AN District News.....UMC Buzz...... August 30, 2018
Prayers of the People
Please keep Pastor Kenneth McDonald (Glen Burnie UMC) in your prayers for a speedy recovery as he was recently ill.
We offer our prayers for students and teachers who have or who are returning to the classroom across Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Bermuda in the coming days.
Pastor Ramon McDonald’s (First UMC: Laurel) daughter and son are adopting, and they need your prayers. In addition to your prayers - if you feel led to join the journey, financially, you can go to https://heartsandseouladoption.org/ or http://www.love-gives.com/. Thank you for your prayers and any gift you may feel led to give.
Registration open for Pre-Advent Day Apart for Clergy
Registration is now open for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling's Pre-Advent Day Apart with the Clergy on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This year, the guest preacher and presenter will be the Rev. Kirk Byron Jones, senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Lynn, Mass., and a professor of social ethics, preaching and pastoral ministry. His most recent book is "Soul Talk: How to Have the Most Important Conversation of All." The cost for the event, which includes lunch, is $35 for active clergy and $25 for retired clergy. Learn more and register.
Pastor Ramon McDonald’s (First UMC: Laurel) daughter and son are adopting, and they need your prayers. In addition to your prayers - if you feel led to join the journey, financially, you can go to https://heartsandseouladoption.org/ or http://www.love-gives.com/. Thank you for your prayers and any gift you may feel led to give.
Understanding 'the Way Forward' with Tom Berlin Sept.15
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads as it lives into a season of discernment and choosing. In February, a special session of the General Conference will be held to consider the work of the Commission on a Way Forward and how the denomination will address homosexuality. It is a time, some say, for the church to decide if we will walk together loosely or part with a blessing.
On Sept. 15, the Rev. Tom Berlin, a member of the Commission on a Way Forward, will discuss the different options facing the church in a session, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Nichols-Bethel UMC, 1239 Murray Road in Odenton. The final reports of the Commission and a video of Rev. Berlin' presentation to the BWC in May are online. Learn more.
New This Week
ROCK2019: Registration opens Sept. 15 for ROCK2019. This weekend retreat for youth, which traditionally draws more than 5,000 people to the Convention Center in Ocean City, will be held Feb. 8-10, 2019. The featured speaker this year will be Ben Glenn, the Chalk Guy. Salvador will provide the music and Egypt Speaks is the weekend's spoken word artist. ROCK is designed as a God-encountering, life-changing, high-energy retreat focusing on revival for youth and adults. It empowers youth to follow Jesus and transform the world. Learn more.
Continuing Highlights
AN CLERGY INTERVIEWS: All Annapolis District Clergy, please note that an email has been sent out regarding 2018 Clergy Interviews. Please note the DS would like to meet with all Clergy and newly appointed Clergy to the Annapolis District this fall. Slots will fill quickly so please make sure to pick your interview date and time today. A huge thank you for all of the churches in the Annapolis District that assisted and/or considered hosting clergy interviews this 2018.
BMCR meets: The Northeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodists of Church Renewal will hold their annual meeting Oct. 11-12 at St. Marks UMC in Hanover. The event will be hosted by the Baltimore-Washington Conference chapter of BMCR. Learn more. Register online.
Policy and Procedure Manual:The newly revised Baltimore-Washington Conference Policy Manual is now available online.
reCall Summit 2018: The reCall Summit is a time of brave conversations as the church explores racial justice and reconciliation Oct. 26-27 at the DoubleTree Hotel by the BWI Airport. Registration is $129 before Aug. 31. Featured speakers will include Jim Wallis of Sojourners and Marvin McMickle of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Learn more and register.
Thinking about retirement? The BWC's Pension and Benefits team will hold a Pre-Retirement Session Thursday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Mt. Zion UMC, 12430 Scaggsville Road in Highland. Spouses are also encouraged to attend. Registration opens soon.