E-news: Purpose over preference, Annual Conference, Continuing Ed. Opportunity

Purpose over preference

This post on the conference Facebook page generated a robust discussion last week:

Doug Anderson (pictured): "Churches must move beyond ministry of preference to one of purpose." He referenced the Gospel of Luke chapter 9 as the source of that idea. In that passage, Jesus tells disciples they must "deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow me." What do you think of purpose over preference?

Listen to Doug talk about his tour of West Virginia last week, and let us know what you think! Join the discussion on Facebook, or leave a comment via email.

Annual Conference 2012: Get Ready!

Have you registered for AC2012? Pre-registering online means less time standing in line once you get to Buckhannon. You can register at wvumc.org/conference through Friday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. After that time, registration will be handled at West Virginia Wesleyan College beginning Wednesday, June 5, 2012.

For those of you who tweet, we'll be using #WVAC12 as the hashtag during annual conference. Look for more information and updates on our digital and social media channels in the e-news and online at wvumc.org.

Check out this list of Annual Conference notes and reminders; and download a copy of the workbook at wvumc.org/conference. Please note that if you have not registered yet for Annual Conference, you will pick your pre-conference workbook during the on-site registration process.

If you have questions or are unsure if you've already registered, please contact Judi Kenaston, Conference Secretary.

Everyone has a story.

What does it mean to be a United Methodist? What are your favorite memories of Annual Conference?

Call 304-205-9224 and leave us a voicemail; we may feature your recording at Annual Conference. Be sure to tell us your name and church too! Learn more about Google Voice, the free tool we are using to collect your stories.

Prayers for the Unchurched

Many people don't know how much God loves them. Please bring the names of folks in your community who may not attend church or know God. They can be dropped off at the evangelism table in the gymnasium during Annual Conference. If you have any questions about this ministry, contact the Rev. Bill Dawson.

Missional Worship Convocation with Debra Dean Murphy

The Center for Parish Development will host the Missional Church Convocation July 26 - 28. at the Cenacle Retreat Center, in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. This year's keynote speaker is Debra Dean-Murphy, assistant professor of religion and Christian education at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The West Virginia Annual Conference will offer $200 scholarships, to be applied to registration costs.The early registration fee of $265 is available until June 1. After June 1, registration goes up to $325. Contact Dr. JF Lacaria for more information and to inquire about scholarship funds. This convocation is an opportunity to earn contact hours toward meeting continuing education requirements.

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!

text-to-give - We're partnering with UMCOR to offer a text-to-give option. When you text UMCOR to 80888, a $10 donation will go directly to UMCOR (the charge will appear on your next cell phone bill).

online giving - We're also partnering with the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia to provide online giving here. You can donate with a credit card or bank account.

checks - Checks can be mailed to the United Methodist Foundation at P.O. Box 3811, Charleston, WV 25338-3811.

Support a rider - If you know a rider in your church or community, support them with a pledge in support of the ride.

Or, use these promotional materials in your church or ministry to help spread the word!

Contact JF Lacaria for more information at 800-788-3746 ext. 27.

Other Announcements

Click here to view a brochure from Burlington United Methodist Family Service (BUMFS), and to register for a disaster response training during #wvac12 week,We update this list between editions of the e-news, bookmark the link so you can check out the latest announcements at your convenience.