Announcement on Director of Camp Wrightwood
The California-Pacific Conference welcomes Kenny Funk as the new Director at Camp Wrightwood!
Kenny comes to us from his current position as Executive Director of Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, KS, owned by the Disciples of Christ. He has also served as Director of John Wesley Ranch Retreat in Divide, CO, for six years, a center owned by First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Kenny has a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Ecology from Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he met his wife Marlene, an ordained Church of Christ minister and youth leader. They have two children, Anna and Theo.
“I am a camp example,” says Kenny. “My life was changed at camp. I went to camp all through high school in Colorado and even changed my college choice so I could work at camp in the summer. Camp gives a great way to show the light to all, and the United Methodist Church’s commitment to camping is one way we transform the world.”
Kenny was selected after a national search process as Jennifer Berry begins in her new role as the Director at Camp Colby. Dr. Danny Armanino, the current Colby Director, will assume other duties and reduced hours as he pursues other professional opportunities.
For more information about Cal-Pac Camp and Retreat Ministries, visit calpacumc.org/campandretreat
Kenny comes to us from his current position as Executive Director of Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, KS, owned by the Disciples of Christ. He has also served as Director of John Wesley Ranch Retreat in Divide, CO, for six years, a center owned by First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Kenny has a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Ecology from Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he met his wife Marlene, an ordained Church of Christ minister and youth leader. They have two children, Anna and Theo.
“I am a camp example,” says Kenny. “My life was changed at camp. I went to camp all through high school in Colorado and even changed my college choice so I could work at camp in the summer. Camp gives a great way to show the light to all, and the United Methodist Church’s commitment to camping is one way we transform the world.”
Kenny was selected after a national search process as Jennifer Berry begins in her new role as the Director at Camp Colby. Dr. Danny Armanino, the current Colby Director, will assume other duties and reduced hours as he pursues other professional opportunities.
For more information about Cal-Pac Camp and Retreat Ministries, visit calpacumc.org/campandretreat
Inspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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Early Bird Deadline for Cal-Pac Summer Camp 2017! for Thursday, 9 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Cal-Pac's weeklong, overnight, Christian-based camp..."
Early Bird Deadline for Summer Camp 2017!
Early Bird Registration for our Cal-Pac weeklong, overnight, Christian based camps where children engage in worship, small group activities, large group activities and games ends on March 31, 2017!
At camp, children grow in their faith, learn leadership skills, grow their self-esteem, develop inter-personal skills with peers and adults, make life-long friendships and have fun. They could also participate in activities, such as swimming, archery, ropes courses and many, many more.
Summer Camp is held in locations throughout Southern California. Learn more about dates, pricing, and locations at calpacumc.org/summercamp via the button below!
Click Here to Learn More!
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Early Bird Deadline for Cal-Pac Summer Camp 2017! for Thursday, 9 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Cal-Pac's weeklong, overnight, Christian-based camp..."
Early Bird Deadline for Summer Camp 2017!
Early Bird Registration for our Cal-Pac weeklong, overnight, Christian based camps where children engage in worship, small group activities, large group activities and games ends on March 31, 2017!
At camp, children grow in their faith, learn leadership skills, grow their self-esteem, develop inter-personal skills with peers and adults, make life-long friendships and have fun. They could also participate in activities, such as swimming, archery, ropes courses and many, many more.
Summer Camp is held in locations throughout Southern California. Learn more about dates, pricing, and locations at calpacumc.org/summercamp via the button below!
Click Here to Learn More!
Spread the good news:
ShareTweet+1ForwardInspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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Day Nine: Cal-Pac's Daily Lenten Devotionals for Tuesday, 9 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Why? Why go make disciples ..."
Lent 2017: Day Nine
Week Two: Disturbances
Reflection for the Week: Ask disturbing questions and consider unexpected ways we share the Gospel story.
Why? Why go make disciples? This is the text we lovingly call “The Great Commission.” These are our marching orders and Christians. This is what the Apostle Paul did that many of Jesus followers were failing to do. He took the message of the Gospel out into the world and made disciples. He planted churches and got Christianity as a movement up and moving. But, why?
