iVoice - March 2, 2010
iVoice is sent to clergy and lay leadership in the Wyoming Annual Conference and its local congregations. You have received this mailing because of the position you hold in the annual conference or in your local church, or because you have requested it. Please feel free to use this information in your bulletins, local church newsletters, or as announcements during worship services.
- Dates to Remember
- Legacy of Prayer in
- Legacy of Prayer Coming to
- Spring 2010 Safe Sanctuaries Training
- Updated Totals for
- New Faith Matters on Website
- Upper Room Connection
- Council of Bishops President Asks Help with Survey
- Culture of the
- News from United Methodist News Service
Dates to Remember:
Tuesday, March 2: Statistical Reports due Today
Thursday, March 11: Upper NY Information Session - Clergy oriented... 9 AM @ Endwell UMC
Thursday, March 11: Upper NY Information Session - Laity oriented... 7 PM @
Monday, March 15: Upper NY Information Session - Clergy oriented ... 1:30 PM at
Monday, March 15: Upper NY Information Session - Laity oriented ... 7 PM at
Friday, March 26 – Saturday, March 27: Spiritual Life Retreat @
Monday, March 29: Licensing school registrations due
Wednesday, March 31: Pre-Conference material deadline
Saturday, April 10, 2010: Green Churches Forum @
Legacy of Prayer in Oxford
Oxford UMC Sessions of Legacy of Prayer on Saturday, March 6 and Friday, March 12 are being postponed to a later date, possibly in May. Further details will be posted when available.
Legacy of Prayer Coming to Newark
As local congregations look for ways to improve their spiritual lives, one thing research shows is that an active prayer life can aid in this area. This program is for individuals who are genuinely interested in helping their congregation enrich their prayer lives and who may be willing to take their learning back to their local church. Exploration will include such topics as: the power of prayer, characteristics of prayer, different types of prayer, breaking down prayer stereotypes, formula prayer and corporate prayer, communicating through prayer, barriers to prayer, useful tools for enriching prayer life, and teaching methods that Jesus used. Scripture is a vital component of this class, so participants are asked to bring a Bible with a concordance (check with your pastor to see about borrowing one if you don't own one).
In addition, there will be an entire section on effectively teaching this program so that you can take it back to your church and beyond! Come and discover what you already know! Come and discover what others have to share!
Saturday, April 10th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 16th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $30/Person
Registration due to Conference Office by April 5th! Limited number of spots available, so register early!
Spring 2010 Safe Sanctuaries Training
BASIC LEVEL “Nuts and Bolts” Training
Wednesday, April 7, at Montrose UMC, 6:00-6:30 PM – arrive, sign in, fellowship, and pre-class activities Training – 6:30-9:30 PM
Registration is required. Click here to register on line.
If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please contact Carol Barnes, 607-687-4793 or carolb@htva.net
Updated Totals for Haiti Donations Received Through Wyoming
Wyoming Conference has raised over $140,180.73 for
UMCOR Totals
For a weekly report of UMCOR’s relief efforts in
New Faith Matters on Website
The lights went out. Chuck Johns compares a power outage he remembers in upstate
You can find Faith Matters by going to the Conference website and clicking on Columns & Blogs under “Featured” or copy and paste the following link: http://www.wyomingconference.org/blogs/detail/87
Council of Bishops President Asks Help with Survey
Late last year, the Council of Bishops formed a Call to Action Steering Committee in response to the global economic crisis and the need to build on the successes of aligning our mission and ministries across the church in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The effort is also addressing the Four Areas of Focus as expressions of how we live as the body of Christ.
The Call to Action project is to "include recommendations for ways to reorder or reshape some structures and processes for The United Methodist Church. The intent is to build processes and patterns that help the Church better achieve its mission to 'make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world' and fully integrate the Four Areas of Focus (major ministry initiatives) into the fabric of the UMC connection."
As part of the research being done in connection with this effort, Towers Watson Consultants are conducting a survey on congregational effectiveness. Bishop Gregory Palmer, President of the Council of Bishops is asking church leaders to take part in this survey.
You can read more about the Call to Action Project at http://www.umc.org/calltoaction. This is also where you will find the link to complete the survey. Please forward this link on to others who you think would have valuable insights and encourage them to participate by completing the survey over the next two weeks.
Your participation will help assure that the Council hears and learns from as wide an array of UM leaders as possible.
Culture of the Call Church
The Foundation for Evangelism announces the NEW Culture of the Call Church Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize one local congregation of The United Methodist Church each year that has a history of having young people age 35 or younger respond to God's call to full-time Christian service as a result of their being active in the life of that church. Through this award, The Foundation for Evangelism seeks to recognize and highlight churches that are helping to raise generations of leaders with a passion for evangelism.
For more information about this new church award and the process for nomination, click here.
The deadline for applications is April 10, 2010.
Print the Nomination Form and mail or email to: Jack Ewing, The Foundation for Evangelism,
If you have information that should be included in an iVoice, please send it to Don Perry at dperry@wyomingconference.org or Nancy Conklin at nconklin@wyomingconference.org. Please do not send information on fundraisers such as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, yard sales, etc.
News from United Methodist News Service
Thailand mission respects many cultures
Newlyweds cut their wedding cake with a long sword at ceremony near
Chilean pastor: ‘Trust in the Lord’
The Rev. Edinson Caba Burgos says an earthquake reminds faithful that life is precious.
Methodists in Chile assess quake toll
Church buildings in at least four districts suffered major damage, bishop says.
United Methodists respond to Chile earthquake
UMCOR has offered assistance to the Ministerio Social Methodista in
Megachurch revitalizes downtown congregation
Church of the Resurrection provides spiritual and physical renewal for historic sanctuary.
United Methodists applaud health care summit
Church leaders welcome opportunity for bipartisan dialogue on reform
Agency aids Haitian medical evacuees
Pastor plants church in growing suburb
Motorcyle-riding reverend heeds God’s call to build new congregation.
Pastors challenge IRS status of D.C. ‘church’
Clergy say center where Gov. Mark Sanford received spiritual counseling does not deserve tax-exempt status.
Attorney honored for protecting immigrants
Llewelyn Pritchard’s work for social justice “shows a life lived walking in the footsteps of Jesus.”
Contemporary church begins in coffee shop
Redemption United Methodist focuses on new music, small groups and programs for children.
Class helps parents find children’s gifts
Intergenerational course helps parents recognize and affirm what their kids are doing right.
Dreamer plants new church in Kansas City
Starting a new congregation is the adventure of a lifetime for the Rev. Curtis Huffman.