“I love doing it….The Lord has been good to me, and this is just a small way of giving back.”
— James Morrison, who started the firewood ministry in Anderson, S.C.
Wood ministry brings warmth to those in need
ANDERSON, S.C. (UMNS) — James Morrison, 70, spends at least three days of every week chopping wood from trees into firewood that people in need can use to heat their homes. Jessica Connor of the South Carolina Advocate has the story of this 38-year-old ministry.
Remembering Gayle C. Felton
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Daniel Benedict remembers Gayle C. Felton as a practical theologian who could “make complicated, thorny issues accessible to the rank-and-file of the church, doing so with grace and humor.” Felton died Jan. 25.
Special offer to stream church services
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Be ready to stream your services over the Internet during Lent and Easter through a special offer from United Methodist Communication’s Techshop. The offer enables your church to enjoy a bonus three months at no additional cost when you sign up for 12 months of live-streaming service. Sign up today at myUMClive.com. Use discount code, Lent, on the Contact Us form. The offer ends March 15, 2014.
Stronger partnerships for schools, agencies urged
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — An effort to develop stronger partnerships among the 119 United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools and the general agencies of the church was affirmed by those attending a Feb. 2-3 meeting of the National Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities of The United Methodist Church. The effort has been under way for two years.
Register for clergywomen leadership seminar
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Registration is open for the United Methodist Clergywomen Leadership Seminar, which offers theological reflection on women’s leadership and for the cultivation of women’s leadership skills. The May 5-7 event to be in Palm Beach, Fla., is sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and is open to all United Methodist clergywomen.
For more information or to register
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Webinar "Get Their Name – Grow Your Church By Building New Relationships," Tuesday, Feb. 18 – 7-8 p.m. ET, offered by Practical Church Resources and led by the Rev. Bob Farr, director of the Center for Congregational Excellence at the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference. $10. Details.
Free webinar "Leaders Learn: Shaped by God, 12 Essentials for Nurturing Faith in Children, Youth and Adults," Tuesday, Feb. 18 – 6:30 p.m. CT, a discussion of the book "Shaped by God," which explores the role of story, liturgy and spiritual practices in faith formation. Read the book before the webinar. To register.
The Well-Played Life with the Rev. Leonard Sweet, Thursday, Feb. 20 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Center of Excellence Innovation Studio, 1265 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn., presented by the Clergy Coaching Network. $43.19. Details.
The Methodist School for Supernatural Ministry Session Six, “Power Evangelism,” Wednesday- Saturday, Feb. 19-22 – Course offered by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries in Goodlettsville, Tenn. A prerequisite for attendance is to have viewed or attended Session One, “The Basics” Details.
Inside Perkins, Thursday-Friday, Feb. 20-21 – Event for prospective students at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, 5915 Bishop Boulevard, Dallas, Texas. $25. Details.
Restorative Justice Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 22-23 – Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas, near Houston, will host speakers from Alpha Prison Fellowship and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Jim Liske, president of Prison Fellowship Ministries, and Paul Cowley of Alpha International, London, will preach at worship services. Details.
Lake Junaluska Signature Series featuring Rachel Held Evans, Saturday, Feb. 22 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, The popular Christian blogger and author will talk about how the Bible is meant to be a conversation starter, not a conversation ender. $25-35. Details.
Deadline to register for online course "United Methodism 101," Monday, Feb. 24 – Feb. 26-April 23, training from United Methodist Communications. Seating limited. $9.99. Details.
Deadline to register for online course "Moodle 300: Course Facilitation," Monday, Feb. 24 – Feb. 26-April 23, training from United Methodist Communications, Moodle Basc and Moodle Advanced are prerequisite. Seating limited. $119.99. Details.
United Methodist Global AIDS Fund event “Just Save One,” Tuesday, Feb. 25 – 6:30 to 8 p.m. ET, Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. The event focuses on how individuals and churches can fight AIDS. Details.
Welcome Table at Wesley Theological Seminary, Tuesday, Feb. 25; Tuesday, March 4; and Thursday, April 3 – 4-7:30 p.m. ET events for prospective students include a campus tour, networking opportunities and the chance to attend a class. Details.
Free webinar "Children's Ministry: Using Pockets Magazine in Groups, at Home and in Church," Tuesday, Feb. 25 – 10 a.m. CT, Lynn Gilliam, editor of Pockets, will offer suggestions and ideas for using this resource with the children of your congregation and community. To register.
Webinar "Does Your Church have a Personality?" Tuesday, Feb. 25 – 7-8 p.m. ET, finding out what Myers-Briggs can tell about a congregation, offered by Practical Church Resources and led by Julia Wallace, ministry coach and former staff member of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. $10. Details.
Deadline for early-bird registration for “180 Turnaround Church Conference,” Friday, Feb. 28 – 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET Thursday, March 20 conference at Redeemer United Methodist Church in DeWitt, Mich. $49 per person. Details.
Transfiguration Sunday, March 2 – Resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Ash Wednesday, March 5 – Mark the start of Lent with worship resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Creating Sacred Time for Your Family workshop, Sunday, March 2 – 6 p.m. CT, First United Methodist Church of Hurst, Texas. Details.
Our Sacred Journey with Children workshop, Monday, March 3 – 7-8:30 p.m. CT, First United Methodist Church of Hurst, Texas. Details.
Early-bird registration deadline for Engaging Local Schools Conference, Monday, March 3 – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, March 22 , Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. $20-50. Details.
Early registration deadline for United Theological Seminary's "Light the Fire!" Church Renewal Conference, Friday, March 21 – May 8-9 at Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Friday through Monday, March 21-24 – Assembly co-sponsored by United Methodist Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Women, and other United Methodist ministries in Washington. The theme is "Jesus Weeps: Resisting Violence, Building Peace." Details.
Window on Wesley Theological Seminary, Tuesday, March 25; Saturday, April 26; and Tuesday, June 17 – 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET, full-day events for prospective students include a campus tour, discussion of degree programs and the chance to attend a class. Details.
Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, “Faith, Health and Peace: Seeking the Basic Right to Good Health for All God’s Children,” Thursday-Sunday, March 27-30 – Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Partial student scholarships available. Details.
Increase Generosity in Your Church Conference, Saturday, March 29 – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, N.C. The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr., director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, will speak. $35-45. Details.
One Great Hour of Sharing, Sunday, March 30 – Donations the United Methodist Committee on Relief receives through this offering, along with other undesignated gifts made throughout the year, cover the relief agency’s costs of doing business. The United Methodist Publishing House offers “Be Hope,” a new, four-week study in preparation for One Great Hour of Sharing. $6.29-10. To order.
Deadline to register for the 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly, April 1 – April 25-27, Louisville, Ky. Details.
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries conference, Thursday through Sunday, April 3-6 – Asheville, N.C., Continuing education for Administrative Assistants and any office workers in United Methodist churches. Details.
Live Well Event: A Different Kind of Women’s Fair, Saturday, April 12 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kan. United Methodist Church at the Well is also a sponsor. Tickets cost $5 for individuals, $8 for pairs. Details.
2014 Large Church Initiative, Monday-Wednesday, April 28-30 – At Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek, Ga., for United Methodist churches with 1,000 or more members and/or with an average attendance of 350 or more in worship. Details.
“Elevation” continuing education and spiritual renewal retreat for worship leaders, Monday-Friday, May 5-9 – Lake Tahoe, with Marcia McFee, director of worship at two General Conferences. Details.
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