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Detroit Conference Connection - April 4, 2012
Detroit Conference Connection - April 4, 2012
CONFERENCE NEWS
For the latest news from the Detroit Conference, please visit www.detroitconference.org/news.
Voting items for 2012 annual conference session now online
The voting items for the 2012 annual conference session, including the resolutions to be considered by the conference, are now available at www.detroitconference.org/annualconference. As a reminder, voting items are not mailed to conference members. Each conference member is responsible for downloading and/or printing their own materials, or seeking assistance from their local church to access the materials.
Keaton announces retirement of Crossroads DS
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair, who has served as the superintendent of the Crossroads District since July 1, 2009, has retired effective immediately according to a statement released on Monday (April 2, 2012) from Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton. FULL STORY
DS Speaks: A day in the life
The Rev. Laurie Haller, superintendent of the Grand Rapids District in the West Michigan Conference, writes about a day in the life of a district superintendent in the latest installment of the DS Speaks blog. READ BLOG
Charlton becomes UMM's 150th scouting ministry specialist
Robert Charlton of the Detroit Conference became the 150th scouting ministry specialist certified by the General Commission on United Methodist Men. READ STORY
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012
The 2012 session of the Detroit Annual Conference will take place on Thursday-Sunday, May 17-20, 2012, on the campus of Adrian College in Adrian, Mich. This section of the Detroit Conference Connection features news and information regarding the annual conference session. You can visit www.detroitconference.org/annualconference for the most updated information.
Annual Conference session registration now open
Registration for the 2012 session of the Detroit Annual Conference, is now open through the conference website at www.detroitconference.org. The conference will take place Thursday-Sunday, May 17-20, on the campus of Adrian College in Adrian, Mich. All clergy and lay members, guests, and visitors to the conference session are asked to register online using the link provided at www.detroitconference.org/annualconference. The online system allows persons to pay by credit card, or by check. In addition, the system will allows group registrations for those registering more than one individual. The registration deadline is Friday, April 20. Those registering after the deadline will be subject to a $40 late fee. Before filling out your registration, please consult the following links regarding on-campus housing and meals, as well as the daily schedule. Please note: on-campus single-occupancy housing in Pellowe Hall is sold out. There is still plenty of room in the campus' double-occupancy rooms.
Annual Conference Worship Committee seeks mission trip photos
The Worship Committee for the 2012 Annual Conference session would like to request individuals and churches to send us digital pictures that you may have from Mission Trips around the world. In particular, it is desired to have pictures that show the faces of people around the world and the interactions of our folks with these people. If you have some pictures that you could send and include in image collages that we will be creating, please send the pictures to Brian Kelley at bkelley@umc-sc.org by the beginning of April.
Denman Award nominations sought for pastors, laity, and youth
The conference Board of Discipleship is seeking nominations for the Harry Denman Award Evangelism Award for clergy, laity, and youth. Those eligible for these prestigious awards are persons who are effective in helping others to experience the transforming love of God through Jesus Christ. To download nomination forms, please visit http://foundationforevangelism.org/recognition/harry-denman-evangelism-award/. Please send nominations forms to the Rev. Kevin Harbin at kharbin@umc-sc.org.
Health Screenings to take place at 2012 annual conference session
As part of its wellness initiatives, the conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits will offer a health screening during the 2012 annual conference session. The screening will be conducted by Personal Health Partners (formerly ProCheck for Health). PHP provides health screening opportunities for a number of annual conferences. FULL STORY
Volunteers for conference choir, brass choir, and ushers being sought
The annual conference session worship committee is inviting any interested persons to participate in the choir, brass choir, or serve as an usher during worship services. DOWNLOAD THIS FORM and submit it by April 10 if you are interested in serving in any of these areas.
Clergy choir being formed for Service of Ordination and Commissioning
A new choir made up of active and retired clergy (including deacons, elders, and local pastors) is being formed for the Service of Ordination and Commissioning, which will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. Clergy interested in singing with the choir as asked to bring their robes and a red stole to wear during the service. The Rev. David Gladstone will be directing the choir.
Special collections to take place to benefit Haiti, Liberia, children at conference session
Click here to view all of the special collection opportunities that will occur during the 2012 annual conference session. Offerings will go to Haiti, Liberia, and more.
Requests for speaking at conference session due by April 10
Formal speaking time at this year’s annual meeting of the Detroit Annual Conference again will be very limited as the Program Committee is working diligently to provide meaningful and effective programming for the Conference. Committees, task forces, groups and other ministries are asked to submit historical reports to be included in the annual journal that record their work from the previous year. Additionally, some presentations are required by the Discipline and others are critical to the mission and ministry of the Annual Conference. Please contact Diane Brown, Chair Committee on Reference and Daily Procedure, at dianebr@umich.edu by April 10 to request consideration of an allocation of time during a plenary session. Please include some detail about what you wish to present, how long you anticipate you will need, what additional media will be employed besides the spoken voice as well as an explanation of your compelling need to present on stage.
