Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC

BM District News

Posted by Christine Taylor on Dec 21, 2018

It seems that in closing out the calendar year we become busier than ever, and last week was no exception. Wednesday, December 13^th we had our last clergy gathering of 2018, which focused on clergy taxes and the blessing of hospitality from Rev. Andre Briscoe and the St. Matthews-New Life UMC family. The following day, Rev. Brian Brown facilitated the district’s A Way Forward event at Epworth Chapel UMC, using the book Anatomy of Peace as its foundation. The session was insightful and challenged us to rethink how we engage with those around us. (Stay tuned for more!)

Be reminded that the Conference Mission Center will be closed for the holidays on December 24^th and will reopen on January 2. We pray that you find time to enjoy the beauty and holiness of the season. We also pray that you find time to rest and renew for the coming year.

Reminders:

Evaluations were due on Saturday, December 1^st. If you have not already done so, please submit your Evaluations in Arena as soon as possible, and encourage your SPRCs to do so as well. The information in the reports is critical for the appointment season which begins immediately upon the return from the holiday break.

Please be sure to submit any remaining church conference documents, including overdue Congregational Profiles, as soon as possible. All church conference minutes should be uploaded into Arena. It is also recommended that you retain a copy of all the reports submitted as a part of your 2018 church conference, in the likelihood that you are unable to download your complete 2018 report packet during the 2019 church conference season.

The EZRA System opened for review and preparation for the submission of your 2018 Statistical Report on Monday, December 17^th. A separate email was sent regarding EZRA along with informational materials. You can also access the informational material that was attached by clicking the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2018statsinfo. Additionally, information can be found on the BWC website: http://www.bwcumc.org/administration/finance/statistical-reports/ It is strongly encouraged that you log into EZRA prior to January to ensure that you have access to complete the report.

Today (December 21^st), the Benefits Office emailed each Pastor and Treasurer a 2019 Pastor Compensation and Benefits summary. If you have not already reviewed and approved the summary, please do so by January 7. Corrections or changes to salary submitted to the Benefits Office after January 10 will not take effect until the February billing.

Upcoming Events:

January 15^th: Last day to pay your 2018 Mission Shares (Apportionments)

January 28^th: Statistical Reports Due by 12 noon

January 3^rd - March 7^th: BWC Scholarship application submission window. The scholarships are open to qualified students currently attending college, as well as high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall of 2019.

A variety of scholarships are offered to fit the diverse needs of our students. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete the full online application which includes uploading their current transcripts. In addition, the student must provide contact information for their pastor and one additional church reference. The pastor and reference will be contacted and asked to submit information on the student’s participation in the local church. The entire process will be done online for ease of the student, pastor, and reference. For details about the individual scholarships or to apply for a scholarship, please visit http://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/scholarships/.

January 29^th- 31^st: Bishop’s Sexual Ethics and Boundary Training Sessions. Arnolia UMC will host the January 30th session. To register for one of the sessions, please click here. Attendence is required for all clergy (elders, deacons, licensed pastors, clergy from other denominations, extension ministers) and laity assigned to pastoral roles. Lay staff from local churches or other conference leaders are encouraged to attend. Requests for excused absence are to be made in writing to Bishop Easterling with a courtesy copy to the DS by January 21.

January 31^st: Last day to sign up for United to Love: Advocacy and Action.

We would like your voice at the table. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has six active teams to mobilize across our connection, and they are: Creation Care (Climate/Eco-Justice), Gender Equality, Gun Violence Prevention, Immigration Rights, Racial Justice, and Wealth Equity. If you are called to serve in one/more of these areas, if this is your passion and/or your faith community is leading in one or more of these areas, we would like to hear from you. Please go to http://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/advocacy-action/ to sign-up so that we can connect with you.

February 8^th-10^th: ROCK Registration prices increase on January 1^st. Click here to register.

February 20^th: Bishop’s Pre-Lenten Day Apart; location TBD (A Registration link will be provided once available).

February 23^st -26^th: Special Session of the General Conference (Please continue to pray daily from 2:23 – 2:26 p.m.)

