November 19, 2015
Dear Reader,
Are you a rock star?
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Pastor Clay Andrew is
excited that Hillsboro UMC
is a Rock Star church!
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This week Imagine No Malaria Coordinator Julia Frisbie sent out “Rock Star” awards to 41 churches that have given over $10,000 or $50 per regular worship attendee. If you got a Rock Star award make sure you share it with your church, post it on your church's Facebook page, or shout it from the church steeple. Why not post a picture with your pastor, or your whole congregation with the poster? If you didn’t get one, and think you should, check with Julia at inm@greaternw.org and find out how close you are.
Greg Nelson, Director of Communication
CONFERENCE NEWS
Bishop offers challenges to conference churches
Bishop Grant Hagiya has shared two challenges with local churches this week.
The first is coupled with the announcement that the Imagine No Malaria Campaign has reached 90% of its $75 million goal. The Greater Northwest Episcopal Area is also approaching its $ 1million goal. Bishop Hagiya urges churches to be sure to do their part with Imagine No Malaria. In a recent blog post he shares that with $200,000 left to raise … “Think of how simple that would be: one Christmas Eve or Christmas Sunday offering dedicated to Imagine No Malaria. What a gift for the baby Jesus!”
Download Advent Resources to Imagine No Malaria
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Bishop Hagiya invites volunteers!
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While the first appeal is for money, the second is for time. Bishop Hagiya has called for November 22 to be “Volunteer Sunday.” A time for churches to talk about volunteering to support The United Methodist General Conference when it is hosted in Portland, Oregon in May of 2016. Volunteers are needed for greeting, registration, information desks, hotel helpers, and prayer partners. In a video message he invites local Methodists to experience General Conference and offer extravagant hospitality to guests from around the world. The video, bulletin inserts, and other resources are available at www.GC2016PDX.org. That is also the site for volunteers to sign up, share where they are interested in working, and pick days and shifts to volunteer.
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
Single board governance spurs local mission
For the United Methodist Church in Bend, Oregon, a consultation process through the conference’s Healthy Vital Church Initiative was the seed that is slowly taking root. Changes to worship, leadership structure, church marketing and branding, and a community wide focus is helping this congregation reach out and invite in. Read what Pastor David Beckett has to say on the conference website.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Speaking out for Syrian refugees
DALLAS (UMNS) — Some United Methodists are protesting calls by U.S. governors to close borders to Syrian refugees after the Paris terrorist attacks. Bishop Gary Mueller of the Arkansas Conference agreed with the need for stepped-up security, but said "it solves nothing to categorically exclude a group of people whose lives have been torn apart." Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
Welcome the stranger
GENEVA (WCC) — In the midst of a mounting climate of fear of refugees and immigrants, the World Council of Churches is calling on Christians to be true to the Biblical imperative to "welcome the stranger." Recently, 25 participants from 13 countries gathered to explore ways of promoting multicultural dialogue and activities at the parish and community levels. Read the rest of the story on the World Council of Churches website.
How did God call you to ministry?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists are asked to record and submit a video that explains why they feel called to do the work they do and how that work makes a difference. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is collecting these stories at MyCallStory.org. Select videos will be featured at the 2016 General Conference. Read more on the Higher Education and Ministry website.
After Ebola, doctor's dedication recalled
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — One year ago, Dr. Martin Salia, chief medical officer and the only surgeon at United Methodist Kissy Hospital, died of Ebola. The hospital staff remembers a doctor committed to serving the poor as they struggle to fulfill his dreams. Watch a video report, and read about how the church has responded to Ebola.
United Methodist Women
launches digital magazine
NEW YORK (UMNS) — A new digital version of the United Methodist Women's magazine, "response," will be published 11 times a year. The hope is that offering a digital edition as well as print will increase mobility, sustainability and accessibility for readers. "Digital response is just another way to receive and share stories of women in mission," said interim editor Tara Barnes. "It's an especially appealing option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or increase or decrease text size." See a preview and learn more.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Vital Conversation: Acts of Repentance
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will hold its next "Vital Conversation" at 9 p.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 19, with the Rev. Glen Chebon Kernell, Jr. He oversees Native American and indigenous ministries for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. He will explore the need for ongoing acts of repentance while challenging the church to improve relationships with indigenous people globally. Read more and join the conversation.
United Methodist Student Day November 29
November 29 is United Methodist Student day. Don’t miss this chance to recognize and support the gifts and scholarships that support young leaders in the church as they pursue higher education. Download the United Methodist Student Day pastor’s kit at www.umcgiving.org/umsdkit.
Pilgrimage focuses on Wesleyan disciple-making
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist lay and clergy leaders can participate in the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage to England, which will focus on how John and Charles Wesley made disciples of Jesus Christ. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and the Board of Higher Education and Ministry will co-sponsor the 10-day pilgrimage, July 11-21, 2016. Read more on the discipleship ministries website.
COMMENTARY
by Marty Cauley
… It was truly an act of grace, an act of undeserved, unmerited, and extravagant generosity. The amazing thing is, this was just the first of the gifts we have been offered. There are some days I can hardly believe the blessings people are heaping upon us. …
