Journey Notes
As the leaves begin to change to reds, yellows, oranges and browns, our minds, hearts, and prayers are naturally focused on children and all the back to school events happening in our churches. We simply must teach our children very well indeed, for they are the future. Such was reinforced by one of our Lord's strongest statements, "It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble" (Luke 17:2).
Education is very Methodist as well. John Wesley's mother Susanna was a stickler for education. An educated woman herself, she was quite rare for her day as most women weren't educated beyond domestic tasks and child-rearing. Richard Heitzenrater of Duke Divinity School in his book Wesley and the People Called Methodists, said she was "ahead of her day" in another way, as she "was very concerned that girls be taught to read as well as boys.”
Such childhood experiences left indelibly positive marks upon John and Charles Wesley. Both were university professors; however, educating children, particularly the poor, became a passion. They started the very first Sunday school to teach the exploited child laborers to read and write on the only day off they would get each week. Later John would become the founder of the famous Kingswood School to educate all ages. It remains open to this day.
Jesus' so-called "Great Commission" orders His disciples to be teachers, as He was "... teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you ..." (Matthew. 28:20a). Jesus directs us to be teachers and, good and thoughtful ones at that.
Teaching is a primary role and responsibility of every one of Christ's disciples. Thus to truly follow, we must both learn and teach. Education can, and will, change one's life but only if one participates fully. How we participate also teaches, by example, others about the value of education. If it is a priority with us, others (especially our children) will likely make it a priority too. Teach by example and commit to learn something new from each meeting, gathering, experience, and opportunity. Millstones are very heavy; maybe we should avoid being a stumbling block. Poke your head in the Sunday school room every now and then… the children will be so excited to see you.
Please pray consistently for all the children, families, teachers, administrators, and support personnel who care for our children.
God’s awesome blessings on your journey,
John
Glory Sightings
FUMC Greenville participated in a Stop Hunger Now event on Thursday, September 10, 2015. Ninety-five volunteers worked for 55 minutes and packed 10,800 meals!
District Announcements
(NEW) 2016 Annual Conference Speakers Announced
The 2016 Annual Conference planning team, led by Bishop Paul Leeland, is pleased to announced that Bishop Gregory Palmer and Dr. Kevin Watson will be our guests at annual conference. Bishop Palmer has served the West Ohio Conference since 2012. Dr. Kevin Watson is the Assistant Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The team is also pleased to confirm that Robert McMichael and Jarvis Wilson will return to lead us in spirit-filled music and worship. As a reminder, the annual conference dates are a week later this year and are June 12-15, 2016. Thanks be to God!
AWF Asbury Foundation
Over 40 years ago a small group of clergy and lay persons recognized the need to financially support students from the Alabama-West Florida Conference to attend Asbury Theological Seminary. Support was given on a year-by-year basis to support the needs of the students while at he same time trying to raise money to establish an endowed fund. In 1999 the Alabama-West Florida Asbury Foundation became a 501(c)(3) legal non-profit corporation. The endowed fund which is currently in excess of $1.8 million, continues to seek ways to grow as does the need of our students. In 2014 over $95,000 in financial aid was given to more than 17 deserving young men and women from the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church attending Asbury Theological Seminary.
Click HERE for more information.
Upcoming Events
2015 District Annual Day- Light of the World
Montgomery-Prattville District United Methodist Women
Trinity United Methodist Church, Prattville
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Registration begins at 8:30 a. m. The program begins at 9:00 a. m. ending with lunch provided by Trinity UMW.
Guest Speaker: Debbie Bell, Mobile District President
Click HERE for more information.
Forum on Mass Incarceration and Prison Reform
Thursday, September 24, 2015
6-8 p. m.
Aldersgate UMC
Jesus had a special affinity for those in prison, said that his mission was for their sake, and taught his disciples to care for the incarcerated. John Wesley and the first Methodists made prison ministry and justice for those in prison a central practice and concern of their ministry. And yet, those in prison are often the most neglected, most overlooked, and even despised people in our society.Click HERE to learn more.
Come to this forum to learn more about the issues and problems in the criminal justice system, and also learn how to work toward solutions.
Click HERE to register for the free meal that is available at 5:45 with advance registration.
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.
Dothan District Hosts Dr. Ken Callahan
Monday, September 28, 2015
The Dothan District invites you to their 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 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 at 334-792-4259.
CORE Team Meeting
Thursday, October 1
5:30 p. m.
Conference Office
The CORE Team of the Montgomery-Prattville District will meet at 5:30 p. m. on Thursday, October 1, at the Conference office on Woodmere Boulevard. Please email Ashley at ashley@mpdumc.org or call her at 334-329-7239 to let her know if you can attend.
(NEW) Fall Fest
Sunday, October 3, 2015
Metropolitan UMC, 3108 Rosa L. Parks Drive in Montgomery, Alabama, will host a Fall Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community is welcome. Food will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own grills, picnic baskets, tents and lawn chairs. Live entertainment featuring local choirs and musicians. Gospel, jazz - good music. Fun and games for the kids. Come out and spend the afternoon with your neighborhood church and get to know each other.
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.
Order of Elders and Clergy Day Apart
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Bishop Paul Leeland is convening the Order of Elders and all appointed clergy for a day apart with Bishop Mike Coyner, Resident Bishop of the Indiana Conference. The topic for the day is “Keeping Our Clergy Covenant.” Elders, deacons, and local pastors are entrusted with the covenant of congregational leadership. Consider the question “Where is God calling you to strengthen your commitment to our clergy covenant?”
