Global Methodism

Learning to Create New Ministries at School of Congregational Development

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:32:00 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 7, 2010/GBOD/ — The annual School of Congregational Development will bring together an outstanding group of speakers and workshop leaders on July 29-Aug. 2 to help United Methodist Church leaders learn to develop better disciple-making faith communities.

SCD 2010, sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship, Path 1 and the General Board of Global Ministries, will be held at the Renaissance Hotel and Nashville Convention Center and area churches.

“The School of Congregational Development is the one place where United Methodists gather together to learn to dream and to learn how to create new ministries,” said Craig K. Miller, Director of pastoral leadership for GBOD. “That's what makes it unique because we have bishops, district superintendents, conference leaders, pastors and laity all gathered together for the same purpose of learning together.”

The registration fee through July 1 is $425. After July 1, registration is $475.

Participants can choose from a variety of learning options which includes 16 Intensives, 25 Ministry Tracks, 11 Teaching Churches and 15 Workshops for Leader Development.

Plenary and worship leaders include:

Bishop Dick Wills of the Tennessee Annual Conference

Rev. Sharma Lewis, senior pastor at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, McDonough, Ga.

Rev. Sam Park, lead pastor at Community Church at Holliston, Pasadena, Calif.

Dr. David Owens, faculty director of the Professional Development Institute at Vanderbilt University in Nashville

Rev. Rudy Rasmus, pastor of St. John’s Downtown Church, Houston

Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, pastor at CrossRoads United Methodist Church, Phoenix

Dr. Tony Campolo, author and professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa.

Sessions will meet on Thursday to Saturday at the Nashville Convention Center and McKendree United Methodist Church in downtown Nashville. Participants will visit teaching churches in the area on Sunday morning, and Brentwood United Methodist Church will host workshops on Monday.

On Sunday evening, participants will join people from area churches for special music and worship to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s work in Haiti and flood relief for Nashville and the surrounding area at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Campolo will speak and music will be provided by recording artist Richie McDonald, former lead singer with the group Lonestar, and the choir from Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church.

SCD was developed by the General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Global Ministries originally to work with new churches and over the years has developed strategies to also work with bishops, district superintendents, conference leaders and local churches. In the past 15 years, the school has grown from about 10 attendees to more than 600 last year in Chicago.

The Nashville event will be hosted by the Tennessee Conference, McKendree UMC and Brentwood UMC.

For online registration, go to www.scdumc.org. For questions, contact Deborah Carvin at GBOD by phone at 877-899-2780 Ext. 7051 or by e-mail at dcarvin@gbod.org.

Research Shows Support for Four Areas of Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:37:00 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN: Research conducted by United Methodist Communications on behalf of the Connectional Table reveals widespread denominational support for the Church’s four Areas of Focus, adopted by the 2008 General Conference.

“The research shows that most respondents believe that the Areas of Focus are very important for the church,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “But we also heard that knowledge about the areas is still somewhat limited.”

"General Conference affirmed the four Areas of Focus because they are essential areas of ministry most of our vital local churches are already doing,” said Bishop John Hopkins, chair of the Connectional Table. “It is more important that we do the work than know the language of the areas of focus. Our heartwarming response to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile demonstrates that United Methodists understand the importance of sharing the love of Jesus Christ to those who are poor and without adequate medical care."

Support is uniformly strong for three of the four areas: engaging in ministry with the poor, developing principled Christian leaders, and creating new places for new people/revitalizing existing congregations. Fewer people indicated that combating diseases of poverty is very important for the denomination, although many who indicated that initiatives are not important said they lacked enough information to have an opinion.

Although respondents reported limited knowledge of the four Areas of Focus, they indicated greater familiarity, however, with initiatives affiliated with the areas, including the Nothing But Nets anti-malaria initiative and the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign.
Survey participants reported that their local churches are active in many of the areas associated with the Areas of Focus, including 54 percent of pastors who said that their church had participated in Nothing But Nets during the last year.
“This feedback reveals opportunities to align the messaging of the church more closely with the positive work it is doing,” said Hollon.
Hollon points to a survey question that asked respondents if their church understands the concept of connectionalism. Just 18 percent of pastors, 14 percent of leaders, and 12 percent of members agreed strongly that their church understands connectionalism.
“As a connectional church, we are united by a common mission and governance that allow us to reach into the world as the hands and feet of Christ,” said Hollon. “This research points to the need to build understanding about the connection by communicating how it extends our reach and the scale of our abilities to create change as followers of Jesus. The connectional reach of The United Methodist Church empowers each of us to achieve more together than we could achieve individually or as a single congregation. It makes us much bigger than ourselves, able to do much greater work.”

The study, conducted in December 2009, includes survey results from 2,895 pastors, 805 church leaders, and 1,416 members.

Rethink Church and Charting the Course to be held at Lake Junaluska

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:57:00 +0000

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Do you long for your church to “rethink” its mission? Do you want change and growth to be evident in your part of God’s Kingdom? This April, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will host the Rethink Church workshop which poses the question, “What if Church was a verb?” Rethink Church will be held in combination with Charting the Course, another workshop designed to give attendees specific tools and ideas to reshape the way their church invites, welcomes, and reaches out. Rethink Church and Charting the Course will be held from April 25-29, and those interested have the option of attending either workshop or both.

“I hope participants will take away practical information and practices to put into use in their local churches to make them more welcoming and to learn how to become more inviting,” said Rethink Church leader Reverend Mark Barden, Western North Carolina Conference Director of Communications. Workshop training will cover the areas of welcoming, connecting, and identifying. Barden sees the workshop as “a catalyst that moves the denomination…into dialogue – and ultimately, into transformative, collaborative action.” In addition to answering the question “What if Church was a verb?”, the workshop will “[prod] us to consider church as more about what we do than simply a place to go on Sunday mornings. Grounded in Wesleyan theology, Rethink Church encourages us to move beyond the walls of the church and engage those outside the walls in the action of Christ in the world.” Similarly, Charting the Course will offer practical ways these ideals can be put into play in the Church.

Rethink Church and Charting the Course will feature several leaders, each of whom have experience in discipleship and facilitating personal and church growth. Leading Rethink Church in addition to Reverend Mark Barden of Western North Carolina staff will be Reverend Ms. Dawn Hand, Associate Pastor of Matthews United Methodist Church; and Reverend Mr. Gregg Plott, Pastor of Warrensville Charge and Chair of WNCC Commission on Communications. Leading Charting the Course will be the Reverend Ms. Donna Gaither, who has served as Christian educator and currently serves on the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Gaither also helped develop the Charting the Course materials with the Little Rivers Conference in Illinois.

Registration fees vary from $70-$85 for early registration, depending on workshop or workshops being attended. After April 1, late registration fees apply and prices vary from $85-$100. More information about the retreats, leaders, and registration can be found at www.lakejunaluska.com/charting, where a printable brochure and lodging information can also be found, or by contacting Pam Naplen at 828-454-6656.

United Methodists asked to participate in socially responsible investing survey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:23:00 +0000

General Conference task force seeks input.

United Methodists are invited to participate in an online survey about socially responsible investing.

The 2008 General Conference, the denomination’s highest policy-making body, established a task force to develop a common standard for determining investments to be avoided and those considered to have a positive social impact.

General Conference decreed that the standard should be consistent with the United Methodist Social Principles, and be applicable to both individual and institutional investors.

Byrd Bonner, executive director of the United Methodist Church Foundation (UMCF), convened the task force. It comprises representatives from the General Boards of Church & Society (GBCS), Global Ministries (GBGM), Pension & Health Benefits (GBPHB), General Council on Finance & Administration (GCFA) and the National Assn. of United Methodist Foundations.

“The task force recognizes that numerous other individuals and institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church invest funds,” Bonner said. “We want to ensure that the task force considers the opinions of as many UMC investors as possible.”

The task force developed a brief survey regarding investing practices and standards. “The survey is designed to assess where we are as a denomination in the area of socially responsible investing,” explained Wesley Paulson, editor of the survey. “Some investors follow a do-not-buy investment policy, while others seek to encourage engagement with corporations through shareholder advocacy.”

Paulson, who is chief financial officer of GBCS and the General Commission on Religion & Race, said the survey solicits information about types of socially responsible investing, methods used to determine investments in general, and actions that may stem from investment decisions. It also asks about social justice issues, including human rights issues, important to investors.

The survey should take no more than five minutes, according to Paulson. It is being handled through a secure server to ensure confidentiality of information.

To access the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1oaTQLcQDQqWw8xU3m5%2bNwJIn%2fEba%2fZe6JE0e28bGNI%3d&

Deadline to fill out the survey is March 10.

The task force will report its progress to the 2012 General Conference.

You may contact any task force member for more information.

Members of the Socially Responsible Investing Task Force besides Bonner and Paulson are the following: the Rev. Faith Fowler, GBCS board member; Dan Gara, treasurer, California-Pacific Conference and GCFA member; Bill Junk, president, Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation; the Rev. James Mentzer, director of planned giving, United Methodist Foundation (North Carolina); Vidette Bullock Mixon, GBPHB director corporate relations; Wayne Moy, GBGM associate treasurer and co-executive director, United Methodist Development Fund; John Redmond, GBGM board member; and Dave Zellner, GBPHB chief investment officer.

Bonner can be reached at (615) 308-9178 or bbonner@umcfoundation.org.

Shockley to Head New Church Development in the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:23:00 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 16, 2010 / GBOD / -- The Rev. Gary Shockley has been named executive officer for New Congregational Development in the U.S. for the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), where he will be leading the Path 1 Team, effective July 1, 2010.

