August 18, 2016

Dear Reader,

August is a time for vacations in the Conference office and many churches and families. We hope you have had some time off to experience sabbath with resting and rejoicing. Just around the corner it will be time for returning back to school and back to church.

This week's UM Connector has opportunities for returning to learn and serve and some tools for social media and worship planners.

If you wish to send a note of thanks to Bishop Grant Hagiya as he transitions to the Cal-Pacific Conference view or downlaod a flyer.

Sally Blanchard, Communications Assistant

CONFERENCE NEWS

You Can (Easily) Be in Movies!

Cesie Delve Schuerman wrote in her recent blog about just how simple it could be to “Inspire Donors with Compelling Video Storytelling," using your own smartphone. Schuermann writes, "You may never get your name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But you know what? You can do something even better – you can let the world know how your awesome church or non-profit is, in fact, changing the world for good. So…get out your phone and start filming." Read her blog on the Conference website.

Certified Lay Minister Course:
Introduction to Ministry Overview
now available for registration

The Introduction to Ministry will be a basic overview of the tasks of pastoral ministry leadership including Wesleyan theology, preaching, and administering the local church and pastoral care. The course is offered October 7th, 1:00 p.m. - October 9th, 4:00 p.m. at Richland Central United Protestant Church located at 1124 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA 99354. Participants are asked to prepare a seven to ten minute sermon/message in advance for this course.
Go online for more information and registration.

AROUND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION

Opportunities to Serve as United Methodist Volunteers In Mission in Western states

Okanagon, WA - Teams are needed to complete more than 10 houses before the snow hits the Okanogan Valley at the end of October. There are several houses that are ready for the interior work which includes insulating, putting up dry wall and taping, painting, flooring, and putting up cabinets. Other houses need the final touches required before occupancy. If you have construction experience or a desire to learn, this is the project for you.
For more information about this opportunity, contact Ronda Cordill at r_cordill@hotmail.com. Or contact Becky Platt, OR-ID VIM Coordinator.

170 year-old U.M. Church Destroyed in Fire

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. (CBS13) — The Clayton Fire, which has forced the evacuation of 10,000 people, has already destroyed some 200 structures — including Lower Lake United Methodist Church. The 170-year-old church runs a thrift store and is known as a cornerstone in the community, reports CBS 13 in Sacramento. “Fire destroys but it also purifies so let’s see where it takes us,” says the Rev. John Pavoni, the church’s pastor.
See story and video on the Cal-Nevada website.

The Cal-Nevada Conference is accepting donations online.

AROUND THE GLOBE

Floods wreak havoc in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — Many United Methodists are among the Louisianans who have been flooded out of their homes, and some United Methodist churches in the state also have had flood damage. One church served as a shelter, then had to be evacuated itself because of rising waters. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey says it’s too early for volunteers, but monetary contributions are much needed. Read story on umc.org.

Update August 17: Skilled Mental Health Volunteers are being sought to work through the Red Cross in Louisiana. Email for more information.

Parents missing since Ebola

MOYAMBA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The effects of the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa still linger at June Hartranft Memorial Primary School for Girls. Several of the school’s boarding students face an uncertain future as authorities struggle to locate their parents nine months after Ebola ended in the country. Read story on umc.org

Survey: Politics from the pulpit common

WASHINGTON — Nearly two-thirds of recent churchgoers in the United States report their clergy have spoken out about at least one social or political issue, a new Pew Research Center survey finds. Religious liberty and homosexuality were chief among the issues they were hearing about, with four in 10 saying they heard from clergy on each of these topics during the spring and early summer. Read more about the survey from PEW Research Center.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Free Back to School Social Kit from UMCom

Can you believe summer is almost over? It’s hard to believe we’re transitioning from pools, picnics and BBQs to pencils, soccer practices and homework.

We want to let you know about a bundle of FREE social media graphics from Church Butler through United Methodist Communications.

You want your church to be in the minds of people as they shift from their summer to fall routines. One of the best ways is through social media and meaningful, engaging content.

That’s why UMCom partnered with Church Butler to create back-to-school social quote cards that you can use right now as you gear up for fall. These images are unbranded, so you can add your church’s logo — or post them as-is. It’s up to you! Plus, they’re already optimized to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

To take advantage of this FREE offer (no credit card required, no trials, etc), click here to claim your kit.

Finding contemporary songs in Wesleyan tradition

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Worship leaders and music ministers can now use a new online tool developed by Discipleship Ministries to select contemporary worship songs that most closely align with Wesleyan theology. The songs are rated numerically in three categories — theology, language and singability — and the interactive tool also suggests where the songs could fit into a worship service.
See tool.

October 28th 8am-4pm
The Riverside Hotel
2900 W. Chinden Blvd. Boise, ID

Participate in facilitated, small-group, workshop discussions on hunger and food security in Idaho. Learn how hunger and food insecurity impacts all Idahoans. Come be a part of the solution and identify 'next steps' for Idaho! See brochure and register.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Doris Lavely

May 22, 1924 – August 10, 2016

Doris Lavely, widow of retired pastor William “Bill” Lavely, died August 10, 2016. She is survived by her children, Diane, Stephen and Linda; six grandchildren and 7 great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her son Richard and one infant grandson.

Reverend Lavely served Omaha Ames Avenue, South Sioux City-Bools in the Nebraska Conference. In the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, Rev. Lavely served Toledo/Siletz, Portland: University Park, Grants Pass, Rogue Valley Group Ministry, Salem: Trinity, Milwaukie St. Paul’s, Portland Job Corp Center. He retired in 1986 and died 2010.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday September 9th at First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR. (503) 228-3195

Friends may contact Linda & Mark Kildow at 405 Patricia Drive, Gladstone, OR 97027, for condolences or more information.

Grant Hagiya, Bishop
Dan Wilson-Fey, Conference Treasurer and Benefits Officer