e - connection - Friday, April 11, 2008
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
NEW -Update on UMC membership: Giving is on the rise among UMC members in the United States, although membership is on the decline. To read more, go to http://beta.bwcumc.org/content/umc-membership-declines-giving-grows.
Retreat and Camping events
- NEW- Hooked up summer camp 2008: The Baltimore-Washington Conference in partnership with Board of Child Care is organizing a summer camp for youth ages 8-18 and victims of families affected by the violence and homicides in Baltimore City. The camp is to provide the youth with a safe and wholesome environment for one week at West River, Camp Manidokan or Camp Harmison. The camp is a follow up to Hope for the City, an Urban Strategy for Baltimore to make the city safer for the residents. "This camp experience will allow city children who have experienced great loss to have a week long experience of just plain fun and enjoy life," Bishop Schol said.
- UPDATE - Open house at Camp Manidokan Sunday, April 13, from 3-5 p.m. There will be tours, nature walks and registration for summer camps.
For more information, go to www.bwcumc.org/camping, or call 800-922-6795. Visit the Manidokan blog for updates on the life at camp.
- NEW - Volunteers for Camp Manidokan: Volunteers are needed at Camp Manidokan on a weekly basis to provide leadership and supervision to campers. There are openings throughout summer for different age groups. For more information, contact Chris Schlieckert at 301-834-7244 or manidokan@gmail.com
- Older adults' day away will meet twice this spring. West River Centre: April 23, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Camp Manidokan : May 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The activities include; scrap book projects, Bible study, praying the Scriptures, boat rides at West River and Harpers Ferry historic tours at Manidokan. Cost of $24 per person includes morning snack, lunch and program. For registration information, go to www.bwcumc.org/camping or call 800-922-6795.
NEW - Church on immigration: There will be an interfaith clergy panel on immigration Monday, April 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church Social Hall, located at 11200 Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda. For more information, contact Becky Wagner at 301-3-5-1099 or rwagenr@communityministrymc.org.
NEW - Drama on life, death and eternity: Wesley students and staff will be performing a drama, "Wit" by Margaret Edson. The performance will be Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., Friday April 18, 7 p.m. and Sunday April 20, 2 p.m. RSVP to Dennis Crolley at 202-885-8637 or dcrolley@wesleyseminary.edu.
Special Price on Adventure Devotionals: It is time to order the 2008-2009 Adventure Devotional. Those who order by April 30, through annual conference registration or order form, will get a special price of $3.50 per book. The devotionals will be available for pickup at annual conference, May 22-24. After April 30, prices will be $4.50 for 1-50 devotionals and $4 for orders of 51-100. Orders that are mailed are subject to additional shipping and handling fees. For more information, contact Christine Kumar at ckumar@bwcumc.org.
CORRECTION- Order of Elders meeting will be held at the Conference Center, 7178 Gateway Drive, Suite D, in Columbia, Tuesday, April 15 at 1 p.m. The Agenda will include a discussion on interim ministry follow-up. The presenters will be Revs. Karin Walker and Chris Holmes. For more information, contact the Rev. Steve Tillet at abpastor@aol.com or the Rev. Valerie Barnes at RevVAB@comcast.net.
District coordinators needed for bishop's cruise: Each district is being asked to name someone to serve as district coordinator or assistant for Bishop Schol's travel/study cruise to follow Paul's fourth journey to Greece and Italy in November. The coordinator's responsibilities include recruiting clergy, church leaders, teachers and church members to join the bishop for the cruise. Volunteer coordinator may be clergy or laity. For more information or to volunteer, contact Olivia Gross at ogross@bwcumc.org. For information on cruise, see ad in April 2 UMConnection or go to http://www.bwcumc.org/.
Re: Annual Conference
- UPDATE: Registration deadline: The cost of annual conference registration will increase after April 15. Retirees and members-at-large will be responsible for the cost of their registration after the April 15 deadline. Those who have not registered are reminded that registration will close April 30. To register, go to http://www.bwcumc.org/.