“Why” is one of the most powerful words in the English language. I think that is why young children learning to talk spend a lot of time asking, “Why?” It gives them a feeling of power and control. I can even remember one exchange with my son Jason at about age three when after a series of why questions he asked the biggest one of all, “Daddy, why do people ask why?”.
We ask why to identify the cause, reason or purpose for something. It is a good question to ask. Asking “why” pushes the pause button and allows for reflection before rushing to an action or conclusion. That’s a good thing.
The United Methodist Church has indeed paused and asked the question, “Why?” The call statement of the United Methodist Church is, “We believe in making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (www.umc.org) That’s why we do this work of sharing the love of Christ, because that love transforms lives.
When you become a disciple of Jesus Christ, you becoming a follower of a “Way” of living. It is a way of justice and compassion, not oppression and hatred. It is a way of generosity and community, not selfishness and isolation. There are too many borders and barriers between nations and people. We need to transform the world from its self-focused, self-destructive path to the other-centered, creative path of renewal and restoration. No economic plan, no political party or military strategy will ever be able to do what we can do by making disciples of Jesus Christ.Why do we do this? We want our children to live in health, safety and peace. If we want this for our children, how much more do you think our Father in heaven wants it for us?
Prayer: Gracious God, May I be a witness for you that draws others to you. Amen.
Rev. John Farley
Dean of Cabinet
California-Pacific Conference
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Day Nine: Cal-Pac's Daily Lenten Devotionals for Tuesday, 9 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Why? Why go make disciples ..."
Lent 2017: Day Nine
Week Two: Disturbances
Reflection for the Week: Ask disturbing questions and consider unexpected ways we share the Gospel story.
Why? Why go make disciples? This is the text we lovingly call “The Great Commission.” These are our marching orders and Christians. This is what the Apostle Paul did that many of Jesus followers were failing to do. He took the message of the Gospel out into the world and made disciples. He planted churches and got Christianity as a movement up and moving. But, why?
“Why” is one of the most powerful words in the English language. I think that is why young children learning to talk spend a lot of time asking, “Why?” It gives them a feeling of power and control. I can even remember one exchange with my son Jason at about age three when after a series of why questions he asked the biggest one of all, “Daddy, why do people ask why?”.
We ask why to identify the cause, reason or purpose for something. It is a good question to ask. Asking “why” pushes the pause button and allows for reflection before rushing to an action or conclusion. That’s a good thing.
The United Methodist Church has indeed paused and asked the question, “Why?” The call statement of the United Methodist Church is, “We believe in making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (www.umc.org) That’s why we do this work of sharing the love of Christ, because that love transforms lives.
When you become a disciple of Jesus Christ, you becoming a follower of a “Way” of living. It is a way of justice and compassion, not oppression and hatred. It is a way of generosity and community, not selfishness and isolation. There are too many borders and barriers between nations and people. We need to transform the world from its self-focused, self-destructive path to the other-centered, creative path of renewal and restoration. No economic plan, no political party or military strategy will ever be able to do what we can do by making disciples of Jesus Christ.Why do we do this? We want our children to live in health, safety and peace. If we want this for our children, how much more do you think our Father in heaven wants it for us?
Prayer: Gracious God, May I be a witness for you that draws others to you. Amen.
Rev. John Farley
Dean of Cabinet
California-Pacific Conference
Share this Devotion:
ShareTweet+1ForwardInspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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Cal-Pac Note for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "A great lineup of..."
*Small Church Academy: Simple Board Governance - This video course is now available on the Cal-Pac Online Academy.
Simple Board Governance
Introduction
This Cal-Pac Online Academy course was produced from recordings from the Small Church Academy: Single Board Governance event on December 2017.
To view all videos, simply start with the Introduction video then either select the next video from the player or use the links below the player.
