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UM congregations can no longer disaffiliate from the denomination, the UM Judicial Council confirmed on Oct. 29. Further, a church law designed for handling church closures (Book of Discipline 2016, ¶2549) cannot be used as a way for congregations to leave the UMC with property (even though some conferences have allowed it). Such use contradicts the paragraph’s clear intent, the council said. At General Conference this past spring, delegates deleted ¶2553, a time-limited, expired provision that enabled congregations to leave with property.
The Judicial Council also ruled that the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy exceeded its authority when it recommended a bishop serve in both the Northeastern and Southeastern jurisdictions.
Read about disaffiliation decision
Read about cross-jurisdictional episcopacy decision
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Retreat for Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial Serving Clergy
Clergy in cross-cultural or cross-racial appointments: attend the retreat “Navigating Troubled Waters: Trauma, Resilience, & Hope in Ministry,” Dec. 9-10 at Woodstock Loyola Retreat Center. Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, director of healing and resilience for Discipleship Ministries and The Upper Room, will speak. Clergy will enjoy fellowship, share honestly in a safe space, and receive resources for handling trauma.
Read more
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Ideas for Discipling Anti-Racist Youth
Youth leaders will gather in November to exchange best practices and discuss how to train youth to be anti-racist. The Discipling Anti-Racist Youth (DAY) team is organizing district-wide informal get-togethers over a meal where youth leaders will offer mutual support and build connections. Visit the calendar page for the list of locations and sign up for the one(s) you’d like to attend.
Read more
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How to Request the Bishop's Greeting
Bishop Dan Schwerin celebrates what your church or organization has achieved. Now that he is overseeing two conferences, he regrets that time constraints prevent his presence at many special occasions. If you'd like from him a videotaped or written greeting, follow the steps on his web page. Plan early!
Read more
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NIC People News
Rev. Dr. Myron McCoy has received the Lucy Rider Meyer Courage Award from Kids Above All for his more than seven years of service on the organization's board.
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9 Questions to Ask When Your Church Giving is Declining
Increasing numbers of church leaders report a slow decline in worshipers' giving, both in total dollars and numbers of givers. Over time, this could have a devastating effect on a church’s capacity to fund ministry. Yet many other churches—of varying sizes, locations, and denominations—are experiencing strong growth in giving. Read more
Help Kids Explore the Mystery of Communion
Glenys Nellist, a UM children’s book author, explains how to help children participate in the sacraments. Her new book, Gathered at the Table: Celebrating Communion, and its companion, Baptized in the Water: Becoming a Member of God’s Family, help families, Sunday-school teachers, and others explain the sacraments and their importance. Nellist explains. "I want to capture the wonder and mystery and give people a chance to ponder the sacraments for themselves.” Read more
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New Discipleship 'Journey' Launched in the Philippines
A new discipleship process captured the attention of 1,800 Filipino UMs when they met earlier this year for the program launch, held at Seed of Faith UMC, Bulacan province.
Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella of the Manila Episcopal Area reminded participants that discipleship is transformation and multiplication. “We are transformed,” she said, “and we increase our number, transforming lives and increasing the number of people who would commit to serve and take part in this mission to disciple.”
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The Manila Area discipleship team created the program, called Lakbayin, which means “journey.” Members of all 12 annual conferences in the Manila area attended the program’s launch, which aims to unify various discipleship resources.
The Rev. Elijah Lorenzo, superintendent of the North East Nueva Ecija District and Manila Area discipleship team leader, said that the program has ready-to-use materials that are simple and easy to understand. Almost anyone can teach the lessons.
Participant Yehlen Pablo Gragasin, lay leader from Mag-Asawang Sampaloc UMC, Northwest Nueva Ecija District, said she especially appreciated learning that discipleship must be intentional and consistent.
“Everything that we have learned so far about discipleship,” she said. “Let us, all together, do it hand in hand. Let us increase our faith and learn more about being the disciples of Jesus. It is high time to stop thinking that we are ordinary people who cannot do discipleship. Let us continue to sympathize and empathize with others so we may help our fellow beings. This is the purpose of our life given by God.”
Read more
Photo and story by Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UMNS
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Around the Conference
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Next meetings: Nov. 13 and 27. Send an email message to the liaison office for instructions on how to join the online meeting.
Town and Rural Festival, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grace UMC, Dixon. Keagy and PACK grant recipients will present their ministries. All are welcome to attend.
NIC's Discipling Anti-Racist Youth (DAY) youth leaders' gatherings, various days in November.
Celebration of Migrant Assistance Grant Recipients, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Saviour’s UMC, Schaumburg. Learn how the 2023 Bishop's Appeal grants have helped our migrant neighbors.
Annual Conference Shepherding Team Meeting, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Woodridge UMC. (For ACST members)
Fair Labor Standards Act webinar, Nov. 19, 2 p.m., online. A new law raised the wage threshold for exemption from overtime pay. This and other considerations may affect whether you can categorize lay staff as exempt or nonexempt.
Benefits Lunch & Learn: Getting Ready for Tax Season, Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m., online.
Advent Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial Clergy Gathering, Dec. 9-10, Woodstock Loyola Retreat Center. Theme: "Navigating Troubled Waters: Trauma, Resilience, & Hope in Ministry."
Benefits Lunch & Learn: Clergy Spiritual Health, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m., online.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, Dec. 30.
Around the Connection
All Saints' Sunday, Nov. 3.
Native American Heritage Month, November.
Church Giving Best Practices webinar, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. The UM Council on Finance and Administration will discuss how to optimize digital donations, understand payment processors, and manage church finances successfully.
National Workshop on Christian Unity, Nov. 18-20, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America offices, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago. UMs interested in ecumenism are welcome.
United Methodist Student Sunday, Nov. 24.
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Christmas Learning and Reflection for Adults
Looking for an Advent and/or Christmas book study for adults? The United Media Resource Center has a variety that are suitable for personal exploration or group discussion.
Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent, by Pamela Hawkins
Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness, by Todd Outcalt
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Advent and Christmas with Charles Wesley, by Paul Wesley Chilcote
Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis, by Larry Peacock
Songs for the Waiting: Devotions Inspired by the Hymns of Advent, by Magrey Devega
The Wondrous Mystery: An Upper Room Advent Reader, including selections by Barbara Brown Taylor, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Sue Monk Kidd, Wendell Berry, Wendy M. Wright, and others.
The United Media Resource Center has books, DVDs, and more to lend to your church group's Christian education, faith formation, and book club ministries. Check their online catalog.
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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