Learn how Benton First UMC encourages and uses 'God stories'

Benton First UMC in Benton, KY is featured in the May 17 issue (#128) of the Romans 12 Newsletter, an electronic publication of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. The newsletter communicates effective principles and practices demonstrated by congregations that are actively making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. “Telling God Stories” explains how Benton First UMC has increased personal faith sharing and how that...

Offerings for 'The Jerusalem Fund' will be received during two events at 2012 Memphis Annual Conference

By Dr. David Comperry, Senior Minister, Emmanuel UMC, Memphis   Offerings for The Jerusalem Fund will be received during two events at the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference in Jackson, TN in June.   The Jerusalem Fund is a confidential ministry of the Memphis Annual Conference which provides assistance to Memphis Conference clergy faced with short-term financial hardship.    The Fund is administered out of the Bishop’s Office. District Superintendents receive...

Offering at opening worship for 2012 Annual Conference benefits 'Central Conference Pension Initiative'

The Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) will be the recipient of a special offering during opening worship of the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference in downtown Jackson, TN. Opening worship takes place Sunday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Click HERE to learn more about CCPI and the offering....

Begin or renew subscription to United Methodist Reporter

The United Methodist Reporter is a weekly resource for religion news available to anyone in the Memphis Conference. The United Methodist Reporter is produced by UMR Communiations of Dallas, TX. While anyone may start a subscription at any time of the year, now is the time many in the Memphis Conference who have subscriptions might need to address renewing their subscriptions. Subscriptions are available for individuals, businesses and churches. Bundle subscriptions (multiple copies mailed to...

'Connecting Neighbors' is one-day, disaster-readiness program for local churches

“Connecting Neighbors” is a one-day, disaster-readiness program for local churches from United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The leadership training program is designed to equip volunteer trainers with the information and tools they need to help guide the church as it prepares to respond to disaster in the community. Individuals and churches are invited to use this flyer to learn more and promote this important UMCOR program.   UMCOR provides emergency...

United Methodist Women (UMW) is made autonomous organization within the United Methodist Church

United Methodist Women (UMW) has been made an autonomous organization within the United Methodist Church.   The change came by a delegate vote of 889 to 20 on May 1 during the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Tampa, FL.   The historic vote separates the national policymaking body of women organized for mission within the denomination from the church’s mission agency for the first time in more than 70 years, according to Yvette Moore, editor of...

Delegates to 2012 General Conference share thoughts, impressions of time in Tampa

Memphis Conference delegates returned from the 2012 meeting of the United Methodist General Conference with an array of thoughts and impressions.   Meeting April 24 to May 4 in Tampa, FL, General Conference is the top legislative body of the United Methodist Church. It meets once every four years to work through legislation submitted by individual members, groups and organizations of the UMC to revise portions of The Book of Discipline and The Book of Resolutions.   General...

DEADLINES: Be aware and share info with others!

May 20: Deadline to register for evening childcare services (June 3, 4, 5) during the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference in Jackson, TN. | MORE   May 21: Deadline to purchase tickets for Laity Banquet on Sunday, June 3, during 2012 Memphis Annual Conference in Jackson, TN. | MORE   May 25: Deadline to make reservation for Clergy Spouse Luncheon on Tuesday, June 5, during Memphis Annual Conference in Jackson, TN. | MORE   May 28: Deadline to make...

BeADisciple.com announces new educational opportunities

BeADisciple.com has recently announced new educational opportunities. BeADisciple.com is a program of the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, a United Methodist institution in Winfield, KS.   The Institute for Discipleship is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that nurture and enrich Christian leaders, lay and clergy, for effective living and ministry.   New educational opportunities:   ·       Return of...

Churches invited to host 'Memphis Theological Seminary Sunday'

Memphis Conference churches are invited and encouraged to host a Memphis Theological Seminary Sunday on a date of their choosing.   Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) is the local and regional seminary approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church to prepare United Methodist students for ordination. Consider using two bulletin inserts: one for the week before Seminary Sunday and one for Seminary Sunday.   MTS will personalize either bulletin for any church...

Two-year 'Academy for Spiritual Formation' begins July 31

Since 1983, Upper Room Ministries has offered The Academy for Spiritual Formation® as an in-depth experience in Christian spiritual formation for clergy and laity.    A  two-year Academy (#34) begins July 31 at Sumatanga Camp & Conference Center in Gallant, AL.   The Academy is an intense two-year program which brings participants together for 40 days (5 days each quarter) for worship, silence, covenant groups and study. Sixteen courses form the...

