e-connection
You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28,CEB)
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June 17, 2013
Prayers for the People
The Rev. Mary Modesto, an active clergy now in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Conference, died June 16. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at St. James @ Dennings UMC, 3000 Marston Road in Westminster. Condolences may be sent to her friend, Susan Vogel, 157 Sassafras St., Millington, MD 21651.
Pastor Daniel Kutrick, a local pastor who serves the Dundalk/Graceland Cooperative Parish, asks for prayers for him and his family as he mourns the death of his son, Danny, who died June 7 at Duke University Hospital where he was awaiting a double lung transplant. He said, “Danny had been battling cystic fibrosis for 35 years and never got to receive the transplant.” He was unable to be transplanted five years ago because the lungs had cancer cells in them. Danny leaves three children, Alyssa, 5 years old and twins, Brody and Shannon, 10 months old. Send condolences to Daniel Kubrick, 442 Machias Place, Baltimore, MD 21220 or danielkutrick@comcast.net.
Betty Schied, mother of Marybeth Grove and mother-in-law of the Rev. G. Edward Grove, pastor of Mt. Wesley-Greensburg Charge in Martinsburg, W. Va., died June 13 in Rochester, N.Y. Condolences may be sent to the Groves at 108 Forman Road E., Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Email address is rr1235@aol.com.
The Rev. Alfred Vaughn, 90, a retired Elder, died May 21. A funeral was held June 4. at St. Marks UMC in Hanover with the Rev. Jeremiah Williams officiating. Condolences may be sent to his wife: Martha Vaughn, 5465 Bucknell oad, Baltimore, MD 21206-3823.
The Rev. Gladys Sloane, 89, a retired Elder, died May 24. The Rev. Wade Martin and Pastor Tiffany Kromer conducted a funeral service June 8 at at Trinity UMC in Emmitsburg. Condolences may be sent to her son and daughter, Eric Sloane or Elizabeth Sloane at P.O. Box 1135, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
The Rev. Albert Ketron Lane Jr., 80, died Wednesday, May 22, at home. The Rev. Laura Easto officiated at his funeral at Westminster UMC May 24. Condolences may be sent to his son, the Rev. Bert Lane, Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster United Methodist Church, 165 E. Main St., Westminster, MD. 21157 or University of Maryland Medical Center, Division of Transplantation, 29 S. Greene St., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201. Obituary may be seen at: www.fletcherfuneralhome.net/obits/obituary.php?id=298867.
The Rev. Edgar Howell, retired clergy, died May 13 after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years. The Rev. Linda Warehime officiated at a service at Resthaven Chapel in Frederick May 25. Condolences can be sent to his daughter Judy Ziegler at mamazig65@gmail.com
Obituaries of clergy and clergy spouses may be found on the conference website.
New This Week
Urgent help is needed:The Relief-Supply Network of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the denomination’s disaster-response agency, is making an urgent call for relief-supply kits to deliver into the hands of disaster survivors. Last year, the UMCOR Relief-Supply Network shipped more than $6 million worth of goods and materials to people in need worldwide. Nearly $2 million worth of goods went to 18 different US states. This year, the numbers already indicate even more materials will be distributed. All kinds of kits are needed. Read story to see how your church can help.
Disaster response-How to help: As news continues to pour in of the vast devastation in Oklahoma from a tornados, United Methodists are responding. It is too soon to send VIM teams to help, but money and prayers are always helpful. Here are some places to check for information and find out how you can be part of United Methodist relief efforts:
UMNS Facebook page
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Donate to UMCOR relief efforts
Faith and Service Unite Summit luncheon is June 19, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Featured speaker is the Rev. Kirbyjohn Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village UMC in Houston. $25 for luncheon. To learn more, click here: Details.
Juneteenth, June 19: The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources for the oldest known African-American celebration, which recognizes the date slaves in Texas received word of the Emancipation Proclamation. Resources.
Online Training classes on Web and Welcoming: United Methodist Communications is offering two six week online training opportunities from July 3-Aug. 14. Start each course when it best fits your schedule and move at your own pace. A course facilitator will respond to your work and answer questions via forums. Register on a first come, first served basis until June 26.
