Asheville District Newsletter for April, 2009
The Reverend Dr. John S. Boggs, District Superintendent
27 Balm Grove Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806 828-254-8564 ~ johnboggs@ashevilledistrict.org
May 17th - Asheville District Pre-Conference Briefing Session Sunday at 2:00 pm at Covenant Community UMC
All clergy, district, conference and local church delegates to the 2009 Annual Conference should plan to attend. This briefing session will provide important new information for conference delegates. This year’s Pre-Annual Conference Briefings are vital to helping delegates deal with issues to be addressed at this year’s conference at Lake Junaluska, June 11-14. The Conference will provide information and a forum for the 2010 budget, proposed constitutional amendments and changes at this year’s annual conference. Bishop Larry Goodpaster will make a short presentation via video giving an overview of things to come. This year’s annual conference will be Bishop Goodpaster’s first as presiding bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference.
May 17th - Recognition of Laity Service Award Recipients
This year we plan to recognize the Laity Service Award recipients from each church during the Asheville District Conference on Sunday, May 17, 2009. The conference begins at 2:00 pm at Covenant Community Church. This method will be very different than in previous years, but will give your church an opportunity to support your special recipient in a more personal way. Award recipients were mailed invitations to this event on Saturday, May 2, 2009. If you have already sent your Laity Service Award recipient’s information to me, thank you. If you haven’t gotten to it yet, please mail, fax, or email me the information immediately so that their certificates can be made and their names be prepared for their recognition service. The Gathering of the Laity will take place at Lake Junaluska August 14-16. I encourage your church to send as many people as possible and treat your Laity Service Award recipient to this awesome weekend at the lake. The speakers and music are fabulous. It truly is a time to rejuvenate and enjoy some of the best retreat programming available - at a very reasonable cost. Brochures with registration and information will be available at the May 17th conference for you to take with you. Glenda Edney, Asheville District Lay Leader 11 Rocket Drive Asheville, NC 28803 Phone: 828.298.8955 x105 Fax: 828.298.4225 glenda@covenant-community.org
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Children First/CIS and the Junior League of Asheville’s 2009 Child Watch Tour: Child/Youth Poverty
Friday, May 8th 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
• • • Do you know that about one out of five children and youth in Buncombe County live in poverty? Do you know that children from low-income families are more likely to drop out of school, score lower on academic achievement tests; and have less access to adequate health care than their higher-income peers? The most recent estimates indicate that the national social and economic cost of child poverty totals half a trillion dollars each year in loss of productivity, higher crime, and poorer health. (Children’s Defense Fund)
Explore the complexities of child/youth poverty and unite to restore opportunity for our children and youth
What is Child Watch Child Watch Tours are designed to raise awareness of critical children/youth issues, create new leadership for children/youth, and inspire action on their behalf. Child Watch adds faces and stories to statistics and reports and gives participants first-hand exposure to challenges faced by families in Buncombe County. Locally Child Watch is a collaborative effort of the Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County and the Junior League of Asheville, Inc. Participants hear from a variety of speakers and will participate in an experiential or role-playing activity. Child Watch Goals • Raise Awareness • Create New Leadership • Inspire Action Who Should Attend? Business owners/leaders, teachers, clergy, parents, grandparents, elected officials, human services professionals, health providers, and everyone else that has a stake in the success of our children. To reserve your spot or for more information please call Greg at 828-259-9717 or gregb@childrenfirstbc.org
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Upcoming Western North Carolina Conference Events
Volunteers Needed at Annual Conference
Volunteers are needed to help with the pictorial directory registration. Two persons are needed in shifts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday - morning and afternoon; and Saturday - morning to assist with the pictorial directory pictures in Harrell Room 202. No experience or skills are necessary, just a willing heart. Delegate spouses, guests, teenage children, Junaluska residents would all qualify to assist in this way. If you are willing to work a shift, please contact Kim Ingram at kingram@wnccumc.org or 800-5627929 x 112.