March 2^nd: The Conference Mission Center’s Live Streaming of Prayer and Information Sharing regarding the Special Session of General Conference. We are looking for churches in the district who can serve as satellite streaming locations. Your church must have available parking and the necessary technology and audiovisual equipment to host. If your church would like to serve in this capacity, please contact the district office via email: .

March 9^th: Town Hall Meeting on the Opioid Crisis at Harmony UMC, Falling Waters.

Please check out The Conference’s event page for more information and links to registrations for various conference events, as well as opportunities for service and resourcing your ministries.

Have a very merry and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sunday, November 18th marked the final cluster church conference. Thanks to everyone for the collegial spirit and strong participation. It was wonderful to hear about the life-changing ministry taking place in our churches and communities. We pray that you found our time together a motivating and refreshing inspiration for collaborative and risk-taking ministry. Special thanks to the presiding elders who offered their time and support to the Resurrection Cluster Church Conferences, and to the host churches who graciously opened their hearts and doors.

Please be sure to submit any remaining documents as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you retain a copy of all the reports submitted as a part of your 2018 church conference, in the likelihood that you are unable to download your complete 2018 report packet during the 2019 church conference season.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 28^th-Conversation on A Way Forward (Conference Event):

Grace UMC (119 N Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877). Rev. Tom Salsgiver, of the Susquehanna Conference, who served on the Commission on the Way Forward, is offering a detailed look into the possibilities that lie ahead for the denomination. Please be advised that it is recommended that you bring a bag lunch. The event runs from 10 am – 3 pm.

December 1^st: Evaluations, including pastoral goals, are due. Please click the following link to access the necessary information, worksheets, and instructions: 2018 Evaluations

December 1^st- Early Response Team (ERT) Certification & Recertification Courses

As we are all too familiar with the reality that disaster can strike at any time. The BWC's Abundant Health Board is committed to organizing teams of skilled individuals to be ready to respond to any form of disaster that may affect us locally, nationally, and globally. If you are interested in becoming a part of this vital work, please select one of our upcoming certification or recertification courses here: http://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/abundant-health/disaster-mission/.

Upcoming Certification and Recertification Courses include:

* Certification: December 1, 2018: 8:30a - 4:30p, Benevola UMC

* Re-Certification: December 1, 2018 8:30a - 12:30p, Benevola UMC

December 8^th-District Christmas Party has been canceled due to the number of events and activities being offered in December. Please enjoy this holiday season as you celebrate with your local churches, families, and communities.

December 9^th-Bishop’s Day on the Baltimore Region will take place at Fallston UMC (1509 Fallston Rd., Fallston, MD 21047) from 3 pm- 5 pm. Please inform your congregants, as everyone is encouraged to attend. Pastors who are not able to attend should email the District Superintendent.

December 12^th: District Clergy Gathering will take place from 9:30 am- 12:30 pm at St. Matthews-New Life UMC (416 E 23^rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218). The resource topic for this gathering will be clergy finances and taxes. Please click here to register. Registration is required so that we can appropriately prepare for your participation.

December 13^th: A Way Forward – Baltimore Metropolitan District Event from7 pm- 8:30 pm at Epworth Chapel UMC (3317 St.
Lukes Ln., Baltimore, MD 21207). The event will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Brian Brown of the Virginia Annual Conference. We ask that if you plan on attending that you register by clicking the following link http://tiny.cc/awfbm so we can prepare appropriately for your participation. Please share this information with your congregation as this is open to all clergy (active and retired) and laity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the district office at 410-309-3447 or . Please see the attached a flyer for you to share with your church. (Note that this is not a duplication of the conference-wide conversation scheduled for November 28^th.

Please check out The Conference’s event page for more information and links to registrations for various conference events.

Church Conferences:

We are in the final stretch of our church conference season. Please be mindful that your church conference documents are due 10 days before your scheduled church conference. If you have any questions regarding the forms, please do not hesitate to contact me at or 410-309-3447.

Upcoming Events:

November 8^th- Christians Engaged in Faith Formation (CEF) will gather on from

10 am-12:00 at the Mission Center. They will be discussing Teacher Development & Handbooks.

CEF (Christians Engaged in Faith Formation) is an organization of laity and clergy who...

work or volunteer in faith formation ministries
connect with others in similar roles or ministries in peer learning environments
work collaboratively within the organization to collect, create and share knowledge and experience within and between communities.

