e-connection - Friday, March 28, 2008
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Nadine DeHart, 89, mother of the Rev. Wayne DeHart, a Guide in the Baltimore Region, died March 25. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m., at Bethany UMC, 2875 Bethany Lane, in Ellicott City. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Wayne and Polly DeHart, 3011 Auburn View, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or wdehart@bwcumc.org.
Alicia J. Blake, 50, who served as a local pastor at Davis Memorial, McKendree, and Christ UMCs in Cumberland area, died March 14 in Buffalo, NY, where she was pastor of Lincoln Memorial UMC. Her funeral was held March 20 at Greater Campher Temple, King's Apostle Holy Church in Hagerstown. To send condolences, go to http://m1e.net/c?79230045-k0TQEnbF8jRds%403215484-3CL4mlpFsDtg%2e.
Vernon Carlson, the husband of retired the Rev. Elizabeth Pate (formerly Smith) Carlson, died Thursday, March 20. The memorial service will be Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m., at Trinity United Church of Christ in Waynesboro, Pa. Condolences may be sent to Rev. Elizabeth Pate Carlson, P.O. Box 128, Quincy United Methodist Village, Quincy, PA 17247-0128.
Congratulations to the Rev. Eugene Mathews as he celebrates 32 years of ministry. A Retirement Banquet will be held at Turf Valley Resort, 2700 Turf Valley Road, in Ellicott City, Sunday, June 1. Banquet reservations are required. Tickets are $50 each and $500 for a table. Make checks to Conference Treasurer and send payment to Joyce King, Baltimore-Washington Conference, 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. For more information, contact King at 410-290-7311 or jking@bwcumc.org.
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
Western Region leadership training is this weekend, Saturday, March 29, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Otterbein UMC 108 E. Franklin St., in Hagerstown. The courses to be offered include: SPRC, Finance/Stewardship, Vision and Mission Strategy among others. For more information, contact Tonia Bennett at tbennett@bwcumc.org.
UPDATE- Web training for committees and boards: A Web training session for all Conference boards and committees that would like a presence on the new BWC Web site is closed for today, March 28, but remains 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 the name, contact information of your committee's Web updater and date available to Shaun Lane at slane@bwcumc.org.
NEW - 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 $4.00 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.
Voices of prayer: The Upper Room is sponsoring a prayer consultation Saturday, April 5, at the conference center, to hear the voices of pastors and lay people as Upper Room staff prepare to develop new prayer resources. Identical sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served for both groups. The cost is $20. To register, contact Beth Wakefied at 877-899-2780, Ext. 7212 or Chris McCormick at cmccormick@upperroom.org. Registration deadline is March 28.
Native American Ministries Sunday, one of the denomination's six Special Sundays with offering, will be April 6. It is a day to celebrate the gifts and contributions of Native Americans. Fifty percent of the offering remains in the conference and helps to support the conference's Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM). Churches that do not observe Native American Ministries Sunday, April 6, are urged to select another day to receive the offering. Resources for the offering can be found at http://m1e.net/c?79230045-WpULKdLTWe2wo%403215485-ZiokBWfYSfEy%2e or call 888-346-3862.
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://m1e.net/c?79230045-TZ/VrM4n.xeZU%403215486-lqQth.YgA1Szg.
Re: Annual Conference
NEW - 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. An optional opportunity precedes the meeting: a bus tour from Lovely Lane to open and closed 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
Activists for Advocacy ministry are invited to the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center in Columbia, April 8 and 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.
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://m1e.net/c?79230045-i8nlNGqMvDuIE%403215488-SQmCLUdWguL9s, or contact the chapter president, the Rev. David Roberts, at pastor@carolls-gills.org.
NEW - Individual Clergy coaching offered: The Rev. Greg Brown, who served as a clergy coach for the conference and across the country for 10 years before he retired, is offering individual coaching. "Amid the day-to-day demands of work in the church, keeping goals, skills and awareness in alignment can be challenging," he says. His services provide critical feedback and direction toward effective, compassionate and visionary leadership. To benefit from candid and supportive feedback and strategy work, contact him at greg@gregbrownonline.com.
Annual Men's Jubilee: Annapolis District UMM celebrates their third annual Men's Jubilee Saturday, April 26, from 8 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://m1e.net/c?79230045-/GtZDwoMuEYEo%403215489-HbljMaSrUF2ww.
RESOURCES FOR MAKING DISCIPLES
NEW - "Engaging Church" seminar: Bel Air UMC, 21 Linwood Ave., in Bel Air, will host "The Engaging Church Seminar" Thursday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for staff and lay ministry leaders involved in new member assimilation, hospitality, outreach, church planting and leader equipping. Learn how to attract outsiders, connect visitors and integrate new members. Presenters are Charles Arn, president of Church Growth, Inc., and the Rev. Allen Ratta, founder and CEO of ConnectionPower.com. Register at 800-844-9286, or http://m1e.net/c?79230045-P3/RVwFj5TlCQ%403215490-cMqqXkp72FlZQ, or arrive at 8:30 to register on site. Tuition is $98 for the first person from your church, $68 for each additional person. CEU credits are available.
