Journey Notes
"But the men that went up with him (Caleb) said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature." Numbers 13:31-32 (KJV)
Sometimes ministry can be filled with fear, especially as the new kid on the block trying to implement change. Your faith, your eminent connection to our Lord and Savior, is intricately constructed to carry you through such times as these. As parishioners begin to see that your walk is a faith walk, the spirit of faith will gain voice in work area meetings. Have you ever gone to a meeting and later heard two people's responses to what went on? Were you amazed at how different their take on it was?
People can be in the same place, see the same things, listen to the same words, and still not be able to agree on what was said. Have you ever worked really hard on a sermon delivery just to have a member make a candid comment that let you know he or she totally missed what you intended to convey? Members are not blank slates or sponges soaking up every word. What each person hears or perceives is colored by his or her background of experiences, including fears and faith.
In this scripture, faithful Caleb and Joshua went up into Canaan and saw the lovely place God had promised to lead them to. The doubting spies saw huge, dangerous giants. How did the spies miss the vast richness of the land and focus only on the inhabitants? By allowing our fears to overcome our faith, we also allow our perspective, our witness, and our actual service to be misrepresented.
It is important to remember that people bring their fears into the church, and that their perspectives reflect how they see things in light of their fears or their faith. In addition to helping our people find their individual value and place in the Body, it is equally essential to provide paths that help them take ownership of a faith journey that overcomes fear.
Special thanks to our Capitol Heights church family for hosting our Montgomery-Prattville District Family Gathering to meet and fellowship with new clergy families.
Journey with the assurance that God has equipped you to serve from a foundation of faith,
John
Glory Sightings
Kids from Whitfield UMC enjoyed Worship Arts Elementary camp at Blue Lake.
District Announcements
Abingdon Press Announces Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love VBS theme for 2016
You can read more about the program
HERE.
The Voice
Click
HERE to read the latest news from Tuskegee Wesley.
Archives Center
(UPDATE)The
Methodist Archives Center is back to the regular summer schedule, 7:30-4, daily. For more information, call Sharon at 334-833-4413.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Opportunity
If you are clergy needing CPE, this note is for you!
Don Winslett is planning to begin a parish-based CPE unit in August 2015. For details and an application click HERE.
Legacy of the Apostle Paul Cruise with Dr. Wachob
You are invited to join Dr. Wesley Wachob on a 13-day Journey following the Legacy of the Apostle Paul from September 14-26, 2015. Dr. Wachob will teach aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas, by Royal Caribbean International as travelers cruise from Italy to Greece to Turkey and back. Visited cities include Rome, Crete, Mykonoso, Ephesus, Athens, Corinth, Naples, Pompeii and more. Pricing starts at $3598 and includes airfare. If you have any questions regarding the trip contact Jeb Hunt at 850-432-1434 or send an email to eo@travelwithus.com. A complete itinerary can be found HERE.
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 31 - Saturday, August 1, 2015
Dean Margie Miller and Associate Dean Betty Helms invite you to join us for Mission u 2015.
The study leaders for “Created for Happiness” are Reverend Tonya Elmore and Clara Ester. “Latin America: People and Faith” will be lead by Debbie Bracewell and Susan Hunt. Ann Aldridge will lead “The Church and People with Disabilities.”
The planning team for Mission u includes representatives from our Conference United Methodist Women, Conference Board of Global Ministries, and Conference Board of Church and Society.
EXHALE 2015
Friday, July 31- Saturday, August 1, 2015
EXperiencing Hopefulness Amidst Life’s Experiences (EXHALE) is a two-day conference July 31 - August 1, 2015, on Samford’s campus, featuring dynamic speakers, helpful programs, and care for those experiencing burnout in their lives. Featured national speaker will be Dr. Scott Morris, M.D., M.Div., CEO of Church Health Center, Memphis, TN. EXHALE 2015 offers programs on self-care and harmony in care giving.
Cost is $50.00 for CE Credits (7.5 hours RN), $25.00 for laity, and $10.00 for students. SPACE IS LIMITED. Register EARLY.
Click HERE to see the brochure. For registration contact Debbie Duke 205-726-4451 or ddduke@samford.edu or send a check to Samford University, Attn: Debbie Duke, Samford University, Seibert Hall: Room 302A, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229 (food is included in registration fee).
Early Response Team (ERT) Training
Saturday, August 1, 2015
There will be an Early Response Team (ERT) training at Auburn UMC, Auburn, AL, on August 1, 2015, from 8:00-5:00 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes lunch and training materials. Contact LaShae Rich to register at lashaer@aumc.net or 334-826-8800 ext. 282 .
Bring proof of a recent background check with you in accordance with Safe Sanctuaries policies, or Auburn UMC will process your background check for you that day.