- Registration to annual conference ongoing: User passwords for the Conference Web site (http://www.bwcumc.org/) were sent out to pastors and lay members to annual conference, March 7. These passwords are necessary to register for the annual conference session. Those who have not received their passwords should contact their regional administrator: Pam Neidig in the Southern Region, pneidig@bwcumc.org, Tonia Bennett in the Western Region, tbennett@bwcumc.org, Donnelle Lyons in the Washington Region, dlyons@bwcumc.org and Joyce King in the Baltimore Region, jking@bwcumc.org, or call 800-492-2525.
- Highlighting Small Churches' ministry: The Commission on Small Churches is seeking to affirm the ministry of small churches through a display at the annual conference. Churches with fewer than 100 people in worship should send pictures or stories of their ministry to the Rev. Jody Jessup at bjodyj@comcast.net or to Dorsey Emmanuel UMC, 6951 Dorsey Road, Elkridge, MD 21075, as soon as possible.
- Multi-ethnic celebration at Annual Conference: The multi-ethnic celebration committee invites people to share their ethnic/cultural heritage at this year's annual conference Friday, May 23. The celebration is after dinner and is free. For more information, contact Edith C. Williams at 301-933-3681 or williamsedth40@aol.com.
- NEW - MFSA gathering at annual conference: There will be a gathering Friday, May 23 to discussion the new vision and mission. The Annual God's Foolish One Award will be presented. Register for the Friday Breakfast when you register for the annual conference. Cost is $20. For those not attending the conference but would like to come for breakfast, the cost is $22. For more information, contact rachelcornwell@verizon.net.
- Volunteers at Annual Conference: Volunteers are needed to serve as Highlighters at the Annual conference to be held May 22- 24 at Gaylord National Harbor Hotel. Highlighters assist will delegates in providing information about questions they may have. For more information, contact Michelle Miles at highlighters@verizon.net.
UPDATE- Historical Society annual meeting: The United Methodist Historical Society's annual meeting will be April 19, 1-2 p.m., preceded by lunch at noon, at Lovely Lane UMC, 2200 St. Paul St. in Baltimore. The Asbury Room will be dedicated. An optional opportunity precedes the meeting: a bus tour from Lovely Lane to historical churches of Baltimore with stops at Sharp Street UMC and Old Otterbein UMC will begin at 8:45 a.m. Cost for lunch is $12, tour is $14, both are $25, payable in advance. For information, contact the Historical Society at 410-889-4458. Mail reservations and checks to Peggy Rhorer, secretary, 118 Summit Hall Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or contact her at 301-869-9943 or prhorer@starpower.net.
Disaster relief training: There will be Early Disaster Response training at Augusta UMC (W. Va.) Saturday, April 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in Augusta W.Va., off Route 50. The training will cover equipment needs, team formation, debris removal, and chain saw safety among other topics. Cost of $50 includes manual, breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline is April 12. Checks should be made to Augusta UMC-Mission Fund. For more information, contact Sandy Rowland Binotto at 304-496-7711 or yashe4@hotmail.com.
Lay speaking classes
- Washington Region: The Washington Region will offer basic and advanced Lay Speaker courses, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The courses will be held at Ashton UMC, 17341 New Hampshire Ave. in Ashton. For more information, contact Joan Thomas at 301-622-7048 or cats_20904@hotmail.com or go to www.gbgm-umc.org/wwdmd/.
- Lay Speakers' Convocation: A first lay speakers' convocation will be held in the Frederick District Saturday, April 12, at Trinity UMC, 703 West Patrick St., in Frederick, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $10 including lunch. There will be workshops and plenary sessions. The afternoon speaker will be the Rev. Rodney Smothers. Advanced registration is required. For information or to register, contact the Rev. Mary K. Worrel at 301-293-1258 or revworrel@msn.com.
- Conflict resolution training: The North Baltimore lay speaking ministries will be conducting their continuing education course at Loch Raven UMC, 6622 Loch Raven Blvd., in Baltimore. The course on Conflict Resolution and Management will be held Sundays, April 13, 20, and 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., led by the Revs. Steve Cochran and Karin Walker. Registration is required. Fee is $8. Make check to Conference Treasurer. For more information, contact Sarah Ford at 410-466-7605 or svford1@verizon.net. Registrations may also be mailed to her at 2525 Park Height Terrace, Baltimore, MD 21215.