The mission of CEF is to develop leaders in faith formation to equip people of all ages to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.

November 28^th-Conversation on A Way Forward (Conference Event):

Grace UMC (119 N Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877) . Rev. Tom Salsgiver, of the Susquehanna Conference, who served on the Commission on the Way Forward, is offering a detailed look into the possibilities that lie ahead for the denomination as it considers the UMC's stance of homosexuality. Please be advised that it is recommended that you bring a bag lunch. The event runs from 9 am – 3 pm.

December 1^st- Early Response Team (ERT) Certification & Recertification Courses

As we are all too familiar with in recent days, disaster can strike at any time. The BWC's Abundant Health Board is committed to organizing teams of skilled individuals to be ready to respond to any form of disaster that may affect us locally, nationally, and globally. Disaster response requires coordinated effort across many levels, and training on how to best be of service in times of need is essential to successful response. If you are interested in becoming a part of this vital work, select one of our upcoming certification or recertification courses here:

http://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/abundant-health/disaster-mission/

Upcoming Certification and Recertification Courses include:

* Certification: December 1, 2018: 8:30a - 4:30p, Benevola UMC

* Re-Certification: December 1, 2018 8:30a - 12:30p, Benevola UMC

December 13^th- Way Forward Event (District Event): Location to be confirmed. All are welcome to attend, so please share this with your congregations. The event will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Brian Brown of the Virginia Annual Conference. Registration will be made available once a location has been confirmed. We ask that if you plan on attending that you register so that we can prepare appropriately for your participation. Please share this information with your congregation as this is open to all clergy (active and retired) and laity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the district office at 410-309-3447 or

December 8^th-District Christmas Party from 10 am – 12 pm, the location will be shared in the upcoming weeks.

December 9^th-Bishop’s Day on the Region will take place from 3-5 pm at Fallston UMC (1509 Fallston Rd., Fallston, MD 21047). Please inform your congregants, as this event is open to all.

December 12^th: District Clergy Gathering will take place from 9:30 am- 12:30 pm at St. Matthews-New Life UMC (416 E 23^rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218). Please click here to register. Registration is required so that we can appropriately prepare for your participation. Thank you.

Early Response Team (ERT) Course:

On October 20, 2018 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, participants will learn the basics of disaster response, including how to stabilize and secure homes safely, and how to work effectively with survivors and others on the response team. This standardized class is required for the basic ERT UMCOR identification badge. Click here to register for the course.

Missional Innovation Grants: Applications for Missional Innovation grants within the Young People’s Ministry, Advocacy & Action, and Abundant Health Networks are now being accepted. Learn more about Missional Innovation Grants on the BWC Grants and Awards website and click here to apply. Applications are Due November 1^st!

BWC Partnership with the Poor People’s Campaign, National Hearing in Baltimore – Gubernatorial and State Candidates Forum - Listening to Impacted Persons Share their stories Dr. William Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis in partnership with the BWC

When: October 22, 2018

Where: John Wesley UMC, 3202 North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland

BWC Ministry Hatchery -- Are you nursing an entrepreneurial idea for ministry, but don’t know how to get it started (much less fund it)? Is your church ready to move a social enterprise idea down the field that serves a need in your community while funding other aspects of ministry? Could you use the wisdom of others to test-drive an idea for missional innovation? Are you curious about what’s involved in starting a sustainable nonprofit or forprofit ministry and have a real-life example to learn on? Join us for the first BWC Ministry Hatchery, Thursday, November 8 @ 3 p.m. - Saturday, November 10 @ 3:00 p.m. at Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center. Registration is required -- bwcumc.org/hatchathon2018

BWC Trip to Alabama (Civil Rights Tour):Come join us on this immersion experience as we visit some of the most significant venues of the Civil Rights movement. Sites to be visited in Birmingham, Alabama include the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. In Montgomery, we will visit Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and Parsonage, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Rosa Parks Museum. And in Selma, we will cross the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge and visit Brown Chapel AME Church and the National Voting Rights Museum.