Bishop Lindsey Davis, chair of the Path 1 Team; Bishop Charlene Kammerer, president of GBOD’s board of directors; and Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, General Secretary of GBOD, made the announcement.

Shockley, currently New Church Systems Strategist for Path 1, will succeed the Rev. Tom Butcher, who is taking an appointment in the Desert Southwest Conference beginning July 1, 2010. Butcher, who was appointed the first executive officer in 2007, will continue in the role through the end of June.

Shockley will lead the Path 1 staff, based at GBOD headquarters in Nashville, and will continue to work with Path 1 steering committee and the Council of Bishops toward the goal of building and implementing the denomination's collaborative effort to train 1,000 new church planters who will start 650 new churches by 2013.

“Gary has shown strong leadership in working toward this goal with Tom and the others on the Path 1 Team,” said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for GBOD.

“While we will miss Tom greatly as he moves to a new role in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference, we know that Gary will build on the success already demonstrated by the Path 1 Team.”

Shockley, who has served as a New Church Systems Strategist since February of 2009, began his service as a pastor in the United Methodist Church when he was 18.

In addition to more than 30 years of ministry, he has more than 12 years of experience in New Church Starts.

An elder in the Florida Annual Conference, he has a master’s of divinity degree, has an M.A., and lacks only his dissertation toward his doctorate in spiritual formation. A published author, he is also a strong verbal communicator. He also has experience as a leader in the annual School of Congregational Development.

“Gary brings specialized knowledge to the executive officer position with his extensive training and expertise in church consulting focusing on new church development, extensive fund development experience, visioning and strategic planning, new church design experience, team building with supervision experience and conflict resolution,” said Greenwaldt.

In making the announcement, Davis, Kammerer and Greenwaldt all pointed to the fact that as a New Church Systems Strategist, Shockley has been developing a nationwide coaching network, assessment resources, funding strategy workshops, annual conference contextualized consulting and numerous other resources.

They also note the work he’s doing to implement a coaching and training system for deploying 100 trained and endorsed Path 1 coaches to work with church planters. As New Church Systems Strategist, Shockley worked to organize the inaugural three-day Path 1 Coaching Forum held in January in Nashville.

Approximately 80 men and women from throughout the United States attended the forum that was conducted by 18 mentor-coaches, a diverse leadership group linked by their dedication to planting new United Methodist Churches throughout the United States.

The reason for initiating this event was that “planting new churches – now – is vital,” Shockley said at the time.

“We are doing a parallel thing at the School of Congregational Development each summer where we will focus on the other two key components of our coaching model -- consultation and facilitation,” he said.

The plan is for coach training to be carried out at both annual gatherings.

Shockley has played a key role in church growth as a pastor, consultant and coach and has been active in revitalizing existing congregations and planting new churches in Pennsylvania and in Florida.

His wife, Kim Shockley, is a consultant and facilitator who coaches pastors and mentors coaches in the Florida Annual Conference. They have two sons, Aaron and Jake.

GBOD’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.gbod.org for more information or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.

McCord Named to Campus Ministry Staff

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:50:00 +0000

General Secretary Jerome King Del Pino is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Michael McCord as director of Campus Ministry Resources and Training in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Division of Higher Education.

McCord joins GBHEM on May 1, upon the recommendation of the search team and approval of the appointment by Bishop James R. King.

Rev. Michael McCord

“With this appointment, we continue to strengthen the Board’s commitment to campus ministry and chaplaincy as integral to The United Methodist Church’s mission in higher education,” Del Pino said. “Michael brings unique gifts and experiences through his work as a founding campus minister at the Wesley Foundation at Mercer University, Macon State College, and Wesleyan College.”

McCord was appointed in 2002 to start a Wesley Foundation at Mercer University with a $10,000 grant. A small board was formed and three students were recruited. That Wesley Foundation now serves more than 260 students on three campuses in Macon, Ga.– Mercer, Macon State, and Wesleyan.

Through his work at the Wesley Foundation, McCord has gained an in-depth knowledge of the work involved in building, developing, and maintaining a fruitful campus ministry. He has used these experiences to mentor and train other campus ministers around the nation.

McCord has served as a consultant for two campus ministry events, the Retreat at Student Forum and the biennial United Methodist Campus Ministers Association gathering. An ordained elder in the South Georgia Annual Conference, he received a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercer University.

In his role as director of Campus Ministry Resources and Training, McCord will oversee the development of a comprehensive program for resource development and training of campus ministers and chaplains and continuing formation of campus ministry professionals. That includes development of materials for both print and electronic publication, training for new campus ministers and chaplains, and resources and training for annual conference Boards of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.

He will also work with international student movements to promote their effectiveness and develop resources that are relevant in multicultural settings across our global church. In addition, he will handle assignments associated with implementation of GBHEM’s Strategic Plan.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Jan. 28, 2010

On behalf of the Methodist Church in Haiti and the Haitian people, we thank you. Thank you all for your outpouring of love, support and Christian brotherhood in our great hour of need. Haiti has suffered a great tragedy, and to rebuild, recover and strengthen, it will take us all.

You have kept us in your prayers and we are grateful. You have sent donations through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We thank you for your generosity. You have expressed your selfless interest in volunteering your time to come to Haiti to help with the recovery effort and we look forward to welcoming you.

In the coming days and weeks, the Methodist Church in Haiti will complete an assessment of thedamage and communities impacted by the earthquake, and will prioritize areas for relief and rehabilitation in partnership with UMCOR. Teams of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission will be integral in the long-term recovery of the church and communities in Haiti, and opportunities will soon be available to come and help in meaningful ways.

In the short-term, the immediate needs of providing emergency aid of food, water, shelter and medical care are being addressed by UMCOR and a host of national and international relief organizations and technical specialists. Soon, the work of clearing debris in preparation for rebuilding will be done by teams of locals in cash-for-work programs led by these same aid groups and local community groups, including the Methodist Church in Haiti. The participation of international volunteers is welcome after this initial emergency phase is complete, at which time the Methodist Church in Haiti will work closely with UMCOR and UMVIM to identify rehabilitation projects which match the needs prioritized in the country.

With great appreciation for the outpouring of support and offers to come in person to help volunteer in Haiti as quickly as possible, the Methodist Church in Haiti, in partnership with UMCOR, requests that volunteer teams consider delaying their arrival into Haiti in light of the following:

The Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR are still undertaking assessments and evaluations in the 6 circuits most impacted by the earthquake, to determine the extent of the damage in church communities and beyond. Suitable projects and assignments for volunteer teams wishing to contribute to the recovery effort will not be identified until this process is complete.
The Methodist Guest House is currently being assessed for structural integrity, and will undergo some rehabilitation and reconstruction of the security wall before being brought to full capacity and security to host teams of volunteers.
Commercial flights into Haiti are currently suspended and all travel into Haiti must be done via the neighboring Dominican Republic. Once in Haiti, transportation and logistics are further complicated due to the influx of international aid groups and the reality of debris and closed roads.
The emergency relief and debris removal phase may last at least another one or two months, depending on the severity of the impact to the communities. Volunteers wishing to work on the programs identified as priority by the Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR can begin to schedule trips for late March and April, once this initial emergency response and recovery phase is completed.
Volunteer teams with pre-existing travel plans to Haiti are urged to reconsider the timing and nature of their trip, in order to allow for re-assessment and prioritization of earthquake recovery programs.

Please continue to communicate with us your interest in volunteering for the recovery effort, and we will connect you with recovery projects and rehabilitation programs as soon as possible. We thank you again for standing by us in this time of great need, and look forward to working in Christian partnership to build a better Haiti.

Blessings,
Rev. Gesner Paul
President, Eglise Méthodiste d’Haiti

Central Conference Pension Initiative Visits Define $25 Million Challenge Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:54:00 +0000

Nashville, Tenn. – For the Rev. Charles Horace, a retired Liberian pastor, life without a pension was a daily struggle. He recalls weeks in which he would “just live on water” for two or three days.

But through the Liberia pension fund, Horace now receives a quarterly pension benefit made possible by gifts to the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI). “If I were not a United Methodist pastor, who would have thought about me?” said Horace to an audience of the Grand Bassa District of The United Methodist Church. “Let nothing take you from this caring and loving church.”

To provide for the needs of Horace and other retired clergy outside the U.S., the CCPI initially sought to raise a minimum $20 million endowment—$19.2 million has already been pledged or donated. CCPI leadership recently established a challenge goal of $25 million, reflecting the needs discovered through on-site visits to each of the growing 19 Episcopal areas served by this initiative.

“We received almost $6 million in contributions in 2009,” said Dan O’Neill, managing director for Central Conference Pensions at the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. “If we could raise the same amount this year, we will have the funds that will enable us to support current pension initiative activity.”

Emergency grants were authorized in 2004 for retired clergy and surviving spouses in all central conferences. When a country’s pension plan launches, emergency grant payments cease.

Liberia’s CCPI-funded pension program has been in place since 2007, Mozambique’s began in 2009 and a third pilot project was launched this year in Angola.
United Methodist members and friends who would like to support the CCPI may make a donation or pledge through their church or online at http://www.ccpi-umc.org/. For further information, contact Colette Nies at cnies@gbophb.org.

Rev. Clinton Rabb, Mission Executive, Dies As Result of Earthquake Injuries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

By Elliott Wright

New York, NY, Jan. 17, 2010-The Rev. Clinton Rabb, 61, a leader in The United Methodist Church’s extensive mission volunteer program, died on January 17 in a Florida hospital of injuries caused when he was trapped for 55 hours in the ruins of a hotel destroyed by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

The native of Texas was head of the office of Mission Volunteers of the General Board of Global Ministries. He is the second staff member of the agency to die from earthquake injuries. The Rev. Sam Dixon did not survive, though rescue workers tried to free him. He was the executive in charge of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

“Clint Rabb was a tough and fearless advocate for the least and most vulnerable of God’s children,” said Bishop Joel N. Martinez, the interim general secretary (CEO) of Global Ministries. “He traveled the world encouraging volunteer ministry in his service on behalf of Christ and the church. He gave his life for others and we celebrate his faithful witness.”