UMNC food pantries, thrift store and utility assistance program are opportunities for giving and service

United Methodist Neighborhood Centers (UMNC) of Memphis continues to offer ways United Methodist churches in the Memphis Conference may participate in ministry. UMNC's food pantries, thrift store and utilities assistance program are some of many opportunities for giving and service, according to Rev. Brent Porterfield, UMNC Executive Director.   Food Pantry   UMNC’s newest food pantry is located at Warren UMC at 1606 Kansas in Memphis and serves zip code...

'Reverse offering' planned for Tuesday evening service at Annual Conference

A reverse offering is planned for the Tuesday evening service at the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference, according to Dr. John R. Bonson, Director of Connectional Ministries. Annual Conference takes place June 3-6 in Jackson, TN. A reverse offering emphasizes using one's gifts. For Annual Conference, a donor has provided funds for one church in each of the Memphis Conference’s seven districts to be "in ministry," explained Bonson. The churches will report on their use...

Morning prayer walks and devotionals planned during 2012 Memphis Annual Conference

Three Jackson-area churches -- Lambuth Memorial UMC, Northside UMC and Malesus UMC -- will lead morning prayer walks during the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference.   The Memphis Annual Conference takes place June 3-6 in downtown Jackson, TN.   Delegates, visitors and guests to Annual Conference are invited to participate in the prayer walks, as well as morning devotionals, according to Dr. John R. Bonson, Director of Connectional Ministries.   On Monday, Tuesday and...

Workshops on 15 topics will be offered during 2012 Memphis Annual Conference

Workshops on 15 topics will be offering during the 2012 Memphis Annual Conference in Jackson, TN, according to Dr. John R. Bonson, Director of Connectional Ministries.   Clergy and laity -- delegates and visitors -- are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Continuing education credit is available for clergy.   The workshops will run concurrently on Tuesday, June 5, starting at 4 p.m. Some of the workshops will be located at the Carl Perkins Civic Center and some at Jackson First...

Memphis Conference mediation training is featured in May-June issue of Interpreter magazine

Memphis Conference mediation training is featured in the May-June issue of Interpreter magazine, the official ministry magazine of The United Methodist Church. Linda Warren Seely, peace and justice advocate for the Memphis Conference, created the training with a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society.   The article appears on Page 27 of the print edition of the magazine. It is an adaptation of a previously-published Memphis...

2012 General Conference Wrap-up

United Methodists from five continents addressed a wide range of challenging issues, including church structure and human sexuality, and engaged in an Act of Repentance toward indigenous people during their 10-day legislative gathering. Meeting in the Tampa Convention Center, steps away from the waters of Tampa Bay, the 988 delegates recalled through worship, song and sermon the healing and transforming ministry of Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee. As storms on the Sea of Galilee alarmed the...

Youth from three districts participate in lay speaker training

A group of 26 youth from the Brownsville, Dyersburg and McKendree Districts participated in a Basic Lay Speakers Training for Youth at Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center in Eva, TN on April 13-14.   Click HERE to see a video of the weekend.   Having completed the training, the youth are now local church lay speakers and eligible to receive training to become certified lay speakers.   Leaders/presenters were Becca Alexander, Youth Minister at Martin First UMC; ...

Video report of General Conference to be shown at Memphis Annual Conference in June

The Memphis and Tennessee Conferences are working with United Methodist Communications to produce a video report of the 2012 General Conference: April 24-May 4 in Tampa, FL. General Conference, The United Methodist Church's top legislative body, meets every four years and is the only entity that speaks for The United Methodist Church.  The video report will be shown at the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences in June. This morning in Tampa, Bishop Benjamin R. Chamness...

Millington First UMC celebrates 'Creation Care Weekend'

By Caryl Rawls, Chairperson, Creation Care Committee, Millington First UMC Each year Millington First UMC in Millington, TN celebrates Creation Care Sunday. This year it actually fell on Earth Day, April 22.    Earth Day is an international citizens day that began in 1990. It was started in the belief that people working together can accomplish extraordinary things and has inspired actions and activities in all parts of the world each year.   On Saturday and Sunday, April 21...