 2011. The Discipleship Council wants both lay and clergy input from across the Conference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following days and locations are set aside for times of prayer, conversation and listening to where God is calling us. We need your input and participation. We also need you to register prior to the event so that we can prepare for your participation. Please register online by using one of the following links. You may attend an event in any region. The registration deadline is one week prior to each event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Western Region: October 27, Thursday</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Centre Street UMC, Cumberland, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Asbury UMC, Shepherdstown WVA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Middletown UMC, Frederick, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Western Region. To select one of the locations click here: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1911">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1911</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annapolis/Southern Region: November 7, Monday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Severna Park UMC, Severna Park, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Trinity UMC, Prince Frederick, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, St. Paul UMC, Oxon Hill, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annapolis/Southern Region. To select one of the locations click here: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1912">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1912</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washington Region: November 15, Tuesday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Damascus UMC, 9700 New Church Street, Damascus, MD </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Good Hope Union, 14680 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Jones Memorial UMC, 4625 G Street, SE Washington, DC </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washington Region. To select one of the locations click here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1914">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1914</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baltimore Region: December 8, Thursday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. 9-11 am, Ames UMC, Bel Air, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. 2-4 pm, Epworth Chapel, Baltimore, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. 7-9 pm, Towson UMC </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baltimore Region. To select one of the locations click here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1913">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/Event-Registration/plug-in?url=gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/bwc_evtssa.evtstart?p_event_id=1913</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should you require assistance registering please contact your Regional Administrator or Nancy McCarthy, Administrator, Connectional Ministries at nmccarthy@bwcumc.org, or by calling (410) 309-3400.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing you at one of your regional meetings. Your participation is important as we renew our commitment to growing vital congregations. You may forward this email to church members and post in your weekly bulletin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Christ,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John R. Schol, Bishop</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cynthia Taylor, Discipleship Chairperson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A. David Argo, Council Director of Correctional Ministries</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sharp Street United Methodist Church Youth Named Runner-up in Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Men Congratulations to the Man of Year Award Winners: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rodger Findiesen (Annapolis District) and John Collins (Washington East District)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Youth of the Year Winners: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Key-Ayra Scott (Annapolis District) and Aaron Collins (Washington East District) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Runner-up Youth winners of the Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Charles Jones (Central Maryland District) and Kenneth Hill (Frederick District). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The message by Rev. Hall was truly inspirational as was the praise music from the two groups from Central Maryland and Greater Washington Districts. And of course, the humor and enthusiasm of our two outstanding emcees Johnnie Walker and Bill Weller will never be forgotten. A special thanks to Revs. Hall, Shockley and DeFord in concluding the program with the serving of communion to the men and youth and to Bishop Schol for commencing our event with Change the World Mission. God truly blessed each and every one of us. On behalf of the Baltimore-Washington Conference United Methodist Men, our thanks to each of you for your support and participation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Link to the program that honored the Conference Man of the Year and Youth of the Year winners: <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/BWCUMM2/Program/Default.html">http://www.bwcumm.org/BWCUMM2/Program/Default.html</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or go to <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/">http://www.bwcumm.org/</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Assistant Director Position Available at Glen Mar UMC</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">General: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Glen Mar mission is to praise God, to make disciples, and to serve the world. Staff members are leaders called to be examples to the rest of the church and are held to higher standards. Staff members model the values of constructive, positive relationships, caring and courtesy for all persons, and humility as servant leaders. Staff sets the tone and pace and has a significant role in shaping the heart and character of the entire congregation. It is vital that we walk the path together by actively encouraging wholeness in personal, physical, emotional and spiritual health for each. Spiritually healthy leaders will produce a spiritually healthy church. To achieve these goals staff members are expected to pursue a disciplined lifestyle that is demonstrated by positive character and behavior, expectation and evidence of belief that God is alive and acts in today’s world, and considered actions that conform to denominational standards of practice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definition:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Assistant Director of Glen Mar Early Learning Center serves in a supportive leadership position to provide daily supervision and management of the center. At a general level, this means that this individual is delegated responsibility for the staff and students, the day-to-day operations and the implementation of key initiatives. The Assistant Director interfaces with Early Learning Center staff, parents and children, and is responsible for supporting the priorities of the Director for the Center. The specific duties of the role are shaped to support vision, leadership and direction for the ELC in alignment with goals and objectives of the church, as set forth by the Board of Directors. It is essential that the ELC Assistant Director have a strong trust-based relationship with the Director and Board members that result in a healthy working partnership that continues to provide a high quality program for children and their families. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Duties and Responsibilities:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Job Specifications</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Assume the responsibilities of the ELC Director in the Director’s absence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Provide managerial leadership and support for the Glen Mar ELC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perform duties, as assigned, to a satisfactory level</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support the mission of Glen Mar ELC & align programs with the mission</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep the Glen Mar ELC in good, operating order</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maintain a safe and orderly environment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Follow policies and procedures as outlined in Employee Manual</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meets and Reports to Center Director regularly and ELC Board of Directors, as requested</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maintain credentials to meet current requirements for Assistant Director</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Communicate regularly with ELC staff & parents</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support planning of monthly Chapel, in collaboration with Director</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support Staff Handbook policies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support Parent Handbook</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Participate in Emergency Preparedness Activities</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support staff training and drills for the Emergency Preparedness Plan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Receive Enrollment & Registrations as required</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contribute to process of developing & implementing annual budget for ELC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respond to BOD directives on enrollment & registrations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Implement Yearly Plan for curriculum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Provide direct supervision and annual evaluation of ELC staff, as assigned</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monitor lesson plans to ensure teachers are prepared & curriculum implemented</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Attend monthly staff meetings </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Participate in Professional Development for staff </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Review organization of classrooms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prepare and publicize monthly snack menu </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purchase snack items</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maintain inventory of supplies and materials for center </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maintain Student Records with controls on personally identifiable info</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Communication with staff and families</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Implement Policies and Procedures in collaboration with Director</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enforce, uphold, and manage procedures equitably</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maintain furniture and fixtures in working order</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Report any building issues to Center Director</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support operation of center with attention to fiscal controls, good management, and auditability of records</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other duties as assigned </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knowledge, skill, and ability: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Minimum Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred. Appropriate combinations of education, experience, and/or training will be considered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Infant/Toddler certification.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Minimum of two-years experience in a Child Care Center.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Resolves problems and uses judgment to know when to refer decisions to Director.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Positive and cooperative attitude, shown in manner of speaking to others, word choices and actions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Responds effectively to verbal and written instructions. Skills in listening, speaking, and writing sufficient to maintain records, plan effectively, present reports and communicate ideas effectively.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knowledge and understanding of licensing regulations and the ability to maintain all aspects of the center to comply with licensing standards.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Special Requirements:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Computer competence in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Internet, and social media. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honesty, good communication skills and strength of personal character.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeps good boundaries individually and among staff, maintains confidentiality, and uses information properly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reporting:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Assistant Director will report directly to the Center Director and will meet regularly with the Center Director and upon request with the ELC Board of Directors. Staff Parish Relations Committee oversees all of the staff at Glen Mar United Methodist Church. The Assistant Director develops supportive working relationships with staff and parents. Provides leadership and necessary management in conformance with church policies and practice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please send inquiries to Mary Ka Khanahan at MaryKa.Kanahan@glenmarumc.org. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-68653877480042205672011-10-07T09:31:00.001-04:002011-10-07T11:12:55.705-04:00CHARGE CONFERENCE UPDATE – This will be posted at the top of the blog each week until Charge Conference Season is over.<br />
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Please use the following links to access the Charge Conference Information you may need.<br />
For charge conference schedules which list the dates, times and locations, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>.<br />
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For Charge Conference Sample Forms, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a> and scroll down to the appropriate section. <br />
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For information on Clergy Housing and Compensation, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a> and scroll down to additional resources.<br />
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For information about how to update your committee listings, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a>.<br />
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For information about Call to Action Numerical Goals, please go to: <br />
<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf</a>.<br />
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For information about the charge conference agenda, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>Instructions for 2011 Charge Conferences</strong><br />
The theme for the 2011 Charge Conferences is GO DEEP! <br />
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Here are some key things to you will need to know to have a successful Charge Conference.<br />
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<strong>NOW</strong><br />
* Host churches will provide beverages and paper products. All other churches are asked to bring finger foods (desserts or appetizer-type items).<br />
* The goal of having charge conferences in clusters is to share with and learn from neighboring churches. The sharing time during worship is crucial to this process, and it depends on your preparation for that time. Therefore, Please ask ONE lay person from your church to be prepared to answer the following question – and to speak for no more than 2 minutes: <br />
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Share a witness of how your small group did one of these things:<br />
• Deepened your faith;<br />
• Helped you to connect in a meaningful way with another person; and/or,<br />
• Showed you something new/unexpected about God.<br />
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* Review the agenda. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a>.<br />
* Share the date, time and location of the charge conference with your church council. To view the charge conference schedule, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. Each church is expected to attend worship and charge conference. Please be sure to view the schedule details on the day of your charge conference to determine if your charge conference is before or after worship.<br />
* Be sure that the appropriate team in your church is ready to handle the assigned reports. Pastors – please work with your church administrators to review the Committee Listing in Gateway and ensure that it is correct and up-to-date. For information on how to update the Committee Listing, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a>.<br />
* Use sample reports to collect charge conference information. Sample reports can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a>. We suggest that you document the answers to the reports in a Word document and then when you are ready to complete the report in Gateway, use the Word document to cut from and paste directly into the Gateway form.<br />
* Be sure that all candidates (ordained ministry, lay speaking, CLM) to be recertified (or voted on in any way) are present at the charge conference. If they are not present, the will not be eligible to be voted on. If there is a compelling reason that a candidate cannot attend the charge conference, prior permission must be obtained from the guide or district superintendent. <br />
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<strong>ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* All reports are to be completed and ready for your guides to review in Gateway one week prior to your charge conference. If there is an omission and forms are incomplete, you will be contacted by your guide.<br />
* For more information about completing the reports, please see the training documents at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training</a>.<br />
* If your charge conference is being held on the weekend of October 8 and 9, please see be sure to bring non-perishable food items and toiletries for collection at the host churches for Change The World Mission Weekend. More details about the event can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a>.<br />
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<strong>FINAL PREP FOR CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* Only enter whole digits on Gateway forms. Do not use decimals, percent signs or dollar signs. <br />
* Print the following documents for all attendees at charge conference so they can see what they are voting on. Please be sure they are in the order as it appears on the agenda:<br />
o Pastor’s Report<br />
o Call to Action Numerical Goals<br />
o 2012 Congregational Goals<br />
o Ministry to Disciples<br />
o Clergy Compensation Report<br />
o Finance Committee Report<br />
o Lay Leadership Development Form<br />
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* Prepare a folder to give to your guide with all of the forms listed above. Be sure that this folder is in the order of the agenda. <br />
* Prepare ballots for all categories of lay speakers, with names, candidates for recertification as CLM’s and recommendations of ministerial candidates.<br />
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Please note: It is the responsibility of the local church to maintain the files of the Laity Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire and to verify lay speaker reports. Please do not give these forms to your guide.<br />
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<strong>ONE WEEK AFTER CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* Be that sure that the online clergy compensation report is correct (accurate as to what was voted on at charge conference) and SUBMIT.<br />
* Record votes for lay speakers, CLM’s and ministerial candidates and SUBMIT.<br />
* Send minutes to <a href="mailto:washregion@bwcumc.org">washregion@bwcumc.org</a> within two weeks of charge conference.<br />
* Remember to update any new officers and end terms of retiring officers in Gateway under the Committee Listings. <br />
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<strong>CLM Report at Charge Conference – From Sandra King-Shaw</strong><br />
As you are completing your CLM Report to the Charge Conference, we want you to know the following:<br />
Certified Lay Minister and Certified Lay Speaker are two different roles in the United Methodist Church, and they are to be accounted for separately.<br />
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Here are the answers to some questions you may have:<br />
1. The location of original certification is the site where you met with the DCOM. The date of original certification will be the date you received your letter informing you that you were being recommended for certification by DCOM.<br />
2. Recertification: The only course for recertification for this year is the course based upon the book Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations. This means the classes taught spring and late summer 2011. Please remember that all the work must have been completed successfully -- including the paper that was to be sent to the instructor at the end of the session. Any student who did not submit the paper did not satisfy the training requirement.<br />
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The place where the course was held refers to the actual site (the name of the church or the Mission Center) where the course was taught.<br />
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I hope all this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to email or call me if I can help.<br />
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Peace,<br />
Sandra M. King-Shaw<br />
Conference Director of Certified Lay Ministry<br />
<a href="mailto:sandraumc@verizon.net">sandraumc@verizon.net</a><br />
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<strong>For non-registered churches—Change the World Mission Work Day</strong><br />
On Saturday, Oct. 8-10, more than 11,000 people have registered to Change the World during a conference-wide mission work weekend. Projects range from health screenings, to flood bucket assembly, to food drives and even a manicure for residents of a nursing home. Everyone is reaching out to serve outside the walls of the church as a powerful witness to God’s love in our communities and the world. <br />
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If your congregation has not yet registered, I wanted to let you know that there is still time to do so. The dates of this service project have been extended through Saturday, Oct. 29. While the goal was to engage our conference in mission during the weekend of October 8-10, we don’t want to discourage any church in the Baltimore Washington Conference who has a call to serve. Perhaps your church is planning to do mission during Oct. 8-29, but you haven’t yet registered. Our goal is to have 15,000 United Methodists joining hands and hearts Oct. 8-29 to serve our communities and we need your help to achieve this. <br />
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Won’t you prayerfully consider registering a mission project so we can unite together as one in witness to our communities and achieve this God-sized goal? You can register by visiting: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a> or contact me and I will take care of your registration, <a href="mailto:ogross@bwcumc.org">ogross@bwcumc.org</a> or 410-309-3430. <br />
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I look forward to serving with you in this great mission project that will touch so many lives. <br />
WE CAN DO THIS! <br />
Blessings, Olivia Gross<br />
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<strong>ERT TRAINING</strong><br />
The Washington Region of the Baltimore-Washington Conference needs you to volunteer to be trained as an ERT member. <br />
What is an ERT? An ERT is an Early Response Team.<br />
What does an ERT do? Provide a caring Christian in the aftermath of a disaster. Take steps to prevent further damage to a person’s property i.e. tarping, debris removal. Cleaning out flooded homes, manage donated materials, observe survivors’ needs <br />
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Training date: OCTOBER 22, 2011<br />
Location: FAIRHAVEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH<br />
12801 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, MD 20878<br />
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.<br />
Contact/RSVP:REV. GERARD “GERRY” GREEN 301-330-9828 OR 301-216-4339<br />
E-MAIL – <a href="mailto:Ggreen@asbury.org">Ggreen@asbury.org</a><br />
He will answer any questions, provide details, and sign you up for training.<br />
Cost: $25.00<br />
Registration ends October 16, 2011<br />
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<strong>Pre-Retirement Seminar</strong><br />
Open to clergy age 50 and above<br />
Wednesday, November 16<br />
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />
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The Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center<br />
11711 East Market Place<br />
Fulton, Maryland 20759<br />
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The Board of Ordained Ministry will be hosting the Pre-Retirement Seminar for clergy and their spouse, age 50 years and older. Spouses are encouraged to attend due to the nature of the information provided.<br />
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Topics Include:<br />
• Pension benefits<br />
• Non-Pension benefits<br />
• Health Insurance Benefits<br />
• Housing Allowance<br />
• Resources for Social Security & Medicare Benefits<br />
• 1:1 Pension Consultation<br />
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The cost is $15 per person. Lunch will be provided.<br />
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Registration must be done online. Payment is by credit card only. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – deadline to register is Friday, November 4th<br />
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To register, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/preretirementseminar">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/preretirementseminar</a>.<br />
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CEU’s of .6 will be given to clergy participants.<br />
If you have any questions, please contact the Benefits Office at 410-309-3479.<br />
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<strong>Help Spread the Word: Bells Across America Will Ring To Honor Fallen Firefighters </strong><br />
• Special video message to the fire service from NFFF executive director Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCPMpXa91Pc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCPMpXa91Pc</a>. <br />
• Let your community know about Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, the first nationwide remembrance for firefighters who died in the line of duty on Sunday, October 16. Learn more at <a href="http://www.bellsacrossamerica.com/">http://www.bellsacrossamerica.com/</a> <br />
• Carry FireHero Network live stream of 2011 Memorial Weekend events on your department’s website & encourage local media to do the same ‐ <a href="http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html">http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html</a> <br />
• Also, honor the fallen by embedding the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget on their websites, blogs or social media pages. Go to <a href="http://weekend.firehero.org/widget">http://weekend.firehero.org/widget</a>. <br />
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EMMITSBURG, MD – For the first time in the 30‐year history of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend the bells of the Memorial Chapel will ring on Sunday, October 16 to honor the fallen. As part of this tribute, fire departments and places of worship and other community organizations will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, the first nationwide remembrance for firefighters who died in the line of duty. <br />
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The NFFF created the website, <a href="http://www.bellsacrossamerica.com/">http://www.bellsacrossamerica.com/</a> which explains the program. A letter of invitation, frequently asked questions about the program and a response form are all available on the website. Fire department representatives are encouraged to work with their clergy and community leaders to decide what type of remembrance is best. Some suggestions include: ringing chapel bells, a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, tolling a ceremonial bell by members of the Fire Department, or any combination of these. The remembrance can occur at any time on Sunday, October 16. <br />
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“When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the sadness resonates through an entire community. Through Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, everyone across the country has the opportunity to pay tribute to the lives of these brave men and women who willingly take risks to protect and serve their communities,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. <br />
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In addition to Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, departments and individuals can add the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget to their website, blog or Facebook page. The widget is a small box that will appear on the site, continually scrolling the names of firefighters honored in Emmitsburg. <br />
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The photos of seven firefighters who will be honored are rotated each day for one week leading up to Memorial Weekend. Go to http://weekend.firehero.org/widget to copy and embed the widget. <br />
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The Fire Hero Network will be in full operation during Memorial Weekend. The Candlelight Service and Memorial Service will again be televised and sent around the world via satellite and the Internet. Departments can be a part of the network by streaming the events on your department's website. (<a href="http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html">http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html</a>) The NFFF invites all departments to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to encourage local news media to do the same. <br />
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In addition, there will be a Fire Hero Radio webcast from Memorial Weekend and continuous updates on social media, including the Foundation's Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/NationalFallenFirefightersFoundation">http://www.facebook.com/NationalFallenFirefightersFoundation</a>) and Twitter feed (<a href="https://twitter.com/NFFF_News">https://twitter.com/NFFF_News</a>) <br />
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For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, go to weekend.firehero.org. <br />
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About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) <br />
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The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line of duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit <a href="http://www.firehero.org/">http://www.firehero.org/</a>. <br />
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<strong>Connect with Your Neighbors Conference</strong><br />
You are cordially invite you to the Connect with Your Neighbors Conference from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary. The conference is for both laity and clergy and features insightful presentations and practical workshops to help you roll up your sleeves and connect with new disciples.<br />
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As the conference title conveys, we want to help you connect with those around you. These connections include not just individuals in your neighborhoods, but also those from other Greater Washington-Baltimore area congregations you may meet at the conference. It is our hope that we are able to foster relationships between congregations to help all of us strengthen our ability to make new disciples throughout the region.<br />
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The Connect with Your Neighbors Conference is Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on our campus at 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.<br />
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Presentations: <br />
• Discovering the People God has Given Us by Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary and Director of the Lewis Center<br />
• The Theology of Welcome by Dr. Amy Oden, Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary<br />
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Workshops:<br />
• Discovering Who Your Neighbors Are<br />
• Ways to Understand Your Neighbors Better<br />
• Using Social Media to Reach New People<br />
• Your Website Is Your Church's Welcome Mat<br />
• Needs-based Community Outreach<br />