- Welcome Ministry 100: Learn to be a hospitable congregation, assess what your church does well, and where improvement is needed, reach out to the local community. Cost: $29. Deadline to register is June 26. Details.
- Web Ministry 100: What is Web Ministry? Will include developing an online network to support your work, defining and using terms, applying biblical and theological principles for developing a web ministry, identifying ways people engage with web and internet technology, implications and applications of web ministry. Cost: $49 | Syllabus | Register Deadline to register is June 26.
FREE WEBINARS: The General Board of Discipleship sponsors many opportunities for learning through free webinars. No charge but must register. The next one offered is:
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June 20, “2013 Clergy Health Implications for the Church,” 6:30 p.m. CT, how congregations can positively influence the health of clergy and laity from the BOD and Center for Health. To register.
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June 20 - “The New Senior: Boomers,” 6:30 p.m. CT, tips on ministering to this large generation. To register.
Historical society annual meeting: Bishop Joseph Yeakel, retired, will speak on our United Brethren heritage at the annual meeting of the conference Historical Society June 22, at Otterbein UMC in Hagerstown. After the meeting there will be a pilgrimage to United Brethren founding sites in Washington County, including Salem UMC and the site of the Geeting Meetinghouse in Keedysville. For more information, contact archives-history@bwcumc.orgor call 410-889-4458.
Jump Rope & Basketball Tournament: This day of excitement, games, contests and fun for all ages will take place at First UMC, 6201 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes will be offered. Contests for *Double Dutch and *Single Rope, for *Basketball 3 on 3 and *Free Throw. Or play just for fun: basketball, dodgeball, soccer, water balloons and Moon Bounce. Free food. Teams will be made for every age group. There is something for everyone. For more information (or if you would like to register your group for a contest), contact: church office 301-927-6133 or Sharon Milton 301-404-6628.
Prayers for Peace:The monthly gathering of Baltimore Interfaith Peace Partners will be Sunday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church 740 North Calvert St. in Baltimore. All are welcome to come to pray for peace in the Middle East. They are seeking churches to host the gathering on the 22nd in July, August and September. For information or if your congregation can host a Peace Service, contact the Rev. Charles Cloughen Jr. at frcharles@verizon.net or 410-321-0199.
REGISTER NOW - Mission u: Previously known as the School of Christian Mission, Mission u will be held July 26-28 at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel. The theme is “Learning Together for the Transformation of the World.” Sponsored by the conference United Methodist Women and the Board of Global Ministries, the school is open to men and women, clergy and laity, and special events will be held for youth. The studies are: “Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly,” “The Roma of Europe,” and “Poverty.” Cost depends on how many are in each room.The commuter rate is $190, which includes no meals. For registration information, contact Darlynn McCrae at 443-254-2083 or darmccrae@yahoo.com.
Prayer Motorcade: Sharp Street Memorial UMC, Dolphin and Etting Streets in Baltimore, will serve as a host faith community for the June 29th Bless Baltimore Prayer Motorcade, which will begin at 9 a.m. with a police escort. Inform your friends and plan to attend this witness to the community. For information, contact the Rev. Cary James Jr., senior pastor at Sharp Street UMC, at 410-523-7200.
SHIFTS, two seminars: Guiding the Congregation toward Health, Effectiveness and Vitality and From Membership to Discipleship, the training seminars will be held back to back July 30-Aug. 1at Lake Junaluska, N.C.Seminars are sponsored by the Intentional Growth Center at the Foundation for Evangelism. The investment of just a couple of days could transform your ministry. For costs and registration, click here: Details
50 ways to welcome a new pastor: The Rev. Bob Crossman, minister of new church starts and congregational development in the Arkansas Annual Conference, offers advice 50 ways to welcome a new pastor. This essay is offered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary. Read list.
Ways to shop at Cokesbury:
- Assistance by phone, call: 800-672-1789 with extended hours;
- 24/7 online access at www.Cokesbury.comfor thousands of resources, whenever it’s convenient.
- Click here: Customer Contact Centeris ready to answer your questions and meet your resource needs.
- Event Support: continuing presence at and assistance with a wide variety of events.