Effective Leadership Practices
02 – Responsibility
03 – Authority
04 – Accountability
Flat and Simple
05 – Simple
06 – Flat
Governance Model
07 – The Four Layers
08 – The Charge Conference
09 – Church Council
10 – All Church Meeting
11 – Committee on Nominations and Leadership
12 – Staff
13 – Ministry Team
For questions or resourcing with small church vitalization, contact Rev. Nicole Reilley (nreilley@calpacumc.org), Director of New Ministries.
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Champions for Children Awards Dinner 2017 - The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center will be hosting Champions for Children Awards Dinner on Friday, March 17, 2017 featuring California Senator, Ricardo Lara, an advocate for immigrants’ rights as keynote speaker.
Champions for Children Awards Dinner 2017
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Cal-Pac Note for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "A great lineup of..."
*Small Church Academy: Simple Board Governance - This video course is now available on the Cal-Pac Online Academy.
Simple Board Governance
Introduction
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/198439758?byline=0&portrait=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/198439758">01 - Introduction to Simple Board Governance</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/calpacumc">Cal-Pac UMC</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
WelcomeThis Cal-Pac Online Academy course was produced from recordings from the Small Church Academy: Single Board Governance event on December 2017.
To view all videos, simply start with the Introduction video then either select the next video from the player or use the links below the player.
Effective Leadership Practices
02 – Responsibility
03 – Authority
04 – Accountability
Flat and Simple
05 – Simple
06 – Flat
Governance Model
07 – The Four Layers
08 – The Charge Conference
09 – Church Council
10 – All Church Meeting
11 – Committee on Nominations and Leadership
12 – Staff
13 – Ministry Team
For questions or resourcing with small church vitalization, contact Rev. Nicole Reilley (nreilley@calpacumc.org), Director of New Ministries.
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Champions for Children Awards Dinner 2017 - The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center will be hosting Champions for Children Awards Dinner on Friday, March 17, 2017 featuring California Senator, Ricardo Lara, an advocate for immigrants’ rights as keynote speaker.
Champions for Children Awards Dinner 2017
The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center will be hosting Champions for Children Awards Dinner on Friday, March 17, 2017.
This event brings advocates, government representatives, and other supporters for refugees and immigrants for a combined awards and fundraising event. The program will feature California Senator, Ricardo Lara, an advocate for immigrants’ rights as keynote speaker. Honorees will include Congressman Tony Cardena, CEO, and Founder of Penny Lane Centers, Ivelise Markovits, and Reverend David Farley of Justice & Compassion Ministries, Cal-Pac Conference.
Besides raising much-needed support for the center, the organizers hope to create awareness about the refugee crisis. The educational component will include a compelling short video illustrating the work accomplished at the center and informational material.
Pastor Fred Morris, Board of Directors President, explained, “Kids are fleeing for their lives. Thousands of children don’t make it through the journey.” Children are fleeing their homeland, not because of economic reasons but searching asylum from gangs. The center provides refugee children with legal representation. Without an attorney, children are sent back to face certain death.
The Board of Directors along with the leadership team from San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center invite the public and community to take part in the event. There will be an opportunity drawing for a Hawaii vacation as well as other auction items including Maroon 5 items during the event.
The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center, Inc is one of four Welcome Centers in California established under Cal-Pac’s You Are Not Alone initiative.
For more information, please call: 747‐529‐4788 or email SFVWelcomeCenter@gmail.com
This event brings advocates, government representatives, and other supporters for refugees and immigrants for a combined awards and fundraising event. The program will feature California Senator, Ricardo Lara, an advocate for immigrants’ rights as keynote speaker. Honorees will include Congressman Tony Cardena, CEO, and Founder of Penny Lane Centers, Ivelise Markovits, and Reverend David Farley of Justice & Compassion Ministries, Cal-Pac Conference.
Besides raising much-needed support for the center, the organizers hope to create awareness about the refugee crisis. The educational component will include a compelling short video illustrating the work accomplished at the center and informational material.
Pastor Fred Morris, Board of Directors President, explained, “Kids are fleeing for their lives. Thousands of children don’t make it through the journey.” Children are fleeing their homeland, not because of economic reasons but searching asylum from gangs. The center provides refugee children with legal representation. Without an attorney, children are sent back to face certain death.