Absences from Annual Conference
“It is the duty of every member and all probationers (provisionals) and local pastors of the annual conference to attend its sessions…Any such person unable to attend shall report by letter to the conference secretary, setting forth the reason for the absence. Should any ordained minister in active service be absent from the session of the annual conference without a satisfactory reason for the absence, the matter shall be referred by the conference secretary to the Board of Ordained Ministry.” (2008 Book of Discipline, ¶ 602.8). The Western North Carolina Annual Conference is scheduled for June 11-14, 2009, with the executive session of the clergy being held on Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00 p.m. With additional worship and fewer reports, we look forward to a time and atmosphere of holy conferencing. We hope and expect that you will be able to attend. In the event that you are in active service and unable to attend, please send a written excuse to Rev. Kim Ingram, Conference Secretary, PO Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218.
Collect Canned Food; Bring It to Annual Conference
The Commission on Mission/Outreach (COMO) invites the total conference to begin collecting "canned goods" (Protein-based, i.e. beans, tuna, stew, canned meats) for annual conference. These canned goods will be provided for the Food Banks within North Carolina.
Changes Made to 2009 AC Per Diem Reimbursement
Cash reimbursements will NOT be made at Lake Junaluska during annual conference due to safety considerations. Per diem reimbursement checks will be mailed to those who wish to receive them AFTER annual conference. A letter was mailed to delegates outlining the method of per diem reimbursement this year, along with a postage-paid reply card.
Delegates to Ratify Changes to United Methodist Constitution
At the 2009 Session of the Annual Conference, the delegates will vote to ratify changes to the Constitution of The United Methodist Church. The Constitution is found in the 2008 Book of Discipline, paragraphs 1-61, pages 21-39. The 2008 General Conference approved these 32 changes, but each annual conference will vote this year, as well. Two-thirds of the aggregate vote of all conferences is necessary for the changes to be effected. The changes will be printed in the Program and Reports book which is mailed to all annual conference delegates in May and will be reviewed at the district preconference briefings. Please take time prior to annual conference to review and begin to understand the proposed changes. They are scheduled to be presented at annual conference on Friday, June 12. The votes will be taken on one ballot.
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June 10th - Katie Warren and Susan Sihler Lead Annual Spiritual Day Apart
The Spiritual Formation Task Force will sponsor the Annual Day Apart, Wednesday, June 10 at Central United Methodist Church in Clyde. The day apart will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. This year’s theme is: “Art and Spirituality: Open the Door of Your Heart” led by Katie Warren and Susan Sihler. An Evening Service of Prayer will be held in Stuart Auditorium at 6:45, prior to the opening Executive Session. We invite all persons who are present at Lake Junaluska at this hour to participate in this prayer service before our 2009 Annual Conference begins. If you have any questions concerning the Day Apart of Evening Service of Prayer, please contact: Randy Sherrill at 336.765.6186 or rsherrill@triad.rr.com
“Stop Hunger Now” Program
The Mission / Outreach office has reserved the Kern Center for Thursday and Friday of Annual Conference for packing meals to be sent overseas with the “Stop Hunger Now” program. Videos and other information on the project are available on the Mission Blog, http://missionswnccumc.blogspot.com.
