Friday, July 23, 2010 

Wesleyan Leadership Conference Aims to Spark Revival of Church Heritage, October 14-16, 2010, West End United Methodist Church

By Tim Ghianni*


NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 22, 2010/GBOD/ -- Steve Manskar says the United Methodist Church can experience revival by rediscovering its heritage.

“In the 19th Century, the Methodist Church decided to go ‘mainline’ in order to become ‘respectable.’ During this period congregations began to jettison some of the characteristics that set them apart as Methodists,” says Manskar, Director of Wesleyan Leadership for the General Board of Discipleship.

Manskar says such practices as the focus on lay pastoral leadership and class meetings were pretty much “de-emphasized in order to attract people to the church.”

“It worked, because from the middle of the 19th Century into the early 20th Century, the Methodist Church was the largest, most influential protestant denomination in the United States.”

The problem was that “it became Methodist in name only. The denomination transformed itself from a missional movement to an attractional church,” says Manskar, who is hosting a Wesleyan Leadership Conference Oct. 14-16 in Nashville to help reclaim some of the Wesleyan missional distinctives The United Methodist Church will need as it seeks to reach a post-Christian, post-modern world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Scott Kisker, whose book, Mainline or Methodist? Rediscovering our Evangelistic Mission is the foundation for the conference, will be helping lead the discussion.

Kisker, professor of church history at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., says he hopes the conference will be a step in “rediscovering the identity … what it means to be a Methodist in a way that can reinvigorate our ministry in ways that are biblically more faithful and evangelistically more fruitful and that we would know Jesus better.”
“I think the problem is that we stopped growing, as far as percentage of the population sometime after the Civil War. …. As the middle-class grew, Methodism watered down its message.”

Kisker is advocating a return to the “spiritual vitality” sparked by class meetings, field preaching and band meetings.

Class meetings brought lay people together once a week “to inquire after one another’s souls … with the expectation of helping each other to grow spiritually,” he notes. Field preaching “was a way in which people who would not darken the door of the church would be engaged with the gospel.”

And then there were the band meetings, “which were groups which met to confess their sins to each other so that they might be healed of whatever brokenness was in them and become more holy, not through polishing the image on the outside but becoming more deeply aware of the grace of God working on the inside and our own need for grace, quite frankly.”

“The people we want to participate in the conversation are leaders at all levels of the church, lay and clergy, particularly lay people,” says Manskar. “We want conference, district and congregational lay leaders, lay speakers, certified lay ministers, licensed local pastors and, of course, ordained elders and deacons.”

The schedule calls for Kisker’s keynote address on the first day, with that followed by praise, prayer and group discussions led by the author and the Rev. Vance Ross, Deputy General Secretary of the GBOD.

The second day will begin with a presentation by Taylor Burton-Edwards, GBOD Director of Worship Resources, who will discuss what a 21st Century Methodist revival could look and act like. That afternoon will be turned over to Manskar and GBOD Director of Connectional Laity Development Sandy Jackson, who will conduct a workshop on Covenant Discipleship groups; small groups based on the early class meeting.

Kisker will preach at Saturday morning’s closing Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service.

Manskar says he hopes this conference will mark the beginning of “a Wesleyan Leadership Network, a group of leaders who are grounded in the Wesleyan Methodist tradition of missional leadership.”

He says this first in what he hopes will be an annual event is filling a need. “The Council of Bishops and other denominational leaders have been saying for the last few years that we need to become more Wesleyan,” he says.

“It’s the laity from which this is going to happen and emerge. That’s the way it happened in early Methodism. They were the ones who were responsible for forming people as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Registration information:
The Wesleyan Leadership Conference will be Oct. 14-16 at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville.

For more details and to register go to www.gbod.org/wesleyanleadership.
Cost is $95.
Contact: Steve Manskar
Director of Wesleyan Leadership
877-899-2780, ext. 1765
smanskar@gbod.org

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 

Special Screening of the inspiring film “Lost in Woonsocket,” a film that highlights addiction and recovery, Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel, July 29, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

A screening and discussion on the hour-long film seeks to encourage local churches to become engaged in drug and alcohol ministries

NASHVILLE –The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) will host an evening screening and Q &A of Lost in Woonsocket, an inspiring film on addiction and recovery on July 29, during the School of Congregational Development conference in Nashville. The screening is open to the public and will be held at Nashville’s downtown Renaissance Hotel from 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Lost in Woonsocket takes viewers on a poignant journey into the lives of two homeless alcoholics, Mark and Normand, who struggle to survive in a backwoods tent in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. After being discovered by a film crew of random philanthropists, the two men are given a chance at recovery, a chance at reconnection, and a second chance at life. The resulting film is a testament to our power as individuals to make a difference in the lives of one another.

