November 7, 2016/Volume 15, No. 18

Conference News

Wetumpka First Celebrates Sanctuary Renovation

Sunday, November 6, 2016, will forever be a memorable day in the life of Wetumpka FUMC. The church held a Service of Reconsecration and Holy Communion to commemorate the renovation. For thirteen months, the congregation has worshiped in the Family Life Center after the sudden collapse of the sanctuary ceiling on Monday, October 12, 2015. Had the catastrophe happened a day earlier, the story could have been one much more devastating. The restoration work has encompassed nearly every aspect of the sanctuary worship space, which was built in 1854. The collapse caused significant damage to the pipe organ, the pews, the floors, and other furnishings. More here.

Save the Date: Town Hall Meetings with Bishop Graves Announced

Bishop David Graves, Resident Bishop of the Alabama-West Florida Conference, will visit each district starting in January. He will meet with district leadership, clergy and laity over the course of the three-day period. More details, including location, are forthcoming. Below are the district dates:
January 8-10: Montgomery-Prattville District
January 22-24: Mobile District
January 29-31: Montgomery-Opelika District
February 12-14: Dothan District
February 26-28: Pensacola District
March 5-7: Marianna/Panama City District
March 26-28: Demopolis District
April 2-4: Baypines District

Quadrennial Cabinet Training Held in Jacksonville, FL

The extended cabinet of the AWF Conference gathered with cabinets from around the connection in Jacksonville, FL, on November 2-4 for quadrennial training. The meeting began with words from the Council of Bishops President, Bishop Bruce Ough. He spoke about the changing landscape of the church and the development of the commission on "Offering A Way Forward." Other sessions were held, including cross conference round table breakout sessions. The Alabama-West Florida Conference was paired with the Susquehanna Conference. The two conferences shared about where they see the Four Areas of Focus in their respective conferences. Click here to read UMNS coverage.

Around the Conference

Guest Commentary: Dr. Jeff Wilson

In the summer of 1774, six months after the act of rebellion known as the Boston tea party, the British Parliament was dissolved and general elections were set to begin on October 5, 1774. In many ways, England was a divided nation. There was great disagreement, both moral and economic in nature, concerning the “American” problem. Closer to home, morale was low, and political radicalism was a growing threat in small pockets around the country. Many citizens saw the upcoming election as a potential turning point for their beloved England. Campaigning was fierce; tension was high. Full commentary here.

A New Website Option for UMC Churches

(Office of Communications) - As the Director of Communications, one of the most discussed topics with local churches is their Website. Churches need an upgrade, they don’t know who to call, they are intimidated at setting up something this large, etc. I always have several recommendations for them but in the almost six years I’ve been in this ministry, I have not seen an option that truly fits the local United Methodist Church well, until now. Click here for more.

Missional Giving Year-end Deadline Information

The last day apportionment payments can be applied for the 2016 year is Monday, January 9, 2017. Payments must be received in the conference office by 3pm so they can be deposited before the close of business. Payments can also be deposited directly into the conference bank account at Regions Bank no later than 4pm on January 9, 2017. If a church wishes to do so, they need to call or e-mail the district offices of fiscal office staff so that they can provide you with the account information.

Connectional News

Council of Bishops to Call for 2019 General Conference

(UMNS) - Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search. More here.

6 Methodist Women Who Fought for the Vote

(UMNS) — John Wesley was a fan of voting, but in his day, it was strictly a land-owning, male affair. Getting to the point where all adult citizens had a voice in choosing their government took hard work, great risk and tremendous faith. Fortunately, many faithful members of Wesley’s movement, especially women, joined the struggle to expand the right to vote. Heather Hahn highlights six Wesleyan women who helped change history. Read story.

Bishops Opt for Fast-start Training

(SamHodges/UMNS)- It’s hard to imagine a group more on board with “on-boarding” than the new bishops of The United Methodist Church’s Southeastern Jurisdiction. They have embraced that corporate technique for getting a fast start in executive leadership through early, candid dialogue with the leadership team, assisted by an outside consultant. Full story here.

Upcoming Clergy Benefits Academy Announced

Wespath Benefits & Investments has announced their upcoming Clergy Benefits Academy for all active clergy members of the United Methodist Church. The event is scheduled for February 6-8, 2017, in Pensacola, Florida. The Alabama-West Florida Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits will not host the 2017 February Pre-retirement seminar so that the conference clergy members will be able to attend this event. Additional information on the event can be found on the Wespath website here. The Conference Board is encouraging all active members to attend.

Resources

United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leader's Kit

(Connectional Giving) - We have assembled a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday in your church. This kit contains social media images, PowerPoints, bulletin inserts, infographics, videos and more — everything you need to empower your congregation to give generously on November 27. Details here.

White Christmas Offering Materials Available

The White Christmas offering, collected on behalf of the United Methodist Children’s Home, is a heart-felt tradition dating back to the 1930s. During the Advent season Methodist Congregations across both the North Alabama and Alabama-West Florida Conferences gather generous offerings in support of UMCH’s transformational ministries. Click here to order your supplies.

GBHEM Publishing Office Releases New Book Exploring the Importance of the Holy Communion

(GBHEM) - The publishing ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announced today the release of a new book, “A Wesleyan Theology of the Eucharist: The Presence of God for Christian Life and Ministry.” Written by a diverse group of theologians and university and seminary professors, the book focuses on the connection between the Eucharist and areas of Christian theology, life, and ministry. This work shares the voices of noted Wesleyans who seek to recover the importance of Holy Communion. Click here for more.

10 Ways to Reach Unchurched People at Christmas

Pastor Carey Nieuwhof says unchurched people want to celebrate Christmas, so there is no better time to connect with friends and neighbors who rarely, if ever, go to church. He offers ten ways your church can be involved in the unique opportunity to reach people at Christmas. More here.