Prior to Annual Conference we need to have churches and members pledge meals so that we have a good estimate for the purchase food products that go into the meals. Meals need to be “purchased” at a cost of .25 per meal. We need to have “an estimate” by Friday, May 8, 2009. Please contact the District Missions Coordinator; the Conference Hunger Coordinator (Sherry Sink, sherika12754@aol.com) or Conference Coordinator of Mission/Outreach (Mike Collins, mcollins@wnccumc.org) with this information from your local church. Mike Collins has purchased 400 meals at a cost of $100 and challenges other pastors to do likewise. Churches and individuals may also begin signing up for times to pack the meals during Annual Conference. Contact Mike Collins at mcollins@wnccumc.org to schedule a 2-hour block of time. Approximately 40 people will be needed for each of the 2-hour blocks of time. Funds for the meals need to be sent to the Conference Office by May 28th. Please make checks out to “WNCC Treasurer,” and send them c/o Office of Mission/Outreach, PO Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218. At the annual Missions Luncheon we will celebrate this event. The luncheon will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville on Friday, June 12th beginning at 12:00 PM. The cost will be $11 per person. To register, please send your contact information, along with the funds, to the Mission/Outreach office (check made out to “WNCC Treasurer”) by May 28th. To cut costs, you will not receive “a ticket,” but will receive email verification and your name will be placed on the list. Sincerely, Mike Collins Coordinator of Mission/Outreach WNCC-UMC mcollins@wnccumc.org http://wnccumc.org/mis/mission-outreach.htm
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Clergy Spouses Luncheon/Sandwich and Salad Buffet
For All Spouses of WNC Clergy; Active, Retired or Widow(er) Clergy Spouses Luncheon/ Sandwich and Salad Buffet Saturday, June 13, 2009 @ 1:00 pm Clyde Central United Methodist Church Cost: $10:00 per person Come and Enjoy Fellowship, Connection, and AMAZING Door Prizes Complimentary Child Care at Clyde Church, Safe Sanctuaries RSVP: tingletime@charter.net, 828-456-4795; Leave name and # of people for who you are reserving. Committee: Melissa Tingle, Sylvia McClintick, Wanda Randolph, Theresa Leatherwood, Elaine Mason, Hazel Morgan, Anita Edwards Sign Ups: You can sign up for the luncheon during the week of conference. Please sign up when your spouse registers or have them register for you. Registration Closes Thursday by afternoon session. Directions to Clyde UMC: Take 19/23 toward Clyde. Take Clyde exit 106. Pass Fire Department. Turn right on Charles Street and then right into parking area of Clyde Central UMC.
Annual Conference Art Show to Emphasize Conference Vision …
Exhibit Dates – June 11-13, 2009 ~ Theme – Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, Transform the World
Art is sought for annual conference exhibition. Entry forms and details about the annual conference art exhibit are now available for download. The exhibition, June 11-13 at Harrell Center Auditorium, Lake Junaluska, features work depicting the conference theme, “Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, Transform the World.” Any Western NC United Methodist may submit art for display. For more information, contact Anne Conover at 336.428.1745 or Katie Warren at 828.275.3971. June June June June 11 11 13 13 Noon to 2:00 pm - Delivery of work to Harrell Center Auditorium. 5:00 pm - Exhibition opens. Show closes at 2:00 pm. Pickup of exhibited works begins. Pick up of exhibited works ends at 4:00 pm
June 9th - The Children's Home Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
The Koinonia Sunday School Class of Long’s Chapel UMC will sponsor the 16th consecutive Children’s Home Annual Benefit Golf Tournament at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course on Tuesday, June 9. The shotgun start will be at 2:00 pm for the first 40 two-man teams to register, using a captain’s choice format. At the conclusion of play all golfers will be treated to a fantastic cookout at the golf course, with prizes awarded afterwards. Registration forms and other details will be posted later. For advance information or questions, please e-mail John Ammons at The Children’s Home, or phone him at 336.721.7610.
Reservations Required for Child Care during Annual Conference
Child Care registration for Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska must be made and paid in advance. Go to http://www.wnccumc.org/ac9/pdf/ChildCareRegistration2009.pdf for details and to register.
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Church World Service Honors Bald Creek United Methodist Church!
For 14 years, the Bald Creek United Methodist congregation has ensured that Church World Service blankets and other vitally needed supplies are sent to the neediest in the U.S and around the world. The CWS Blankets + program is one way that Bald Creek demonstrates their commitment to the ‘least of these’ in our world. The Blanket offering is taken in December and coordinator Eloise McIntosh says, “This is the best outreach mission we have!” CWS thanks the Bald Creek Church and alls its members for sponsoring this program. Driven by a common call to serve those in need around the world, a growing number of congregations make the Church World Service $5 blanket the symbol of an annual offering to assist the agency's life-saving work. In 80 countries around the world, millions benefit from blankets, tents tools, seeds and other commodities. To take part in this Advance Special offering, call 888-297-2767 and get a new Blankets+ packet and DVD! More Information is also available at www.churchworldservice.org.
