District News

Prayers of the People

 

We pray for the people of The United Methodist Church as they interpret the impact of the recent ruling of the Judicial Council on the Traditional Plan and what that means for the church. Learn more about the rulings. We also give thanks for the people across the BWC who continue in these contentious times to worship, serve, witness, give, and love.

Please join me in lifting of prayers for Pastor Gregory McNeil, Pastor at Union Memorial and Pastor Samuel Jerry Colbert, Pastor at John Wesley, Annapolis. Pastor McNeil,  lost his wife, Helena, on early Sunday morning, April 28.  Pastor Colbert  lost his sister, Althea Phillips.

 

GREAT NEWS, LAITY!

The Annapolis District has added two additional classes to the roster for Lay Servant Academy/School of Christian.  Please check out the link and....REGISTER NOW using the link from the information below.

 

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

 

FUND BALANCE REPORT ARE DUE JUNE 30th

The Committee on Finance is required to make provision for an annual audit of the records of all the financial officers (including the financial secretary or church business manager and treasurers) of the church and all its organizations and shall report to the Charge Conference. Guidelines for handling of an accountability of funds can be found in the 2017-2020 United Methodist Church Financial Records Handbook and in Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: FINANCE

Fund Balance Report

 

RESOLUTIONS TO THE 235TH SESSION OF THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE

All resolutions set to come before the 235th session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are due to the Conference Secretary by May 1, 2019. The session will be held May 29-June 1, 2019.

Resolutions should be submitted using the BWC Resolution Submission Form available at:  http://tiny.cc/bwc-resolution-form

Please note:

You must first consult with Mark Gorman, Chair of the Rules Committee, prior to submitting resolutions pertaining to Rules of the Session.  For resolutions that have budget implications, you must first consult with Phil Potter, Chair of CFA prior to submitting the resolution.

LEADERSHIP AND NEW FAITH EXPRESSIONS

• The Rev. Quincy D. Brown will lead a workshop on "Discipleship Systems: The 3D Journey," Sept 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton, and on Sept. 7 at a location that will be announced soon. The workshop will walk clergy and laity through a process to discern, dream and develop. The cost is $35. For more information, contact Jo Chesson at 410-309-3490.  

• Christie Latona, the BWC's Director of Connectional Ministry, and the Rev. Joseph Daniels, pastor at Emory UMC in Washington, D.C., have published a new book, "Connecting for a Change: How to Engage People, Churches, and Partners to Inspire Hope in Your Community." The book explores mission strategies and how to align your church's what, who, how and when with God's why. Order your copy on Amazon.

• The Rev. Rodney Smothers has authored, with his daughter, the Rev. Jasmine Smothers, a creative write-your-own-rules-book for leading a 22nd-century church movement. The book is titled "Blank Slate." Learn more about creating a church for the next generations. Order your copy on Amazon.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S MINISTRY

• Do you know of a University of Maryland student who loves God, loves people and wants to make a difference?  If so, please encourage them to apply for the new UMD Campus Ministry Hub. We are looking for a diverse team of UMD student interns to lead campus ministry at The Wesley Applications are due April 28. Learn more and apply at www.bwcumc.org/umd-campus-ministry-hub.

 

• The Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) is a fledgling leadership/ministry program staring in the fall of 2019. The long-term goal is to inspire, encourage, and support young people as they develop and run programming in their local churches and districts. We believe that young people are changing the world and deserve all the tools and support we can provide. The SLC will take a series of retreats to deepen their spiritual lives and gain critical tools for leadership and community building. We will also provide a significant service opportunity for youth and youth groups during the ROCK weekend! If you feel called and compelled to take charge, we want to help you hone who you are. For more info, visit www.bwcumc.org/student-leader-cohort.

Annual Conference: May 29 - June 1 in Baltimore 

Online registration is open for the
Annual Conference Session  

Registration for special meals, child care and Wednesday workshops closes May 7. 

Resolutions to be considered by the members at the 2019 Annual Conference Session are  due Wednesday, May 1 (this is to allow time for people to respond to Judicial Council rulings). Learn more and see the resolution submission form. 

Pre-Conference Briefing Sessions will be held Saturday, May 18, at Jackson Chapel in Frederick from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and at St. Johns United Church in Columbia from 2 to 4:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.

Young People's Ministry Celebration: Under the visionary leadership of Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, we are taking a day to learn from,  re-commit to and celebrate with the youth and young adults in our midst on Saturday, June 1, during the 235th Session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church. All confirmands and their families are invited to attend all of the events on June 1 beginning at 9 a.m. or just the Confirmation Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Celebration of Confirmands includes a final Blessing/Commissioning of youth and young adults including Ambassadors for Mission of Peace, high school and college graduates, summer service teams, and UMD Hubbers, and ChangeMakers.  There is no cost to attend.

Learn more.     RSVP before May 15.

 

Annual Conference Mission Focus:  On May 30, you are invited to join the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church's Meal Packaging Event at this year's Annual Conference, with Rise Against Hunger. Learn more about how you can help contribute to the movement to end hunger by the year 2030.