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For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.churchleadership.com/newdisciples/default.asp?id=cc13">http://www.churchleadership.com/newdisciples/default.asp?id=cc13</a>.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-1463363305811113992011-09-23T11:02:00.000-04:002011-09-23T11:02:23.439-04:00<strong>CHARGE CONFERENCE UPDATE</strong><br />
Please use the following links to access the Charge Conference Information you may need.<br />
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For charge conference schedules which list the dates, times and locations, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>.<br />
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For Charge Conference Sample Forms, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a> and scroll down to the appropriate section. <br />
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For information on Clergy Housing and Compensation, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a> and scroll down to additional resources.<br />
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For information about how to update your committee listings, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a>.<br />
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For information about Call to Action Numerical Goals, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Call%20to%20Action%20Numerical%20Goals%20Training%20Guide.pdf</a>.<br />
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For information about the charge conference agenda, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>Instructions for 2011 Charge Conferences</strong><br />
The theme for the 2011 Charge Conferences is GO DEEP! <br />
Here are some key things to you will need to know to have a successful Charge Conference.<br />
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<strong>NOW</strong><br />
* Host churches will provide beverages and paper products. All other churches are asked to bring finger foods (desserts or appetizer-type items).<br />
* The goal of having charge conferences in clusters is to share with and learn from neighboring churches. The sharing time during worship is crucial to this process, and it depends on your preparation for that time. Therefore, Please ask ONE lay person from your church to be prepared to answer the following question – and to speak for no more than 2 minutes: <br />
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Share a witness of how your small group did one of these things:<br />
• Deepened your faith;<br />
• Helped you to connect in a meaningful way with another person; and/or,<br />
• Showed you something new/unexpected about God.<br />
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* Review the agenda. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011%20charge%20conference%20agenda.pdf</a>.<br />
* Share the date, time and location of the charge conference with your church council. To view the charge conference schedule, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. Each church is expected to attend worship and charge conference. Please be sure to view the schedule details on the day of your charge conference to determine if your charge conference is before or after worship.<br />
* Be sure that the appropriate team in your church is ready to handle the assigned reports. Pastors – please work with your church administrators to review the Committee Listing in Gateway and ensure that it is correct and up-to-date. For information on how to update the Committee Listing, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2011GatewayManual.pdf</a>.<br />
* Use sample reports to collect charge conference information. Sample reports can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a>. We suggest that you document the answers to the reports in a Word document and then when you are ready to complete the report in Gateway, use the Word document to cut from and paste directly into the Gateway form.<br />
* Be sure that all candidates (ordained ministry, lay speaking, CLM) to be recertified (or voted on in any way) are present at the charge conference. If they are not present, the will not be eligible to be voted on. If there is a compelling reason that a candidate cannot attend the charge conference, prior permission must be obtained from the guide or district superintendent. <br />
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<strong>ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* All reports are to be completed and ready for your guides to review in Gateway one week prior to your charge conference. If there is an omission and forms are incomplete, you will be contacted by your guide.<br />
* For more information about completing the reports, please see the training documents at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training</a>.<br />
* If your charge conference is being held on the weekend of October 8 and 9, please see be sure to bring non-perishable food items and toiletries for collection at the host churches for Change The World Mission Weekend. More details about the event can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a>.<br />
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<strong>FINAL PREP FOR CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* Only enter whole digits on Gateway forms. Do not use decimals, percent signs or dollar signs. <br />
* Print the following documents for all attendees at charge conference so they can see what they are voting on. Please be sure they are in the order as it appears on the agenda:<br />
o Pastor’s Report<br />
o Call to Action Numerical Goals<br />
o 2012 Congregational Goals<br />
o Ministry to Disciples<br />
o Clergy Compensation Report<br />
o Finance Committee Report<br />
o Lay Leadership Development Form<br />
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* Prepare a folder to give to your guide with all of the forms listed above. Be sure that this folder is in the order of the agenda. <br />
* Prepare ballots for all categories of lay speakers, with names, candidates for recertification as CLM’s and recommendations of ministerial candidates.<br />
Please note: It is the responsibility of the local church to maintain the files of the Laity Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire and to verify lay speaker reports. Please do not give these forms to your guide.<br />
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<strong>ONE WEEK AFTER CHARGE CONFERENCE</strong><br />
* Be that sure that the online clergy compensation report is correct (accurate as to what was voted on at charge conference) and SUBMIT.<br />
* Record votes for lay speakers, CLM’s and ministerial candidates and SUBMIT.<br />
* Send minutes to washregion@bwcumc.org within two weeks of charge conference.<br />
* Remember to update any new officers and end terms of retiring officers in Gateway under the Committee Listings. <br />
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<strong>BWC United Methodist Men Annual Meeting </strong><br />
Saturday, Oct 8, 2011: Registration 8am , Breakfast 9am <br />
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The United Methodist Men of Asbury UMC, 926 11th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001 are hosting the BWC UMM Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 8 from 9am to noon. We are asking $20/adult or $5/youth to cover the cost of the event. Free parking will be available next door or if you prefer, the Annapolis District UMM has made arrangements for bus transportation for the nominal fee of $10. The bus will stop at the Park & Ride on Riva Rd, Annapolis, Md (7am) and at St Marks UMC, Hanover, Md (8am). Deadline to register for the bus is September 28.<br />
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Please register online at <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/eventRegistration.aspx">http://www.bwcumm.org/eventRegistration.aspx</a>. Don't delay register now! Or contact Malcolm Clory at 301-420-0299, or Richard Campbell at 888-870-7171 or send an email to rcampbell@bwcumm.org. Payment will be made at the door. <br />
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Join us for breakfast, fellowship, worship, including an inspirational message, praise singing, special music by two outstanding male choirs , holy communion, and the presentation of the Conference UMM Man of the Year and Conference UMM Youth of the Year awards. Download a flyer at <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/BWCUMM2/docs/Oct08_2011SaveTheDateFlyer.pdf">http://www.bwcumm.org/BWCUMM2/docs/Oct08_2011SaveTheDateFlyer.pdf</a>. Help us reach our goal of 400 men united in prayer, praise and ministry. Spread the word!<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/">http://www.bwcumm.org/</a> for posting of the proposed bylaws, proposed FY 2012 budget and the final program (when it becomes available). <br />
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<strong>ROCK 2012</strong><br />
ROCK 2012 will be held on January 20-22, 2012 in Ocean City, MD. <br />
We welcome special guest speaker Steve Fitzhugh and praise and worship by Nichole C. Mullen. <br />
To register, go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/rock/rock-registration">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/rock/rock-registration</a><br />
New this year – Mass Choir for Sunday Worship at ROCK. For more information, go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/rock_sunday_mass_choir">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/rock_sunday_mass_choir</a>.<br />
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<strong>Change the World</strong><br />
Change the World will be here before you know it! We thank God for the following churches who are planning events for the weekend of October 8-10 to be a witness to the love of God in the community!<br />
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Locust UMC<br />
West Liberty UMC<br />
Douglas Memorial UMC<br />
Foundry United Methodist Church<br />
Millian Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
Potomac United Methodist Church<br />
Simpson-Hamline<br />
American University United Methodist Campus Ministry<br />
Araby UMC, Washington, DC<br />
Bethesda United Methodist<br />
Chevy Chase UMC<br />
Christ United Methodist Church<br />
Colesville UMC<br />
College Park United Methodist Church<br />
Emmanuel UMC<br />
Emory Beacon of Light, LLC<br />
Emory United Methodist Church<br />
Epworth United Methodist Church<br />
First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville<br />
Forest Memorial UMC<br />
Glen Mar UMC<br />
Good Hope Union United Methodist Church<br />
Hopkins United Methodist Church<br />
Hughes United Methodist Church and the Conference Commission on Disabilities<br />
Ijamsville UMC<br />
Jerusalem-Mt.Pleasant United Methodist Church/United Methodist Women<br />
Mustard Seed Cooperative Parish<br />
Silver Spring United Methodist Cooperative Parish (Woodside and Marvin Memorial)<br />
St. Paul UMC, Laytonville<br />
Trinity United Methodist Church<br />
United Methodist Campus Ministry University of Maryland<br />
Wesley Freedom<br />
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For more information about Change The World, please go to: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a>.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-6883665937448689322011-09-14T11:26:00.000-04:002011-09-14T11:26:05.837-04:00<strong>CHARGE CONFERENCE SEASON-FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON GATEWAY</strong><br />
You should have received your schedule. The forms are now available for you to begin completing. There are sample forms on the website. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a><br />
Please remember that only those persons that have been designated as a officer/chair will be able to access the forms. The church administrator is the only person who will be able to access all of the forms. Please be sure that the person who is the chair of finance, SPRC, Trustee, etc. are updated in Gateway as just that, if not they will not be able to access the forms. The person who is listed whether they are not now that person in the position will be able to access the forms. <br />
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If you have forgotten your username and password, please first try using the “forgot my password” feature (remember you must have a e-mail address listed in Gateway to use this option). If you continue to have problems in accessing the forms please send an email to washregion@bwcumc.org requesting your user name and password. <em>PLEASE DO NOT INSERT A NEW RECORD IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM</em>. If you have changed your e-mail address and have not changed it in gateway it will not recognize the new one. <br />
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An email with the agenda and other items that you will need for Charge Conference will be sent to all churches and pastors in the next few days.<br />
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<strong>Certified Lay Ministers in Gateway</strong><br />
If you have Certified Lay Ministers (CLM’s) in your congregation, please be sure that they are in Gateway under your Committee Leadership. Each district has their own designation in Gateway, CM-Certified Lay Minister for the Central Maryland District and GW-Certified Lay Minister for the Greater Washington District. There are forms that have to be filled out by CLM’s before charge conference. The form is similar to the Lay Speaking form. If you don’t designate them in Gateway as a CLM they will not be able to complete their form at charge conference and be voted on. The same goes for the Lay Speakers, if they are not correct in the system they cannot access their forms. For more information on how to set up someone on the Committee Leadership, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/training</a> and select the Introduction to the Gateway System 2011 document.<br />
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<strong>Discipleship Academy Registration Closing</strong><br />
The registration deadline for Discipleship Academy is September 15, 2011. If you have anyone that still wants to take the class, please have them register by September 15. Online registration is available at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington</a>.<br />
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<strong>Electronic billing: apportionments, pension, medical</strong><br />
It is expected that each church will receive medical and pension billing through the Gateway system. A monthly reminder will be sent via email. With the email reminder should also be an attachment describing how to access the payment history and make payments through gateway. This information has been sent with each electronic billing. The bills will be sent to the treasurer of record. NOTE: If you have a new treasurer or the treasurer’s email address has changed, please have the church’s gateway administrator make the appropriate changes, so that the church will receive the bills in a timely manner. <br />
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<strong>BISHOP’S DAY APART WITH CLERGY – REGISTRATION REQUIRED – NO WALK INS</strong><br />
Learning to preach to a new generation can raise a lot of questions—what reaches them, what inspires them, what motivates them to go out and be God’s light to others. The tricky part is this skill is never totally perfected as the new generation is always changing. Come and hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas Long, what captivates the hearts of the youth, young adults and the ever changing adult population of today.<br />
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The Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long is the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and the author or editor of 14 books on preaching and worship. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He is the chair of the Day1 Advisory Board, comprised of leading preachers, scholars, and other leaders.<br />
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011<br />
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.<br />
First UMC, 6201 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782-2913<br />
Cost $35 regular registration Aug. 29-Sept. 11<br />
Cost $40 late registration Sept. 12-Oct. 1<br />
Registration closes October 1<br />
Register at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdayclergy2011">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdayclergy2011</a><br />
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<strong>BISHOP’S DAY APART WITH LAITY – REGISTRATION REQUIRED – NO WALK INS</strong><br />
Learn new creative ways to design worship and ways to revitalize traditional worship from keynote speaker Kim Miller, who will charge the creative batteries of worship teams to create vital worship experiences and spaces that are engaging, transforming and celebratory.<br />
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Saturday, September 24, 2011<br />
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.<br />
Trinity UMC, 703 W. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701-4029<br />
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Speaker: Kim Miller currently leads the worship and campus design teams at Ginghamsburg Church, creating welcoming worship experiences and environments for the Ginghamsburg community across multiple campuses. Kim's passion for visually, artistically and theologically connecting people to God fueled the pioneering of Ginghamsburg's signature multisensory worship celebrations and continues at the core of her call and mission. Kim has authored several books on worship design (below) -all accessible tools for churches large and small. Also a consultant in the areas of worship and space design, Kim hosts a blog @ <a href="http://www.redesigningworship.com/">http://www.redesigningworship.com/</a> <br />
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Cost $45 late registration Sept. 12-18<br />
Registration closes Sept. 18 (no walk-ins)<br />
Register at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdaylaity2011">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdaylaity2011</a> <br />
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<strong>WORSHIP DESIGN STUDIO</strong><br />
Greetings, Worship Design Studio Members!<br />
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It is with great excitement that I can announce that we are ready for you to renew your Worship Design Studio subscription for the 2011-2012 liturgical year. Why am I so excited?<br />
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Because your membership for next year will make you part of the BIG NEWS of what will be changing during the next subscription year. Not only will you enjoy all the resources and experts you usually do, but in 2012 we will be rolling out project management SOFTWARE based on my methodology of design so that every member of your team can literally be "on the same page" via their individual computers. This will take you from the brainstorming stages to resource gathering, all the way to script preparation. You will have access to an easy-to-use step-by-step program that will STREAMLINE and inspire you and your team. And this is ALL part of your subscription! Nothing further to buy, nothing further to download. As I love to say, "Woo Hoo!" (you can see more about this development at <a href="http://web.me.com/marciamcfee/2011_WDS_Signup_Page/Welcome.html">http://web.me.com/marciamcfee/2011_WDS_Signup_Page/Welcome.html</a>)<br />
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So, here is how you renew your subscription AT THE "THANK YOU" RENEWAL RATE THAT IS GOOD THROUGH OCTOBER 30 ($100 off the regular $250 rate)<br />
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Go to: <a href="http://www.marciamcfee.com/amember/member.php">http://www.marciamcfee.com/amember/member.php</a> Log in with your username and password - Click on the tab called "Add/Renew Subscription"<br />
Choose 2011-2012 year<br />
Enter this coupon code: 6162FFEFD6<br />
You'll pay through PayPal.<br />
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Then return whenever you want to sign on to www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm and click the 2011-2012 member login. You'll be directed to the introductory pages for the coming year. (Note: to get to all the 2010-2011 materials, you'll still click on the "2010-2011 member login" link). New subscribers get what you've already got, the Summer and Fall 2011 materials. But there are also some goodies there for you: a set of 6 articles I've written, one for every member of your team. These will be a great conversation starter for assessing where you are and where you want to go. <br />
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Remember, after October 30 your renewal rate will be the usual $250 so take care of this now :)<br />
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I'll be posting my own Series Visions (formerly known as "Marcia's Doorway") for the year soon!<br />
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Friends... sorry but I forgot to say that if you had a subscription through your conference, we are still waiting to hear about which conferences and districts will renew (Dakotas UMC, we have confirmation that your conference is paying for your subscription again so stay tuned for your coupon code. Baltimore/Washington, your conference will encourage you to subscribe but wants you to pay your way this time so go ahead with an individual subscription). Remember, you pay per church, not per team member! With individual paid subscriptions, all of your team members will share the login and password to the church account.<br />
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Thanks for all you do on behalf of the people of God!<br />
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Peace & Passion,<br />
Dr. Marcia McFee<br />
<a href="mailto:worshipworkshop@aol.com">worshipworkshop@aol.com</a><br />
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<strong>Bridges to Wholeness Global Church Forum</strong><br />
Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center. Bridges to Wholeness explores ways that folks are excluded from the life of the church and its ministries and how churches can develop practices of inclusion. The guests are Dr. William B. McClain, Wesley Theological Seminary; Bishop Forrest C. Stith, Retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church; and James E. Winkler, General Secretary of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society (GBCS). On-line registration will open on August 5th. Paper registrations are due to Dee McCrae on or before September 24. Cost is $10 per person. Please e-mail questions bwcboards@aol.com. <br />
Link to the Bridges to Wholeness Page: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bridgestowholeness">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bridgestowholeness</a><br />
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<strong>2011 Women Veterans Conference</strong><br />
The National Center for Health Behavioral Change, A Step Forward, Incorporated and AARP are excited about the 2011 Women Veterans Conference entitled: <br />
"Women Veterans: Empowered with the Tools for Success."<br />
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When: September 16, 2011<br />
Where: Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom<br />
Morgan State University Student Center <br />
1700 East Cold Spring Lane<br />
Baltimore, Maryland 21251<br />
Time: 8am - 4pm<br />
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This conference promises to be an event complete with power packed workshops and panel discussions on Finances/ Budgeting; "What Women Veteran Need to Know", Entrepreneurship, Utilizing GI Benefits for Education, Enhancing Health Care Benefits, Job Opportunities, College Fair, and Life Skills Techniques!<br />
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Also included will be health care screenings, massages, yoga workshops, relaxation techniques, vendors and entertainment. Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.<br />
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The conference is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include workshops, health screenings, vendors and entertainment; the fee is $25. To register, call 410-383-4119 or visit <a href="http://mvwc2011.eventbrite.com/">http://mvwc2011.eventbrite.com/</a>.<br />
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<strong>World Communion Sunday</strong><br />
World Communion Sunday is coming up on October 3, 2011.Here is the new page for WCS. You will see a lot of resources that can be used with blogs. <br />
<a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3833897/k.D8EA/Special_Sundays__World_Communion_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm">http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3833897/k.D8EA/Special_Sundays__World_Communion_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm</a><br />
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<strong>Inaugural Benefit Concert</strong><br />
The Montgomery County Government and the Potomac Faith Community Present: Faith In Action.<br />
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Inaugural Benefit Concert - A “CHANGE THE WORLD” EVENT <br />
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Keynote Speaker - The Honorable Constance Morella<br />
Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM<br />
Reverend Dr. Ann Laprade<br />
Potomac United Methodist Church<br />
10300 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854<br />
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All donations will go to the Nonprofit Village<br />
Featuring Music from the Washington Vocal Artists<br />
Director, Rosemary Dyer<br />
Reception to follow concert.<br />
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 301-299-9383<br />
<a href="http://www.potomac-umc.org/">http://www.potomac-umc.org/</a> <a href="http://www.thenonprofitvillage.org/">http://www.thenonprofitvillage.org/</a><br />
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Thank you for joining - first of a series between the Potomac faith community and county government on eliminating poverty in Montgomery County. It starts in our community and we will make a difference.<br />
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The Nonprofit Village is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible.<br />
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<strong>Church Pianist Position Wanted</strong><br />
Patrick Lanahan, new graduate student at the University of Maryland, studying piano performance is looking for a position as a church pianist. He has several years of experience playing for a Methodist church in northwest Florida. If you are interested in receiving his resume, please contact Patrick at 850-866-4828 or p.lay1865@gmail.com.<br />
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<strong>Coordinator of Youth Ministry</strong><br />
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Good Shepherd UMC, Silver Spring, MD: Good Shepherd UMC is seeking to hire a half-time Coordinator of Youth Ministry.The coordinator will develop, implement and oversee the youth ministry of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. For information and an application form, contact Rev. Joye Jones, Pastor, GoodShepUMC@verizon.net. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.<br />
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<strong>Children’s Sabbath Weekend</strong><br />
“Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue:” Answering God’s Call to Protect Children is the theme of the 2011 National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Weekend <br />
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This year Children’s Sabbath will focus on the closing the achievement gap in education that currently has children in poverty and children of color falling further and further behind, and ensuring that education becomes the engine of equality, not inequality. Level of educational achievement is the best predictor of future income; ensuring that every child gets a high quality education is the best poverty-prevention program we have.<br />
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As Methodists, our heritage is steeped in the right of all children to have access to quality education, and on this weekend we join all of God’s children to advocate for children who deserve to grow up as equipped as possible for life. Although Children’s Sabbath is held on the weekend of October 14-16, many United Methodist congregations will hold activities on the weekend of October 7-9. <br />
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Children’s Sabbath is not Children’s Sunday, which is usually worship designed, developed, and led by children. Children’s Sabbath is a multi-generational weekend of worship and service that advocates for all children. For ideas on how to get started, go to <a href="http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/sabbath-2011-welcome.pdf">http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/sabbath-2011-welcome.pdf</a>. To download a Children’s Sabbath manual, go to <a href="http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html">http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html</a>.<br />
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FOR TWEETERS: 2011 National Children’s Sabbath Manual available <a href="http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html">http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2011-sabbath-manual/2011-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html</a>. <br />
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<strong>TRIP TO COMMON GROUND IN NEW YORK</strong><br />
From Karin Walker - DS, Baltimore Region<br />
I am sure that you have read or heard about “Common Ground"--a ministry to the homeless in New York City which provides permanent housing for people. It is a story of hopefulness and commitment to the idea that all people deserve a place to live and given a hand up, will live as responsible citizens. Our hope in the Baltimore Region is to develop places where this kind of housing might be available.<br />
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The Baltimore Region is going on a road trip with a number of colleagues from other regions. We will leave at 7 a.m. on October 18 and return by 9 p.m. that same day. We will visit two sites in New York City where this ministry is ongoing and hear from the director about how it became a reality. <br />
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We are asking you because of your commitment to homeless ministry and outreach to the community and/or because your location may be ideal for this kind of program. There may be a layperson you wish to bring with you which would be excellent!<br />
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Tony, Sandy and I were overwhelmed at the success of "Common Ground" in New York--it's too amazing for words so we want you to see it for yourselves. Should you choose to accept this invitation, it will cost you:<br />
*you will lose your current sense of what ministry to the homeless should be.<br />
* you will no longer be satisfied with just feeding the homeless or providing temporary shelter.<br />
*you will be overwhelmed with hope and possibility.<br />
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You will gain .5CEU's. We are asking people to pay their own way. The cost of the bus will be $50 per person. Lunch will be your only other expense.<br />
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The day will look like this: leave at 7 a.m. from Towson UMC (501 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286), arrive in New York by 11 a.m.; visit two sites with lunch in between, debrief on-site for an hour. <br />
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We must receive a check from you, made payable to the Conference Treasurer (write: “Common Ground” in the memo section), and sent to the care of Olivia Gross (BWC Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20795), no later than September 30 for you to participate. If you are not interested, we would like to invite another so please let Olivia Gross know as soon as possible. Her email address is ogross@bwcumc.org.<br />
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Read more about Common Group click on link or cut and paste in your web browser: <a href="http://www.commonground.org/">http://www.commonground.org/</a>Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-41311770863268560782011-09-07T11:47:00.004-04:002011-09-07T12:03:00.375-04:00<strong>Stewardship</strong><br />
Please click on the link below for this feature article on Stewardship from the Lewis Center for Leadership.<br />
<a href="http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2011/110831_article.html">Mature Disciples Supporting New Givers</a><br />
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<strong>Young Adult Ministry</strong><br />
Are there people in your District working with young adult ministry? If so they might be interested in the Young Adult Summit, Oct. 21-23 in Austin Texas which will include looking at the five challenges facing young adult ministry in the UMC, sharing best practices and experiences and exploring ways to address the challenges, resource, reach and minister with young adults. For more information or to register, go to <a href="http://bit.ly/nK4nsq">http://bit.ly/nK4nsq</a>.<br />
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<strong>VIM Training</strong><br />
The Annapolis Southern Region VIM coordinators are having a team leader and team member training on Saturday, October 1 from 9 to 4 at St. Matthew’s UMC (14900 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715). Lunch will be provided. Registration is required so that proper preparations can be made. Please go to the BWC website to register on line. There is no option for a paper registration. Link to the registration is: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/vimtraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/vimtraining</a>.<br />
