e - connection - Friday, May 9, 2008
JOYS AND CONCERNS
The Rev. Laurie Gates-Ward and Alan Gates-Ward had twins, Hope and Rebecca, Friday, May 2. Hope had complications and died Sunday, May 4. Viewing is today, May 9, 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at Duda Ruck Funeral Home, 7922 Wise Ave., in Dundalk. The funeral is Saturday, May 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lodge Forest UMC, 2717 Lodge Forest Drive in Baltimore. Prayers are requested for Laurie, Alan and baby Rebecca, who is still in the hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to revlaurie@aol.com or to the family at 2715 Lodge Forest Drive, Baltimore, MD 21219.
William (Bill) J. Milbourne, Sr., 72, a retired Elder who served part-time at Adams UMC in Lothian, died from a heart attack in his home Tuesday, May 6. The Viewing is Monday, May 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Service located at 4905 York Road, in Baltimore. The funeral will be Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at Homestead UMC, 1500 Gorsuch Ave. in Baltimore. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his wife, Alice Milbourne at 5117 Herring Run Drive, Baltimore, 21214.
Herbert J. Fivehouse, 92, father of Joyce Derby and father-in law to the Rev. Mark Derby of Grace UMC (Gaithersburg), died Wednesday, April 30. The Funeral was held May 5 in Hunt Valley. Condolences may be sent to the family at 4900 Continental Drive, Olney, MD 20832.
Pastor Al (Altah) Nichols, formerly of Marley and Delmont UMC, died Monday, May 5. The funeral is today May 9, at 11 a.m. at Baldwin Memorial UMC, 921 General's Highway in Millersville. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Florence Nichols, 1619 Millersville Road, Millersville, MD 21108.
The Rev. Johnie W. McCurdy, father of the Rev. Sheila McCurdy of Epworth UMC, died Wednesday, May 7. He was 90. He was a retired United Methodist pastor who had served in the Alabama-West Florida Conference for more than 50 years. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 10, in Geneva, Alabama. Condolences may be sent to Rev. McCurdy at Sheila.mccurdy@eumc-md.org.
Congratulations to the Rev. Chris Owens of First UMC, Laurel and his wife, Blair Lee Owens, on the birth of their son, Jacob Christopher. Jacob was born April 30, weighing 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Best wishes may be sent to the Owens' at pastorchris@fumcl.org.
The Rev. Willie M. Parker is retiring after 28 years in church ministry. A banquet will be held to honor and celebrate his years of service at the Doubletree Hotel, Riva Road in Annapolis, June 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $20 for children 11 and under. For tickets or more information, contact Charlotte Green at holyspirit032000@yahoo.com or 410-280-6131.
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
Pre-conference informational meetings will he held tomorrow Saturday, May 10. Here are the details:
Western Region: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Harmony UMC, 9455 Williamsport Pike in Falling Waters, W.Va.
Southern Region: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Community UMC, 1690 Riedel Road in Crofton.
Washington Region: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Woodside UMC, 8900 Georgia Ave., in Silver Spring.
Baltimore Region : 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Catonsville UMC, 6 Melvin Ave., in Catonsville.
Annual Conference update
COSROW Workshop to give women a voice: The Baltimore-Washington Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) will offer a training workshop to assist men and women in understanding the importance of making their voices heard. It will also teach them how to effectively speak and participate at annual conference. The workshop, led by Bishop Forrest C. Stith (Retired), will be held at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center in Columbia, Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m., to 3 p.m., to allow people to attend their respective Pre-Conference briefings to review legislation coming before annual conference. COSROW will provide lunch; the cost is $8 per person. For more information and to RSVP for lunch, please contact the Rev. Iris Farabee-Lewis at stjamesumc1@verizon.net.
NEW -Discipleship boards and agencies will meet Wednesday, May 14, at the Conference Center at 7 p.m. The meeting will be in Room 3 with the whole group first and later as individual committees. For more information, contact Joyce King at Jking@bwcumc.org or 410-309-3311.