National Council of Churches seeks top leader: The National Council of Churches, of which The United Methodist Church is one of 38 members, is seeking candidates for the top staff leadership position, that of General Secretary/President in the 63-year-old ecumenical organization. Click here for job description and information and to Learn more. Application process closes July 8.
Looking for a job? Looking to hire someone? See CLASSIFIEDS on home page.
Gospel choir concert: An African Joy Celebration is presenting outstanding gospel choirs and artists Sunday, July 7, at 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion UMC, 12430 Scaggsville Road (Rt. 216) in Highland. The concert is to benefit completion of a school in Asiakwa, Ghana, West Africa, where Dorothy L. Moore has been honored as Queen Mother of the village. She returns every year to visit the community and check on various projects she has spearheaded from bringing water to the village to building schools. $15 donation requested. African attire is encouraged.
Rural ministries conference: The Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting a conference on Celebrating Rural Ministry July 9 and 10 at the Ramada Inn of Hagerstown. The event, which is open to all, is $95, includes dinner and lunch, breakfast if staying at the hotel. Participants will have opportunities to share ideas and talk about issues facing them in their ministry contexts. Learn more. to get Rural Church leaders talking about the issues facing their ministry context and how the church can assist in the mission of the gospel in the Rural Setting. Registration is due by end of June. To learn more about the program and speakers, visit About CRM. For more information about the event, contact Pastor Stacy Marsh at prstacy@hotmail.com or 717-495-5884.
'The Shack’ authors to speak: Timonium UMC, 2500 Pot Spring Road in Timonium will host William Paul Young, the author of “The Shack” and “Crossroads,” and C. Baxter Kruger, author of “The Shack Revisited” Friday, July 12, at 7 p.m., for a presentation and book signing. Cost is $30. All are welcome. For tickets, phone 410-252-5500, for questions, contact Trudy Guetler at tgruetler@verizon.net. She has promotional materials.
SOULfeast: The Upper Room‘s spiritual formation retreat for children, youth and adults who seek deepening spiritually across a spectrum of experiences, will be held July 14-18, at the Conference and Retreat Center at Lake Junaluska, N.C. The Rev. Trevor Hudson of South Africa is the keynote speaker. Click here for information, registration and Details. Deadline to register for SOULfeast is June 30.
‘2013 UMM National Gathering: This event with 4,000 men from throughout the country will be held at Belmont University in Nashville July 12-14. The theme is“Inside Out for the Glory of God.” For less than $500 (including ransportation lodging, meals and registration) you can be part of the 3-day gathering. For bus registration ($150), email bweller@bwcumm.organd register for the event at www.ummgathering.org($199 registration + $100 lodging) or call 866-297-4313. Further information from Bill Weller at 410-354-5533. Click Here to Download Brochure. Learn more and register. Further questions? Contact Martha Davis or Joshua Eldson at 615-340-7145 or 866-297-4313
BCCW is coming soon: The 30th annual Baltimore County Christian Workcamp will occur July 21-26. Founded by two United Methodist ministers in 1984, it is lay run and ecumenical. It seeks to involve volunteers, high school age on up, of all different levels of skills and abilities in “improving the homes of and providing assistance for some limited income families in Baltimore County.” BCCW is a commuters’ workcamp and volunteers may commit for a day or return each day for the week. Breakfast is served at Hunt’s Memorial UMC in Riderwood and bag lunches provided. Dinner is served each evening at a different church. In addition to volunteer workers, the BCCW can always use appropriate supplies and donations. BCCW is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. For more information or a brochure, go to www.bcchristianworkcamp.org or email bcchristianworkcamp@comcast.net.
School of Congregational Development, Aug. 15-18: Hosted at Denver Marriott Tech Center, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, Path1 and Board of Global Ministries, the theme is “Encountering God at the Edge. Check here for Details.
- SCD Satellite Experience, Aug. 17: Offsite participation is available from satellite congregations within the five U.S. jurisdictions. Registrants will participate remotely through live and tape-delayed interactive live streaming. Details. St. Paul in Oxon Hill is one of the satellite sites. In Eastern Time Zone SCD will be streamed 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is $49, half of which Oxon Hill UMC as the NEJ host, will receive. GBGM also offers scholarships. To learn more and register, click here: Details.