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<strong>United Methodist Insurance Webinars</strong><br />
The United Methodist Insurance, Propery and Casualty Coverage for your Ministry is offering a series of webinars. For more information, go to <a href="http://unitedmethodistinsurance.org/events/church-insurance-webinar-1/">http://unitedmethodistinsurance.org/events/church-insurance-webinar-1/</a>.<br />
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<strong>G92 Immigration Conference</strong><br />
<strong>Equipping the Next Generation for an Effective Biblical Response to Immigration</strong><br />
The G92 Immigration Conference will keep Jesus and His Word at the center of our discussion. We are committed to transcending partisan sound-bytes and modeling an exceptionally high level of civility as we think carefully about an issue that is both complicated and important. Our desire is to equip a new generation of leaders to respond to this issue in a way that exalts Jesus Christ and draws people from every nation to Him. For more information about the Conference, go to <a href="http://www.cedarville.edu/Event/G92.aspx">http://www.cedarville.edu/Event/G92.aspx</a>.<br />
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<strong>Musician Needed</strong><br />
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church, 1301 North Carolina Avenue, N.E., Washington DC, is looking for a church musician.<br />
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The incumbent will work closely with the Pastor, the Director of Music and a designated member of the Worship Committee to correlate the music ministry of various musical styles or idioms and expression (i.e. Spirituals, Hymns, Anthems Contemporary Gospel, etc) as it relates to Lincoln Park United Methodist Church and direct choral music as necessary.<br />
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• Discuss and review plans, ideas and activities with the Pastor, the Director of Music, a designated member of the Worship Committee and the music staff as it relates to Sunday worship service and outside activities.<br />
• Incorporate the Organ, Key Boards and Piano as related to services and special occasions.<br />
• Ensure musical accompaniment and choir direction for all choirs.<br />
• In conjunction with the Director of Music, coordinate and maintain a rehearsal schedule for each choir.<br />
• Be available for additional rehearsals as needed.<br />
• Ensure the availability of Organ/Piano accompaniment for the choirs each Sunday for morning worship service.<br />
• Ensure a prelude is provided fifteen (15) minutes prior to each Sunday morning and a postlude a few moments after benedictions.<br />
• Ensure availability of a choir and Organ Piano accompaniment at funeral services held at Lincoln Park United Methodist Church<br />
• Ensure the availability of Organ/ Piano accompaniment for special services upon request, i.e. afternoon programs and visitation to other churches.<br />
• Identify and assist in the addition of the music staff as needed.<br />
• Meet quarterly with the Director of Music and other music staff to develop long range plans with goals and objectives.<br />
• Meet quarterly with the Worship Committee, and as necessary to review and update the financial budget and program evaluations of Lincoln Park.<br />
• Maintain a pleasant and positive attitude.<br />
• Become familiar with the United Methodist hymnal and the order of worship at Lincoln Park United Methodist Church.<br />
• Assist the Director of Music in the evaluation of all music staff.<br />
• Identify and maintain the need for continuing education in the areas of religious music and leadership.<br />
The incumbent must be knowledgeable in and have<br />
• Excellent leadership abilities<br />
• Excellent planning and organizing skills<br />
• The ability to direct various types of religious music<br />
• The ability to cooperate with and maintain control of a large group with multiple talent<br />
• Salary $450 per week/$23,400 annuallyWashington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-81017220359983695332011-08-30T16:29:00.001-04:002011-08-31T08:27:35.953-04:00<strong>Discipler Group Reminder</strong><br />
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Just a reminder that Discipler Groups are not being held on Thursday, September 1. The groups will meet on September 6, 7, & 8. For more details on the groups, dates, inclement weather information, etc., please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups</a>. There was an error in the address for Jones Memorial UMC. It was listed as being in SW DC, but it is actually located in SE DC. Please make note of the updated address if you have to travel there next week.<br />
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<strong>Gateway Training</strong><br />
Our next featured Gateway training is Compensation training. This training will teach you how to complete the compensation form through Gateway. Someone will be available to answer any question you may have about your pastor’s compensation and filling the form out online. Only SPRC, Treasurers and Pastors should attend this training session. <br />
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Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining</a> to register. Registration is free but required since many of our trainings are limited due to space constraints. <br />
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<strong>Charge Conference Forms Online</strong><br />
Charge Conference forms are now available online. You will need to log into Gateway to access the forms. Sample forms can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a>.<br />
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<strong>Bridges to Wholeness Global Forum</strong><br />
In preparation for the 2012 General Conference, conversations will be around the emphasis of a Global Church and “what it means to be a connectional church globally”. For more information and to register, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bridgestowholeness">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bridgestowholeness</a>.<br />
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<strong>What Every Child Should Experience: A Guide for Leaders and Teachers in United Methodist Congregations </strong><br />
This is a guide for leaders and teachers of children in the area of faith formation. The resource contains a comprehensive guide to scripture significant for children as they develop cognitively and theologically. It also contains a chart of what children need and understand developmentally around the beliefs and concepts of God, Worship, the Bible, Home and Family, Everyday Life, Community, and Wesleyan Heritage. This is a new resource from GBOD available as a free downloadable PDF at <a href="http://www.gbod.org/atf/cf/%7B3482e846-598f-460a-b9a7-386734470eda%7D/WHATEVERYCHILDSHOULDEXPERIENCEUMC_2011.PDF">http://www.gbod.org/atf/cf/%7B3482e846-598f-460a-b9a7-386734470eda%7D/WHATEVERYCHILDSHOULDEXPERIENCEUMC_2011.PDF</a><br />
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<strong>Dealing with Anonymous Critics</strong><br />
Vivian says she found this week’s ministry matters newsletter to have some interesting points on handling anonymous critics… If you are not subscribed, you might like to be! <a href="http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/1639/dealing-with-anonymous-critics">http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/1639/dealing-with-anonymous-critics</a><br />
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<strong>To: ALL HEALTHFLEX PARTICIPANT (if you are enrolled in our medical plan, you are in HEALTHFLEX)</strong><br />
Re: HealthQuotient (HQ) online health risk questionnaire.<br />
The HQ health risk questionnaire is a requirement of HealthFlex to avoid a higher deductible in 2012 plan year. All active participant and their enrolled spouses MUST take the HQ to avoid the higher deductible. If you did HQ prior to August 1, 2011, you must do it again during this timeframe to save (August 1 – September 30, 2011).<br />
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To get started: please go to <a href="http://www.gbophb.org/">http://www.gbophb.org/</a>, click on “HealthFlex/WebMD” and enter your username and password. The click on “HealthQuotient” under Get Started.<br />
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PLEASE CALL WEBMD AT 1-866-302-5742 FOR HELP LOGGING IN OR WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT HQ.<br />
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PLEASE PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO ALL LOCAL CHURCH LAY EMPLOYEES THAT ARE ENROLLED IN OUR MEDICAL PLAN.<br />
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<strong>Evan Young Installation Service</strong><br />
An offering will be collected at Evan Young’s Installation Service to benefit homeless efforts in the Greater Washington District. The service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Colesville UMC. If you plan on attending, please send your RSVP to washregion@bwcumc.org.<br />
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<strong>Donations Accepted at Conference Mission Center</strong><br />
Stopping by the Conference Mission Center in the coming weeks for a training, event or meeting? We welcome you to bring donations of non-perishable food and personal items (toothbrushes, diapers, shampoo, etc.) to be contributed to the Mission Center Change the World Food Drive event on October 8. All donations to the drive will benefit local pantries and agencies in need. Please leave donations with the front desk staff. <br />
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Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-18910961104484523012011-08-23T09:38:00.000-04:002011-08-23T09:38:59.375-04:00<strong>Apportionment Information</strong><br />
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For those churches that sent in a dispute form for the 2012 apportionments, the BWC Finance Team will be responding to your dispute request during the first week of September. The pastor and treasurer will be copied on the email. <br />
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<strong>Personal/Office Safety Seminar</strong><br />
You are invited to attend the Personal/Office Safety Seminar hosted by the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center. This seminar will cover office, church and personal safety. A local county police officer and the local fire department will be present to discuss: <br />
• Your personal safety<br />
• The prevention of office theft and robberies.<br />
• Office and elevator safety<br />
• Parking lot/Garage safety<br />
• Identity Theft<br />
• Fire Prevention<br />
• And other useful information<br />
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Register Today! <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars</a><br />
The cost is free!<br />
BWC Mission Center Address: 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759<br />
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<strong>Gateway Training</strong><br />
Registration for our Gateway Trainings is now up and running. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining</a> to register. Registration is free but required since many of our trainings are limited due to space constraints. For most of our trainings we will be offering them at multiple locations and multiple times. You can select which location and time work best for you.<br />
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<strong>Charge Conference Forms Online</strong><br />
Charge Conference forms are now available online. You will need to log into Gateway to access the forms. Sample forms can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/chargeconferencemain</a>.<br />
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<strong>Evan Young Installation Service</strong><br />
An offering will be collected at Evan Young’s Installation Service to benefit homeless efforts in the Greater Washington District. The service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Colesville UMC. If you plan on attending, please send your RSVP to washregion@bwcumc.org.<br />
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<strong>Charge Conference Information</strong>The locations for all of the Cluster Charge Conferences have been confirmed. Please check out the locations at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. <br />
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Please note that charge conferences being held the weekend of October 8-9, 2011, are invited to celebrate World Mission Day at the host church. The host churches will be collecting non-perishable food items to use for their mission work with local food pantries, shelters, etc. Please try and bring a donation so you can be counted as one of 15,000 in mission that weekend. <br />
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Host churches will be providing drinks during the cluster conferences; we are asking that each church attending a cluster conference bring a small dessert to share with other churches. <br />
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<strong>Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate with author J. Clif Christopher</strong><br />
Presented by: Northeast Jurisdiction Vision Table and The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation, 800-828-9093. Popular Stewardship Author Dr. J. Clif Christopher will be coming to Wilmington, DE, and conducting a workshop related to his book “Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate” on Wednesday September 14, 2012 at Simpson United Methodist Church in Wilmington Delaware.<br />
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The workshop is being underwritten by a grant from The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation and the Northeast Jurisdiction UMC Vision Team.<br />
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011 <br />
9:00 am to 3:00 pm <br />
Lunch and materials are included in the $25 per person registration fee.<br />
Simpson United Methodist Church, 907 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE 19804-2633; (302) 998-4222. <br />
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REGISTER NOW ONLINE: <a href="https://epaumc.smartevents.com/public/events/not-your-parents-offering-plate">https://epaumc.smartevents.com/public/events/not-your-parents-offering-plate</a><br />
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“Dr. Christopher is a very popular speaker and generous teacher. Both his books “Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate” and “Who’s Offering Plate Is It” have become important instructional guides for any church developing a comprehensive and effective stewardship program” said Jack Brooks, Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation. “With his busy schedule, we are delighted with the opportunity for Clif to come to the Mid-Atlantic Region and address our area’s United Methodist Leadership, Clergy, and Stewardship Teams.” <br />
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In addition to this workshop, Dr. Christopher will be a guest speaker at the National Association of United Methodist Foundations Annual Conference in Philadelphia the following day and will be a speaker at the National Association of United Methodist Treasurers the following week. A free copy of the book “Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate” will be given to the first 25 churches that register. Registration is limited to 150 people. Registration can be completed online at: www.midatlanticfoundation.org .<br />
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For more information contact the foundation at 484-762-8211. About the Foundation: The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation provides Stewardship and Investment Services for churches and agencies in the Eastern Pennsylvania, Peninsula, and Baltimore Washington Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church. <a href="https://epaumc.smartevents.com/public/events/not-your-parents-offering-plate">https://epaumc.smartevents.com/public/events/not-your-parents-offering-plate</a><br />
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<strong>Citizenship Class Information Needed</strong><br />
Chevy Chase UMC is interested in hosting citizenship classes at their church and are looking for information from other churches who have already hosted this class. If you have information that you can offer, please contact Judy Smith at Smarmayor@aol.com.<br />
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<strong>Call to Action Vital Signs</strong><br />
Just a reminder that you can get your church vital signs at <a href="http://www.umcvitalcongregations.org/">www.umcvitalcongregations.org</a>.<br />
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<strong>EPWORTH CHAPEL, School of Christian Life and Learning presents:</strong><br />
The Christian’s Career Journey<br />
Saturday, September 10, 2011 and Saturday, September 17, 2011<br />
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Finding a new job can be an overwhelming experience. Instead of becoming flustered and losing hope, many job seekers find comfort in knowing God has a plan and a purpose for their life and career. Not only does this course reveal the seven-step process to discovering the Master F.I.T. for one’s career, it offers Christ-Centered coaching exercises and spirit-inspired “pocket prayers” for power and peace every step of the journey. Also, the course offers the Myers Briggs Assessment (MBTI) to help the participants explore their personality type with their career matching. The course helps Christians discover the new definition of a J.O.B. – a Journey of Becoming!<br />
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Your $50.00 registration includes both sessions, textbook and Myers Briggs exam.<br />
For information and registration, please contact the <br />
Epworth Chapel office: 410-944-1070<br />
Enroll Now! Class is limited to the first 15 registrants! <br />
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EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHAPEL<br />
SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND LEARNING<br />
Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, Pastor<br />
Dr. Clayton C. Stansbury, President <br />
3317 St. Lukes Lane<br />
Baltimore, Maryland 21207<br />
Church Office: 410-944-1070<br />
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<strong>OCTOBER 8-10, 2011 – Change The World Mission Day</strong><br />
Imagine 15,000 United Methodists all working together in mission in their communities. The Change the World Mission Day will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action. Congregations will be encouraged to move outside the walls of their local churches to serve in their communities.<br />
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Check the website below to:<br />
• Register your church or group;<br />
• Download lots of resources - sermon series, study tools for Youth & Young Adults, a Children's supplement, flyers, & tips for promoting your event;<br />
• Download promotional videos; and,<br />
• Connect with others on the event’s Facebook page.<br />
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For more information contact Olivia Gross at ogross@bwcumc.org<br />
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Imagine 15,000 United Methodists Working Together to Make Positive Changes in their Communities. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10<br />
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The Change the World Mission Work Day of the Baltimore-Washington Conference on October 8-10, will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action. We invite you and your congregation to move outside the walls of your local churches to serve in your communities.<br />
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Join us, and be one of 15,000, all lending hands and hearts to change the world by registering your church or organization at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a>. For more information on this event, please contact Olivia Gross at ogross@bwcumc.org. <br />
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<strong>Donations Accepted at Conference Mission Center</strong><br />
Stopping by the Conference Mission Center in the coming weeks for a training, event or meeting? We welcome you to bring donations of non-perishable food and personal items (toothbrushes, diapers, shampoo, etc) to be contributed to the Mission Center Change the World Food Drive event on October 8. All donations to the drive will benefit local pantries and agencies in need. Please leave donations with the front desk staff. <br />
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<strong>Please pray for…</strong><br />
… David Hodsdon’s father, David Hodsdon. He is in the hospital near his home in Maine where heart issues have led to a stent procedure yesterday. David is there with him now and we keep him in our prayers as well. His father is in good spirits. David is pastor at the Hyattstown-Clarksburg Charge. <br />
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Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-26509577115087539112011-08-15T13:03:00.001-04:002011-08-15T15:28:03.616-04:00<strong>Gateway Training</strong><br />
Registration for our Gateway Trainings is now up and running. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining</a> to register. Registration is free but required since many of our trainings are limited due to space constraints. For most of our trainings we will be offering them at multiple locations and multiple times. You can select which location and time work best for you.<br />
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<strong>Discipler Groups/Charge Conference Schedules – Please check the listings since some changes/updates have been made to the schedules!</strong><br />
The Discipler Groups and Charge Conference Schedule listings can be found on the website. Discipler Groups at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups</a> and Charge Conference Schedule Listings at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. <br />
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<strong>Churches that applied for the Small Employer Tax Credit</strong><br />
From: BWC Benefits Office (pastors and church admin – please be sure to get this information to the appropriate people in your church)<br />
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This is in response to inquiries from several local churches who received follow-up inquiries from the IRS regarding their claims. The General Board has issued information regarding how to respond to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requests for documentation for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit—specifically what to provide as a “certificate of insurance” or “insurance policy.” More details are provided <a href="http://www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/HFLX/4272.pdf">http://www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/HFLX/4272.pdf</a>. <br />
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If you are not one of the churches that applied for the Tax Credit, please disregard this message.<br />
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<strong>Free Resources for Your Church</strong><br />
What does it really mean to be a United Methodist? Here are resources that we hope you will encourage your churches to use, they will find the answer to this question—and more—in these resources.<br />
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These free resources are available to you and are shipped via UPS at no charge.<br />
Order online at <a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/store">www.umcgiving.org/store</a>; e-mail csc@umcom.org; call toll free (888) 346-3862. <br />
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“The People of The United Methodist Church” U.M. Handbook—Product #8420020<br />
“Together We Can” brochure—Product #420809<br />
“Who We Are” brochure—Product #420709<br />
“Together We Can” DVD—Product #500310<br />
“Why We Apportion”—Product #500810<br />
“Why We Give”—Product#500710<br />
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Thank you for making these materials available through your congregations’ generous support of the World Service Fund apportionment.<br />
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<strong>Interpreter Enrollment – Free Subscriptions</strong><br />
Pastors/Church Leaders: It’s time to enroll or re-enroll so you can receive free subscriptions to Interpreter magazine - the denomination’s top-rated resource for ministry tips and tools.<br />
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Interpreter magazine will send the 2012 enrollment forms directly to each church, and should arrive sometime in early August. Your support for taking advantage of this subscription opportunity can make a difference. Please fill out your enrollment forms as soon as they receive them to take advantage of the opportunity to equip 10 of your leaders with this important “how-to” publication. <br />
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<strong>Bishop’s Day Apart with Laity Event Information</strong><br />
Bishop’s Laity Day Apart<br />
Saturday, September 24, 2011<br />
9:00am-3:00pm<br />
Frederick: Trinity United Methodist Church<br />
Come and join Bishop Schol as we fellowship and are inspired by Kim Miller, the worship leader at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Ohio. The theme for the day will be Vital Worship: Celebrate, Engage, Inspire, and Transform. This is going to be an amazingly uplifting day for all of the Conference laity. For more information and to register go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdayapart">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/bishopsdayapart</a>. We look forward in seeing you.<br />
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<strong>Discipleship Academy – New Class Added</strong><br />
A New Fall Class will been added to the Discipleship Academy web pages today under Other Classes and Workshops and School of Church Leadership. <br />
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How to Start New Worship Services -- Rev. Andy Lunt, Instructor <br />
According to Dr. Charles Arn, president of Church Growth, Inc., eight out of ten congregations that add a new style of worship service to their weekly schedule will experience a measurable increase in 1) total attendance, 2) total giving, and 3) total conversions.<br />
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This workshop will address the nuts and bolts of starting a new worship service in your congregation. This “how to” workshop will offer practical experience to address what it takes to start and grow a new worship experience so that it becomes an established part of you church’s ministry and helps your congregation to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.<br />
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The workshop will be most helpful if a team including pastor and laity attends from each congregation. The session will include times for beginning to talk about and develop specific strategies for each congregation’s particular setting.<br />
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For more information contact Christine Kumar at ckumar@bwcumc.org<br />
Instructor: Rev. Andy Lunt<br />
Registration fee: $35, optional box lunch $10<br />
NO walk-in registrations will be accepted.<br />
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Location: Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center<br />
11711 East Market Place<br />
Fulton, MD 20759<br />
September 10, 2011<br />
9am-3pm<br />
$35 online registration paying by credit card NO WALK-INs<br />
$10 box lunch<br />
To register, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/newworshipservices">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/newworshipservices</a>.<br />
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<strong>Personal/Office Safety Seminar</strong><br />
There will be five FREE seminars available throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference to cover office, church and personal safety. <br />
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A local county police officer will be present at each location to discuss:<br />
• Your personal safety<br />
• The prevention of office theft and robberies.<br />
• Office and elevator safety<br />
• Parking lot/Garage safety<br />
• Identity Theft<br />
• And other useful information<br />
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Dates and locations of Safety Trainings include: <br />
• Aug. 25, 2011, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. <br />
BWC Mission Center, 11711 E. Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759 <br />
• Aug. 30, 2011, 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.<br />
Williamsport UMC, 25 E. Church St., Williamsport, MD 21795 <br />
• Aug. 31, 2011, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. <br />
Huntingtown UMC, 4020 Hunting Creek Rd., Huntingtown, MD 20639 <br />
• Sept. 1, 2011, 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. <br />
Cresaptown UMC, 14805 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, MD 21502<br />
• Sept. 8, 2011, 2 — 4 p.m. <br />
Trinity UMC, 703 W. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701 <br />
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The classes are FREE so register on-line today!<br />
You will need your Gateway User ID and Password to register at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars</a>.<br />
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<strong>OCTOBER 8-10, 2011 </strong><br />
Imagine 15,000 United Methodists all working together in mission in their communities. The Change the World Mission Day will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action. Congregations will be encouraged to move outside the walls of their local churches to serve in their communities.<br />
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Check the website below to:<br />
• Register your church or group;<br />
• Download lots of resources - sermon series, study tools for Youth & Young Adults, a Children's supplement, flyers, & tips for promoting your event;<br />
• Download promotional videos; and,<br />
• Connect with others on the event’s Facebook page.<br />
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For more information contact Olivia Gross at ogross@bwcumc.org<br />
Imagine 15,000 United Methodists Working Together to Make Positive Changes in their Communities<br />
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Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10<br />
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The Change the World Mission Work Day of the Baltimore-Washington Conference on October 8-10, will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action. We invite you and your congregation to move outside the walls of your local churches to serve in your communities.<br />
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Join us, and be one of 15,000, all lending hands and hearts to change the world by registering your church or organization at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a>.<br />
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<strong>Beware of Bogus Website</strong><br />
Please read and share the information below from Dave Schoeller, Business Data Analyst in at the Mission Center about a website address very similar to the General Board of Global Ministries. <br />
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The General Board’s web address is <a href="http://www.gbgm-umc.org/">http://www.gbgm-umc.org/</a>. Unfortunately, there is another website www.gbgm.org, that does nothing but immediately pop up an advertisement window and locks up your browser so that you cannot do anything other than click the “OK” button.<br />
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If you stumble on the bogus site, DO NOT CLICK THE OK BUTTON on the pop-up window. If you click the “OK” button, you may infect your computer with a virus and create a security breach on our (your) network. <br />
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Protect your PC and the BWC by using Control-Alt-Delete so that you can forcibly close your browser application. In fact, this is a good solution if you ever face that type of situation with a website that is behaving in a similar manner. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Engaging in Ministry with the Poor Workshop</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you or your lay leaders engaging in minist<span style="color: #1f497d;">r</span>y with the poor<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span>yearn to do so<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>but don<span style="color: #1f497d;">’</span>t know how <span style="color: #1f497d;">or a</span>re looking to take another step to in develop<span style="color: #1f497d;">ing</span> authentic relationships and partnerships and welcome their neighbors into a worshiping community?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>If so perhaps you would be interested in<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><b>Working and Worshiping Together: Next Steps in Engaging in Ministry With the Poor</b> at the UM Church for All People in Columbus, OH, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2011, which will include presentations, workshops and a ministry practicum. For more information or to register, go to </span><a href="http://www.4allpeople.org/training.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.4allpeople.org/training.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or contact George Howard at </span><a href="mailto:ghoward@4allpeople.net"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ghoward@4allpeople.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or - 614-445-7342.</span><br />
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Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-32855511315096798912011-07-26T10:36:00.000-04:002011-07-26T10:36:41.099-04:00<strong>Regional Administrator on Vacation</strong><br />