Rabb and Dixon, along with a third colleague, the Rev. James Gulley, who survived the earthquake, were in Haiti for meetings and contacts aimed at improving health services in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Global Ministries has long-standing relations with the Methodist Church in Haiti, and dozens of volunteer mission groups from United Methodist congregations in the United States send teams to work in the country every year.

“Our grief is overwhelming, in part because just hours ago we were grateful for his rescue,” said Bishop Bruce R. Ough of West Ohio, president of the General Board of Global Ministries. He called Rabb “a tireless, dedicated advocate for volunteers in mission around the globe.”

Long Career in Mission
Rabb grew up in northeast Texas, the son of Joe and Peggy Rabb. He graduated in 1967 from Wolfe City High School in Hunt County, northeast of Dallas. He had one sister, now Della Ging, and two brothers, Robert and Joel. The Rabb family has been Methodist for generations.

“We lived as a family in the shadow of the Almighty,” he said in a 2001 article for New World Outlook, the mission magazine of Global Ministries. “We didn’t do this in a conspicuous manner or make a big deal of it. I was taken to church on Sundays, there were prayers at meals, we tried to be good, and we were supposed to make life in our community a little better.”

A member of the Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference of his denomination, he had served as head of the Mission Volunteers unit of Global Ministries since 2006. The staff of this area works closely with regional and jurisdictional mission volunteer networks, represented by United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Thousands of UMVIM teams work throughout the world, many in health services. The office Rabb led also sponsors Individual Volunteer programs and mission opportunities for retired persons.

Rabb has been with Global Ministries since 1996. Prior to serving in the Mission Volunteers unit, he was an executive for special initiatives in the Evangelization and Church Growth unit, working particularly with new mission initiatives in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Rabb crafted the “In Mission Together Church to Church Partnership Program,” which links congregations, annual conferences, volunteer efforts, and mission personnel. He has also worked in the US with ministries involving African-American, Mexican-American, and Vietnamese-American communities.

During a span of almost 20 years as a pastor and chaplain in Texas, Rabb was engaged in a range of VIM teams, both domestically and internationally. His work with new mission initiatives put him in frequent contact with the Mission Volunteers program.

His first clergy appointment was to the Goliah United Methodist Church in 1974. Over the years, he held pastoral assignments, including St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in San Angelo and the Dribbling Springs United Methodist Church. He was also chaplain at the Bexar County Detention Center from 1978 to 1981, and served for a year in student ministry at San Antonio College.

Rabb held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin (Texas) College, a Master of Divinity degree from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in counseling from Trinity University. His wife, the Rev. Suzanne Field Rabb, is also a member of the Southwest Texas Conference. They have eight children, all of whom survive, Maury Rabb, Tyler Rabb, Ginny Scheuch, Travis Payne, Daniel Payne, Andrew Payne, Matthew Payne, Clare Payne, and two grandchildren, Emma Scheuch, Kate Scheuch, and Cooper Payne, the son of Daniel Payne.

Reverse Trick-or-Treating’ to protest use of child-labor in harvesting cocoa -- United Methodist Church among lead organizations promoting Halloween educational effort.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:23:00 +0000

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church are collaborating again to raise awareness about fair trade this Halloween. Ten to twenty thousand groups of children will hand chocolate back to adults during trick-or-treating rounds this Halloween. The children will distribute fair-trade-certified chocolate attached to a card explaining the labor and environmental problems in the cocoa industry globally and how fair trade provides a solution.

UMCOR has a long-standing relationship with fair-trade company Equal Exchange. Many local churches participate in The UMCOR Coffee Project, which provides fairly trade coffee from Equal Exchange.

This Halloween event, Reverse Trick-or-Treating, was launched three years ago to raise awareness of the pervasive problem of child labor, forced labor and trafficking in the cocoa fields. It is hoped Reverse Trick-or-Treating will empower consumers to press the chocolate industry for more fair cocoa sourcing policies, and shift the industry toward sourcing fair-trade-certified cocoa.

Fair trade standards prohibit the use of abusive child labor, contain extensive environmental sustainability protections, and enable farmers to escape poverty.

The Reverse-Trick-or-Treating program has joined nonprofit organizations, such as Global Exchange and UMCOR and GBCS, with Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate companies such as Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, Sweet Earth, and Coco-Zen and local schools, faith groups and youth organizations to raise public awareness about Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate.

Two important developments
This year’s event comes on the heels of two important developments in the cocoa industry.

First, Interpol announced in August that it identified and rescued 54 children from slavery in cocoa fields in Cote d’Ivoire. The children were as young as 11 years old, endured hazardous working conditions, labored 12 hours a day, and were not paid for their work. This demonstrates that the chocolate industry has still not gone far enough to end child slavery and trafficking in the cocoa fields, even though the top chocolate companies committed to end these practices as part of the Harkin-Engel Protocol signed in 2001.

More than 60 national nonprofit organizations and chocolate companies have united to call on the cocoa industry to embrace stronger cocoa sourcing standards in a statement entitled the “Commitment to Ethical Cocoa Sourcing,” which can be viewed at www.reversetrickortreating.org.

Second, in 2009, Cadbury became the first major chocolate brand to achieve fair-trade-certification for its Dairy Milk chocolate bars in the United Kingdom. Cadbury has announced planned certification in additional countries.

Human rights, fair trade and anti-trafficking activists have applauded Cadbury’s leadership, while urging the company to extend fair-trade certification to its products distributed in the United States. A group of advocates has also been actively pressing Hershey’s to become the first mainstream U.S.-based company to achieve fair-trade certification.

Kids' sense of fairness
“Kids have a well-developed sense of fairness. I regularly hear stories of U.S. schoolchildren who are really outraged to learn that mainstream chocolate companies are making them complicit in the enslavement of their peers,” said Adrienne Fitch-Frankel, director of Global Exchange’s Fair Trade campaign, “Kids are eager to show solidarity and make it possible for their peers to go to school and go out and play.

“That is why so many kids are thrilled to participate in Reverse Trick-or-Treating and make a difference. Now, it’s up to the chocolate companies to listen to their important message.”

Susan Burton, GBCS director of U.M. Seminar Program, found a postcard promoting fair-trade chocolate in her child’s trick-or-treat bag a couple of years ago. Burton immediately recognized what a timely and creative educational tool the postcard was. That realization led to GBCS’s involvement in Reverse Trick-or-Treating.

"This is an example of how everybody has the ability to make some change," said Burton.

Human rights advocacy
The Reverse Trick-or-Treating campaign is an initiative of the human rights advocacy group Global Exchange, which has record of successfully encouraging major corporations to adopt new business practices.

Nearly a quarter million Fair Trade Chocolates and informational cards have been provided in the United States by Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, Sweet Earth, and Coco-Zen and in Canada by La Siembra, under the leadership of Equal Exchange. Equal Exchange is a full service provider of high quality, organic coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and healthy snacks. 100% of Equal Exchange products are fairly traded, benefiting over 30 small farmer cooperatives in 16 countries around the world.

The national organizations with a lead role in Reverse Trick-or-Treating are Africa Action, Fair Trade Federation, Global Exchange, Green America, International Labor Rights Forum, Not for Sale, Oasis/Stop the Traffik, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and The United Methodist Church.

Global poverty is one of the focus areas of The United Methodist Church. This initiative offers United Methodists an opportunity to increase awareness of systems contributing to global poverty in their churches and beyond by handing out fair trade chocolate and a post card with additional information and resources to support fair trade products. Many local United Methodist churches already serve Equal Exchange’s Fair Trade products because they recognize their ability to participate in ending the exploitation of child slave laborers on cocoa farms.

Cross to Head General Board of Higher Education’s Clergy Supervision and Accountability

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:49:00 +0000

The Rev. Randolph Cross

General Secretary Jerome King Del Pino is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Randolph Cross as assistant general secretary of Clergy Supervision and Accountability.

Cross’s appointment to the General Board of Higher Education’s Division of Ordained Ministry was announced upon recommendation by the search committee and approval of his bishop, Deborah Kiesey, episcopal leader of the Dakotas Annual Conference.

Cross, who will join GBHEM on Dec. 1, is now serving as superintendent of the Lower James River District, director of connectional ministries and leadership development, and dean of the cabinet in the Dakotas Annual Conference. Prior to his tenure as a district superintendent, he spent 20 years serving in pastoral roles in the North and South Dakota areas.

“Randy’s experience as a district superintendent, combined with his education and experience in supervision, will serve the church well in this new role. Additionally, his diverse background and leadership qualities fit well with the direction and mission of the GBHEM, especially with implementation of GBHEM’s strategic plan,” Del Pino said.

The new assistant general secretary’s responsibilities will include the development of resources for various forms of pastoral supervision and clergy support systems, including mentors, bishops, district superintendents, and pastor-parish relations committees.

Cross will have responsibility for directing the development of resources for supervision/accountability and providing resources for bishops and cabinets, including critical writing in the areas of supervision and accountability as it relates to appointive ministry.

He will work with church leaders to design and conduct a variety of training workshops on topics of supervision and support systems, assist with formation and positive growth for self-initiated support systems for clergy and their families.

The Rev. Mary Ann Moman, associate general secretary at the GBHEM, said Cross brings a wealth of experience and passion for the ministry of The United Methodist Church. “In addition, his skills and abilities will enhance the work of supervision within the many structures of our church,” Moman said.

