California-Nevada News:
The Thomas Project: Bringing Appropriate Technology To a Haitian School
United Methodist Communications has begun a pilot project with The Thomas Project, an initiative from the California-Nevada Annual Conference, to integrate appropriate technology into low-resource schools in Haiti. The latest innovation includes a portable cart with laptops, a projector, a charging station and water-filtration – all powered by solar equipment. (Read more)
The Thomas Project: Bringing Appropriate Technology To a Haitian School
The Thomas Project provides solar-powered carts for Ecole de Lespoir (School of Hope) in the Village of LaPaix in Haiti.
United Methodist Communications has begun a pilot project with The Thomas Project, an initiative from the California-Nevada Annual Conference, to integrate appropriate technology into low-resource schools in Haiti. The latest innovation includes a portable cart with laptops, a projector, a charging station and water-filtration – all powered by solar equipment.
Ecole de Lespoir (School of Hope) is the first site to use this system, deployed in October 2013. This school serves children from the Village of LaPaix and the surrounding area, which is in the hills about a mile from Thomas, Haiti. The solar panels and batteries were purchased in Haiti. The mission team from the United States brought the cart electronics, laptops and water purifiers to Haiti. The cart was built in Haiti, and the system was assembled there.
School
Ecole de Lespoir is a private community school operated by Jean Claude, who served as a mission team interpreter for several of the California-Nevada team's trips to Haiti. He is funding this school from his own money and donations. The goal is to provide a free education to children who might otherwise lack access to school. As of October, his enrollment was 112 children – kindergarten through 6th grade, taught by six teachers.
One of the solar-powered carts for Ecole de Lespoir (School of Hope).
Location
This school serves the Village of LaPaix, a very primitive location on the sunbaked hills above Thomas, Haiti. A subsistence culture, there is no electricity, and the available water source is a nearby irrigation ditch. Power and clean water are luxuries.
Deployment
The team delivered the cart, related equipment and additional educational supplies on Oct. 28, 2013. Jean Claude had participated in planning before the team's arrival. They began their work in country with instruction on how to use the solar and water systems.
The team also purchased a 300-gallon water storage tank with the help of Thomas Project's in-country manager, James Lazarre, who continues operational maintenance training.
Configuring technology is the easiest part of a project like this. Sustainability depends on local leaders understanding the technology and their desire to implement its use. The California-Nevada team learned how important training is through their previous projects in Thomas and Leveque. The team pre-trained 14 teachers at the Thomas School computer facility. This prepared them to receive training on the laptops and provided a preliminary understanding of the teachers' computer knowledge.
Another orientation introduced the laptops and allowed participants to sample the installed software. Additional training will follow this high-level training. No students were involved other than as observers of the orientation class.
Lazarre has been conducting ongoing training in deployment at both schools and the Thomas campus. Teachers from both schools come to the Thomas lab with their laptops for training. He can accommodate all of the teachers in one class by doing so.
Computer Systems
The deployed laptops are Intel Classmates. These particular models are the convertible (screen swivels) version with a built-in stylus. They are low power-consumption, hard-sided "clamshells" specifically targeted at educational settings.
These laptops come preloaded with Windows 7 – Professional, Intel Learning Series Software, a note-taking application, webcam, labcam software (software for recording and tracking experiments), an e-reader, Art Rage (an art creation application) and a classroom-management application (to interact with teachers online). Most applications are in English. A few applications have the option to change the prompts to French.
Wisco International, the local Inveneo certified partner in Haiti, added a student dictionary; a music education application; GCompris (a portfolio of computer education, discovery, puzzle, math, reading, strategy and other activities); and Deep Freeze (an application to protect each laptop from accidental introduction of changes, unauthorized use or viruses).
Several other software applications loaded onto each machine included a geography application; three elementary math packages; Mini-Sebran, a preschool/kindergarten intro to colors, numbers, alphabet and art; and a more advance art program, Tux Paint.
Ongoing and Future Planned Activity
Assembling the components of a cart.
Additional school requirements are being assessed, as is local community interest in computer courses and related topics. Outreach to the community will be through movie nights and free courses.
The biggest challenge is to help teachers to become computer literate and prepared to use the computers in teaching. The students adapt more quickly. In some cases, students are teaching teachers, and co-use of the machines is being encouraged for teachers and students.
We are currently starting baseline assessment of teacher, student and community computer knowledge. We have planned interviews with the teachers and students at one month and at three months. Community interviews are randomized. These assessments will provide some data needed to evaluate and scale the project.
About ICT4D
Technology can transform lives for the better. United Methodist Communications can work with you to develop a strategy for your ministry beyond the U.S.
Mary Elizabeth Inn Celebrates Centennial
During Annual Conference earlier this summer, a 100 day campaign to ‘give your change to change women’s lives’ began. The goal is to raise $10,000, or about $30 per church in our annual conference, to support the meals program at Mary Elizabeth Inn. The campaign culminates on Sunday, September 28th.(Read more)
Mary Elizabeth Inn Celebrates Centennial
On Saturday, October 4th at 2:00 p.m., people from across the CA-NV Annual Conference will gather at Jones Memorial UMC in San Francisco to celebrate Mary Elizabeth Inn’s centennial. It promises to be a spirit filled afternoon. You are invited!
