November 4, 2019/Volume 18, No. 13

Conference News

AWF Preaching Excellence Presents: Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness

Retreat for a day and leave with sermon plans for the season of Lent!
Who is invited? Anyone who proclaims from the pulpit and is interested in a day apart to retreat with colleagues and plan sermons and series based on the liturgical calendar for Lent in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary.
What to expect? The retreat is intended to provide a transformational day of collaborative, creative exploration for planning sermons and sermon series. These sessions included time to read and reflect on lectionary scriptures, generate ideas in small groups, and report back on the best ideas generated during collaborative planning.
What is the goal? The intended outcome is the generation of two or three complete worship series with series titles, clear theme statements for each series and each Sunday in the series. You will walk away with a variety of resources for use with each theme, including professionally prepared graphics that you will receive digitally after the seminar. Registration and more information here.

New Alabama-West Florida Podcast Series Focuses on Preaching Excellence

The Alabama-West Florida Conference is pleased to announce a new clergy preaching resource. “Word on the Street” is a bi-weekly podcast that was designed to offer unique ways to explore the lectionary text and other relevant passages of the Bible. “One of our greatest gifts as United Methodist clergy is to be in connection with one another,” said Rev. Ashley Davis, Alabama-West Florida Director of Connectional Ministries. “Preaching is a gift but can also be a daunting task week after week. Our hope is that we can present new ways to consider scripture that will challenge and enhance our weekly sermons.” In 2018, Bishop David Graves announced four conference staff priorities. One of those is, “to teach, train, and coach to support excellent preaching so that people encounter Jesus and live out the Great Commission.” More here.

Ordained Deacon Leads a Life of Service

Whether on the plains of Auburn, in the Black Belt of West Alabama, or the deserts of Iraq, there’s one thing in Rev. Lisa Pierce’s life that doesn’t change. Her passion to serve. For decades, the driving force of Rev. Pierce’s life has been serving others. An ordained deacon in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, for more than two decades Rev. Pierce has faithfully lived out the calling she first felt as a sophomore at Auburn University. As a former Wesley Foundation director at the University of West Alabama, a lieutenant colonel in the Alabama Army National Guard, as director of Alabama Rural Ministry, and as director of Lee County United Methodist Disaster Response, Rev. Pierce epitomizes what Jesus said in Matthew 25: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” More here.

Giving Tuesday is December 3

GivingTuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. We believe the movement will become the first global day of giving and a year-round platform for strengthening civil society. We invite you to select an organized affiliated with the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. This year, Giving Tuesday is on December 3. Click here for more.

Around the Conference

Live in Peace Together

(Kari Barlow for AWFUMC) - Edith Brooks thought she was planning a simple trip to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery for a few of her fellow United Methodist Women members in the Bay Pines District. Then God started working. Before long, prayers were answered, Christians of different races had joined hands and conference funds were secured, resulting in an all-out pilgrimage—via charter bus, cars and vans—to Alabama’s capital city to confront the truth of America’s history regarding slavery and racism. “Certainly, his hand was in it,” said Brooks, who is a member of Morgan’s Chapel UMC in Bon Secour. “There was no doubt about that.” More here.

Veterans Day Reflection and Prayer from Bishop David Graves

This commentary and prayer was originally published on November 8, 2017. We offer it again as a way to honor our veterans.

As I travel around the Alabama-West Florida Conference, I meet those who are currently serving in the military and many veterans who have previously served our country, including some who are combat wounded. Rev. John Brooks, AWF Director of Multicultural Ministries, is one such veteran, who was severely wounded in Vietnam. John was told that he would never walk again and never use his left arm after losing his right arm. Today, Rev. John Brooks is a walking miracle. On Monday, November 11th, we recognize Veterans Day, and I encourage you to reach out and thank those who are serving in the military. Moreover, thank those veterans who have served to not only provide us the freedom we enjoy in the United States, but who have given humanitarian aid all across the world and right here at home. More here.

This Is A Story Of Great Love: Local Church Helps Groom Pull Off Surprise Wedding

(Nina Hendricks for northescambia.com) - Joseph and Fisayo were from different tribes in Nigeria, a love that was almost forbidden. Joseph’s education brought him to Jay, and the couple married via the internet. No hand holding, no hugs, no kiss. Now imagine a husband telling his wife they were headed out to a date night with a quick stop to see some friends…but she instead walks into her surprise wedding. It’s an amazing love story that took place in Jay. More here. Photo by Kelsei Frazier Photography.

Missional Giving Year-end Deadline Information

The last day apportionment payments can be applied for the 2019 year is Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Payments must be received in the conference office by 3pm so they can be deposited before the close of business. Payments can also be deposited directly into the conference bank account at Regions Bank no later than 4pm on January 8, 2020. If a church wishes to do so, they need to call 334-356-6732 or e-mail the fiscal office so that they can provide you with the account information.

Open Enrollment for Conference Insurance for 2020

Are you eligible for the conference health/dental insurance? Interested? Have questions? Contact BeLinda Carnegie at Office (888-873-3127) for answers about eligibility. Open enrollment begins November 11th and ends December 16th. The effective date of coverage is January 1, 2020. More here.

Connectional News

Candler Expands Financial Aid to Offer 'Unprecedented' Scholarship Support

(Candler School of Theology) - Candler School of Theology at Emory University has announced major expansions to its scholarship offerings for students admitted to its master of divinity (MDiv), master of theological studies (MTS), and master of religious leadership (MRL) degree programs. The expanded offerings will be available to students who enter in Fall 2020. More here.

New United Methodist Ad Campaign Addresses Loneliness

(UMCOM) - The United Methodist Church has launched the “Not the Only One” advertising campaign to help offer encouragement through community. Research continues to emphasize people are experiencing a growing sense of loneliness. In fact, nearly half of Americans feel alone or left out, and it’s taking a mental and physical toll on them. “The advertisements target those who identify themselves as spiritual, socially conscious and seeking meaning in their lives, but who are not affiliated with a church. Our surveys show that they are craving meaningful relationships,” shares Poonam Patodia—chief marketing officer for United Methodist Communications, the church agency responsible for marketing of the denomination. “We invite them to find love, joy and peace by joining a welcoming community.” More here.

Resources

Give Comfort, Give Joy: UMCH White Christmas Offering Materials Available

Each year during the Christmas season, we are reminded there is no greater joy for us than giving to others. Since 1930, the White Christmas Offering has enabled Methodists to share their blessings with those whose circumstances in life just haven't been fair. These children and young adults certainly didn't sign up to be in the situation they're in and with your support, they have the hope of a much brighter tomorrow. Click here for resources.

Advent Resources Now Available

Advent is weeks away. Need a last-minute resource? Check out this list categorized by nurture, outreach, witness and advocacy. Click here for more.

Meet with a Purpose

(Lewis Center) - How often have you thought to yourself, “Why are we having this meeting?” or “This meeting is a waste of time.” A significant amount of time in church and ministry leadership is spent in meetings. And yet, complaints about unproductive meetings are common. More here.