March 30, 2015/Volume 14, No. 6
Conference News
Annual Conference 2015 Information
Annual Conference 2015 is quickly approaching! This year's theme is the third part of the SEND Model many in the conference have adopted. It is, "The Great Commission: Nurturing Disciples." We are most appreciative to Dr. Tim Thompson and his staff at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, AL, for hosting us again this year as well as Dr. Lawson Bryan and his staff at Montgomery FUMC for hosting the ordination and commissioning service. This year we welcome Bishop Mike Lowry and Rev. Jorge Acevedo as special guests. We are honored to announce that Robert McMichael and Jarvis Wilson will be leading our music. Please note several changes to annual conference. More here.
We Remember: Bishop Charles "Handy" Hancock
Bishop C. W. "Handy" Hancock, 91, of Macon, GA, died Friday, March 13, 2015. Bishop Hancock served as the first resident bishop of the Alabama-West Florida Conference from 1988-1992. To read the complete obituary, click here.
Leading by Example: Dauphin Way UMC Donates $15,000 to Foundation
(SSSEF) - Dauphin Way United Methodist Church recently presented the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Endowment Foundation with a $15,000 donation in support of seminary students. On behalf of the congregation, co-senior pastors Rev. Robin Wilson and Dr. Jeff Wilson invited Dr. Karl Stegall to preach at the church on Thanksgiving Sunday, where an annual offering for missions is taken. Following that Sunday’s service, Dauphin Way UMC collected donations from church members who were moved by the financial struggle of seminary students in the Alabama – West Florida Annual Conference. “Since our first days on his staff (at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, Ala.), Karl has been a friend, mentor, coach, supporter, and role model for us,” said Dr. Jeff Wilson. “Since Dauphin Way UMC has a long tradition of receiving a special Thanksgiving Offering for Mission, we thought this would be the perfect way to share the work of the Stegall Foundation with our church family.” Full story here.
Clergy Delegation Interest Form Online
The 2016 Clergy General and Jurisdictional Delegation Interest Form is live on the conference Website under Quick Links. All clergy eligible to be elected in the Alabama-West Florida Conference may complete this form if you are interested in serving as a delegate. The Clergy Delegation Interest List, also under Quick Links, will automatically populate onto the conference Website in alphabetical order of last name. Clergy can be elected without completing the form. The information you share will be public and people from outside our conference may contact you.
Around the Conference
AWF United Methodists Participate in 50th Anniversary Selma to Montgomery March
Pastors and laity from around the AWF Conference participated in the 50th Anniversary Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights. Rev. Jackie Slaughter of Metropolitan UMC and Dr. Brian Miller of Aldersgate UMC (pictured above) participated in the final stretch of Wednesday's reenactment. Michelle Leland, a member at Montgomery FUMC completed the entire four-day march. Dr. Brian Miller reflected on the day's events by saying, "Our annual conference has been a battleground for some of the most significant events in the civil rights movement, fought by, and sometimes between, Methodists. This is our beautiful, complex history. While we've legally come a long way in 50 years, we have miles to go regarding deep, life giving relationships. We're still sifting through the rubble of the dividing wall that Christ has torn down, and heart change is still necessary. Retelling the story will be important for that. I walked to be among friends and to learn, to hear about the struggle from those who have been in it for decades." To see the complete photo gallery, click here.
Former AWF Pastor Memorialized for Civil Rights Contributions
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The late Rev. Richard Boone, a pastor in the AWF Conference, was honored on Friday, March 13, 2015. He was a participant in the Selma to Montgomery March and made racial equality a priority. He was known for demonstrating along Dexter Avenue in Montgomery, AL, encouraging business to integrate. Representative Thad McClammy presented a resolution to Legislature of the State of Alabama that was signed by Governor Robert Bentley to recognize his civil rights contributions by naming a stretch of the Selma to Montgomery Historical Trail "Richard C. Boone Boulevard." Rev. and Mrs. Neil McDavid, Rev. and Mrs. Frederick Outlaw, Rev. and Mrs. John Brooks, Metropolitan UMC and the AWF Conference Board of Advocacy sponsored the highway sign. Pictured above is Rev. John Brooks and Otis Burnett at the unveiling.
Guest Commentary: Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon
(Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon) - Like so many of you, at least once each week I receive correspondence from an organization seeking support for a ministry. And while these entities are involved in worthwhile initiatives, often they are not part of our United Methodist connection. I say this to simply remind us that we are part of a great Church that is making a significant impact in so many areas around the world. And I write to you this week to highlight my own experience with one of the institutions that is most deserving of our support. During my years as a local church pastor, the congregations I have served have been faithful supporters of the "Fountain of Love" Offering that benefits the Methodist Homes for the Aged. Click here for full commentary.