RMN Convocation: The Reconciling Ministries Network is holding its national convocation at the National 4-H Center, 7100 Connecticut Ave., in Chevy Chase Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. to Sept. 2, noon. “Churchquake: Embracing Freedom,” is open to all who wish to learn about the movement for full LGBTQ inclusion in The United Methodist Church through worship, conversation and action. Deadline to RSVP is July 1. For questions, contactconvo@rmnetwork.org. View the convo webpage.
UPDATE- Anti-malaria documentary available for NBC stations: “Killer in the Dark,” a United Methodist produced documentary, is available to NBC affiliate stations. To see the film,contact your local NBC station to encourage them to air it. “Killer in the Dark” is about malaria and narrated by Pauley Perrette from the TV show “NCIS.” It is available until Nov. 3. Learn more . Join the movement | Get involved | Get Resources and ideas| Give
Susanna Wesley House annual meeting: “Inspired to Serve 2013” is the theme for the annual fundraising dinner for Susannah Wesley House. It will be held Sept. 14, 12:30 p.m. at the Tremont Historic Grand Venue, 225 North Charles St. in Baltimore. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the website at www.susannawesley.org.
Plant a tree: The Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, is participating in Gov. O’Malley’s Tree Restoration Program. IPC is recruiting sites to plant trees. Sites can be along streams or in urban communities or anywhere in between. The trees are free and there is assistance and tree maintenance for three years, plus an educational component. Preferred are congregations near streams, but other sites and communities may also participate. For questions about participation and general information see http://www.chesapeakecovenant.org/trees.htmor contact dottie@chesapeakecovenant.org.
UMCmarket online: The General Council on Finance and Administration has unveiled a new program, UMCmarket, which allows United Methodists to shop online at more than 1,000 popular retailers and send a donation to a church. With each purchase, a percentage of the sale can go to the church the shopper chooses. Membership is free and it takes less than a minute to join. For more information, visit www.umcmarket.org.
Discounts for UMCs at Staples: The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has entered into an agreement with Staples to provide preferred pricing and discounts on purchases, through the Staples® Advantage business-to-business purchasing program, available to churches, district offices, annual conferences, jurisdictions, general agencies, and other United Methodist related institutions. Through the program United Methodists will receive preferred pricing on an established list of office and cleaning supplies as well as on a custom list of supplies particular to the individual congregation, office, or agency’s needs; a 15 percent discount on all other items; the ability to order online and receive next day delivery; and an annual 1 to 3 percent volume-based rebate. The total of all sales to United Methodist organizations will result in a 1 percent annual rebate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Start the process. By completing the online form with basic contact information, a Staples sales representative in your area will contact you to answer questions about the program and sign you up. For more information and to sign up, email UnitedMethodists@staples.com.
FOCUS ON YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Website for UM young adults: A collaboration among United Methodist agencies and local ministries has produced a new website, www.revgo.org to help connect young adults in "spiritual discernment through missional engagement." revGO can be used as a platform for fundraising, story sharing and recruitment. It is a network of and for various agency, annual conference, district, and independent programs across the global UMC Connection. For more information.
3-Day Youth Mission Camp Program: The Society of St. Andrew’s Harvest of Hope has created a mini mission camp experience for youth. At the 3-night events, youth will glean corn in the local fields near Montross, Va., and set up camp at Westmoreland State Park. Make a difference, harvest fresh, nutritious food for those who have so little and learn what God is asking us to do. Cost is $100 per participant and includes meals, overnight accommodations and a T-shirt. Two 3-day events: High School youth event, July 28-31 (Sunday – Wednesday). See PDF Flyer for this event; Middle School youth event, July 31-Aug. 3 (Wednesday-Saturday). See the PDF Flyer for this event. If interested, do any of the following as soon as you can:
- Call Bill Leach at Harvest of Hope at 800-333-4587.
- Email at sosahoh@endhunger.org.
- Register online at http://www.endhunger.org/Harvest/index.htm.