Mary Elizabeth Inn, a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church located in San Francisco, is celebrating 100 years of providing safe and affordable housing to women of limited means.
For 100 years, members and congregants of United Methodist Churches and its predecessors have supported the mission of Mary Elizabeth Inn with their prayers, time, talents and financial gifts. Thanks be to God!
During Annual Conference earlier this summer, a 100 day campaign to ‘give your change to change women’s lives’ began. The goal is to raise $10,000, or about $30 per church in our annual conference, to support the meals program at Mary Elizabeth Inn. The campaign culminates on Sunday, September 28th.
It’s not too late to begin to collect your change to change the lives of the women who call Mary Elizabeth Inn home. It’s not too late to initiate a campaign at your local church.
Download the bulletin insert, a powerpoint file, and a ‘make it yourself box’ to hold your change and you will be fully equipped.
Please put the worship service celebrating Mary Elizabeth Inn’s centennial on your calendar and plan to come. Your presence will make our celebration complete!
Walking with Palestinian Christians in Holy Justice and Peace
On August 7-8, Cal-Nevada conference representatives traveled to Tipp City, Ohio to participate in a conference to experience walking with Palestinian Christians for holy justice and peace. The focus of the conference was to increase awareness of the Palestinian plight, educate participants on the positions and actions that the United Methodist Church has already taken on the “situation” in Palestine/Israel, and present ways that the church can take the next step toward helping to bring peace to the Holy Land. (Continue reading)
Walking with Palestinian Christians in Holy Justice and Peace
Conference in Ginghamsburg, Ohio
August 7 - 8, 2014
By Linda Hiebert Sekiguchi
In early August, Julie Harris of the Friends of Wadi Foquin Steering
Committee, Rev. Michael Yoshii, and I, members of the Israel/Palestine Task
Force of Northern California/Nevada Annual Conference, were privileged to
participate in a unique conference for United Methodists. “Walking with
Palestinian Christians For Holy Justice and Peace” was the result of a
collaboration with the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and the
Ginghamsburg Church, a Methodist “mega-church” that is one of the largest
of our denomination in the US, pastored by Rev. Mike Slaughter. The church
and its many volunteers were most welcoming and organized.
The focus of the conference was to increase awareness of the Palestinian
plight, educate participants on the positions and actions that the United
Methodist Church has already taken on the “situation” in Palestine/Israel,
and present ways that the church can take the next step toward helping to
bring peace to the Holy Land. How inspired I felt to hear and interact with
Christians who had come directly from the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
What lessons we are learning from them. Without exception, they
expressed hope—hope for the future and hope because of the support of
Christians around the world. They told of their faith and the legacy that has
been passed on to them as descendants of the very first Christians in the
Holy Land. They have been “holding down the fort,” so to speak
In our opening devotional time, participants sat in grief as the names of
Palestinian children, killed in recent weeks, were scrolled on the screen. We
stood solemnly as we sang a moving arabic version of The Lord’s Prayer.
Addressing the conference’s theme, “Walking with Palestinian Christians in
Holy Justice and Peace,” Lynne Hybels of Willow Creek Church stressed that
it is possible to be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian. Conflicting narratives
require listening with discerning ears. While there are divergent theologies of
the land, Biblical theology leaves room for Palestinians and Israelis to live together in peace, she said. Violence and violations of human rights creates
insecurity on both sides. She believes that violence doesn’t reflect the
hearts of people on either side. In her many trips to Israel/Palestine, Hybels
has met with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim peacemakers who are working
for transformation.
In light of the ongoing aggression against Gaza, it was apparent that
conference attendees felt a palpable sense of urgency, along with the
conviction that this is truly a “Kairos time” (Greek word meaning “God’s
time”) in which we need to stand in solidarity as Christians and begin to take
actions that will truly make a difference towards bringing peace and justice
to all in this very troubled land.
Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of GBGM, invited participants to “join
hands with fellow Christians [and discuss] how we can contribute to holy
justice and peace among people of all faiths,” while Bishop Ivan Abrahams,
General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, reminded conference
participants that “Tears and outrage alone cannot stop the violence.” Bishop
Abrahams, a native of South Africa, drew parallels between the Apartheid
era in that country and the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which many
believe is more devastating.
A number of Palestinian Christians were present to speak for themselves to
the suffering that they endured just to live their every-day lives. “Living in
Palestine is living under the shadow of the cross – all the time,” said Grace
al-Zoughbi, a young professor at Bethlehem Bible College. Wisam Salsaa
one of the few Palestinian tour guides in the Holy Land urged his audience to
“be the voice for those who cannot speak; be the ears for those who cannot
hear. We are human; we deserve to live just like everyone else on this
globe,” he added.
Rev. Alex Awad, Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College and GBGM
missionary, presented a “Biblical Call to Action,” suggesting that religion and
politics are inexorably intertwined. He cited numerous examples of “political
scripture”, beginning with Moses’ “Let my people go,” which remains
applicable to the present day occupation.
And what are United Methodists doing? Presenters from the General Boards
of Pensions, Church and Society (Susan Henry Crowe) and Global Missions
all spoke to how their respective agencies are responding to General
Conference resolutions that date back to 1964. Most recently, those
resolutions have centered on Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a
movement that started in Palestine in 2005. You may recall that Northern CA/NV conference passed a divestment resolution in 2009 engaging
companies that support the military occupation of Palestinian territories.
