E-news: Glory Sightings are God at work in the World

Northern District Church reaches out at the movies

Simpson United Methodist Church in Moundsville, W.Va. partnered with a local movie theater September 15 to reach out to their community.

The historic Strand Theater, built in the 1920s and re-opened earlier this year, approached the church about sponsoring a showing of Shrek.

"We have been looking for ways to reach the community creatively, and decided this would be a good way to do it," said church member Ron Morgan. He said that it was important that the church not merely be listed on the program as a sponsor.

Morgan and Rev. Teresa Markins dressed up as Shrek and Fiona and greeted children and families as they came in to the theater. Photos taken during the meet and greet were developed during the movie and handed out at no charge to people as they left the theater.

"It a wonderful way to support the community and a great opportunity to share God's love and the name of his church to folks that might not otherwise have ever heard of us," said Morgan.

From left to right: Shrek (Ron Morgan), photographer of the day Steve Thompson, and Fiona (Rev'd Teresa Markins).

A Glory Sighting is God at work in the world. It can be seen in baptisms; but also in nature. It might be an after school program that feeds kids in the community. Send us a photo and/or a story about a glory sighting in your church and ministry, and we'll feature it in the e-news. You'll also have our thanks and we'll send you a 2GB jump drive. Email us at wvumc@wvumc.org

Check out this United Methodist Communications resource on how to take great photos; and these 5 tips for writing stories that get noticed.

Fall Workshop Materials

You can register for Fall Workshop online! This annual conference event is a great place for youth to connect with Jesus, and with each other. This year's theme is: Going the Extra Mile to Give. Learn more about the event by reading the brochure, and you can also print registrations forms if you prefer.

Help welcome Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball!

Join us on October 13 as we welcome Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball to the West Virginia Annual Conference. We'll worship together in Wesley Chapel at 1:30 p.m., and a reception will follow the service.

If you can sing in the choir during this special event, please email music director Rev. David Donathan and include the following information:

Name

Email Address

Mailing Address

Day Phone Number (cell # preferred)

Part you sing: S A T B

You'll also need to bring your own choir robe. Rehearsal will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the basement of Kresge Hall at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Does your worship reach people?

Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. At the

Reaching Others through Worship Conference

you will learn to use tools and strategies to improve your attendance and reach new disciples. The conference is designed for both laity and clergy and features engaging presentations and practical workshops from knowledgeable experts. Register before Oct. 8 and save money!

E-mail JF Lacaria or call him at 800-788-3746, ext. 27 for more information.

UMCOR Training Opportunity

There will be an UMCOR Case Management training session October 5-6 at Chapel Hill UMC in Buckhannon. It's a great opportunity to be trained in proper disaster response for anyone called to that ministry. Read UMCOR's brochure that describes the training and view and print the registration form. Contact Dan or Sue Lowther if you have any questions. They can be reached at 304-265-4419 or 304-265-0361 or via email at dclowther@gmail.com or wsuelowther@gmail.com

Announcements

Click here for a list of announcements from churches and ministries around the Conference. New this week: A job posting from the Connectional Table of the United Methodist Church.