Disasters can strike anywhere and anytime. In these times of crisis, churches should step up and be a beacon of hope and love to those affected by the disaster. This ERT training session can best help church members be prepared to respond in an appropriate way to disasters in the name of Christ. You will learn the essentials of natural disaster response and receive a badge to join future emergency teams.
Trainer: Glenn Glover
Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit
Thursday, August 6 - Friday, August 7, 2015
Frazer Memorial UMC's Wesley Hall
The Global Leadership Summit is a two-day event telecast LIVE from Willow Creek Community Church. The Summit will feature 13 highly sought after speakers from the fields of ministry and business. For more information, click HERE.
Lay Servant Training
Friday, August 14- Saturday, August 15, 2015
The Montgomery-Prattville District will offer Lay Servant Training.
Courses Offered:
- Basic Course led by Judy Reiter, CLS (requires permission from senior minister of your church)
- Advanced Course: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (new Polity course) led by Dr. Cory Smith
- Advanced Course: From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon led by Dr. Chris Perry
- Advanced Course: Leading Worship led by Rev. Jackie Slaughter
- Advanced Course: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage) led by Dr. Robbins Sims.
Click HERE for a registration form. The deadline to register is August 7. Contact David Bowen dbowenjr@aol.com or 334-353-0848 for more information.
(NEW) Bible Conference
Sunday, August 30 - Monday, August 31
How can we read and understand the Bible? With thousands of years of history between the modern reader and this ancient text, how can we be certain we know what it is trying to say?
In August, Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, will host a two-day Bible conference with one of the leading Bible scholars and best Bible communicators in the world, Dr. Ben Witherington.
Dr. Witherington has written over forty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top Biblical study works by Christianity Today. He is also the author of our fall small group focus on the book of John. Along with many interviews on radio networks across the country, Dr. Witherington has been seen on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E and the PAX Network.
In addition to his teaching on reading and understanding the Bible, he will offer a special lunch study where he will address some of the most common arguments against the Bible’s reliability and credibility.
It is not often that we get the opportunity to hear from such a brilliant mind and eloquent communicator and we hope you won’t miss the chance in August.
Click HERE to register.
(NEW) Centering Prayer Workshop
Saturday, September 12, 2015
The Spiritual Formation Leadership Team and Contemplative Outreach, Ltd are hosting a Centering Prayer Workshop and Day Retreat September 12, 2015. The workshop/retreat will be held at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Gowin Hall and will begin at 9 a.m.
Cost is $35 which includes lunch and the book Forty Days To A Closer Walk With God by David Muyskens plus 6 weeks of follow-up sessions. Additionally, recommended and optional for reading is Open Mind, Open Heart by Fr. Thomas Keating.
Make your payment (cash or check) payable to AWFC and mail to AWFUMC, ATTENTION: CP INTRO / WORKSHOP, 4719 Woodmere Bouleard, Montgomery, AL 36106.
Registration deadline is September 10.
Contact Minta McDavid mintamcd@aol.com or Patti Bodenhamer pattibodenhamer@gmail.com with questions.
Fall 2015 Days of Refreshing
Wednesday, September 16 - Thursday, September 17, 2015
For more information, call 251-861-5509.
Pleasant Path to the Past Tour
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The Alabama-West Florida Historical Society event will host a tour of two beautiful churches in the conference, Ivy Creek UMC and Autaugaville UMC, with a catered meal included at $15 per person. This is a great one-day trip for all history enthusiasts in central Alabama. We hope that various older adult ministry groups in Elmore, Autauga, and Montgomery Counties will place this trip on their schedule of activities. Click HERE for more information.
(NEW) Dothan District Gathering
Monday, September 28, 2015
The Dothan District will host a District Gathering featuring Dr. Ken Callahan on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Headland United Methodist Church
. The gathering will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. You can make your meal reservations for dinner by calling 334-693-2956.
Dr. Ken Callahan, an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, has taught for many years at Emory University. His fields of research and teaching include theology of mission, leadership and administration, and giving and finance.
He is the founder of the Center for Continuing Education at Emory’s Candler School of Theology. Dr. Callahan is the founder of the National Certification Program in Church Finance and Administration, providing training and certification for pastors and church administrators. He has received many awards and recognitions, including being elected to the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Church Business Administrators.
His pastoral experience spans rural and urban congregations in Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, and includes small, strong congregations, healthy middle congregations, and large, regional congregations.
Thousands of congregations and tens of thousands of church leaders and pastors around the world have been helped through his writings and workshops. His seminars are filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical possibilities.
For more information please contact the district office 334-792-4259.
Explorations in Antiquities Center
Monday, September 28 - Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Conference Older Adult Ministries is hosting a trip to LaGrange, GA, on September 28 - 30, 2015. This trip will feature the Explorations in Antiquities Center and the Hills and Dales estate.
Schedule of events:
September 28 - Travel to LaGrange. Check into the Wingate Hotel in LaGrange and optional group dinner.