NEW - "Nothing But Nets" campaign: Beverly Schol, the bishop's wife will be launching the Conference's global fight against malaria at Calvary UMC, 131 West Second Street, in Frederick, Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. For more information, call the church at 301-662-1464.
NEW- Training for church secretaries and administrative assistants:
There will be training for church secretaries and administrative assistants on using the new Gateway system, Wednesday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an online system that will be used for charge conference and evaluations due this fall. Training is free, but registration is required for adequate preparation. Register through the regional offices: Baltimore Region, Sandra Cockrell at scockrell@bwcumc.org, Southern Region, Sharon Fleet at sfleet@bwcumc.org, Washington Region: Stephanie Kinchen at skinchen@bwcumc.org,Western Region: Martha Jones at mjones@bwcumc.org. Registration deadline is June 13.
NEW- Training for local church clergy: There will be two training sessions for local church clergy Wednesday, July 23, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m., on using the new Gateway system. This is an online system that will be used for charge conference and evaluations due this fall. Training is free, but registration is required for adequate preparation. Register through the regional offices: Baltimore Region, Sandra Cockrell at scockrell@bwcumc.org, Southern Region, Sharon Fleet at sfleet@bwcumc.org, Washington Region: Stephanie Kinchen at skinchen@bwcumc.org, Western Region: Martha Jones at mjones@bwcumc.org. Registration deadline is July 18.
Retreat and Camping events
UPDATE-Special Price on Adventure Devotionals: It is time to order the 2008-2009 Adventure Devotional. The booklets will be available for pickup at annual conference, May 22-24. Prices are $4.50 for 1-50 devotionals and $4 for orders of 51-100. Orders mailed are subject to additional shipping and handling fees. For more information, contact Christine Kumar at ckumar@bwcumc.org.
District coordinators needed for bishop's cruise: Each district is being asked to name someone to serve as district coordinator or assistant for Bishop Schol's travel/study cruise to follow Paul's fourth journey to Greece and Italy in November. The coordinator's responsibilities include recruiting clergy, church leaders, teachers and church members to join the bishop for the cruise. Volunteer coordinator may be clergy or laity. For more information or to volunteer, contact Olivia Gross at ogross@bwcumc.org. For information on cruise, go to http://www.bwcumc.org/.
BWARM-Reflection on general conference: St. Luke's UMC, 3655 Calvert Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C., will host discussions on post-general conference Saturday, May 10. The Rev. Mary Kraus of Dumbarton UMC will lead the opening worship. Fellowship time starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. The church has a parking lot. For more information, contact Adam Briddell at 202-255-8369.
Women's spring bazaar: Montgomery Avenue Women's Center has sponsored a spring bazaar to held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millian Memorial UMC, 13016 Parkland Drive in Rockville. Crafts, baskets, jewelry, baked goods, specialty photos, beauty products and other unique gift items will be on sale. Admission is free. For more information, contact Adella Waddell at 301-972-1145 or awad6a7@verizon.net.
Youth Rally: Youth and their leaders are invited to a rally at Salem UMC, May 17, at 6 p.m., in Wolfsville. Dance drama, a special speaker and a youth band will be part of the worship. A barbecue dinner will be served at 6 p.m. before the worship begins. A post worship bonfire will provide an opportunity for youth and leaders to connect. For more information, contact Katie Bishop at pastorkatiebishop@yahoo.com or go to http://www.salemchurchwolfsville.org/.
"Are we there yet?"-A young adult workshop: FUMCHY Café, the young adult ministry of First UMC in Hyattsville, is sponsoring an educational workshop on effective evangelism and discipleship. The event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at First UMC, 6201 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville. The Rev. Rene Knight will speak on evangelism, the Rev. Miguel Balderas will discuss discipleship and the Rev. Kevin Smalls will lead the Café experience. The cost of the workshop is $10, payable to First UMC, young adult ministry. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration forms are available at the church or online at www.fumchy.org/. Registration deadline is Sunday, May 4. For more information, contact Greg Richards at 301-927-6133 or theyoungadults@gmail.com.