Pam Mullay will be on vacation from Thursday, July 28, 2011 through Monday, August 8, 2011. She will return to the office on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. For information in her absence, please contact the following:<br />
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Ordering a Journal – Kayla Spears, kspears@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3420<br />
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Information for the e-Connection – Linda Worthington, lworthington@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3423<br />
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Finance or Apportionment Information – Finance Department, bwcfinance@bwcumc.org or 410-290-7302<br />
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Information about the Mini-ROCKs or the Adventure Devotionals – Pam Bowen, pbowen@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3427<br />
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Information about reserving a conference room at the Conference Mission Center – John Gauthier, jgauthier@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3400<br />
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Information about Change the World Mission Day – Olivia Gross, ogross@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3430<br />
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Information about Mission Insite (Demographics Tool) – Christine Kumar, ckumar@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3422<br />
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General administrative information (that cannot wait until Pam’s return) – Sandy Cockrell, scockrell@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3442<br />
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<strong>Sale at Cokesbury</strong><br />
Stop in at Cokesbury at the Baltimore Washington Conference Mission Center Tuesday, July 26, 2011 through Saturday, July 30, 2011 for their Anniversary Clearance Sale. There will be 35% off the following books: Devotional, Inspiration, Self Help, Religion and Culture, Social Issues, Preaching and Bibles. This is only at the Fulton location. For more information call 301-317-6814 or email dkarau@cokesbury.com.<br />
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<strong>Gateway Training</strong><br />
Registration for our Gateway Trainings is now up and running. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/gateway/gatewaytraining</a> to register. Registration is free but required since many of our trainings are limited due to space constraints. For most of our trainings we will be offering them at multiple locations and multiple times. You can select which location and time work best for you.<br />
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<strong>Discipler Groups/Charge Conference Schedules – Please check the listings since some changes have been made!</strong><br />
The Discipler Groups and Charge Conference Schedule listings can be found on the website. Discipler Groups at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups</a> and Charge Conference Schedule Listings at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. <br />
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(Charge Conference Schedules can now be printed on 8.5 x 11 size paper! :) Please note that these are working documents and most likely will change over time. On each document you will see an “updated as of” date. Please be mindful of that date when viewing the documents. <br />
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<strong>Equitable Compensation Chart</strong><br />
Many of you have been asking for the 2012 Equitable Compensation Chart. You can find the most updated version of that at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2012equitablecompcredits.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2012equitablecompcredits.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>Death Announcement</strong><br />
Pauline Sraver, wife of Rev. Charles 'Chuck' Sraver, passed away on Friday, July 22 at the age of 83. <br />
Ms. Sraver's husband, Charles, served as a part-time approved "supply pastor" at Harwood Park Methodist Church in 1963 and then from 1966 to 1971. This category is equivalent to being a local pastor today. Mr. and Mrs. Sraver lived in Highland at the time and Mrs. Sraver was still living there at the time of her death. She was an active member of Mt. Zion, Highland UMC. <br />
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Viewings will be held at Slack’s Funeral Home in Ellicott City on Tuesday, July 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at Mt. Zion UMC Chapel on Rt. 216 in Highland, MD on Wednesday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; with the Service of Death and Resurrection at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A dinner/reception will follow in the fellowship hall.<br />
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<strong>Blueprint for Wellness HealthCash Incentive Ends July 31, 2011</strong><br />
To All HealthFlex participants & Spouses enrolled in HealthFlex Active Plans:<br />
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Have you taken Step 1 of the HealthFlex "Three Steps to Wellness" incentives? If not—don’t miss out!<br />
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• Take the Blueprint for Wellness screening at a Quest Diagnostics facility.<br />
• Earn $100 HealthCash (participants/spouses in active plans only; must be enrolled in Virgin HealthMiles).<br />
• No cost to participants and spouses in HealthFlex.<br />
• Incentive opportunity ends July 31, 2011.<br />
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Blueprint for Wellness is a comprehensive screening—just a blood sample and a few measurements for cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and much more.<br />
Register Now - You must preregister. Preregistration is accepted up to the day of your screening, based on appointment availability. <br />
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By Phone: 1-866-908-9440 - Employer/group: "HealthFlex" or "United Methodist Church". <br />
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Online: <a href="http://www.gbophb.org/">www.gbophb.org</a><br />
Log into HealthFlex/WebMD. Under HealthFlex Vendor Links, select "Quest Diagnostics." Registration Key: UMC2011<br />
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Learn More<br />
If you have questions about the screening, the incentive, or do not have access to a Quest Diagnostics facility in your area, read the FAQs online <a href="http://www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/HFLX/4222.pdf">http://www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/HFLX/4222.pdf</a> for more information.<br />
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Your Privacy Is Valued<br />
Your Annual Conference, church, employer, insurance company, HealthFlex or the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits cannot see your lab results or personal health data.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-66218186122658340012011-07-18T15:17:00.004-04:002011-07-25T08:22:26.213-04:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Call to Action Meetings – Final Meeting on August 20, 2011</strong></span></span></div>A final Call to Action meeting will be held on August 20, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at the Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD.<br />
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Please register at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/ctawashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/ctawashington</a> by August 15, 2011. We are asking that each pastor attend along with their Administrative Council Chairperson and two other church leaders of their choice. (No more than four people per church please.) Space is limited to the first 100 registrants at this location. <br />
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<strong>Youth Ministry and Encounters</strong><br />
One-Day Summer ROCKS - Registration still open - <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/onedayrock">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/onedayrock</a><br />
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Mini-ROCK featuring music, dance, drama (Salt’ n Light ministry) and a special message from Stephen Gallaher, 2010 ROCK special guest. Breakout session for youth and youth leaders who want to learn more about ROCK and youth ministry and have fun too!<br />
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Locations and Dates: <br />
• Saturday, Aug 6th at Good Shepherd, Waldorf, MD<br />
• Sunday, Aug. 7th at Bel Air UMC, Bel Air, MD <br />
• Saturday, Aug. 13th at Bethany UMC, Ellicott City, MD<br />
• Sunday, Aug. 14th at Grace UMC, Hagerstown, MD <br />
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Encounter Weekend at Manidokan – Registration still open <a href="http://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/Encounter.html">http://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/Encounter.html</a><br />
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September 9-11, 2011 – 1600 Harpers Ferry Road, Knoxville, MD 21758 <br />
An awesome outdoor Christian youth festival, with awesome music, outdoor adventures and inspirational speakers for youth groups featured bands: Willet, Jay & Nett and Ashes Remain. Special guest speaker: Jeremy Willet. Registration is still open – see website link above.<br />
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2011 ROCK Resource Videos for Youth Groups <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/youthministryresource">http://www.bwcumc.org/youthministryresource</a><br />
Follow-up your awesome weekend at ROCK 2011 with a series of resources for your Youth Groups - FREE<br />
Just print a copy of the instruction page on how to use these videos, plus additional activities to accompany them. Then watch the videos at your youth group sessions for a close encounter with ROCK 2011.<br />
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Session 1, Video 1 - Friday Night - This video is based on the scriptures and teachings of the first session of ROCK 2011 on Friday night Main Stage with Bishop Violet Fisher, special guest speaker from ROCK 2011. Watch this video first, and then watch Session 1, Video 2.<br />
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Session1, Video 2 - Friday Night - This video contains an interview with Bishop Fisher about the Friday night Main Stage message and contains questions for your youth group posed by their peers in CCYM. This video will allow the viewer to feel that they are part of the small group setting. Watch Session 1, Video 1 before you watch this video.<br />
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ROCK 2012 Registration will Open September 5, 2011 - <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/rock">http://www.bwcumc.org/rock</a><br />
January 20, 21 and 22, 2012 - Ocean City, Maryland<br />
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Special Guest Speaker: Steve Fitzhugh <a href="http://www.powermoves.org/bio.html">http://www.powermoves.org/bio.html</a><br />
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Watch Steve’s latest video on tobacco free society: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3RuSrZ9tE&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3RuSrZ9tE&feature=related</a><br />
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More information about Youth Ministries at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/youth-ministries">http://www.bwcumc.org/youth-ministries</a><br />
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Help Plan ROCK 2012 - CCYM Meetings: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/youth-ministries/meetingsevents">http://www.bwcumc.org/youth-ministries/meetingsevents</a><br />
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<strong>Bus Trips – Sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville</strong><br />
The Caribbean Alliance of First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville is sponsoring several bus trips and would like to invite anyone in the conference who is interested to come along. All of the trips will leave from First United Methodist Church, 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD<br />
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The trips are:<br />
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - August 13 for swimming or shopping - cost $35 per person. The bus leaves the church at 8 a.m. Deadline to sign up is July 22.<br />
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - September 23-26 - cost $255 for accommodation and transportation. Deadline to sign up is August 12.<br />
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Jersey Gardens, New Jersey - November 19 for shopping - cost $50 per person. Deadline to sign up is October 14.<br />
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Sight & Sound, Pennsylvania - December 3 for the Christmas Show - cost to be determined. <br />
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For more information or to sign up please contact Pamella Miller, pamella_miller@hotmail.com and put bus trip in the subject line.<br />
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<strong>2011 Journal Order Form </strong><br />
To order your 2011 Conference Journal, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/2011journal">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/2011journal</a>.<br />
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<strong>Apportionment and Arrearage Information</strong><br />
Article addressing 2011 Benevolence Factor and proposed 2012 factor<br />
<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/news/connectional_giving">http://www.bwcumc.org/news/connectional_giving</a> <br />
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Article addressing approval of 2012 Benevolence Factor at Annual Conference. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/news/connect_one">http://www.bwcumc.org/news/connect_one</a><br />
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<strong>Safety Seminar</strong><br />
The Conference Mission Center is hosting a Personal/Office/Church Safety Seminar for all churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. A local county police officer and representative from the fire department will be present to discuss:<br />
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• Your personal safety<br />
• The prevention of office theft and robberies.<br />
• Office and elevator safety<br />
• Parking lot/Garage safety<br />
• Identity Theft<br />
• And other useful information<br />
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This event is free and we encourage pastors and church administrators to attend. To register, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars">www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars</a>.<br />
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<strong>Pension and Medical Statements</strong><br />
The July Pension and Medical statements are ready to be viewed. For churches with a change in appointment or new appointments effective 7/1/2011, please review your statements and advise Francess Tagoe (ftagoe@bwcumc.org) no later than August 1, 2011 if there are any discrepancies. Changes will be made going forward.<br />
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<strong>Exploration 2011</strong><br />
The next national gathering for young adults considering ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church - <strong>Exploration 2011 -</strong> will be held November 11-13, 2011 at the Millenium Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme is <em>Passion and Possibilities: Ordained Ministry in The United Methodist Church.</em><br />
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Patricipants may register via the Exploration website at <a href="http://www.gbhem.org/exploration">www.gbhem.org/exploration</a>. Registration begins in mid July with an early registration discount until September 5, 2011.<br />
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Please share this information with the young adults who you believe have the gifts of grace for ordained ministry.<br />
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<strong>LIVING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2011 </strong><br />
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SATURDAY JULY 23RD 2011 8am-6pm<br />
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FEEDING OF 3000!<br />
…Jesus welcomed them & spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, & healed those who needed healing.<br />
He replied, “You Give them Something to EAT”!.....Luke 9<br />
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Come join us as we show Christ love & take the church into the streets. Come & be a part of a miracle in 2011! Let’s have CHURCH in the Streets!<br />
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Music, Fellowship, Prayers, A Word, Food for your body & spirit & More!<br />
All are welcomed as we reach out to our homeless brothers & sisters in the streets. Come join us as we feed Spiritually & Physically.<br />
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Asking all churches to join together as we spread the Gospel to the ends of the world!! We are called to be Disciples of Christ! No denominational barriers, No color barriers, no age barriers, all are servants of Jesus Christ!<br />
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Some may say it’s impossible but with God all things are possible!<br />
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?<br />
VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER<br />
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Prayers & a willing heart to use your gift to serve the Lord<br />
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8am-12pm: Volunteers to help prepare & bag the meals Saturday morning<br />
12:30pm-6pm: Volunteers to go to the shelters & streets to assist & car pool<br />
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Donations : hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, chips, deserts, juices & water, brown lunch bags (monetary donations will also be accepted)<br />
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Place: First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville<br />
6201 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville Md 20782<br />
Pastor: Joan Carter-Rimbach 301-927-6133 www.fumchy.org<br />
For more info contact Sharon Milton 301-404-6628Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-77847793664501320562011-07-05T16:16:00.001-04:002011-07-12T13:45:28.524-04:00<strong>Please be sure your contact information is updated in Gateway!</strong><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Journal Information and Updates Needed – </span></b><br />
Dear pastors: Your personal and church contact information is stored in the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s database, Gateway. Each year we print a physical copy of these addresses in the Journal. <br />
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We will be pulling your contact information from Gateway on July 8, 2011 to include in this year’s Journal. You are solely responsible for keeping your contact information up-to-date, so please take this time to make sure your personal information is correct (address, phone, email) as well as your church’s information (address, phone, email). If you are unsure how to verify and change your information in Gateway, please check out this easy to follow tutorial video on how to change your information. If you have further questions, please contact your regional administrator. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/videos/updateprofile">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/videos/updateprofile</a><br />
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Thank you for ensuring the accuracy of this permanent Baltimore-Washington Conference record.<br />
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If you are transitioning July 1, you can find helpful resources on the pastoral transitions resource page: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/pastoraltransitions">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/pastoraltransitions</a><br />
Blessings - BWC Journal Team<br />
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<strong>Discipler Groups/Charge Conference Schedules</strong><br />
The Discipler Groups and Charge Conference Schedule listings can be found on the website. Discipler Groups at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups</a> and Charge Conference Schedule Listings at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/WashRegionChgConf2011.pdf</a>. (I hopefully made the charge conference schedule easier for everyone to read :) Please note that these are working documents and most likely will change over time. On each document you will see an “updated as of” date. Please be mindful of that date when viewing the documents. In an effort to not overload everyone’s mailboxes with attachments, I will do my best to link everything to the website. <br />
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<strong>Registering on Gateway – Important!</strong><br />
Please remind your staff and congregation when registering for events on Gateway that each person must register individually. The only group registration is for ROCK only. If you log in as yourself and register someone else, there is a chance that the person’s name and email will replace yours in the system. This is especially important not to do if you are a pastor. It will affect your medical and pension if you register someone else in Gateway and their name takes over your account. If you have any questions about this, please contact Pam at pmullay@bwcumc.org. <br />
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<strong>Call to Action Meetings – July 11 is the deadline to register for the July 16 meeting</strong>…<br />
For Central Maryland pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at Montgomery UMC, 28325 Kemptown Road, Damascus, MD. <br />
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For Greater Washington pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 1:30 pm- 4:00 pm at Colesville UMC, 52 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD. <br />
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For those who have a conflict on July 16, 2011, a make-up session is being offered on August 20, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at the Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD.<br />
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Please register at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining</a> by July 11, 2011. We are asking that each pastor attend along with their Administrative Council Chairperson and two other church leaders of their choice. (No more than four people per church please.) Space is limited to the first 100 registrants at each location. <br />
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Please have as much of the plan completed as you can before coming to the workshop. You will find a blank copy of the Ministry Plan at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf</a>. <br />
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<strong>Fall Discipleship Academy Online Registration </strong><br />
Fall Discipleship Academy classes are now open for online registration. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington</a> for class information and to register. <br />
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<strong>IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile – Effective July 1, 2011</strong><br />
The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011. This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2011, as set forth in Revenue Procedure 2010-51. In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2011. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.<br />
"This year's increased gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in gas prices," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We are taking this step so the reimbursement rate will be fair to taxpayers.". For more information visit <a href="http://www.irs.gov/">http://www.irs.gov/</a>.<br />
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<strong>CHURCH AND CHURCH OFFICE SAFETY</strong><br />
In response to recent break-ins at churches, the Regional Administrators are sponsoring "Church Office and Church Safety," a workshop, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Baltimore-Washington Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place in Fulton. Church staff and trustees are urged to attend. The workshop will be presented by the Howard County Police Department. There is no charge for this event, however, registration is required to attend. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/safetyseminars</a> <br />
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Howard County Police will be conducting the workshop, however, even if you don’t live in Howard County the same tips apply everywhere. This workshop is open to all churches regardless of where you are located. We are looking out for your safety! Register today!Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-70207335301364965882011-06-29T09:26:00.002-04:002011-07-26T11:31:42.669-04:00<strong>Apportionment Increases for 2012</strong><br />
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Everyone should have received communication from our finance department last week regarding the 2012 apportionments. There were a number of churches with significant increases. To dispute errors in the documentation, please review your churches 2010 statistical report and contact Pam Mullay (pmullay@bwcumc.org) with any errors in the figures. The deadline to dispute the increase is July 8, 2011. The guidelines for the statistical reports can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2010%20Statistical%20Reporting%20Guidelines.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2010%20Statistical%20Reporting%20Guidelines.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>Journal Information and Updates Needed</strong><br />
Dear pastors: Your personal and church contact information is stored in the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s database, Gateway. Each year we print a physical copy of these addresses in the Journal. <br />
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We will be pulling your contact information from Gateway on July 8, 2011 to include in this year’s Journal. You are solely responsible for keeping your contact information up-to-date, so please take this time to make sure your personal information is correct (address, phone, email) as well as your church’s information (address, phone, email). If you are unsure how to verify and change your information in Gateway, please check out this easy to follow tutorial video on how to change your information. If you have further questions, please contact your regional administrator. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/videos/updateprofile">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/videos/updateprofile</a><br />
Thank you for ensuring the accuracy of this permanent Baltimore-Washington Conference record.<br />
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If you are transitioning July 1, you can find helpful resources on the pastoral transitions resource page: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/pastoraltransitions">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/pastoraltransitions</a><br />
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Blessings - BWC Journal Team<br />
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<strong>Change the World! </strong><br />
What is your church doing to Change The World and Be One of 15,000 in Mission on October 8-10, 2011? Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a> to register and let us know what you are doing. Our goal is to have every church in the Conference participate. In addition to events at your church, the Conference Mission Center will be hosting a number of events on October 8, 2011. More details to follow.<br />
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<strong>Discipler Groups</strong><br />
The Discipler Groups have been confirmed and the information can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/disciplergroups</a>. Discipler Groups will begin on September 6, 7 & 8, 2011. When reviewing the document, please note that we have included inclement weather policies for each church, included the schedule for the year and also included information regarding the make-up sessions. <br />
Charge Conference dates, times and locations will be posted in the next week or so.<br />
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<strong>Fridays Off – Summer</strong><br />
The Conference Mission Center will be closed on Fridays from July 8, 2011 through August 26, 2011. <br />
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<strong>New Contact Information</strong><br />
Evan Young can be reached at 410-309-3445 and David Argo’s new phone number is 410-309-3432.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Call to Action Meetings</strong></div><strong>Registration for both locations now up and running! (Thank you for your patience)</strong><br />
We hope that after experiencing the transforming worship and moving presentations at Annual Conference, you are as excited as we are about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As various conference leaders shared in the State of the Church Address, we truly believe that the Call to Action is the way to redirect the flow of attention, energy and resources in order to foster and sustain vital congregations that are effectively making disciples for the transformation of the world. And we, the Washington Regional Team, want to affirm our commitment to support each of you and your congregation(s) in your efforts to move forward to foster or sustain the vitality of your congregation(s).<br />
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As part of our commitment we will be hosting workshops to help your congregation(s) complete the Ministry Plan that you will present at your Charge Conference this fall. As you will remember during your 2010 Charge Conference we shared that each church would be expected to present congregational goals at their 2011 Charge Conference. At the upcoming workshops we will help you transform the goals that you were already planning to present for 2011 into the format of the Ministry Plan. We will also help you gather the additional information needed for the Ministry Plan. <br />
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In order to help accommodate summer schedules, the following workshops have been set up:<br />
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For Central Maryland pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at Montgomery UMC, 28325 Kemptown Road, Damascus, MD. <br />
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For Greater Washington pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 1:30 pm- 4:00 pm at Colesville UMC, 52 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD. <br />
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For those who have a conflict on July 16, 2011, a make-up session is being offered on August 20, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at the Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD.<br />
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Please register at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining</a> by July 11, 2011. We are asking that each pastor attend along with their Administrative Council Chairperson and two other church leaders of their choice. (No more than four people per church please.) Space is limited to the first 100 registrants at each location. <br />
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Please have as much of the plan completed as you can before coming to the workshop. You will find a blank copy of the Ministry Plan at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf</a>. <br />
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We look forward to working with you this summer and fall in order to help you develop the best possible Ministry Plan. Please remember that in the coming years, each Ministry Plan will be reviewed and possibly revised at least once a year at Charge Conference.<br />
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<strong>Fall Discipleship Academy Online Registration </strong><br />
Fall Discipleship Academy classes are now open for online registration. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington</a> for class information and to register.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-75852823497141955052011-06-14T11:50:00.001-04:002011-06-14T12:31:10.916-04:00<strong>Call to Action Meetings</strong><br />
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We hope that after experiencing the transforming worship and moving presentations at Annual Conference, you are as excited as we are about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As various conference leaders shared in the State of the Church Address, we truly believe that the Call to Action is the way to redirect the flow of attention, energy and resources in order to foster and sustain vital congregations that are effectively making disciples for the transformation of the world. And we, the Washington Regional Team, want to affirm our commitment to support each of you and your congregation(s) in your efforts to move forward to foster or sustain the vitality of your congregation(s).<br />
<br />