- Baltimore West District Lay Speaking: Spring classes will be held at Mt. Olive UMC, 5115 Old Court Road in Randallstown. Basic and Basic Refresher classes will be Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., April 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 12. Advanced and Advanced Recertification Classes will be Saturdays, April 12, 9 to 11:30 a.m., April 19, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and May 3, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Pat Dorsey at 410-751-2562 or psdorse@comcast.net.
Art and Music inspired worship: The Baltimore-Washington Chapter of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts will sponsor "For Everything There Is a Season," a time to share anthem and worship ideas, Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Towson UMC. The cost is $5. For further information, visit the chapter's Web site, http://www.worshipartsbwc.org/, or contact the chapter president, the Rev. David Roberts, at pastor@carolls-gills.org.
NEW -Community collaborations with UMC: Legislative Advocates Ministry seeks to equip and inform UMC members through community collaborations. As part of these collaborations, a free conference for the church community will be held Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Greenbelt Marriott, 6400 Ivy Lane in Greenbelt, sponsored by the American Cancer Society and S. Nikki Harrison Cancer Awareness Group. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. To register, call 202-483-2600 Ext. 161 or e-mail tawana.thomas-johnson@cancer.org.
Annual Men's Jubilee: Annapolis District UMM celebrates their third annual Men's Jubilee Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Conference Center in Columbia. Men of all ages are invited. Those who are 80 years and older will be recognized for their discipleship. For more information, contact Richard Campbell at rcampbell@annapolisdist.org or go to http://www.ad-umm.org/.
UPDATE-COSROW Workshop to give women a voice: The Baltimore-Washington Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) will offer a training workshop to assist men and women in understanding the importance of making their voices heard. It will also teach them how to effectively speak and participate at annual conference. The workshop led by Bishop Forrest C. Stith (Retired) will be held at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center in Columbia, Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m., to 3 p.m., to allow people to attend their respective Pre-Conference briefings to review legislation coming before annual conference. COSROW will provide lunch; the cost is $8 per person. For more information and to RSVP for lunch, please contact Rev. Iris Farabee-Lewis at stjamesumc1@verizon.net.
Activists for Advocacy ministry are invited to the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center in Columbia, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants are asked to bring information on issues they are passionate about and would like to educate others on. For more information and registration, contact 410-268-4122, Ext. 4, or bwcumcadvocate@aol.com.
NEW - "Are we there yet?"-A young adult workshop: FUMCHY Café, the young adult ministry of First UMC in Hyattsville, is sponsoring an educational workshop on effective evangelism and discipleship. The event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at First UMC, 6201 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville. The Rev. Rene Knight will speak on evangelism, Rev. Miguel Balderas will discuss discipleship and Rev. Kevin Smalls will lead the Café experience. The cost of the workshop is $10, payable to First UMC, young adult ministry. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration forms are available at the church or online at www.fumchy.org/. Registration deadline is Sunday, May 4. For more information, contact Greg Richards at 301-927-6133 or theyoungadults@gmail.com.
NEW - Congregations and gifts in ministry with Young Adults: Western Presbyterian Church at 2401 Virginia Ave., N.W., in Washington, D.C., will host a conference with a focus on understanding and engaging young people in their quest for passion, integrity and faith. The event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost of registration is $75 for two and $85 for three people, covers breakfast, lunch and a copy of Carol Howard Merritt's "Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation." For more information, contact Anne A. Michel at 202-885-8582 or amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.
To register online, go to www.thefund.org/calling/events or contact calling@thefund.org.
NEW -Fostering leadership and justice in young adults: The Office of Deaconess and the Home Missioner in the General Board of Global Ministries is organizing a "Living Justice" event to give young adults, ages 20-35, opportunities to explore issues of social justice. The program will be held at Alma Matthews House in New York City, from June 28 to July 2. It includes Bible study, worship, conversation, reflection and an introduction to the issues of land, poverty and community life. Application deadline is May 1. All costs including travel within the Unites States, lodging and meals will be covered. For information and application, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/ or contact the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner at 212-870-3850 or deaconess@gbgm-umc.org.
Road to Damascus, an original musical composed by Bethany UMC residents Dave Kroop, Kathie Smith and John Kanahan will be held Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m., at 2875 Bethany Lane in Ellicott City. There will be a free will offering to benefit the music ministry. For more information, call the church at 410-465-2919.