Exploration 2013: Exploration 2013 is an event and opportunity for young adults, ages 18-26, who are considering ordained ministry, sponsored by United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. It will be held Nov. 15-17 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center,. Speakers include Louisiana Area Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and the Rev. Jorge Acevedo, senior pastor of the multicampus Grace Church in Southwest Florida. To register and learn more, click here: Details.
Young people needed for Hurricane Sandy relief: United Methodist youth and young adults are invited to join a two-year effort to help rebuild areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. Restoration Generation will begin this summer, said Michael Ratliff, who leads the Young People’s Ministries division of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. A team of five young adults will establish an intentional living community for the coming two years to coordinate the initiative. The team will be led by the Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner, who works part time for Young People’s Ministries in the Northeastern Jurisdiction. Read news release. The initiative ministry has launched a new website with information about how to get involved in the ministry. Learn more.
Rabbi’s study group: The Rabbi's class meets each Thursday at 1 p.m. in the BWC library. The study is from the sayings and thinking of the rabbis from Jesus' time, their wisdom relevent for Christians today. No background necessary. All are welcome each week or for one session only. Bring a bag lunch if you wish.
2013 UM Conference on Ministry with Children: The General Board of Discipleship is holding a conference, “Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord,” for all those engaged in ministry with children, July 23-26, at Buncombe Street UMC in Greenville, S.C. Conferees will celebrate their work and discuss ways to help children grow in faith A pre-conference retreat for children’s ministry leaders will be held July 22, with a follow-up session the morning of July 23. For more information, including a conference overview and complete session descriptions, go to http://bit.ly/YDp6Td. To register for the full four-day conference or the pre-conference retreat, go to http://bit.ly/162U3Z1. Cost for the conference is $425, which includes four meals, and for the retreat $25, which includes lunch and transportation to the retreat site.. Details.
Early Childhood Educators Conference: Registration is open for the Early Childhood Educators Conference, to be held Aug. 15 at Calvary UMC , 403 S. Main St. in Mt. Airy. The theme will be F.R.O.G., "Fully Rely on God." The speaker will be the Rev. Laurie Tingley, pastor of Mays Chapel UMC in Timonium. The cost is $50 per person, includes lunch and all workshop materials. To register, go to www.bwcumc.org and click on the conference under “events.
DVDs on Generosity Conference: Bring the best of the “Fostering a Culture of Generosity” Conference presentations and workshops home to your church. The resource includes videos, narrated presentations, outlines of key points, and supplementary materials to help you foster a culture of generosity. Learn more and order today.
VBS Mission program: The Society of St. Andrew is offering a free VBS mission program, “Superheroes of the Faith”,designed to be used either as a stand-alone program or as a mission emphasis to compliment the regular Vacation Bible School program. Includes lesson plans, crafts, activities, Bible stories. Free download and all details can be found at www.endhunger.org/vbs.htm. Or contact the Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore at 800-333-4597; email church@endhunger.org.
Clergy Health Survey report: The Center for Health of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits recently released the 2013 Clergy Health Survey Report with results of its annual United Methodist clergy questionnaire identifying clergy health trends, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. Download the free PDF now.
Education anytime, anywhere: UMC CyberCampus is an online resource to connect individuals and churches with some of the best learning opportunities across the denomination, the brain child of the Rev. HiRho Park, a BWC pastor serving at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Cyber Campus is designed to provide high quality, church-related materials as well as lectures about theological subjects. To learn more, email clergylifelonglearning@gbhem.org or call 615-340-7432.
Sound Theology: UMCommunications is offering a web based resource for listening to historical thoughts and assertions about religious faith, practice and experience – real voices of people of the church speaking, preaching, teaching, and at work in the world. Drop by SoundTheology.org where you can search more than 750 programs by name, title, subject, faith group, original institution, and key words. Listen any time – desktop, tablet, or mobile. No cost to listen.
Know your church: “Chuck Knows Church” is a weekly online video series that interprets objects, symbols and terms used in church for anyone – longtime members or newcomers. May be used in confirmation classes, youth groups, worship teams or Sunday school classes. To learn more and view a sample, go to www.ChuckKnowsChurch.com.
