CM District News, Events and Updates ~ April 1, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Spring Gathering with DS Park via Zoom
Clergy ~ Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10am
Laity ~ Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 7pm
Please check the April 8 District email for the Zoom links and dial-in numbers
FEMA Offers Funeral Assistance
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to COVID-19, to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. Learn more about their policy and how to apply -- https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
Gary Memorial UMC Seeks Pianist
Historic Church in Patapsco Valley State Park seeks Music Director Gary Memorial United Methodist Church in the historic mill town of Daniels, just outside Ellicott City, is looking for a pianist for Sunday morning services and special events. Friendly congregation. Ready to return to our sanctuary and praise and worship with music! See the job description link below or contact Sharon Wylie, SPRC Chair at
.
Download the job description to learn more.
EventS
APRIL EVENTS
April 1-15 -- Winter Grace Spring Virtual 50+ Resource Fair
There is a lot of great info and inspiration to be shared at the Spring 2021 Virtual 50+ Resource Fair. While all of the business/organization presentations are available 24/7, there will be special LIVE presentations that require a one-time registration for an All Access Pass. Please considering registering to receive your pass. Also, please share the Fair information with your friends. Even if you are not local, you will benefit from this. It is FREE to see. You may register here for your pass: https://bit.ly/3uzyNHP. You will find the Fair at: www.ResourceFair.WinterGrace.org.
April 6 (11am) -- Faith, Science, Truth: Pastor, Please Help me Decide
Join this discussion about the complex decision to take the COVID vaccine. This session is highly recommended for all clergy. Participants will join with Dr. Nicole Rochester for an in-depth discussion on what clergy need to know to help guide decision-making about the COVID vaccine for themselves and others. Dr. Nicole Rochester will share insight on medical mistrust in the black and brown communities. Strategies for addressing and mitigating vaccine hesitancy in your congregation and in the broader community will also be provided. Registration is now open -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5957. If you have questions, please email
.
April 8 (9:30am or 6:30pm) -- Creating Hybrid Worship
Jason Moore will lead this innovative session on maximizing hybrid worship for online and in-person audiences. See a video about this event (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYt-Zvia4DY). The same workshop is offered at both times. The fee to participate is $20, register for Morning Session (https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5948) or Evening Session (https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5949)
April 8 (8pm) -- Order of Deaconess & Home Missioner
You are invited to a Virtual Discernment event, get full details here -- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsduChrDovG9Khx3DPKgkgDdD5syKGzZ2A.
April 11 -- Sunday After Easter Worship with the BWC Cabinet
A worship service presented by the BWC Cabinet will premiere on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTMWyto9gOg) at 7 a.m. After it airs, it will be available for viewing anytime. The service will feature the "Seven Post-Resurrection Sayings of Christ."
April 12 (registration deadline) -– Earn a Health Minister Certificate
Wesley Theological Seminary is offering an online 22-hour, 10 module certificate this Summer 2021. Participants will understand the basic foundations of health ministry – a ministry which integrates body, mind, and spirit. To register go to https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/ice/programs/heal-the-sick/hts_registration_summer2021/. Use the Online Summer Health Minister Certificate flyer to spread the word. Partial and full scholarships are available. E-mail Tom Pruski at
for more information.
April 13 (7pm) -- Jesus and Justice (Training Tuesday Webinar)
Dr. Douglas Strong explores how our United Methodist tradition holds together evangelistic piety and social advocacy. Register and get more details -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5947. This event will be recorded and available on the Training Tuesday webpage in a few days after the live training -- https://www.bwcumc.org/events/training-tuesdays/.
April 17 (10am) -- Register for UMVIM 101 today!
Class will be taught via ZOOM. Rev. Jeff Childs will equip and orient those who are planning to journey forth as volunteers, and volunteer leaders, in God's mission. Topics to be covered include theological and Biblical foundations for mission, intercultural considerations, planning, budgeting, logistics, health and safety, and how to build a mission relationship. Sign up here -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5945
April 18 -- Native American Ministries Sunday
See a number of leader's resources to assist you in supporting this important ministry. Watch the video with Richard Church, a member of the BWC's Committee on Native American Ministries. Share the virtual donation card -- https://www.resourceumc.org/-/media/umc-media/2020/10/06/11/16/2021_nams_pew_card.ashx?la=en&rev=a9386184cc384b43b24bf16c3addaa35
April 20 (7pm) -- Administrative Year in Review/Annual Fund Balance Report (Training Tuesday Webinar)
Are you involved with any of the administrative reports generated by a local church each year? Many local church administrative reports will be reviewed with a focus on locating helpful online support materials. Special attention will be provided for knowing how to fill out the upcoming Annual Fund Balance Report that is due June 30th. A short conversation will also clarify the difference between the Fund Balance Report and a Local Church Annual Audit. Reserve your space now -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5953
April 20-21 (11am-3pm) -- Leveraging Communications
Identifying how to best deliver messages effectively and efficiently can be a challenge for any local church. In response, United Methodist Communications is launching a series of virtual communications learning conferences aimed to assist all who seek to share the Gospel. The event offers 20+ learning opportunities facilitated by professionals and leaders of innovative church communications. The cost is $50. Learn more and register -- https://www.umctraining.org/product?catalog=Leveraging_Communication_2021
April 22 -- Earth Day
Celebrate with a number of worship resources -- https://umcmission.org/worship-resources-for-earth-day-2021/ and learn more about the denomination’s creation care ministries -- https://umcmission.org/areas-of-impact/#creationcare
Beginning April 26 -- Equity 2.0 - A SPACES Project
You are invited, and all members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to join the EQ 2.0 Cohort to help co-create a vision of a world as it should be. A world rooted in belonging without racial bias and different forms of othering. Equity 2.0 seeks to build community and provide participants with tools and accountability structures to become an IDEA (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Antiracist) leader, using evidence-based strategies for building beloved communities. If you'd like to register or learn more, please refer to the following:
For additional questions, email Jodi Iyamu at
April 27 (7pm) -- Grant Writing Basics (Training Tuesday Webinar)
This webinar will provide basic steps to research and write a grant with Scheherazade W. Forman. Register now -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5952
April 30 (registration deadline) -- Board of Child Care Auxiliary Meeting
On May 13 at 1pm, join the keynote speaker, L.A. Spagnola, president and chief executive officer of the Board of Child Care. Register at https://form.asana.com/?k=ZKmFXlaFzGIr_vn9Sv_vTQ&d=7950860481472 and the Zoom contact information will be sent to you.