When: April 6-11

Click the following link for additional information and registration: Retracing the Steps of Freedom

August 27, 2018

John Wesley United Methodist Church – Baltimore City (3202 W. North Avenue) is coming to the culmination of celebrating 205 years in ministry. Our theme for the year is “Fruitfulness: Still Sowing Seeds for the Kingdom.” Throughout the year, the church has celebrated in various ways. Each month the members have participated in various community service projects and fellowship, as well as intentional worship, prayer, and fasting. As we come to the close of the year, the church will hold their 205^th Church Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the New Psalmist Baptist Church Hall. Our guest preacher will be our very own District Superintendent, the Reverend Wanda Bynum Duckett. Tickets are $90.

Then on Sunday, November 25, 2018, we will hold our 205^th Anniversary Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. Bringing the preached word will be none other than the leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. We invite you to join us at either or both of these worship experiences. For further information you can contact the church at or 410.383.1525. John Wesley Anniversary Events

DS Duckett shared the following on the district’s Facebook page:

“Baltimore Metro you showed up strong for United to Love...through prayer in our churches, transportation to today’s rally, volunteering on the many support teams, singing on the choir and with your powerful witness of presence. Special thanks to the pastors and congregations who brought groups and hosted prayer vigil: Bethesda, John Wesley, Ames, Towson, and Northwood Appold. Too many pastors and people to name...some I was able to greet, others I missed. God bless you for supporting the love movement. If you weren’t able to make this event, the movement continues, and love has no expiration date. Keep spreading the contagious, compelling love of Christ. I love you in Jesus, and there’s nothing you can do about it!”

Church Conference Schedule

The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived- the Church Conference Schedule is now available. The first page of the document gives you an overview. However, you will want to look over the second page for the more the most details regarding the schedule. I would like to thank you for your patience as we embarked on the task of planning and scheduling for this year’s cluster church conferences. As DS Duckett indicated, the goal of this shift was so that we as a district could use time and space more efficiently; leaving room for vital missional opportunities. Click here to access the church conference schedule, church clusters, and details. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via or 410-309-3447.

District Calendar

A District Calendar is available by clicking the following link: District Calendar. The calendar includes the Conference-wide and District-wide events that are currently on the docket from August- July. Please note that the calendar is subject to change as it includes events that we are aware of at this time. As always, we will do our best to notify you of any changes and additions as they arise. Please mark the important events in your calendars. The calendar also includes links to register for the various events listed.

Presiding Elders Training

Wed., Aug.t 22^nd at Arnolia UMC, 10 am- 12:30 pm and Sat., Sept. 22^nd at Gwynn Oak UMC, 10 am- 12:30 pm

The training is for elders in full connection who are currently serving churches. Those who are trained at either of these sessions may be invited to preside or support church conferences in our district as the need arises. Whether you are interested in serving in this capacity during this conference season, at some time in the future, or if you would simply like to sit in as a learning opportunity, I hope that you will make room on your calendar to attend one of the presiding elder training sessions. Please click the following to register for the event: B’More Metro Presiding Elder Training.

B’More Metro Let’s Go to the Ballpark

Tuesday, August 28^th, 7:05 pm

Please join us on Tuesday, August 28^th at 7:05 pm for the Baltimore Orioles Game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Baltimore Metro District has reserved tickets for an Orioles game on Tuesday, August 28th at 7:05 pm. The tickets cost $12 for all those aged 3 and older. Children ages two years and younger do not need a ticket to attend. To purchase your tickets, please click the following link: Orioles Game. Please be sure to remind your congregations of this wonderful opportunity to fellowship with the district.

Transition Meeting

An e-mail was sent in on August 1^st regarding a second transition meeting to be held on September 8^th from 9 am – 12 pm for those who were unable to attend the one held on June 9^th. This orientation session is required for BOTH the pastor and the SPRC chair (or representative). We ask that three additional leaders of the congregation also attend. Kindly let me know if you will be in attendance and how many church representatives you will be bringing with you by completing the following form: September 8^th Transition Workshop. Hiss UMC (8700 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21234) will host the transition meeting.