Cross, who will be moving from his home in Mitchell, S.D., to Nashville, received his undergraduate degree at University of North Dakota and a Master of Theology at Perkins School of Theology.

Letter from Meeli Tankler, President of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:05:00 +0000

We share a letter from Meeli Tankler, new President of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary. This was part of the electronic BMTS Prayer Chain.

Dear Friends of the Seminary!

This is my first letter to you as a newly elected President of the Seminary. I am deeply grateful for every friend of the Seminary whose prayers are supporting our daily work, and with whom we can share our joys and concerns. May God bless you all abundantly!

Beginning a new study period we are first of all thankful that God has given us both students and teachers, and we pray for blessings upon all of them. But we ask your special prayers for these 18 students who only began their Seminary studies this fall. Youngest two of them have just graduated from high school, and oldest ones are in their sixties but all of them have come here, deeply dedicated to their studies, and feeling that God has His special calling for them.

In August we celebrated 15 years of Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary. Our Bishop Christian Alsted hold a lecture about the challenges that theological education faces on 21st century, and there was also a round-table discussion on this topic. Our good neighbors -- Presidents of the Lutheran and Baptist Theological Seminaries –came to congratulate us as well as the representative from Estonian Council of Churches. There were also written congratulations from Academy of Theology, and Theological Department of Tartu State University. Many students, graduates, teachers and other friends had gathered on this occasion, and the new President was installed.

We remembered gratefully the courageous beginning of the Seminary 15 years ago, and especially the strong faith and dedication of Olav Pärnamets, Eddie Fox and Wes Griffin which laid a solid foundation on which we stand today. Several graduates gave also their “birthday present” to our Seminary bank account which we are very thankful for. In August we also had our Academic Committee meeting, and we are thankful for our faculty’s dedicated work and also their concern about students who seem to get tired and overwhelmed. There is lot of good will to support and encourage the students, and to strengthen the Christian fellowship with each other.

In September, our beloved Seminary professor Pille Valk died of cancer. Her role in developing a curriculum for religious education in Estonian public schools has been tremendous, and we pray that God would find a good successor to continue this job. Pray for her family and friends as they are in grief.

Looking back with deep gratitude, we are also looking forward with faith and trust. We sincerely believe that our Seminary will continue to play its role not only in Estonia but also in the whole region for those interested in studying and developing in faith in order to work for God’s Kingdom. We are trying to find ways to spread information about possibilities to study God’s Word, and we are looking for new channels for financial support to our Seminary. Please keep these things also in your prayers!

"Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." (La 3:22).

May God bless you abundantly,
Meeli Tankler, President of the BMTS

Central Conference Pension Initiative Nearing Fundraising Goal -- $2 Million Needed to Close the Gap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Nashville: The Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) is 90 percent of the way to its fundraising goal, but still $2 million short of the minimum amount needed to establish pension funds in every central conference.

The initiative was created to provide long-term financial support for clergy and their spouses who serve the church outside the U.S., only to be left with little or no financial support for food and basic necessities once they retire.

Barbara Boigegrain, chief executive of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, says that clergy who serve all their lives providing mission and ministry in developing countries live out their later years in abject poverty, retiring with literally nothing.

She recalled a story of a retiring pastor in Angola who was presented with two sheets of metal upon retirement—intended to be the roof over his head in his later years. “Can you imagine the destitution of going off with no income, no community support, literally carrying what is to be the roof over your head?” she asked. “I don't think the people called Methodist mean for the pastors that serve them to live that way. I think they want them to be comfortable and have an adequate retirement and that's why it's imperative that we all give and support this effort.”

In the current global economic crisis, the need becomes more urgent than ever. A recent report from the World Bank predicted that the global recession will thrust an additional 89 million people into “extreme poverty” by the end of next year.

“The CCPI is one of the most important efforts by the church to recognize and honor service rendered faithfully and to act justly. It was and is the right thing to do,” said Bishop Gregory Palmer, president of the Council of Bishops. “I am humbled and grateful for the service of colleagues in the Central Conference and the generosity of those who have stepped up to help make their lives more livable in retirement.”

The goal of the CCPI is to raise $20 million, with more than $18 million contributed so far. However, Boigegrain says that a total of $25 million is really needed in order to provide benefits that will enable retirees to live at a level above mere subsistence.

“Twenty million is the basic amount, but we'd like to have $25 million so we could make the benefits a little more generous. They are very low. Right now, we are just headed for subsistence,” said Boigegrain.

So far, pension funds have been started in two countries—Liberia and Mozambique—and several others are underway. The monthly pension payment is $20 for Liberia and $128 in Mozambique, because of the difference in the cost of living.

As a short-term response, emergency grants were authorized in 2004 for retired clergy and surviving spouses in developing countries who are in extreme need to enable them to at least buy food. Once a pension plan is set up in a country and retirees begin to receive active benefits, the emergency grant payments stop.

The Central Conference Pension Initiative hopes to be able to work with annual conferences in the U.S. on fundraising campaigns to help raise the additional money by the end of the year.

Individuals can also help support the CCPI by making a contribution through their church or donate online at http://www.ccpi-umc.org/.

Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations Topping 100,000 Copies Sold Milestone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:20:00 +0000

NASHVILLE -- Bishop Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations is topping an important milestone in August – 100,000 copies sold by publisher Abingdon Press.

More than the number books sold is the impact Five Practices is having on congregations around the globe: Now also published in German and Spanish, Five Practices has evolved into a multi-media leadership tool kit for all sizes of congregations.

The Five Practices at the core of the book and other resources are:
• Radical Hospitality
• Passionate Worship
• Intentional Faith Development
• Risk-Taking Mission and Service
• Extravagant Generosity

“I continue to wonder why these Five Practices have struck such a chord among congregational leaders. What makes these simple, edgy words so powerful for motivating and stimulating ministry,” Schnase asked in a recent posting on his Five Practices blog.

“The language resonates with twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings in a way that does not alienate older, more traditional leaders.
Longer-term members feel stimulated by the language; instead of rejecting the language, they find themselves saying, ‘Yes, I need a little more passion and risk…’ The book stretches leaders without threatening them,” added Schnase, a Missouri-based United Methodist bishop.

Neil Alexander, president and publisher of Abingdon Press, credits Schnase with finding a unique way to reach pastors and lay persons in churches of all sizes and varying theological perspectives.

“Bishop Schnase doesn’t push a rigid set of prescribed steps that all must follow,” Alexander said. “Instead, engagement with ideas for vital ministries is dynamic and influenced by the strengths and circumstances of the congregation. The resulting action steps are custom made to fit each church.

“It is impossible to read these materials and say ‘this is not for us – we’re too big, small, urban, rural, rich or under-funded.’ Bishop Schnase has crafted insights and illustrations that ring true and call leaders to adopt transformative behavior that is needed and can be adapted to nearly every church setting,” Alexander added.

In addition to the copies of the book that have been sold, Abingdon Press reports:
• Nearly 5,000 congregations are using the program and support
resources like the Five Practices Leader Manual and Media Kit and the planning workbooks on each practice.
• 65,000 readers in congregations across the U.S. are engaging in Five
Practices as daily devotional reading through Cultivating Fruitfulness.
• The ministry message is expanding with summer publication of Five
Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry: A Youth Leader's Guide.
• Another new resource, The Balancing Act: A Daily Rediscovery of
Grace, is a collection of readings for individual and small group devotions based on material from the Five Practices blog.

The book is used as the basis for sermon series, leadership discussions, small group readings, or strategic planning since it was first published two years ago.

The Spanish edition, Cinco Practicas de Congregaciones Fructiferas, is available from Abingdon. The German edition was released in Europe a few months ago.

Bishop Schnase says he’s often asked what’s next. He’s working on a new Five Practices book, which moves from a focus on congregations to a discussion of the essential personal practices of discipleship in Christ. The book is planned for release in the summer of 2010.

World Malaria Day: United Methodists To Help Blanket Sierra Leone With Nets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:06:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC: On the eve of World Malaria Day, the people of The United Methodist Church announced they will participate in a nationwide nets distribution program in Sierra Leone in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Bishop Gregory Palmer, President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, made the announcement today while attending the One World Against Malaria Summit in Washington, DC.

The event brought together global and U.S. faith leaders, high-profile political officials, global health leaders, and senior representatives from the United Nations and international institutions to focus on working in partnership to end deaths from malaria by 2015. The summit was presented by the Center for Interfaith Action on Global Poverty and the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Malaria.

The objective of the One World Against Malaria Summit is to launch a first-ever, Sub-Saharan Africa-wide campaign to engage faith-based institutions, working in partnership with governments and the private and non-profit sectors, in increasing the distribution and use of mosquito nets and anti-malarial treatments. Attendees presented new commitments to action.

"As part of our commitment to raise $75 million to combat malaria through the United Nations Malaria Partnership, the people of The United Methodist Church will seek to help cover the entire vulnerable population of Sierra Leone with bed nets,” said Bishop Palmer.

Palmer said that the involvement of churches and other faith-based organizations is critically important in helping to end malaria. “You will find The United Methodist Church in places in Africa where no one else is—sometimes at the end of and beyond the road. Because of our long history of mission and outreach, we have built up trust with those who live there and we are able to mobilize large numbers of volunteers,” said Bishop Palmer.

The people of The United Methodist Church are founding partners in Nothing But Nets, a global grassroots campaign to prevent malaria through the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets. To date, Nothing But Nets has raised more than $26 million. Within the UN Foundation Malaria Partnership, The United Methodist Church is also working with Lutheran World Relief to coordinate on the ground malaria intervention, treatment and awareness.

