e-connection, October 3, 2008

e-connection - Friday, October 3, 2008

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Congratulations to the Baltimore-Washington Conference for being #1 of all conferences giving to the United Methodist Student Day and the World Communion Sunday offerings in 2007. These offerings go towards loans, scholarships and financial aid through the denomination. The total amount given by the Baltimore-Washington Conference to these offerings in 2007 was $118,452.

Mt. Zion UMC in Highland is sending 12 people to Van Cleave, Miss., in early October to work on Katrina recovery, in a different way. The group is going for two weeks to relieve the support staff that keeps the VIM work crews fed, housed and cared for as they rebuild the homes of the thousands of people affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The 2008-2009 Adventure Devotional started Sept. 1. This month's daily reading is from the Psalms with thoughts to ponder and meditate by the Rev. Rachel Cornwell. It's not too late to begin the daily readings, which run through August 2009. To order copies for yourself, members of your church and others, contact Christine Kumar at ckumar@bwcumc.org.

TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

IN THE CONFERENCE AND REGIONS

Order 2008 Journals: The 2008 Journal includes a comprehensive record of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and an up-to-date list of churches and clergy contact information. Cost is $30 for print copies and $15 for Journals on CD-ROM. For an order form, contact: Barb Smith at bsmith@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3420.

Voter's Guide available: The General Board of Church & Society has prepared a 2008 election guide that compares the platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties with the United Methodist "Social Principles" and Book of Resolutions. It can be downloaded from GBCS's Web page at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-W1yjdk6911yGA%403660108-7hfLWr.6oCMms. It is available in a comprehensive 14-page version and six bulletin inserts that address specific subject areas: "Economic and Environmental Justice"; "Civil and Human Rights"; "Health and Wholeness"; "Peace with Justice"; "Women and Children"; and "United Nations and International Affairs."

ROCK 2009 registration will open next week. ROCK will take place at Ocean City Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1. Check http://www.bwcumc.org/content/rock for information and registration.

UPDATE - Bishop Schol's district meetings continue: Bishop Schol will meet with area United Methodists in the following places and times:

  • Laity of the Greater Washington District, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m., at Woodside UMC in Silver Spring;
  • Clergy of the Washington Region, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Epworth UMC in Gaithersburg;
  • Laity of Central Maryland District, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. at Lisbon UMC in Lisbon;
  • Laity of Baltimore Metropolitan District, Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Overlea Chapel UMC in Baltimore;Clergy of Baltimore Region, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to noon, at Towson UMC;
  • Laity of Baltimore Suburban District, Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m., at Towson UMC.

TOMORROW -- A conferencewide Volunteers in Mission event will be held at the Conference Center Saturday, Oct. 4. Members of local churches, VIM teams, and those who might want to organize teams are encouraged to attend. "We need an overabundance of volunteers to respond," said Sandy Ferguson. "This is an opportunity to get the training or to get retooled." Gathering and registration is at 9 a.m. Worship, rally, speakers, testimonies and training will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Team leaders training will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration is still open. There is no charge for the event. To register, contact Sandra Ferguson at sferguson@bwcumc.org or call 410-309-3400 or 800-492-2525, Ext. 431.

CANCELLED - Church sound system seminar: For people involved with church sound systems, the Bose church sound system seminar scheduled at First UMC, 6201 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville, tomorrow, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, has been postponed until Nov. 15, at same location and time. See http://m1e.net/c?89528093-zowPAu.F.tzcg%403660110-DANXb0JUl52IY. Contact Dave Armbruster at 410-747-5134 or dave@daveaudio.com.

TOMORROW -- 'Extreme Church - Extreme Hospitality': BWARM will hold its second educational conference Saturday, Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Metropolitan Memorial UMC, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW in Washington, D.C., on the theme "Extreme Church - Extreme Hospitality." The Rev. Youtha Hardman-Cromwell will deliver the keynote address, "Homosexuality and the Bible," followed by four concurrent workshops. The event will close with worship and Communion. ASL interpreters will be available. Registration is $35. For information and registration, click here: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-XkDDREzUAE0UA%403660111-DcazWWJT8gmf6.

Clergy response to gambling: Clergy are being asked to preach on a biblical response to state-sponsored gambling, the first Sundays of each month: Oct. 5 and Nov. 2, in preparation for the slot machine referendum on Maryland's ballot in November. For information, go to the conference Web site: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-1vNYrA0EZEg6g%403660112-Ff9ajNjATyz6o.