The issue of divestment received increased focus in the United Methodist
Church when a resolution asking the Church to divest from companies
profiting by the Occupation was brought to the floor of General Conference
in 2012. The resolution was unfortunately defeated. However a resolution to
boycott products made in settlements passed, and has been incorporated
into the UMC Book of Resolutions.
As those following this issue are aware, the Presbyterian Church passed a
divestment resolution at its Conference earlier this summer, and eyes are
now on the United Methodist Church, the largest Protestant denomination in
the US, wondering if we will follow suit when we meet in Portland in 2016.
With one voice, the Palestinian Christians speaking to the conference, urged
us to take this action. “The Occupation is profitable for Israel,” Awad said.
Another action that conference participants were asked to take was to “come
and witness.” The Methodist Church has had a missionary presence in the
Holy Land for many years. There are no Methodist churches in that part of
the world (a conscious decision made so as not to further dilute the already
diminishing Christian population.) Missionaries work with the local Christian
communities, as well as with Muslims and Jews who are working for peace in
the region. Janet Lahr Lewis, United Methodist missionary for many years
completed her tenure in the West Bank this year. Kristen Brown is now on
site and is hopeful that United Methodist groups will coordinate their travels
with her as they plan visits to the Holy Land. “Come and witness; see and
help,” said Awad. Many conference participants have been privileged to
travel to the region and have experienced the extravagant hospitality of the
Palestinian people. For me, I felt most gratified to be participating with
like-minded Christians who had witnessed for themselves the dire
circumstances of life under occupation.
Break-out groups gave additional insight into more specific topics. Julie
Harris and Rev. Michael Yoshii led their groups to learn more about how to
Save Wadi Foquin: a Palestinian Village Under Seige The Wadi Foquin
partnership was started in Cal-Nevada Conference and is now an Advance
Project supported by GBGM and is its first international community
development site.
Other topics included: Christian Zionism and Its Impact on Palestinian
Christians, Women as Peacemakers, Promoting Equal Rights Through
Nonviolent Action, Global Methodist Initiatives Seeking Just Peace in the
Holy Land…Above all, conference participants were asked to encourage all their
colleagues to pray for the situation in the Middle East and for all who live
and work in this troubled region. Praying is something everyone can do.
A delicious Palestinian meal prepared by a group from the local Dayton
mosque was enjoyed by all.
Following the conference, the United Methodist Kairos Response (UMKR) met
to worship and organize United Methodist response to “Walking with
Palestinian Christians.” Rev. John Wagner, chair, Rev. Michael Yoshii, and
other members of the UMKR steering committee led our various discussions.
As in previous meetings, our emphasis continues to be on the Palestinian
Christian call for non-violent action that will impact the circumstances of all
Palestinians living in the Holy Land. We will continue to emphasize:
educating United Methodists, encouraging inclusive tourism, and continuing
the boycott and divestment campaigns.
More information about UMKR may be found at: www.kairosresponse.org.
Imagine No Malaria:
The "Integrated" Circuit Wins for "Imagine No Malaria"
The "Integrated" Circuit's July 20th fundraiser with the San Jose Giants was a winner in more ways than one. Church members brought family and friends. The church youth groups turned out in good numbers. Early arrivers received clever, insulated lunch bags made to look like Giants shirts, with snacks inside. (Continue reading)
The "Integrated" Circuit Wins for "Imagine No Malaria"
The "Integrated" Circuit's July 20th fundraiser with the San Jose Giants was a winner in more ways than one. Church members brought family and friends. The church youth groups turned out in good numbers. Early arrivers received clever, insulated lunch bags made to look like Giants shirts, with snacks inside. Good Samaritan UMC’s choral group, “Expressway,” sang the national anthem, and their pastor, Dale Weatherspoon, galloped on an inflated horse for one of the between-innings games. Daniel Pense, member of Willow Glen UMC, threw out the first ball. Los Gatos UMC staffed an information table and distributed flyers. The “Imagine No Malaria” story was told in several short loud speaker announcements, and was displayed on the electronic screen. The names of all eight churches in "Integrated" Circuit were announced, as well. Not only that, but the San Jose Giants won the game, 8 to 2, with an exciting home run included! Special thanks to the churches outside the Circuit in Redwood City, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Aptos, and Sacramento who read the e-mail announcements, bought San Jose Giants tickets, and showed up to cheer. San Jose's "Integrated" Circuit includes Almaden Hills, Campbell, Cambrian Park, New Creation, Willow Glen, Evergreen, Los Gatos, and Good Samaritan United Methodist churches, and together they raised $8,711 for the cause.
See fundraiser photos HERE.
Runners Prepare for INM 5K Fun Run
Meet “Rambo”, the official mascot of the Elverta UMC Imagine No Malaria 5K Fun Run. Rambo is one many of the people (and reptiles?) that have taken advantage of early registration for the event. Don’t miss out on all the fun, a chance to meet Rambo in person, and to help banish malaria! Register now at www.umcelverta.org.
Conference Events:
FUMMWA Workshops for Church Musicians
FUMMWA, the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts Cal-Nevada Conference Chapter presents "Prepare Ye the Way", a workshop for church musicians. Save the date for Saturday, October 11, 2014. Download flyer.