Social Principles bulletin inserts available: The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) has developed bulletin inserts featuring individual United Methodist Social Principles. The resource can be downloaded for free from the agency’s website. The inserts highlight positions approved by the denomination’s highest policy-making body, the General Conference, on issues such as abortion, immigrants, health care, religious minorities, racism and children’s rights. The inserts are available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format and can easily be replicated. If you need an insert on a particular subject that has not been prepared yet, one will be developed at your request and added to the website. Make your request via email to Wayne Rhodes or call 202-488-5630. For more information contact the Rev. Neal Christie, assistant general secretary, Education & Leadership Formation, at 202-488-5611.
Study guide on Hunger Report: Bread for the World Institute offers a Christian study guide for engaging congregations and small groups in conversations about its 2012 Hunger Report, Rebalancing Act: Updating U.S. Food & Farm Policies. “It is important that people of faith talk about how changes to U.S. food and farm policies will impact hungry and poor people around the world,” said Carter Echols, interim director of church relations at Bread for the World. The study guide features six small-group sessions designed to facilitate discussion and action based on the report. Each session includes a biblical reflection and questions; a summary of the report’s themes; discussion questions; activities; and an invitation to pray. To see the study guide. go to: http://www.hungerreport.org/2012/study-guide.
Resources for Social Justice Ministries: The General Board of Church & Society launched last August a series of resources relevant to common celebrations and awareness initiatives to help build and strengthen a community committed to justice. View the monthly lineup at Themes & Resources. Developed by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. No charge, but to register, visit www.gbod.org/webinarsand scroll toward the bottom of the webpage. If links above don’t work, go to http://action.umc-gbcs.org/seeking-justice.
Parish nursing scholarships: Scholarships of up to $1,000 per applicant are being offered by the Baltimore-Washington Conference to licensed registered nurses to complete a minimum of 34 hours continuing education in Faith Community/Parish Nurse Basic Preparation Program. Support through scholarships is intended to increase the number of dedicated faith community/parish nurses. Learn more.
Church leadership resources: Leading Ideas is a publication of the Lewis Center on Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. It is available free and offers resources for “effective, faithful, and fruitful practice of Christian leadership” for both clergy and laity. To learn more click here.
Rethink immigration: Rethink Church will help you to rethink immigration by offering a free package of materials to use in many different ways. The package features a 12-minute video about Jasmine, a Michigan teen who found solace in The United Methodist Church when the complications of immigration left her alone. Also included are bulletin graphics, promotional poster designs and newspaper ads to help advertise to the community. In addition, the package features supplementary resources including videos to use all year in Sunday school or in worship as sermon illustrations, study material for Sunday schools or neighborhood Bible studies, and informational pieces to help jump-start a new understanding of immigration. A DVD is available for the cost of shipping.
Two opportunities-Russia VIM: Two teams of Volunteers in Mission will go to Camp Kristol in Veronezh, Russia, this summer. Additional volunteers are welcome. One team is for July 18-28, the other is for Aug. 29-Sept.9. Both will work on bringing the camp kitchen up to commercial standards. For the July team, contact Susan Headley, russiavim@gmail.comor Trinity UMC in Prince Frederick. The second team contact is Libby Horn, russiavim@gmail.com or Bel Air UMC. To make donations to the project, go to www.RussiaVIM.org.
Zimbabwe Mission Journey: The conference is sponsoring a mission trip to Zimbabwe as part of its 15-year partnership between the BWC and Zimbabwe UMC conferences. The trip is July 12 to 24. Clergy will participate in the ninth pastors’ school. There will be opportunities for participants to engage in mission projects in schools, churches, orphanages and communities. Registration is closed. To learn more contact Pam Bowen at pbowen@bwcumc.org or visit www.bwcumc.org/Zimbabwe2013.
Churches for Middle East Peace Journey: Tour the Holy Land with a perspective on peace Oct. 14 – 25. Trip will include a Palestinian and an Israeli as tour guides together throughout the trip, facilitated and interpreted by the Rev. Doris Warrell. Lodging for 11 nights will be in the National Hotel in Jerusalem, a Christian guest house in Bethlehem, hotels in Ramallah and Tel Aviv, based on double occupancy. Cost is $2,652 per person. To secure a place, a $300 deposit is required by June 14. Details are at: http://www.cmep.org/content/cmep-peace-journeys-come-and-see. For additional information contact Doris Warrell, doris(at)cmep.org, 202-543-1222.