The Board of Directors along with the leadership team from San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center invite the public and community to take part in the event. There will be an opportunity drawing for a Hawaii vacation as well as other auction items including Maroon 5 items during the event.
The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center, Inc is one of four Welcome Centers in California established under Cal-Pac’s You Are Not Alone initiative.
For more information, please call: 747‐529‐4788 or email SFVWelcomeCenter@gmail.com
THE FLYER GET MORE INFO
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"Love in Motion" Youth Eco-Justice Retreat 2017 - Experience God's love through action, learning, games, and working at the Community Roots Garden at North Oxnard UMC.
Love in Motion: Youth Eco-Justice Retreat 2017
April 21, 2017 -
iCal
North Oxnard UMC
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"Love in Motion" Youth Eco-Justice Retreat 2017 - Experience God's love through action, learning, games, and working at the Community Roots Garden at North Oxnard UMC.
Love in Motion: Youth Eco-Justice Retreat 2017
April 21, 2017 -
iCal
North Oxnard UMC
Love in Motion is weekend of connecting with God, neighbor, and soil through service, community building, and Eco-education.
Join us as we’ll explore the theme of God’s love and see that God’s love is manifested in action. The weekend will include getting out hands dirty working at the Community Roots Garden, cultivating our minds with environmental and theological knowledge, playing epic games, participating in passionate worship, making new friends and connections…the list goes on and on. Bring yourself, bring your friends, bring your youth group because this is going to be epic!!!
Join us as we’ll explore the theme of God’s love and see that God’s love is manifested in action. The weekend will include getting out hands dirty working at the Community Roots Garden, cultivating our minds with environmental and theological knowledge, playing epic games, participating in passionate worship, making new friends and connections…the list goes on and on. Bring yourself, bring your friends, bring your youth group because this is going to be epic!!!
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER NOW
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Team Rebuild in Weed, CA 2017 (UMVIM) #2 - Rolling Hills UMC is building a rebuild team to Weed, CA to help with destroyed or damaged homes caused by fire in 2014. Dates are April 23-29, 2017.
Team Rebuild in Weed CA 2017 (UMVIM) #2
April 23, 2017 - All Day
Weed, CA
Join the UMVIM Team in rebuilding damage in Weed, CA.
Rolling Hills UMC is sending a rebuild team to Weed, CA to help with destroyed or damaged homes caused by fire in 2014. Dates are April 23-29, 2017.
We are looking for team members. Please join us. Please contact Nancy Rasmussen, nancy.rasmussen12@gmail.com.
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Limitless 2017 (UMW) - Register for Limitless 2017, “A Time Like This.” Come expecting to learn new things, meet new friends, and connect with young women across our conference, featuring guest speaker, Mele Faiva Blagojevich, Cal-Pac UMW President
Limitless 2017
April 29, 2017 - 09:30 AM / 02:30 PM
iCal
Church of the Good Shepherd Arcadia
Register for Limitless 2017, “A Time Like This.”
Registration begins at 8:00 AM. Come expecting to learn new things, meet new friends, and connect with young women across our conference!
The event will feature guest speaker, Mele Faiva Blagojevich.
Registration details coming soon.DOWNLOAD FLYER REGISTER NOW
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Student Scholarships Applications Available:
Lois Baldly Scholarship
Lois Balsley Scholarship Application 2017 Now Open
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Team Rebuild in Weed, CA 2017 (UMVIM) #2 - Rolling Hills UMC is building a rebuild team to Weed, CA to help with destroyed or damaged homes caused by fire in 2014. Dates are April 23-29, 2017.
Team Rebuild in Weed CA 2017 (UMVIM) #2
April 23, 2017 - All Day
Weed, CA
Join the UMVIM Team in rebuilding damage in Weed, CA.
Rolling Hills UMC is sending a rebuild team to Weed, CA to help with destroyed or damaged homes caused by fire in 2014. Dates are April 23-29, 2017.
