This is W. E.! 1_11_2021
Wishing that you be blessed with love, peace and happiness on Epiphany and always.
NEWS AND EVENTS
January 12 (noon) – Deadline for Mission Shares
We are thankful for every congregation who paid 100% of their mission shares or achieved their modified projected mission shares goal. Know that your district and conference leaders are aware of the struggle and appreciate the sacrifices that 2020 has required of us all. If you are still striving to make a final year-end submission of any amount, we are praying and praising God for you.
January 12 (7pm) -- Why and How to Apply to the Catalyst Initiative Webinar
The Catalyst Initiative provides a 10-month congregational cohort process of discovery, exploration, and renewal. It empowers a church to initiate a Spirit-led vision and understanding of its community; ignite faith into action and invigorate people to claim God’s vision for your lives and community. Go to https://www.bwcumc.org/article/catalyst-initiative/ to learn more and make plans to join the next Training Tuesday webinar, where you will be taken through the application process and learn how this initiative can benefit your church. Here is the registration link -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5906.
January 13 (7pm) – Financial Impact Training for Smaller Congregations
This webinar is designed for clergy and laity who want to know more about how to raise funds during this COVID era and how to establish priorities for budgeting and spending. Register by going to https://form.jotform.com/203375111670144. The presenter is Cary James, download the flyer for more details.
January 14 (9:30am) -- Christians Engaged in Faith Formation Monthly Call
From Ash Wednesday, through Lent, and Easter, how will you engage children and families? How will you reach families virtually and in person? Join us to hear some new ideas and share some of your own.
• Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89150929659, Passcode: 297120
• Meeting ID: 891 5092 9659
• Or, dial by phone: +13017158592
January 17 -- Online Health Minister Certificate Course at Wesley Theological Seminary
If you are interested in learning how to respond to the health needs of members of your congregation and community, consider learning more about health ministry. Full scholarships are available. Register today -- https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/ice/programs/heal-the-sick/hts_registration_spring2021/
January 25-27 (9am-1pm) -- LEAD 2021
LEADS 2021 is a grassroots conference for lay and clergy leaders and will take place online. It will feature 14 speakers and leaders who will offer stories of how they've led through these unprecedented times. Baltimore-Washington's own Rev. Alexis Brown and Holly Reynolds Lee will be speaking at this year's conference. In addition to the talks, there are breakouts, networking opportunities, opening mixers, fun social activities, and more. Learn more and register at https://www.umclead.net/conference/register/
January 27 (9am) -- Breathe: A Clergy Care Retreat
This retreat is led by Rev. Twanda Prioleau, this workshop will focus on statistics surrounding clergy burnout, avoiding the pitfalls that lead to burnout and finding your rhythm of rest. It is only when the soul can breathe does it open itself for healing. Registration online -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5908
January 30 (8:30am-4:30pm) -- Leading a Church Through a Pandemic
To prepare for the reopening of your church, you need to understand where you are right now regarding the realities of the pandemic and its aftermath. The Next Level Leaders Academy is planning a one-day workshop with Dr. Robert Jennings, Dr. Don McLaughlin and Rev. Olu Brown. The registration fee is $20 and full details can be found by going to https://www.bwcumc.org/event/1954899-2021-01-30-next-level-leaders-academy-leading-through-a-pandemic//
February 1 (deadline) -- Project Transformation
The BWC's partner that runs a summer literacy program, is opening its summer internship application process for young adults to work with children and literacy this summer in Washington and Baltimore. Young adults seeking to live in Beloved Community and share God's transformative love, should apply by Feb. 1. Young adults can apply online -- https://projecttransformation.org/washington-dc/our-programs/college-internships/intern-application.
February 5-6 -- ROCK(ish) 2021
This free interactive online experience is designed for youth. Friday night will feature an interactive time with Bishop Easterling, as well as music by Urban Street Level and the ROCK Mass Choir. Saturday's session will offer a range of virtual interactive breakout sessions. Topics will include addressing racism, human rights, mental health, life after high school, and regional breakouts. At 9 a.m., there will be a youth-leader training. Register now -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5909
February 17 -- The 2021 Lenten Season Begins
This year’s theme identified by Living Compass founder Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner is “Listening With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind”. Download the devotional and other resources free on the website to share with your congregation (https://www.livingcompass.org/lent).
March 1 -- Deadline for Submitting Statistical Reports
More information about the Statistical Reports can be found here -- https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/finance/statistical-reports/. In addition, church leaders will want to review the recently revised2020 EZRA Table Instructions, which contains updated guidance regarding worship attendance and COVID-19 grants/relief.