Nashville-based United Methodist Communications is kicking off a 75-day countdown to its 75th anniversary on October 1.

This year marks three-quarters of a century since the first national church communications office opened in New York on October 1, 1940 - an office that was to become United Methodist Communications, the global communications agency of The United Methodist Church.

"Throughout its journey, the agency has sought to stay at the forefront of mass communication using the media of the day, from print to radio to film to TV to advertising to digital media," said Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.  "As we move forward, we will challenge ourselves to build on this legacy by encouraging visionary thinking and embracing emerging technologies."

Over the next 75 days, a series of feature articles and historic photographs, as well as a timeline that marks 75 years of milestones, will provide a glimpse into the organization's storied history.

Julia Frisbie has written an article about summer fundraising ideas for Imagine No Malaria.  We have done so well with our goal that we made it even bigger!  Take a look at these ideas and see if any of them might work for your church!

In early August, United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson will lead a World Council of Churches delegation to Japan for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Group members also plan to encourage their governments to ban nuclear weapons. Read the story here.

Willow UMC is sponsoring this 5K Run/Walk to raise money for Imagine No Malaria.  There will also be a fun run for children 6 and under.  It will be held on Saturday, August 8th.  For more information, and to register, please visit WillowUMC.org.

Birchwood Camp is seeking an extra cook to help provide nutritious & delicious meals to our campers and guests year round.  Our camp cooks work under the supervision of our Food Service Manager.  Position requires 20-40 hours/week during the summer; hours are flexible during the off-season, but include many evenings and weekends.  Start date is flexible.  $11-$14/hour DOE.  Position responsibilities include: preparation of meals, helping with serving meals, cleanup following meals, prepare snacks for campers and staff.  Assistant Cook or Lead Cook positions available.  More information and an application can be found online.

The Spiritual Life Minister position at AK Child & Family will be opening soon and they are looking for someone to fill the vacancy.  The position is 20 hours a week with varied hours throughout the week.  Some of the hours will include Sundays and various Holidays.  The pay range is $15.13-$16.53 per hour plus benefits (not including medical, dental, vision).  You can read the job description here.  Please contact AK Child & Family directly if you are interested.

Church leaders from around our denomination are eligible to participate in these upcoming free webinars offered by the GBOD Leadership Ministries division.  You can register online by going here.  Here are a few of the webinars coming up:

~Tuesday, August 4 - After School Programs and Intergenerational Community Outreach

~Tuesday, August 4 - What Every Child Should Experience-web chat

~Tuesday, August 11 - Seasons: The Liturgical Year Opportunities for Older Adult Ministry

~Tuesday, August 11 - Still Created by God

~Thursday, August 20 - Earn, Save, Give: A Stewardship Campaign with a Wesleyan Foundation

~Tuesday, August 25 - Choosing Curriculum

~Wednesday, August 26 - Bead and a Prayer

Start registering now to attend the School of Theology, which will occur September 18-19, 2015 at St. John UMC.  You can go to our website for more information or view the registration brochure.