The critically-acclaimed film provides a rare glimpse into the internal and external struggles that often serve as obstacles on the road to recovery. Fear and faith, hope and despair, Lost in Woonsocket highlights the emotional contradictions that accompany attempts at personal reformation.

“We captured a story that inspires hope,” said Director John Chester. “Hope for the addict and for their family and friends who quietly suffer alongside them.”

Following the screening, viewers will engage in a spirited discussion on addiction and recovery and the role of churches in providing a compassionate response to addiction and its adverse effects on individuals, families and communities. Normand Cartier, who was featured in the film, will be at the screening to share his personal journey and answer questions.

“This film is an excellent teaching tool for churches wishing to challenge their understanding of Justice Ministries, Homelessness, and Addiction to Recovery,” said Bishop Peter Weaver, bishop of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Viewers will receive a bible study resource on the film and will gain insight into how to start drug and alcohol ministries in their local congregations through the training programs, events, resources and advocacy offered by SPSARV. SPSARV is hosting the screening in partnership with film California-based nonprofit Lost and Found in America (LAFIA).

“We hope that viewing Lost in Woonsocket will inspire congregations to start their own addiction and recovery ministries,” said Rev. Cynthia Sloan, SPSARV program associate. “The Church continues to a supportive place of healing and hope for individuals and their families who struggle with addictions.”

The film’s tour will kick off on Sept. 1 during National Recovery Month and will stop in over 30 locations across the US in an effort to garner social awareness of addiction and hope for those seeking recovery.

_______________________

The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) equips United Methodists and partners to be informed and compassionate responders to alcohol, other drugs and related violence worldwide. Visit http://www.umspsarv.org/. Lost and Found in America is a nonprofit organization which promotes stories with a positive humanitarian message as powerful tools to inspire individuals to create a better life for themselves and a better world for all of us. Visit http://www.lafia.org/.

 

Special Screening of the inspiring film “Lost in Woonsocket,” a film that highlights addiction and recovery, Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel, July 29, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

A screening and discussion on the hour-long film seeks to encourage local churches to become engaged in drug and alcohol ministries


NASHVILLE –The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) will host an evening screening and Q &A of Lost in Woonsocket, an inspiring film on addiction and recovery on July 29, during the School of Congregational Development conference in Nashville. The screening is open to the public and will be held at Nashville’s downtown Renaissance Hotel from 8:00-10:00 pm.

Lost in Woonsocket takes viewers on a poignant journey into the lives of two homeless alcoholics, Mark and Normand, who struggle to survive in a backwoods tent in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. After being discovered by a film crew of random philanthropists, the two men are given a chance at recovery, a chance at reconnection, and a second chance at life. The resulting film is a testament to our power as individuals to make a difference in the lives of one another.

The critically-acclaimed film provides a rare glimpse into the internal and external struggles that often serve as obstacles on the road to recovery. Fear and faith, hope and despair, Lost in Woonsocket highlights the emotional contradictions that accompany attempts at personal reformation.

“We captured a story that inspires hope,” said Director John Chester. “Hope for the addict and for their family and friends who quietly suffer alongside them.”

Following the screening, viewers will engage in a spirited discussion on addiction and recovery and the role of churches in providing a compassionate response to addiction and its adverse effects on individuals, families and communities. Normand Cartier, who was featured in the film, will be at the screening to share his personal journey and answer questions.

“This film is an excellent teaching tool for churches wishing to challenge their understanding of Justice Ministries, Homelessness, and Addiction to Recovery,” said Bishop Peter Weaver, bishop of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Viewers will receive a bible study resource on the film and will gain insight into how to start drug and alcohol ministries in their local congregations through the training programs, events, resources and advocacy offered by SPSARV. SPSARV is hosting the screening in partnership with film California-based nonprofit Lost and Found in America (LAFIA).

“We hope that viewing Lost in Woonsocket will inspire congregations to start their own addiction and recovery ministries,” said Rev. Cynthia Sloan, SPSARV program associate. “The Church continues to a supportive place of healing and hope for individuals and their families who struggle with addictions.”

The film’s tour will kick off on Sept. 1 during National Recovery Month and will stop in over 30 locations across the US in an effort to garner social awareness of addiction and hope for those seeking recovery.


The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) equips United Methodists and partners to be informed and compassionate responders to alcohol, other drugs and related violence worldwide. Visit http://www.umspsarv.org/. Lost and Found in America is a nonprofit organization which promotes stories with a positive humanitarian message as powerful tools to inspire individuals to create a better life for themselves and a better world for all of us. Visit http://www.lafia.org/.