MAY EVENTS
May 1 (Deadline) -- Annual Discipleship Awards
Christ-followers are light and we are called to shine. It's time for the annual discipleship awards to celebrate those among us who are willing to dare to live out their faith in amazing ways. Awards will be given to congregations in the areas of abundant health and advocacy, and to individuals for evangelism, youth ministry, and moral courage. Visit bwcumc.org/awards -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/grants-and-awards//
May 4 (10am) -- Next Level Leader Academy
Evaluating, Eliminating, and Energizing: Making Ministry Matter presented by Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol. Get more information and sign-up -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5950
May 15 (1 pm) -- Deacon Exploration Session
Provides an overview of the Deacon's role and ministry within the life of the church. Register online -- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfu-srTIuE9JpZtSjE2lZRJWcrnXJUElw or contact the Rev. Leo Yates (
) for more information.
May 16 (Deadline) -- Mustard Seed Migration Grant
50 churches across the United States will be able to further help refugees and migrants living in their local communities thanks to a new grant program from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Learn more and apply -- https://umcmission.org/migration/mustardseed/
RESOURCES
BWC's Racial Justice Committee has been committed to shining a light on systemic racism within our churches and within our society at large. We Rise United Bi-Weekly Prayer Call – We all must look to God for help, guidance, and support during this time and as we journey forward towards reaching the goal of being an antiracist Church, let's lift our voices and be heard so that together, We Rise United. To join the prayer call and for more information, visit https://www.bwcumc.org/event/1946656-2021-02-03-we-rise-united-prayer-call/. The prayer call is held the first and third Wednesday every month until December 16, 2021.
Prayer in a Time of National Crisis – In this prayer from The United Methodist Church's Book of Worship, 517, we seek God's direction and enlightenment for our nation as it experiences turmoil and conflict. Take a moment to say and reflect upon the prayer, and then share it with your congregation -- https://www.umc.org/en/content/prayer-in-time-of-national-crisis?utm_source=thesource&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=resourceumc&utm_content=01/26/21paid
Lay Servant Ministries Grace Period Extended – The Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries has extended the grace period begun in 2020 for those who cannot take necessary courses during the COVID 19 pandemic. Download the form.
New Certified Lay Minister
Class applications are now being accepted: Applications for the next class of Certified Lay Ministers, the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2021-2023, are now being accepted. Visit the BWC website to learn more about the pre-requisite requirements. (Click "Learn More" under "Certified Lay Minister" for information and application package, as well as a pastor information package.) Prospective CLM students must currently be a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker. The application process includes meeting with one's pastor, church Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and the district superintendent before the July 1 deadline. The next class will start in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan (
), the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
Download a 12-month schedule of Health & Wellness topics to keep your congregation and community safe and well year round.
Free 2021 Worship Bundle Package – Download the Discipleship Ministries’ 2021 Worship and Music Planning Calendar and the 2021 Revised Common Lectionary Sundays and Special Days Calendar -- https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/2021-worship-planning-bundle/
Who Are We? An 18-week small group journey from head to heart explores our identity as children of God, United Methodists, and the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference. This study is an outstanding resource for churches seeking to grow deeper in their understanding of identity, faith, and discipleship. See the Study and begin your exploration of "Who Are We?" -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/
The next annual session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be held Oct 25-27, 2021.
Improving Your Church's Web Presence
Sometimes we're overwhelmed by all that's involved in (re)building or maintaining a church website. Because a site requires a mix of time and skills, it's hard to know
where to begin. In part one of three screencast sessions, you'll learn how to improve your web presence by identifying the ministry needs and the multiple audiences
served by your church's website. Take the first step -- https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/improving-your-churchs-web-presence-part-1
Re-Entering Well 
Resources
• Find the Re-Entering Well Guidelines (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well-guidelines/)
• View the Re-Entering tip sheets (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well/)
BWC News
• Find current BWC news and share your stories at https://www.bwcumc.org/news/
Church Resources
• Where do you go to get a grant or loan for your church? There are resources to help you and your church. Visit https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/
Coronavirus Resources
• A number of resources are available to assist local churches in their response to the Coronavirus—https://www.bwcumc.org/article/coronavirus-resources/