September 5, 2018/Volume 17, No. 14

Conference News

Foundation Celebrates Milestone: $10 Million Goal Realized!

(SSSEF) - On Thursday, August 9, 2018, the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Endowment Foundation celebrated its 11th year in ministry at the annual Dinner of Celebration. The banquet, held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery, welcomed approximately 425 students, alumni and supporters. Including those in attendance were some of the 53 seminary students being supported by the Foundation during the 2018-2019 school year. These 53 seminary students, in addition to 10 local pastors completing the advanced course of study, sets a new record of 63 individuals receiving foundation support. Each year, two extravagantly generous donors underwrite the entire cost of the banquet, ensuring that donations made to the Foundation are allocated for scholarships. Rev. Anthony J. McCullough, senior pastor of Prattville (Ala.) First United Methodist Church, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The invocation was given by Rev. Robin C. Wilson, senior pastor of Opelika (Ala.) First United Methodist Church. Full article here. Click here to see photos by Luke Lucas.

The Montgomery Advertiser Column: Winners & Losers

(Bishop Graves) - Football season has kicked off for high school and college with the pro ranks soon to follow. Each week until the Super Bowl, which will take place the first Sunday of February, the list of winners and losers will be posted through various media channels. Football polls and standings will become of interest to many in these parts of the country. Some of us Atlanta Braves baseball fans will be holding out hope that our beloved team can play into October and possibly the World Series. The fall is a wonderful season for sports fans. Yet, there are winners and losers. As a University of Tennessee graduate, I hold out hope that my Volunteers will win more games than they lose, perhaps upsetting a team or two. All of these scenarios create winners and losers. Full commentary here.

Bishop Graves Continues Town Hall Meetings in September

Bishop David Graves will continue his visits to districts resuming on September 16th. Each meeting will begin at 3:00 PM and conclude no later than 5:00 PM. The meetings will begin with a time of spiritual reflection and centering. A video will then be shared which highlights the specifics of each of the three proposed plans. There will then be a question/answer time with Bishop Graves moderated by the host district superintendent. Click here for schedule.

Around the Conference

Clergy Attend Quadrennial Sexual Ethics Training

Approximately 600 clergy in the Alabama-West Florida Conference attended one of three boundary training (sexual ethics) sessions last week. In addition to reading the conference policy, clergy were asked to read Saying No to Say Yes: Everyday Boundaries and Pastoral Excellence. They were also asked to bring written responses describing their ministry setting and role and takeaways from the required reading. Becky Posey Williams, senior director of for sexual ethics and advocacy at COSROW, presented the material. This training was sponsored by the AWF Board of Ordained Ministry. Photo courtesy of Dothan FUMC.

Training Held for Local Pastor Clergy Mentors

The AWF Conference Board of Ordained Ministry is in the process of training persons to serve as local pastor clergy mentors. Two trainings have been held in Montgomery and Spanish Fort. A third training will be held at Graceville UMC in September. Approximately 50 persons will receive training. Rev. Dunford Cole, Chair of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, and Rev. June Jernigan, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Ministerial Services are the trainers.

Charge Conference Forms Now Available

2018 Charge Conference Forms are now available online. You may access them through this link or go to our home page and click on the link under Quick Links. Should you have questions, please contact your district office. Click here to access forms.

Connectional News

Commission on the General Conference Determines Petition Process

(UMNS) - The Commission on the General Conference has outlined a process for determining if petitions submitted to the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference are in harmony with the Council of Bishops’ amended call to the session, which states that the purpose of the special session “shall be limited to receiving and acting upon a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based upon the recommendations of the Council of Bishops.” The Judicial Council ruled that petitions may be filed by an organization or lay/clergy member as long as the business proposed to be transacted is in harmony with the purpose stated in the call. According to Decision 1360, “It is the obligation of the General Conference to determine, in the first instance, through its committees, officers and presiders, acting in accordance with The Discipline and the rules and procedures of the General Conference, whether any such petition is ‘in harmony.’” More here.

Board Moves to Slash General Church Funds

(UMNS) - The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency approved changes to apportionments that would cut more than $105 million from the 2021-2024 general church budget. The goal is to keep more funds within U.S. local churches, but that’s not guaranteed. Heather Hahn reports. Read story.

Top Court Sets October Oral Hearings

(UMNS) - The United Methodist Judicial Council has announced that it will hold three oral hearings the first day of its Oct. 23-26 meeting. One hearing is on a request by the Council of Bishops to rule on whether the proposed legislation for the One Church, Connectional Conference and Traditional plans for the special General Conference in February 2019 is constitutional. Read story.

UMCOR Supply Kit Changes

Each year, United Methodists make thousands of UMCOR Relief Supply Kits. Distribution of the kits is coordinated by UMCOR and its partners. Known for being “fast in and last out," in 2017 UMCOR responded to 44 disasters and helped survivors recovering from floods, wildfires and the aftermath of hurricanes. In order to respond effectively, efficiently and follow current best practices, this year UMCOR is focusing on the collection of just three of the most needed kits: cleaning kits (flood buckets), hygiene kits, and school kits. Layette, birthing, bedding and sewing kits will be phased out. Relief Kit FAQ may be found here.

Resources

Learn Something New in 20 Minutes

(UMCOM) - Need to jumpstart a committee meeting with new ideas? Searching for some helpful communication tips? Short micro-training experiences are available to help you learn practical skills in 20 minutes or less. These quick “bursts of knowledge” sessions can be accessed any time at no cost. Current topics include effectively using Facebook, photos, and videos in your church. Learn more.

7 Steps to Improve Data Security

(GCFA) - One area that most nonprofits - but especially churches - struggle with is data security. Given that personal and financial information is at stake, it is something we as United Methodists should take very seriously. The Information Technology experts at GCFA - our UMC's financial and administrative body - have put together a Data Security resource as a place for churches to start. Click here to download this free resource today.

Marriage Enrichment Retreats at Lake Junaluska

We are created for a lifetime of love and intimacy, but relationships can be hard, even for the happiest couples. Distance, frustration and disconnection can enter through any number of life's events. This retreat will help you better understand your partner and learn to cultivate a warmer, more joyful and loving relationship. Learn more at www.lakejunaluska.com/marriage.