May 22, 2017/Volume 16, No. 10

Conference News

2017 Annual Conference Information

The 2017 session of annual conference is quickly approaching and will be held June 4-7, 2017. Visit www.awfumc.org/ac2017 for complete information or follow the below links. The deadline to make a reservation is today, May 22, 2017, so that we may provide our host churches with an accurate head count for meals and space.

Reservations
Laity Banquet
Missional Giving Offering Insert & Video
Hotel Information
UMCOR Kit Collection
Working Agenda
Biometric Health Screening
Pictorial Directory
Book of Reports
Guide to Annual Conference

Bishop Meets with Large Membership Church Pastors

Bishop David Graves held his third meeting with large membership church pastors since being installed as the resident bishop of the Alabama-West Florida Conference on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The purpose was to gather in fellowship with one another and discuss the recent judicial council ruling. The day began with a powerful worship service in the sanctuary of Greenville FUMC. Jack Horner and James Keith Posey of the new Pike Road Church, a church plant of Frazer UMC, led music to begin the service. Bishop Graves preached on the theme of, "Too Hard?" He walked the pastors through times in his life where it felt like it wasn't just hard, it was too hard to navigate. After worship he led the pastors through five questions:
-How Do We Build the Mission?
-What Healing Needs to Happen?
-How Do We Build Strong Relationships?
-How Do We Build the Foundation of How We are Going to Live Together?
-How Would You Advise Me in These Times?
After a fruitful conversation, the Bishop invited each small group to join hands for the devotional to represent the clergy covenant and connection. Similar meetings will be held with young clergy, female clergy and ethnic clergy in the fall. These meetings were born, and are a continuation, out of the On-boarding process that Bishops Graves led under the direction of consultant, Claire Bowen.

Graves Announces Staff Change and Interim Plan

Bishop David Graves announces that Rev. Dan Pezet has accepted an appointment outside of the Alabama-West Florida Conference. Pezet has served as Director of Congregational Vitality since 2014. In that appointment he designed and implemented the Antioch Project to partner with congregations that have potential to begin new lifecycle of fruitful ministry." “We are sorry to see Dan go but I will always support our clergy when better opportunities are presented,” said Graves. “We are grateful for his faithful leadership and dedication to his appointments, especially to the Antioch Project. We wish Dan and his family the best in this time of transition. We are taking this opportunity to review the responsibilities of this position and at this time, our current staff will assume those duties.” Full article here.

Plans Finalized To Rebuild Tornado Ravaged 114 Year Old Century Church

(NorthEscambia.com) - Plans have been finalized to reconstruct the historic Century United Methodist Church, which was damaged beyond repair in last year’s Century tornado. Church members hope construction will begin soon. The appearance of the new building will be much like the old building and will include windows, pews, light fixtures, woodwork and more salvaged from the old church. The Century United Methodist Church was built in 1902, just after Century was established by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company. It was constructed of virgin long leaf pine, with interior detail and finish that created a reverent place for worship. Full story here.

Around the Conference

Sullivan Award presented to Karl and Brenda Stegall

(Huntingdon College) - Huntington College President J. Cameron West and the College’s Board of Trustees honored Karl and Brenda Stegall with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award earlier today. The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award seeks to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service of the late Mrs. Sullivan, wife of philanthropist Algernon Sydney Sullivan, by recognizing and honoring such qualities in others. The award, established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and sponsored by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, is given only by selected “representative institutions” in the southern United States to non-student members of their college communities. Honorees demonstrate a “spirit of helpfulness and an awareness of the beauty and value of the intangible elements of life,” such that “the spiritual standard of the institution may be judged by the character of the person to whom the award is made.” Full release here.

Blessing Box installed Outside Foley United Methodist Church for Community

(Gulf Coast News Today) - The United Methodist Women of the Foley United Methodist Church had a “Blessing Box” installed on the front lawn of the church located on 915 N Pine Street in Foley as a mission to the community. The box is stocked with non-perishable food items and is available 24 hours a day to be utilized by anyone in need of food. The church doesn’t have to be open for people to take items from the box nor do they have to be a member. This is a true ministry to the community! More here.