District Church Conference Training Sessions

There are five district sessions to choose from, and you can register to attend by clicking the following link: District Church Conference Training Sessions. The sessions will provide the following information: (1) Where to find the Church Conference Forms; (2) How to complete the forms and submit them; (3) Which forms to bring to your conference; (4) Committee Leader Toolbox - How to update your committee list in Arena and how to easily contact those members.

Saturday, August 18th: 9-11 am @ Mt. Zion UMC (3050 Liberty Heights Rd., Baltimore, MD 21215)
Saturday, August 18th: 1-3 pm @ Essex UMC (524 Maryland Ave., Essex, MD 21221)
Monday, August 20th: 5-7 pm @ John Wesley UMC (3202 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216)
Thursday, August 23rd: 5- 7 pm @ St. James UMC (1901 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21217)
Thursday, September 13th: 6:30-8:30 pm @ Towson UMC (501 Hampton Ln, Towson, MD 21286)

* Please note that the Tuesday, August 21st at Towson UMC has been canceled. Please let me know ( ) if there is a need for a weekday, daytime training session. I will do my best to accommodate the demand for one.

Clergy One-on-Ones with DS Duckett

We are in the process of finalizing the clergy one-on-one dates and locations. Please be on the lookout for an email in the next week or so to sign up for a 45-minute time slot. One-on-ones will be conducted on the district as well as at The Conference Center.

District Clergy Gatherings

We have planned for four District Clergy Gathering, which will take place from 9 am- 12 pm at various locations throughout the district. Our first clergy gathering will take place on Wednesday, September 26^th from 9:30 am- 12:00 pm at Back River UMC. This first gathering DS Duckett will share more information about clusters and how they can help us realize greater missional impact and collaboration in the future. You will be asked to bring this information back to your churches. See below for the dates of the scheduled upcoming clergy gatherings:

September 26^th, 9:30 am-noon at Back River UMC- Register here
December 12^t , 9:30 am-noon; Location TBD
April 3^rd, 9:30 am-noon; Location TBD
June’s date and location have yet to be determined.

United to Love

Rally for Love, Peace and Justice on Sunday, August 12 on the Capitol ground from 11-3:00. Please stand with us against hatred of all kinds. For more information and to register, click here: www.unitedtolove.org

Throughout history, people of faith have been called to address racism and hatred. Today, the church is hearing that call anew and continue in conversation. We are called to action. Join United Methodists for a conference to reimagine, redefine, reposition, and respond to race and multiculturalism.

Registration Details:

Click here to register.

Early Bird Rate: $119 Registering May 1 – June 30
Regular Rate: $129 Registering July 1 – Aug. 31
Rate Increase: $139 Registering Sept. 1 – Sept. 30
Late Registration: $150 Registering October 1 – 8

No Walk-in registration

The DoubleTree Hotel is offering a special group rate of $119.00 per night, plus applicable fees/taxes.
This special group rate is available until Oct. 5.

SCHOOL OF CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT- MOMENTUM

The 2018 School of Congregational Development is the church's premier event for leadership development. This August, you can see it online at three locations as it is broadcast live from San Diego, Ca.

Friday, August 17, Spanish Only-- 7 p.m. to $10 p.m. $10 per person

Presenter: Pastor Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz
Location: BWC Mission Center- 11711 East Market Place in Fulton

Saturday, August 18, English Only -- 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- $29 per person (includes lunch)

Presenters: Genevieve Cavil-Harris, Cedrick Bridgeforth, Larry Hygh, Lynda Byrd.

Locations:
BWC Mission Center - 11711 East Market Place in Fulton
Gethsemane UMC - 910 Addison Rd S., in Capitol Heights

Register at http://www.onlineteachingevent.org/

You will want to participate if you are a church leader (clergy or laity) as this event promises to equip you to lead vital, dynamic, life-changing congregations. Join with hundreds of fellow Christians, friends, colleagues and past participants in this unique way to learn what is new, what's working, how to empower your leadership team.

For more information contact Jo Chessen

Annual Conference (AC) Registration Questions -- Numerous folks have contacted me concerning their AC registration, but all of that is being handled by Darlene Washington, Registrar, 2018 Annual Conference Registration Office, 1.800.492.2525 ext.498, and direct line: 410.309.3498; e-mail: If you get her voice mail she will return your call.