Bridges District Workshop
The Bridges District will host "Choosing Life and Resisting Temptations" with focus on the areas of: Adapting to Thrive, Cultivating New Leaders, Transformational Worsship, Designing Children and Youth Ministries, Radical Hospitality, Deeper Discipleship, and New Directions. Save the date for Saturday, September 13, 2014. Download flyer.
Explore Your Calling in Church Planting
The purpose of starting a new church or faith community is to make disciples of Jesus Christ that will become agents of God’s mission for the transformation of the world. Creating new places for new people is a significant enterprise, requiring a great deal of discernment and preparation on the part of the potential church planter. If you feel that you may be called to church planting, or simply wondering what’s next for you, we invite you to join us at the “Calling to Plant” orientation event. (Learn more)
National and International UMC News:
Communications Chief Exec to Retire Next Year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, announced today his plans to retire in the next 9-10 months. Rev. Hollon will reach the mandatory retirement age for elective and appointive staff of United Methodist general agencies. (Read more)
Communications Chief Exec to Retire Next Year
United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
810 12th Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37203
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2014
Communications Chief Exec to Retire Next Year
Commission to lead search and transition process
Nashville, Tenn.: The Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, announced today his plans to retire in the next 9-10 months. Rev. Hollon will reach the mandatory retirement age for elective and appointive staff of United Methodist general agencies.
Although the mandatory retirement age for clergy is not until age 72, there is a provision for mandatory retirement at 70, which applies to general secretaries of the denomination’s agencies (paragraph 715.3, Book of Discipline).
“Leading The United Methodist Church into the digital age has been a meaningful and rewarding experience,” said Rev. Hollon. “For me, communications is ministry. It provides a variety of methods for us to deliver messages of healing and hope and invite people into relationship with a faith community. I’m very proud of the many ways in which the work we do at United Methodist Communications is making a difference in people’s lives."
“I’m also grateful for a fine staff of committed professionals who will continue this vital work,” said Hollon.
Bishop Sally Dyck, president of the General Commission on Communication, expressed appreciation to Rev. Hollon for his passionate commitment and substantial contributions since he assumed the position in 2000.
“The United Methodist Church has experienced tremendous transformation in the area of communications under Rev. Hollon’s leadership,” said Bishop Dyck. “We’ve made significant advancements in connecting the denomination around the world. We’ve raised awareness of the church through advertising campaigns inviting and welcoming seekers into our churches and we’ve taken that message out into communities. We’ve created a voice for the church in the world.”
“Rev. Hollon’s vision related to global health was instrumental in raising $63 million in the fight against malaria, and that legacy will continue as the church moves toward the next global health issue,” added Bishop Dyck.
At the September meeting of the General Commission on Communication, the commission will form a search committee to lead the search process for a successor, led by Bishop Dyck and the Rev. Greg Cox, chair of the personnel committee.
Rev. Cox said that a plan is being formulated to manage the transition and ensure a smooth and effective changeover between the retiring and incoming general secretaries and that Rev. Hollon’s insights will be invaluable in planning for the productive future of the agency.
“Rev. Hollon will remain in his current position until a new chief executive is appointed and oriented next summer, and will consult with the Commission throughout the search and transition process so that the agency is well-positioned to continue its important work in a global context,” said Cox. “We expect that he will continue to be a powerful advocate for the value of communications to the denomination.”
After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma and Saint Paul School of Theology, Hollon became an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and an award-winning producer focused on telling the stories of people affected by poverty. He has traveled to more than 50 countries to collaborate on hundreds of projects. A former television news and commercial radio talk show host, he has written for numerous publications and is the author of We Must Speak: Rethinking How We Communicate Faith in the 21st Century.
Hollon was chosen by the Nashville Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America as the winner of the 2008 Apollo Award, and was named the 2011 Communicator of the Year by the United Methodist Association of Communicators.
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About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services, tools, products and resources for communications ministry.
William McElvaney, social justice advocate, dies at 86
DALLAS (UMNS) - The Rev. William McElvaney, a retired United Methodist pastor and seminary president known for social justice advocacy, died Sunday Aug. 24, at his Dallas home. He was 86. McElvaney served as president of United Methodist-related Saint Paul School of Theology for 12 years, and also was a professor at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. He was pastor of Northaven, among other Dallas area United Methodist churches. (Read more)
Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS
The Rev. William McElvaney rested on March 1, before performing the wedding of Jack Evans and George Harris, partners for 53 years and longtime members of Northaven United Methodist Church. The service was held at Dallas' Midway Hills Christian Church.
William McElvaney, social justice advocate, dies at 86 by Sam Hodges, DALLAS (UMNS)
The Rev. William McElvaney, a retired United Methodist pastor and seminary president known for social justice advocacy, died Sunday Aug. 24, at his Dallas home. He was 86.
McElvaney had recently informed members of Northaven United Methodist Church, where he was pastor emeritus, that his liver cancer had spread and he was entering hospice care.
He died about 6:45 a.m. CT Sunday, said Shannon Mason, his daughter.
“We were all here,” Mason said. “Mom (Fran McElvaney) was with him most closely in the same room. She had stayed up all night with him, and she had just fallen asleep. Once she kind of rested, he did too.”
McElvaney served as president of United Methodist-related Saint Paul School of Theology for 12 years, and also was a professor at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. He was pastor of Northaven, among other Dallas area United Methodist churches.