Fairhope UMC Featured in UMC's Interpreter Magazine

(Interpreter Magazine) - "Our mission as a denomination is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Most people can recite that from memory, but the question is, ‘How do we do that?'" The Rev. Steven Manskar, director of Wesleyan Leadership at Discipleship Ministries, believes the answer to that question lies in the General Rule of Discipleship. "The way you make disciples is by introducing them to Jesus and connecting them to other Christians in a small group that's focused on helping each other live the Christian life," Manskar said. "And that Christian life is shaped by this rule of discipleship." The Rev. Laura Parker, associate pastor at Fairhope (Alabama) United Methodist Church, said her congregation's covenant groups, which started in connection with Lent, integrate the church's theme of connect, grow and serve. "You hold each other accountable for growth, holiness in your personal life, and that leads to acts of compassion and justice," Parker said. Groups at Fairhope were provided with a guide containing questions to help structure their time together. The guide asks how members maintained the covenant, how they experienced Christ, how they responded to God's call to be a disciple, how they were challenged, what they'll do differently in the coming week and how the group can pray for each member. Complete article here.

Join Bishop Graves in a Holy Land Pilgrimage

This is your invitation to be a Tour Host and invite your people to join you in a rich spiritual journey into God's Word. As you know, Educational Opportunities Tours works through pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who will serve as Tour Hosts to invite their people to Christian travel. In every church there is probably someone who has had a lifelong dream of visiting the Holy Land and walking in the footsteps of our Lord. But most will never realize that dream unless someone they know and trust says to them, "I'm going to the Holy Land, and I'd love for you to join me." There's a wonderful ministry in this - a twofold blessing. First, you bless the pilgrim by your making their journey possible, and then you will find great delight and blessing as you watch them make wonderful discoveries and grow in God's Word on their journey. More here.

Connectional News

United Methodist Now Member E-newsletter Unveiled

(UMCOM) - A new e-newsletter marks the launch of a denomination-wide effort to streamline and customize communications for United Methodist members, leaders and seekers. A reflection of UMC.org, United Methodist Now is the first publication to carry the voice of the denomination directly to members by delivering inspirational and informational content specifically designed for them. “United Methodist Communications is excited about this new way to reach out and connect to United Methodists,” said Dan Krause, general secretary of United Methodist Communications. “All of us can benefit from a word of encouragement, an insight into church beliefs or information about the denomination’s rich history.” Full story here.

United Methodist Deacons Gather to Discuss Their Roles as Emissaries, Sent by the Spirit

(GBHEM) - Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the Office of Deacons and Diaconal Ministers at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry are co-sponsoring Deacon Dialogue 2017 on June 28, 2017, at Loyola University Lakeshore Campus, Chicago, Illinois. Deacon Dialogue is a biennial event designed to provide United Methodist deacons with an opportunity to fellowship with other deacons, learn about each other’s ministries and receive both encouragement and challenge to their ministries. More here.

Mathison to Speak at Festival of Wisdom and Grace

Lake Junaluska has announced its speakers for the 2017 Festival of Wisdom and Grace. Dr. John Ed Mathison is one of three speakers for the event, which will be held August 7-10, 2017. This year’s theme, Forgiveness - Living in Grace, will carry throughout the weekend of worship, workshops, professional training, and fellowship relating to the second half of life. Designed for individuals, couples, small groups or church leaders. Sponsored by the Southeastern Jurisdictional Association of Older Adults, it is an experience of inspiration and renewal. More here.

Local Church Resources

Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty: What it Means and Doesn't Mean

General Council on Finance and Administration Legal Services team has worked with the document entitled, “The Summary of the Impact of the Executive Order on Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty”. This document addresses what the executive order means, or doesn’t mean, for churches and church leaders.

How Faith Helps Parents as Children Leave the Nest

(UMC.org) — Parents throughout history have had to adjust as their children age. A United Methodist counselor shares ideas for navigating the changes, including how faith can help. The Rev. Joe Iovino has the story. More here.

Four Key Challenges in Pastoral Transitions

(Lewis Center) - What challenges are most commonly faced when pastors move from one ministry setting to the next? Lovett H. Weems, Jr., says four key challenges are dealing with family and emotional issues, paving the way for one’s successor, understanding the culture of the new ministry context, and saying goodbye in a way that provides closure. Full commentary here.