Potter’s Touch Opportunity
Please think about your congregation. Do you have an active or recently retired accountant/CPA who would be interested in giving time to Potter’s Touch, the counseling agency for United Methodists in the Asheville, Marion, and Waynesville Districts? Potter’s Touch is in need of a treasurer. The current treasurer Doris Gidney will assist in the transition. Please have interested people call Pat Koonts 828452-1556 or the Asheville District Office.
Golden Cross
As we face a growing population without health insurance, loss of employment and unexpected health crises, families are requesting Golden Cross assistance more than ever. Golden Cross Sunday gives the Asheville District and all WNC Conference United Methodists an opportunity to strengthen this vital ministry. Every dollar given through gifts and special offerings goes to assist individuals, families, and clergy of our Conference who often forego needed medical tests, therapy services, treatment and/or medication because they cannot afford it. Many are already burdened with overwhelming medical expenses. Please remember, as a Pastor, you are the key person in this ministry and can make application on behalf of your parishioners or yourself, with all information being kept in strictest confidence. Also, if
our churches. As your parishioners contribute to Golden Cross they will find special joy in their giving as their gifts will be a blessing to many United Methodist families and clergy throughout the Conference. Please contact Cheryl Wallen, Asheville District Director of Golden Cross for assistance or more information at (828) 771-2638.
the first Sunday for giving to the ministry of Golden Cross is not an appropriate Sunday in your church schedule, another Sunday may be chosen. Golden Cross is a shared ministry supported by the people of
Updating 2009 LCLCL Information
Beginning in 2009, local churches are able to make changes to the LCLCL all year long. It is important that the leadership contact information is current and correct so that ministry information gets to the right people in a timely and direct manner. You will access your LCLCL list on the WNCC Administrative website (www.wnccadmin.org) just like you did when the names were originally submitted. Please remember to make changes in the LCLCL database as they arise!
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Goodpaster Announces Cabinet Changes
Rev. Amy Coles
Rev. Lyn Sorrells
Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster announced he will appoint the Rev. Amy Coles and the Rev. Lyn Sorrells as district superintendents for the 2009-2010 conference year. The bishop will “make and fix” these appointments at the Western North Carolina Annual Conference held at Lake Junaluska, June 11-14. Coles, currently pastor of Fairview United Methodist Church near Pinnacle, N.C., will succeed the Rev. Sanford “Sandy” Giles as the Albemarle District Superintendent. Giles will be appointed to a local church. Sorrells, currently pastor of First United Methodist Church, Waynesville, N.C., will succeed the Rev. Patricia Lewis as the Gastonia District Superintendent. Lewis will be appointed to a local church.
“Blessed Assurance: Offering Hope to Pastors, Church Members and Communities” An educational seminar for hosted by
Monday, June 29, 2009 ~ 10:00 am until 12:00 noon Norma F. Pulliam Chapel Lunch immediately following Special Guest Teacher: Dr. James M. (Mickey) Efird Complete information will be mailed to you in mid-May Inquiries: Judi Karriker at 828.771.2630; jkarriker@givensestates.org
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ASHEVILLE DISTRICT ADVANCED LAY SPEAKING CLASSES
May 15th (6:00–9:00 PM); May 16th (6:00-9:00 PM); May 24th (2:00-5:00 PM) East Asheville UMC, 48 Browndale Road (in Oteen), Asheville 28805 ~ Rev. Doug Benton, Leader Study Materials should be ordered from Cokesbury by the course participant. Lay Speaking Ministries Go Preach - A Primer for Beginning Preachers; Reference #Discipleship Resources: ISBN-13: 9780881773842DR454 … $12. In addition, there is a registration fee of $15.00. Send check for $15.00 payable to Asheville District UMC to George M. Davis, Director of Lay Speaking, 119 Red Oak Road, Asheville, NC 28804; 828-254-1246; davisgm@charter.net. Name: Address: Church: Phone: Email: Course:
Soul Work: Shining the Light
Come and spend a day exploring SoulCollage® for playful fun with images as a pathway to your deeper self and the Divine! Leaders: Susan Sihler, LCSW and Katie Warren, MAEd.