On March 1, McElvaney made news by defying church law to officiate at a same-sex wedding for two longtime Northaven members — Jack Evans and George Harris, partners for 53 years.
The action drew an official complaint, but Fran McElvaney said North Texas Annual (regional) Conference Bishop Michael McKee had relayed in a visit to her husband last week that the matter had been resolved.
McKee attended Sunday morning worship at Northaven United Methodist Church as members were coping with news of McElvaney’s death and that of longtime member Bill Warrick.
“We were grateful to have him here,” said the Rev. Eric Folkerth, pastor of Northaven.
On Sunday afternoon, McKee released the following statement:
"Early this morning I learned of the death of Rev. William K. McElvaney. Bill was loved by many in the North Texas Conference who knew him as pastor, mentor, and friend. During his courageous battle with cancer that would end his life, Bill and I had achieved a just resolution in the matter of a complaint against him. With the news of Bill’s entering into hospice care, the most important and compassionate path was for the people of The United Methodist Church in North Texas to pray for Bill, his wife, Fran, and their family members. I know that United Methodists in North Texas join me in prayer for Bill, for his family, and for the Church he served."
The bishop offered no further details.
McElvaney grew up in Dallas, in a prosperous family whose name graces a building at SMU. He earned three degrees from the school, and credited Perkins with changing his life and turning him in the direction of social justice.
He was a leader of the Dallas Peace Center and advocated on various social justice issues, including helping organize United Methodist opposition to having a public policy center as part of the George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU.
His writings included the book “Becoming a Justice Seeking Congregation.”
McElvaney said his only regret about performing a same-sex wedding was that he hadn’t done so earlier.
“When institutional covenants supersede radical grace, the church is protecting its own prejudice and inoculates the church against love in favor of law,” he wrote in an essay titled “Reflections on The United Methodist Church’s Struggle to Become Inclusive.”
“Bill McElvaney was a tireless prophet and preacher for more than 50 years, and time and time again took bold stands to lift up those who were often most marginalized in our society,” Folkerth said.
The Rev. William Lawrence, dean of Perkins, said: "Bill was the best kind of fundamentalist—not the kind that read the Bible literally but the kind who take the Bible seriously. He actually believed that followers of Jesus were to be held accountable for the Christ’s message about feeding the hungry. He really believed that the Beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount were serious promises made to the peacemakers and to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness."
Lawrence noted that he and McElvaney were on opposite sides of the Bush library debate. Their friendship survived.
"He would never withhold his affection from a colleague or neighbor, even one with whom he disagreed intensely," Lawrence said. "He helped lead a demonstration on the day the library was dedicated. But the next day he greeted me with a smile, an embrace, and a word of encouragement.
Perkins named McElvaney a distinguished alumnus in 2013. On his retirement from Perkins, a decade earlier, friends of his established the William K. McElvaney Peace and Justice Award at SMU. A professorship in preaching and worship at Saint Paul School of Theology carries his name.
McElvaney’s survivors include his wife and daughter; a son, John McElvaney; two grandchildren, Jace Mason and Sara Willoughby; and son-in-law Darren Mason.
McElvaney willed his body to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. A memorial service will be held at Northaven, at a date to be determined, his wife said.
In writing Northaven members about the spread of his cancer, McElvaney said: “I believe I am in God’s hands as experienced throughout 86 years of amazing grace surrounding my life in countless ways, not the least through Fran’s superb loving care.”
Hodges, a United Methodist News Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact him at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
Young Clergy Initiative awards total of seventy-five grant
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (GBHEM) - Over two rounds, 164 Young Clergy Initiative grant applications were received. Forty-six grants were awarded in the second round, bringing the total amount awarded to approximately $5.5 million. Twenty-nine grants were awarded earlier this year. (Read more)
Young Clergy Initiative awards total of seventy- five grants by Nicole Burdakin
Young Clergy Initiative awards total of seventy- five grants | GBHEM
Over two rounds, 164 Young Clergy Initiative grant applications were received. Forty-six grants were awarded in the second round, bringing the total amount awarded to approximately $5.5 million. Twenty-nine grants were awarded earlier this year. Recipients of second round Young Clergy Initiative grants were notified on Friday, Aug. 8. The grants were awarded to programs geared toward increasing the number of young clergy in The United Methodist Church and supporting the young clergy already serving in the denomination.
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The time between the submission deadline for the second round and the notification of awards was much shorter than in the first round. This change came as a response to applicant concerns.
“We heard back from a lot of applicants that their projects were time sensitive… because [projects] played into the school year or something around their annual conference calendar, so we tried to speed up our conversation around the applications so that we could get the money to them quicker and get their projects going,” said the Rev. Trip Lowery, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s director of Young Adult Ministry Discernment and Enlistment, at the GBHEM Board of Directors meeting, Aug. 6-8 in Nashville.
Lowery and Ianther Mills, Vice President of GBHEM and chair of the Division of Ordained Ministry, delivered the YCI report to the board on Friday.
Grants ranged in size from $100,000 to $5,000, Lowery said. While there is a primary recipient for each grant, all of the applicants formed partnerships with churches, annual conferences, other institutions or individuals to work on the projects.
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Kim Ingram, a member of the YCI Selection Committee, said of the diversity among applicants, “We got grant requests from a number of different kinds of sources—local churches, districts, campus ministries, conferences, non-profits, seminaries, United Methodist [related] colleges, foundations, and camps.”