We are looking for team members. Please join us. Please contact Nancy Rasmussen, nancy.rasmussen12@gmail.com.
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Limitless 2017 (UMW) - Register for Limitless 2017, “A Time Like This.” Come expecting to learn new things, meet new friends, and connect with young women across our conference, featuring guest speaker, Mele Faiva Blagojevich, Cal-Pac UMW President
Limitless 2017
April 29, 2017 - 09:30 AM / 02:30 PM
iCal
Church of the Good Shepherd Arcadia
Register for Limitless 2017, “A Time Like This.”
Registration begins at 8:00 AM. Come expecting to learn new things, meet new friends, and connect with young women across our conference!
The event will feature guest speaker, Mele Faiva Blagojevich.
Registration details coming soon.DOWNLOAD FLYER REGISTER NOW
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Student Scholarships Applications Available:
Lois Baldly Scholarship
Lois Balsley Scholarship Application 2017 Now Open
Lois Balsley was a tiny woman (she was only 4’11” tall) with a big heart. She had a passion for education, young people, social justice, world travel and good music. In establishing the Lois Balsley Living Trust, she left all of her worldly goods to the California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation.
The Foundation Board of Directors decided a portion of Lois’s legacy would be used to establish the Lois Balsley Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is offered to students within the California-Pacific Annual Conference, with preference given to a student from Torrance First United Methodist Church.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Graduating high school senior enrolling in a two- or four-year college.
A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
Community and/or school involvement.
Active service/membership in a local United Methodist Church.
Application and supporting documents must be postmarked by Monday, April 30, 2017.
The Foundation Board of Directors decided a portion of Lois’s legacy would be used to establish the Lois Balsley Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is offered to students within the California-Pacific Annual Conference, with preference given to a student from Torrance First United Methodist Church.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Graduating high school senior enrolling in a two- or four-year college.
A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
Community and/or school involvement.
Active service/membership in a local United Methodist Church.
Application and supporting documents must be postmarked by Monday, April 30, 2017.
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Spanish American Institute Scholarship
Spanish American Institute Scholarship 2017 Applications Now Open
Spanish American Institute Scholarship
Spanish American Institute Scholarship 2017 Applications Now Open
Applications are once again open for the Spanish American Institute (SAI) United Methodist Latino Youth Scholarships for 2017.
SAI continues to carry-on a century old mission of the Methodist Church School for Boys located in Gardena, California. Opening its doors in 1913 and enrolling several dozen well deserving Mexican youth with the purpose of preparing them, through education, to develop a better future for themselves, family and community. Alumni of this school such as Emilio Hernandez have become respected leaders in The United Methodist Church.
Application and supporting documents must be emailed by Sunday, April 16, 2017.
SAI continues to carry-on a century old mission of the Methodist Church School for Boys located in Gardena, California. Opening its doors in 1913 and enrolling several dozen well deserving Mexican youth with the purpose of preparing them, through education, to develop a better future for themselves, family and community. Alumni of this school such as Emilio Hernandez have become respected leaders in The United Methodist Church.
Application and supporting documents must be emailed by Sunday, April 16, 2017.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
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District Events in March 2017:
Hawaii District "How To" Workshops 2017
How-To-Workshop (Hawaii District) 2017
March 11, 2017 - 09:00 AM / 02:30 AM
iCal
Aiea Korean United Methodist Church
Register for How-to-Workshop with keynote speaker Bishop Grant Hagiya.
Training topics include: SPRC, Stewardship, Disaster Prevention, Lays Servant Gathering and Youth Ministry.
Registration deadline March 2, 2017.
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District Events in March 2017:
Hawaii District "How To" Workshops 2017
How-To-Workshop (Hawaii District) 2017
March 11, 2017 - 09:00 AM / 02:30 AM
iCal
Aiea Korean United Methodist Church
Register for How-to-Workshop with keynote speaker Bishop Grant Hagiya.
Training topics include: SPRC, Stewardship, Disaster Prevention, Lays Servant Gathering and Youth Ministry.