Leading up to World Malaria Day, the church asked members to consider giving up eating a lunch out and donate the money saved to buy a bed net—to skip a lunch, send a net, save a life. A donation of only $10 covers the cost of purchasing and distributing a net to a family in Africa. To donate, visit umcnothingbutnets.org.

About the United Methodist Global Health Initiative
Global health is a major focus for The United Methodist Church, which has more than 11.5 million members internationally and is in mission in more than 125 countries. A new Global Health Initiative (GHI) aims to combat diseases of poverty such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as to create conditions for better health for people worldwide through partnerships, awareness, giving, health-education infrastructure and advocacy. The denomination has long been a key player in the fight against malaria, operating hospitals, clinics and mission centers across Africa for more than 160 years. Nothing But Nets is one component of the GHI.

Prayer book helps ‘join hands’ around malaria and other diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:01:00 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 24, 2009, /GBOD/ -- Siyabonga, which means "thanksgiving," is a 24 hours care centre run by Sister Chrisna du Plessis. The facility is situated in a rural district on South Africa's West Coast.

The patients, many completely bedridden, are AIDS sufferers, paraplegics and stroke victims. At Siyabonga they not only receive the physical care needed but also the love of Christ through the tireless work of Chrisna and her fellow care-workers who make each one feel special.

For most of them Siyabonga is their permanent home. Their poverty stricken families are unable to care for them and distance and cost prevent regular visiting.

In 2006, Dr. Donald Messer, after discovering 10-year old copies of The Upper Room daily devotional guide still being used in the waiting room of Maua Methodist Hospital (MMH) in Kenya, contacted Upper Room Ministries about publishing a special collection of prayers for persons suffering with HIV/AIDS and other diseases, including malaria.

Messer's initiative led to the publication of "Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV & AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Other Serious Diseases."

"Prayers for Encouragement”--especially the issues that are now available in Xhosa and Afrikaans-- have been used for many months at Siyabonga, contributing so much to bringing comfort to these destitute people.

Although many of them have been totally rejected and abandoned by their families, "Prayers for Encouragement" has connected them, in their physically isolated situation, to the larger family of Christ, bringing a sense of love and belonging.

The clinic at the Oceana Fishing factory in the little fishing town of Stompneus Bay, where unemployment and poverty are rife, continues to distribute "Prayers for Encouragement," in Xhosa and Afrikaans. The patients, many AIDS and TB sufferers, continue to ask "When are more of the little books coming?"

The continual demand speaks for itself as to the wonderful way this little booklet has helped bring comfort in the midst of their suffering, their questions of "why?" and their feelings of helplessness.

"Prayers for Encouragement" is our mighty God's love shown to them through the caring words of others in similar situations.

An exciting new project called "Masibambane," which means “Joining Hands” and deals with the AIDS situation and unemployment has been started in Laingville, a rural town on the West Coast. A farm has already been purchased where training and projects are under way creating desperately needed training and employment. A member of an American Health Organization has visited to advise and make recommendations, in addition to another overseas based company that is assisting with the Wind Power Project and expertise from a Cape Technickon providing the industrial sewing skills needed.

I am in the process of making contact with them to make them aware of Upper Room and "Prayers for Encouragement" and to see how we at Upper Room can contribute to this project, which already shows signs of God's powerful hand at work.

Published by Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, "Prayers for Encouragement" is now available in Afrikaans, English, French, Kiswahili, Korean, Portuguese, Setswana, Sotho, Spanish, and Xhosa.

Upper Room Ministries is an ecumenical organization that produces resources for encouraging deeper spiritual formation, including The Upper Room daily devotional guide, five other magazines, and a line of books and programs for youth and adults. For more information contact Dale Waymack at dwaymack@upperroom.org.

*Elaine Richardson works part-time with Africa Upper Room Ministries (AURM) and lives in Western Cape, South Africa.

Rethink Church launch events set for New York City and Washington, D.C. -- Conferences, churches urged to participate locally

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Nashville: May 5 and 6 marks the kickoff of Rethink Church, the next evolution of The United Methodist Church’s “Open hearts” welcoming campaign. Major events will take place in New York City and Washington, D.C., and local churches and annual conferences are encouraged to put on events to benefit their communities, too.

“If we are to Rethink Church, we must rethink what it means be a servant community,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.

Many United Methodist bishops from around the world will mark the launch on May 5 when they visit day laborers at three sites in and around Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Council of Bishops meeting. The bishops will serve breakfast to the laborers, and will offer conversation and prayer.

On May 6, more than 100 United Methodists will take to the streets of New York City to perform random acts of kindness. That includes hailing cabs, opening doors, and more. Those street teams will also give away iTune cards – good for one song download – that promote www.10thousanddoors.org, a new Web site to which The United Methodist Church is directing persons unaffiliated with the denomination, via Rethink Church advertising.

Local churches and annual conferences can participate in launch events, as well. Already, the North Texas Annual Conference has aligned a housing renovation project with the Rethink Church launch. More events are being added daily.

Resources for conferences and churches are available at www.rethinkchurch.org, a Web site that offers tools and resources to United Methodists for the Rethink Church launch. Just added to the site’s “Getting Started” area is new information on how congregations can get involved, including tips for launch-date activities. Also included is a conference- and church-level strategy for staging random acts of kindness events, similar to the event scheduled for New York City. Ideas range from cleaning up graffiti to bagging groceries.

Rethink Church launch events seek to make tangible the messaging found within The United Methodist Church’s Rethink Church advertising, which begins on April 20, and officially kicks off on May 5. United Methodist Communications (UMCom), the communications agency of the denomination, oversees the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming program, and provides Rethink Church training, media, and public relations support services to United Methodist congregations and conferences worldwide.

Exploring the best ways to bridge the gap between colleges and universities and United Methodist churches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Academy Relationship

By Vicki Brown*

United Methodist-related colleges and universities, local churches, and annual conferences are finding new and creative ways to strengthen their connections – from offering leadership development for clergy and laity to inviting students to Thanksgiving dinner.

Five events attended by 137 church-relations directors, campus ministers and chaplains, church pastors and youth directors, deans, colleges presidents, and annual conference leaders have been sponsored this year by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in an effort to discover what are the best ways to bridge the gap between colleges and universities and United Methodist churches.

Lisa Livingston, executive director of alumni relations at Columbia College in Columbia, S.C., said the campus is across the street from the annual conference center.

“We asked the annual conference what they needed that we could provide. They said they needed leadership opportunities for clergy and laity. We have a leadership institute, and we are putting together workshops and seminars. Had we not come to the table with that we would not have known what we could do,” she said during the final Bridging the Gap event in Daytona Beach, Fla., on March 27-29.

Ingrid McIntyre, GBHEM’s director of Connectional Relations and the organizer of the events, said she is developing a list of “best practices” from the five events.

She cautioned the connections cannot just be about money.

“Both the higher education institutions and the churches need to be okay with giving something for nothing for a while,” McIntyre said. She suggested that churches ask a college in their annual conference what 10 things they could do for the college and vice versa, then pick at least one.

The Rev. Quincy Brown, chaplain at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga., said LaGrange students are encouraged to go into congregations and find a need. One example of this is the LaGrange College Bus Project, a tutoring lab on wheels that students took into neighborhoods where students struggled and needed academic help.

The Rev. Brenda Beaver, associate pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas, who attended the first Bridging the Gap event in Arlington was impressed with the commitment from the United Methodist institutions of higher education to “sell” what they have to offer to the local churches so as to recruit future church leaders who are educated in the denomination’s colleges and universities.

“Not only is this plan good for creating leaders, it also takes a positive step toward restoring an understanding of the practice, teachings, and heritage of The United Methodist Church in future generations of young people,” she added.

“The local churches need to be intentional in their relationship-building efforts to offer generous hospitality to those college students, most of whom are living away from their homes and families,” Beaver said.

Dr. James Noseworthy, president of Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tenn., led sessions at two of the events. He said the Methodist people started more than 1,000 institutions of higher education in the United States. Today, there are 109 schools, colleges, and universities related to the UMC and 13 United Methodist theological schools.

“There are a lot more challenges than when we were the only game in town. There’s a community college on every street corner. Major universities are challenging us for our best students,” he said. “Colleges and universities need to be institutions of which the church can be proud.”

Mike Crawford, assistant dean of students and director of church relations at Florida Southern College, a UM-related college in Lakeland, said he thinks higher education officials at the top level understand the relationship with the church and want to tend it. “But at the next level down I don’t think they quite get this relationship,” he said.

The Rev. Kent Lewis, chaplain at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, said colleges have the responsibility of educating congregations about the connection.

Kelly Minter, coordinator of the Network of Ministries with Young People for the Florida Annual Conference, said some of the disconnect comes from the fact that local churches are “farming out” ministry with young people and youth ministers are often not United Methodist.

“They are underpaid, don’t have resources, and are under pressure for numbers,” Minter said.

McIntyre and Brad Fiscus, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Tennessee Annual Conference, cited Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn., as an excellent example of the benefits of closer connections between colleges and churches.

McIntyre said Martin Methodist was a two-year college on the verge of closing but is now a four-year institution that has 1,000 students this year. “They have built a strong relationship with churches in the annual conference,” she said.

Fiscus said he and other youth workers make sure that the college is in the face of United Methodist youth at every event.

Anne Burkholder, associate dean of studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, said colleges have to show their outcomes. “If we are not talking about what kind of impact our graduates are having in the world, it’s not going to matter what the marks of a United Methodist college are,” she said.

“What’s really at issue is that we have to form a compelling ethos that draws people to the colleges and universities.”