AC Mission Opportunity: Back on My Feet. This national organization combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources.

Connectional run — Come out and run/walk with the homeless of Baltimore. Thursday and Friday mornings of Annual Conference, from 5:30 to 7 am, there will be one, two, or three-mile routes available around Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Donate Your Shoes — Bring your gently used shoes to recycle to your SoleMate! Back on My Feet accepts all types of wearable pairs of men’s, women’s and kids shoes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Don’t want to haul your dozens of shoes to Annual Conference? See the attached flyer with approved drop-off sites in the Western Region where you can Drop off your donations.

Credential -- ALL credentials were sent out in early May to the email address on your record. See below for sample email.* Please check your JUNK or CLUTTER folders if it didn’t come into your IN BOX. This may mean your email has changed so you should log into Arena and check the address listed. If you still can’t find it, blank forms** can be downloaded, completed and brought to AC if you can’t find the email.

All CLERGY and lay members to Annual Conference must complete and present a credential form to receive their voting unit when they check-in. Download BLANK Clergy Credential Form (PDF)**
LAITY -- your pastor must sign the credential form before your arrival at AC to be considered complete. It is very difficult to track them do for their signature at the event! Download BLANK Laity Credential Form (PDF)**

NOTE: In an effort to make sure the information in the Conference Database and Journal is correct we sent these forms to ALL individuals even those who are NOT planning to attend AC. This includes voting and non-voting clergy/pastors, Lay Members to Annual Conference and Lay Members at Large.

So even if you are not attending AC, please review the information on the pre-printed attachment that was emailed to you. Please handwrite corrections on your form and give them to your church administrator/pastor to email to me or going into your account in Arena.

Download the BWC App -- To get the most out of your experience at AC before you leave home download the UMC Meet app from the Apple or Google Play stores; to search for the official mobile application, type in “umcmeet” [not case sensitive]. Instructions to download the app are attached. This app will give you access to Annual Conference schedules, maps, real-time updates, important documents and more on your phone or tablet. I found the map and agenda very helpful last year. You can be your own Highlighter!

Pre-Conference Materials -- If you didn’t make it to the Pre-Conference meetings, we posted all pre-conference materials on the BWC website. Before attending AC, members are asked to familiarize themselves with the proposed budget and the resolutions, since they will vote on at AC. You may either download the material to your phone or tablet or print a copy and bring it with you.
First-time Lay Members to AC --- This event can be a little over-whelming if this is your first time attending but never fear there are lots of resources available BUT check them out BEFORE you get to AC:
Lay Member to AC Job Description (attached) -- The entire job description from the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) is attached. More job descriptions can be found at that link too.
Annual Conference Primer – This is a great overview of the event and gives you tips on what to report back to your church AFTER attending AC. Be sure to read it before attending – click here to download.
Dailies Newspaper -- Make sure to pick up a “Dailies” newspaper early each day. They list daily schedule and other pertinent information, but they go fast so make sure to get one.
Annual Conference Laity Report Form (attached) -- One of the assignments for the Lay Member to AC based on the BOD ¶251.2 is to … “Report to the congregation in the week following the annual conference session and to the church council at its next meeting after the close of the conference session. The Discipline states that the report to the church council must be within three months of the close of the session.“

Many more resources can be found on the BWC website.

AC Overview – Following the Annual Conference, a press release is posted on the website containing details about petitions that passed and other highlights from 2018 AC, BUT this is not posted until AFTER the event.

* SAMPLE EMAIL WITH PERSONALIZED CREDENTIALS FORM ATTACHED.

From: Baltimore-Washington Conference [mailto:noreply@mail132-30.atl131.mandrillapp.com]On Behalf Of no reply

Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2018 2:09 PM

To: David Schoeller < >

Subject: IMPORTANT: BWC Annual Conference Credential/Attendance Form

[Please do not reply – this message sent from an un-monitored mailbox]

Grace and peace to you,

We have attached a credential/attendance certification form for the 2018 Annual Conference. This year we are doing things a little differently so please take a second to review this message.

We are sending these forms to all individuals who may be attending conference regardless of their current conference registration status. This includes voting and non-voting clergy/pastors, Lay Members to Annual Conference and Lay Members at Large.