Registration deadline March 2, 2017.
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West District Spring Lay Servant School 2017 (LSM)
West District Spring 2017 Lay Servant Ministry School
April 17, 2017 - 06:30 PM / 09:00 PM
iCal
Santa Monica First UMC
The West District Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) Committee is presenting their semi-annual District LSM School on Monday nights.
The district will offer a basic LSM Class and two advanced classes, “You Can Preach” and “Dancing with Words.” Classes will run from April 17 – May 15, 2017.REGISTER NOW
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REMEMBER: All key events and initiatives are always posted at calpacumc.org
Please enable images on your email to view the Note properly.
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West District Spring Lay Servant School 2017 (LSM)
West District Spring 2017 Lay Servant Ministry School
April 17, 2017 - 06:30 PM / 09:00 PM
iCal
Santa Monica First UMC
The West District Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) Committee is presenting their semi-annual District LSM School on Monday nights.
The district will offer a basic LSM Class and two advanced classes, “You Can Preach” and “Dancing with Words.” Classes will run from April 17 – May 15, 2017.REGISTER NOW
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REMEMBER: All key events and initiatives are always posted at calpacumc.org
Please enable images on your email to view the Note properly.
Share this Note:
ShareTweet+1ForwardInspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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Self-guided courses to help your church for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Church leaders are so often in a time crunch. That’s why we developed a series of self-guided courses to help strengthen your ministry. Each is open for registration at any time. Beat that for convenience!
Plan, build and launch online
Your website is critical to outreach and serves as a way to keep members engaged with up-to-date content. Register for Your Church Website so you can get the most from your online presence.
If your church needs help funding a website, you can apply for a grant that includes this online training course as well as free web hosting/domain registration for one year. All you need is someone in your church who will build and maintain your website.
Learn more
A complete marketing plan
Effective Church Marketing leads you through the process of studying, dreaming and planning through use of our Church Marketing Plan Tool. The result: a completed framework of strategy and action to help you reach your community better than ever.
Learn more
Giving from the heart
People give more when their souls are stirred, and our Connectional Giving course is built on that foundation. Through materials that discuss the biblical view of generosity, you’ll learn to encourage greater giving through compelling, heartfelt stories.
Learn more
The backstory of our faith
So what makes our denomination unique? What It Means to Be United Methodist explains the structure of our church and the history behind our beliefs. This course is designed for both new and long-term United Methodists.
Learn moreUnited Methodist Communications
810 12th Avenue South
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Self-guided courses to help your church for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Church leaders are so often in a time crunch. That’s why we developed a series of self-guided courses to help strengthen your ministry. Each is open for registration at any time. Beat that for convenience!
Plan, build and launch online
Your website is critical to outreach and serves as a way to keep members engaged with up-to-date content. Register for Your Church Website so you can get the most from your online presence.
If your church needs help funding a website, you can apply for a grant that includes this online training course as well as free web hosting/domain registration for one year. All you need is someone in your church who will build and maintain your website.
Learn more
A complete marketing plan
Effective Church Marketing leads you through the process of studying, dreaming and planning through use of our Church Marketing Plan Tool. The result: a completed framework of strategy and action to help you reach your community better than ever.
Learn more
Giving from the heart
People give more when their souls are stirred, and our Connectional Giving course is built on that foundation. Through materials that discuss the biblical view of generosity, you’ll learn to encourage greater giving through compelling, heartfelt stories.
Learn more
The backstory of our faith
So what makes our denomination unique? What It Means to Be United Methodist explains the structure of our church and the history behind our beliefs. This course is designed for both new and long-term United Methodists.
Learn moreUnited Methodist Communications
810 12th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States
Training@umcom.org
Training@umcom.org
Phone: 615.742.5400
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Day Eight: Cal-Pac's Daily Lenten Devotionals for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference in Pasadena, California, United States "You know the story: Person wins multi-million dollar lottery ..."
Lent 2017: Day Eight
Week Two: Disturbances
Reflection for the Week: Ask disturbing questions and consider unexpected ways we share the Gospel story.