*Brown is associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

31 Ways Church and Academy Can Be in Relationship:

If you are a part of an academic institution:

.Host receptions at UM churches in surrounding cities on Sundays after church.
.Admissions staff should forward names of known United Methodists to the chaplain or campus minister.
.Campus ministry groups can go to churches that do not have youth ministries to help lead youth events.
.Write articles about your school or campus ministry for the UM Reporter, local papers, GBHEM’s Web site, the annual conference newspaper, or other publications.
.Invite church leaders and members to school lectures and trainings.
.Take your college choir on a tour of churches.
.Take students on United Methodist college tours.
.Establish an e-mail group to local congregations so they can stay up to date on school functions.
.Schedule visits from bishops and district superintendents.
.Chaplains can go out into the community (churches); school leaders should go to each church in the surrounding districts to speak about the school, not just to fill-in as the preacher.
.Request that churches identify members who are potential students.
.Host practical seminars on how to finance your higher education.

If you are active in the United Methodist Church:

.Host a special Sunday for homecoming or have a specific Sunday that highlights the school with the president, bishop, or an alum preaching, have it printed in school homecoming materials, have the university choir sing, host a meal.
.Have annual conference and Board of Higher Education meetings at your school.
.Turn in referrals of students from local churches to chaplains of UM Schools or Wesley Foundations.
.Plan Youth events at the United Methodist college in your area.
.Ask students to take a lead role for UM Student Day Worship - Choose a different day if the Sunday after Thanksgiving doesn’t work well for your church. Graduation Sunday, maybe?
.Put United Methodist students in the public eye. Ask them to pray at events or speak, mention them in worship.
.Take a trip to a campus ministry for worship.
.Have juniors and seniors in high school worship with campus ministries.
.Send students to Student Forum.
.Establish scholarships for Annual Conference schools for students who have shown active involvement and leadership in conference youth events.
.Be mindful of using lay terms when reaching students in academia.
.Pastors should hand out United Methodist college and university handbooks during confirmation interview with individual confirmands.
.Collaborate on days or events between the church and school communities.
.Host faith and values discussion groups on campus for students.
.Have vital and relevant worship experiences for the culture you are reaching.
.Make sure that information about United Methodist loans and scholarships is available to potential students/parents at your church.

Ways churches and schools can collaborate on projects:

.Determine who the contact person is in your area that will be a liaison between your local school and church. Make they are always updated and active.
.Be the intiator. Don’t wait for the church/ school group to start something amazing.
.Be okay with giving something for nothing (at least, no immediate gain).

Ethnic local church, Human Relations Day grants made

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Nearly $220,000 approved for social justice ministries across U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The directors of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) awarded at its spring meeting $185,231 in Ethnic Local Church Grants and $30,748 in a Human Relations Day Grant.

The Ethnic Local Church Grants program is to strengthen congregations through education, advocacy or leadership development for social justice engagement. The grants are awarded twice each year during the directors’ spring and fall meetings.

The $185,231 in Ethnic Local Church Grants was split among 13 programs in the five U.S. jurisdictions of the denomination. The programs are spread among nine annual conferences, one ethnic caucus and a cooperative program between a general agency and general commission.

Funds were approved for a wide variety of ministries. For instance, the denomination’s Hispanic/Latino caucus received a grant for advocacy training related to racism and immigration. Others included a seminary program for Native Americans in Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, an African-American heritage program in New Jersey, and a community garden program by a multi-racial congregation in Chicago.

Ethnic Local Church Grants
The 2009 Ethnic Young Adult Summer Internship (EYA) Program received $75,000. This program is a joint endeavor of the Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group (IESDG) of the General Commission on Religion & Race and GBCS. IESDG comprises the leaders of the denomination’s five U.S. racial/ethnic caucuses: Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans (MARCHA), the Native American International Caucus, the National Federation of Asian American United Methodists, and the Pacific Islander National Caucus of United Methodists.

Twelve persons, ages 18-25, from around the world participated in the 2008 summer internships. They worked for eight weeks with social justice advocacy agencies in the Washington, D.C., area. GBCS supervises intern placements and activities.

“Listening to Native Churches: Visioning a Seminary Program for Native American Leadership” received $12,331. The funds will support a dialogue tentatively set for this August that will address Native American theological educational needs at seminaries. The event is a partnership involving the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University.

“The Annual Pathways to African-American Heritage Program” was granted $5,000. The Galilee United Methodist Church History and Archives Center in Englewood, N.J., received the funds for its scholarship initiative that sends youths on a pilgrimage to explore African-American history.

New Day United Methodist Church in the Bronx, N.Y., received $15,000 for its “Abundant Social Justice Ministries.” The multi-racial communitywide program aims to build a comprehensive justice ministry that includes, but is not limited to, congregational-based community organizing. New York Conference is helping the ministry get started by providing financial support.

“Faith Focused Church and Community Restoration” in Desoto, Texas, was awarded $15,000. The program of United Methodist Church of the Disciple includes direct service mentoring and social justice education especially targeted to teenage mothers, the mentally ill and children.

Brentwood United Methodist Church, Denver, will receive $10,000 for its faith-based community organizing program. The multi-racial program will provide a foundation for collaborative ministry, neighborhood revitalization, and congregational development in Southwest Denver. Six bilingual, faith-based organizers, both Spanish and Vietnamese, will provide the Denver Public School system quarterly training sessions, and be deployed to build partnerships with existing institutions. GBCS seed monies are to be applied to components necessary for organizing.

The grant to MARCHA of $10,000 is to help create comprehensive resource materials to raise awareness of institutional racism and issues surrounding immigration reform. A three-day consultation will gather information for the materials, and an advocacy workshop will be offered at the MARCHA Annual Encounter in August. The goal is to equip and mobilize persons who will work for social change on behalf of the Hispanic/Latino population.

The $7,000 to Hedding United Methodist Church in Barre, Vt., is for a local church multi-racial initiative to confront systemic, white privilege. Invitational events, ecumenical partnerships, community-based gathering events and creation of a Council on Racial Reconciliation will be employed to realign existing ministries to address racism. GBCS monies will support an internship and resources for the community events.

The Pharr, Texas, Literacy Project will receive $5,000 for a leadership development outreach to a predominantly Mexican-American population. This ongoing program seeks to provide comprehensive community outreach through literacy, hurricane relief, food pantry, cultural arts and English as a Second Language classes. This program also received $8,000 through an Ethnic Local Church grant in 2008.

Edison Park United Methodist Church in Chicago will receive $10,000 for “Education, Advocacy and Action for Filipino Social Injustices.” This is a new initiative for a Filipino-American congregation to be educated for advocacy through cultural presentations, and four specific workshops on poverty, Filipino World War II veteran equity, extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the Philippines, and advocacy for undocumented persons.

Sons of Thunder Summer Day Camp in Titusville, Fla., will receive $10,000. This program of Indian River City United Methodist Church is a five-week interracial youth camp for boys. GBCS monies will be applied toward camp supplies. In approving the full grant request, GBCS said the ministry of a Caucasian church partnering with African-American churches provides “a great model for social justice mentoring programs.”

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Community Garden Program in Chicago will receive $5,900. The ministry is a multi-racial response to inequitable food access as a justice issue. The proposal addresses health concerns among people of color and access to public space, sustainability, agricultural subsidiary and local ownership of food. GBCS monies will be applied toward project implementation.

GBCS described the ministry by Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church as “a good program on environmental issues, but needs to deal more with economic justice.” John Hill, director of GBCS’s work area on Economic and Environmental Justice, will provide support for this program.

Social Justice Advocacy for Refugees in Albany, N.Y., was awarded $5,000. A multicultural leadership team at Emmaus United Methodist Church leads the ministry.

Nearly $270,000 was available for the grants, and $83,100 has been carried over for the fall board meeting.

Human Relations Day Grant
The Human Relations Day grant of $30,748 was to “Redemption Church: Freedom from Bondage for Young Nonviolent Offenders.” Human Relations Day is one of the denomination’s six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings. Human Relations Day strengthens United Methodist outreach to communities in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youths.

The Redemption Church grant supports a two-pronged effort of criminal justice and mercy ministries by Penn Avenue Redemption Church in Oklahoma City and Tulsa Redemption Church. This ongoing restorative-justice ministry seeks to deepen advocacy, victim/offender reconciliation and reunification of families. It also is intended to heighten public policy challenges to the prison-industrial complex through several community-based efforts: Exodus House, Redemption Church and Redemption Kids.

Grant funds will be applied to transportation of inmates, families and community members. The grant committee said it considers Redemption Church “a model program for criminal justice ministries.”

Deadline to apply for the fall grant cycle is Aug. 10, and for the spring cycle is Jan. 10. More information and applications are available on GBCS’s website, www.umc-gbcs.org, under Leadership Development. For more information about either grant program, you may contact the Rev. Neal Christie, GBCS assistant general secretary, Education and Leadership Development, at (202) 488-5611 or send e-mail to nchristie@umc-gbcs.org.

The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program agencies of The United Methodist Church. The agency’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education and Leadership Formation, United Nations and International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations in New York City.

Survey of Deacons Finds High Degree of Satisfaction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:43:00 +0000

By Vicki Brown*

Deacons believe they are accepted and valued – but misunderstood – in The United Methodist Church, according to a survey of deacons, diaconal ministers, and those certified in specialized ministry.

Results of the survey, completed in 2008, were reported during a Division of Ordained Ministry session at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s spring director’s meeting. Michelle Fugate, GBHEM’s director of Research and Data Management, said 49 percent of those who received the survey responded. That meant 1,521 responses were completed.

The presentation focused on demographics, appointments, salary level, and job satisfaction of deacons – ordained, commissioned, and candidates.