Older Adults Day Away: West River will host the Older Adults Day Away Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Rev. Rodney Smothers will be the keynote speaker and the Rev. Jeanne Klauda will lead Bible study. Special Interest groups will include gardening, butterflies, boat rides, games to keep you sharp and more; the day will end with worship. $24 per person, including morning snack, lunch and program. For registration information, call 800-922-6795 or visit http://m1e.net/c?89528093-Lr1gJA86yKVfg%403660113-tz3oMbzzNXJds.

NEW -- Order of Deacons to meet: For all those in Diaconate Ministries including Deacons in Full Connection, Probationary Deacons in Full Connection, candidates for Deacon, Diaconal Ministers, an important meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m., at the Conference Center, 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. RSVP to the Rev. Lynn Nulton at 301-762-2288, or e-mail to lynn_nulton@rockvilleumc.org.

Washington Region Lay Speaking Classes: Registration ends Oct. 13 for Basic Lay Speaking and two Advanced Courses (Lay Speakers Lead Small Groups; Lay Speakers Tell Stories), which will be held Saturdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, at Glenmont UMC, 12901 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton. For information on the courses or registration forms (also available from churches in the Washington Region) contact Joan Thomas at cats_20904@hotmail.com or call 301- 622-7048.

WCA Group Life Conference 2008: Bel Air UMC will host the simulcast of Willow Creek's Group Life Conference, "Essential for the Human Heart," Oct. 17-18, via satellite on CCN. Conference is Oct. 17, 7-9:30 p.m.; Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $99 per person. Ask about group rates. Approved for .7 CEUs. Details and registration form are at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-xRBIGJai8HLlA%403660114-AadrIkuoyRwzw. For information, contact Cindy Caldwell, 410-838-5181 or caldwellc@baumc.com.

Children's Sabbath: The National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Weekend will be Oct. 17-19. Sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, the weekend is an annual multi-faith event that celebrates children as sacred gifts of the Divine. Click here for worship and education resources: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-wq49RTbNrHjKk%403660115-pOmX7ub.SXr7%2e. For information, and limited number of "National Observance of Children's Sabbaths" manuals, contact Sandra Ferguson at sferguson@bwcumc.org or call 800-492-2525, Ext. 431.

Wesley Theological Seminary training: "A Day at Wesley" will be held Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program will include "A Morning with St. Paul for Preachers and Teachers" with the Rev. Craig C. Hill and "Worship Planning for Advent" with Eileen Guenther and Deborah Sokolove. The cost is $110 for both sessions or $65 for one. Lunch is included. Register at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-4guOuEbGygkZE%403660116-mPGbAlaQKvpoc, or call 202-885-8720.

Celebrate Bread for the World Sunday: Help strengthen the voice of hungry people by taking part in Bread for the World Sunday, Oct. 19, a time for congregations to renew commitment to ending hunger in God's world. The hunger crisis around the world and in the United States is deepening. Learn how to be involved. Many free resources are available to help observe the day, or other Sundays in the fall. See http://m1e.net/c?89528093-1yGuUTN/OYeqw%403660117-C81BUY1bkyFtI.

Window on Wesley: Wesley Theological Seminary invites all who are considering masters-level theological education to attend a Window on Wesley discernment and exploration event Oct. 21 from 5-9 p.m., or Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register for any event, go to http://m1e.net/c?89528093-v0TIcGxsqfWNk%403660118-RoRJwChpw7EmI. If the dates are not suitable, call the Admissions Office at 202-885-8659 or 800-882-4987, Ext. 1, to arrange an individual campus visit. For additional information, contact Beth Ludlum, director of recruitment, at 202-885-8653 or bludlum@wesleyseminary.edu.

NEW - Events to honor Cathy Kapikian at Wesley Seminary: "Shining Through: Art and the Holy" is the theme for a day of honoring the work of artist and faculty member Cathy Kapikian, Tuesday, Oct. 28. For information, click on http://m1e.net/c?89528093-KCfV13m8PFhrM%403660119-w4qICKvwvp8lA.