Ubuntu Journey to Lithuania: Visit churches and people in Lithuania, the largest of the Baltic States, independent from Russia since 1990, May 12-19, 2014. The trip is sponsored by the United Methodist Women in partnership with the United Methodist Church of Lithuania. The women on both sides are seeking to unify their UMWs. Activities planned will not require knowledge of each other’s language, interpreters will be provided. For program and expense details and application, contact team leader Debbie Vest at vimscj@sbcglobal.netor 913-568-8826 or email Ubuntu@unitedmethodistwomen.org.
Missionaries sought for Latin America and the Caribbean: United MethodistGlobal Ministries seeks missionaries to serve within the global Methodist connection in a variety of roles and ministries around the world, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean. Missionaries vary in age, trade-skills and occupations. For more information about missionary service or to apply online, visit Global Ministries’ website: www.umcmission.org/calledtoserve. If interested and to learn more, contact Daniel Randall at drandall@umcmission.org.
VIM team to Holy Land: Twice a year Janet Lahr Lewis, Methodist Liaison in Palestine and Israel, and colleagues host an “open” Volunteer in Mission team. This means that anyone from any area is welcome to participate in this special trip that combines spiritual visits to holy sites, educational meetings with partner organizations and a service project with one or more of partner groups. The fall VIM trip will be Sept. 21 to Oct. 4, flying from JFK Airport. Cost is $3300 ($500 more for single occupancy), covering roundtrip airfare, accommodations, internal transportation, guides, entrance fees, full board, honoraria for speakers, tips and donations to the work project. For more information, and a brochure, contact Elias@grace-tours.comor Admin@methodist-jer.com.
Volunteer medical teams for Haiti: United Methodist volunteer medical teams are now welcome to schedule mission service in Haiti. Some restrictions apply. Medical teams of 2-6 volunteers will work with the denomination’s existing partner health programs in the Port-au-Prince area. All medical personnel serving on a team will be required to raise at least $100 per day, per person, to offset costs. And all team members must submit medical licenses to the UMVIM office in Haiti at least 120 days before the scheduled mission trip. The clinics and hospitals where team members will be assigned have no dental or ophthalmic infrastructure. Anyone interested in forming a medical team can contact Susan Meister at haitivolunteers@yahoo.com. She will work with the team leader to match the team skills with the need in Haiti and be the liaison to the office in Haiti. More information»
ERT teams needed on Eastern Shore: Additional homes needing ERT cleanup as a result of Hurricane Sandy have recently been identified in Crisfield, MD. The Pen-Del conference Disaster Response team is requesting ERT teams to assist. These are in addition to the rebuilding teams that are responding. To volunteer your ERT certified team, please email: umcorteamcrisfield@comcast.net.
Teams still needed for Sandy relief: Volunteers needed for Sandy relief: United Methodists are continuing to contribute both money and volunteer time to the denomination’s relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Long-term recovery volunteer teams for Sandy can now register for work through the New York Conference: five sites open; and Greater New Jersey Conference: nine sites open. Register online. Other opportunities are also available. To learn more: Read story and post comment.
Respond to the Sandy disaster: The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is offering several ways for people to donate in response to Superstorm Sandy.
• Donate online to UMCOR Advance #3021787.
• Text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give an immediate $10 donation.
• Call 1-800-554-8583 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern time to donate by phone.
• Mail a check payable to UMCOR with Advance #3021787 in the memo line, and send it to P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087 or place it in the offering plate at any United Methodist church. For more information, click here.