UPDATE -Concert for Life:" That's Amor! Songs of Love," an all-volunteer choir, will perform to benefit people living with HIV/AIDS Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. The concert will be held at Foundry UMC, 1500 16th St. Washington, D.C. Concert tickets are $50. There is a discounted rate of $25 for seniors, students and people living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets including reception at 6:15 p.m., are $75. To inquire about sponsorship or purchase tickets, call 202-332-4010 Ext.606 or go to http://www.concertforlife.org/. All proceeds go to organizations working with people living with HIV/AIDS.
Web Training Opportunities
- NEW - Church Communications Workshop: Hughes UMC at 10700 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton, will host a communications workshop Monday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., covering print media, design, Web-sites, signs and banners. The event is free and lunch will be provided. RSVP to 571-268-2429 or pcaswell@riso.com.
- NEW - Web training for committees and boards: The second Web training session for all conference boards and committees that would like a presence on the new BWC Website is open for June 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and June 6, noon to 2 p.m., at Howard County Community College, Gateway Campus in Columbia. RSVP with your name, contact information of your committee's Web updater and date available to Shaun Lane at slane@bwcumc.org.
- NEW - Weaving a Web of connections: West Chester UMC in West Chester Penn. will be offering comprehensive training on how to effectively use the internet for Web Ministry Saturday, July 26. The training is open to local churches, conference volunteers, staff, editors, pastors, webmasters and communicators. Training fee of $75 includes all meals, sessions and materials. To Register go to http://www.training.umcom.org/ and select Weaving a Web of Connections, or call 888-278-4862. Registration deadline is July 18. Space is limited to 100 people. CEU credit 0.6 is available for full participation. Registration is transferable, but there is no refund for cancellation. Overnight accommodations can be a arranged with Holiday Inn West Chester by calling 610-692-1900. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging arrangements and payments. To more information, go to http://www.training.umcom.org/ or send e-mail to training@umcom.org.
NEW - Spring health fair and yard sale: Locust UMC, located at 6851 Martin Road in Columbia, is sponsoring a health fair and yard sale to be held Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, May 17. Space is available for sellers and vendors. For more information, call 410-772-0940.
RESOURCES FOR MAKING DISCIPLES
Kings Dominion Fun Day: The conference will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Family Fun Day at Kings Dominion May 3. Discounted tickets will be on sale at the Conference Center today and April18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are valid Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17, and Memorial Day weekend May 24, 25. Cost is $25.95 for ages 3-61 and 48" tall or taller; and $24.95 for ages 3- 61 under 48" tall, or ages 62 and above. For park information or to purchase tickets online, go to http://www.kingsdominion.com/, ID is UMC1. Mailed ticket orders must be received two weeks prior to the date of attendance. For information from the Conference, contact sferguson@bwcumc.org.
NEW - Candidates' ‘Compassion Forum' - Learn what candidates have to say about faith, spiritual life and public policy on Faith in Public Life's first national Compassion Forum featuring Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, broadcast live on CNN Sunday, April 13, at 8 p.m. (ET). Republican John McCain declined the invitation but will address the issues later.
NEW - B-WARM to meet: The Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists will meet Saturday, April 12, at Harmony UMC located at 155 East Mount Harmony Road in Owings, at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact Adam Briddell at 202-255-8369 or adambriddell@hotmail.com.
Give Peace a chance: Sharing Jerusalem USA and other partner organizations are planning an interfaith prayer service and workshop to help in the peace building process between Israel and Palestine. The event will be held Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m., at St. Johns Episcopal Church of Georgetown, 3240 O St., N.W., in Washington, DC. For more information, contact the Rev. Monroe Wright at lanhamumc@msn.com.
Bose Church sound system seminar: Bethany UMC, 2875 Bethany Lane in Ellicott City will hold a church sound systems seminar Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seminar will cover microphones, mixes and other basics. Those in the church audio and video ministries are encouraged to attend. A registration fee of $15 includes lunch. For more information, contact Dave Armbruster at 410-747-5134 or dave@daveaudio.com.