New Church Leadership Institute: It's time to register for the 2008 New Church Leadership Institute, "Is New Church Planting for Me?" Nov. 3-6, at the Virginia Conference Center in Glen Allen, Va. The training program, aimed at clergy interested or involved in starting new churches, is co-sponsored by the Northeast and Southeast jurisdictions. Registration before Oct. 20 is $399 per clergyperson, spouse free. To register, go to http://m1e.net/c?89528093-A/M5l/mt7nncw%403660120-N34xhVj6esWE2, click on "New Church Leadership" or "Events" and proceed. For information, contact the Rev. Matt Poole at mpoole@bwcumc.org.

Christian Educators Fellowship: CEF will meet Thursday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Conference Center. The program will focus on the upcoming conferencewide "Immersion Experience" For information, contact co-presidents of CEF, Marie Matthews at mamatthews_wumc@yahoo.com or Sherry Perrine at sperrine@wesleyfreedom.org.

IN DISTRICTS AND LOCAL CHURCHES

NEW -- Use of labyrinth available: Hiss UMC, 8700 Harford Road in Baltimore, has an indoor labyrinth. Churches and the public are invited and encouraged to use it. Hiss will offer any group a class on the use of the labyrinth. Call to make arrangements to 410-668-5665.

BBQ Festival: Davidsonville UMC, 819 Central Ave., in Davidsonville, invites churches to participate in a barbecue competition Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4. The competition on Oct. 4 includes beef brisket, pork ribs, and favorite church main dish. All dishes must be prepared on site, using only wood or charcoal. $75 entry fee. Trophies will be awarded. The festival includes music, a car show, activities for children, BBQ and food sales, a fish fry dinner Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment by DUMC's Jazz Band and the Johnson Male Chorus. For information, see http://m1e.net/c?89528093-QRxsKIqNfwhjs%403660121-BuwKRY/jnoNEs, call church at 410-798-5511, or event chair Blair Smith at 410-798-7236 or bbqpilgrim@aol.com.

Fall Fest: Trinity UMC, 2100 Westchester Ave., in Catonsville, will hold a Fall Fest, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Includes games, food, silent auction, cake table, quilt give away ($1) and costumed characters. Information at Catonsville.trinity@verizon.net or call 410-747-5841.

NEW -- A play, 'Mt. Vernon Place: A Resurrection Story' explores the rich history and tradition of Mt. Vernon Place UMC since 1850 in the heart of Washington. It will be performed in the newly renovated church, 900 Massachusetts Ave., NW, in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m, by members of the church. To learn more, visit http://m1e.net/c?89528093-HUg/Rlp2VUZQI%403660122-sYTWeOuTCxJys.

Mental Health Week observance: During National Mental Health Week, Oct. 5-11, Clinton UMC, 10700 Brandywine Road in Clinton, extends invitations to attend its observances.

  • Sunday, Oct. 5, Claudette Oghogho will discuss Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by military combat and the impact on her family at the morning worship service, 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 9, 7-8:30 p.m., the Rev. Unnia Pettus, a domestic violence survivor and advocate, will speak on domestic violence. She is founder and president of Nobody But God Outreach Ministries that provides counseling and ministry support for domestic violence victims. The program is free. Register for dinner preceding the program at 6 p.m.; cost is $8.

For information, call church office at 301-868-1281.

World Communion Day celebration: Howard Chapel-Ridgeville UMC, 1970 Long Corner Road in Mount Airy, will observe World Communion Sunday Oct. 5, with a parade of nations starting at 9:45 a.m.. Flags, costumes, musical instruments and songs of many nations will be part of the observance "to symbolize the peace and love and unity that will be expressed on this day," said the Rev. Laura Schultz. For information, call 301-829-2391.

Join the cast: Auditions will be held at Emmanuel UMC, 11416 Cedar Lane in Beltsville, Oct. 6 and 7, for "A Christmas Carol," produced for the Advent season. Participants are sought for acting, help with costumes, building sets and other roles. The play is an outreach project open to the whole Beltsville/College Park/Laurel community. Rehearsals will begin Oct. 13, and show dates are Dec. 19, 20, and 21. Contact Rick Bergman for audition times and to participate at cc_eumc@yahoo.com.

5K Fun Run & 1-Mile Walk: St. Paul UMC, 21720 Laytonsville Road in Laytonsville, is sponsoring the Pat Stabler Memorial 5K Fun Run & 1-Mile Walk in honor of a cherished member of the church and community who died earlier this year. The event is Saturday, Oct. 11, with an 8 a.m. start and finish at the church. Cost is $15 per adult runner, $10 for children 18 and under, $5 for walkers. Proceeds go to the Stabler Memorial Fund. For information, call the church at 301-963-2185 or Vickie Shaw at 301-590-3178.