Congregations and gifts in ministry with Young Adults: Western Presbyterian Church at 2401 Virginia Ave., N.W., in Washington, D.C., will host a conference with a focus on understanding and engaging young people in their quest for passion, integrity and faith. The event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost of registration is $75 for two and $85 for three people, covers breakfast, lunch and a copy of Carol Howard Merritt's "Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation." For more information, contact Anne A. Michel at 202-885-8582 or amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.
To register online, go to www.thefund.org/calling/events or contact calling@thefund.org.
NEW - Millian Memorial UMC organ dedication concert: Mark Miller, renowned church musician and composer will be guest organist to celebrate the installation of its new sanctuary organ, Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 13026 Parkland Drive in Rockville. Admission to the concert is free. For more information, contact the church at 301-946-2500 or go to http://www.millianchurch.com/.
Youth dinner, show and silent auction: In an effort to raise funds for West River Camp, eight youth groups have organized an evening full of activities Sunday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul UMC, Church Activity Center, 11000 H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby. For more information, call the church at 410-326-4475.
Auction at West River Center: The auction will be held Saturday, June 7, to offload surplus equipment like sailboats, travel trailer, rowboats, and outboard motors. For a complete list of items, go to www.bwcumc.org/camping or call 800-922-6795.
NEW - Celebrate United Methodist heritage day at the Strawbridge Shrine, home of American Methodism and Robert Strawbridge, June 21,1 to 6:30 p.m., 2650 Strawbridge Lane in New Windsor. There will be music, praise and worship. The Rev. Lloyd Marcus will lead the fellowship and the Rev. "Budd" Kibbe the hymn singing. For more information contact Laura Apostol at 410-635-2600 or go to http://www.strawbridgeshrine.org/.
Lincoln Park UMC to host Juneteenth Day in observance of the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing from the Legacy of Slavery. The worship service will be held Friday, June 20, at 11:30 a.m. at Lincoln UMC, 1301 N. Carolina Ave., NE Washington, D.C. 20002. For more information, contact the church at
202-543-1318.
Web Training Opportunities
RESOURCES FOR MAKING DISCIPLES
NEW -Choral Music Scholarships: North Carolina Wesleyan College has established the NC Wesleyan Singers Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships up to $4,000 for students enrolled in Wesleyan Singers. Students may major in any academic area. Wesleyan offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 21 major subjects. To audition for the scholarship, apply for admission to North Carolina Wesleyan College. For more information contact Gene Heavner at 252-985-5287 or gheavner@ncwc.edu.
NEW -UMCOR assisting Myanmar (formerly known as Burma): UMCOR is working with its partner, Church World Service to provide relief to thousands of people affected by tropical cyclone Nagirs, that slammed into the largest city of Yangon. Thousands are dead and many more are without food, water, shelter and power. Please pray and give to Myanmar Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3019674. UMCOR Hotline is giving updates on the situation on the ground.
NEW -Individual Clergy coaching offered. Pastoring a church requires self-knowledge, interpersonal skills, strategic and tactical thinking and goal focus. Yet amid the day-to-day demands of work in the church, keeping goals, skills and awareness in alignment can be challenging. The Rev. Greg Brown, a professional clergy coach, is offering critical feedback and direction toward effective, compassionate and visionary leadership. He has served as a coach to the clergy of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and across the country for more than 10 years. If you feel you might benefit from candid and supportive feedback and strategy work, contact Brown at greg@gregbrownonline.com. It could change your ministry!