Thursday, June 17, 2010 

Alive Hospice will host faith leaders’ conference on spiritual support at the end of life, August 6, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Register by July 6 for this free Aug. 6 interfaith conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It’s something every faith leader has faced or will face: being called upon for spiritual support at a time of death or dying. It can be difficult (even for faith leaders) to know how to support families during such a difficult time, but Alive Hospice can help.
Alive Hospice will host a free conference for faith leaders on Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the nonprofit agency’s administrative offices, located at 1718 Patterson St. (near downtown Nashville). Participants may register until July 6 by calling 615-963-4831. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
This conference is designed to help leaders of any faith who have little or great experience with caring for the dying and their loved ones. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Alive Hospice’s interfaith chaplains will offer insights and tools that can help turn a difficult visit with a dying patient into a very meaningful experience for all involved.
Topics that will be covered at the Aug.6 conference include:
·      Understanding the terminally ill patient
·      What to expect with a patient in hospice care
·      The importance of advance care planning
·      Compassion fatigue
·      Dying: A congregational response
·      Grief support services and volunteer opportunities

Research shows that spiritual care visits can be difficult, but greatly needed

A 2008 Duke University study showed that, although 94 percent of spiritual leaders reported that they’ve visited people facing the end of life, only 61.3 percent described themselves as “very comfortable” making these visits.
Nevertheless, research shows how important spiritual support is for many patients at the end of life. In one 2009 study, nearly 80 percent of patients with advanced cancer said that faith helped them cope with their illnesses, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. In the same study, nearly one-third (31.6 percent) of patients said that faith was the most important thing that kept them going. 

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Additionally, patients who receive spiritual support at the end of life tend to have better quality of life, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Spiritual support for terminally ill patients and their families is an important part of Alive Hospice’s care. Each day, the nonprofit agency’s interfaith chaplains help patients and their loved ones find comfort in their own faith traditions. Alive Hospice’s founders believed that spiritual care is a crucial element in providing care for patients who are nearing the end of life. In fact, the group that worked to establish Alive Hospice had representation from the Middle Tennessee faith community. In keeping with their vision, spiritual support remains an essential part of Alive Hospice’s care.
Founded in 1975, Alive Hospice was one of the nation’s earliest hospice programs. Today, it provides compassionate end-of-life care and grief support services in 12 Middle Tennessee counties. For more information, call 615-327-1085 or visit www.alivehospice.org.

Thursday, December 03, 2009 

TN Conference of UMC Announces At-Risk Children and Families Grant Funds

Dec. 4, 2009 – Patty Smith, Director of Children and Family Ministries for the TN Conference, today announced that the At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant Review Team invites proposals for faith-based ministry programs that directly engage children from birth up to and including age 12 from various ethnicities and demographics who are at-risk in Tennessee. A total of $25,000 will be awarded.
At-risk children are defined as children in one or more of the following circumstances: living at or below poverty level, from single-parent households, temporarily homeless, abused or neglected, having documented special needs, orphaned, or displaced suddenly by unforeseen, sudden situations (tornadoes, hurricanes, fire).

Grants will support programming or projects tailored to at-risk children and families targeted by local churches and other faith-based United Methodist initiatives.

The programs/projects should:

Help children at-risk know, love and follow Jesus.

Provide faith-based and Scriptural solutions to conditions/circumstances that place these children at-risk.

Contain intentional strategies to minister to and equip children and families who are at-risk with the necessary tools to be successful.

At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant Review Team encourages programs/projects that:

+Focus on intentional outreach and evangelism with specific follow up and plans for integration into the life of the local church. Programs/projects should reach a specific at-risk community that exists within close proximity to the local church.

+Make faith development central to the program/project. Competitive proposals will have a team of leaders and volunteers whose expertise and passion is tailored to the particular needs of the project and the curriculum and/or design of program is Scripturally-based. The lead pastor of the applicant’s church should play an active role in shaping the project’s goals, implementation, and outcomes.

+Collaborate with other churches to extend the reach of the project. Applicants are encouraged to capitalize on the connectional structure of the United Methodist Church and work with other churches to design and implement a multi-site or multi-church program or project as a means of increasing project resources (human and financial) to reach more at-risk children and families.

At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant Review Team will conduct two Grant Writing Seminars to help potential applicants compose grants for submission. These workshops will be held at the Conference Office located at 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive 37211 on Tuesday, Jan 19, 2010 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Interested At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant applicants are encouraged to attend these sessions. Please contact Mary T Newman at mtnewman@tnumc.org or 1.800.403.5795 to confirm your attendance.