September 29 - We will be divided into 2 groups:the Tribe of Asher and the Tribe of Judah. Each will enjoy a 3-hour seminar on “Biblical Imagery” lead by the founder of the Explorations in Antiquities Center, Dr. James Fleming. Each group will also tour the Hills and Dales estate and gardens, family home of the Callaways.
September 30 - Our visit to the Exploration in Antiquities Center will include the Biblical village tour, the Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery tour of a collection of artifacts on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority, and also a Biblical meal featuring the recipes, manners and customs of a first century meal which provides a richer understanding of the meaning of the Last Supper.
For more information on the sites we will visit:
http://www.explorationsinantiquity.net
http://www.hillsanddales.org
http://www.wingatelagrange.com
The registration fee includes hotel (2-nights), 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, admission to the Antiquities Center and Hills and Dales. Transportation and other meals are not included. You may arrange your own transportation or we will assist you in planning transportation from various locations about the conference.
Cost is $150 per person/double occupancy; $210 for single occupancy.
For questions or to sign up, please contact Barbara Wilder, Chairperson of the AWF Conference Older Adult Task Force, at bwilder@yourcrosspoint.org 850-678-4411, ext 123.
Deadline to sign up is September 10, 2015 or when the trip is full. Space is limited, so sign-up early.
Revitup! An Energizing Event for Young Clergy
Monday, October 5 - Wednesday, October 7, 2015
New to ministry? Or have you been around a while? Looking for new ideas? Trying to figure out the best approach? Want to be energized? Inspired? Informed?
Put yourself at the top of your list!
Plan to attend revitup!...For a Lifetime of Ministry! October 5 - 7, 2015.
- Find ways to reduce and manage your seminary and personal debt;
- Gather practical tips for balancing life and ministry;
- Network with other young clergy from across the denomination;
- Participate in one-on-one consultations with class instructors/field experts (benefits consultants, pastoral counselors, financial planners, tax consultants, wills and estate planning experts, and more!);
- Go home with new ideas, resources and knowledge; and
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Click HERE to register and for more information.
(NEW) UMW Conference Leadership and Training Day
Friday, October 23, 2015
For more details about this event, please contact Betty Helms, Conference President of United Methodist Women, betty@fumcdothan.org.
Prayer Shawl Retreat
Tuesday, October 27- Friday, October 30, 2015
The Conference Spiritual Formation Leadership Team will host a Prayer Shawl Retreat October 27 - 30, 2015, at Blue Lake. All are welcome to come together to enjoy the fellowship and ministry of Prayer Shawls and other handcrafts. Be prepared to share your stories, your successes, your skills, (and maybe even your knitting secrets). Be prepared to be blessed by others and by a God of extravagant love.
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For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Donell L. Seager, Spiritual Director, donellseager@gmail.com.
Job Postings and Classifieds
Church Pianist Needed
Autaugaville UMC needs a piano player for the 11:00 a.m. worship service and for Wednesday evening choir practice. Compensation is negotiable but dependent on experience and availability. For more information please contact Rev.Jabe Fincher at jabe.fincher@gmail.com or (334) 365-9873.
ORFF Music for Children Business Opportunity
If you are interested in owning an established ORFF Music business, contact Jennifer Robertson at
orff1972@gmail.com or (334) 559-1101.
Part-Time Youth Minister, Liberty UMC
Liberty United Methodist Church is seeking applicants for a part time youth director for its students in grades 7-12. Liberty UMC is located approximately 20 minutes from Auburn University and five minutes from Tallassee, AL.
Starting salary is $10,000 annually, with additional funding for ministry-related travel and other job-related expenses.
The application period ends on July 31, 2015.
Administrative Assistant with Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM)
Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) is seeking an administrative assistant with minor bookkeeping experience. The job will require twenty five to thirty hours a week with potential to be full time. For information or to apply and submit a resume, please contact Lisa Pierce lisa@arm-al.org or Mr. Jimmy Aulner jaulner@tallapoosak12.org.
Outreach Coordinator Internship Opportunity with Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM)
Alabama Rural Ministry is excited to announce that they have a full-time Outreach Coordinator Internship Opportunity available. For more information click
HERE.
Submit your cover letter and resume to Joe Davis via email at joe@arm-al.org.
Church Bus Needed
Spanish Fort UMC is looking for a church bus with the following specifications:
- Late model
- Diesel powered
- 30 ( /-) passenger
Please contact Jan at jan@spanishfortumc.org if you can help.
Resources Available
The Conference Office has several books available for those who need them. There are a variety of stewardship and leadership books available. Additionally,
Rev. Neil McDavid has donated several Christian books. Back issues of
Alive Now devotionals as well as some Upper Room Worship books are also available. Contact
Traci Herndon at
traci@awfumc.org for more information.
