February 28, 2023

Conference News

A Word from Bishop Graves: 2023 Appointment Timeline

Each year the cabinet and I publish a detailed outline of the appointment-making timeline with precise dates of how our work will unfold and when pastors will be notified if they are to receive a new appointment. The appointment process is underway, and the cabinet and I have been prayerfully conducting our work; doing our best to project all that we are able. The cabinet will project most of the appointments between March 21-23. More here.

Bishop's Day Apart with Dr. Ron Bell, Jr.

Bishop David Graves invites AWF clergy to join him for a workshop entitled, "Are You Breathing: Resilience Practices for Embracing Grief, Loss and Identity." The guest presenter will be Rev. Dr. Ronald Bell, Jr. As we all live through this season in the denomination, it is important that we are addressing and processing our grief and trauma in healthy ways. Dr. Bell will provide you with ways in which to do this. The event will be on Thursday, March 2 from 10am-2pm at Aldersgate UMC in Montgomery. CEUs will be available. More here.

AWF Seeks Director of New Ministry Strategies

The Alabama-West Florida Conference is seeking a lay or clergy person to lead the effort on starting new ministries in areas where there will be no UM presence post-disaffiliation. This position is a part-time position with the potential to become a full-time position. The Director of New Ministry Strategies works under the supervision of the Director of Connectional Ministries with the Presiding Bishop, working closely with the Conference staff, conference program boards and agencies (namely the Board of Congregational Development), and with the laity and clergy of the Alabama-West Florida Conference. The primary goal of the Director of New Ministry Strategies is to assign and manage the work of the conference Regional Developers. The Director would then relate and connect that work collaboratively to the Cabinet and Conference. This person would be responsible to help the Annual Conference know how to utilize its resources to establish new churches and strengthen existing churches to make more disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Director would supervise the Regional Developers and help the Regional Developers strategize for their regions. More here.

Lenten Prayer Calendar Now Available

The Alabama-West Florida Conference is centering its work around prayer this year. Daily conference work, meetings and conferences will all have prayer as the focus. Click here for full press release. The next series of prayers is centered around Lent. Below you will find the date, scripture passage, prayer prompt and the verse or verses. Musical selections, written by Rev. Darrin Isaac of Pt. Washington UMC, are available below in a video format and sheet music. Click here for pdf of the below graphic.

Around the Conference

Blue Lake Camp Launches Campaign

(BLC) - We are excited to announce the launch of the Be the Spark Campaign. Blue Lake’s financial health continues to improve, but we have one large hurdle to overcome on our path to sustainability. Our goal for the Be the Spark Campaign is to raise at least $450,000 to address two specific needs that we currently have. First, the first goal is to pay off our remaining mortgage which sat at $380,000 in January from its original amount of $1.8 million. The second is to use the additional $70,000 to begin facility updates throughout our site. Here is the great news! The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is supporting our efforts with an incredible gift. The Conference will match every dollar we raise in 2023 up to the first $223,000. Every gift we receive will be doubled! More here.

Initial 2023 Annual Conference Details Announced

The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church will hold its 2023 Annual Conference session Sunday, June 11-Wednesday, June 14 at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. The Service of Commissioning and Ordination will be held at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church. This year’s theme is, “When They Prayed” from Acts 4:31 with each day having a specific focus of how Biblical characters prayed.
Sunday, June 11: like Naomi… When we pray blessings on others, God redeems, based on Ruth 1:8.
Monday, June 12: like Nehemiah… When we acknowledge our shortcomings, God rebuilds, based on Nehemiah 1:5.
Tuesday, June 13: like Mary… When we rejoice and give thanks, God reveals, based on Luke 1:46-56.
Wednesday, June 14: like Peter… When we pray boldly, God revives, based on Acts 9:40.
The clergy and laity session will be in person on Sunday, June 11 at 8pm. More here.

Disaffiliation Numbers for May Special Session Available

As a notice to all churches, the standard disaffiliation figures for the May 7th Special Called Annual Session are now available on the church dashboard.

Connectional News

United Methodist Connectional FCU 2023 Annual College Scholarships

Are you or do you know a member age 17-35 who is attending or planning to attend college and attend church in in one of the four conferences? If so, please let them know about your Credit Union's college scholarship program. Four winning applicants, one from each of our four conferences, Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Alabama-West Florida will receive a $1000 scholarship each. More here.

Resources

Black History Month Calendar Available for February

February is Black History Month. The Alabama-West Florida Conference is home to some remarkable trailblazers. This calendar will educate you on the work of black United Methodists in our conference; both present and past. We invite you to share this in your local church. Click here for pdf calendar.

The Church Audit: It’s Easier Than You Think!

(DM) - Every congregation needs to do a church audit, but it doesn’t have to be a big expense or an insurmountable obstacle. There is a great Local Church Audit Guide, available free for United Methodist churches that will take you through the audit step by step. Going through the process builds confidence among your financial leaders and projects transparency to your donors. Join us as we explore the tools that can make this process easier than you thought. More here.

7 Policies Every Church Needs for Trust and Transparency

(Lewis Center) - Trust is fragile, says Bonnie Ives Marden. And finances, if not handled correctly, can be a source of worry rather than security. She outlines seven policies for institutional trust and financial integrity that reduce confusion and conflict while at the same time encouraging generosity to support your mission. More here.