To improve the quality of the data maintained in our conference database and Journal, the attached form has been pre-printed with your information. Please review the information and make corrections if needed. Corrections can be made by hand writing them on your form or going into your account in Arena.

If you are attending the Annual Conference, bring the signed, completed form with you to the registration/check-in area indicated in bright yellow at the top of the form. Lay Members to Annual Conference must have their form signed by their pastor. As always, credential forms are required to receive clergy/pastor/lay member identification ribbons, voting privileges and voting equipment.

Please visit our Annual Conference page for event/registration information and/or contact your District Administrator if you have general questions.

We look forward to our time together at Annual Conference.

New CLM Class applications now being accepted

Applications for the Certified Lay Minister Class of 2018-2020 are now being accepted. Learn more. Prospective CLM students must consult with their pastor before beginning the process. The website contains information to be shared with your pastor and information about steps and deadlines that must be taken before you can register for the first class. This application process includes meeting with the pastor, the local SPRC, and the district superintendent before July 1. The next step will start in September and is a two-year commitment.

Fund Balance Report (Church Audit)

The church audit is due by June 30th. Kindly submit them to the Baltimore Metro office via e-mail: .

Click the following for a version of the Fund Balance Report: Word | PDF | Excel

May 8, 2018

Letter from D.S. Duckett

Greetings Baltimore Metro!

As we approach the end of this appointment year, we look around and see how God has moved among us, allowing us to make disciples, to minister in the context of our communities, to celebrate in worship, and to grow deeper in a loving relationship with God and others. This is evidenced by our giving, serving, and faithful practice of the means of grace. We began this season of ministry with 20 new appointments and changes on the district staff. We heard God give us a word for this season - not a strategic plan, not a five-point brochure - just a word: RESURRECTION. We celebrated that word and its tremendous power and possibilities. We’ve repeated that word again and again as the biblical account of Ezekiel’s visionary valley of dry bones rang in our memories, reminding us to use our prophetic voices in the valley known as the Baltimore Metropolitan District. We have indeed witnessed the resurrection power of Christ at work in the lives of God’s people through professions of faith, stories of healing, new ministry initiatives in local churches, collaborative partnerships between congregations and communities, and ongoing dedication to our call and mission.

And yet there are ways in which we still look around us and see the arid reality of dry bones. Despite the fact that the gospel is being preached and lived all over the district, we are still witnessing gun violence, addiction, poverty, homelessness and injustice. We are still trying to figure out how to be good neighbors to housed and unhoused persons around our churches. And in far too many cases, our physical plants draw the lion’s share of our fiscal, spiritual, and human resources away from the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

A few weeks ago, I was meditating on the valley of dry bones and what seemed like a disconnect. Prophesying should lead to the assembly of a strong, Spirit-breathed, connected army. If we are prophesying, then where is the Breath that we need? If we are prophesying, why haven’t the bones come together? If the people are prophesying, why hasn’t the vast army come to life? Even as we declare, “We Are One”, why are we divided over issues like gender, race, immigration, and politics? In answer to these prayerful questions, God took be back to the book of Ezekiel chapter 37 and froze me at verse 7: So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise…

The text does not tell us how long Ezekiel spoke to the dry bones, but it does say that his obedience to God’s assignment co-existed with noise. Noise is disruptive, noise can be distracting, noise is….noisy! As we do the work of prophetic ministry, particularly in the urban context, we should expect some noise. Rumbling is part, parcel, and product of the prophetic process and it is necessary for resurrection. This necessary rumbling is the sound of the dry bones in Ezekiel’s valley, the earthquake at Calvary, and the shaking of the earth that opened the prison doors for Paul and Silas. Likewise it is the disruption of the status quo in our churches and communities, the conflict that arises with new leadership and ideas, the wrestle between a quiet church and a church that is open to the joyful noise of children and youth. It is the rumble between cries against police brutality and our need to partner with law enforcement so that our communities can be safe. It is the sound of a denomination discerning how to be one with many different points of view. Ministry is noisy work. Can you hear the rumbling?