TIDBITS AND OTHER INFORMATION YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW …
Creative Toolbox Blog
Kathy Smith, a member of the conference Board of Christian Education, writes about Sunday School and tween events in the latest Creative Toolbox Ideas blog. READ BLOG
Adrian College pre-seminary program
Adrian College offers a pre-seminary program for students interested in ministry. The program is designed to prepare individuals for accredited seminary or graduate programs and has an excellent record of placing people in the program of their choice. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Amy-Jill Levine Speaks at Albion College - April 12
Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament at Vanderbilt Divinity School, will speak on "Jesus and Judaism" at Albion College on Thursday, April 12, 7:00 p.m., in the Norris Center Towsley Hall. The public is welcome. More information can be found at http://www.albion.edu/news/archives/2011-12-archives/event-releases/1639-jesus-and-judaism-provide-topic-for-yinger-lecture
From UMCOR: World Malaria Day resources
World Malaria Day is April 25. Use this new church bulletin insert to bring awareness to this day and what United Methodists are doing to combat this preventable but often deadly illness.
Individual UMVIM opportunities
Do you want to spend more time on a mission team than the usual 1-2 weeks, but don’t think you are quite ready to become a full-time United Methodist missionary? We have just the deal for you and those like you! The United Methodist Church, in partnership with churches and institutions in the U.S.A. and other countries, has identified opportunities for individual volunteers, either single or as married couples. Click here to visit the UMVIM site. The program is via application, so get yours in soon for summer/fall “volunteering”! The next individual volunteer training session in the North Central Jurisdiction is slated for Storm Mountain UMC Camp in Black Hills, S.D., on May 8-12, 2012.
Changing worship practices in the USA
The General Board of Discipleship passed along this independent report on changing worship practices in the USA. Here is a link to the full report.
Free book: Your Ministry of Singing in the Church Choir
Roger Deschner’s classic book, Your Ministry of Singing in the Church Choir, is now available as a free download on the GBOD worship website. A separate Discussion Guide prepared by Dean McIntyre is also available.
Roger Deschner, minister, teacher, author, musician, academic administrator, mentor, and friend to countless choir members, students, and workshop participants, draws deeply from his own well of experience as music minister in Your Ministry of Singing in the Church Choir. He discusses the biblical foundation of worship and music as well as practical aspects of singing in the church choir. He shows that singing in the choir is an opportunity for real ministry to the congregation, as well as nurture and spiritual growth for the singer. He draws from early Wesleyan hymnbooks for fresh insights into congregational and choral singing.
This is a book every choir member and director should have and read. The Discussion Guide will help you use it in a class or retreat setting.
Free webinar on online giving from GBOD
How Online Giving Can Raise Your Church's Income - April 12, 6:30pm CDT
Online giving through electronic funds transfer (EFT) is not the offering of future, it is already here! Churches that have offered this to their people are seeing more income through the consistency of EFT, while their donors are appreciating the convenience!
A complete list of GBOD Webinars for local church leaders (and archives of Webinars you might have missed) can be found at www.gbod.org/committee_resources
Golden Cross Sunday is May 6
Golden Cross Sunday provides an offering opportunity to support special needs camperships, children who have been abused or neglected, and seniors who have outlived their savings. The organizations represented are United Methodist Outdoor & Retreat Ministries, Methodist Children’s Home Society, and United Methodist Retirement Communities. Click here for more information and to obtain offering resources.
GENERAL CONFERENCE 2012
The 2012 session of General Conference will take place from April 24-May 4, 2012, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. To keep updated on all the news and information regarding General Conference, visit gc2012.umc.org.
Detroit Conference delegation
The Detroit Conference will be represented by eight delegates - four clergy and four laypersons. The clergy delegates are: The Rev. Joy Barrett, the Rev. Melanie Carey, the Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, and the Rev. Ed Rowe. The lay delegates are: Jackie Euper, Angela Hart, Wayne Bank, and Paul Thomas. The elected alternates are as follows: Clergy - Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker, Rev. Dr. James Tuttle; Laity - Linda Schramm, Diane Brown.
APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton has announced the following appointments for the Detroit Conference:
- Andrew Allie to Crossroads District Superintendent, effective April 1, 2012. He was previously retired.