As part of our commitment we will be hosting workshops to help your congregation(s) complete the Ministry Plan that you will present at your Charge Conference this fall. As you will remember during your 2010 Charge Conference we shared that each church would be expected to present congregational goals at their 2011 Charge Conference. At the upcoming workshops we will help you transform the goals that you were already planning to present for 2011 into the format of the Ministry Plan. We will also help you gather the additional information needed for the Ministry Plan. <br />
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In order to help accommodate summer schedules, the following workshops have been set up:<br />
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For Central Maryland pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at Montgomery UMC, 28325 Kemptown Road, Damascus, MD. <br />
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For Greater Washington pastors and churches, the workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 from 1:30 pm- 4:00 pm at Colesville UMC, 52 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD. <br />
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For those who have a conflict on July 16, 2011, a make-up session is being offered on August 20, 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am at the Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD.<br />
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Registration will be up and running after July 1, 2011. Please register at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/othertraining</a> by July 11, 2011. We are asking that each pastor attend along with their Administrative Council Chairperson and two other church leaders of their choice. (No more than four people per church please.) Space is limited to the first 100 registrants at each location. <br />
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Please have as much of the plan completed as you can before coming to the workshop. You will find a blank copy of the Ministry Plan at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ctaplanning.pdf</a>. <br />
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We look forward to working with you this summer and fall in order to help you develop the best possible Ministry Plan. Please remember that in the coming years, each Ministry Plan will be reviewed and possibly revised at least once a year at Charge Conference.<br />
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<strong>Fall Discipleship Academy Online Registration </strong><br />
Fall Discipleship Academy classes are now open for online registration. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington">http://www.bwcumc.org/academy/cls/washington</a> for class information and to register. <br />
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<strong>Contact Information</strong><br />
For those involved in Change of Appointments, please be sure to contact Pam Mullay pmullay@bwcumc.org with your new contact information as soon as possible. This includes email, phone and address.<br />
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<strong>Church Administrators. . . </strong><br />
Please make sure that the information in the Gateway Database is correct. The yearly Conference Journal is based on data in Gateway it is very important it is up-to-date.<br />
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<strong>IMPORTANT: IRS Automatic Tax-Exempt Revocation List</strong><br />
Dear Pastors, Church Treasurers, and Finance Chairpersons:<br />
The IRS published a tax-exempt revocation list yesterday that was meant to impact only those non-profits who had not submitted a Form 990 over the last 3 years. Churches are not required to submit 990s, so they were to be left off of the revocation list. The Finance staff has been working with GCFA to review preliminary lists of the “At Risk” entities during the past 12 months in an attempt to make sure none of our churches made the list. However, we are aware of at least one church from the Baltimore-Washington Conference that was included on the final IRS list. Other conferences have reported the same problem.<br />
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The IRS is in the process of sending letters to all the entities on the tax-exempt revocation list. If your church receives a notice, then please contact your Regional Administrator as soon as possible to enable the Conference Finance Staff to assist you in the process of correcting this problem. <br />
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Thank you for your vigilance in this important matter.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Paul Eichelberger<br />
BWC Treasurer<br />
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<strong>Upcoming Events for the United Methodist Men</strong><br />
If your United Methodist Men group has an event you would like the BWC UMM to promote, send an email to me at rcampbell@bwcumm.org. Provide the title, date, time, contact information and a brief paragraph. Please send at least two weeks in advance of the event. Visit our web site at www.bwcumm.org for more upcoming events. <br />
Blessings, <br />
Richard K. Campbell<br />
BWC UMM Secretary<br />
443-517-3084 (Cell)<br />
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<strong>Baltimore Metropolitan UMM Car Wash Day - Sat. June 25</strong><br />
The men of the district are having a fund raising car wash on Saturday June 25, 2011 from 11am unitl 3pm. We are dedicating this day to raise money for our November 19,2011 potato project. Last year our project was a great success, so we're praying that this year will be an even greater success helping to end hunger! Our goal is to raise $4,000 to cover the cost of the Society of St. Andrews gleaning and delivery of the Maine potatoes. To help us meet this goal, we are asking each men's fellowship to have a car wash on June 25 and raise or donate $100 to the project. Please contact Bill Weller 443-354-5533 (billweller@verizon.net) or Bryon Gould 443-509-7277 (bryoney@hotmail.com). <br />
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Visit our web site at <a href="http://www.bwcumm.org/">http://www.bwcumm.org/</a> for more upcoming events. <br />
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<strong>Time Is Running OUT! Annual Audit Are Due June 30, 2011</strong><br />
After you fill out the entire form including the name of the person who did the audit and the date it was completed, you should attach the electronic form to an e-mail and send it to Pam Mullay at <a href="mailto:pmullay@bwcumc.org">pmullay@bwcumc.org</a>. To access the form, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/auditform">http://www.bwcumc.org/resources/auditform</a>.<br />
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The Audits are NOT to be included in your Charge Conference materials because they are due June 30 well before Charge Conference Meetings. These files are being stored electronically so you do NOT need to send a hard-copy of the form to your District Superintendent. <br />
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<strong>African American Methodist Heritage Center</strong><br />
<strong>10th Year Commemoration Benefit</strong><br />
Friday, December 9, 2011 - 6 p.m.<br />
JW Marriott<br />
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC<br />
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Concert - The Journey of African American Church Music<br />
Celebration Banquet<br />
Honoring Bishop Forrest C. Stith's 53 Years in Ministry<br />
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Contact: Ozzie Jenkins-Gibson at 301-860-0600<br />
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<strong>Open Positions</strong><br />
<strong>Minister for Middle School Youth (part-time position 15 hours per week)</strong><br />
Applications should be sent to Pastor Mary Ka Kanahan, maryka.kanahan@glenmarumc.org<br />
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The Glen Mar mission is to praise God, to make disciples, and to serve the world. Staff members are leaders called to be examples to the rest of the church and are held to higher standards. Staff members model the values of constructive, positive relationship, caring and courtesy for all persons and humility as servant leaders. Staff sets the tone and pace and has a significant role in shaping the heart and character of the entire congregation. It is vital that we walk the path together by actively encouraging wholeness in personal, physical, emotional and spiritual health for each. Spiritually healthy leaders will produce a spiritually healthy church. To achieve these goals staff members are expected to pursue a disciplined lifestyle that is demonstrated by positive character and behavior, expectation and evidence of belief that God is alive and acts in today’s world, and considered actions that conform to denominational standards of practice.<br />
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With supervision from the Pastor for Community Life, the minister in this position will be able to administer, oversee and coordinate the planning, organizing, training and equipping of leadership for a comprehensive ministry for youth ages 11-13 years and their families. Generally, this means that this minister supports the vision, mission and values of the church and has oversight and responsibility for the programs and ministries; and all related activities of community life which disciples youth in 6th to 8th grade. This minister may supervise unpaid leadership who work with these populations. This minister relates to other age-level ministers and staff, and is a member of the staff team shepherded by the Pastor for Community Life, as well as the church staff team led by the Senior Pastor. It is important that the Minister for Middle School Youth have a strong, positive working relationship with the Pastor for Community Life, the Lead Pastor, and the other age-level ministers and staff that results in a unified spirit in response to God’s call. <br />
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The minister in this position will be available to perform all the administrative, managerial and supervisory duties as needed to fulfill God’s call to servant leadership as Minister for Middle School Youth as they support the other paid and unpaid servants of Jesus Christ at GMUMC. This person will support the theology of the United Methodist Church. <br />
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Particular emphasis will be given to developing and implementing the ministry of the local church to root youth and families in the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. This may be done through Christian education, special events, workshops or retreats, worship and service to others as the mission of the church is carried out in the world.<br />
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Leads the development, management, administration and evaluation of all areas of middle school youth ministries to support the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of youth in grades 6-8. Stays informed of new and effective ways to develop the middle school youth ministry and share such knowledge with others in the church. Selects curriculum; recruits, selects and trains teachers and leaders; and evaluates the ministries. Coordinates with other ministers and ministries of the church and persons beyond the church. Ecumenical relationships and intentional connection with United Methodist events shall be sought. <br />
1. Provides leadership in all areas of administration, budget and finance, program development, goal setting, allocation of resources for middle school youth ministry.<br />
2. Provides ministry leadership to unpaid staff – specifically, Parent Council, Youth Council, and the Christian Education leaders. (eg. Sunday School Teachers, Confirmation Leadership Team). In cooperation with the Pastor for Community Life, the Minister of Operations, and the other age-level ministers of GMUMC, implement and support the policies of Glen Mar Church, including the Safe Sanctuaries policy and process.<br />
3. Provides leadership, organization and direction to the Glen Mar UMC Middle School Youth, ministry, to include, but not be limited to Sunday School and Confirmation class, Youth Group, Retreats, Worship, Weekend , Mid-week or Special events, Age-level groups, and service opportunities.<br />
4. Preparation of goals and objectives, reports, budgets, publicity and promotion, and evaluations for all ministries. Support for fund-raising events and scholarship funds.<br />
5. Attends team and staff meetings as required. Other duties as assigned by supervising Pastor(s).<br />
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Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:<br />
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred, with training in youth ministry, Christian education, secondary education or related field. Minimum of 2 years experience working with youth. Related certification considered.<br />
Spiritual gifts which support ministry with middle school youth. Ability to articulate a call to ministry.<br />
Ability to recruit, train, manage and lead others. <br />
Knowledge of Christian education curriculum and program design, planning and organization.<br />
Knowledge of the learning and spiritual formation processes of youth.<br />
Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills and use of technology for ministry.<br />
Ability to be resourceful, creative and collaborative in the development of ministry. Ability to work with ministry colleagues and groups in the church and community.<br />
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to resolve conflict in healthy ways.<br />
Ability to establish and maintain a consistent weekly schedule and good time management practices that include regular office hours.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-73051767859440593612011-05-31T11:37:00.004-04:002011-06-01T11:25:41.417-04:00<strong>Order of Elders Meeting</strong>The Order of Elders will meet on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center in the Fiesta Center. The “order” for our time together will be The Call to Action & The Ministry Study Plans. An RSVP to cumchurch@verizon.net c/o Pastor Smith-Horn is requested so we will have an idea how many persons will be in present.<br />
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<strong>Clergy Case Study (1.5 C.E.U.)</strong><br />
Clergy Case Study is an opportunity for clergy to present and discuss difficult and unique situations that occur in our congregations. During each session, a case will be presented and together the group will discuss and share thoughts and insights about the case.<br />
Clergy Case Study will be led by Rev. Steven T. Cochran, MDiv, M.S., Pastoral Counseling<br />
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Where: ~ Reisterstown United Methodist Church<br />
When: ~ Each Tuesday, September 23 ~ October 25, 9:00-11:00 am<br />
Cost: ~ $125<br />
C.E.U. ~ 1.5<br />
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Registration is by email ~ revstc@comcast.net<br />
Payment is due by first session. Checks should be made payable to Rev. Steven T. Cochran, 1402 Mt. Carmel Road, Parkton, MD 21120<br />
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<strong>Bulk Energy Procurement Interest for Churches in DC</strong><br />
PURCHASING TOGETHER SAVES CONGREGATIONS MONEY <br />
Earlier this year, the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) and The DC Project organized eleven faith-based institutions and one non-profit youth organization to purchase electricity together. They leveraged their group purchasing power and engaged in a competitive bidding process with six alternative electricity suppliers. The reduced electricity rate will save the institutions $97,000 over the course of the year. <br />
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The hope with this initiative is to grow and create a formal buying cooperative that in the longer-term can provide meaningful savings for all institutions as well as a return to fund organizing.<br />
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2012 ELECTRIC & GAS JOINT PROCUREMENT<br />
This year’s successful electricity purchase opens up the doors to expand this initiative and increase the group’s negotiating power. To kick off the second round, on Wednesday, May 18, the group will hold a conference call for all interested participants. During the call, organizers will present an overview and timeline for the next joint electricity buying opportunity and answer any questions. Following the call, any interested institutions will be requested to provide copies of current electricity and gas bills and fill out an online application. <br />
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CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION<br />
1) Tax-Exempt Status <br />
2) No existing electricity supply contract OR a current contract that ends in 2012. <br />
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For more information, please go to <a href="http://bit.ly/ElectricityInterestForm">http://bit.ly/ElectricityInterestForm</a> and fill out the interest form. <br />
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<strong>Office Administrator Needed </strong><br />
Part-time office administrator needed for a church office in Clarksville, MD. A candidate for the position will need to be a personable self-starter with a comfort and familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and a willingness to be trained on our membership database software. The position is for 25 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Tasks include answering phones, production of printed materials, membership database maintenance, and management of our building space. Interested parties should send cover letters and resumes to Karen Lowrey at ktlowrey@verizon.net by June 6, 2011.<br />
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<strong>Mount Zion is sponsoring a workshop entitled, 'Starting a Small Group Ministry.' (.3 CEU's)</strong><br />
Are wondering how to start a Small Group Ministry in your church? What kind of small groups do we need and want? How do we figure that out? This is the workshop for you. <br />
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How to cultivate an awareness and affirmation among the existing groups about how they already have many aspect of being small groups in our congregations and can also be places of faith formation and disciple making. <br />
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We will also learn how to work with our congregations to develop a mind set and culture that values small group.<br />
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The facilitator of our workshop is Rev Dr. Diana Hynson, director of Learning and Teaching Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship. <br />
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The workshop will be held on June 18 from 9-12. Deadline for registration is June 16th. Cost for the workshop will be $20 payable at the door on the day of the workshop. Doors open at 8:30am for registration, fellowship and light refreshments. To register, go to <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://216.198.218.183/~mtzionhi/?q=content/sign-small-group-ministry">http://216.198.218.183/~mtzionhi/?q=content/sign-small-group-ministry</a>.</span></div><br />
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<strong>Church Safety Practices</strong><br />
A few weeks ago, a man with a gun came into a sanctuary of an open church and confronted the persons there, stole cash and keys, and fortunately, did not injure anyone.<br />
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This is a reminder to us about the desperate plight of brothers and sisters in our communities and our need to hold them in prayer and continue to find ways to serve the poor. It also is a time to practice common sense at church just as we do at our homes. <br />
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It seems prudent to remind the Trustees about the importance of locking the doors at the end of the day and most especially making sure no one is at the church building alone without locking the building. Most local church safe sanctuary policies include statements pertaining to this. Please remind your folks about the policy of your church.<br />
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Also, please note the following workshop which is being sponsored by our regional administrators:<br />
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Church Office and Church Safety Workshop will be held on August 25, 2011 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. We encourage your church staff and members of Trustees to come. The workshop will be presented by the Howard County Police Department and will be held at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, Md. There is no charge for this event.<br />
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<strong>Debt Reduction Immersion Series</strong><br />
A new Immersion Series Resource is now available for our churches to assist their congregations to reduce personal debt - Faith-based Finances: Reducing Debt & Increasing Depth. This immersion resource is designed to help our churches jump-start small group studies on debt reduction and contentment. <br />
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Fifteen BWC pastors participated in this resource by providing their successes with three difference programs: Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, Adam Hamilton’s Enough and Willow Creek’s Good Sense. This resource provides a review of each program, core classes and a description of the author along with a series of accompanying resources. There are also podcasts by two pastors discussing the programs and a list of churches available by phone for guidance.<br />
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In addition to the program reviews, Bishop Schol provides an introductory video of “Living Simply” and Daryl Williams provides a video on “Being happy with what you have”. PLUS, Three members of our BWC Finance team: Paul Eichelberger, Pier McPayten and Frank Robert each produced a 10-minute video to give their professional views on reducing debt, budgeting and investments along with a list of resources to be used to follow through on their discussions. <br />
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Additional resources include excerpts from the Book of Discipline, Book of Resolutions, financial resources for children and reference material from umc.org. There are also resources for facilitator training, online classes for a more personal debt reduction session and training resources for one-on-one counseling. Several resources are available in Spanish.<br />
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This new Immersion resource is available to our congregations free of charge and can be viewed at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/immersionresource/faithbasedfinances">www.bwcumc.org/immersionresource/faithbasedfinances</a>.<br />
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<strong>Peace with Justice Sunday</strong><br />
Peace with Justice Sunday is June 19, 2011. I hope you will consider again to help promote Special Sundays. <br />
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Graphics can be found under Website Advertising:<br />
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<a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3833885/k.D6D4/Special_Sundays__Peace_with_Justice_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm">http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3833885/k.D6D4/Special_Sundays__Peace_with_Justice_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm</a><br />
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<strong>Scholarship Deadline Approaching</strong><br />
The Scholarship deadline is approaching soon so be sure to pass on to your congregations the information about the opportunity to apply for scholarships. For more information on the scholarship program, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/finance/college-scholarships">http://www.bwcumc.org/finance/college-scholarships</a>.<br />
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<strong>Thomas Kemper will deliver the sermon at Foundry United Methodist Church on June 19, at the 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM services.</strong><br />
Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036<br />
"Jesus Outside the Gate" Hebrews 13:12-16 <br />
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Thomas Kemper, a native of Germany, is the chief executive of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. As a former missionary in Brazil, he is the first general secretary of a United Methodist general agency who is from outside the United States. Kemper has led the Board of Missions and International Church Cooperation of the United Methodist Germany Central Conference since 1998. He is also served as a director of Global Ministries, a 190 year-old organization with personnel, projects, and mission partners in 136 countries. Kemper has traveled extensively, done field work in Africa, worked with Vietnamese boat people in England, and can communicate in five languages.<br />
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<strong>Congratulations!</strong><br />
HiRho Yoon Park received her doctorate from Boston University.<br />
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Mary Dennis received her D. Min degree from Wesley Theological Seminary.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-15927084421338482882011-05-18T15:16:00.002-04:002011-05-19T09:14:50.170-04:00<strong>Celebration Service for David Argo</strong><br />
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Join us as we celebrate A. David Argo as he completes eight years of service as District Superintendent for the Washington Region. <br />
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Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 3 p.m.<br />
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
3401 Nebraska Ave, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20016<br />
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Light refreshments will be served following the service. The theme is Mardi Gras so wear your beads, comfortable clothing and anything else Mardi Gras related – masks, hats, etc.<br />
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Cards or letters of appreciation can be sent to Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.<br />
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If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 30, 2011 to the Washington Region at washregion@bwcumc.org. <br />
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<strong>Scholarship Deadline Approaching</strong><br />
The Scholarship deadline is approaching soon so be sure to pass on to your congregations the information about the opportunity to apply for scholarships. For more information on the scholarship program, go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/finance/college-scholarships">http://www.bwcumc.org/finance/college-scholarships</a>.<br />
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<strong>Annapolis District West River Work Day - Sat. May 21 </strong><br />
Join the UMM of the Annapolis District to help the West River Retreat Center at 5100 Chalk Point Rd West River, MD 20778 on Sat, May 21 from 8am to 3pm. Help is needed to re-shingle the roof on the picnic pavilion. It is a fairly low angled roof and there will be a need for folks on the ground as well as on the roof. If we can get some good weather and enough folks we can tackle the whole thing in a day. <br />
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There will be other projects as well. We could use upwards of 15 or 20 (team of 2-3) for this roofing project. There is also a need of air compressors and nailers. So join us and give back to the Retreat Center that has made a difference in some many lives, young and old. Lunch will be provided but we need a count by May 18. <br />
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Call 443-302-9866 or email AnnapolisUMM@gmail.com ...Ed Gray, District UMM President and Greg Witte, District UM Secretary. <br />
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<strong>Church Service and Lunch with our Zimbabwe Guest - Sun. May 29</strong><br />
Nancy Randers-Pehrson, UMW's President, will be hosting The Conference Lay Leader's Zimbabwe guest on May 28 and 29, 2011. The Randers-Pehrson's, their pastor and congregation invite you to worship with them at Cokesbury UMC, 1304 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009 at their 10:30 am worship service on Sunday, May 29. Afterwards, we, will have lunch at Bayou, Rt. 40, Harve de Grace, MD. <br />
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In order to plan, please let Deloris Oden, Conference Lay Leader, know whether you plan to attend worship and or lunch with us on the 29th. Spouses or others are invited to accompany you. Each of us will pay for our meal. <br />
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Nancy needs to make reservations at the restaurant, so let Deloris know your availability and intention by May 18 (email: deloreso@hotmail.com or phone: 410-647-0218). <br />
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<strong>Thomas Kemper Sermon</strong><br />
Thomas Kemper will deliver the sermon at Foundry United Methodist Church on June 19, at the 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM services.<br />
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Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036<br />
"Jesus Outside the Gate" Hebrews 13:12-16 <br />
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Thomas Kemper, a native of Germany, is the chief executive of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. As a former missionary in Brazil, he is the first general secretary of a United Methodist general agency who is from outside the United States. Kemper has led the Board of Missions and International Church Cooperation of the United Methodist Germany Central Conference since 1998. He is also served as a director of Global Ministries, a 190 year-old organization with personnel, projects, and mission partners in 136 countries. Kemper has traveled extensively, done field work in Africa, worked with Vietnamese boat people in England, and can communicate in five languages.<br />
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<strong>Annual Conference Credential Cards</strong><br />
Please download and print the appropriate Credential Card http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview#credential and bring it with you to the Registration Desk at Annual Conference. You will need to turn in the Credential Card to receive your registration packet. There will be forms available at the Registration Desk, but please fill it out before getting in line to eliminate any additional delays. Please do NOT mail the card to the Conference Mission Center. <br />
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Lay Members representing the local church MUST have the pastor sign the Credential Card BEFORE coming to the Registration Desk. No Registration Packet will be distributed unless a Credential Card is turned in for those who are required to do so. Only the Lay Member who is the ‘voting’ member from their church needs to have the pastor sign the credential card. <br />
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<strong>URGENT - PLEASE GO IN AND UPDATE YOUR COMMITTEE LISTINGS</strong><br />
The Washington Region office has received many calls from officers in the local church because they are receiving e-mails and calls from the conference office for positions that they haven’t held in two to three years. It is the responsibility of the local church to update these records each year. This region does not update these records. This also applies to keeping e-mails, addresses and phone numbers updated in Gateway.<br />
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<strong>Prayer Requests/Celebrations</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please pray for the son of Rev. Phil Ayers, pastor at Covenant UMC Montgomery Village. His son Justin and is going through severe kidney pain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jane Wood, pastor of Jerusalem-Mt Pleasant, gave the opening prayer for the US Congress on May 10, 2011. Her prayer can be found at <a href="http://chaplain.house.gov/chaplaincy/display_gc.html?id=1564">http://chaplain.house.gov/chaplaincy/display_gc.html?id=1564</a>.</span><br />
</div>Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-39498795629549425592011-05-06T15:01:00.000-04:002011-05-06T15:01:15.169-04:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Flohrville United Methodist Church 100th Anniversary Celebration</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Flohrville United Methodist Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year: a 100-year tradition of serving Jesus Christ. But tradition is just the foundation on which to build, it is not something that binds us to the past. Flohrville UMC is seeking to build (or maybe rebuild is the right word) a church that is not only a place to worship Go, but also a place that will give glory to God's name. We want to make our church a joyful and exciting place, arousing a fire in the hearts of those who seek Jesus Christ. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On May 15th we will have a re-dedication service at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Schol will re-dedicate the building and give the message that morning. At 2:00 pm we will have a Celebration Cookout (free of charge) with hot dogs, music and a marshmallow roast (or burning the way I do it). Come join us and help us celebrate. Hope to see you there! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For more information go to <a href="http://flohrvilleumc.org/">flohrvilleumc.org</a> or contact me, Pastor Rick Nace at <a href="mailto:pastor@flohrvilleumc.org">pastor@flohrvilleumc.org</a>. Event goes on rain or shine. (PS: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone would like to perform at the afternoon celebration, that is sing for hot dogs, please let me know.) </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bonnie Scott Wins National Award</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bonnie Scott, soon to be associate pastor at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church has received a very prestigious preaching award, becoming the first Methodist woman to receive it. Details can be found here: <a href="http://divinity.duke.edu/news-media/news/20110427bscott"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://divinity.duke.edu/news-media/news/20110427bscott</span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Job Openings at the Conference Mission Center</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Baltimore-Washington Conference staff is a great team of committed believers who are making a difference in our conference and the world. We seek to hire the best to serve God and you with excellence. We need your help in identifying outstanding candidates for the following positions: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">· Senior Accountant </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Full descriptions of these may be found at <a href="https://gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/ecmssamsganalytics.click_through?p_mail_id=E36616A655631B1C2552" target="_blank">https://gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/ecmssamsganalytics.click_through?p_mail_id=E36616A655631B1C2552</a>.<br />