NEW -- Building a Sustainable Future: Sunday, Oct 12, 2:30-5:30 p.m., learn about implementing solutions to global warming in your church and educating fellow congregants to do the same. Sponsored by Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light: a religious response to global warming. The event is free and will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish, 3304 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, Va. For more information, visit http://m1e.net/c?89528093-cL1rH5aPDX2Vs%403660123-14fMcMlvoDgVI or call 202-885-8648.

Global Outreach Seminar: Hosted by Calvary UMC, 403 S. Main St. in Mt. Airy, the seminar Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., will present the Children of Zion Village for orphans in Namibia and the Sisters in Service organization that develops partnerships with local Christians in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Guest speakers will be Gary Mink, missionary from the Children of Zion Village, and Bob Morrison, director of International Programs of Sisters In Service (SIS). For more information on the organizations, visit http://m1e.net/c?89528093-P5hlS/ORGsei2%403660124-wr5Ubdz6Um38E and http://m1e.net/c?89528093-EMKi1jT4kxQok%403660125-DfcR7mmriy3G2. Seminar registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Seminar is free with lunch provided but pre-registration is necessary. Please contact Clydia Koch at 301-829-0358 or clydia@calvary-mtairy.org.

NEW -- Washington West District UMW to hold final meeting: The District UMC will hold its annual dinner meeting Oct. 16, at Damascus UMC, 9700 New Church St. in Damascus, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be the last event of the UMW in the Washington West District due to redistricting and it will be a celebration and recognition of the accomplishments of the UMW units of the WWD. Everyone in the Washington West District (including clergy and spouses) is invited. Send dinner payment ($12 per person) and names to Jean Shields, 5108 Navahoe St., College Park, MD 20740 by Oct. 8.

DATE CORRECTION - Camp Meeting/Revival: Carter's UMC, 6715 Old Solomons Island Road in Friendship, will hold a week of revival services Oct. 19-26 with a variety of preachers. Opening service with the Rev. Byron E. Brought will be Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. Services Monday through Thursday are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday is a ticketed Senior Banquet at 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26, is the Homecoming Service at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Mamie A. Williams preaching. For information or tickets, contact Barbara Brown at 301-574-9587 or the church at 301-855-2500 or Cartersumc@aol.com.

Revival: Union Chapel UMC ,10123 Valley Rd. in Berkeley Springs, WV, is bringing back by popular demand, the Rev. Tom Atkins (General Evangelist, North Georgia Conference) to lead a revival Oct. 19-22, each evening at 7 p.m. The kick-off for the services will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. A Youth Night of music follows at 6 p.m., prior to the Sunday evening service. For more information, contact the church at 304-258-2107 or ucumc@crosslink.net.

"Jesus, the Rabbi": Still time to register for Session II of a course to discuss the Jewish setting and implications of Jesus' teaching led by Rabbi Martin Siegal, the conference rabbi.

  • Session II: "The Sermon on the Mount" will be held at Glen Mar UMC, 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City, Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25. Cost is $35 for 6 weeks.

To register, contact the Rev. John W. Nupp at 410-465-4995, ext. 206.

Domestic Violence Awareness: First UMC of Hyattsville, 6201 Belcrest Road, will hold a free Domestic Violence Awareness event, Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., entitled "Know the Signs, Stop the Abuse." Speakers from Break the Cycle, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the House of Ruth and other community advocates will focus on recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship and what can be done about this serious problem. For more information and to RSVP, contact Allendra Letsome at 301-503-9299.

NEW -- Youth groups take note: Julie Bowman Dean, a member of McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC, has started a full service event and production company, Laadahs by Jediah, which in Hebrew means "to assemble by the hand of God." Her first major event is hosting a "Mid-Semester Madness Skating Extravaganza" for youth and families. The event will be Sunday, Oct. 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Skate Zone, Route 3 & Capital Raceway Road in Crofton. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Group discounts available. For information or tickets, call 202-277-3161 or 301-336-0735.

Revival, 'Connect the Connectional,' is being hosted by the UMC Urban Connection of Washington, D.C., which consists of nine United Methodist churches, nightly Oct. 29-31, at 7 p.m., at McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC, 2421 Lawrence St., NE, in Washington. The guest preacher will be retired Bishop Violet Fisher.