“Everyone may not understand the deacons’ role, but deacons feel valued,” said Fugate, adding that 63 percent of the 1,108 deacons who responded to the survey felt the Order of Deacons was accepted by the church, but 65 percent felt the Order was misunderstood.

The Rev. Anita Wood, director of Professional Development, said she was surprised to find that 21 percent of deacons who were appointed in the local church selected the title of associate pastor in the survey.

“Deacons are not pastors and that indicates that we have some work to do in communicating the role of the deacon in connecting the church and the world,” she said.

The Rev. Carolyn Peterson, an ordained deacon and vice chair of GBHEM’s Division of Ordained Ministry, said she believes bishops and churches give deacons the title of associate pastor. “I don’t think deacons are taking that title on themselves,” she said.

The survey found 60 percent of deacons were serving in the local church and 32 percent in appointments beyond the local church. Eight percent were listed as other. Fugate said most of those were still in college. The most common local church appointments for ordained deacons were associate pastor, minister of education, and minister of music. For commissioned deacons, the most common appointments were associate pastor, children’s minister, and minister of education. For candidates, the most common appointment was youth minister, followed by minister of education, associate pastor, and music minister.

Fugate divided appointments beyond the local church into church-related appointments and non-church appointments. The most common church-related were chaplain, annual conference or district staff, and general board or agency staff. The most common non-church appointments were teacher, administrator, and advocacy or social justice work.

The median annual salary for a primary appointment was $19,000 for part-time – $18,000 for part-time in the local church, and $23,000 for beyond the local church.

For fulltime appointments, the median salary was $45,000 –
$43,000 in the local church and $49,000 in appointments beyond the local church.

Other findings:
· 76 percent are female
· 92 percent are white, 5 percent African American
· 74 percent have at least a master’s degree, and 6 percent have a doctorate. Many candidates have not yet completed their education.
· The average age is 49.75 years old
· 95 percent find real enjoyment in their work
· 88 percent are satisfied with their job
· 78 percent believe their roles are valued.

To read the full report, http://www.gbhem.org/atf/cf/%7B0bcef929-bdba-4aa0-968f-d1986a8eef80%7D/PUB_DEACONREPORT2008.PDF

*Brown is associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

To Lunch or Not to Lunch? World Malaria Day is April 25: Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:09:00 +0000

NASHVILLE: The people of The United Methodist Church are marking the lead up to April 25, World Malaria Day, with a renewed call to members and friends to support Nothing But Nets, a grassroots anti-malaria effort which allows anyone, for $10, to send a lifesaving bed net to a family in Africa. Bed nets protect children and their families from the bites of malaria-infected mosquitoes.

“Malaria is a crisis that is threatening many of God's children across the globe,” said Bishop Thomas Bickerton, referring to malaria’s rank as Africa’s leading killer of children under age five. “Insecticide-treated mosquito nets are the most scientifically proven way to stop its spread.”

Bickerton, chairperson of The United Methodist Church’s Global Health Initiative, joins with the people of The United Methodist Church in urging everyone to forego a lunch out, and to direct that $10 savings toward the purchase of a bed net.

“We’re asking people to ‘skip a lunch, send a net, save a life,’” said Bickerton.

Dubbed “To Lunch or Not to Lunch?” the campaign highlights how $10, the cost of lunch, is all that it takes to provide a potentially lifesaving bed net to an African family. A $10 donation at www.umcnothingbutnets.org covers the cost of the bed net, its distribution, and education on its use.

New downloadable resources are available at www.umcnothingbutnets.org for churches to use for World Malaria Day 2009, including a bulletin cover, door hanger, web banner, poster, and postcard.

Inspired by a column by sportswriter Rick Reilly, Nothing But Nets’ founding partners include the people of The United Methodist Church, the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, and Sports Illustrated. To date, Nothing But Nets has raised $25 million, enabling the distribution of 2.5 million bed nets.

Seven-year old Hannah Skelton of Caldwell United Methodist Church in Caldwell, N.J. raised $400 for Nothing but Nets after she learned of the plight of children in Africa from her pastor, the Rev. Jeff Markay. “He told us kids were dying . . . and I really wanted to help,” said Hannah.

Hannah emptied her piggy banks and then scoured the house to find spare coins when her parents promised to match whatever she could raise. Then she began calling family members and friends to ask if they could help her raise money for nets. “Nets can help because mosquitoes can’t get in the nets,” said Hannah.

When Hannah took the money to the bank and shared her story with the bank teller, she got $10 more. Hannah is continuing her quest to raise money and says she will continue to give through her allowance. “I am trying to get everyone in Africa to have a mosquito net,” she said.

For more information on malaria or to make a contribution to Nothing But Nets, visit www.umcnothingbutnets.org, or call 888-252-6174.

Upper Room, Ministries with Young People Growing in Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:58:00 +0000

By Andrew J. Schleicher*

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 25, 2009/GBOD/ -- The recent consultation on the Russia mission initiative gave evidence of growth of The Upper Room and ministries with young people throughout Eurasia.

A group of 27 people from Russia and Ukraine joined about 140 U.S. participants in the Russia Initiative for a consultation in San Diego, Calif.

Joan Floyd, coordinator of international ministries with The Upper Room shared about how both the Walk to Emmaus and The Upper Room devotional guide (http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/) started in Russia last year.

It was 15 years ago when 12 Russian men and women came to the United States and learned about the Walk to Emmaus. Floyd served at that women’s walk as a representative of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, which oversees the work of The Upper Room. Fourteen years later she meets a fellow traveler again, this time in Russia.

After the first Russian walks last July, Floyd participated in an Emmaus community training in November. Many of the team members had traveled to walks in the United States and some to Estonia, but the movement is taking hold now in Russia. Fourteen men and 23 women attended the first two Russian walks.

A second round of walks will occur this July.

Meanwhile, the first Russian-language edition of The Upper Room devotional guide appeared in November. Nicola Vidamour heads up the local team as managing editor. She has previously written for Upper Room as a teenager. That first devotional appeared November 1, 1987.

The growth of the Russia Upper Room ministry is being supported by churches in the United States. Many are giving gift subscriptions including a Sunday school class from Christ UMC in Memphis donating 30 subscriptions to a church in Kallingrad.

In translating The Upper Room to Russian, more people are growing in faith. “It meant so much for people to have in their hands something in their own language," Floyd said.

Fourteen young adults from Russia were a part of the Eurasian delegation to the consultation. Michael Ratliff, associate general secretary for GBOD’s Division on Ministry with Young People, facilitated a young adult panel discussion along with Elena Kim from Russia.

“We had the opportunity to learn about some of the ministries these young people are involved in,” Ratliff said. “A ‘café’ ministry in St. Petersburg stands out as an example of a ministry where United Methodist young people are seeking to reach other young people where they are.”

These young people grew up in a Russia that did not restrict religion. Two are pastors and many others are attending seminary. “To move forward as a world-changing entity, the church must include its young people in leadership if we are to share the good news of Jesus Christ in an increasingly relevant way,” Ratliff continues.

The Russia Initiative continues to show hope as many are being formed by these new opportunities.

*Andrew J. Schleicher is a writer, editor and provisional deacon in the United Methodist Church based at Nashville, Tenn.

Brazilian Partnership Agreement Highlights GBHEM Directors Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:33:00 +0000

A partnership agreement between the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Council of the Methodist Institutions of Education (COGEIME) was signed during GBHEM’s spring meeting. Shown, from left, are: Bishop James Swanson, a Board member; the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, GBHEM’s General Secretary; Wilson Zuccherato, president of the Superior Administrative Council of Board of COGEIME; and Bishop Marcus Matthews, president of GBHEM’s Board.

By Vicki Brown*

A partnership agreement between Brazilian educational institutions and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry will further the Board’s ability to “engage effectively in its global work of developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world through the Methodist international connection and network,” said the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, GBHEM general secretary.

Under the agreement, signed Thursday between GBHEM and the General Council of the Methodist Institutions of Education (COGEIME), the council will function as the regional operating vehicle of the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development (MGEFLD). This is the first of five regional vehicles planned under the initiative.

Bishop Marcus Matthews, president of GBHEM’s Board of Directors, said the partnership is the culmination of “twenty-four years of hard work” and represents a significant step in furthering the global education work of The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Luis Vergilio, vice president of the College of Bishops of the Methodist Church in Brazil, said the agreement represents the understanding of the church that education promotes human life, stewardship of nature, and justice.

“This agreement, by means of the higher education in Brazil, will reach the whole of Latin America,” Vergilio said.

Under the agreement, COGEIME will provide technical assistance and support to 120 Methodist educational institutions that enroll 95,000 students in Latin America.

“The present economic crisis impacts every corner of the world. This is the time for us to work together, as partners, not only to overcome current difficulties, but also to advance the development of principled Christian leaders around the world,” Del Pino said.

Under the agreement, GBHEM and the MGEFLD will:

.provide technical expertise in developing an institutional network among Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America;
.provide technical expertise in improving and strengthening institutional health and viability;
.assist COGEIME in increasing institutional effectiveness of those Methodist educational institutions in Latin American through developing quality governance, administration, academic programs and faculty, student recruitment and retention, marketing, and physical facilities;
.assist COGEIME in exploring and cultivating possible funding sources to support Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America and its network;
.assist COGEIME to facilitate the needs of Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America with Methodist-related educational institutions in the other four regions for faculty, staff, and student exchanges, research and program cooperation, and other initiatives;
.assist COGEIME to implement the institutional self-assessment tool developed by the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU) as a way to establish institutional quality standards.