You know the story: Person wins multi-million dollar lottery, loses family and friends, goes broke, dies bankrupt. (It is true. Google “William ‘Bud’ Post 1988 lotto winner” for details). You also know a lot of other sad stories about young, beautiful, talented athletes and artists who get rich too soon, and find the emptiness of shallow relationships and substance abuse too much to survive. It’s an all too familiar story that reminds us fortune and fame are no guarantees of hope and contentment.
As Christians we have a different story to live. It is a story of good news that saves us from going after the false promises of individual success and materialism. That is, if we make it the story of our lives.
You may think Paul is speaking of one or more of the four gospels in the scripture above. The only problem is, Paul actually wrote this letter about 15 years before any of the gospels we know were written. Paul is not using the word “gospel” to refer to a book. Paul is using the word in its original meaning. Gospel means “good news,” “glad tidings,” or “good message.” It is hard to imagine the Christian church before the Bible, before the four gospels or the Acts of the Apostles. But, think how powerful it must have been to receive this wonderful story of hope and promise from one who experienced it rather than one who read about it. Think how much more engaged you are when you tell someone a story of a powerful real life experience you have had -- stories like the moment you and your spouse decided to marry, the day your child was born, or the moment you were told the cancer was gone. Real life stories of good news are the most powerful and life changing of all.
That’s what “gospel” is -- a real life story of the best news anyone can get, a story that promises love to those who feel unlovable, hope to those who despair and life to those who think life is over. Have you felt this story? Do you have a story of someone in your life who cared for you when you needed it most? Do you have a story of forgiveness that redeemed a broken relationship? Do you have a story of a friend who would lay down their life for you? If you do, you have a “gospel” story.
One more thing. You need to tell the story.
Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear your story of good news. Then give me the voice to share it. Amen.
Rev. John Farley
Dean of Cabinet
California-Pacific Conference
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Day Eight: Cal-Pac's Daily Lenten Devotionals for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference in Pasadena, California, United States "You know the story: Person wins multi-million dollar lottery ..."
Lent 2017: Day Eight
Week Two: Disturbances
Reflection for the Week: Ask disturbing questions and consider unexpected ways we share the Gospel story.
You know the story: Person wins multi-million dollar lottery, loses family and friends, goes broke, dies bankrupt. (It is true. Google “William ‘Bud’ Post 1988 lotto winner” for details). You also know a lot of other sad stories about young, beautiful, talented athletes and artists who get rich too soon, and find the emptiness of shallow relationships and substance abuse too much to survive. It’s an all too familiar story that reminds us fortune and fame are no guarantees of hope and contentment.
As Christians we have a different story to live. It is a story of good news that saves us from going after the false promises of individual success and materialism. That is, if we make it the story of our lives.
You may think Paul is speaking of one or more of the four gospels in the scripture above. The only problem is, Paul actually wrote this letter about 15 years before any of the gospels we know were written. Paul is not using the word “gospel” to refer to a book. Paul is using the word in its original meaning. Gospel means “good news,” “glad tidings,” or “good message.” It is hard to imagine the Christian church before the Bible, before the four gospels or the Acts of the Apostles. But, think how powerful it must have been to receive this wonderful story of hope and promise from one who experienced it rather than one who read about it. Think how much more engaged you are when you tell someone a story of a powerful real life experience you have had -- stories like the moment you and your spouse decided to marry, the day your child was born, or the moment you were told the cancer was gone. Real life stories of good news are the most powerful and life changing of all.
That’s what “gospel” is -- a real life story of the best news anyone can get, a story that promises love to those who feel unlovable, hope to those who despair and life to those who think life is over. Have you felt this story? Do you have a story of someone in your life who cared for you when you needed it most? Do you have a story of forgiveness that redeemed a broken relationship? Do you have a story of a friend who would lay down their life for you? If you do, you have a “gospel” story.
One more thing. You need to tell the story.
Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear your story of good news. Then give me the voice to share it. Amen.