Bishop Paul Leeland Offers Opening Prayer for Alabama Legislature
Bishop Paul Leeland was honored to be invited to give the invocation for the Alabama Legislature on Thursday, March 12, 2015. It was also the same day the Alabama-West Florida Conference welcomed state legislators to a prayer breakfast, sponsored by the AWF Board of Church & Society. Bishop Leeland's prayer can be found here.
Cafe Hope: Retired Executive Chef on Culinary Mission
(Panama City News Herald) - Retired executive chef Travis Herr and numerous volunteers at First United Methodist Church are feeding a growing community that is hungry for more. “I had to get the kitchen up to industry standards from church standards,” admitted Herr, 63, who also is a retired culinary educator. The Cafe Hope kitchen in FUMC’s Trinity Center now features equipment donated from Gulf Coast State College, where Herr once directed the college’s culinary program. Since October, Herr has been teaching the less fortunate and homeless members of this community professional kitchen skills. As part of the program, his students prepare a lunch for the public at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Cafe Hope. Reservations are required, so Herr can make preparations. Complete article here.
Five Weeks to Welcome the King at Summer Mission Camp!
(Alabama Rural Ministry) - Hosanna! As we prepare to wave our palm branches this Sunday, we remember that Jesus is the one true King of all creation. We’re reminded that God is calling us to “welcome the King” today; to be witnesses to God’s kingdom reality even though we await its final fulfillment. We have the opportunity for you and your middle/high school students to welcome the King with us at summer mission camp. You’ll be challenged to serve through home repair and day camp children’s ministry, while also worshiping, learning and growing together as a team. We’re looking to register five teams in the next three weeks to fill the five vacant weeks in our mission camp schedule. Teams can be as small as five to seven or as large as 70! More here.
Connectional News
50 Years Later, Still Part of the Movement
(Erik Alsgaard/BWCUMC) - Phillip Hunter greeted me at the door of his Bel Air, Md., home wearing a yellow shirt, a bow tie and crisp, new bib overalls. The overalls seemed out of place, given that Hunter, 67, is a retired lawyer and doesn’t live on a farm. But there’s a story behind the overalls, one that Hunter lived personally and one that he’s sharing these days throughout the state. Full story here.
"I Thirst”: More Here Than Meets The Eye
(Rev. Adam Hamilton) - Among the seven last statements of Jesus recorded in the gospels is one that, at first glance, seems almost insignificant. Shortly before his death he says, “I thirst.” This simple statement seems out of place among the other more dramatic statements he made from the cross. Yet there is more here than meets the eye. Let’s consider some of the possible reasons why John records these words, and what he may have intended his readers to see in these simple words. More here.
Young People in Mission: Unique Yet United
(UMVIM) - Young People in Mission is a camp experience with hands-on mission opportunities for youth and young adults between the ages of 12 to 24 at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Our hope is that this event serves as a launch to empower them to serve with new eyes and a heart for Christ. Each year, young people serve with local mission projects, worship together, fellowship and grow with family groups, dive into Bible studies, and learn from featured speakers and the City of Opportunity. More information here.
Resources
Eight Reasons People Aren’t Listening to Announcements
(Lewis Center) - This weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the community. They want to move people to action, but in reality a large portion of those in the room will simply tune out for that part of the service and then tune back in when something more interesting comes along. You know it’s true … because you’ve done it! Click here for more.
Your Church Website: Rethinking Your New Front Door
(UMCOM) - Are you a hands-on learner? Would you like to build a website? We have a deal for you! This new online course from United Methodist Communications is hands on. No more listening to a lecture about a process or watching someone else do it – and then trying it after class. More here.
Events
Momentum is coming to Montgomery, AL!
Are you ready to create a culture of radical generosity in your church? Join us April 20-21, 2015, for Momentum at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Churches all across America are discovering how Momentum equips you to teach your congregation how to handle God’s blessings His ways for His glory. Take advantage of this exclusive offer just for our readers to learn more! Register by April 10 using promo code UMCAL at the link below to unlock a special rate of $199 per person. We’d love to see you there! Click here to register.
Inspirit 2015, April 9-11
UMW Leadership Development Days, April 10-12
Academy for Ministries with Children, April 17-18
Mobile District Pastor's Meting, April 23
United Methodist Men Spring Advance, April 24-25
Dothan District Spring Meeting, April 27
5-day Academy for Spiritual Formation, May 4-9
Lay Servant Ministries Training, May 9
The Right Start, May 21
Annual Conference, May 31-June 3