COGEIME agrees to:

.serve as the anchor agency of the Methodist educational network in Latin America and function as the regional vehicle for the MGEFLD;
.develop collaborative support relationships among Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America;
.design, implement, and administer as network of Methodist education to minimize operational costs and maximize efficiency and effectiveness. That should include technical assistance, professional development, and scholarship support.
.gather and maintain institutional profiles of Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America;
.develop annual operating income and expenditure budgets;
.interpret and promote Methodist-related educational institutions in Latin America;
.create a corporate branding of Methodist-related educational institutions and develop marketing strategies appropriate in Latin America;
.explore and secure funds from external sources in Latin America;
.evaluate periodically performance of the MGEFLD regional office functions.

On Wednesday, members of COCEIME met with GBHEM officials and Bishop Neil Irons and Dr. Vivian Bull, a GBHEM consultant, to discuss Methodist higher education in Brazil, as well as the role of the Methodist Church in higher education in that country.

The Rev. Prof. Luis de Souza Cardoso, executive director of COGEIME, told the group that while public education is the right of all citizens of Brazil, many families simply cannot afford for their children to access education. “Many have to work,” he said.

Bishop Stanley Moraes said that Brazil today is “very urban” and 80 percent of those not attending school are in the cities.

To learn more about the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development or to donate online, visit www.ghbem.org/mgef.

Board Members Approve Strategic Plan, Budget Cuts, New Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Scholarship recipients spoke about how the United Methodist scholarships they received had helped with their academic journey. At a dinner during the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s spring meeting, several spoke of how grateful they were to the church and GBHEM. Shown, from left, back: Kimberly Russaw, Kyle Kawczynski, Kathryn Cooper, Simeon Udunka. Front row, from left: Jessica Gadsden, Caroline Sugg, Uziel Hernandez, Ashley Travis, Trenton Teegarden.

By Vicki Brown*

A revised Strategic Plan, budget cuts, and a new scholarship fund were all approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s directors, who worshipped together and discussed what it means to lead the church in developing principled Christian leaders.

Also during the spring meeting of GBHEM, held March 19-21 in Nashville, a panel discussion examined GBHEM’s role in the churchwide Four Areas of Focus affirmed by the 208 General Conference.

“The way we were able to engage in conversation about what it means to be the lead agency for developing principled leaders for the church and the world was important,” said Bishop Marcus Matthews, Board president. “We are totally committed to giving all our energy to finding ways to be collaborative with other agencies.”

Budget cuts of 10 percent proposed by the staff and approved by the directors are an indication that “we understand that we are all in this financial belt-tightening together,” Matthews said.

In addition to the approved cuts, directors agreed the Board’s Executive Committee should consider actual income from World Service Fund payments through May and determine if further cuts are needed at that time.

The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, GBHEM’s general secretary, called the cuts “a prudent response to an uncertain future economically.”

“We still intend to pursue robustly our mission of developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world with the resources we have,” Del Pino said. “We have confidence that God will provide for that mission.”

Del Pino said GBHEM needs to be clear about what it brings to the table as the lead agency in leadership development. He said the agency primarily relates to institutions and annual conference boards, and it is through these networks that GBHEM develops leaders who have the expertise to find the systems and solutions to complete the mission set out in the Four Areas of Focus.

He pointed to the agency partnership with United Methodist Communications to develop distance-education systems across Africa using satellite and radio as an example of the kinds of collaboration and technology that will be needed to accomplish that mission.

Henk Pieterse, GBHEM’s director of scholarly research and book editor, introduced Friday’s panelists.

Dr. Trudi Kibbe Reed, president of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., one of the 11 historically Black colleges and university supported by the Black College Fund, said educators need to look at problem posing, not problem solving. “Problem solving locks us into traditional ways of thinking, whereas problem posing allows the Holy Spirit to enter in.”

The Rev. Ken Carter, chair of the Division of Ordained Ministry and senior pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C., spoke from the perspective of the local church. He talked about how his work at GBHEM has changed the way he does ministry, leading him to spend much more time with the youth and young adults of his church.

Dr. Lewis Parks, professor of Theology, Ministry, and Congregational Development at Wesley Theological Seminary, spoke about teaching future leaders the practice of hospitality. “The young people who show up in seminary have a global conscience. That’s not the issue. The issue is what you do with that.” Parks also said that most elders will be serving in small- or medium-sized churches and that theological education needs to answer that need.

The Rev. Ted Hill, a medical doctor and deacon who runs a clinic in Gallatin, Tenn., said leadership development must include learning how to empower the laity to do the work of the church.

The revised Strategic Plan approved by Board members sets seven strategic priorities:

1. Expand GBHEM’s support of global higher education, leadership development, and theological education.
2. Strengthen the viability, quality, and identity of United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and United Methodist theological schools.
3. Strengthen campus ministry and enhance The United Methodist Church’s commitment to campus ministry.
4. Support young people in identifying and forming their vocations as ordained Christian leaders.
5. Lead The United Methodist Church in clarifying and building consensus around the denomination’s ordering of ministry.
6. Enhance the effectiveness of theological education and training for ordained and licensed leadership in The United Methodist Church.
7. Provide an efficient and effective support infrastructure for the delivery of GBHEM programs.

Staff are now in the process of developing detailed work plans for carrying out the strategic priorities.

The board approved a $20,000 scholarship fund named for Akiyo Ueda and Ken Yamada. Shown are Board President Bishop Marcus Matthews, left, and Ken Yamada.

Board members approved a $20,000 Methodist Global Education for Leadership Development scholarship fund named for Akiyo Ueda, a retired professor and dean of the College of Early Childhood Education at Seiwa College in Nishinomiya, Japan, and Ken Yamada, GBHEM’s special assistant to the General Secretary for Global Education and New Initiatives. Ueda donated $10,000 for the fund and Yamada matched that donation. The fund will be used for scholarships for children in Africa.

Board members also approved policy changes for United Methodist loans and scholarships that were required by General Conference 2008. In keeping with General Conference action, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status is not required to apply for a scholarship, but international students from one of the Central Conferences must be a member of the UMC for a minimum of three years and be attending a UM-related school in the U.S. International students from an autonomous Methodist church must be a member of the UMC in the U.S. for at least three years and be attending a UM-related school in the U.S.

For loans, international students must adhere to all loan policies previously approved by GBHEM’s elected members and be a member of a Central Conference United Methodist church for at least three years. If the borrower is a member of an autonomous Methodist Church, they must be a member of the UMC in the U.S. for at least three years to qualify.

To learn more about the mission and ministry of GBHEM, visit http://www.gbhem.org/.

*Brown is associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Study of Ministry Commission Organizes Working Groups

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:53:00 +0000

A scroll covered with stick figures and drawings depicting the candidacy process is unrolled at GBHEM’s spring meeting during a Division of Ordained Ministry discussion of the Ministry Study Commission work.

By Vicki Brown*

The Study of Ministry Commission organized four working groups to explore the theological foundations of ordained ministry: ordination, sacramental authority, orders, and candidacy.

“We are excited about the progress we have made, the direction we have set, and the beginning we have experienced,” said Bishop Al Gwinn, chair of the commission. The group met March 17-18 in Nashville. Gwinn also said the commission had created an online group to continuing the work between meetings.

Members of the commission reported about their work to the Division of Ordained Ministry at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s spring meeting, held March 19-21 in Nashville, Tenn.

“As The United Methodist Church waits for greater clarity and direction on the ordering of ministry, we are reminded that for more than 50 years some form of ministry study has been in existence,” said Bishop Grant Hagiya, who added the work of the new commission stands on the shoulders of those past studies. General Conference 2008 asked the Council of Bishops to organize and lead the new commission. The Council of Bishops named the members of the commission and the chair. Staff is provided by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Discipleship, the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

Three bishops are on the Ministry Study Commission which began work March 17-18. From left, Bishop Grant Hagiya, Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, and Bishop Al Gwinn.

“Our global world has changed so dramatically, we need to produce an ordering of ministry that is relevant without losing our historical Wesleyan roots. We are committed to this task,” Hagiya told DOM members.

He said the commission is committed to a grounded theological foundation that provides the framework for an ordering of ministry that will be “both effective and practical in the making of disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

“Our commitment is to transcend personal agendas in order to produce a theologically consistent and genuine Wesleyan ordering of ministry. We ask for the church’s prayers in our coming work,” Hagiya said. Hagiya and the Rev. Carolyn Peterson, a deacon who is a member of DOM, unrolled a paper scroll several yards long at the DOM meeting. The scroll was covered with stick figures illustrating the complexity of the candidacy process.

The Rev. David Dodge, executive director of the Center for Clergy Excellence, Florida Annual Conference, served on the last commission admitted that he had mixed emotions about the intial meeting.

“On the one hand I was hopeful that the group that would be gathering would be tuned toward helping the church find its way in the ordering of ministry for this new century. And yet, as one who had served on the last commission, I was also fearful that the work that had been done might be disregarded,” Dodge said. But he said the new commission is serious about its work and understanding what the previous group had done.

“I am energized by the sense of clarity that has already developed around the salient issues,” Dodge said.

The Rev. Mary Ann Moman, associate general secretary of GBHEM’s Division of Ordained Ministry, said she was excited about the composition of the new commission.

“The voices that are at the table come from young and old, racial ethnic persons, women and men from around the world, lay, deacon, local pastor, and elder,” she said.

Several members of the commission agreed that the young adults are contributing a fresh perspective since many of them have just been through the process. Some of the young members set up Google groups during the initial meeting to allow sharing of documents and work between meetings.

Reece Fauscett, a local pastor on the commission, said he hopes the commission that can build on the excellent work of the previous commission to offer to General Conference a clear, flexible, and relevant route of candidacy for those around the world who are being called to orders in the 21st Century.

*Brown is associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry