Salisbury District ENews

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Thoughts and Dates from Sally…

“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” (Isaiah 55:2)

During these 40 days of Lent, you and I are challenged to journey with Jesus to the cross.  In days past, we have all been guilty of losing our focus on loving God and others.  Our Lenten practices of prayer and self-denial are renewed efforts on our part to get back on track as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  Amazingly enough, our disciplined practices always open us up to the grace of God.   

Our practices are varied.  Some of us give up chocolate during Lent and learn that the Bread of Life satiates our hunger much better than chocolate ever can.  Others of us drag ourselves out of bed earlier than usual to pray and read the Bible and discover the grandeur of God’s world as we watch the rising of the sun.  Still others of us decide against buying that colorful purse or fancy gadget and find deep satisfaction instead in writing a generous check to an area food pantry.

This Lent, I am grateful for the efforts already being made to get us ready for the IMPACT! COMMUNITY Event on June 5, 2010.  On that Saturday, hundreds of us will move out into the community to serve others; we’ll be blessed, even as we are blessing others. Because June will be here before we know it, Lent is the ideal time to organize this huge day of service in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties.

Here is how you can help:

1.      Send the name and contact information of your Local Church Organizer to Volunteer Coordinator Linda Tutterow (ltutterow@carolina.rr.com). 

2.      Come, especially if you are Pastors and Local Church Organizers, to the IMPACT! COMMUNITY planning meeting at Mt. Olivet UMC (301 Mt. Olivet Road, Concord, 28025) on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 7 PM.  Important information will be shared, and there will be time to give suggestions and feedback to the steering committee.

Please pray during the months ahead for the Salisbury District’s IMPACT! COMMUNITY Event.  My prayers are with you and your local churches for a blessed and holy Lent.

District Laity Gathering with Bishop Goodpaster

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, all laity in the Salisbury District are invited to an informal conversation with Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster from 6:30-8:00 PM at Epworth UMC (1030 Burrage Road, Concord, 28025).  Bishop Goodpaster has asked that lay leaders and lay members of the Annual Conference make a special effort to attend.  The bishop will share information with the laity about the Power of 3 in the WNCC, current goals for planting new churches, new efforts to align the conference for the purpose of achieving the church’s mission, and the conference-wide IMPACT! COMMUNITY events on June 5, 2010.  Bishop Goodpaster will allow plenty of time for questions and answers.  While the gathering has been planned with laity in mind, district clergy are also welcome to attend.

Calendar of Events

March

04        District Mission Society Mtg., District Office – 5:30pm

08        District Ministers Meeting, China Grove First UMC – 9:00am

11        IMPACT orientation mtg., Mt. Olivet UMC – 7:00pm

17-18   Cabinet Meeting

23        Bishop and Laity Gathering, Epworth UMC – 6:30pm

25        IMPACT committee mtg., District Office – 7:00pm

April

5-9       Cabinet Meeting

5          District Youth Council, District Office – 5:30pm

12        District Committee on Ordained Ministry Spring Interviews, District Office – details forthcoming

17        Lay Speaker Training, Milford Hills UMC – 8:30am – 4:30pm

18        Lay Speaker Training, Milford Hills UMC – 2:00pm – 6:30m

19        District Ministers Mtg., Milford Hills UMC – 9:00am

24        UMW Spirituality Event – Bethel Midland – 8:45am

25        District Laity Rally, Milford Hills UMC – 3:00pm

26        District Committee on Ordained Ministry Spring Interviews, District Office – details forthcoming

27-29   Cabinet Meeting

May

01        Disciple Bible Study Training – details forthcoming

16-28   Local Pastor Licensing School – Lake Junaluska

17        District Ministers Meeting, Cold Springs UMC – 9:00am

18-19   Cabinet Meeting

24-26   Cabinet Meeting

Lay Speaker Training

Dates: April 17, 2010 [8:30-4:30] and April 18, 2010 [2:00-6:30]

Location: Milford Hills United Methodist Church

                    1630 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC

Visit www.gbod.org to obtain more information on Laity and Lay Speaking Ministry

What Is Lay Speaking Ministries?

The lay speaking ministry is a training opportunity for laity who would like to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This may include the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.   In years past, the primary function of lay speakers was to conduct services when a preacher wasn't present. Though preaching is still an important part of lay speaking ministries, it encompasses much more. The motto of 'Caring - Communicating - Leading' shows that lay speakers can impact every area of ministry.

What Is a Lay Speaker?

There are 2 categories of lay speakers: local lay speakers and certified lay speakers.

·         LOCAL LAY SPEAKER : Local lay speakers serve in their local church. In order to become a local lay speaker you need 1) written approval (signatures) from the pastor and church council 2) to complete the basic course. Once you become a local lay speaker, you must submit an annual report at charge conference each year to retain that status and you must take a refresher course at least once every three years.

·         CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER: Certified lay speakers are able to serve outside of their local church. In order to become a certified lay speaker you need: 1) written approval (signatures) from the pastor and church council 2) to complete the basic course 3) to complete an approved advanced course. Once you become a certified lay speaker, you must submit an annual report at charge conference each year to be recertified. You must also take an advanced course at least once every 3 years.

How Do I Become a Lay Speaker?

A recommendation by his/her pastor and the church council (or charge conference) is required. Upon acceptance, the applicant needs to satisfactorily complete the basic course. The local church lay speaker may serve his/her local church in which membership is held, by witness of the spoken word, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry. A refresher course must be completed every 3 years.

The certified lay speaker must have completed both the basic course and an advanced course. The certified lay speaker is expected to complete the same service as required of local church lay speakers. In addition, the certified lay speaker may serve in other churches of the conference, besides his/her local congregation. Recognition of certified lay speaker status is to be obtained each year. This is done by first submitting a written request for renewal. A submission of an annual report to the charge conference is required. The report must give evidence of satisfactory performance of lay speaking service. The pastor and church council (or charge conference) needs to recommend for renewal. Lastly, an advanced course must have been completed within the past three years.

What Is Expected of a Lay Speaker?

Local Lay Speaker - Supports and ministers to his/her local church - Looks for leadership opportunities in the local church - Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year – Must take at least one Advanced course every three years to maintain certification.

Certified Lay Speaker - Supports and ministers to his/her local church - Can be utilized by other congregations - Looks for leadership opportunities in the local church and beyond - Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year - Must take at least one Advanced Course every three years to maintain certification.

Lay Speakers, local and certified, need to file a report at charge conference. The forms are available from our conference website: http://www.wnccadmin.org/downloads.cfm

Dates: April 17, 2010 [8:30-4:30] and April 18, 2010 [2:00-6:30]

Location: Milford Hills United Methodist Church

                    1630 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC

Classes offered:

·         Basic Lay Speaking, taught by Rev. Dr. Harold Bales, Concord, NC, assisted by Ms. Dava Anderson, Concord NC

·         Lay Speakers Preach, taught by John Harmeling, Charlotte, NC

·         Lay Speakers Discover Spiritual Gifts, taught by Margaret Cox, Concord, NC

Cost: $25.00, payable to: Salisbury District UMC

Mail check along with registration to:

Margaret M. Cox, 254 Retriever Ct. SE, Concord NC 28025

mcox@ctc.net            704.785.9887[hm]         704.786.4709, ext 11[work]