Thailand VIM/Vision Trip:: The jurisdictional trip will take place July 5 through July 21 and will include Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Work in the Bangkok UMC will be to remodel the existing structure, including painting, light carpentry, building benches and moving the sanctuary from the first to the third floor. In Chiang Mai the group will work with the children at Angel’s Haven, an HIV/AIDS orphanage run by UMC missionaries, Gary and Cindy Moon. In both places there will be time for Bible study, possibly assisting in Vacation Bible School/English School, fellowship and teaching to build community between the Thai congregations and us. Food and lodging will be in clean, reasonably-priced hotels with air conditioning. Bottled water will be provided. July in Thailand is the last month of summer and it will be hot and humid. Estimated cost is between $3300 and $3500 depending on number of participants. Group will meet at JFK airport in New York and costs do not cover that travel, nor immunizations or passport. For information, contact Karen Weiss at thailandimt@gmail.com or P.O. Box 114, Centre Hall, PA 16828. A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance..
Vehicle Donation Program: Susanna Wesley Hourse, Inc., offers a highly specialized program where you can donate a car, truck, trailer, recreational vehicle, boat, etc., toward support of the nonprofit charitable organization that serves homeless women and their children in Baltimore. Free vehicle pickup, whether running or not. Gifts are tax deductible. To learn more, go to www.susannawesley.org and click “Wheels for Susanna Wesley.”
UMCOR Kits are needed: St. Matthew’s Disaster Response/Outreach HUB in Bowie is collecting UMCOR Cleaning Buckets, Health Kits and/or supplies for both types of kits in support of relief efforts for “Superstorm Sandy”. Please invite your church to pitch in and lend a hand in making kits or purchasing bulk items needed for kits. Deliveries can be made to: St Matthew’s UMC, 14900 Annapolis Road, Bowie by contacting Irene Schneider at 301-262-4691 or 301-802-8263; email bischneider@comcast.net, or Bob Fuller at 202-498-0567 or email: fullerbob432@aol.com . Kits can also be dropped off on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Bentley Springs Hub at 419 Bentley Road in Parkton. Contact HUB Coordinator Fred Sipes, 410-967-9134 andfred@msn.com,. Pick up of large quantities can be arranged by St. Matthew’s Disaster Response/Outreach HUB by calling ahead of needed pick up date. Details concerning kit contents can be found on the Mission Central website www.missioncentral.org or St. Matthew’s UMC website at www.stmatthews-bowie.org/missions/disaster-response-outreach. If you are interested in assembling kits, and/or working at the Bowie-HUB, contact Irene Schneider or Bob Fuller.
‘Advance’ ministries include three in BWC: The Advance, a second mile giving program for special United Methodist Ministries, has approved three area ministries as official projects for the 2013-2016 quadrennium. They include Christ House Medical Services(#381215), Appalachian Regional Ministries(#982041) and Appalachia Hunger and Poverty(#982039). Learn more about Advance Specialsand how you can give.
Mississippi appeals for VIM teams: The Mississippi Annual Conference is ready to receive early response teams for 50 sites in Jackson County with an additional 18 sites needing tarping. The teams that deploy should review mold remediation and bring tools with those tasks in mind.For more information, contact the Rev. Wayne Napier at 228-216-2560 or wbnapier@live.com. For more details, see How to volunteer.
Volunteer medical teams for Haiti: United Methodist volunteer medical teams are now welcome to schedule mission service in Haiti. Some restrictions apply. Medical teams of 2-6 volunteers will work with the denomination’s existing partner health programs in the Port-au-Prince area. All medical personnel serving on a team will be required to raise at least $100 per day, per person, to offset costs. And all team members must submit medical licenses to the UMVIM office in Haiti at least 120 days before the scheduled mission trip. The clinics and hospitals where team members will be assigned have no dental or ophthalmic infrastructure. Anyone interested in forming a medical team can contact Susan Meister at haitivolunteers@yahoo.com. She will work with the team leader to match the team skills with the need in Haiti and be the liaison to the office in Haiti. More information»
Classifieds can now be found at UMSocial by clicking here.
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Send e-connection subscription requests and changes of e-mail addresses and submit items of interest to Kayla Spears at kspears@bwcumc.org or call 800-492-2525, Ext. 420. To be considered, items must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesdays.
If you would like to add church council members, staff and other leaders to the e-connection mailing list, send all addresses, first and last names, church and position to mlauber@bwcumc.org.
