AN District News.....UMC Buzz...... March 22, 2019
Prayers of the People
Clergy appointments are being announced. We pray for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, the Cabinet, and all those who are appointed to new ministries in the coming year. See the appointments.
Featured this Week
Southern Region Annual Leadership Day April 13, 2019
The Southern Region will host our annual training for clergy and laity on April 13, 2019 at Nichols-Bethel UMC, 1239 Murray Rd, Odenton MD. This year our keynote speaker will be Matt Lake, Lead Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Williamsport, PA—an urban congregation that consists of a mix of traditional and contemporary worship experiences. First Church also currently hosts a network of fresh expressions of ministry called the Acts Network in which people meet in places such as homes, gyms, and coffee shops.
Annapolis District Lay Servant Academy
Lay Servants are to serve the local church or charge in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This includes the interpretation of scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. While one doesn't have to be certified to serve, there are opportunities for those who feel called to become Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers or Certified Lay Ministers. One of the strengths of our connectional system is the trainings we offer.
The classes offered may be taken by anyone: member of a congregation, local church leader, or lay servant. All class offerings except Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course may be used as a re-certification class for Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers.
You may attend classes outside of your district, based on your own needs.
Course Fee: $35
How to register: https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=4242
Immigration Town Hall is Saturday, March 23
An Immigration Town Hall will be held this Saturday, March 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Bethany UMC in Ellicott City. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will lead the conversation on this vital issue facing all of our churches. Learn more about immigration rights.
One aspect of immigration reform involves the Dreamers. On March 12, H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 was introduced in Congress. This bill would protect Dreamers and individuals with TPS and DED, allowing them to participate fully in the US and access a pathway to citizenship. Emma Escobar, the BWC coordinator of Latino Ministries, encourages BWC members to call Congress members at 202-883-8577 to voice their support. Learn more and see resources to make your voice heard.
Also, see a story by on a recent BWC ministry exploratory trip to El Salvador by the Rev. Heather Olson.
Choir Camp: Registration is open for the Voices In Praise Youth Choir Camp, Aug. 10 to 13, at West River UM Center, with a Finale Concert at National UMC in Washington. The camp gives singers in Grades 6 through 12 an opportunity to make a joyful noise and give directors the tools to build and sustain a successful youth choir. Join them for four days of music-making, choir bonding, idea-sharing, and fun. Learn more. Financial support for the camp is made possible through a BWC Missional Innovation Grant.
BWC Discipleship Agency Realignment Listening Sessions Coming to a Leadership Day Near You:
Last year, the 2018 Annual Conference session overwhelmingly gave conference leaders permission to experiment with a simplified way of being in ministry with one another. The interim boards have been at work and are ready to provide an update to clergy and lay members to Annual Conference and to receive your thoughts and ideas during lunch at Leadership Days. Learn more about the realignment.
Ministry Survey: Last week, a survey went out to thousands of people in the BWC to gain an understanding of how people are engaging in ministry. The result will be used to strengthen local church disciple-making and to increase our collective impact in this region and around the world. If you received a survey, we appreciate your completing and returning it by Monday, March 25.
Discipleship Opportunities
Celebrate Excellence at Annual Conference 2019! Applications and nominations are now being accepted for a wide variety of awards (applications are due by April 1), including:
- Congregational awards for Abundant Health, or Advocacy and Action, with $1,000 given for reinvestment in ministry;
- United to Love Moral Courage Award for Young and Older Adults who do the right thing, even in the face of their fears;
- Youth Group Leader of the Year who grow and multiply disciples in middle and high school;
- The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for laity and clergy who many people credit for helping to start or reignite their faith journey.
- Learn more and apply for these Annual Conference Awards.
Are you called to lead beyond your local faith community?
Interested in working for the full participation of women in the life of the church? Believe that every person should be a full and equal part of God's human family? Committed to creating fully engaged and empowered disciples? The BWC is looking for men and women to serve on the Commission and Status and Role of Women. Contact Sarah Ford or Christie Latona.