e - connection - Friday, April 25, 2008
JOYS AND CONCERNS
The Rev. Susan Carns, deacon at Mt. Zion in Mechanicsville, will undergo cataract surgery Wednesday, April 30. She requests prayers. Well wishes may be sent to her at MusicEd-MtZion@md.metrocast.net or 3775 Foxhall Drive, White Plains, MD 20695-3404.
The Rev. Diana Lay, pastor at Marvin Memorial UMC in Silver Spring, will undergo another surgery. The family requests special prayers for her. Well wishes may be sent to her at 1010 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Prayers are requested for members of Unity UMC in Baltimore, where there was a shooting incident last Monday.
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
Annual Conference update
- Registration deadline is April 30: Those who have not registered are reminded that registration will close Wednesday, April 30. After the deadline, we will only accept registrations on-site, at the hotel. To register, go to http://www.bwcumc.org/.
- NEW - The deadline to register at the Gaylord Hotel and obtain the discounted rate is Monday, April 28. After the deadline, there will be no guarantee that rooms will be available or the discounted rate honored.
- 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.
- 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 delegates in providing information about questions they may have. For more information, contact Michelle Miles at highlighters@verizon.net.
Retreat and Camping events
- Summer camp for violence victims: 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.
- 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 the summer for different age groups. For more information, contact Chris Schlieckert at 301-834-7244 or manidokan@gmail.com
- UPDATE-Older adults' day away will meet this spring at Camp Manidokan May 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The activities include; scrap book projects, Bible study, praying the Scriptures, boat rides at 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.
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.
UPDATE- Health Conference: American Cancer Society in collaboration with the Baltimore-Washington Conference and S. Nikki Harrison Cancer Awareness Group, will hold a free conference on health, Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Greenbelt Marriott, 6400 Ivy Lane in Greenbelt. Free breakfast and lunch will be served. Registration is required. 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 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/.
UMCP, Wesley Foundation Alumni and Friends- Wesley Foundation alumni, University of Maryland, College Park alumni, supporters of campus ministry and their friends will come together Saturday, April 26, for Maryland Day music and lunch. A concert by Harmony's Cross, the contemporary student choir of the UM campus ministry is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., in the main chapel at the University of Maryland. For more information or to be added to the alumni and friends email list, contact Emily Berkowitz at emmyb06@gmail.com.
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,go to http://www.bwcumc.org/.
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 the Rev. Iris Farabee-Lewis at stjamesumc1@verizon.net.
CANCELLED: Activists for Advocacy ministry that was scheduled at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center in Columbia, May 8, has been cancelled. A new date will be announced.
Youth Rally: Youth and their leaders are invited to a rally at Salem UMC, May 17, at 6 p.m., in Wolfsville. Dance drama, a special speaker and a youth band with be part of the worship. A barbecue dinner will be served at 6 p.m. before the worship begins. A post worship bonfire will provide an opportunity for youth and leaders to connect. For more information, contact Katie Bishop at pastorkatiebishop@yahoo.com or go to http://www.salemchurchwolfsville.org/.
"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,the Rev. Miguel Balderas will discuss discipleship and the 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.
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 - Auction at West River Center: The auction will be to offload surplus equipment like sailboats, travel trailer, rowboats, and outboard motors. For a complete list of items, go to www.bwcumc.org/camping or call 800-922-6795.
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.
NEW - Lincoln Park UMC to host Juneteenth Day in observance of the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing from the Legacy of Slavery. The worship service will be held Friday, June 20, at 11:30 a.m. at Lincoln UMC, 1301 N. Carolina Ave., NE Washington, D.C. 20002. For more information, contact the church at
202-543-1318.
Web Training Opportunities
- 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 Web site 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.
- 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.
RESOURCES FOR MAKING DISCIPLES
World Malaria Day, April 25
- 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 is 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.
- NBN supporters around the world will host NETS sports challenges and other fun events. Host your own NETS Challenge.
- The UN Foundation's Ted Turner and Nothing But Nets co-founder Rick Reilly will be ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on World Malaria Day.
- Take a stand against malaria, join the fans page on Facebook or be a friend on My Space.
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
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.
NEW - Churches reaching out to Immigrants: Two meetings are planned for May 8, and 10, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as part of the churches' ongoing initiative to reach out to immigrants in the DC Metro area. The venue will be Capital Bible Seminary, 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 111, Springfield, VA 22151. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to 703-752-1624.
National Lobby Day: Join anti-hunger advocates June 17, to help fight global hunger and poverty. For more information, go to bread.org /lobbyday
A Day at Wesley Theological Seminary is scheduled for Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. "A morning with St. Paul for preachers and teachers" with Dr. Craig C. Hill and "Worship Planning for Advent" ( liturgy, visuals, music) with Dr. Eileen Guether and Dr. Deborah Sokolove. Cost is $65 for each session and $110 for both, including lunch. CEUs are available. To register and for more information, call 202-885-8720 or go to http://www.wesleyseminary.edu/, and click on Equipping Lay Ministry.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
NEW - Director of youth ministries is needed at Asbury UMC 10 hours a week, four of which must be Sundays 8 a.m. to noon. Applicants should send cover letter and resume to hr@asburyumcarnold.org or SPPR Committee, Asbury UMC, 78 Church Road, Arnold, MD 21012.
Math and Reading tutoring counselors are needed at United Methodist Church of The Redeemer, 1901 Iverson Street, in Temple Hills, for a summer day camp program starting June 5 to August 1. College students majoring in Math and Education preferred. Five positions are available. For more information, contact Rev. Mae Harrison at 301-894-8622.
College age Sunday school Class: Calvary UMC is starting a new college age Sunday School Class for recent high school graduates beginning June 8. The class will be after the 10 a.m. worship service. For more information, contact Philip Cantrell at youth@calumc.org.
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.
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