Young Clergy Initiative awards total of seventy- five grants | GBHEM
“There were also some exciting partnerships that were going to happen as a result [of the YCI grants awarded,] through campus ministries and United Methodist [related] colleges, between churches and campus ministries, between seminaries and conferences, [and] between a seminary and a college,” Ingram said. “We’re excited about people working together.”
As a result of reading through applications, the board is working to partner people from different parts of the country who are trying to do similar things so that they will be in conversation with one another.
The goal of the grant program is to support good ideas from all levels of the church about how to prepare young people to hear God’s call to ordained ministry, assist young people in responding to God’s call to ordained ministry, develop young people in spiritual and theological formation, and nurture young clergy for lifelong transformational ministry.
“Simulating innovation and creativity is difficult,” Mills said of the selection process. “We really need to look at and balance the benefits and challenges of an approach that is grassroots. This [approach] was more grassroots in that the call went out as a general call versus a more targeted effort.”
Some of the projects approved included:
$50,000 to the Rocky Mountain Conference for an Academy for Clergy Young in Ministry which uses online community learning to help develop young clergy leadership.
$100,000 to Claflin University for a year-long ministry-discerning program for 50 rising high school juniors and seniors from SC and the Southeast.
$100,000 to Gammon Theological Seminary recruit, equip, and train young African American and Ethnic clergy leaders through Gammon Pathways Program.
$35,000 to Wisconsin to develop a conference for young women to discern a call to ministry and equip women of all ages to encourage other young women into ministry.
General Conference 2012 created the $7 million fund to address the need for young clergy in the UMC. While $7 million was approved, the amount disbursed was about $5.5 million, since the actual funds are dependent on payments to the World Service apportionment fund.
See the full list of grants, or learn more about the Young Clergy Initiative on www.explorecalling.org/yci.
Burdakin is editorial and production assistant, Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Board approves budget, prepares for General Conference 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (GBHEM) - A report on the Young Clergy Initiative, a discussion about the state of theological education and necessary preparations for General Conference 2016 were included in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Board of Directors meeting, Aug. 6-8 in Nashville. (Read more)
Board approves budget, prepares for General Conference 2016 by Nicole Burdakin
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A report on the Young Clergy Initiative, a discussion about the state of theological education and necessary preparations for General Conference 2016 were included in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Board of Directors meeting, Aug. 6-8 in Nashville.
The Board also approved a $42.55 million budget for 2015 (up by 4% from 2014), heard a report from General Secretary Kim Cape, and worshipped together.
Cape described her experience attending the GBHEM-sponsored National Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities of The United Methodist Church (NASCUMC) meeting earlier that month and shared with the board some insights learned from Ron Heifetz, an authority on adaptive leadership and professor at the Kennedy School of Management at Harvard.
Board approves budget, prepares for General Conference 2016 | GBHEM
“In the rhythm of the quadrennium, now is the time to lay the groundwork for the 2016 General Conference. It is important that you have as clear a map for the territory as possible, are clear about the matters that will be our responsibility, and also understand how we will work together as a board and staff,” Cape said. She acknowledged that the smaller (fewer members) Board of Directors size presents both a challenge and an opportunity as they consider the next general conference.
“In nature,” Cape said, referencing Heifetz’s lecture at NASCUMC, “the evolutionary question is: What is essential and what is expendable? What innovation needs to happen to take the best of ourselves forward? Nature is highly conservative. God didn't do zero based budgeting. God tinkered with what is accumulating new capacity over time. Highly transformative change is also very conservative.
“Our community, The United Methodist Church, is a natural ecosystem facing many challenges. Variations create greater ability to adapt to suit other environments. How can we allow local adaptation, yet general diversity? I think this is the adaptive challenge in The United Methodist Church. This is what we are after as we develop a Global Discipline. We must anchor innovation in what is essential.”
Identifying essentials, reaffirming purposes, and the need for innovation—as well as the space for innovation—rang as themes throughout three day meeting.
Young Clergy Initiative Updates
Recipients of second round Young Clergy Initiative grants were notified on Friday, Aug. 8. There were 164 grant applications over the two rounds, and 75 awards were made totaling about $5.5 million. Grants ranged in size from $100,000 to $5,000. The Rev. Trip Lowery, GBHEM’s director of Young Adult Ministry Discernment and Enlistment, and Ianther Mills, Vice President of GBHEM and chair of the Division of Ordained Ministry, delivered the YCI report.
Kim Ingram, a member of the YCI Selection Committee, said of the diversity among applicants, “We got grant requests from a number of different kinds of sources—local churches, districts, campus ministries, conferences, non-profits, seminaries, United Methodist [related] colleges, foundations, and camps.”
“There were also some exciting partnerships that were going to happen as a result [of the YCI grants awarded,] through campus ministries and United Methodist [related] colleges, between churches and campus ministries, between seminaries and conferences, [and] between a seminary and a college,” Ingram said. “We’re excited about people working together.”
She also said that as a result of reading through applications, the board is working to partner people from different parts of the country who are trying to do similar things so that they’ll be in conversation with one another.
Read more about the second round YCI grant awards here.
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Worshiping Together
The Rev. Dr. Tim Bias, general secretary of the General Board of Discipleship, led the opening worship, attended by GBHEM and GBOD staff in The Upper Room chapel.