Niger mission fundraiser: Holly Stone, the daughter of Pastor Dan Stone of Delmont UMC, will be part of a medical mission to Niamey, Niger, in late January. She and the church are raising funds to help with the work. Dinner and entertainment with blue grass band, Jericho Bridge, will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Odenton Masonic Center, 1206 Stehlik Drive in Odenton at 6:30 p.m. A free will offering will be accepted.

Car and Bake Show: Nottingham Myers UMC will sponsor the 3rd Annual Car and Bike Show with a Sock Hop on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Adams Field (Route 381 South) in Aquasco. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up, under 12 is free. To show car or motorcycle, fee is $25. For more information, e-mail nmumc@msn.com or call the church at 301-888-2171.

Care For The Caregivers seminar: Severna Park UMC is holding a "Caring for the Caregiver" seminar Saturday, Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Current caregivers and those who have been caregivers are invited to share their experiences and "be refreshed and refilled to continue their 24/7 responsibilities." For information, contact Dawn Cullis at dcullis@severnaparkumc.org. No cost, but registration required. Registration and brochure are available at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-pyfT59hCyAA32%403660126-2L5D92rMCOkQM

130 years in ministry: Hall UMC, in Glen Burnie will celebrate 130 years in ministry Nov. 9-16, concluding with a formal dinner at Martin's Champagne Room in Baltimore. For information or tickets, call the church at 410-360-1242 and leave a message with name and call-back number.

ACROSS THE DENOMINATION AND WORLD

THIS SUNDAY - World Communion Sunday is Oct. 5, one of six United Methodist Special Sundays with offering. It is a time when Christians all over the world celebrate Communion together. Proceeds provide scholarships for international and U.S. racial- and ethnic-minority graduate students and minority persons seeking second careers in church-related vocations. Click here for information and free promotional resources: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-M.eLzt01ABkbs%403660127-3h9nRcPODhSN6. Call toll-free to 888-346-3862.

South Asian National Caucus for United Methodists: SANCUM will hold a celebration for all United Methodist laity and clergy of all age groups of South Asian descent, Thursday Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. to Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. The event will be at the Best Western Airport Plaza Inn and Conference Center in St. Louis (Bridgeton), Mo. Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar of the Greater New Jersey Area will speak. Registration is free and includes two breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner. Hotel reservations are separate. Special United Methodist room rate is $72 per room for up to four people. Call 314-731-3800. To reserve for conference, e-mail to UMCSO@aol.com. For information, contact Jacob Dharmaraj at Jdharmaraj@aol.com or call 914-245-3114.

"Change The World," conference at Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, is co-sponsored by UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Oct. 24-25. Featured speakers include the Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.; author and church consultant Brian McLaren; Sojourners magazine editor and author the Rev. Jim Wallis; and the Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC. For details and registration click here: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-lc7ZRIL2S.zTM%403660128-9VeNDVtxqZ/GY

Tents of Hope and prayers for Darfur: To further aid Darfur, the General Board of Church and Society has joined the "Gathering of the Tents" at the National Mall in Washington, Nov. 7-9. The Tents of Hope project encourages communities to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan. That weekend hundreds of communities will participate in the "Interfaith Weekend of Prayer and Action for Sudan." Information for the Gathering of the Tents is at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-7bWDEMFnPLmAk%403660129-sKuj2vfolIRWQ.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

Missionaries visiting in BWC: Jeff and Ellen Hoover, General Board of Global Ministries missionaries in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, are itinerating in the Baltimore-Washington Conference from Sept. 28 to Oct. 23. They look forward to sharing with supporting churches and others. Their time is filling up, but "we are eager to meet with any kind of group in any venue; it does not have to be a service, a formal program, or a large group," they said. Contact them at jehoover2002@yahoo.com.

UPDATE - Louisiana needs teams: Louisiana Disaster Recovery has significant needs for all forms of recovery teams. Some areas still need ERT. Homes still have trees in them, needs for tarps, mucking out and evaluative and assessment needs from Gustav and Ike. Long term recovery teams are still needed in the New Orleans and Lake Charles areas from Katrina and Rita. Revisions are currently being made in the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Katrina/Rita response to extend to Gustav and Ike responses. Damage from Gustav and Ike is heaviest along the coast and inland for up to 75 miles from Houma to the Texas/Louisiana state line. Damage (wind and flooding) from Gustav heavily affected the Baton Rouge to Alexandria areas. Team leaders should schedule teams to Louisiana by calling the Rev. Yvonne Dayries, Louisiana Disaster Recovery, 225-346-5193, or registering on the Louisiana Conference web site: http://m1e.net/c?89528093-d/zxvXuQOyOlI%403660130-LfNA.3JHTh5VA. Groups must be coordinated with the Louisiana Conference. For more information, call 888-239-5286.

