NM Conference News
January 7 - 13, 2019
In this Issue

  • General Conference 2019 Delegate Devotionals
  • The Lord be with you...with Susan Brumbaugh
  • ROC & CCYM Events in March
  • Reminder - End of Year Statistics Due on Jan. 23rd.
  • Duke Research Finds Long-Range Wellness Plan can Help Clergy Help Themselves
  • Lay Servant Training Opportunities in Las Cruces
  • Upcoming Events
General Conference 2019 Delegate Devotionals
For some, the Special Called General Conference 2019 (February 23 - 26 in St. Louis) has been on their minds and hearts since GC16 and for others, it has been something very distant and of no concern to the work of their local church. Wherever you fit into this spectrum, the common denominator is that the United Methodist Church needs to be covered in prayer during this time leading up to GC19 and as we move forward with whatever transpires there.

The NM Conference Delegates elected to represent us were asked to submit devotionals as we walk together toward GC19. We entitled them "The Lord be with you..." because in the United Methodist denomination and in other Christian faiths, the response of blessing is automatic. We respond, "...and also with you" without a consideration of whether the person is "worthy" of it (according to our limited estimation) or aligns with our values. To continue to do the work of the church in a time of potential division and change, will require a level of that sort of unconditional grace.

We will publish them in the newsletter and in other communications. If you wish to share your thoughts with the delegation, you may email: [email protected].
The Lord be with you... with Susan Brumbaugh
As I head into the 2019 special session of General Conference, I’m praying that we can create an environment where we are not at war with each other. That delegates haven’t made up their minds before even walking in the door. That we consider the impact of our words before speaking. That in those precious few days we can take off our blinders, unclench our fists, listen to the needs and fears of others with openness and curiosity, and see the Holy Spirit at work.
 
The words of St. Francis seem especially important and will guide me while I’m there:
 
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
 
O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console
to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
 
Amen
 
Whatever happens, we are the church, and the Lord will be with us.
ROC & CCYM Events in March
Save the Dates!
ROC 2019 will be held on March 1-3 for 6th through 8th graders at Sacramento. Registration will open on January 15th.

CCYM 2019 will be held on March 29-31 for 9th through 12th graders at Sacramento. Registration will open on February 18th.

For more info & registration: Click here
Reminder for End of Year Tithes & Stats
Tithe, Shared Ministries
T he cut-off date for remitting 2018 Tithe, Shared Ministries to NMAC is Wednesday, January 9, 201 9 .  Please plan to have all 2018 remittances submitted no later than this date. If you are mailing the check, it has to be delivered to the conference office 1/9/19 by 5pm. If you are making an online payment, it has to be submitted by 1/9/19 by 5pm. Remittances received after that date will not be credited to 2018 apportionments. 

Statistics
You will need your church financial reports to send in your Tithe, Shared Ministries for the end of the year. Please keep reports to use and enter Statistical Church Data. Statistical Reports are due Wednesday, January 23, 2019 .
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Griselda Sandoval
Treasurer/Statistician
505-255-8786, ext. 103
Duke Research Finds Long-Range Wellness Plan can Help Clergy Help Themselves
By Eric Ferrerri
Clergy members whose first priority is tending to their flocks are notoriously bad at tending to themselves.

A new Duke University study that tracked the effects of a long-term wellness program on clergy members offers some clues to help them improve their health.
Lay Servant Training Opportunities in Las Cruces
Click on brochures to go to registration site.
Upcoming Events
January
  • December Tithes Due - Jan. 9
  • Basic Lay Servant Training - Jan. 19 - University-Las Cruces
  • Church Statistics Due - Jan. 23
  • CLM Training Starts - Jan. 25 - St. John's-ABQ
February
  • Mid-Winter Clergy Retreat - Feb. 3-6 - Sacramento
  • Advanced Lay Servant Training - Feb. 9 - University-Las Cruces
  • Special Called General Conference - Feb. 23-26 - St. Louis
March
  • ROC 2019 - March 1-3 - Sacramento
  • CCYM 2019 - March 29-31 - Sacramento