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You can help us best serve God and you by passing this information on to people that may be interested in the positions and posting the following announcement in your bulletin, web page or any other communications resources you use. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Employment Opportunities that offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be in ministry. The Baltimore-Washington Conference, located in the Columbia, Maryland area, serves the 650 United Methodist congregations in this region and has several positions open. These include: IT/Property Manager; Administrator for Connectional Ministries; Administrator for Communications; Washington Region Administrative Assistant; and Director of Archives and History. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can learn more about these positions by going to Fuller descriptions of these may be found at <a href="https://gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/ecmssamsganalytics.click_through?p_mail_id=E36616A655631B1C2552" target="_blank">https://gateway.bwcumc.org/bwcssa/ecmssamsganalytics.click_through?p_mail_id=E36616A655631B1C2552</a>. We invite you to prayerfully consider if you are called to this work. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Annual Conference Credential Cards</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please download and print the appropriate Credential Card <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview#credential">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview#credential</a> and bring it with you to the Registration Desk at Annual Conference. You will need to turn in the Credential Card to receive your registration packet. There will be forms available at the Registration Desk, but please fill it out before getting in line to eliminate any additional delays. Please do NOT mail the card to the Conference Mission Center. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lay Members representing the local church <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>MUST</u></b> have the pastor sign the Credential Card BEFORE coming to the Registration Desk. No Registration Packet will be distributed unless a Credential Card is turned in for those who are required to do so. Only the Lay Member who is the ‘voting’ member from their church needs to have the pastor sign the credential card. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">QUEST SCREENING AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a friendly reminder. If you are planning on taking the Quest screening at Annual Conference, you must register by today, Friday, May 6, 2011. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Quest Diagnostic will be on-site at Annual Conference on Thursday, May 26 and Friday May 27. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since this is a new program for Quest, we require that you preregister to take the screening. When you register, an order will be placed in the Quest system before your appointment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Blueprint for Wellness screening can also be done at a Quest facility near you – you can find one when you call to register. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Registration can be done by Phone: 1-866-908-9440, employer/group: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“HealthFlex</span>” or <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“United Methodist Church</span>”; or Online: at <a href="http://www.gbophb.org/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.gbophb.org</span></a> log into <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“HealthFlex/WebMD</span>.” Under <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“HealthFlex Vendor Links</span>, choose “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Quest Diagnostics</span>”, registration key: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">umc2011</span>, click submit and complete the necessary steps to register.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To receive your $100 HealthCash, you <u>must</u> be enrolled in the Virgin Healthmiles program (see attached) and the screening <u>must</u> be done between April 1 – July 31, 2011 either at our on-site location or at a Quest Diagnostics facility.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON CONFERENCE MISSION CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are seeking any individuals that have a desire to get involved with the ministries we have at the BWC Mission Center. The areas where we have the greatest need are with our hospitality staff as front desk attendants and librarians, and with various large events throughout the year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you feel you might be interested in being a member of our volunteer staff, please contact John Gauthier, the Coordinator of Radical Hospitality by email: <a href="mailto:jgauthier@bwcumc.org"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">jgauthier@bwcumc.org</span></a> or by phone (900-492-2525 x406). Also, feel free to use our volunteer form on the BWC website: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/volunteerapplication"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.bwcumc.org/content/volunteerapplication</span></a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you for your continuing support of the important ministries in our conference! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are interested in serving as an usher or a marshal at the 2011 annual conference session, call the Rev. Yvonne Mercer-Staten at 202-882-2122. If you are interested in serving as a page or teller, contact the Rev. Paulette Wilkins at 410-362-8547. <span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">MISSION INSITE TRAINING - </span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May 18 - 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.missioninsite.com/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">MissionInsite</span></a> is a powerful new online tool to help equip congregations with information about their community demographics. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has purchased a subscription for this tool for all local churches in the conference. You’ll get desktop, web-based access to demographic data to help you grow your congregations and enhance your ministries. </span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">flexible</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> web based information system</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">comprehensive</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> socioeconomic and lifestyle data</span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">strategic</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> information resource for ministry</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You’re invited to attend a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">free</span> training that will help get you started with this user-friendly and versatile tool: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Location of Training</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Washington and Baltimore Region Clergy and Laity<br />
Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center<br />
11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To register go to the BWC website (<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/"><span style="color: purple;">www.bwcumc.org</span></a>) and click on MissionInsite training under the highlights box.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">URGENT - PLEASE GO IN AND UPDATE YOUR COMMITTEE LISTINGS</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Washington Region office has received many calls from officers in the local church because they are receiving e-mails and calls from the conference office for positions that they haven’t held in two to three years. It is the responsibility of the local church to update these records each year. This region does not update these records. This also applies to keeping e-mails, addresses and phone numbers updated in Gateway. </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Workshop on Evangelism</span></b></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dear Brothers and Sisters: "Please make plans to attend <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 21st at 9:00am</span></u> our first Workshop on Evangelism at Pleasant Grove UMC. There will be refreshments for those attending. Everyone from any church is welcome to come and enjoy the workshop. The Rev. Jenny Smith from Mt. Carmel UMC will be leading the workshop." We want to reach to those in our community that have no church, and everyone who wants to build community. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rev. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Eliezer Valentín-Castañón</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gateway Training Schedule for 2011</span></b></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mark your calendars for Gateway training! Gateway training will be available to those you register. Each class will max out with 50 registrants. Online registration will be available in the coming weeks. The Gateway training schedule is as follows:</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">General Gateway Training for church administrators and pastors as administrators:</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">August 16, 2011 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gateway Training on Clergy Compensation for SPRC chairs and treasurers:</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">September 7, 2011 2-4 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">September 9, 2011 2-4 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gateway Training for Lay Speaker and CLM Reports:</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">September 13, 2011 3-4 p.m. & 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gateway Training on Statistical Reports for pastors, church administrators, and anyone else involved in the statistical report process at your church:</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">November 29, 2011 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m. at the Conference Mission Center</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText3" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Change The World!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Imagine 15,000 United Methodists all working together in mission in their communities. Plans are now underway for a conference-wide event on October 8, 9 & 10, 2011. The Change the World Mission Day will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Congregations will be encouraged to move outside the walls of their local churches to serve in their communities.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">More details will be announced as they become available. If your church would</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">like a practice run, you are encouraged to participate in the denomination’s Change the World event, which is expected to draw 500,000 people across the nation into 3,500 mission projects May 14-15. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">http://www.blogger.com/www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-32605792557178385232011-04-20T15:34:00.000-04:002011-04-20T15:34:06.386-04:00<strong>Summer Mini-ROCK Youth Events</strong><br />
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CCYM and the ROCK team are proud to announce a series of mini-ROCKs (one in each region) hosted at four of our churches. Although we will have fun, music, drama and a special message from Stephen Gallaher, the events will provide valuable youth leader and youth training. Something for everyone; youth who want to acquire leadership skills, training for beginner youth ministry leaders and advanced training for going deeper into the ministry for our experienced youth leaders. Plus, opportunities to discuss leadership roles and discerning your call in ministry. Working volunteers are always needed. Please contact Tom Price at tombecki@aol.com, pbowen@bwcumc.org or one of the churches listed below.<br />
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Locations and Dates: (one in each region)<br />
Saturday, Aug 6th at Good Shepherd, Waldorf, MD <br />
Sunday, Aug. 7th at Bel Air UMC, Bel Air, MD <br />
Saturday, Aug. 13th at Bethany UMC, Ellicott City, MD <br />
Sunday, Aug. 14th at Grace UMC, Hagerstown, MD <br />
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Schedule for the One-Day ROCK at each location: <br />
3:00 pm Check-In and Gathering <br />
3:30 pm Breakout Sessions Begin <br />
5:30 pm Pizza Park Begins<br />
7:00 pm Mini-ROCK begins (with music, dance, drama and message from Stephen Gallaher)<br />
Event Ends at 10pm <br />
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Breakout Sessions - (concurrent 3:30-5:30pm) <br />
1. Beginning in Youth Ministry (adults who are relatively new to youth ministry)<br />
2. Youth Ministry at the Next Level – Going deeper and further; a team approach (adult youth leaders and youth who are leaders - working smarter and discovering and unleashing the potential of teens!)<br />
3. Youth Ministry Fun and Games - Opportunities for fun, fellowship and learning (for youth and their chaperones - learn ice-breakers and fun & fellowship - great opportunity for youth who are newer or not feeling called into leadership in ministry as well as for adult youth workers)<br />
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Group Registration (same as ROCK) Cost: <br />
One-Day ROCK (3pm - 9pm) <br />
$9 per person (adults and youth) Includes Pizza Dinner on site and the <br />
ROCK video resource for youth groups with Stephen Gallaher on DVD.<br />
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Mini-ROCK only (7pm-9pm) <br />
$5 per person (adults and youth) Includes the ROCK video <br />
resource for youth groups with Stephen Gallaher on DVD) <br />
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More information: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/onedayrock">www.bwcumc.org/events/onedayrock</a> <br />
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<strong>Days Apart</strong><br />
Mark your calendar for the Days Apart with Bishop.<br />
Clergy Day Apart <br />
Date: October 12, 2011 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (tentative times)<br />
Place: First: Hyattsville, 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782<br />
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Laity Day Apart<br />
Date: September 24, 2011 Time: TBD<br />
Place: Trinity: Frederick, 703 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701<br />
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<strong>Small Employer Health Insurance Tax credit - DEADLINE May 15th</strong><br />
As many of you are aware, the recent health care reform act permits small employers, including Local United Methodist Churches to receive a credit for payment of health insurance premiums for employees and clergy members. Just recently the IRS issued directions and clarifications on how a Local Church may request a reimbursement check from the government for health insurance premium expenses. <br />
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A credit of 25% of premium paid in 2010 subject to Applicable limitations (capped by the amount of Federal Income and Medicare taxes withheld and paid) is available to Local Churches if claimed by the deadline of May 15, 2011. The credit is available for four years until 2013. Churches with 10 or fewer employees can claim the full credit; those between 11-25 employees can claim a reduced amount of credit. Churches with an average wage of $25,000 per FTE can claim the full credit; there is a partial credit for salaries up to $50,000 per FTE. <br />
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You are required to file two forms, a FORM 8941 "Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums" and a FORM 990-T "Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return." <br />
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The credit is taken against Medicare taxes paid by the Local Church and Medicare taxes and Federal Income taxes withheld from paychecks for any Local Church Lay employee and Clergy if voluntary Federal Income Tax withholding is chosen, regardless of that employee's enrollment in the Health Insurance Program. Namely, even though you do not withhold payroll taxes for your pastor you are able to claim the credit against payroll tax obligations of other employees (even those not in the health plan). <br />
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<strong>Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums </strong><br />
The recent Health Care Reform Act permits small employers, including local churches, to receive a 25% credit of health insurance premiums paid for employees and clergy members. <br />
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The IRS has issued clarification and directions about how local churches may request a reimbursement from the government for these expenses. IRS Website (www.irs.gov) <br />
• Notice 2010-82 (clarifies how some rules apply to local churches in regard to the credit) <br />
• Blank Form 8941 <br />
• Directions for Form 8941 <br />
• Blank Form 990-T <br />
• Directions for Form 990-T <br />
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General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits website: (www.gbophb.org) <br />
• At the bottom left of the main page “important information for participants” click on Health Care Reform <br />
• Health Care Reform article of Jan. 13, 2011 titled "Small Business Tax Credit for Church Plan Employer's" <br />
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit <br />
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<strong>Some Open Positions in the Region</strong><br />
<strong>Christian Preschool Director</strong> - <strong>Emmanuel Methodist Preschool</strong>, the first MSDE-accredited preschool in Howard County, MD, is seeking a dynamic leader to be our Preschool Director. EMP is a private Christian school in Laurel, and has been providing an excellent educational experience for approximately 150 children (ages 2-5) since 1978. Our staff believe that all children are God-given and that they have a right to an age-appropriate education that allows them to grow socially, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically at their own pace. The Director should be self-motivated and capable of providing superior leadership and vision while working closely with students, parents, staff and church leaders.<br />
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The successful candidate will have proven management skills, a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education, and clear marketing strategies for how to grow our exceptional program. Computer proficiency and excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills are required. Duties will include: oversight of preschool operations and administration, close coordination with the Church, program development and growth, supervision of 12 staff of varying experience levels, and budget and financial management.<br />
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Requirements include: Bachelors Degree (Education degree or Masters preferred), 2 years early childhood teaching experience and demonstrated leadership experience. Our Director is full-time for 10 months per year and part time in June & July. EMP offers a competitive salary, paid vacation, medical benefits and pension. <br />
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A complete job description can be obtained at our website, www.emmanuelpreschool.com/jobs. Interested candidates should email their resume with salary requirements to empjobs.preschool@gmail.com by Friday, April 29th.<br />
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<strong>Minister for Congregational Care</strong> - The <strong>Glen Mar</strong> mission is to praise God, to make disciples, and to serve the world. Staff members are leaders called to be examples to the rest of the church and are held to higher standards. Staff members model the values of constructive, positive relationship, caring and courtesy for all persons and humility as servant leaders. Staff sets the tone and pace and has a significant role in shaping the heart and character of the entire congregation. It is vital that we walk the path together by actively encouraging wholeness in personal, physical, emotional and spiritual health for each. Spiritually healthy leaders will produce a spiritually healthy church. To achieve these goals staff members are expected to pursue a disciplined lifestyle that is demonstrated by positive character and behavior, expectation and evidence of belief that God is alive and acts in today’s world, and considered actions that conform to denominational standards of practice.<br />
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Definition: The Minister for Congregational Care typically serves the members of the church and related church community. Generally, this means that this minister has oversight and responsibility for the programs and ministries; unpaid leadership; and related activities of community life which regards the spiritual and pastoral care of individuals and their families. This minister relates to other age-level ministers and staff, and is a member of the staff team shepherded by the Pastor for Community Life, as well as the church staff team led by the Senior Pastor. The Minister for Congregational Care helps provide leadership that supports the vision and mission of the church. The specific duties support the Community Life Ministry of the church in relation to the caring needs of those we are called to serve. It is important that the Minister for Congregational Care have a strong, positive working relationship with the Pastor for Community Life, the Lead Pastor, and the other age-level ministers and staff that results in a unified spirit in response to God’s call in working partnerships, with an ability to represent the vision, mission and values of the church to the community. <br />
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Summary and Definition: With minimal supervision from the Pastor for Community Life, the minister in this position will be able to develop, implement, administer, oversee and coordinate an overall strategy to provide congregation care and caring support ministries for individuals and families of Glen Mar Church. Particular emphasis will be given to planning, mobilizing, training, and empowering teams of unpaid leaders, together with staff, to provide congregational care for the community of Glen Mar Church. This minister will primarily develop and implement the ministry of the local church to care for people as Jesus Christ did and TO help them grow into His likeness for the transformation of the world. This may be done through ministries of education, small groups, visitation, prayer, companionship, worship, and service to others as the mission of the church is carried out in the world. <br />
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General Duties and Responsibilities: The minister in this position will be available to perform all the administrative, managerial and supervisory duties as needed to fulfill God’s call to servant leadership as Minister for Congregational Care, as they support the other paid and unpaid servants of Jesus Christ at GMUMC. This person will support the theology of the United Methodist Church. As part of a multi-staff team, the Minister for Congregational Care will be responsible for providing leadership to the Congregational Care Ministries of Glen Mar UMC. Congregational Care Ministries will serve the spiritual and pastoral care needs of the community and their families in accordance with the church's vision, mission, goals, values and policies. This includes the recruitment, nurture, formation, and equipping of persons to grow and serve as followers of Jesus Christ. This position calls for specific emphasis on the ministries of caring to equip the people of God for ministry and mission in the world for Jesus Christ, through Glen Mar UMC, to include, but not be limited to:<br />
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1. Provide leadership, managerial oversight and evaluation in all areas of administration, budget and finance, program development, goal setting, allocation of resources for congregational care ministries. Stay informed of new and effective ways to develop ministry of congregational care and share such knowledge with others in the church.<br />
2. Provide ministry leadership to unpaid staff—specifically caring ministry teams, Stephen ministers, Caring Connections Resource ministers. Coordinate the pastors’ and staff activities within and related to Caring Ministry. Coordinate and communicate with Ministry Teams and the Glen Mar Community regarding the activities and organization of the Congregational Care Ministry. Perform general pastoral care as well as periodically plan and develop church-wide classes and workshops. Stay informed on new and effective ways to implement congregational care ministry and share such knowledge with others in the church.<br />
3. In cooperation with the Pastor for Community Life, the Minister of Operations, and the other age-level ministers of GMUMC, implement and support the policies of Glen Mar Church, including the Safe Sanctuaries policy and process. Advise or guide church leadership regarding ethical and safe practices for the formation of church policy that minimize the church’s liability.<br />
4. Provide leadership, organization and direction to the Glen Mar UMC Congregational Care ministry, to include, but not be limited to:<br />
A. The administration of congregational care which includes but is not limited to: Assessment of caring needs of individuals and community. Referral to appropriate internal or external care and counseling resources. Development of goals, objectives, processes and systems for Congregational Care. Evaluation of congregational care. Organization and management of time, physical space, resources and supplies, and budget for the ministry. Implementation of church policy into ministry area. Communication of the ministries for Congregational Care to the church and community. Reservation and oversight of facility use for the ministry. Incorporation, Administration and management of confidential data for caring ministry in the church database. Ordering and inventory of equipment and supplies for ministry. Provide tools, resources, documentation and communication for paid and unpaid leadership as required. Attendance at team and staff meetings. Other duties as assigned by supervising Pastor(s).<br />
B. Congregational Care Team Leadership and Development which includes but is not limited to: Recruitment, selection, training (First Aid, CPR, Safe Sanctuaries), placement, scheduling and evaluation of people in Congregational care ministry. Guidance of team members (regular team meetings, one-on-one) for the purpose of being a support and resource (prayer, spiritual development, problem solving).<br />
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Connection and collaboration with pastors and staff to address church wide issues and events. Provide coordination and direction regarding the day-to-day execution of the ministry. Train and supervise caring ministers and support small group leaders in the area of congregational care within their small groups.<br />
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Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Minimum Education: Degree in spiritual and pastoral care, counseling, social work or related field. Related licensure or certification preferred. Minimum of 2 years experience with leadership of spiritual and pastoral care in a congregation and/or clinical setting. Spiritual gifts of compassion, discernment, faith, leadership, and administration. Ability to articulate a call to ministry. Significant experience with the recruitment, training, management and direct supervision of others. <br />
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Knowledge of Christian caring resources, program design, planning and organization. Ability to respect and maintain the confidential nature of individual membership records, pastoral conversations, and much of the correspondence with pastors and staff. Knowledge of the spiritual formation processes and stages of faith development in individuals. Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills and use of technology for ministry. Ability to be resourceful, creative and collaborative in the development of ministry. Ability to work within the church and with ministry colleagues and groups in the church and community. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal relationship skills. Trained and experienced in conflict resolution. Excellent listening skills. Ability to establish and maintain a consistent weekly schedule and good time management practices that include regular office hours. Knowledgeable concerning relevant legal and ethical issues.<br />
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Interested candidates should send their resume to maryka.kanahan@glenmarumc.org by April 27, 2011.<br />
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<strong>Administrative Assistant</strong> - The <strong>Glen Mar</strong> mission is to praise God, to make disciples, and to serve the world. Staff members are leaders called to be examples to the rest of the church and are held to higher standards. Staff members model the values of constructive, positive relationships, caring and courtesy for all persons, and humility as servant leaders. Staff sets the tone and pace and has a significant role in shaping the heart and character of the entire congregation. It is vital that we walk the path together by actively encouraging wholeness in personal, physical, emotional and spiritual health for each. Spiritually healthy leaders will produce a spiritually healthy church. To achieve these goals staff members are expected to pursue a disciplined lifestyle that is demonstrated by positive character and behavior, expectation and evidence of belief that God is alive and acts in today’s world, and considered actions that conform to denominational standards of practice.<br />
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Definition: With regular supervision and guidance, the occupant of this hourly administrative position extends gracious hospitality by telephone manner and personal interactions; provides accurate and timely information to callers, church members, church leaders, congregation members, staff, vendors, visitors, and the general public; accurately updates the Glen Mar ACS database; schedules routine church activities, facilities, and other resources required; and provides staff support for operations and program staff, other than the Pastors.<br />
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Duties and Responsibilities:<br />
• Serves as the primary voice and personal presence of Glen Mar Church. Answers the telephone professionally and properly refers calls to the appropriate place. Greets visitors, honored guests, congregation members, vendors, mail persons, information seekers, and anyone in our facility with gracious warmth and genuine welcome. Requires “extra mile” personal attention and “above and beyond” phone service, where possible.<br />
• Accurately posts primary data to ACS database and Novell church-wide database. Updates information while posting attendance and recording visitors after weekly services. Provides visitor reports on Mondays to Pastor’s Assistant for pastoral follow-up and to the lay team to make initial visitor calls. Collects information from visitor calls and adds it to ACS database. Provides report of any membership status changes to Minister for Operations weekly. Assumes responsibility for the accuracy of reported information. Maintains backup documentation for 3 months, then shreds all personally identifying information.<br />
• Supports scheduling of church events and activities into master church calendar. Makes routine scheduling changes as needed. Provides accurate records of the calendar events to Pastors’ Assistant for the weekly worship bulletins.<br />
• Using information from the master calendar, prepares daily Wayfinder (television) slides with timely and accurate information. <br />
• Reviews facility schedule daily with Building Services Supervisor. Prints and provides a weekend report for the Building Services Supervisor to use in managing the facility for worship and special events.<br />
