In Prayer
Register Early for Annual Conference
Online registration takes just a few minutes at wvumc.org/conference, where you will also find information about Annual Conference at West Virginia Wesleyan College June 6-9, 2012. This year, you must register for Conference to receive your workbook in the mail. Register by April 15 to get your workbook shipped faster. You can also download a copy of the workbook online today.
 
If you have questions or are unsure if you've already registered, please contact Judi Kenaston, Conference Secretary.
 
At last year's Annual Conference, Dr. Doug Anderson quoted John Wesley in his evangelism presentation: "For the sake of souls, I preach in the fields." Anderson defines relational evangelism as "helping people develop their ability, capacity, and confidence to share their faith in Jesus Christ." He returns to the Conference in May, with stops in four churches around the state. We hope to see you there! 

 

Bishop's Bike Ride to Conference: The UMCOR 150
Every year, on the Saturday before Annual Conference, a group of riders pedal their way from Charleston to Buckhannon. The purpose: fun, fellowship, and fundraising for a worthy cause. This year, they ride for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and there are several ways to support their effort! 
 bike ride

 
text-to-give - We're partnering with UMCOR to offer a text-to-give option. When you text "UMCOR" to 80-888, a $10 donation will go directly to UMCOR (the charge will appear on your next cell phone bill).
 
Coming Soon! online giving - Watch the e-news, facebook/wvumc and twitter.com/wvumc for details about online giving for the bike ride.
 
Support a rider - If you know a rider in your church or community, support them with a pledge in support of the ride.
 
Contact JF Lacaria for more information at 800-788-3746 ext. 27.
 

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Honoring excellence in evangelism
Harry Denman was a prominent evangelist and lay leader in the Methodist Church. Each year, annual conferences recognize clergy, laity and a young person who demonstrate excellence in evangelism. Learn more and nominate someone online at wvumc.org.
 
You can also check out the "Culture of the Call" award, which highlights local churches each year who demonstrate an ability to grow pastoral leadership.
Golden Cross Offering May 5
United Methodist Churches are encouraged to take up an offering on designated Golden Cross Sundays each year. In the United Methodist Church, Golden Cross supports the health and welfare ministries of each annual conference. In West Virginia, those ministries are GlenWood Park Retirement Village and Burlington United Methodist Family Services. Use this bulletin insert in your church.
 
You can also request free giving envelopes for your Golden Cross Offering. Contact Karen Thaxton, Central Services Coordiantor, at 800-788-3746, ext. 24.
 
Appointment Announcements
It is the intention of Bishop William Boyd Grove to appoint the following clergy effective July 1, 2012
 
This list is updated as they are available to reflect new appointment announcements, please bookmark the link above for future reference. 
 

 

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Other Announcements
Click here for information on an upcoming Spiritual Growth Retreat, a call for NEJ volunteers and more. We update this list between editions of the e-news, bookmark the link so you can check out the latest announcements at your convenience.
Please Pray For...
Ron and Joetta Acord - Their niece, Mylisa Graham, died Saturday evening after a 6 year battle with brain cancer. Condolences may be sent to the Acords at PO Box 96, Matewan, WV  25678.

 

Steve and Beth Grimes - Steve's sister, Izetta Lebman, died at 82.  Steve led the funeral service on Monday in Richmond, VA.  Condolences may be sent to the Grimes at 3707 Auburn Rd, Huntington, WV  25704.

 

Geraldine Marie Robinson, 96, mother of Sue Lewis and mother-in-law of Reverend Greg Lewis (AM-R) of Belington, WV, passed away Thursday, April 5. Her viewing will be Wednesday, April 11 from 4-8 pm at Talbott Funeral Home in Belington. There will also be viewing on Thursday, April 12 from 12-1 pm at West Side UMC in Belington with the funeral to follow at 1 pm. Condolences may be sent to: 802 Johnson Ave., Belington, WV 26250.

 

 

In This Issue
Annual Conference 2012
Bishop's Bike Ride + UMCOR
Harry Denman Award
Golden Cross Offering
Appointment Announceents
Spiritual Growth Retreat
Announcements
Prayers for...

April

19-20, 21-22 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat

22 Native American Awareness Sunday

27-28 Spiritual Formation Retreat

 

View the full calendar here 

 

WVUMC online:

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