Important Dates for the At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant

Grant Available Online at tnumc.org: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009

Grant Writing Seminars: Tuesday, Jan 19, 2010 and Saturday, February 6, 2010.

Grant Submission Deadline: Friday, March 5, 2010

Grants Awarded: Thursday, April 15, 2010

For additional information on the At-Risk Children and Families Fund Grant, contact Patty Smith at psmith@tnumc.org or 1.800.403.5795.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 

Bethpage United Methodist Church, Cumberland District, seeking part-time Youth Minister

Bethpage United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) Youth Minister to lead and coordinate our church’s ministry with youth (6th through 12th grade). Please send resumes to johnhillbumc@gmx.com or PO Box 100; Bethpage, TN 37022.

Bethpage UMC is a vibrant church seeking to be a place of love and welcome with an active youth ministry located about 10 minutes outside Gallatin.

For a complete job description and requirements, visit http://bethpageumc.wordpress.com/youth-minister-search.

Thursday, October 29, 2009 

The Good News is Green! Starting a Green Team in your church, Belmont Unied Methodist Church, November 14, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good.”--- Genesis 1:31

You have heard the suggestions for changing your old light bulbs to the new curly energy-savers, and you may have done so by now. You may have even caulked some windows and added some insulation - all great money and energy saving ideas!

But have you changed your life or lifestyle to help care for God’s creation? Do you have a sustainable faith that is practiced in a sustainable community that honors everything God has made so that it is, indeed, very good? How can your congregation connect spiritual health and creation care that results in action?

On Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Belmont United Methodist Church, youth and adult leaders and pastors from Nashville District congregations will gather to share information with you about how to start a Green Team at your church. In addition we will:
Explore the characteristics of a personal sustainable faith that leads to a transformation in spiritual values from “belongings” to “belonging.”
Share ideas on how your congregation can lower its energy usage and save money for other programs and lead your community towards a greener future.
Learn how to measure your carbon footprint to empower the Biblical mandate that “the truth shall set you free.”

Jim Deming, a local pastor and experienced leader in environmental stewardship, will lead the discussions on connecting faith and values with creation care. He will share how this growing movement within faith communities is changing lives and changing the possibilities for a greener future. Jim will also connect participants with a wealth of resources to get started or to continue down the path of taking responsibility for tending God’s good green earth.

The Green Team at Belmont UMC will add its practical voice on how they have engaged individuals and over 100 families in their congregation on becoming advocates for sustainability. They will lead us step by step through the phases of education, resistance, organization, excitement, building momentum, and action. They will tell us about working with families to learn their carbon footprints, conducting a church energy audit, and saving financial resources with affordable changes.

Finally, Tayst restaurant, Nashville’s only green certified restaurant will be serving lunch. You can access more information about Tayst at http://www.taystrestaurant.com/ . We’ll share ideas and gather our enthusiasm for the next steps. We’ll sit together and talk with folks from congregations who are geographically near and want to work together after the meeting to promote and reinforce creation care for each other and our larger community.

So come prepared to learn how to act on your love of God’s creation in practical and spiritually sustainable ways. Come prepared to be inspired and join the growing movement among people of faith to take care of the earth for the next generations. Come prepared to learn that The Good News Is Green!

For reservations to this event, please reply to ltaylor@tnumc.org or call the Nashville District office at 615-327-3582.

Friday, October 23, 2009 

Christmas at Beersheba—A GREAT Advent Outing for You and Your Friends

Come Join the Tennessee Conference Committee on Adults/Older Adults for Special Christmas Music, a Wonderful Holiday Lunch (Price $15.00), and an Old Fashioned Carol Sing.

Tuesday, December 1; Thursday, December 3, and Friday, December 4, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day
Registration Deadline is November 25, 2009

Tuesday, December 8; Thursday, December 10; and Friday, December 11, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day
Registration Deadline is December 4, 2009

Please call (615) 329-1177 or 1-800-403-5795 for additional information

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To register fill out the following form and send it to Christmas Lunch at Beersheba, 304 S. Perimter Park Drive, Nashville, TN  37211

Name________________________________ Telephone_____________


Address_______________________________________

City,State,Zip_____________________

Email___________________________

Number Attending__________

I Plan to Attend: (Please Circle One)

Tuesday, Dec 1 -- Thursday, Dec. 3 -- Friday, Dec. 4

Tuesday, Dec. 8 -- Thursday, Dec. 10 -- Friday, Dec. 11

$15.00 per person. Make checks payable to TN Conference, UMC