Rev. John Farley
Dean of Cabinet
California-Pacific Conference
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Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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Every One That Has Christ: 2nd Wednesday in Lent for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
A Word from John Wesley
He, therefore, who liveth in these Christians, hath purified their hearts by faith; insomuch that every one that has Christ in him, “the hope of glory, purifieth himself even as He is pure.” He is purified from pride; for Christ was lowly in heart. He is pure from desire and self-will: for Christ desired only to do the will of His Father. And he is pure from anger, in the common sense of the word; for Christ was meek and gentle. I say, in the common sense of the word; for He is angry at sin while He is grieved for the sinner. He feels a displeasure at every offence against God, but only tender compassion for the offender.[John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 1777, ¶ 12.]
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. My sufferings all to thee are known,
Tempted in every point like me;
Regard my grief, regard thy own;
Jesus, remember Calvary!
2. O call to mind thy earnest prayers!
Thy agony and sweat of blood!
Thy strong and bitter cries and tears!
Thy mortal groan, ‘My God, my God!’
(Collection-1781, #155: 1 & 2)
Questions for Reflection:
God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.
The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.
Copyright © 2017 The Upper Room, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
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Every One That Has Christ: 2nd Wednesday in Lent for Wednesday, 8 March 2017 of The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
A Word from John Wesley
He, therefore, who liveth in these Christians, hath purified their hearts by faith; insomuch that every one that has Christ in him, “the hope of glory, purifieth himself even as He is pure.” He is purified from pride; for Christ was lowly in heart. He is pure from desire and self-will: for Christ desired only to do the will of His Father. And he is pure from anger, in the common sense of the word; for Christ was meek and gentle. I say, in the common sense of the word; for He is angry at sin while He is grieved for the sinner. He feels a displeasure at every offence against God, but only tender compassion for the offender.[John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 1777, ¶ 12.]
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. My sufferings all to thee are known,
Tempted in every point like me;
Regard my grief, regard thy own;
Jesus, remember Calvary!
2. O call to mind thy earnest prayers!
Thy agony and sweat of blood!
Thy strong and bitter cries and tears!
Thy mortal groan, ‘My God, my God!’
(Collection-1781, #155: 1 & 2)
Questions for Reflection:
- In John Wesley’s statement above there is a bold and absolute claim “that every one that has Christ” has the heart and mind and character of Christ. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- Is there anything in John’s statement that challenges or offends you? Why do you think this is the case?
- What do you think Charles Wesley is saying in these stanzas of his hymn?
- Why does Charles Wesley think it is important that Jesus was “Tempted in every point like me”?
- What is the significance of Charles Wesley’s heartfelt cry, “Jesus, remember Calvary!”
God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.
The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.
Copyright © 2017 The Upper Room, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States
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In Memoriam: Rev. Harry Adams for Tuesday, 7 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Reverend Harry Adams was a retired member of the California-Pacific Conference..."
In Memoriam: Rev. Harry Adams
The Episcopal Office and The Board of Pension and Health Benefits
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Rev. Harry Adams, a retired member of the California-Pacific Conference, on March 1, 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, and daughter, Wendy.
A private memorial service will be held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Grace Adams
41505 Carlotta Dr. #612
Palm Desert, CA 92211-3289
We give God thanks for brother Harry. Let us keep the Adams family in our prayers.
Peace,
Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
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In Memoriam: Rev. Harry Adams for Tuesday, 7 March 2017 of The California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, United States "Reverend Harry Adams was a retired member of the California-Pacific Conference..."
In Memoriam: Rev. Harry Adams
The Episcopal Office and The Board of Pension and Health Benefits
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Rev. Harry Adams, a retired member of the California-Pacific Conference, on March 1, 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, and daughter, Wendy.
A private memorial service will be held.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Grace Adams
41505 Carlotta Dr. #612
Palm Desert, CA 92211-3289
We give God thanks for brother Harry. Let us keep the Adams family in our prayers.
Peace,
Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
Inspiring the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God's life-giving love...Copyright © 2017 The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101, United States
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