Schedule:
Gathering: 9:30 a. m.
Bishop Coyner: 10:00 a. m.
Lunch: Noon
Bishop Coyner: 1:00 p. m.
Holy Communion: 2:30 p. m.
Dismissal: 3:00 p. m.
Sponsoring Agency: The Order of Elders, Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. .5 CEU credits are available for this event.
Wesley Heirs Fall Retreat
Tuesday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 14, 2015
The Alabama-West Florida Wesley Heirs will meet their Fall Retreat, “CELEBRATE LIFE, LOVE, AND LAUGHTER” October 13 - 14, 2015 at Blue Lake. Click HERE to read the Fall 2015 Newsletter which includes information about the retreat and the registration form. Rev. Danny Doss will be the Memorial Service speaker. Deadline to register is September 28, 2015. For more information, please contact Rev. Ed Sells at edbet58@gmail.com.
(NEW) Academy for Ministries with Children
Friday, October 16- Saturday, October 17, 2015
The Academy for Ministries with Children is designed for persons seeking training in children’s ministry. The Academy for Ministry with Children offers local church workers a two-year cycle of courses toward paraprofessional certification. The courses are developed to affirm and strengthen the passion and love for ministry through a holistic and theological understanding of children and children’s ministry.
Participants will be required to read two books prior to the beginning of each course, and complete an assignment to be handed in at each class. A test will be emailed to each student following class. You will receive a syllabus upon completion of registration. In order to be eligible for certification, all eight courses must be completed. However, individual courses may be taken. The academy does not offer academic credits.
Classes meet Fridays 4:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
The next class:
"The Bible"
October 16 - 17, 2015
Dr. Jason Borders
Woodland United Methodist Church
The cost to attend is $125 per class, which includes supper Friday night and lunch Saturday, classroom supplies and resources. Scholarships are available. Participants will be responsible for the purchase of books and lodging. When registering, please indicate any special dietary needs.
To register please contact Christi Mitchell, Children's Minister, First United Methodist Church, Clanton, 207 8th St. N, Clanton, AL 35045 or children@clantonfumc.org.
Stephen Ministry Workshop
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Fairhope United Methodist Church will offer an Introductory Stephen Ministry workshop. Stephen Ministry is a proven system for training and organizing people in your congregation to provide quality Christian care to those experiencing life difficulties. Click HERE for more information.
UMW Conference Leadership and Training Day
Friday, October 23- Saturday, October 24, 2015
Registration is now open for the 43rd Annual Meeting Day. This year's theme is “Sing a New Song,” Our special keynote speaker is Marva Usher-Kerr, Executive for Membership – United Methodist Women. For more details about this event visit our website. Click HERE to register by October 3, 2015.
SEJ Clergywoman's Consultation
Monday, October 26- Thursday, October 29, 2015
Join your United Methodist clergy sisters from across the southeast as we wade and splash your way through the living water as we consider the story of the woman at the well from John 4. Together at the well, we'll gather, worship, pray, sing, play, rest, ponder, create, connect, and laugh - a lot. Whether you feel like you're running on empty or walking on water, there's a place for you at the well. Click HERE for more information.
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. Click HERE to register.
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For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Donell L. Seager, Spiritual Director at donellseager@gmail.com.
Joint White Christmas Banquet
Thursday, November 5, 2015
6:00 p. m.
Let’s celebrate Christmas early by learning about the exciting things happening in our United Methodist Children’s Home! You are invited to a fun night of fellowship, food, entertainment and information. Come hear the latest news from the Children’s Home and meet some of our participants.
District Superintendents John Brooks and Robbins Sims look forward to seeing all pastors and Children’s Home representatives there. You are encouraged to invite additional members of your congregation.
Registration will be available soon on the conference website.
District Conference and Leadership Academy
Sunday, November 15, 2015
2:30 p. m.
The Montgomery-Prattville District will have a District Conference and Leadership Academy on Sunday, November 15, 2015, at FUMC Montgomery.
Joint Clergy Christmas Party
Thursday, December 3, 2015
6:00 p. m.
Mark your calendar for our annual Joint Clergy Christmas Party for the Montgomery-Prattville and Montgomery-Opelika districts.
Meltdown 2016
Friday, January 29- Sunday, January 31, 2016
Meltdown is an annual youth conference that brings together students from all over Northwest Florida and South Alabama for a weekend that will draw them closer to God and to each other. Organized by a team of youth pastors and church workers, Meltdown’s mission is to empower youth groups and their churches by offering a dynamic, inspiring, and challenging worship experience brought through an awesome worship team, speaker, and through a variety of breakout sessions. This year our speaker is Joel Penton, and worship will be led by the band Shake the City. Click HERE for more information, including a registration form.
If you have any additional questions please contact Stuart Worth at stuartworth@gmail.com.
Job Postings and Classifieds
Youth/Young Adult/Family Ministry Coordinator
Capitol Heights United Methodist Church
Capitol Heights UMC is seeking a coordinator for its youth, young adult, and family ministries. For a complete job description, click HERE.
Two Organs to Donate
Marlow UMC has two Organs they would like to donate to a Church. Both are in good/excellent condition and are fully functional. If you are interested, please contact Glen Deal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Marlow UMC in Summerdale. Please contact Mr. Deal at (251) 988-8563.
Communion Table Needed
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4719 Woodmere Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36106
Phone: 334.239.7329
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