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In this edition
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> Council Launches "Praying our Way Forward"
> Consider Becoming a Coach
> Church via Meetup
> Appointed Task Force Studying SCJ Realignment
> An Honest Conversation about Race & the Role of the Church - Sept. 11th
> Another Reason to Sing in the Choir
> Asbury UMC-Odessa Lay Servant School
> UMCOM Free Branding & Logo Service
> Upcoming Events & Important Dates
> Classifieds, Calendars & Connections
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Council Launches Prayer Initiative: Praying Our Way Forward
As plans are underway for the establishment of a Commission on a Way Forward, the Council of Bishops is setting in motion a parallel prayer initiative called "Praying Our Way Forward." "We are a people of prayer and enjoin the entire church to fervently pray that the Holy Spirit will breakthrough and lead us into a future with hope," said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Council president, in a statement following a meeting of the executive committee in July. Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett of the North Alabama Conference, who chairs the "Council Life Together" team, and Bishop Al Gwinn, who leads the prayer subcommittee of the Council of Bishops, were chosen to design and guide a complementary prayer component that involves the whole church. |
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Consider Becoming a Coach!
The NM Conference & local churches are creating a Cadre of Coaches to help people become who God needs them to be in the world. Now is the time! The Conference is subsidizing the cost of the Coaching4Clergy program.
What does a coach do and what can YOU do as a coach?
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| | Working with students of all ages is just one example of the many things participants can do with coaching training. |
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House churches are an idea from Bible times that is making a comeback. These small groups appeal to people who are looking for an alternative to the traditional Sunday morning mega church experience. Peace Tree United Methodist in Tennessee is a growing congregation that meets a lot of places, not one of them a church building.
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Exploring Options: Appointed Task Force Studying SCJ Realignment
from the Texas Annual Conference
 Following 2012 General Conference, a jurisdictional task force has been researching hypothetical scenarios regarding the possible realignment of the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ). Rev. Jim Welch, representing the Texas Annual Conference on the study committee, collaborated with other SCJ representatives in developing a list of possible alignment plans presented at this year's SCJ Conference - as a starting point for discussion. What's all the buzz about "episcopal balance" or "alignment" across the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ)? When did this topic originate and why? What is the timeline for discussion and what are the next steps? Bottom line: Forward-thinking denominational leaders continually study missional effectiveness -- factoring in priorities such as episcopal workload, cultural affinities and ways to best position the conferences and jurisdictions for the future. At the 2012 General Conference, leaders determined that it is very likely that the SCJ will be required in 2020 to make a reduction of one bishop. This change would be based on expected membership declines and in accordance with the Book of Discipline (BOD) (which requires 5 bishops per 300,000 members and 1 additional for the next 300,000.) Therefore, a task force was appointed in 2012 to begin planning in case that requirement was issued in 2020.
Click here to read the full article |
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An Honest Conversation about Race & the Role of the Church
Following a deep conversation with his son, Rev. Todd Salzwedel decided to put together a kitchen table discussion to address some of the tough issues of our time, such as racial tension. Dr. Goodie Goodloe (Author of Kingmaker - About lessons Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us regarding leadership) will be at the table as well as several other leaders in the community. All United Methodist church members are invited to attend the event on Sunday, September 11th at all three services: 8, 9:30 and 11:00 am. Special music will be provided by the energetic and talented Soulfruit. No RSVP is required. Just come with an open mind and an open heart.
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Another Reason to Sing in the Choir
by the North Texas Conference News 
Cancer research finds an hour of singing boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and lifts mood. Singing in a choir for just one hour boosts levels of immune proteins in people
The research raises the possibility that singing in choir rehearsals could help to put people in the best possible position to receive treatment, maintain remission and support cancer patients.
The study tested 193 members of five different choirs. Results showed that singing for an hour was associated with significant reductions in stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increases in quantities of cytokines - proteins of the immune system - which can boost the body's ability to fight serious illness.
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Asbury UMC-Odessa - Lay Servant School Offering
Asbury UMC-Odessa will offer both the basic & advanced Lay Servant Ministries programs. The schedule is October 7th from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm and October 8th from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. The advanced course will cover lay servant care giving. The cost is $35 for the basic course and $45 for the advanced. Please contact Rev. Russ Nebhut: 432-366-4455 or russnebhut@mygrande.net
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UMCOM Free Branding and Logo Service
United Methodist branding can make a real difference for your church or ministry, and United Methodist Communications offers a free service that addresses branding and logo development. They will develop a suite of logos for your use in print and online at no cost to you.
Click here for more details
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