Wesley Theological Seminary summer term begins: Registration is now open for summer classes at Wesley Theological Seminary. The summer term starts May 27 and ends August 1. Courses include: Arts, Ethics, Spirituality, the Holocaust, Biblical languages and other courses required for ordination. CEUs are available. Go to www.wesleyseminary.edu/summer to download registration forms. For more information, contact Sara Sheppard at 202-885-8688 or ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu.
BWC UMMen to clean up Mt. Auburn Cemetery: UMMen need volunteers to help maintain the grounds at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Volunteers will work Saturday, May 17. Equipment to cut grass, trim the bushes and clean the debris is also required. For more information, contact Sherman Harris at 301-299-2984. Those who would like to help should contact Richard Campbell at rcampbell@annapolisdisty.org. Go to http://www.bwcumm.org/ for additional information.
Sharing Jerusalem prayer service and workshop on impediments to peace will be held at Chevy Chase UMC, 7001 Connecticut Ave., in Chevy Chase Sunday, May 18, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Rev. Monroe Wright at lanhamumc@msn.com.
Journaling Workshop sponsored by the Pastoral Care Department and the Sibley Senior Association at Sibley Memorial Hospital will be held May 30-31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 25-26. For more information, contact Julie Potter at 202-364-7602 or jpotter@sibley.org or pastoralcare@sibley.org
UPDATE-Churches reaching out to Immigrants: The second meeting is Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is part of the churches' ongoing initiative to reach out to immigrants in the DC Metro area. The venue will be Capital Bible Seminary, 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 111, Springfield, VA 22151. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to 703-752-1624.
National Lobby Day: Join anti-hunger advocates June 17, to help fight global hunger and poverty. For more information, go to bread.org /lobbyday
A Day at Wesley Theological Seminary is scheduled for Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. "A morning with St. Paul for preachers and teachers" with Dr. Craig C. Hill and "Worship Planning for Advent" ( liturgy, visuals, music) with Dr. Eileen Guether and Dr. Deborah Sokolove. Cost is $65 for each session and $110 for both, including lunch. CEUs are available. To register and for more information, call 202-885-8720 or go to http://www.wesleyseminary.edu/, and click on Equipping Lay Ministry.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
NEW - Church organist and choir director: Emmanuel UMC seeks a musician with a variety of musical styles including Christian contemporary music. The ideal candidate should play piano, organ and electric keyboard. Salary is commensurate with experience and training. For more information, contact the church at 301-733-4720. Applicant should send resume with salary expectations to the Rev. Kenneth Hawes, Emmanuel UMC, 802 Summit Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740.
NEW - Professional musician: pianist/organist looking for a position at a Methodist church. For more information, contact beatty.fran@gmail.com.
Pre-school director: Faith UMC, 6810 Montrose Road in Rockville, needs a pre-school director to supervise and evaluate teaching staff. Requirements include: AA degree in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor's degree, 90 hours of course work and a minimum of two years' experience. Send resume and cover letter to Gina Dawson at GinaD@FaithworksHere.com. For more information, contact her at 301-881-1881 Ext. 2250.
Youth minister is needed part-time at Foundry UMC. The position requires leadership, communication and team-building skills. For more information, go to http://www.foundryumc.org/. Send resume and references to TThames@foundryumc.org.
Director of youth ministries is needed at Asbury UMC 10 hours a week, four of which must be Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon. Applicant should send cover letter and resume to hr@asburyumcarnold.org or SPPR Committee, Asbury UMC, 78 Church Road, Arnold, MD 21012.
Project coordinator is needed at the Baltimore-Washington Conference, to manage projects that support the conference mission, vision and strategy. Requires organizational and event-planning skills. Applicant should be a team player with the ability to develop project budgets, have intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and working knowledge of the denomination's culture and structure. For more information, contact the Human Resource Director. For consideration e-mail a resume and cover letter to the human resource director, at hrbwc@bwcumc.org.
Send e - connection subscription requests and changes of e-mail addresses to Linda Worthington at Lworthington@bwcumc.org.