Trained SoulCollage® Facilitators and Spiritual Directors Saturday, May 23, 2009 ~ 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Servanthood House, 156 East Chestnut Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Cost: $55 (please speak with Susan or Katie if cost is an issue) Bring a bag lunch; snacks and beverages provided. SoulCollage® is a fascinating process and practice using images to discover deeper parts of yourself and your relationship with the Divine. Through a collage process, you are invited to express yourself visually/artistically by finding images that attract you and perhaps reveal to you a part of yourself that you have not yet known. No art experience is required. This workshop is offered as an introduction to the underlying concepts and practice of SoulCollage®. Its applications are endless. We are beginning to apply the practice and process in psychotherapy and spiritual direction. It provides a ready vehicle for expression of dream images. You may use it for your own personal and spiritual growth. Register by May 16; Non-Refundable Deposit; Limited Space; Register Early. Susan Sihler: 828-281-4566, Ext 1; Katie Warren: 828-254-8564, Ext 303
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Is Your Church or Non-Profit Organization Prepared for a Disaster?
A disaster can affect many aspects of your business. A flood can inundate your facility causing huge amounts of damage to your property and records, forcing you to close for weeks. A power outage can deny your clients, customers, or congregation needed services. A hazardous materials event can close your facility at a moment’s notice and cause long term loss of services. There is a way to be prepared. On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, Hearts With Hands, in conjunction with Buncombe County Citizen Corps, will present a seminar entitled “Contingency Planning For Non-Profits.” Experts from the Emergency Management, Fire Services, Law Enforcement, the legal and financial communities, as well as experienced disaster relief professionals, will help you to understand what disasters you need to prepare, how professional response agencies respond to a disaster, how this is helpful information for your plan, and what legal and financial steps will help you to mitigate disasters. The seminar will be held at Land-of-Sky Regional Council at 339 Leicester Highway, Asheville and will begin with registration & light breakfast at 8:30 am. The morning session will conclude with lunch at noon, and the afternoon session will end by 5:00 pm. This is an important opportunity to prepare your non-profit for the future by being prepared now! The cost is $25 per person and there is no limit to the number of people per organization. There is space for 100 people and it is “first come, first serve.” To register for the event or for more information, contact Sandy Ford at (828) 667-1912. You can pay by phone with a credit card or mail your check to: HWH Seminar, PO Box 6444, Asheville, NC 28816. Registration ends on Friday, May 1, 2009. Upon receipt of your confirmation you will receive specific information concerning the seminar. Thank you for your time and interest.
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“A Day at the Wheel”
Blackburn Community Pottery Festival Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Newton, NC Saturday, May 16, 2009 9:00 am — 4:00 pm
From Newton: At intersection of Hwy 321 Business and Hwy 10, travel Hwy 10 west approximately 8 miles to Wesley Chapel Road. Turn left on Wesley Chapel Road, Come enjoy live music under church is 1/2 mile on the right. the Arbor, and pottery throwing 2613 Wesley Chapel Road demonstrations by local Newton, NC potters throughout the day. Parking and admission to the Come and be a part of a local Children can try their hand at event are free. tradition. Pottery making has making their own piece of been continued in our area for pottery at the clay table! Restroom facilities will be generations. available. Many well known area potters will be on hand to demonstrate their craft. They will also have items for sale. A historical collection of Catawba Valley area traditional pottery will be on display. The pieces represent work from potters past to present. A silent pottery auction will also be held. The display and auction will be in the church Fellowship Hall. Breakfast items, lunch items, and beverages will be on sale in the church Fellowship Hall and on the grounds. From Hickory: Take NC 127 South to Propst Crossroads. Turn left at the traffic light on to Hwy 10. Go approximately two miles on Hwy 10 and turn right on to Wesley Chapel Road. The church is located 1/2 mile on the right. Handicap parking will be available, and everything will be on one level. We look forward to seeing you! For further information, call 704-462-2236 or 828-294-2828. Lovely handmade crafts, made by the United Methodist Women Craft makers, and delicious baked goodies will also be available.