But let us not succumb to the natural tendency to cover our ears or seek to dull the sound of discomfort. Please don’t allow the noise to stop us from prophesying. Let’s tune in and hear what God is doing in the noise. Ezekiel’s testimony is, “as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise.” The work continues in the reality of the noise. As the prophetic work continues, so does the noisy process of disruption, restoration, collaboration, and resurrection. We are not called from the noise, but to it. We are not called to silence the noise, but to find faithful and prophetic ways to challenge, inspire, speak, and discern what God is doing in the reality of it. We cannot measure ministry in decibels as if quiet means peace. Often quiet means that the voices of the oppressed are muzzled, muffled, and stifled. But the rumble is a divine and heavenly sound in the ears of prophetic people because it means that there is a yearning for something better and something more. It means that there is life in ‘dem bones’, and that life is crying to come out from the dust. The noise is the tenor of resurrection and the soundtrack of transformation. We must learn to dance in the rumble!

Our work is smack dab inside the noise. The hope, the work and the possibilities are in the noisy spaces of ministry. So as the sirens of the city blare, and voices are raised in disagreement, keep doing the work. Despite the clash of conflict and the shaking of our most closely held norms, keep prophesying. For as we prophesy, there will be noise. Let the sound of God’s love rise above the din.

Blessings,

Wanda

April 11, 2018

The Baltimore-Washington Conference Website to Undergo a Redesign

Before we begin, we want to hear from our users. How do you use the site? What do you like best about it; what do you find challenging? Fill out this survey before April 20. Your insights will make a difference. Thank you!

March 20, 2018

Job Opening – Central Maryland District Administrator

The Central Maryland District of the United Methodist Church is looking for a self-motivated, creative, and effective individual to fill the position of District Administrator. The successful applicant will report directly to the District Superintendent and be part of a dynamic team of District Administrators who provide administrative leadership, oversight and support to further the mission of their respective districts, the Baltimore Washington Conference, and the United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The Central Maryland District consists of 78 churches, 70 active clergy serving in local church and mission, and 12 clergy appointed to various extension ministry. The District Administrator provides essential administrative and organizational support for ministry in this context.

Position Objectives:

The District Administrator will support the District Superintendent and provide administrative leadership, oversight and support for district ministry that advances the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s mission of inspiring and equipping local faith communities to develop disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

For more information about this position and to view position description please visit

http://www.bwcumc.org/about/staff-directory/open-positions/

How to Apply:

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific requirements of the position to by Friday, April 13, 2018.

March 16, 2018

BM Hail and Farewell

Greetings Baltimore Metro District,

When my brother retired from the US Navy, I was introduced to the concept of Hail and Farewell, or in the Latin “ave atque val”. Those in the military will be familiar with the notion of hail and farewell as a time when those coming to and departing an organization are celebrated. As members of an itinerate system, we are also accustomed to seasons of hail and farewell as pastors are appointed from church to church, and ministry to ministry. It is in that spirit of grateful farewells and joyful hellos that we lift Dorothy Medley who has been serving as Baltimore Metro’s interim District Administrator, and Christine Taylor, our newly hired DA.

We offer heartfelt thanks to Dorothy who graciously stepped in last fall and ensured that there was no lapse in support to the clergy and congregations of the Baltimore Metropolitan District. She walked with us through the end of the church conference season, our laity and clergy Christmas gathering, multiple training and equipping events such as Taste & See and Leadership Day, and she has been present with us through the daily joys and challenges of ministry. (Dorothy is a seasoned ‘pinch hitter’ in the BWC, so don’t be surprised if she shows up in another capacity.)

We also hail Christine as she brings her many gifts and graces to the work of the Baltimore Metropolitan district. She is a vibrant, capable, Spirit-filled personality with a tremendous skill set – including fluency in Spanish. Gloria a Dios! I am confident that Christine will help us live into the next season of ministry with creativity and excellence.

This week, both Dorothy and Christine, with the support of the conference team of District Administrators and the entire conference staff, are engaged in a grace-filled passing of the baton. Please join me in thanking Dorothy, welcoming Christine, and praying that God will continue to use and bless them both for God’s glory. Ave atque val!

Blessings and Peace,

Wanda

Dorothy Medley ( )

Christine Taylor ( )

District News

United to Love

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