- David Amstutz to Gladwin UMC (Saginaw Bay District), effective July 1, 2012. He is presently serving Riverview UMC (Detroit Renaissance District).
- Eugene Blair to retirement, effective April 1, 2012. He was previously serving as the Crossroads District Superintendent.
- Robert Dister to Clayton and Rollin Center UMCs (Ann Arbor District), effective July 1, 2012. This is his first appointment.
- Mark Ryan to Harbor Beach and Port Hope UMCs (Blue Water District), effective July 1, 2012. He is presently serving Republic and Woodland UMCs (Marquette District).
- David Snyder to Sebewaing: Trinity UMC (Blue Water District), effective July 1, 2012. He is presently serving Gladwin UMC (Saginaw Bay District).
- Carol Walborn to retirement, effective July 1, 2012. She is presently on incapacity leave.
To view appointment updates, please visit www.detroitconference.org/appointments.
DEATH NOTICES
The following death notices were received by the Conference Office this week. To view all of the death notices, please visit www.detroitconference.org/obituaries.
- Mr. Douglas Brooks, father of Rev. Pamela L. Buchholz [Detroit Annual Conference Clergy], died on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Read notice
UPCOMING EVENTS
To view the conference calendar and submit events, please visit www.detroitconference.org/events. For events happening in local churches across the conference, please visit http://www.detroitconference.org/events/index?mode=church. Local churches may submit events through the Church Dashboard at www.detroitconference.org/churchdashboard.
April 6 - Good Friday (Conference office closed)
April 21 - Crossroads District Bishop's Day - Genesse Valley Center
April 21 - VIM Festival Of Opportunities - West Branch UMC
April 22 - Native American Ministries Sunday
April 24-May 4 - 2012 General Conference session - Tampa, Fla.
April 25 - World Malaria Day
April 28 - New Beginnings for Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee members - Frankenmuth UMC
May 3- New Beginnings for Pastors, Administrative Assistants/Secretaries, and Program Staff - Frankenmuth UMC
May 4-6 - 2012 Rx Consultation - Highland UMC
May 6 - Golden Cross Sunday
May 17-20 - 2012 Annual Conference session - Adrian, Mich.
May 28- Memorial Day (Conference office closed)
CONNECTIONAL NEWS
Native American Ministries Sunday is April 22
Native American Ministries Sunday is just weeks away. Be sure to order your free offering resources for this April 22 offering now. It supports scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology and ministries that reach out to Native Americans.
Your gifts to Native American Ministries Sunday help Native American students get the education they need to pursue God’s call in their lives.
If you cannot celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on April 22, receive the offering on any other day of the year.
Give online anytime
You can give online to Native American Ministries Sunday at any time. Give Now.
Dreaming of Vital Congregations
Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in at church? If so, how will our young people grow to be strong leaders in a church that often excludes them?
Watch, "A New Generation of Church Leaders: Training & Nurturing Young People," and then have a discussion in your church about what it means to truly include young people.
This fourth film in the five-part series, Dreaming of Vital Congregations, produced by the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), is also available to download and a free study guide at: GBOD.org/Dreaming.
All of us want to be a part of a church that's vital and vibrant. We dream of a church that touches our soul and sends us into the world to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” It's in that spirit this five-part film series was produced.
Be a part of the growing number of church lay and clergy members to watch and comment on this thought-provoking series, and watch for future releases.
For more info, go to: www.GBOD.org/Dreaming. Click here to be notified when coming films are released. You can download the videos. Click here to access file format options.
United Methodist News Service stories
Click here to view the latest stories from the United Methodist News service.
CLASSIFIEDS/JOB OPPORTUNITIES
To view and submit classifieds, please visit www.detroitconference.org/classifieds. Local churches may enter a classified through the Church Dashboard at www.detroitconference.org/churchdashboard.
Click here to view the job opportunities.
VOLUNTEER-IN-MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Visit www.detroitconference.org/volunteeropportunities to view and submit mission trips originating from the churches of the Detroit Conference. All local churches taking VIM trips are encouraged to enter their trips on the conference website.
About the Detroit Conference Connection
The Detroit Conference Connection is the weekly e-newsletter of the Detroit Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Subscribe to the Detroit Conference Connection. Every local church is encouraged to have their leaders subscribe to the Connection so that they can receive the latest news from the conference and general church. To subscribe to the Connection, please visit www.detroitconference.org/site/stayconnected. To submit news items for the Detroit Conference Connection, please send stories to Paul Thomas, Director of Communications.
Detroit Conference Social Media Links
Detroit Conference on facebook: www.facebook.com/detroitconference
Detroit Conference on Twitter: www.twitter.com/umcdetroitconf