Fall WVUM, Conference leaders wanted

Conversations with Bishop Lyght

Bishop Lyght is "a careful listener," says Dr. Bill Wilson, when recalling their early meetings. "He laid out the most beautiful summary of what had been said, and framed a direction for where to go next."

We'll be featuring reflections and comments from folks who have worked closely with Bishop Lyght in the coming weeks. "Conversations with Bishop Lyght", an ongoing series of audio pieces continues over on the quad @wvumc (the blog of the West Virginia Annual Conference).

If you have a story, picture, or comment you'd like to make about Bishop Lyght, let us know about it here. Mark your calendars for the special service and reception for Bishop Lyght and his wife, Eleanor, January 7 at Morris Memorial UMC in Charleston.

December WVUM

This edition of the West Virginia United Methodist includes a farewell letter from Bishop Lyght, along with some photos from his years as bishop in the West Virginia Conference.

There's also a story about the Advent Conspiracy, a grassroots effort that asks people and churches to consider giving more time and presence to things that really make a difference. We provide some ways to make the conspiracy local to your church and the West Virginia Conference on p. 8 of the WVUM (this could work as a bulletin insert, too).

Check out this video below, and download other resources at adventconspiracy.org.

[AC] Promo 2011

We also highlight Elm Grove UMC in Wheeling, West Virginia as part of a piece that connects apportionments with ministry. Elm Grove's reach to the community has expanded, along with their fair-share payout. The reason? "In the end ministry and paying apportionments are about discipleship," says the Rev. Bryan Carpenter. You can download and print this story as a bulletin insert to use in your church.

Conference Leadership and Service

There are many opportunities to serve the West Virginia Annual Conference. Each quadrennium, the conference nominations committee seeks people who feel called and led to serve on a committee or team of the Annual Conference. Learn more by reading about conference leadership and service and fill out a nominations form online.

Just for fun: Bethlehemian Rhapsody

Bethlehemian Rhapsody

Academy of Spiritual Formation scholarships available The Office of Leadership Formation seeks clergy and/or lay leaders who desire to strengthen their ministry through Christian spiritual formation.

The Holy Spirit - God's presence with us - is a fundamental Christian belief. Drawing nearer to this presence is essential for effective ministry and discipleship. Spiritual formation is what we call the process by which we draw nearer to the Holy Spirit.

The office of Leadership Formation seeks clergy and lay people who want to deepen their ministry and discipleship though Christian spiritual formation. The West Virginia Annual Conference will partner with the Academy of Spiritual Formation to give $2000 scholarships for up to five people to be a part of the academy.

The academy is an intense experience of worship, silence, reading, and covenant groups that meet for a total of 40 days (5 days/calendar quarter) over two years, beginning February 7, 2012.

More information about the Academy, including the dates for all eight session is available at www.upperroom.org/academy. E-mail JF Lacaria by December 15 if you are interested in pursuing this opportunity at jf.lacaria@gmail.com.

Grow Your Church Workshop

Sign your church up early for the next Grow Your Church Workshop, March 9-10 at Blackwater Falls State Park. Your church team can save $100 on their registration before February 13, 2012.

Announcements

Check out these announcements/stories from the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia, the WV Council of Churches, GlenWood Park, and Burlington United Methodist Family Services.