• Supports Minister for Operations by recording, maintaining, and tracking requirements for serving children, youth, and vulnerable adults according to Safe Sanctuaries policy, such as completed application, completed training, timely re-training, receipt of recommendations, etc. Demonstrates ability to handle personal information confidentially. Maintains completed forms and records alphabetically in secure files in the office of the Minister for Operations. <br />
• Supports staff needs for routine administrative tasks, such as typing/keyboarding, filing, drafting correspondence, creating documents, copying, calendaring, coordinating, scanning records and communicating internally, among others. Maintains office machines, such as copiers and postage meter. Inventories supplies and coordinates with Pastors’ Assistant and Minister for Operations for ordering. Plans ahead, including appropriate lead time, to assure no loss in productivity of staff. <br />
• Collaborates to avoid overlap and duplicated effort within ministry teams. Assistance with priority setting is provided by supervisor.<br />
• May handle money, distribution of tickets, and/or bearer instruments in the course of registrations or release of books for discipleship studies, etc.<br />
• Responsible for routing incoming mail to appropriate staff mailboxes daily.<br />
• Coordinates schedule with Pastors’ Assistant to provide maximum personal presence of welcome in the facility.<br />
• Other duties or special projects as assigned.<br />
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Knowledge, skill, and ability: Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. Appropriate combinations of education, experience, and/or training in administration, business, management, education, management information systems, organizational development or other related field will be considered. Minimum of two-years experience in multi-tasking work environments, preferably in non-profit, professional, or church environment. Positive and cooperative attitude, shown in manner of speaking to others, word choices and actions. Responds effectively to verbal and written instructions. Skills in listening and speaking sufficient to present a report and communicate an idea effectively. Resolves problems and uses judgment to know when to refer decisions to supervisor.<br />
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Special Requirements: Computer competence in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel , internet, and social media. Willingness and ability to learn, including the liturgical year, church members and their roles, repeating patterns in the calendar, policies and procedures, priority setting, and conflict resolution, as examples. Flexibility to adjust to fast-paced organization and different personalities asking for services. Honesty, and strength of personal character. Keeps good boundaries individually and among staff, maintains confidentiality, and uses information properly.<br />
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Interested candidates should send their resume to barb.julian@glenmarumc.org by April 27, 2011.<br />
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<strong>2nd Annual Revival & Prayer Summit </strong><br />
Sponsored by The Urban Connection of Greater Washington, DC & The United Methodist Churches consisting of Community, Douglas Memorial, Ebenezer, Hughes Memorial, Jones Memorial, Simpson-Hamline, McKendree-Simms-Brookland, Mount Vernon/Franklin P. Nash, Randall Memorial, Grace, Lincoln Park, Christ and Brighter Day Cooperative Parish<br />
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Theme: “Unleash the Power of the Holy Spirit through Prayer - Based on Ephesians 6:10-18<br />
Preacher and Teacher - Bishop Violet Fisher<br />
May 12-13, 2011 @ 7:00 PM<br />
Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church<br />
4501 16th Street, NW<br />
Washington DC, 20011<br />
For further information please call 202-882-2122<br />
<strong>For Pastor’s Only Prayer Summit</strong><br />
Sponsored by The Urban Connection of Greater Washington, DC & The United Methodist Churches consisting of Community, Douglas Memorial, Ebenezer, Hughes Memorial, Jones Memorial, Simpson-Hamline, McKendree-Simms-Brookland, Mount Vernon/Franklin P. Nash, Randall Memorial, Grace, Lincoln Park, Christ and Brighter Day Cooperative Parish<br />
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Theme: “Unleash the Power of the Holy Spirit through Prayer” - Based on Ephesians 6:10-18 <br />
Preacher and Teacher - Bishop Violet Fisher<br />
May 14, 2011 @ 9:00 PM<br />
Breakfast will be served promptly at 9:15 AM<br />
Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church 4501 16th Street, NW Washington DC, 20011<br />
For further information please call 202-882-2122 or email shumcdc@yahoo.com or revfleming1@verizon.net<br />
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<strong>Native American Ministries Sunday</strong><br />
The next Special Sunday is Native American Ministries Sunday on May 8, 2011.<br />
Graphics found under Website Advertising: <br />
<a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3904007/k.CA08/Special_Sundays__Native_American_Ministries_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm">http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3904007/k.CA08/Special_Sundays__Native_American_Ministries_Sunday__Support_Materials.htm</a><br />
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<strong>Annual Audits Due June 30, 2011</strong><br />
An email with the report template was sent out at the beginning of April. We do appreciate you not waiting until the last minute to get this finished and submitted. Just plug in your numbers and the column on the far right automatically totals for you. Please make sure to add your Church’s ID number after the church’s name as you complete the form; it makes it easier for us when we submit them! Don’t forget to save the audit file to your hard drive and print a copy for your files. After the Audit form is completed attach it to an email and send washregion@bwcumc.org. <br />
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Audit reports are NOT to be included in your Charge Conference materials because they are due June 30 well before Charge Conference Meetings. These files are being stored electronically so you DO NOT need to send a hard-copy of the form to your District Superintendent. <br />
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<strong>Pre-Conference Booklets</strong><br />
The Pre-Conference booklets have been printed and are currently being mailed. It will take three to four weeks. You can expect them by mid April. You can also download the booklet online on the Annual Conference page or at this link: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/files/PRECON%202011_web.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/files/PRECON%202011_web.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>May Discipler Group Information Available</strong><br />
The May Discipler Group information is now available for download. Clergy: Please download the session 47 participant’s guide at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/discipler-groups-curriculum">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/discipler-groups-curriculum</a>.<br />
The May make-up session will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at the Conference Mission Center from 9:30 am – noon. <br />
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<strong>Change The World!</strong><br />
Imagine 15,000 United Methodists all working together in mission in their communities. Plans are now underway for a conference-wide event on October 8, 9 & 10, 2011. The Change the World Mission Day will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action.<br />
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Congregations will be encouraged to move outside the walls of their local churches to serve in their communities.<br />
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More details will be announced as they become available. If your church would like a practice run, you are encouraged to participate in the denomination’s Change the World event, which is expected to draw 500,000 people across the nation into 3,500 mission projects May 14-15. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a><br />
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<strong>Prayer Requests </strong><br />
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<strong>Please pray for the following</strong>:<br />
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Prayers of celebration for <strong>Alisa Lasater Wailoo</strong>, pastor of Capitol Hill UMC on the birth of her son, Anthony Adolphus Wailoo. Anthony was born on April 4, 2011. Congratulations can be sent to office@chumc.net. <br />
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<strong>Jimmy Sherrod</strong>, pastor at Metropolitan Memorial UMC and his wife, Lesli, welcomed Henry James Sherrod on April 7, 2011. Mother and baby are doing well. Notes of congratulations can be sent to jsherrod@mmumc-dc.org.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-32985530708921887982011-03-31T11:57:00.001-04:002011-04-04T09:02:25.441-04:00<strong>Pre-Conference Booklets</strong><br />
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The Pre-Conference booklets have been printed and are currently being mailed. It will take three to four weeks. You can expect them by mid April. You can also download the booklet online on the Annual Conference page or at this link: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/files/PRECON%202011_web.pdf">http://www.bwcumc.org/files/PRECON%202011_web.pdf</a>.<br />
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<strong>Volunteers Needed!</strong><br />
The Baltimore-Washington Conference is in need of volunteers! We are seeking any individuals that have a desire to get involved with the ministries we have at the BWC Mission Center. The areas where we have the greatest need are with our hospitality staff as front desk attendants and librarians, and with various large events throughout the year. If you feel you might be interested in being a member of our volunteer staff, please contact John Gauthier, Coordinator of Radical Hospitality via email jgauthier@bwcumc.org or phone (410) 309-3406. Also, feel free to use our volunteer form on the BWC website <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/volunteerapplication">www.bwcumc.org/content/volunteerapplication</a>. Thank you for your continuing support of the important ministries in our conference!<br />
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<strong>April Discipler Group Information Available</strong><br />
The April Discipler Group information is now available for download. Clergy: Please download the session 46 participant’s guide at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/discipler-groups-curriculum">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/discipler-groups-curriculum</a>.<br />
The April make-up session will be held on Tuesday, April 19 at the Conference Mission Center from 9:30 a.m. – noon. <br />
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<strong>Annual Conference Registration Closes soon</strong><br />
Time is running out!! If you haven’t registered yet, please take a few minutes to register. The registration process is quick and easy. Don’t wait. After online registration closes (April 8th), onsite registration is your only option and tickets to special meals will not be available. Avoid the lines and the additional charge ($50) for registration at the event by registering today! <br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview</a> for more information. <br />
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<strong>Change The World!</strong><br />
Imagine 15,000 United Methodists all working together in mission in their communities. Plans are now underway for a conference-wide event on October 8, 9 & 10, 2011. The Change the World Mission Day will celebrate the spirit of United Methodism, a faith built on social action.<br />
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Congregations will be encouraged to move outside the walls of their local churches to serve in their communities. More details will be announced as they become available. If your church would like a practice run, you are encouraged to participate in the denomination’s Change the World event, which is expected to draw 500,000 people across the nation into 3,500 mission projects May 14-15. <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld">www.bwcumc.org/events/changetheworld</a><br />
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<strong>Prayer Requests (Due to an issue with Google Blogspot – it won’t let me update the prayer listing without crashing the program. Until this is resolved, the prayer requests will be listed in the regular section of the blog.)</strong><br />
<strong>Please pray for the following:</strong><br />
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Mrs. Amity Monroe (wife of Art Monroe – pastor at the Morgan Chapel/Mt Olive Charge in Woodbine) has been found to have two bad discs in her neck and will have fusion surgery on Friday. Prayers are needed for a successful surgery and recovery. Well wishes can be sent to amonroejr@hotmail.com.<br />
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Mrs. Martha Ann Bishop (wife of James Bishop – pastor at Goshen UMC) had both knees replaced about 3 weeks go. Well wishes can be sent to jabmab1@comcast.net.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-75582172353585084152011-03-22T14:13:00.000-04:002011-03-22T14:13:21.369-04:00<strong>Discipleship Academy – Last few days to register for the Central Maryland District classes</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered on April 9 and 16 at the Conference Center. Detailed information can be found on <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy</a>. Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
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Registration closes on March 26 for the April 9 and 16 classes in the Central Maryland District. Please be sure to register on Gateway as soon as you can. Please share this information with your congregation!<br />
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<strong>Funding Conference registration deadline extended through Thursday; Funding Resource preorder discounts end Saturday.</strong><br />
The registration deadline for the Lewis Center’s Funding Your Ministry in Changing Times event this Saturday in Washington, DC, has been extended through Thursday. If any of your church leaders are planning to attend but have not yet registered, please let them know they may register online or by phone through March 24 at <a href="http://www.churchleadership.com/Resources/FCV11/FCV11event.html">http://www.churchleadership.com/Resources/FCV11/FCV11event.html</a>. On-site registration is also available the day of the event, but attendees who register beforehand will save time and have better selection of conference workshops.<br />
Also, preorder discounts for the Lewis Center’s Funding DVD/CD Resources end Saturday. These Resources include video recordings of plenary presentations from Funding Conferences as well as workshop PowerPoint presentations, templates, handouts, and other resources which are useful in congregational settings. To save up to $45 over regular prices, please click to order today: <a href="http://www.churchleadership.com/Resources/FCV11/FCVresources.asp">http://www.churchleadership.com/Resources/FCV11/FCVresources.asp</a>.<br />
For more information about the Funding Conference and Resources, please email Ann Michel, Lewis Center Associate Director, at amichel@wesleyseminary.edu or call (202) 885-8757.<br />
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<strong>PASTOR’S FORUM – EMERGENCY APPEAL TO HELP WOMEN VETERANS</strong><br />
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 AM<br />
Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
800 11th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002<br />
202-397-1562<br />
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The Pastor’s Forum is sponsored by the Urban Connection of Greater Washington, a group of 13 United Methodist Churches, who have opened their doors to service meet the needs by providing essential services and programs. We are asking for your support. Many women Veterans experience mental and physical trauma during their deployment or military service. The number of homeless women is increasing and a great number are unable to find employment post deployment, as a result, they are losing their children. <br />
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Currently, there are 13 Women Veterans Resource Center satellites in the Washington area offering a variety of services for women Veterans. We are asking churches of all denominations to join in this ministry of serving women Veterans and their families by becoming a satellite. <br />
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The Women Veterans Resource Center satellites allow us to minister to these women Veterans with counseling, food, career clothing closet, job readiness skills, housing, drama therapy, computer services and a host of other services.<br />
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The Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnership, the Mayor’s Executive Office of Veterans Affairs, the Center for Minority Veterans, the Veteran History Project and other Veteran Agencies are working collaboratively with us to provide information on services available to our women Veterans, and how to access these resources. Our goal is to have you, our churches adequately informed so that you churches can pick up a part of the responsibility to help our women Veterans and their families.<br />
STAND WITH US......<br />
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......We are called of God to serve the least, last and the lost.....<br />
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<strong>Prayer Requests (Due to an issue with Google Blogspot – it won’t let me update the prayer listing without crashing the program. Until this is resolved, the prayer requests will be listed in the regular section of the blog.)</strong><br />
<strong>Please pray for the following:</strong><br />
Mrs. Amity Monroe (wife of Art Monroe – pastor at the Morgan Chapel/Mt Olive Charge in Woodbine) has been found to have two bad discs in her neck and will have fusion surgery on Friday. Prayers are needed for a successful surgery and recovery. Well wishes can be sent to <a href="mailto:amonroejr@hotmail.com">amonroejr@hotmail.com</a>.<br />
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Mrs. Martha Ann Bishop (wife of James Bishop – pastor at Goshen UMC) had both knees replaced about 2 weeks go. Well wishes can be sent to jabmab1@comcast.net.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-26622563240152921872011-03-17T11:14:00.001-04:002011-03-17T11:15:47.944-04:00<strong>Tips on welcoming new comers to your church</strong><br />
This information is from the Lewis Center which should be helpful as your church welcomes folks to worship. <a href="http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2011/110316_article.html">www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2011/110316_article.html</a><br />
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Hope you and your local church finds the suggestions helpful.<br />
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<strong>Prodigal Worship – Last change to register</strong><br />
Today is your last chance to register for Prodigal Worship Conference. If you are looking for assistance in creating worship that provides 180-degree change by transforming individuals, congregations and communities, you won’t want to miss the Prodigal Worship Conference. The day is filled with dynamic speakers, 19 powerful and practical workshops and a number of resources to empower you to build life-transforming worshipping communities. <br />
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Registration price is $119 at Glen Mar UMC. Learn more about our speakers and register at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/prodigalworship">www.bwcumc.org/prodigalworship</a>.<br />
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<strong>Discipleship Academy</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered April 9 and 16 at the Conference Center. Detailed information can be found on <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy</a>. Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
Registration closes on March 26 for the April 9 and 16 classes in the Central Maryland District. Please be sure to register on Gateway as soon as you can. Please share this information with your congregation!<br />
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<strong>Help Needed in New Jersey</strong><br />
New Jersey needs help. Three northern communities are under water. All UMCOR ERT trained workers are asked to contact Rev. Jay DeMent for possible 3-day deployment the week of March 21.<br />
Anyone not trained is invited to register for the class this Saturday 8am - 4pm at St. John's UMC Lutherville. Upon completion class members will receive a certified UMCOR identification badge. The cost is $25. To register contact Jay at 410-790-8935.<br />
<br />
<strong>Special Sunday</strong><br />
Our next Special Sunday is April 3rd. This one is really critical. It's for One Great Hour of Sharing which basically underwrites the "costs of doing business" for UMCOR so that 100% of donations go to projects (like Japan). Graphics are found under <a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3904011/k.CDAA/Special_Sundays__One_Great_Hour_of_Sharing__Support_Materials.htm">http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3904011/k.CDAA/Special_Sundays__One_Great_Hour_of_Sharing__Support_Materials.htm</a>.<br />
<br />
Here is a bit more about One Great Hour of Sharing:<br />
<br />
Dear Friends: <br />
Every year you are there, sharing hope through your congregation's generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing. Contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing underwrite United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) "costs of doing business," so that every penny of every gift made to a specific UMCOR project will be spent on that project-not on office administrative costs.<br />
<br />
Your support of One Great Hour of Sharing enables UMCOR to respond to natural or human made disasters. Without you we would not be able to continue this important ministry of The United Methodist Church.<br />
<br />
In 2011, in many churches around the country, One Great Hour of Sharing will be celebrated on April 3, 2011. We are asking you to please encourage increased giving from your congregation so that UMCOR can do more to offer restoration, healing and hope to the many people in need around the world. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering makes UMCOR’s ministries available in the United States and across the globe. It is on your behalf that UMCOR works to alleviate human suffering in more than 80 countries. Jesus teaches us to bring healing and restoration wherever we can. That's what you and your congregation do through the work of UMCOR and your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing. Please encourage your congregations to give generously to this vital work.<br />
Thank you for your ongoing investment in our mission through One Great Hour of Sharing. If you would like more information about how this offering allows UMCOR to reach out to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, call (888) 346-3862 today. For liturgical resources, please visit One Great Hour of Sharing at <a href="http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/give/oghs/?tr=y&auid=7911196">http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/give/oghs/?tr=y&auid=7911196</a>.<br />
<br />
Grace and peace,<br />
<br />
The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey<br />
Deputy General Secretary<br />
United Methodist Committee on Relief<br />
<br />
<strong>Annual Conference Registration Now Open!</strong><br />
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2011 Annual Conference of The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church is now open. Again this year, the conference will be held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore Maryland and will be on Thursday through Saturday, May 26 – 28, 2011. Six pre-conference workshops are scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Detailed information about the conference and workshops can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview</a>.<br />
<br />
Registration closes on April 8, 2011. <br />
<br />
Details regarding the arrangements for the Ordination at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church on Friday, May 27, 2011 are still being worked out. You are encouraged to check the BWC website regularly as we expect to add new features and will continually provide updates on important information regarding the conference schedule along with other details as they are made available. <br />
<br />
We’re looking forward to having a spiritually renewing conference this year as we “Connect as One.” <br />
<br />
<strong>“Prepare for Heaven in 2011” – Stewardship Workshop</strong><br />
A Stewardship Workshop on: Planned Giving, Wills and Legacy Giving. Promote Transformational Giving at your Church!<br />
The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation is sponsoring a two-part Pre Conference workshop:<br />
<br />
Who: Endowment, Trustees, Treasurers, Stewardship, Mission, Outreach and Finance committee members or anyone interested in learning about Stewardship. (You do not need to be attending Annual conference to attend). <br />
<br />
What: Session A. Planned Giving<br />
Session B. Wills and Legacy Giving<br />
<br />
Where: Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202<br />
When: Wednesday May 25th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Workshop is part of Pre Annual Conference). <br />
<br />
How: To Register, go to the conference link at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/">http://www.bwcumc.org/</a>.<br />
<br />
Questions on registering? Call 410-309-3491.Deadline for Registering April 8th on Website.<br />
<br />
<strong>PASTOR’S FORUM – EMERGENCY APPEAL TO HELP WOMEN VETERANS</strong><br />
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 AM<br />
Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
800 11th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002<br />
202-397-1562<br />
<br />
The Pastor’s Forum is sponsored by the Urban Connection of Greater Washington, a group of 13 United Methodist Churches, who have opened their doors to service meet the needs by providing essential services and programs. We are asking for your support. Many women Veterans experience mental and physical trauma during their deployment or military service. The number of homeless women is increasing and a great number are unable to find employment post deployment, as a result, they are losing their children. <br />
<br />
Currently, there are 13 Women Veterans Resource Center satellites in the Washington area offering a variety of services for women Veterans. We are asking churches of all denominations to join in this ministry of serving women Veterans and their families by becoming a satellite. <br />
<br />
The Women Veterans Resource Center satellites allow us to minister to these women Veterans with counseling, food, career clothing closet, job readiness skills, housing, drama therapy, computer services and a host of other services.<br />
<br />
The Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnership, the Mayor’s Executive Office of Veterans Affairs, the Center for Minority Veterans, the Veteran History Project and other Veteran Agencies are working collaboratively with us to provide information on services available to our women Veterans, and how to access these resources. Our goal is to have you, our churches adequately informed so that you churches can pick up a part of the responsibility to help our women Veterans and their families.<br />
<br />
STAND WITH US......<br />
<br />
......We are called of God to serve the least, last and the lost.....<br />
<br />
<strong>Celebration Service for David Argo</strong><br />
<br />
Join us as we celebrate A. David Argo as he completes eight years of service as District Superintendent for the Washington Region. <br />
<br />
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 3 p.m.<br />
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
3401 Nebraska Ave, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20016<br />
<br />
Light refreshments will be served. <br />
<br />
Cards or letters of appreciation can be sent to Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.<br />
<br />
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 30, 2011 to the Washington Region at <a href="mailto:washregion@bwcumc.org">washregion@bwcumc.org</a>. A formal invitation will be sent out in the next week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Prayer Requests (Due to an issue with Google Blogspot – it won’t let me update the prayer listing without crashing the program. Until this is resolved, the prayer requests will be listed in the regular section of the blog.)</strong><br />
Please pray for the following:<br />
<br />
Mrs. Martha Ann Bishop (wife of James Bishop – pastor at Goshen UMC) had both knees replaced about 2 weeks go. Well wishes can be sent to jabmab1@comcast.net.<br />
<br />
Virginia Wilson passed away Friday night. She was the wife of the late Rev. John Wilson. The funeral was held at Damascus UMC on Wednesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. with internment at Parkwood Cemetery in Baltimore. Condolences can be sent to Ginger Wilson, 19621 Gunners Branch Road, Apt D, Germantown, MD 20876.<br />
<br />
Rev. Michelle Holmes Chaney’s Aunt Lily Williams, 89, passed away Saturday morning. Michelle is the associate pastor at Wesley Freedom in Eldersburg. The funeral was held in New York on March 16. Condolences can be sent to Michelle at mhchaney@wesleyfreedom.org.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-722902465005240562011-03-01T10:03:00.000-05:002011-03-01T10:03:57.322-05:00<strong>Discipleship Academy</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered this March and April. Detailed information can be found on <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/discipleship-academy</a>. Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
Registration closes on March 5 for the March 19 and 26 classes in the Greater Washington District. Please be sure to register on Gateway as soon as you can. A flyer was sent out last week and yesterday to all pastors and churches. Please share this information with your congregation!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Annual Conference Registration Now Open!</strong><br />
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2011 Annual Conference of The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church is now open. Again this year, the conference will be held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore Maryland and will be on Thursday through Saturday, May 26 – 28, 2011. Six pre-conference workshops are scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Detailed information about the conference and workshops can be found at <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/2011annualconferenceoverview</a>.<br />
We encourage you to take advantage of early-bird registration rates through March 8, 2011. Registration closes on April 8, 2011. <br />
<br />
Details regarding the arrangements for the Ordination at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church on Friday, May 27, 2011 are still being worked out. You are encouraged to check the BWC website regularly as we expect to add new features and will continually provide updates on important information regarding the conference schedule along with other details as they are made available. <br />
We’re looking forward to having a spiritually renewing conference this year as we “Connect as One.” <br />
<br />
<strong>Dare to Imagine Art Contest</strong><br />
Imagine what the world would be like if there was no more malaria, no more suffering or death because of a mosquito. Imagine there being clean water in a third world country safe to drink. Imagine how we get there from here—how would you tell that story? <br />
<br />
Children and youth grades K-12 are invited to participate in an art contest to help illustrate what the world would be like if there was no more malaria. Sunday school classes, youth groups and individuals alike are all invited to join in. <br />
<br />
It’s more than a one-of-a-kind piece of art, it’s more than buying a net, it’s more than saving one child from this deadly disease, it’s “nets plus”— prevention, education, medication and treatment across all of Africa as mosquitoes know no borders. <br />
<br />
Can you imagine what the world will look like if we synergize all of those components together to rid malaria from this earth? <br />
<br />
Ages Groups<br />
• Elementary school grades K-2 <br />
• Elementary school grades 3-5<br />
• Middle School grades 6-8<br />
• High School grades 9-12 <br />
<br />
There will be one winner from each age group. Each winner will receive: <br />
• A cash donation to “Imagine No Malaria” in their name <br />
• Imagine No Malaria t-shirt <br />
• Lunch with Bishop John Schol <br />
<br />
The contest will run February 1 through April 11, 2011 and the winners will be announced on World Malaria Day, April 25, 2011. <br />
<br />
All entries should be submitted to: <br />
Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC <br />
11711 East Market Place<br />
Fulton, MD 20759<br />
Attn: Imagine No Malaria Art Contest <br />
<br />
Each art piece should not exceed 11”x14” and the student’s name, grade, church name and church phone number should be attached to each piece of art. A registration form should also be completed and sent in with the art work. <br />
<br />