NEW -- Hurricane recovery in Texas: Texas Annual Conference is accepting recovery-trained emergency response teams for some of the devastated areas, and also accepting long term clean up teams for those areas that are ready now. Teams can stay in various churches and need to be semi-self-sufficient. At this time, gas is on and stores are open in most areas so teams can buy food products. Galveston Island is to be open next week for clean up teams. Surfside and Freeport are in desperate need of muck out teams and debris removal. Teams must register online at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-bcHYYkl6scSLk%403660131-kBhBU2L/Wn6FU. A response will be given by phone or e-mail within a couple days. Team leaders can also call directly to the Rita Recovery phone number 409-892-0140. To work in the coastal area, go through the registration system. Debbie Vest, SCJ UMVIM Director, 15120 Sunningdale St., Austin. TX 78717. Cell: 913-568-8826; E-mail: vimscj@sbcglobal.net. See http://m1e.net/c?89528093-4q/Q27eGi1xaw%403660132-Glkeq2O.zE1GA.

NEW -- Volunteers needed: Northwest Indiana, which suffered massive flooding from the remnants of Pacific Tropical Storm Lowell, desperately needs volunteers to serve as case managers to assist flood survivors, reports the e-HUM Mission News of the Indiana Area. Volunteers can contact Pastor Steve Conger at Ridge UMC in Munster at 219-838-4770 or steve@ridgeumc.org.

IN RESPONSE TO FLOODS:

  • NEW -- Flood buckets collection: Southern Region is holding an UMCOR Flood Bucket Drive during the month of October to assist victims of flooding and hurricanes. There will be two drop-off points, one in each district.
    • TOMORROW - The Washington East District drop-off point will be St. Matthews UMC, 14900 Annapolis Road in Bowie. St. Matthews UMC is collecting flood buckets, health kits and bedding kits Oct. 5, between noon and 4 p.m. They will have a potluck dinner for volunteers delivering kits, assembling kits and donating funds for kits on Oct. 5 at noon before loading the truck at 1:30 p.m.
    • The Annapolis District drop-off point is Linthicum Heights UMC, 200 School Lane in Linthicum Heights. They will collect kits until Oct. 19. Contact the church secretary Terry, at 410-859-0990, M-F, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to arrange delivery of kits. The alternate contact at LHUMC is Bob Abel at 410-859-8736.
  • URGENT NEED -- UMCOR needs help for flood relief: United Methodists can help the United Methodist Committee on Relief in several ways:
    • Support UMCOR's work by giving to UMCOR Advance #3019695, Hurricanes 2008, Hurricane Gustav. Checks can be mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write the Advance number and name on the memo line of your check. Designated checks may also be placed in offering plates in local churches.
    • Flood buckets are needed. Assemble and ship Flood Buckets and other kits to Sager Brown Center in Louisiana.
    • Stay informed by subscribing to the UMCOR Hotline. Learn more about each of these at http://m1e.net/c?89528093-q8/wbMzu7CxQ.%403660133-MfOwgtXPijFYw.
  • NEW -- Responding to Gustav: The Louisiana Conference is appealing to Volunteers in Mission groups to organize to help restore communities after Hurricane Gustav. The hurricane "has caused quite a lot of damage in our state in many cities and towns all the way from Alexandria to the coast," said Larry Norman, director of the conference. "Teams are needed for both immediate response and ... for long term recovery." Please register a team by calling the Rev. Yvonne Dayries at 225-346-5193 or going to http://m1e.net/c?89528093-sBOU3j2YyLKbI%403660134-Q1W6C61fRG0ys and clicking on disaster recovery.

NEW -- 3 volunteers needed asap: New York Annual Conference VIM is taking a mission trip to Burundi East Africa Mission, Nov. 5-16, and is short three volunteers. The purpose is to "bring hope to refugee families returning after eight years of war," The work will be to "build a MWAKIRE Welcome center for returning refugees, from clay bricks, to provide general medical items and fellowship with the children. Cost of trip is $2,000. Contact the Rev. Joseph Ewoodzie at 914-615-2233.