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June 21st – UMAR Sunday
Yes, UMAR is happy to share the day with Father's and the first day of summer! Disability awareness happens all year round! Here are a few ways you can help spread the mission of UMAR: newsletters, websites, e-mails, posters, tell your friends, hire kids on the street to hold big signs, get guys in funny suits to wave from business parks, billboards, radio ads, phone calls, meetings, made for television movie, etc., etc. Okay, okay - I've got big dreams! I just get excited about UMAR and the programs we provide for adults with intellectual and associated disabilities in your community! We are growing, the needs and regulations are ever changing and the churches are our best resources for prayers, volunteers, home furnishings, and long term planned giving. Bulletin inserts will be available on-line and in print soon - churches can order directly from me! We are currently working on an informational DVD that can be shown to the congregations or small groups on UMAR Sunday or anytime of the year! Thank you so much for your continued support - and for being great cheerleaders around the conference! GO UMAR!! Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything - brochures, disability trainings, local resources, speakers, help with yard work, shopping, ice cream. Blessings, Ruby Navarro Mossor, Church Cultivation/Volunteers, UMAR PO Box 1558, Huntersville, NC 28070 704-659-7631 Office Line; 704-408-3223 Cell; 704-875-9276 FAX
Please remember UMAR in your will & estate plans! Donate online at www.UMARinfo.com!
July 5-6-7 - Ministry Summit 2009: Faith and Everyday Leadership … Revitalizing the 21st Century Church
This gathering is offered by Lake Junaluska Ministry and the Alban Institute for Clergy and Laity. Wayne Floyd, Director of Consulting & Education, The Alban Institute, is providing the leadership for this event. Register online at www.lakejunaluska.com/summit.aspx.
Take Precautions against Swine Flu
As the swine flu outbreak among humans continues to grow, you can take precautions to prevent it from spreading. WNCC Disaster Response Coordinator Mike Collins, who is also VicePresident of the NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters, offers several suggestions: Begin a personal hygiene maintenance program. Limit exposure to anyone with flu-like symptoms. If you become ill or feel like you may be coming down with something, stay at home. If family members become ill, keep them at home. This will limit the spread of the flu. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. Use your arm instead. Wash your hands often. Consider carrying hand sanitizer when you are not around a sink.
Book for Sale: “The Shepherding Program: Keeping Your Church Family Connected”, was written by the Nurture Committee of Tryon United Methodist Church. This book is a step-bystep model to help any small, middle-sized, or large Christian Church create its own Shepherding Program where every member should feel cared for and connected in Christian fellowship. Call 828-859-9218 or tumc1@windstream.net. The cost of the book is $20.