Free film screening: There will be a screening of the film "For The Bible Tells Me So," April 6, 4 to 6 p.m., at North Bethesda UMC, 10100 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. The event is sponsored by B-WARM and Of Sacred Worth at Wesley Theological Seminary. For more information, contact Laura Rossbert at 202-680-2064 or LauraRossbert@gmail.com.
Explore church's role in AIDS: Grace UMC AIDS Task Force will have a special event to explore the role of local religious institutions in eliminating prejudices and embracing forgiveness, Sunday, April 6, at 5407 N. Charles St., in Baltimore. The program begins 6:45 p.m., after a 6 p.m. dinner. Dinner is $2. Call 410-433-6650 for dinner reservations. For more information, contact Kitty Allen at 410-494-8589.
NEW - 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 Friday, April 11 and 18 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://m1e.net/c?79230045-rGAMyjbhqU4nE%403215491-QVKuVD8.GF822, 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 - 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 April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seminar will cover microphone, 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 - 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 - Stop legislation to foster underage drinking: The Maryland Association of County Health Officers and the Conference' social justice ministry is asking citizens to contact legislators in the House of Delegates and the Senate to defeat bills that would protect so-called "alcopops" with low tax rates and easy access to teenagers. The Attorney General has issued an opinion that these products should be classified as liquor, but the alcohol industry would fix taxes at the beer rate and permit the products to be sold wherever beer (not liquor) is sold, as is currently the case. The bills are Senate Bill 745 and House Bill 879. Contact members of the House of Delegates and Senate immediately. For more information, contact Vincent DeMarcho at demarco@mdinitiative.org. See http://m1e.net/c?79230045-KbMoakvvd9XJA%403215492-039LRW8Qx.vxY.
Mission trips and work camps
UPDATE - Auction for missions: Hunt's Memorial UMC, Old Court and W. Joppa Roads, in Riderwood will hold Silent and Live Auctions Sunday, April 6, to benefit missions. The Auction starts at 12 noon. There will be pre-auction lunch for those with pre-paid tickets at 11:30 a.m., for $10 per adult and $5 for children. For more information, contact Steve Lippy at 410-296-9150 or Kathy Davis at 410-321-9580.
Faithpoint Golf tournament: FaithPoint UMC will host its Annual Golf Tournament benefiting Maryland Sheriff's Youth Ranch, June 2, at Glade Valley Golf Club in Walkersville. Cost is $85. For more information or registration, call 301-473-7181 or call http://m1e.net/c?79230045-YIhTPsc5Yy0.A%403215493-iCYJVvU7bbAw6.
Global praise emersion: Damascus UMC, 9700 New Church St. in Damascus, is hosting a "Global Praise Emersion," April 4-7. The event is in partnership with the General Board of Discipleship. For more information, contact the church at 301-253-0022 or Damascus.umc@verizon.net.
NEW -The Duke Ellington Show Choir: A concert featuring the Duke Ellington Show Choir will be held at Ryland Epworth UMC, 3200 S St., SE, in Baltimore, Sunday, March 30, at 5 p.m. A free will offering will be taken. Checks should be made payable to Ryland Epworth UMC. For more information, contact Eula Brown at ebrown110@verizon.net.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
Fundraising to build God's kingdom: Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, led by the Revs. Jim Walker and Jeff Eddings, needs a permanent ministry space to reach out to more people. They need to raise $300,000 to convert a bar into a church. To help, send contributions to Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, 2000 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Make checks payable to Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community.
Director of congregational ministries and programs: Chevy Chase UMC is looking for someone to facilitate its Christian education, youth ministry, visitation and mission ministries. The applicant should be spiritually grounded, a good communicator, technologically savvy and a team player who works well with people of all ages. Contact the Rev. David C. Myers at dmyers@chevychaseumc.org or send resume to Chevy Chase UMC, 7001 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. For information, go to http://m1e.net/c?79230045-a7FIrA1ci7iZ6%403215494-Zdhb1jlY.LMVI.
Musician needed at Nottingham-Myers UMC, 1560 Brooks Church Road in Upper Marlboro. The applicant should be able to play the piano, read music and be willing to work with a children's choir. Send resume to WinthropChew@aol.com or call the Church at 301-888-2171 and leave a message.
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.
NEW - Free Banquet tables: Faith UMC has 24 tables to give away. For more information, call the church at 301-881-1881.
Free Communion table: antique, red oak, Gothic style in good condition. For more information, contact 410-721-9129 or cumc@cumc.net.
Two 94-inch pews in good condition are being given away by Christ UMC. For more information, contact the Rev. Peggy Johnson at 443-756-5078 or RevPink@aol.com.
27 RSV Bibles: Ebenezer UMC has free Bibles imprinted with its name. For more information, call 410-795-6136.
Send e-connection subscription requests and changes of e-mail addresses to Linda Worthington at Lworthington@bwcumc.org.