NEW - West Baltimore community health fair and blood drive: There will be diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure screening at West Baltimore UMC Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the corner of Greenwich Ave. and Charing Cross Road in West Baltimore. The health fair in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical System and American Red Cross, will also provide information for tobacco education, reduction of obesity and exercise programs for seniors. An appointment for blood donation may be made by calling Darren McGloin at 410-646-0242.
NEW - Play game to buy nets: Throughout April, visitors to the http://www.nothingbutnets.net/ can play an interactive game to deliver virtual sleeping nets to Africa and, in the process, raise money to buy real insecticide-treated nets through the malaria prevention campaign. It's part of a renewed push for the United Methodist-supported Nets campaign leading up to World Malaria Day on April 25. Each time someone plays the "Deliver the Net" game and signs up at http://www.nothingbutnets.net/ during April, an anonymous sponsor will donate $10 for a life-saving net.
Breast Cancer Screening for women 40 years and older, will be held at St. Joseph Medical Center, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 7601 Osler Drive, Towson 21204. The screening is for women who have not had a mammogram within the past year and do not have breast disease. It includes a clinical breast exam and a screening mammogram. It is a free screening by appointment only. For more information, call 410-337-1479.
Journaling Workshop sponsored by the Pastoral Care Department and the Sibley Senior Association at Sibley Memorial Hospital will be held May 30-31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 25-26. For more information, contact Julie Potter at 202-364-7602 or jpotter@sibley.org or pastoralcare@sibley.org
NEW - One male volunteer to wanted: Faith Church in Rockville needs one male volunteer to complete the VIM team of 12 scheduled to travel to Russia, July 12 to 26. The team will be working at a children's hospital in Vladimir and will visit a sister church in St. Petersburg. Cost is $2,600. The deadline is close. For more information, contact the Rev. Ken Jones at 301-216-5210 or kjonesvim@comcast.net.
Operation Classroom team to Sierra Leone: The Operation Classroom Ministries Minnesota Medical Mission Trips to Sierra Leone needs physicians to complete a team for Sierra Leone, June 26 to July 8. Volunteers will work in a UMC rural clinic addressing primary health concerns, health education and promotion. Another team will leave Sept. 27 and return Oct. 7. This team needs physicians, nurses and other health professionals. The cost of each trip is $2,800. For more information, contact Doris Acton at 952-835-7585 or dorisacton@nhylandsumc.org.
Shelter needs volunteers: Susanna Wesley, Inc., a home for formerly homeless women and their children in Baltimore City, needs at least one or two volunteers two to four days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to provide administrative office support. The volunteer may also teach office skills and computer use to the residents. For more information, contact Carol Melvin at 410-837-3787 or susannawesley@verizon.net.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
NEW - Camp Manidokan is in need of the following items: ATV, (preferably a four wheel drive), golf carts (2X), a van, a video projector and a carpet shampooer. Gently used items from the list are being sought. Cash donations could also be used to purchase them. For more information, contact Chris Schlieckert at 301-834-7244 or Manidokan@gmail.com.
Director of Christian Education is needed in Catonsville UMC to start working by June. Interviews will be held this month. The position involves working with Sunday and Vacation Bible School programs, confirmation classes and organizing events. For more information, contact the church office at 410-747-1886 or cumc21228@verizon.net. Send application and resume to Staff Parish Relations Committee, Catonsville UMC, 6 Melvin Ave. Catonsville, MD 21228.
Project coordinator is needed at the Baltimore-Washington Conference, to manage projects that support the conference mission, vision and strategy. Requires organizational and event-planning skills. Applicant should be a team player with the ability to develop project budgets, have intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and working knowledge of the denomination's culture and structure. For more information, contact the Human Resource Director. For consideration e-mail a resume and cover letter to the human resource director, at hrbwc@bwcumc.org.
Send e - connection subscription requests and changes of e-mail addresses to Linda Worthington at Lworthington@bwcumc.org.
Inclusion of a report or announcement in e-connection does not imply endorsement by the Baltimore-Washington Conference. e-connection is an electronic newsletter from the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church by the Office of Communications, including late-breaking news, clergy and clergy spouse death notices. To contribute to e-connection, send items by Wednesdays to: Atieno Johnson at ajohnson@bwcumc.org; or call 800-492-2525, Ext. 420; fax to 410-309-9430.