During the service of word and table on the final morning of the board meeting, Cape gave a sermon on what the general board and the church could learn from Deborah as she led troops into battle to defeat Sisera.
“God did not tell Deborah, ‘wait until you get 100 percent consensus before you go,’” Cape said. “Deborah took authority to order the life of the community, leading them into struggle. What does that mean for us? Different answers for different contexts. We’ve been considering these questions so that ordering the life of the church will empower the work of the Holy Spirit. That means taking the authority to lead.”
Cape reminded the board members and staff that they were not called as lay and clergy leaders to be liked or to please people, but rather to please God –a much bigger job. “The issue is what we need to learn in order to make the changes needed for the community to thrive and how to determine who needs to learn what. This takes courage.”
Board approves budget, prepares for General Conference 2016 | GBHEM
Preparations for General Conference 2016
The board approved seven criteria presented by Amy Gearhart of the Legislative Committee for developing, vetting, and approving GBHEM-endorsed legislation to the 2016 General Conference. These criteria encourage collaboration across the connection, intentionality in “opening” a paragraph through a petition, particular attention to language and active—rather than passive, or technical—legislative change. The seven criteria will be used as guideposts as General Conference approaches.
Representatives from the Legislative Committee further explained that they will ask if there is another avenue besides legislation brought to General Conference to solve a particular problem. If so, it will be in the best interest of the board to pursue that other avenue.
Bishop Grant Hagiya of the Greater Northwest Area led a discussion and group activity on identifying GBHEM’s core purposes. The board and staff alike reaffirmed GBHEM’s core commitments to leadership, education, and young people. These three key ideas will guide GBHEM in legislation and action to the 2016 General Conference.
Board approves budget, prepares for General Conference 2016 | GBHEM
In other action, the Board:
Approved a director for a Course of Study school and gave approval for revisions in the administrative policies handbook. The board also approved a merger, dissolution, and satellite establishment of various Course of Study schools. The Course of Study is the educational path for licensed local pastors in the UMC.
Approved The Saint Paul School of Theology Course of Study Long Range Plan and requested that an update on the progress of the Course of Study school be submitted prior to the February 2016 GBHEM Board of Directors Meeting.
Took action to raise the Chaplain’s Supplemental Pension Grant Fund from 1 percent to 1.25 percent of the Denominational Average Compensation for 2015. This fund provides pensions for clergypersons whose service, as chaplains or pastoral counselors, does not qualify for pension or other denominational benefits.
Heard a report from the Racial and Ethnic Concerns Committee. The committee said the new Ethnic-In-Service Training Grant application is now online and will remain open until Sept. 30 for applications. Robin Starr Minthorn, committee chair, asked members of the Board of Directors to reach out to individuals who would be interested in applying.
Received a report from Jim Salley, associate vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement for Africa University, that lauded the capabilities of the Health Services Department at AU and confirmed the safety of those in and visitors to the AU community in light of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Salley also outlined the priorities of the new vice chancellor, Dr. Munashe Furusa, who assumed his role July 1, and reported on the AU Campaign for Endowment, a plan to double the university’s endowment from $50 million to $100 million that began last year.
Burdakin is editorial and production assistant, Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Interactive online classes, new curriculum offer new options for local pastors
A new curriculum for local pastors focuses on transformative leadership, while online interactive classes will provide easier access for educational opportunities, especially for part-time local pastors who have regular employment outside the church. (Read more)
Top Reasons to Use UMCmarket for Labor Day Shopping
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35. Every time you shop through UMCmarket you have the opportunity to give back to your local church to help the mission. It feels great to be able to give to the Lord from something you do everyday like shopping for your busy life needs. (Read more)
The California Nevada Conference of the UMCNews
Top Reasons to Use UMCmarket for Labor Day Shopping!
8/27/2014
1. OUR STORES ARE AWESOME!
Labor day is a great time for shopping! Beat the crowds and take advantage of Labor Day sales by shopping online through UMCmarket. Book your travel, shop for family get-togethers, or purchase your everyday needs and donate to your church at the same time!
2. ITS TOTALLY EASY!
Using the Easy Give Button App is the easiest way for you to shop and donate. Once it’s downloaded, you will see the UMC Cross and Flame icon in your browser toolbar. This will allow you to shop directly at store websites and let you know that you are connected. Research shows that members who download the Easy Give Button generate more than double the amount of donations to their church.
3. GIVING FEELS GREAT!
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35. Every time you shop through UMCmarket you have the opportunity to give back to your local church to help the mission. It feels great to be able to give to the Lord from something you do everyday like shopping for your busy life needs.
4. LABOR DAY SALES!
*If you have the Easy Give Button, click directly on the links below!
Kohls: Save an Extra 20% off when you spend $100 with Code LUCKY20. Offer valid 8/29-9/2.
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Overstock.com- up to 45% off Labor Day Sale.
Lowes- 10-30% off Major Appliances.
Other Events & Items of Interest:
September is National Recovery Month.