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Safe Sanctuaries “Jessica’s Law” Creates Dilemma for Local Churches
Some clergy and church leaders in the conference are inquiring about the implications of a North Carolina statute known as “Jessica’s Law,” which governs registered sex offenders. The question is whether or not certain registered sex offenders may be arrested for attending church. The law prohibits them from being on premises where children are present such as schools, playgrounds and daycare centers. WNC Conference Chancellor Jim Windham has researched the matter and found much confusion and uncertainty about the application of this law. “The statue could certainly be read to preclude registered sex offenders from attending a church which had a nursery, Sunday school or other areas where children regularly gather,” said Windham. “The law has yet to be tested in the courts; however, I suspect that will be coming in the not too distant future.” Until there is a definitive answer to the question, Windham suggests several things a church can do: o Establish a church policy for dealing with registered sex offenders who wish to attend worship services. Churches may want to make this a part of their Safe Sanctuaries Policy. Provisions can include a “buddy system” in which pre-arranged individuals are assigned to the offender while he or she may be on the premises. Further it would be appropriate and possible to make certain designated areas of the church, such as playgrounds, nurseries and children Sunday school class areas, “off limits” to the offenders. The policy should also provide that certain designated staff members and lay leadership be advised in advance of the anticipated visit. Churches with a high level of concern regarding potential visits should be proactive by arranging a meeting with local law enforcement representatives, especially if one or more of them have stated their intention to enforce the statute. Windham suggests that the district attorney or assistant district attorneys also be invited to the meeting. Such a meeting would be a time for the church and law enforcement to express their respective concerns regarding child safety and the enforcement of the statute. It could also greatly help to avoid any sort of confrontation on the church premises or during a service. We certainly want to make it clear that we are not adversarial to law enforcement and that we are sensitive to the difficulties inherent in their work. Keep in mind that the statute contains a mandate to police officers directing them to enforce the statute whenever they become aware of a situation. A wide variety of opinions in our churches concerning the enforcement of this statute should be expected. Obviously, the safety and well being of our children and youth are paramount. There should be a way, however, to both address child safety issues while at the same time making churches accessible to all people.
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The 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church readopted a resolution, “Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church,” which offers suggestions for local churches. (2008 Book of Resolutions, pp. 245) General Conference also readopted the resolution, “Church Participation by a Registered Child Sex Offender,” which acknowledges the dilemma of ministering to both the victim and abuser. (2008 Book of Resolutions, pp. 919) The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church encourages the Church “to provide a safe environment, counsel and support for the victim. While we deplore the actions of the abuser, we affirm that person to be in need of God’s redeeming love.” This resolution also contains suggestions for local churches to incorporate into a Safe Sanctuaries policy. All local churches in the Western NC Conference were required to have in place Safe Sanctuaries policies by Dec. 31, 2005. For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, contact Gloria Hughes or Caroline Wood at 800.562.7929.
For full text of Resolution 3084: Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church and Resolution 8009: Church Participation by a Registered Child Sex Offender, go to http://www.wnccumc.org/yth/JessicasLaw.htm
Source: www.wnccumc.org – Western North Carolina Conference – The United Methodist Church
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REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY E-NEWS-WNCC! The district office will not necessarily repeat what it includes.
CALENDAR – 2009
May 11-12 May 14 (Thurs) May 15 (Fri) May 16 (Sat) Cabinet Meeting in Gastonia District Board of Trustees, 4 pm, District Office 1st Session of Advanced Lay Speaking Class, East Asheville UMC, 6-9 pm 2nd Session Advanced Lay Speaking Class, East Asheville UMC, 6-9 pm
May 17 (Sun)
Asheville District Pre-Conference Briefing Session/Laity Service Award Recognition - Covenant Community UMC, 2 pm
May 23 (Sat) May 24 (Sun) May 25 (Mon) June 10 (Wed) June 10 (Wed) June 11-13 June 11-14 June 19-20 June 20-21 June 30 (Tues) July 3 (Fri) July 5-6-7 July 16-19 Oct. 25 (Sun)
DISCIPLE Bible Study Training Event - Wilkesboro 3rd Session Advanced Lay Speaking Class, East Asheville UMC, 2-5 pm Memorial Day – District Office Closed Cabinet Meeting at Lake Junaluska Annual Day Apart, Central UMC, Clyde Annual Conference Art Show to Emphasize Conference Vision Western North Carolina Annual Conference, Lake Junaluska UMW Spiritual Growth Retreats, Lake Junaluska: “Encounters with Jesus.” Moving Day District Office Closed Ministry Summit 2009: Faith and Everyday Leadership, Lake Junaluska UMW School of Christian Mission, Greensboro College: “Together at the Table” Fall Fling – Camp Tekoa
Sunday, October 25 ~ Fall Fling ~ Camp Tekoa
Mark Your Calendar!
ASHEVILLE DISTRICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Saturday, January 9, 2010
(Snow date: January 23)
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