Mt. Auburn mission project: The United Methodist Men of the Baltimore Region and the Baltimore-Washington Conference have extended Project Hope, a mission initiative to help clean up and beautify Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 2501 Hollins Ferry Road in Baltimore. The work will continue on this important United Methodist landmark every other Saturday as long as weather permits. The next cleanup day is Oct.18, from 7 a.m. to noon. Bring gloves, plastic bags and lawn maintenance equipment. For information, contact Larry McCrae at 443-527-5822 or Sherman Harris at 301-299-2984, or visit http://m1e.net/c?89528093-avesx84daDfdc%403660135-05ovTkibfxGxM.

VIM Team will go to Biloxi, Miss., Nov. 1-8, sponsored by Catonsville UMC, led by the Rev. Jeff Odom and Chip Day. There is room for three more people to help with Katrina recovery. The total cost is $500, which includes airfare. If interested, call Chip Day at 410-744-2794 by Oct. 10. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Nicaragua Mission Study: Join a Nicaragua UMVIM Mission Study, Feb. 22-27, 2009, with Nan McCurdy and Miguel Mairena, UM missionaries. Cost is approximately $900-$1,100 per person. Contact Neil Moores, Southern Regional UMVIM Coordinator, at neilmoores@verizon.net.

Linthicum Heights UMC will do Katrina recovery in Waveland, Miss., Oct. 18-25. The base camp is on the grounds of what was once Gulfside Assembly. For information, contact Robert Abel at abelrobert@peoplepc.com.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Organist/Choir Director: Ebenezer UMC (Chase/Middle River) is searching for an organist and choir director to provide accompaniment for one traditional service (10 a.m.), one-hour weekly rehearsal for choir, and up to six extra services each year. Optional: playing keyboard for second, more contemporary service at 8:30 a.m. Time commitment: 6-8 hours per week. Salary range is $3,500-$6,000 per year. Four weeks paid vacation. Send resume to pastor@ebenezerchase.org. For more information, call 410-335-2172. (2)

Choir director: Johnsville UMC near Union Bridge, a small church, is "looking for a volunteer choir director to help the church grow in its ministry." Contact Pastor Holly Slaugh at pastorholly@comcast.net or call (new phone number) 443-789-0754. (2)

Musician: St. Matthews UMC in Shady Side is seeking a musician to play piano or keyboard a couple of Sundays a month with rehearsal no less than twice each month. The position is for someone who can read music as well as play by ear. For more information, call 410-867-7661 or e-mail stmatthews3@verizon.net (3)

Employment opportunities at the Conference Center

These opportunities provide an excellent benefits package, including health and disability insurances, retirement subsidy and generous leave. A working knowledge of the culture and structure of the United Methodist denomination is a plus for all positions.

  • Accounts Payable Assistant: Full-time position in Finance for an experienced Accounts Payable Assistant to provide for the distribution of funds entrusted to the BWC. Responsibilities will include preparing and distributing payments as scheduled or required; producing supporting reports and spreadsheets; maintaining data files of payees and providing responses to routine inquiries. Post high school accounting courses and knowledge of specialized payable procedures plus minimum of two years of general office practices along with exceptional customer service, exceptional verbal and written communications skills and strong computer skills that includes proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Familiarity with fixed assets and project tracking preferred. For more information contact Pier McPayten at pmcpayten@bwcumc.org.
  • Foundation Administrative Assistant: : An experienced administrative support staff person reporting to the Foundation director is needed. Responsibilities include basic bookkeeping; maintaining confidential client and donor databases; preparing reporting documents; ensuring compliance with internal control requirements. Post high school bookkeeping/accounting courses plus minimum of five years of general office and financial record keeping experience, and strong computer skills required. For information or to apply, contact Pat Thomas at 410-309-3400, Ext. 466, or e-mail resume and cover letter to pthomas@bwcumc.org.

FREEBIES FREEBIES

Homer Laughlin china available - White with green floral pattern, approximately 240 place settings (dinner plate, luncheon plate, soup bowl, bread & butter plate and small dessert bowl). Some additional coffee cups, saucers and plates are also included. Please contact Kris Hoxha at hoxhak@aol.com for pictures or more information.

Send e-connection subscription requests and changes of e-mail addresses and submit items of interest to Linda Worthington at Lworthington@bwcumc.org, or call 800-492-2525, Ext. 423. To be considered, items must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesdays.


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