The 25th annual Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out,” encourages people to openly discuss mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery. (Read more)
In R E C O V E R Y
Fall 2014
This is, hopefully, a randomly scheduled
newsletter to the pastors and interested lay
leaders of the California/Nevada
Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Its purpose is to help pastors and others in the
Conference be aware of the issues and
concerns regarding addiction and recovery,
for themselves for their congregations. It is
hoped that this production from CA/NV
Conference Addiction/Recovery/Health
Coordinator will provide direction, interest
and information for your work with folks who
might come to you needing recovery
information and help. The information will
come from the CA/NV Conference website
under the tab of Addiction/Recovery. Other
times the content will be gleaned from other
sources such as the Methodist News Service,
the Global Board of Church and Society
(GBCS) or the Global Board Global Ministries
(GBGM) and the United Methodist Special
Programs Substance Abuse and Related
Violence (SPSARV). And still other sources
might include stories from you or your
congregations. Please feel free to keep your
identity anonymousif that is your preference.
September is Recovery Month
For many individuals, spirituality and faith
are necessary to achieving and
maintaining recovery and emotional
stability. Therefore, faith leaders are
essential community partners in inspiring
and assisting people with issues of mental
and/or substance use. National
Recovery Month (Recovery Month)
increases awareness of behavioral
health conditions. This celebration
promotes the message that behavioral
health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people
do recover.
The 25th annual Recovery Month theme,
“Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up,
Reach Out,” encourages people to
openly discuss mental and substance
use disorders and the reality of
recovery. It aims to foster public
understanding and acceptance of
behavioral health conditions, such as
depression
, anxiety,
or
addictions,
including
ways that
faith
leaders
can speak up in their communities and
reach out to offer support.
At the CA/NV Annual Conference this
past June, the Conference resolved that
each congregation promote Recovery
Month by including the following
activities that can assist pastors and
congregations with addiction/recovery
and prevention activities:
Bulletin inserts*,
Pulpit announcements and programs,*
Bulletins on Congregation web sites,
Facebook pages and Twitter accounts
and other social media sites,
Bulletins on bulletin boards,*
Church publications and newsletters,
Sermons, pulpit programs, and homilies,
Identifying community activities and
events that support and publicize
Recovery Month*.
*these resources are located on the
Conference website
From the resolution Congregations are
asked to promote Recovery Month
activities in their own local communities
with a focus on prevention. The CA/NV
Conference encourages congregations
to use the existing Conference structures
as well as local clergy and community
associations to promote the
enforcement of local laws relating to the
posting of advertisements, sales and use
of alcohol and other drugs including the
use of nicotine, by youth and young
adults. Congregational ministries are
urged to continue to focus on Recovery
Month activities within their communities
that will prevent young people from
using and abusing alcohol and other
drugs and will help our youth develop
into strong, caring, dedicated future
church and community leaders. And,
Rosie Bachand, the CA/NV
Addiction/Recovery/Health Coordinator
is available to consult with Clergy and
Lay Leaders interested in developing or
improving prevention and recovery
ministries.
Recovery Dialogue Is Valuable for
Pastors
Mary Beth Coudal (SPSARV)
Eleven people joined a one-hour
conference call on Tuesday, August 12
to discuss their church ministry and
recovery. More than a dozen additional
people had hoped to join the call, but
due to timing conflicts, looked forward to
connecting in future calls.
"It was a great start. It was enriching and
enlightening to hear about the efforts for
recovery from all the callers and pastors,"
said Dave. Facilitated by Susan, a pastor
in recovery, the online video-conferencing created a safe place for
sharing. Some of the topics discussed
included? How do I preach about my
addiction or alcoholism? In what ways
does my church offer recovery or
prevention ministries?
Participants joined the call from across
the U.S. United Methodist connection,
including Texas, California, Ohio, Iowa,
North Dakota, and “I enjoyed the
fellowship and got a lot if information
and help,” Rosie said. “There was one
woman who was running a center for
women addicts and alcoholics like the
one I had and I was big time excited
about that. The first meeting seemed to
be one of getting to know each other.”
Participants talked about their various
positions in the church conference
coordinator, substance abuse counselor,
or local pastor. Their years of experience
ranged from very little time to more than
30 years in 12 Step Fellowships.
The SPSARV team is already at work,
considering the next possibility for an
online meeting. We welcome ideas from
pastors and people with recovery
experience in the United Methodist
Church to participate and contribute to
the conversation.
Tell us how we can help you resource
each another. We support you!
Resources for Your Use
Join “Young People in Recovery” on
Facebook
#recoveryworks
Sobernation.com
Voices for Recovery
Pastors in Recovery conference calls
CA-NV Conference resources
www.cnumc.org
Ministries
Conference Addiction/Recovery
Coordinator/Newsletter
Rosie Bachand 209-639-5258
obgynnpc@pacbell.net
Heifer International 70th Anniversary Celebration
Family farmers have long been the foundation of thriving communities and societies. Join the special celebration of Heifer International's 70 years of family farming. Save the date for Saturday, October 18, 2014. (Download flyer)
Bridges District Celebrity
Check out the Woodland Opera House (www.woodlandoperahouse.org) for their Fall production of ‘Hello Dolly!’ September 12 – October 5. The lead actor in the role of Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi, is Lisa Quoresimo. Lisa is the Music Director of the Woodland UMC and the wife of District Superintendent Rev. Schuyler Rhodes. Those who know Lisa are familiar with the wealth of talent and professionalism that she displays when offering music and theater. Her spirit of joy and spontaneity is contagious! We look forward to great reviews and lots of fun in this production. Come and celebrate!
Active Registrations:
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