We encourage creativity and therefore any medium is welcome— paper or canvas with watercolors, charcoal, oils, color pencils, pencil, chalk, markers, photography, etc. Please remember to have students sign their art pieces. <br />
<br />
Please note that all art submitted will become the property of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to be sold at The Annual Conference in May with all proceeds going to the Imagine No Malaria campaign. For more information contact Jo Chesson at jchesson@bwcumc.org. <br />
<br />
<strong>Special Sundays Information</strong><br />
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) (April 3, 2011) is one of the six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. OGHS enables the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to live out its mission to alleviate human suffering. <br />
<br />
UMCOR is the humanitarian arm of The United Methodist Church. OGHS gifts underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” meaning that every penny of every gift you make to a specific UMCOR project will be spent on that project—not on office administrative costs. This enables UMCOR to respond to natural or human made disasters. <br />
<br />
The OGHS offering makes ministries available in the United State and across the globe. In 81 countries in all, you assure the United Methodist Church is in the lead to alleviate suffering through OGHS.<br />
<br />
Restoration. Healing. Hope. Jesus teaches us to bring healing and restoration wherever we can. That’s what you and your congregation do through the work of UMCOR.<br />
<br />
Join United Methodists everywhere by encouraging your congregation to participate in the special offering that supports UMCOR’s vital work. Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing lay the foundation for UMCOR to bring restoration, healing and hope for tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Call (888) 346-3862 today to order envelopes and other resources so your congregation can participate in this church-wide offering. They will be sent at no cost to your church! Find more at <a href="http://www.umcgiving.org/specialsundays">www.umcgiving.org/specialsundays</a>. <br />
<strong>MissionInsite Training – New Demographics Tool</strong><br />
MissionInsite is a powerful, new online tool to help equip congregations with information about their community demographics. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has purchased a subscription for this tool for all local churches in the conference. With this tool you will receive desktop, web-based access to demographic data to help you grow your congregations and enhance your ministries. In addition you will have:<br />
• flexible web-based information system<br />
• comprehensive socioeconomic and lifestyle data<br />
• interactive mapping platform<br />
• responsive system to answer individual questions<br />
• strategic information resource for ministry<br />
You’re invited to attend a free training that will help get you started with this user-friendly and versatile tool. Peter Wernett, co-owner of MissionInsite, will train you at three convenient locations: <br />
<br />
May 18 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Washington and Baltimore Region Clergy and Laity)<br />
Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center<br />
11711 East Market Place<br />
Fulton, MD 20759<br />
<br />
May 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Western Region Clergy and Laity)<br />
Emmanuel UMC<br />
802 Summit Ave <br />
Hagerstown MD, 21740 <br />
<br />
May 19 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Annapolis-Southern Region Clergy and Laity)<br />
Mt. Oak UMC<br />
14110 Mount Oak Rd <br />
Mitchellville MD, 20721-1208 <br />
<br />
Registrations are required to attend this free training. Please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/missioninsite">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/missioninsite</a> and click on the register now for training link at the bottom of the page.<br />
<br />
<strong>PASTOR’S FORUM – EMERGENCY APPEAL TO HELP WOMEN VETERANS</strong><br />
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 AM<br />
Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
800 11th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002<br />
202-397-1562<br />
<br />
The Pastor’s Forum is sponsored by the Urban Connection of Greater Washington, a group of 13 United Methodist Churches, who have opened their doors to service meet the needs by providing essential services and programs. We are asking for your support. Many women Veterans experience mental and physical trauma during their deployment or military service. The number of homeless women is increasing and a great number are unable to find employment post deployment, as a result, they are losing their children. <br />
<br />
Currently, there are 13 Women Veterans Resource Center satellites in the Washington area offering a variety of services for women Veterans. We are asking churches of all denominations to join in this ministry of serving women Veterans and their families by becoming a satellite. <br />
<br />
The Women Veterans Resource Center satellites allow us to minister to these women Veterans with counseling, food, career clothing closet, job readiness skills, housing, drama therapy, computer services and a host of other services.<br />
<br />
The Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnership, the Mayor’s Executive Office of Veterans Affairs, the Center for Minority Veterans, the Veteran History Project and other Veteran Agencies are working collaboratively with us to provide information on services available to our women Veterans, and how to access these resources. Our goal is to have you, our churches adequately informed so that you churches can pick up a part of the responsibility to help our women Veterans and their families.<br />
STAND WITH US......<br />
<br />
......We are called of God to serve the least, last and the lost.....<br />
<strong>Celebration Service for David Argo</strong><br />
Join us as we celebrate A. David Argo as he completes eight years of service as District Superintendent for the Washington Region. <br />
<br />
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 3 p.m.<br />
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
3401 Nebraska Ave, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20016<br />
<br />
Light refreshments will be served. <br />
<br />
Cards or letters of appreciation can be sent to Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.<br />
<br />
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 30, 2011 to the Washington Region at washregion@bwcumc.org.<br />
<br />
<strong>Renewal 2011</strong><br />
This is a great way to train and support worship arts leaders (musicians, worship committees, preachers) in the local church.<br />
<br />
Journey to the Mountain<br />
July 11-14, 2011<br />
Colorado Springs, CO<br />
For more information, go to <a href="http://www.umfellowship.org/Convocation">www.UMFellowship.org/Convocation</a>.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-36704381855264241942011-02-22T13:11:00.000-05:002011-02-22T13:12:57.901-05:00<strong>Watoto Children’s Choir (From Kampala, Uganda)</strong><br />
The Watoto Children’s Choir will be performing on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Brighter Day United Methodist Church (Congress Heights Campus), 421 Alabama Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20032. Everyone is invited to attend. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Discipleship Academy</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered this March and April. Detailed information can be found on:<br />
<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington</a>(lay speaking) or <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington</a> (church leadership) <br />
<br />
Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
Registration closes on March 5 for the March 19 and 26 classes in the Greater Washington District. Please be sure to register on Gateway as soon as you can. A flyer was sent out last week to all pastors and churches. Please share this information with your congregation!<br />
<br />
<strong>ERT Training</strong><br />
The Washington Region of the The Baltimore Washington Conference needs YOU to Volunteer to be Trained as an ERT Member.<br />
What is an ERT? An ERT is an Early Response Team. <br />
<br />
What does an ERT do?<br />
• Provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster.<br />
• Takes steps to prevent further damage to a person’s property. i.e. tarping, chain saw work, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, manage donated materials, observe survivors’ needs, etc.<br />
Training is March 5, 2011 Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm at <br />
Fairhaven United Methodist Church<br />
12801 Darnestown Road<br />
Darnestown, MD<br />
Fellowship Hall<br />
To register contact Rev. Gerry Green at 301-330-9828 or <a href="mailto:therevjr@msn.com">therevjr@msn.com</a> of your interest to attend. He will answer any questions, provide the details, and sign you up for the training. Registration ends February 28, 2011.<br />
Cost: $25 for training which will include a background check<br />
<br />
Who can register : YOU if 18 or older and interested in being trained and certified to respond to natural disasters within in the Baltimore-Washington Conference or by invitation to other conferences.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PASTOR’S FORUM – EMERGENCY APPEAL TO HELP WOMEN VETERANS</strong><br />
<br />
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 AM<br />
Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
800 11th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002<br />
202-397-1562<br />
The Pastor’s Forum is sponsored by the Urban Connection of Greater Washington, a group of 13 United Methodist Churches, who have opened their doors to service meet the needs by providing essential services and programs. We are asking for your support. Many women Veterans experience mental and physical trauma during their deployment or military service. The number of homeless women is increasing and a great number are unable to find employment post deployment, as a result, they are losing their children. <br />
<br />
Currently, there are 13 Women Veterans Resource Center satellites in the Washington area offering a variety of services for women Veterans. We are asking churches of all denominations to join in this ministry of serving women Veterans and their families by becoming a satellite. <br />
<br />
The Women Veterans Resource Center satellites allow us to minister to these women Veterans with counseling, food, career clothing closet, job readiness skills, housing, drama therapy, computer services and a host of other services.<br />
<br />
The Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnership, the Mayor’s Executive Office of Veterans Affairs, the Center for Minority Veterans, the Veteran History Project and other Veteran Agencies are working collaboratively with us to provide information on services available to our women Veterans, and how to access these resources. Our goal is to have you, our churches adequately informed so that you churches can pick up a part of the responsibility to help our women Veterans and their families.<br />
<br />
STAND WITH US......<br />
<br />
......We are called of God to serve the least, last and the lost.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Celebration Service for A. David Argo</strong><br />
Join us as we celebrate A. David Argo as he completes eight years of service as District Superintendent for the Washington Region. <br />
<br />
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 3 p.m.<br />
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church<br />
3401 Nebraska Ave, NW<br />
Washington, DC 20016<br />
<br />
Light refreshments will be served. <br />
Cards or letters of appreciation can be sent to Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.<br />
<br />
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Mary 30, 2011 to the Washington Region at <a href="mailto:washregion@bwcumc.org">washregion@bwcumc.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Renewal 2011</strong><br />
This is a great way to train and support worship arts leaders (musicians, worship committees, preachers) in the local church.<br />
<br />
Journey to the Mountain<br />
July 11-14, 2011<br />
Colorado Springs, CO<br />
<br />
For more information, go to <a href="http://www.umfellowship.org/Convocation">www.UMFellowship.org/Convocation</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>“Nothing but Nets” Expands Imagine No Malaria </strong><br />
The BWC campaign has expanded into the dominion wide campaign called . . . Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church to eliminate death and suffering from malaria in Africa by 2015. Imagine No Malaria is our next step in the fight against this killer disease. <br />
The collective embrace of Nothing But Nets has shown we have the capacity to do more. Think of Imagine No Malaria as “Nets Plus.” God has provided an opportunity to rethink how we reach beyond our church and connect with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and that opportunity is Imagine No Malaria. <br />
“Plus” means a comprehensive approach to empower an entire continent to eliminate death and suffering from malaria. Because malaria knows no borders in Africa, we are taking a comprehensive approach to help blanket the continent.<br />
<br />
־ Prevention: Continue to provide life-saving bed nets through Nothing But Nets. We will also work to break the mosquito life-cycle by draining water whenever possible. <br />
־ Education: We will train community health workers to reach and teach people in rural areas with critical information to flight malaria. <br />
־ Communication: Where TV and newspapers are not available, we will help deliver messages of hope and healing through radio and cell phones. <br />
־ Treatment: We increase access-to-quality-care by equipping hospitals and improving health infrastructure to adequately serve the needs of the communities. <br />
<br />
We work with partners like the United Nations Foundation, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the people of Africa to achieve a sustainable victory over malaria. <br />
<br />
NOTE: Resources to help share information about this ministry are available on the BWC website. You will find hands-on activities, flyers, bulletin covers, posters, newsletter ads, a training presentation and much more. <br />
<br />
How is your church making a difference through Imagine No Malaria? We'd love to hear how you are serving in this ministry. E-mail czimmerman@bwcumc.org with your story. <br />
Donations checks can be made payable to “BWCUMC” but in the memo line please put “Imagine No Malaria” and mail it to the BWC Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Questions about taxes, W-2 forms and I-9’s?</strong><br />
If you have questions about taxes, W-2 forms and I-9’s, please go to http://www.gcfa.org/ls_CTP.html. We suggest you access the information from GCFA then contact accounting professionals for any additional information.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Updating Leadership in Gateway</strong><br />
It is very important the all new leaders be assigned to your church in Gateway. To do this, you will need to log into Gateway and then click on Committee Overview. Then click on Committee Participation and Update. Then Local Church Leadership Committee. For more information on how to make changes to your Leadership Committee, you can go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/gateway-resources">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/gateway-resources</a> and click on the Introduction To Gateway Manual.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Free Resource: Guide to Business Digital Etiquette</strong><br />
A fellow member of PAUMCS (Professional Association of United Methodist Church) shared this link to this Guide to Business Digital Etiquette. The guide touches on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, teleconferencing and more. It has some good information that we can keep in mind for personnel policy manuals, when speaking to small groups, and more. To access the guide, go to <a href="http://www.officeteam.com/candidatefreeresources">www.officeteam.com/candidatefreeresources</a> and click on the listed link.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-18258555737919774252011-02-15T11:02:00.000-05:002011-02-15T11:02:29.357-05:00<strong>Questions about taxes, W-2 forms and I-9’s?</strong><br />
If you have questions about taxes, W-2 forms and I-9’s, please go to <a href="http://www.gcfa.org/ls_CTP.html">http://www.gcfa.org/ls_CTP.html</a>. We suggest you access the information from GCFA and contact accounting professionals for any additional information you may need. <br />
<br />
<strong>Updating Leadership in Gateway</strong><br />
It is very important the all new leaders be assigned to your church in Gateway. To do this, you will need to log into Gateway and then click on Committee Overview. Then click on Committee Participation and Update. Then Local Church Leadership Committee. For more information on how to make changes to your Leadership Committee, you can go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/content/gateway-resources">http://www.bwcumc.org/content/gateway-resources</a> and click on the Introduction To Gateway Manual.<br />
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<strong>Worship Design Studio: (Update on logging in)</strong><br />
If you have not signed up yet, here is the information you need. The BWC has paid for the year subscription to this service, so it is free to you. Remember to use the coupon code below when you sign up. This is information from an email sent out to all pastors and churches in December. Many of you have already signed up but many of you have not done so yet. Please do so as soon as you can. We do want folks to take advantage of this service. Later in the year we will be contacting you to learn if you did find the resources useful in your ministry. <br />
The website address is: <a href="http://www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm">http://www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm</a>. <strong><em>Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “ click here to subscribe online”. When you log in you will be asked for a coupon code</em></strong>. Once you enter this the website will recognize you as a member of BWC and will allow you to continue with your log in and proceed. The coupon code is: D8355E3F9F. <br />
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<strong>Discipleship Academy</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered this March and April. <br />
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Detailed information can be found on:<br />
<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington</a> (lay speaking) or <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington</a> (church leadership) <br />
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Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
<strong>Clergywomen’s Consultation</strong><br />
The NEJ Clergywomen's Consultation is scheduled for February 27 - March 2, 2011 (Pre-conference Racial/Ethnic Clergywomen's Forum starts on February 26) at the Lancaster Host & Conference Center in Lancaster, PA. You can print the brochure and register online at <a href="http://www.epaumc.org/nejclergywomen">http://www.epaumc.org/nejclergywomen</a>.<br />
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<strong>"Domestic Violence: Legacy? Choice? Faith Communities Respond to Abusers"</strong><br />
The Interfaith Community Against Domestic Violence (IFCADV) 13th Annual<br />
March 30, 2011 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br />
The People's Community Baptist Church<br />
31 Norwood Rd<br />
Silver Spring, MD 20905<br />
<br />
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Donald Pfouts, "The Making of an Abuser"<br />
Workshops to include:<br />
* Female offenders<br />
* Abusers as parents<br />
* Lethality Assessment Training for clergy<br />
* Victims: How Faith Communities can help<br />
* Sexual Abuse in Domestic Violence<br />
<br />
CEU's available.<br />
Early Registration Deadline Feb. 11- $60<br />
Full Registration- $75<br />
Walk-ins $85<br />
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For more information go to <a href="http://www.ifcadv.org/">http://www.ifcadv.org/</a> or call 240-777-4203.<br />
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<strong>Are You Planning on Starting A New Worship Service? </strong><br />
On March 10, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Andy Lunt will offer a workshop on the nuts and bolts of effective start-ups .5 CEU's will be offered. Location is Fallston UMC, 1509 Fallston Road, Fallston, MD. <br />
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Please email <a href="mailto:scockrell@bwcumc.org">scockrell@bwcumc.org</a> to reserve a spot. A fee of $15 will be collected at the door for lunch and refreshments.<br />
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<strong>VIM LEADERSHIP TRAINING - MARCH 19, 2011 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.</strong><br />
VIM Leadership Training will be held at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD on March 19, 2011 from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. This is a free event with registration for lunch. Special guest is Greg Forrester, UMVIM NEJ Coordinator. <br />
A free-will offering will be accepted. To register go online at the BWC website <a href="http://bwcumc.org/microsites/f/events">http://bwcumc.org/microsites/f/events</a> or contact Neil Moores at neilbmoores@gmail.com or call Sandy Ferguson at 410-309-3431 or Olivia Gross at 410-309-3430.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2788841004028875311.post-66160069747348839312011-02-08T15:13:00.000-05:002011-02-08T15:13:27.591-05:00<strong>2010 Apportionments</strong><br />
The finance department has been reviewing the 2010 apportionment results. We would like to finalize this information for reporting. Please review your 2010 apportionment payment status and if you find any discrepancies let us know. Please respond by Friday at noon to <a href="mailto:pkhanna@bwcumc.org">pkhanna@bwcumc.org</a> with any discrepancies.<br />
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<strong>Wading Through Many Voices: Toward a Theology of Public Conversation</strong><br />
Edited by Harold J. Recinos (Harold is an elder in the Conference and now at SMU in Texas.) <br />
A stirring performance of the complex solidarity of difference, this conversation models a fresh honesty for 21st century political theology in the USA. The authors, unafraid of the tensions between pluralism and the common good, lead us beyond competing identities into the creativity of a thriving manifold.—Catherine Keller, professor of constructive theology, Drew University; author of God and Power; On the Mystery <br />
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Wading through Many Voices brings together the voices of Latino/a, African American, Asian American, Native American, and Euro-American scholars to produce a dialogue of public theology: how faith-communities, divided by race, class, ethnicity, and gender, can find a common ground for life together. The authors articulate a multiethnic perspective on public theology that counters the divisive identity politics of U.S. public life with systematic thinking that strengthens the commitment to critically transform social relations in light of a shared vision of public good.<br />
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The contributors develop a shared public theology that addresses social divisions while offering readers a broad vision to collaborate and struggle for an improved understanding of the common good for our pluralistic society. In light of emerging social issues, the contributors suggest that a fundamental respect for difference is a required first value for living together in a common social and political space. <br />
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About the Authors & Editors: Harold Recinos is professor of Church and Society at Southern Methodist University. <br />
$59.95 Cloth 1-4422-0583-0 978-1-4422-0583-3 <br />
Mar 2011 <br />
372 pp.<br />
<br />
$59.95 <br />
Electronic <br />
1-4422-0585-7 978-1-4422-0585-7 <br />
Mar 2011 <br />
To order the book, go to <a href="http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=1442205830">http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=1442205830</a><br />
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<strong>Gateway records</strong><br />
IMPORTANT NOTE: Sometimes it happens that pastor’s names get changed in Gateway when the pastor logs into Gateway and then attempts to register a lay person for an event and in the process puts that lay person’s name in the field that says “Badge name”. When that happens, the badge name becomes the name on the record. This not only changes the record in Gateway but also changes the name in pension and medical benefits as well. <br />
If you have a lay person who needs to register for an event and that person does not have an account, please have them create their own account and then register. Creating an account is free and takes little time. If the person is not comfortable using a computer, then you as a pastor or your church administrator can create an account for that person. Information to do that can be found on the BWC website; go to http://www.bwcumc.org/content/gateway-resources then click on the Introduction to the Gateway system 2010.<br />
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<strong>Worship Design Studio</strong><br />
If you have not signed up yet, here is the information you need. The BWC has paid for the year subscription to this service, so it is free to you. Remember to use the coupon code below when you sign up. This is information from an email sent out to all pastors and churches in December. Many of you have already signed up but many of you have not done so yet. Please do so as soon as you can. We do want folks to take advantage of this service. Later in the year we will be contacting you to learn if you did find the resources useful in your ministry. <br />
The website address is: <a href="http://www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm">http://www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm</a> When you log on you will be asked for a coupon code. Once you enter this the website will recognize you as a member of BWC and will allow you to continue with your log in and proceed. The coupon code is: D8355E3F9F. <br />
<strong>Interpreter Subscriptions</strong><br />
As UMCommunications has shared previously, each church is eligible to receive FIVE free print and FIVE free digital copies of Interpreter magazine courtesy of the World Service Fund. For the pastor and church leaders to receive the magazine; however, they must enroll. UMCom provides four easy ways for churches to enroll: <br />
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* Enroll online at http://www.umcom.org/subscriptions <br />
* Fax updated forms to (615) 742-5499 <br />
* Mail updated forms to Interpreter, P.O. Box 440229, Nashville, TN 37244-0229 <br />
* If there are no changes from last year’s enrollment, the pastor can simply e-mail “no change” to Customerservice@umcom.org <br />
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Since new church leaders in your church may have begun their terms January 1, you may want to update the subscription information so the new leaders will receive this helpful publication. If churches have problems with the process or have questions, please ask them call customer service at (888) 346-3862. <br />
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<strong>Discipleship Academy</strong><br />
Lay Speaking and classes on church leadership are being offered this March and April. <br />
<br />
Detailed information can be found at <br />
<a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/cls/clswashington</a> (lay speaking) or <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington">http://www.bwcumc.org/microsites/g/scl/sclwashington</a> (church leadership) <br />
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Registration is online. Due to space and food constraints, we will not allow walk-in registrations on the day of the event.<br />
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<strong>Prodigal Worship</strong><br />
April 2, 2011 at Glen Mar UMC from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This was a very successful program that was first offered last year. The expectation is that this second program will be as helpful to you and your church leaders as you work together to increase the effectiveness of the worship experiences offered by your local churches. Detailed information and registration can be found at: <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/prodigalworship">http://www.bwcumc.org/prodigalworship</a><br />
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Any questions should be directed to Christine Kumar ckumar@bwcumc.org. <br />
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<strong>Clergywomen’s Consultation</strong><br />
The NEJ Clergywomen's Consultation is scheduled for February 27 - March 2, 2011 (Pre-conference Racial/Ethnic Clergywomen's Forum starts on February 26) at the Lancaster Host & Conference Center in Lancaster, PA. You can print the brochure and register online at http://www.epaumc.org/nejclergywomen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>"Domestic Violence: Legacy? Choice? Faith Communities Respond to Abusers"</strong><br />
The Interfaith Community Against Domestic Violence (IFCADV) 13th Annual<br />
March 30, 2011 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br />
The People's Community Baptist Church<br />
31 Norwood Rd<br />
Silver Spring, MD 20905<br />
<br />
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Donald Pfouts, "The Making of an Abuser"<br />
<br />
Workshops to include:<br />
* Female offenders<br />
* Abusers as parents<br />
* Lethality Assessment Training for clergy<br />
* Victims: How Faith Communities can help<br />
* Sexual Abuse in Domestic Violence<br />
CEU's available.<br />
<br />
Early Registration Deadline Feb. 11- $60<br />
Full Registration- $75<br />
Walk-ins $85<br />
For more information go to <a href="http://www.ifcadv.org/">http://www.ifcadv.org/</a> or call 240-777-4203.<br />
<br />
<strong>Are You Planning on Starting A New Worship Service?</strong> <br />
On March 10, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Andy Lunt will offer a workshop on the nuts and bolts of effective start-ups .5 CEU's will be offered. Location is Fallston UMC, 1509 Fallston Road, Fallston, MD. <br />
Please email scockrell@bwcumc.org; to reserve a spot. A fee of $15 will be collected at the door for lunch and refreshments.<br />
<strong>“The King James Bible: Exploring Its Impact after 400 Years”</strong> <br />
Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, professor of biblical studies and practical theology, will address this topic as part of the “Fridays with the Faculty” series sponsored by the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University. The event, free and open to the public, will be held Friday, February 11 at 7 p.m. in Laubacher Hall on the St. Mary’s campus. Pre-registration is suggested. Call 410/864-4208, or email eisupport@stmarys.edu. <br />
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<strong>VIM LEADERSHIP TRAINING</strong> <br />
VIM Leadership Training will be held at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD on March 19, 2011 from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. This is a free event with registration for lunch. Special guest is Greg Forrester, UMVIM NEJ Coordinator. <br />
A free-will offering will be accepted. To register go online at the BWC website <a href="http://bwcumc.org/microsites/f/events">http://bwcumc.org/microsites/f/events</a> or contact Neil Moores at neilbmoores@gmail.com or call Sandy Ferguson at 410-309-3431 or Olivia Gross at 410-309-3430. <br />
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<strong>Please Make Sure to Use our NEW Address . . .</strong> <br />
We are still receiving quite a bit of mail at the Columbia address. The correct mailing address is: The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759-2594. This will greatly reduce the amount of mail that must be forwarded to our new address. Please share this with your Newsletter editors. Of course if sending in the apportionment payments that should still go to the PO Box in Baltimore. <br />
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<strong>Electronic Billing – Apportionments/Pension/Medical</strong><br />
It is expected that you will be getting medical and pension billing through the Gateway System. A monthly reminder will be sent via email. With the email reminder should also be an attachment describing how to access the payment history and make payments through gateway. This information has been sent with each electronic billing. The bills will be sent to the treasurer of record. NOTE: If you have a new treasurer or the treasurer’s email address has changed, please have the church’s gateway administrator make the appropriate changes, so that the church will receive the bills in a timely manner. <br />
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<strong>Washington Region Administrative Assistant</strong><br />
Darryl Campbell has left the Conference Center to continue his education full-time. We wish him well. <br />
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We are now in the process of accepting applications for the Administrative Assistant position. For more information, please go to <a href="http://www.bwcumc.org/employmentopportunities">http://www.bwcumc.org/employmentopportunities</a>. Resumes should be sent directly to Debbie Albrecht at dalbrecht@bwcumc.org.Washington Region Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605864841355757837noreply@blogger.com0